EX-13 4 ff_ex13.htm ANNUAL REPORT Annual Report



EXHIBIT 13

 

 

 

 

1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

ANNUAL REPORT

 

 

DECEMBER 31, 2013











 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Company

 

1

 

 

 

 

 

Chairman's Letter

 

2

 

 

 

 

 

Selected Consolidated Financial Information

 

3

 

 

 

 

 

Business

 

4

 

 

 

 

 

Sources of Funds and Common Stock Matters

 

11

 

 

 

 

 

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and

     Results of Operations

 

13

 

 

 

 

 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

 

22

 

 

 

 

 

Consolidated Financial Statements

 

23

 

 

 

 

 

Directors and Executive Officers

 

47

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate Information

 

48

 

 

 

 

 

Ben F. Cheek, Jr.  Office of the Year

 

49

 

 

 

 





 

THE COMPANY

 

1st Franklin Financial Corporation, a Georgia corporation, has been engaged in the consumer finance business since 1941, particularly in making direct cash loans and real estate loans.  As of December 31, 2013 the business was operated through 109 branch offices in Georgia, 39 in Alabama, 43 in South Carolina, 34 in Mississippi, 30 in Louisiana and 20 in Tennessee.  Also on that date, the Company had 1,146 employees.

 

As of December 31, 2013, the resources of the Company were invested principally in loans, which comprised 66% of the Company's assets.  The majority of the Company's revenues are derived from finance charges earned on loans and other outstanding receivables.  Our remaining revenues are derived from earnings on investment securities, insurance income and other miscellaneous income.




1






To our Investors, Bankers, Customers and Friends:


What a pleasure it is for me to write this letter and present for your review the outstanding results achieved by the team of 1100 + dedicated high achievers that we call “The Friendly Franklin Folks.”  Using most any measure that can be applied to our industry, we feel that the results attained and the goals achieved in 2013 make it a year in which our theme for the year “Expect Great Things” came true.  Great things did happen for 1st Franklin.


Our balance sheet is in the strongest position that it has ever been.  Our net income for the year set a new record for our company at $34.4 million; our assets grew by 8% to $561.8 million; and our loan originations topped $700 million exceeding the previous year’s originations of $638.4 million.  Other highlights for the year included:


·

The opening of nine new offices: four in Tennessee, two in Mississippi and one each in Georgia, Louisiana and South Carolina.  This gives us a total of 275 branch offices and three recovery centers.


·

The strengthing of our management team by adding an Area Vice President located in Louisiana and two new Regional Operations Directors:  one in Tennessee and one in South Carolina.


·

The Investment Center continued to grow with investments reaching an all time high of $348 million.  We were able to finance our entire growth in receivables from the funds provided by our investors in the Investment Center.


·

The continued replacement of the work stations in our branch offices and the upgrading of the computer software in all of the branches and in Home Office.

All of the successes listed above have prepared a great foundation for carrying out our company theme for 2014 of “Mission Possible.”


On December 31, 2013, Dr. Robert Thompson retired from our Board of Directors after 43 years of service.  Dr. Thompson’s keen insight and wise counsel will be missed by all members of our Board.  Our very best wishes go with him.


James H. Harris, III, was elected to fill Dr. Thompson’s independent seat on our Board.  Jim has an excellent business background with his career being primarily marked as an entrepreneur.  He is Vice President, Founder and Co-Owner of Unichem Technologies, Inc., in Atlanta, Georgia, and is President and Founder/Owner of Moonrise Distillery in Clayton, Georgia.  We are very excited to have Jim as a new member of our Board.  His knowledge and business experience will be extremely valuable as we shape our plans for the future.


My thanks to each of you for reading the information contained in this Annual Report.  The year 2013 was a record setting year in many areas of our company and we are grateful to each and every one of you for making that possible.  We covet your continued advice, confidence and support as we raise the bar higher in 2014.



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Very sincerely yours,

 

/s/ Ben F. Cheek, III

 

Ben F. Cheek, III

Chairman of the Board and CEO

 


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 consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included herein.


 

Year Ended December 31

 

2013

2012

2011

 2010

 2009

Selected Income Statement Data:

(In 000's, except ratio data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Revenues:

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and Finance Charges

$

132,579

$

122,805

$

111,730

$

103,150

$

99,337

Insurance

45,684

42,746

39,440

36,521

35,375

Other

7,709

7,084

6,724

5,790

5,134

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Interest Income

121,108

111,410

100,089

90,711

85,655

Interest Expense

11,472

11,394

11,641

12,439

13,682

Provision for Loan Losses

27,623

22,485

19,009

20,907

29,302

Income Before Income Taxes

38,400

36,663

32,229

23,423

11,050

Net Income

34,408

32,749

29,123

20,683

8,373

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratio of Earnings to

  Fixed Charges


3.89


3.79


3.42


2.67


1.72

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of December 31

 

2013

2012

 2011

 2010

 2009

Selected Balance Sheet Data:

(In 000's, except ratio data)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Loans

$

369,427

$

343,574

$

317,959

$

294,974

$

279,093

Total Assets

561,761

518,289

464,885

422,064

396,425

Senior Debt

308,015

275,894

243,801

208,492

186,849

Subordinated Debt

40,379

42,918

46,870

59,780

74,884

Stockholders’ Equity

192,353

176,534

153,585

132,710

117,115

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ratio of Total Liabilities

  to Stockholders’ Equity


1.92


1.94


2.03


2.18


2.38




3






BUSINESS


References in this Annual Report to “1st Franklin”, the “Company”, “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, 2013, direct cash loans comprised 91%, real estate loans comprised 4% and sales finance contracts comprised 5% of our outstanding loans, respectively.

 

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


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


 

Year Ended December 31

 

 2013

    2012

    2011

    2010

    2009

 

(in thousands)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct Cash Loans

$121,848

$112,522

$101,683

$  92,915

$88,648

 

Real Estate Loans

3,223

3,272

3,539

3,631

3,676

 

Sales Finance Contracts

     3,690

     3,648

     3,637

     3,929

   4,171

 

   Total Finance Charges

$128,761

$119,442

$108,859

$100,475

$96,495


Our business consists mainly of making loans to salaried people and other wage earners who depend primarily on their earnings to meet their repayment obligations.  We make direct cash loans primarily to people who need money for some non-recurring or unforeseen expense, including for debt consolidation or to purchase household goods such as furniture and appliances.  These loans are generally repayable in 6 to 60 monthly installments and generally do not exceed $10,000 principal amount.  The loans are generally secured by personal property (other than certain household goods), 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 typically use funds 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.


Our decision making on loan originations is based on perceived (i) ability to pay, (ii) creditworthiness, (iii) stability, (iv) willingness to pay and (v) collateral security.  The Company does not utilize credit score modeling or risk based pricing in its loan decision making.  Prior to the making of a loan, we complete what we consider to be a relevant credit investigation on a potential customer.  Such investigation primarily focuses on an evaluation of a potential borrower’s income, existing total



4





indebtedness, length and stability of employment, trade or other references, debt payment history (including related collections), existing credit and any other relationships such potential borrower may have with the Company.  The Company considers and evaluates a potential borrower’s debt-to-disposable income ratio after giving effect to the potential loan and may, in certain instances and depending upon the overall results of the credit evaluation process, require additional internal review and supervisory approvals prior to approving a proposed loan.  


Sales finance contracts are contracts purchased from retail dealers.  These contracts have maturities that generally range from 3 to 60 months and generally do not individually exceed $10,000 in principal amount. We believe that the interest rates we charge on these contracts are in compliance with applicable federal and state laws.


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, as well as, to some extent, reputation.  We believe that our emphasis on customer service helps us compete effectively in the markets we serve.


Because of our reliance on the continued income stream of most of our loan customers, our ability to continue the profitable operation of our business depends to a large extent on the continued employment of our customers and their ability to meet their obligations as they become due. Therefore, another downward turn in the economy with high 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

 

     2013

     2012

     2011

     2010

     2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct Cash Loans

34.79%

34.36%

33.75%

33.28%

32.70%

Real Estate Loans

16.38   

15.65   

16.03   

15.92   

15.39   

Sales Finance Contracts

20.42   

20.61   

20.58   

20.52   

19.77   



The following table contains certain information about our operations:


                                                   

 

As of December 31

 

     2013

     2012

     2011

       2010

       2009

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Branch Offices

275  

266  

258  

252  

245  

Number of Employees

1,146  

1,092  

1,074  

1,042  

1,015  

Average Total Loans

   Outstanding Per

   Branch (in 000's)

         

  


$1,776  

  


$1,693  

  


$1,622  

  


$1,556  

  


$1,530  

Average Number of Loans

   Outstanding Per Branch


843  


800  


724  


701  


689  







5







DESCRIPTION OF LOANS



 

Year Ended December 31

     

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

DIRECT CASH LOANS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Loans  Made to

New Borrowers


64,709


60,610


41,821


35,474


29,786

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Loans Made to

Former Borrowers


46,757


38,243


33,240


30,370


26,666

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Loans Made to

Present Borrowers


187,962


171,505


159,177


141,688


132,195

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Number of Loans Made

299,428

270,358

234,238

207,532

188,647

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Volume of Loans

Made (in 000’s)


$669,565


$603,627


$550,120


$485,604


$437,575

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Size of Loan Made

$2,236

$2,233

$2,349

$2,340

$2,320

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Loans Outstanding

217,352

198,202

171,984

160,352

152,602

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Loans Outstanding (in 000’s)

$445,755

$408,691

$376,568

$347,445

$327,425

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percent of Total Loans Outstanding

91%

91%

90%

89%

87%

Average Balance on

Outstanding Loans


$2,051


$2,062


$2,190


$2,167


$2,146

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE LOANS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Number of Loans Made

463

462

520

525

668

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Volume of Loans Made (in 000’s)

$  8,924

$  7,328

$  9,010

$  8,429

$  8,703

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Size of Loan Made

$19,274

$15,863

$17,327

$16,055

$13,029

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Loans Outstanding

1,508

1,622

1,776

1,905

2,015

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Loans Outstanding (in 000’s)

$20,329

$20,659

$22,123

$22,967

$24,336

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percent of Total Loans Outstanding

4%

4%

5%

6%

7%

Average Balance on

Outstanding Loans


$13,481


$12,736


$12,457


$12,056


$12,078

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SALES FINANCE CONTRACTS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Contracts Purchased

13,751

14,143

13,939

14,947

13,212

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Volume of Contracts

Purchased (in 000’s)


$27,395


$27,422


$25,281


$26,266


$23,789

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Size of Contract

Purchased


$1,992


$1,939


$1,814


$1,757


$1,801

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Contracts Outstanding

13,188

13,154

13,096

14,343

14,340

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Contracts

Outstanding (in 000’s)


$22,270


$20,983


$19,765


$21,695


$23,071

 

 

 

 

 

 

Percent of Total Loans Outstanding

5%

5%

5%

5%

6%

Average Balance on

Outstanding Contracts


$1,689


$1,595


$1,509


$1,513


$1,609




6







LOANS ORIGINATED, ACQUIRED, LIQUIDATED AND OUTSTANDING


 

Year Ended December 31

 

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

(in thousands)


 

LOANS ORIGINATED OR ACQUIRED

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct Cash Loans

$

669,331

$

603,467

$

550,078

$

483,989

$

437,323

Real Estate Loans

8,924

7,328

9,010

8,429

8,703

Sales Finance Contracts

26,745

26,279

23,705

24,555

21,372

Net Bulk Purchases

884

1,303

1,618

3,326

2,669

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Loans Acquired

$

705,884

$

638,377

$

584,411

$

520,299

$

470,067

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOANS LIQUIDATED *

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct Cash Loans

$

632,501

$

571,504

$

520,997

$

465,584

$

435,146

Real Estate Loans

9,254

8,792

9,854

9,798

8,543

Sales Finance Contracts

26,108

26,204

27,211

27,642

28,304

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Loans Liquidated

$

667,863

$

606,500

$

558,062

$

503,024

$

471,993

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

LOANS OUTSTANDING AT YEAR END

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct Cash Loans

$

445,755

$

408,691

$

376,568

$

347,445

$

327,425

Real Estate Loans

20,329

20,659

22,123

22,967

24,336

Sales Finance Contracts

22,270

20,983

19,765

21,695

23,071

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Loans Outstanding

$

488,354

$

450,333

$

418,456

$

392,107

$

374,832

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UNEARNED FINANCE CHARGES

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct Cash Loans

$

56,159

$

49,933

$

46,297

$

42,724

$

40,002

Real Estate Loans

390

335

317

284

208

Sales Finance Contracts

3,101

2,768

2,593

2,803

3,121

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Unearned

   

Finance Charges


$

59,650


$

53,036


$

49,207


$

45,811


$

43,331

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

______________________


* Liquidations include customer loan payments, refunds on precomputed finance charges, renewals and charge offs.



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 then-existing terms of the contract.  Accounts are classified in delinquency categories based on the number of days past due.  When three installments are past due, we classify the account as being 60-89 days past due; when four or more installments are past due, we classify the account as being 90 days or more past due.  Once an account becomes greater than 149 days past due, our charge off policy governs when the account must be charged off.  For more information on our charge off policy, see Note 2 "Loans" in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.


In connection with any bankruptcy court initiated repayment plan, the Company effectively resets the delinquency rating of each account to coincide with the court initiated repayment plan.  Effectively, the account’s delinquency rating is changed thereafter under normal grading parameters.  The following table shows the number of loans in bankruptcy in which the delinquency rating was reset to coincide with a court initiated repayment plan.


 

As of December 31


2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

  Number of Bankrupt Delinquency Resets

1,463

1,683

1,601

2,022

2,224


Beginning January 1, 2010, the Company began tracking the dollar amount of loans in bankruptcy in which the delinquency rating was reset.  During 2013 and 2012, the Company reset the delinquency rating to coincide with court initiated repayment plans on bankrupt accounts with principal balances totaling $4.9 million and $5.7 million, respectively.  This represented approximately 1.10% and 1.36% of the average principal loan portfolio outstanding during 2013 and 2012, respectively.


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


 

As of December 31

 

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

 

(in thousands, except % data)


DIRECT CASH LOANS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

60-89 Days Past Due

$

6,542

$

5,929

$

5,712

$

5,766

$

6,382

 

Percentage of Principal Outstanding

1.48%

1.46%

1.53%

1.67%

1.97%

 

90 Days or More Past Due

$

13,438

$

12,985

$

11,911

$

12,596

$

15,158

 

Percentage of Principal Outstanding

3.03%

3.21%

3.19%

3.66%

4.67%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE LOANS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

60-89 Days Past Due

$

174

$

201

$

115

$

271

$

278

 

Percentage of Principal Outstanding

.87%

.99%

.53%

1.20%

1.16%

 

90 Days or More Past Due

$

547

$

604

$

656

$

561

$

585

 

Percentage of Principal Outstanding

2.73%

2.91%

3.01%

2.48%

2.44%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SALES FINANCE CONTRACTS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

60-89 Days Past Due

$

204

$

208

$

204

$

266

$

346

 

Percentage of Principal Outstanding

.92%

1.00%

1.04%

1.22%

1.50%

 

90 Days or More Past Due

$

449

$

390

$

492

$

644

$

739

 

Percentage of Principal Outstanding

2.03%

1.86%

2.49%

2.97%

3.21%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 




8






LOSS EXPERIENCE

 

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



 

 

 

Year Ended December 31

 

 

 

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009

 

 

 

 (in thousands, except % data)


 

DIRECT CASH LOANS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Net Loans

$

357,552

$

334,084

$

305,152

$

282,750

$

274,275

Liquidations

$632,501

$571,504

$520,997

$465,584

$

435,146

Net Losses

$

24,476

$

21,241

$

21,014

$

22,479

$

24,415

Net Losses as % of Average

   Net Loans


6.85%


6.36%


6.89%


7.95%


8.90%

Net Losses as % of Liquidations

3.87%

3.72%

4.03%

4.83%

5.61%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

REAL ESTATE LOANS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Net Loans

$

20,031

$

21,192

$

22,253

$

23,351

$

24,042

Liquidations

$

9,254

$

8,792

$

9,854

$

9,798

$

8,543

Net Losses

$

6

$

63

$

75

$

117

$

84

Net Losses as a %

    of Average Net Loans


.03%


.30%


.34%


.50%


.35%

Net Losses as a %

    of Liquidations


.06%


.72%


.76%


1.19%


.98%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SALES FINANCE CONTRACTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average Net Loans

$

18,366

$

17,891

$

17,863

$

19,369

$

21,334

Liquidations

$

26,108

$

26,204

$

27,211

$

27,642

$

28,304

Net Losses

$

471

$

531

$

670

$

811

$

1,203

Net Losses as % of Average

    Net Loans


2.56%


2.97%


3.75%


4.19%


5.64%

Net Losses as % of  Liquidations

1.80%

2.03%

2.46%

2.93%

4.25%



ALLOWANCE FOR LOAN LOSSES

 

 

We determine the allowance for loan losses by reviewing our previous loss experience, reviewing specifically identified loans where collection is believed to be doubtful and evaluating the inherent risks and changes in the composition of our loan portfolio. Such allowance is, in our opinion, sufficient to provide adequate protection against probable loan losses in the current loan portfolio. For additional information about Management’s approach to estimating and evaluating the allowance for loan losses, see Note 2 “Loans” in the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements.



9







SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION

 

For additional financial information about our segments, see Note 13 “Segment Financial Information” in the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

 

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 credit accident and health insurance coverage to help continue loan payments if the customer becomes sick or disabled for an extended period of time. Customers may also choose property insurance coverage to protect the value of loan collateral against damage, theft or destruction. We write these various insurance products as an agent for a non-affiliated insurance company. Under various agreements, our wholly-owned insurance subsidiaries, Frandisco Life Insurance Company and Frandisco Property and Casualty Insurance Company, reinsure the insurance coverage on our customers written on behalf of this non-affiliated insurance company.

 

REGULATION AND SUPERVISION

 

The Company is subject to regulation under numerous state and federal laws and regulations as enforced and interpreted by various state and federal governmental agencies. Generally, state laws require that each office in which a small loan business such as ours 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 continued compliance with applicable laws and in connection with its receipt of a license. We are also subject to state regulations governing insurance agents in the states in which we sell credit insurance. State insurance regulations require, among other things, that insurance agents be licensed and, in some cases, limit the premiums that insurance agents can charge. We believe we conduct our business in accordance with all applicable state statutes and regulations. The Company has never had any of its licenses revoked and has never been subject to an enforcement order or regulatory settlement.

 

We conduct our lending operations under the provisions of various federal laws and implementing regulations. These laws and regulations are now being interpreted, implemented, and enforced by the new Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (the "CFPB"). Chief among these federal laws with which the Company with which we must comply are the Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act (the "Truth-in-Lending Act"), the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Federal Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act.  The Truth-in-Lending Act requires us, among other things, to disclose to our customers the finance charge, the annual percentage rate, the total number and amount of payments and other material information on all loans. A Federal Trade Commission ruling prevents consumer lenders such as the Company from using certain household goods as collateral on direct cash loans. As a result, we seek to collateralize such loans with non-household goods such as automobiles, boats and other exempt items.

 



10








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. Significant additional regulation, or costs of compliance could materially adversely affect our business and financial condition.


SOURCES OF FUNDS AND COMMON STOCK MATTERS

 

The Company is dependent upon the availability of funds from various sources in order to meet its ongoing financial obligations and to make new loans as a part of its business. Our various 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

 

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009


Bank Borrowings

--%

--%

--%

--%

4%

Senior Debt

55  

53  

53  

49  

43  

Subordinated Debt

7  

8  

10  

14  

19  

Other Liabilities

4  

5  

4  

5  

4  

Stockholders’ Equity

34  

34  

33  

32  

30  

    Total

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

 

 

 

 

 

 

Number of Investors

5,436  

5,445  

5,406  

5,418  

5,406  



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

 

2013

2012

2011

2010

2009


Senior Borrowings

3.46%

3.75%

4.08%

4.52%

4.93%

Subordinated Borrowings

  3.14   

3.33  

4.20   

5.33   

5.89

All Borrowings

3.41   

3.69   

4.11   

4.74   

5.24



Certain financial ratios relating to our debt have been as follows:


                               

As of December 31

 

2013

 2012

2011

2010

  2009


Total Liabilities to

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity

1.92

1.94

2.03

2.18

2.38

 

 

 

 

 

 

Unsubordinated Debt to

 

 

 

 

 

Subordinated Debt plus

 

 

 

 

 

Stockholders’ Equity

1.41

1.36

1.32

 1.19

 1.06





11








As of March 28, 2014, all of our voting common stock was closely held by three related individuals and all of our non-voting common stock was held by thirteen shareholders. None of our common stock was listed on any securities exchange or traded on any established public trading market. The Company does not maintain any equity compensation plans, and did not repurchase any of its equity securities during the any period represented. Cash distributions of $82.46 and $57.42 per share were paid to shareholders in 2013 and 2012, respectively, primarily in amounts to enable the Company’s shareholders to pay their related income tax obligations which arise as a result of the Company’s status as an S Corporation. No other cash dividends were paid during the applicable periods. For the foreseeable future, the Company expects to pay annual cash distributions equal to an amount sufficient to enable the Company’s shareholders to pay their respective income tax obligations as a result of the Company’s status as an S Corporation.



12






MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF

FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

 

Management’s Discussion and Analysis provides a narrative of 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 significant factors that we currently believe may materially affect our future financial condition, operating results and liquidity. This discussion should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained elsewhere in this Annual Report.

 

Our significant accounting policies are disclosed in Note 1 "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in the Notes Consolidated Financial Statements. Certain information in this discussion and other statements contained in this Annual Report which are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements 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 our actual future results to differ from any expectations within any forward-looking statements, or otherwise, include, but are not limited to, our ability to manage liquidity and cash flow, the accuracy of Management’s estimates and judgments, adverse economic conditions including the interest rate environment, unforeseen changes in net interest margin, federal and state regulatory changes, unfavorable outcomes of litigation and other factors referenced in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Annual Report and elsewhere herein, or otherwise contained in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission from time to time.


General:


The Company is a privately-held corporation that has been engaged in the consumer finance industry since 1941. Our operations focus primarily on making installment loans to individuals in relatively small amounts for short periods of time. Other lending-related activities include the purchase of sales finance contracts from various dealers and the making of first and second mortgage real estate loans. All our loans are at fixed rates, and contain fixed terms and fixed payments. We operate branch offices in six southeastern states and had a total of 275 branch locations at December 31, 2013. The Company and its operations are guided by a strategic plan which includes planned growth through strategic expansion of our branch office network. The Company expanded its operations with the opening of nine new branch offices during the year just ended. The majority of our revenues are derived from finance charges earned on loans outstanding. Additional revenues are derived from earnings on investment securities, insurance income and other miscellaneous income.    

 



13






Financial Condition:

 


Increases in the Company's loan portfolio and investment portfolio's during 2013 were the primary factors responsible for the overall increase in total assets at year end. Total assets of the Company grew $43.5 million (8%) to $561.8 million at December 31, 2013 compared to $518.3 million at December 31, 2012.


Loan originations were $705.9 million during 2013 compared to $638.4 million during the prior year. The higher loan originations led to the $25.9 million (8%) increase in the Company's loan portfolio (net of the allowance for loan losses). Our net loan portfolio was $369.4 million at December 31, 2013 compared to $343.6 million at December 31, 2012. A $2.7 million increase in the Company's allowance for loan losses (which is included in the net loan portfolio) offset a portion of the increase in the portfolio. Our allowance for loan losses reflects Management's estimate of the level of allowance adequate to cover probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the date of the statement of financial position. To evaluate the overall adequacy of our allowance for loan losses, we consider the level of loan receivables, historical loss trends, loan delinquency trends, bankruptcy trends and overall economic conditions. Management increased the allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2013 compared to December 31, 2012 mainly due to a higher level of charge offs during 2013 and the higher level of loans outstanding. Management believes the allowance for loan losses is adequate to cover probable losses; however, changes in trends or deterioration in economic conditions could result in a change in the allowance or an increase in actual losses. Any increase could have a material adverse impact on our results of operation or financial condition in the future.


As previously mentioned, an increase in the Company's investment portfolio was one of the principal factors contributing to the increase in total assets for 2013. The Company's investment portfolio increased $11.5 million (9%) at December 31, 2013 compared to December 31, 2012. The portfolio consists primarily of invested surplus funds generated by the Company's insurance subsidiaries. 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 Company’s investment portfolio consists mainly of U.S. Treasury bonds, government agency bonds and various municipal bonds. Approximately 79% of these investment securities have been designated as “available for sale” at December 31, 2013 with any unrealized gain or loss accounted for in the equity section of the Company’s consolidated statement of financial position, net of deferred income taxes for those investments held by the insurance subsidiaries. A decline in market values created an overall unrealized loss as of December 31, 2013 which offset a portion of the increase in the investment portfolio. The remainder of the investment portfolio represents securities that are designated “held to maturity”, as Management has both the ability and intent to hold these securities to maturity, and are carried at amortized cost.


During 2013, surplus funds continued to be generated from operations and financing activities of the Parent Company. As a result, Management invested $10.0 million of these funds on November 1, 2013 in Meritage Capital, Centennial Absolute Return Fund, L.P. in an attempt to increase yield. The Company uses the equity method of accounting to account for the investment.

 

Cash and short-term investments declined $1.8 million (6%) at December 31, 2013 compared to December 31, 2012. The aforementioned increases in loan originations and increases in the Company's investment portfolios were the cause for the decline.


The Company maintains an amount of funds in restricted accounts at its insurance subsidiaries in order to comply with certain requirements imposed on insurance companies by the State of Georgia and to meet the reserve requirements of its reinsurance agreements. Restricted cash also includes escrow deposits held by the Company on behalf of certain mortgage real estate customers. At December 31, 2013, restricted cash was approximately $1.0 million compared to $4.7 million at December 31, 2012. The reduction was due to Management's decision to cover certain required reserves with a portion of the investment portfolio instead of restricted cash.

 



14








Aggregate senior and subordinated debt of the Company increased $29.6 million (10%) to $348.4 million at December 31, 2013 compared to $318.8 million at December 31, 2012. Higher sales of the Company's senior demand notes and commercial paper resulted in the increase.  


Other liabilities declined $1.9 million (8%) at December 31, 2013 compared to the prior year end. Decreases in accrued salary expense and deferred income taxes were the primary factors causing the decrease.


Results of Operations:

 

An increase in finance charge earnings, insurance earnings and investment income led to a $13.2 million (8%) and $14.8 million (9%) increase in revenues during 2013 and 2012, respectively. During 2013 total revenues were approximately $186.0 million compared to $172.7 million during 2012 and $157.9 million during 2011. Net income for each of the three years ended December 31, 2013 was $34.4 million, $32.7 million and $29.1 million, respectively.

 

Net Interest Income:

 

A principal component impacting the Company’s operating performance is our net interest income. It represents the difference between income on earning assets (loans and investments) and the cost of funds on interest bearing liabilities. The primary categories of our earning assets are loans and investments. Debt securities represent a majority of our interest bearing liabilities. Factors affecting our net interest margin include the level of average net receivables and the interest income associated therewith, capitalized loan origination costs and our average outstanding debt, as well as the general interest rate environment. Volatility in interest rates generally has more impact on the income earned on investments and the Company’s borrowing costs than on interest income earned on loans. Management does not normally change the rates charged on loans originated solely as a result of changes in the interest rate environment.

 

Average net receivables were $388.0 million during 2013 compared to $366.1 during 2012 and $341.0 million during 2011. Interest income grew $9.8 million (9%) during 2013 compared to 2012, and $11.1 million (10%) during 2012 compared to 2011 as a result of the higher average net receivables outstanding. Our net interest income increased to $121.1 million during 2013 compared to $111.4 million during 2012 and $100.1 million during 2011.


Continued near historical low interest rates have also had a favorable impact on our net interest income in recent periods. Average borrowings were $335.8 million during 2013 compared to $307.0 during 2012 and $284.8 during 2011. During 2013, our weighted average borrowing rates declined to 3.42% compared to 3.71% during the prior year. Interest expense during 2013 increased a marginal $.1 million (1%) compared to 2012. During 2012, our weighted average borrowing rates declined to 3.71% from 4.09% in 2011. Interest expense during 2012 declined $.2 million (2%) compared to 2011.

 

Net Insurance Income:

 

The Company offers certain optional credit insurance products to loan customers. Growth in our loan portfolio typically leads to increases in insurance in-force as many loan customers elect to purchase the credit insurance coverage offered by the Company. Net insurance income (less claims and expenses) increased $1.8 million (5%) and $3.2 million (11%) during 2013 and 2012, respectively.


Other Revenue:

 

The primary revenue category included in other revenue relates to commissions earned by the Company on sales of the auto club memberships. The Company, as an agent for a third party, offers auto club memberships to loan customers during the closing of a loan. Other revenue increased $.6 million (9%) and $.4 million (5%) during the 2013 and 2012 mainly due to increased sales of auto club memberships.



15






Provision for Loan Losses:

 

The Company’s provision for loan losses represents 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. Determining the proper allowance for loan losses is a critical accounting estimate which involves Management’s judgment with respect to certain relevant factors, such as historical and expected loss trends, unemployment rates in various locales, current and expected net charge offs, delinquency levels, bankruptcy trends and overall general economic conditions. See Note 2, “Loans”, in the accompanying “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for additional discussion regarding the allowance for loan losses.

 

Our provision for loan losses increased $5.1 million (23%) and $3.5 million (18%) during 2013 and 2012, respectively. Net loan charge offs were approximately $25.0 million during 2013 compared to $21.8 million during 2012 and 2011. The higher net charge offs and additions to the allowance for loan losses due to growth in the loan portfolio were the factors responsible for the higher provision for loan losses during 2013. During 2012, the provision for loan losses increased mainly due to additions to the allowance for loan losses as a result of growth in the loan portfolio.

 

We believe that the allowance for loan losses is adequate to cover probable losses inherent in our portfolio; however, because the allowance for loan losses is based on estimates, there can be no assurance that the ultimate charge off amount will not exceed such estimates or that our loss assumptions will not increase.

 

Operating Expenses:

 

Operating expenses increased approximately $5.2 million (6%) during 2013 compared to 2012, and approximately $7.0 million (8%) during 2012 compared to 2011. Operating expenses include personnel expense, occupancy expense and miscellaneous other expenses.  


Increases in salaries, increases in accrual for the Company's employee incentive bonus, higher contributions to the Company's 401(k) plan, higher payroll taxes and higher claims expense associated with the Company’s self insured employee medical program had an adverse impact on personnel expenses during each year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012. Personnel expense increased $3.6 million (6%) and $4.1 million (7%) during 2013 and 2012, respectively.

 

Occupancy expense increased $.6 million (5%) during 2013 compared to 2012 and $.3 million (7%) during 2012 compared to 2011. Costs associated with new office openings, higher depreciation expense on additional equipment, higher telephone expense and higher rent expense were the primary factors causing the increase in 2012. During 2013, increases in maintenance expenses and utilities also contributed to the increase in occupancy expense.

 

Other operating expenses increased $1.1 million (5%) and $2.6 million (8%) during 2013 and 2012, respectively. During 2013, increases in advertising expense, charitable contributions, loss on sale of assets, insurance expenses, computer expense, postage, travel expenses and taxes and licenses were the primary categories causing the increase in other operating expenses. During 2012, increases in advertising expense, charitable contributions, loss on sale of assets, insurance expenses, computer expense, legal and audit expense, postage and taxes and licenses were the primary categories causing the increase in other operating expenses.

 



16






Income Taxes:

 

The Company has elected to be treated as an S Corporation for income tax reporting purposes. Taxable income or loss of an S Corporation is treated as income of, and is reportable in the individual tax returns of, the shareholders of the Company. However, income taxes continue to be reported for the Company’s insurance subsidiaries, as they are not allowed to be treated as S Corporations, and for the Company’s state income tax purposes 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, 2013, 2012 and 2011 were 10.4%, 10.7% and 9.6%, respectively. During each of the three years ended December 31, 2013, the S Corporation earned a profit, which was reported as taxable income of the shareholders. Since this tax liability is passed on to the shareholders the profit of the S Corporation had the effect of lowering the Company'soverall consolidated effective tax rates for those years.

 

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk:

 

Volatility in market interest rates can impact the Company’s investment portfolio and the interest rates paid on its debt securities. Volatility in interest rates has more impact on the income earned on investments and the Company’s borrowing costs than on interest income earned on loans, as Management does not normally change the rates charged on loans originated solely as a result of changes in the interest rate environment. These exposures are monitored and managed by the Company as an integral part of its overall cash management program. It is Management’s goal to minimize any adverse effect that movements in interest rates may have on the financial condition and operations of the Company. The information in the table below summarizes the Company’s risk associated with marketable debt securities and debt obligations as of December 31, 2013. Rates associated with the marketable debt securities represent weighted averages based on the tax effected yield to maturity of each individual security. No adjustment has been made to yield, even though many of the investments are tax-exempt and, as a result, actual yield will be higher than that disclosed. For debt obligations, the table presents principal cash flows and related weighted average interest rates by contractual maturity dates. The Company’s subordinated debt securities are sold with various interest adjustment periods, which is the time from sale until the interest rate adjusts, and which allows the holder to redeem that security prior to the contractual maturity without penalty. It is expected that actual maturities on a portion of the Company’s subordinated debentures will occur prior to the contractual maturity as a result of interest rate adjustments. 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 originated by the Company are excluded from the table below since interest rates charged on loans are based on rates allowable in compliance with any applicable regulatory 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.





17






 

Expected Year of Maturity

 

 

 

 

 

 

2019 &

 

Fair

 

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

Beyond

Total

Value

Assets:

(Dollars in millions)

   Marketable Debt Securities

$ 11 

$ 8 

$ 8 

$ 8 

$ 11 

$ 90 

$ 136 

$ 136 

   Average Interest Rate

2.1% 

2.8% 

2.8% 

2.8% 

2.1% 

3.3% 

3.2% 

 

Liabilities:

 

   Senior Debt:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

      Senior Demand Notes

$ 54 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

$ 54 

$ 54 

      Average Interest Rate

1.7% 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

1.7% 

 

      Commercial Paper

$ 254 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

$ 254 

$ 254 

      Average Interest Rate

3.5% 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

3.5% 

 

  Subordinated Debentures

$ 8 

$ 9 

$ 10 

$ 13 

— 

— 

$ 40 

$ 40 

      Average Interest Rate

3.1% 

3.0% 

2.9% 

2.8% 

— 

— 

3.0% 

 


Liquidity and Capital Resources:

 

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

 

In light of continued economic uncertainty, we continue to monitor and review current economic conditions and the related potential implications on us, including with respect to, among other things, changes in loan losses, liquidity, compliance with our debt covenants, and relationships with our customers.

 

As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had $26.4 million and $28.2 million, respectively, invested in cash and short-term investments readily convertible into cash with original maturities of three months or less. As previously discussed, the Company uses cash reserves to fund its operations, including providing funds for any increase in redemptions of debt securities by investors which may occur.

 

The Company's investments in marketable securities can be converted into cash, if necessary. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, 79% and 83% of the Company's cash and cash equivalents and investment securities were maintained in Frandisco Property and Casualty Insurance Company and Frandisco Life Insurance Company, the Company’s insurance subsidiaries. Georgia state insurance regulations limit the use an insurance company can make of its assets. Ordinary 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. Any dividends above these state limitations are termed “extraordinary dividends” and must be approved in advance by the Georgia Insurance Commissioner. The maximum aggregate amount of dividents these subsidiaries could pay to the Company during 2013, without prior approval of the Georgia Insurance Commissioner, was approximately $10.3 million. The Company elected not to pay any dividends from the insurance subsidiaries during 2013.   

 



18








At December 31, 2013, Frandisco Property and Casualty Insurance Company and Frandisco Life Insurance Company had a statutory surplus of $56.4 million and $56.7 million, respectively. The maximum aggregate amount of dividends these subsidiaries can pay to the Company in 2014 without prior approval of the Georgia Insurance Commissioner is approximately $11.3 million. The Company does not currently believe that any statutory limitations on the payment of cash dividends by the Company’s subsidiaries will materially affect the Company’s liquidity.


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

 

The Company’s continued liquidity is therefore also dependent on the collection of its receivables and the sale of debt securities that meet the investment requirements of the public. In addition to its receivables and securities sales, the Company has an external source of funds available under a revolving credit facility with Wells Fargo Preferred Capital, Inc. This credit agreement provides for borrowings or reborrowings of up to $100.0 million, subject to certain limitations, and all borrowings are secured by the finance receivables of the Company. There were no borrowings outstanding against the credit line at December 31, 2013 or 2012. Management believes the current credit facility, when considered with funds expected to be available from operations, should provide sufficient liquidity for the Company.


Available but unborrowed amounts under the credit agreement are subject to a periodic unused line fee of .50%. The interest rate under the credit agreement is equivalent to the greater of (a) .75% per annum plus 300 basis points or (b) the three month London Interbank Offered Rate (the “LIBOR Rate”) plus 300 basis points. The LIBOR Rate is adjusted on the first day of each calendar month based upon the LIBOR Rate as of the last day of the preceding calendar month.

 

The credit agreement requires the Company to comply with certain covenants customary for financing transactions of this nature, including, among others, maintaining a minimum interest coverage ratio, a minimum loss reserve ratio, a minimum ratio of earnings to interest, taxes and depreciation and amortization to interest expense, a minimum asset quality ratio, a minimum consolidated tangible net worth ratio, and a maximum debt to tangible net worth ratio, each as defined. The Company must also comply with certain restrictions on its activities consistent with credit facilities of this type, including limitations on: (a) restricted payments; (b) additional debt obligations (other than specified debt obligations); (c) investments (other than specified investments); (d) mergers, acquisitions, or a liquidation or winding up; (e) modifying its organizational documents or changing lines of business; (f) modifying certain contracts; (g) certain affiliate transactions; (h) sale-leaseback, synthetic lease, or similar transactions; (i) guaranteeing additional indebtedness (other than specified indebtedness); (j) capital expenditures; or (k) speculative transactions. The credit agreement also restricts the Company or any of its subsidiaries from creating or allowing certain liens on their assets, entering into agreements that restrict their ability to grant liens (other than specified agreements), or creating or allowing restrictions on any of their ability to make dividends, distributions, inter-company loans or guaranties, or other inter-company payments, or inter-company asset transfers. At December 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all covenants. The Company has no reason to believe that it will not remain in compliance with these covenants and obligations for the foreseeable future. The agreement is scheduled to expire on September 11, 2016 and any amounts then outstanding will be due and payable on such date.

 

We are not aware of any additional restrictions placed on us, or being considered to be placed on us, related to our ability to access capital, such as borrowings under our credit agreement prior to its maturity.

 

Any decrease in the Company’s allowance for loan losses would not directly affect the Company’s liquidity, as any adjustment to the allowance has no impact on cash; however, an increase in the actual loss rate may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s liquidity. The inability to collect loans could eventually impact the Company’s liquidity in the future.

 



19








The Company was subject to the following contractual obligations and commitments at December 31, 2013:

      

 

Payment due by period



Contractual Obligations



Total

Less

Than

1 Year


1 to 2 Years


3 to 5 Years

More

than 5 Years


(in millions)

   Bank Commitment Fee **

$ 1.5 

$ .6 

$ .9 

$ - 

$ - 

   Senior Demand Notes *

54.1 

54.1 

   Commercial Paper *

256.9 

256.9 

   Subordinated Debt *

45.0 

9.5 

21.3 

14.2 

Human resource insurance and

support contracts **

1.4 

1.4 

   Operating leases (offices)

16.1 

5.3 

7.8 

3.0 

   Communication lines contract **

6.6 

3.3 

3.3 

Software service contract **

15.3 

3.1 

6.1 

6.1 

       Total

$396.9 

$334.2 

$39.4 

$23.3 

$ - 

 

 

 

 

 

 

    *

Includes estimated interest at current rates.

 

 

 

    **

Based on current usage.

 

 

 

 


 

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 of America and conform to general practices within the financial services industry. The more critical accounting and reporting policies include the allowance for loan losses, revenue recognition and insurance claims reserves.


Allowance for Loan Losses:


Provision for loan losses are charged to operations in amounts sufficient to maintain the allowance for loan losses at a level considered adequate to cover probable losses inherent in our loan portfolio.  


The allowance for loan losses is established based on the estimate of the amount of probable losses inherent in the loan portfolio as of the reporting date. We review charge off experience factors, delinquency reports, historical collection rates, estimates of the value of the underlying collateral, economic trends such as unemployment rates and bankruptcy filings and other information in order to make the necessary judgments as to probable losses. Assumptions regarding probable losses are reviewed periodically and may be impacted by our actual loss experience and changes in any of the factors discussed above.


Revenue Recognition:


Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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 account with precomputed charges to calculate income for those on-going 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 accounts which have precomputed charges are paid off or renewed prior to maturity, the result is that most of the accounts effectively yield on a Rule of 78’s basis.

 



20








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 do not have precomputed charges, 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 also 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.

 

Insurance Claims Reserves:


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

 

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

 

New Accounting Pronouncements:

 

See Note 1, “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies - Recent Accounting Pronouncements,” in the accompanying “Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements” for a discussion of new accounting standards and the expected impact of accounting standards recently issued but not yet required to be adopted. For pronouncements already adopted, any material impacts on the Company’s consolidated financial statements are discussed in the applicable section(s) of this Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Notes to the Company’s Consolidated Financial Statements included elsewhere in this annual report.






21






REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

 

 

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders
1st Franklin Financial Corporation


We have audited the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position of 1st Franklin Financial Corporation and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated 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 control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.


In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of 1st Franklin Financial Corporation and subsidiaries as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2013, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.


/s/ Deloitte & Touche LLP


Atlanta, Georgia

March 28, 2014

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



22







1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 

DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012

 

ASSETS


 

 

 

2013   

  2012     


CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS (Note 6):

 

 

   Cash and Due From Banks

$

1,063,339

$

2,146,211

   Short-term Investments

25,336,500

26,039,824

 

26,399,839

28,186,035

 

 

 

RESTRICTED CASH (Note 1)

974,452

4,676,830

 

 

 

LOANS (Note 2):

 

 

   Direct Cash Loans

445,754,712

408,691,403

   Real Estate Loans

20,329,655

20,658,498

   Sales Finance Contracts

22,269,833

20,982,941

 

 

488,354,200

 

450,332,842

 

 

 

   Less:

Unearned Finance Charges

59,649,718

53,036,201

 

Unearned Insurance Premiums

34,596,733

31,713,036

 

Allowance for Loan Losses

24,680,789

22,010,085

 

        

369,426,960

343,573,520

 

 

 

MARKETABLE DEBT SECURITIES (Note 3):

 

 

   Available for Sale, at fair value

106,061,584

91,053,693

   Held to Maturity, at amortized cost

29,777,456

33,237,199

 

135,839,040

124,290,892

 

 

 

EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENTS (Note 5)

10,211,635

--

 

 

 

OTHER ASSETS:

 

 

   Land, Buildings, Equipment and Leasehold Improvements,

 

 

      less accumulated depreciation and amortization

 

 

         of $21,657,107 and $19,284,831 in 2013

         and 2012, respectively

8,913,865

9,127,335

   Deferred Acquisition Costs

1,986,326

1,821,451

   Due from Non-affiliated Insurance Company

2,566,531

2,368,458

   Other Miscellaneous

5,442,413

4,244,184

 

18,909,135

17,561,428

 

 

 

                TOTAL ASSETS

$

561,761,061

$

518,288,705

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




23







1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

       

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION

 

DECEMBER 31, 2013 AND 2012


LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY


 

2013

 2012


SENIOR DEBT (Note 7):

 

 

   Note Payable to Banks

$

--

$

--

   Senior Demand Notes, including accrued interest

 54,055,007

 50,032,844

   Commercial Paper

253,960,145

225,860,888

 

308,015,152

275,893,732

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE AND ACCRUED EXPENSES

21,014,769

22,943,164

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUBORDINATED DEBT (Note 8)

40,378,507

42,917,976

 

 

 

 

 

 

        Total Liabilities

369,408,428

341,754,872

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Note 9)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 as of December 31, 2013 and 2012

170,000

170,000

   

Non-Voting Shares; no par value;

 

 

        

198,000 shares authorized; 168,300 shares

 

 

         

outstanding as of December 31, 2013 and 2012

--

--

   Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

(2,472,734)

2,098,618

   Retained Earnings

194,655,367

174,265,215

               Total Stockholders' Equity

192,352,633

176,533,833

 

 

 

                    TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY

$

561,761,061

$

518,288,705

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




24






1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013

2012

2011

INTEREST INCOME:

Finance Charges

Net Investment Income


$

128,761,404 

3,818,099 

132,579,503 


$

119,441,946 

3,362,502 

122,804,448 


$

108,858,812 

2,871,386 

111,730,198 

INTEREST EXPENSE:

Senior Debt

Subordinated Debt


10,091,821 

1,380,051 

11,471,872 


9,861,176 

1,533,203 

11,394,379 


9,323,864 

2,316,933 

11,640,797 

 

 

 

 

NET INTEREST INCOME

121,107,631 

111,410,069 

100,089,401 

 

 

 

 

PROVISION FOR

LOAN LOSSES (Note 2)


27,623,368 


22,484,582 


19,008,749 

 

 

 

 

NET INTEREST INCOME AFTER

PROVISION FOR LOAN LOSSES


93,484,263 


88,925,487 


81,080,652 

 

 

 

 

NET INSURANCE INCOME:

Premiums

Insurance Claims and Expense


45,683,657 

(10,205,444)

35,478,213 


42,845,762 

(9,136,876)

33,708,886 


39,439,993 

(8,940,319)

30,499,674 

 

 

 

 

OTHER REVENUE

7,708,981 

7,084,305 

6,723,655 

 

 

 

 

OPERATING EXPENSES:

Personnel Expense

Occupancy Expense

Other Expense


63,044,814 

12,368,589 

22,857,629 

98,271,032 


59,483,888 

11,774,926 

21,797,351 

93,056,165 


55,399,302 

11,455,842 

19,219,788 

86,074,932 

 

 

 

 

INCOME BEFORE INCOME TAXES

38,400,425 

36,662,513 

32,229,049 

 

 

 

 

PROVISION FOR INCOME TAXES (Note 12)

 

3,992,664 

3,913,798 

3,105,931 

 

 

 

 

NET INCOME

$

34,407,761 

$

32,748,715 

$

29,123,118 

 

 

 

 

BASIC EARNINGS PER SHARE:

170,000 Shares Outstanding for All

Periods (1,700 voting, 168,300

non-voting)

$202.40 

$192.64 

$171.31 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements




25






1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013

2012

2011


Net Income

$

34,407,761 

$

32,748,715 

$

29,123,118 

 

 

 

 

Other Comprehensive Income / (Loss):

 

 

 

Net changes related to available-for-sale

Securities:

 

 

 

Unrealized gains (losses)

(6,145,189)

71,902 

858,584 

Income tax (provision) benefit

1,695,874 

(100,859)

(259,074)

Net unrealized (losses) gains

(4,449,315)

(28,957)

599,510 

 

 

 

 

Less reclassification of gains to

net income

122,037 

9,164 

13,044 

 

 

 

 

Total Other Comprehensive

     (Loss) Income

(4,571,352)

(38,121)

586,466 

 

 

 

 

Total Comprehensive Income

$

29,836,409 

$

32,710,594 

$

29,709,584 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 




26







1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY

 

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2013 AND 2011


 

 

 

 

Accumulated

 

 

 

 

 

Other

 

 

Common Stock

 

Retained

Comprehensive

 

 

Shares

Amount

Earnings

Income (Loss)

Total


Balance at December 31, 2010

170,000

$170,000

$130,990,179 

$1,550,273 

$132,710,452  

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Comprehensive Income:

 

 

 

 

 

       Net Income for 2011

29,123,118 

— 

 

       Other Comprehensive Loss

—  

586,466 

 

   Total Comprehensive Income

—  

— 

29,709,584  

   Cash Distributions Paid

          —

             

   (8,835,403)

               — 

    (8,835,403

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2011

170,000

170,000

151,277,894 

2,136,739 

153,584,633  

 

 

 

 

 

 

   Comprehensive Income:

 

 

 

 

 

       Net Income for 2012

32,748,715 

— 

 

       Other Comprehensive Loss

—  

(38,121)

 

   Total Comprehensive Income

— 

— 

32,710,594  

   Cash Distributions Paid

          —

            

   (9,761,394)

              — 

   (9,761,394

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2012

170,000

170,000

174,265,215 

   2,098,618 

176,533,833  

 

 

 

 

 

 

    Comprehensive Income:

 

 

 

 

 

       Net Income for 2013

34,407,761 

— 

 

       Other Comprehensive Loss

—  

(4,571,352)

 

     Total Comprehensive Income

—  

— 

29,836,409 

     Cash Distributions Paid

          —

           —

  (14,017,609)

              — 

   (14,017,609)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance at December 31, 2013

170,000

$170,000

$194,655,367

$(2,472,734)

$192,352,633

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

 



27






 1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION

 

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011


 

2013      

2012       

2011       

CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:

   Net Income

$

34,407,761 

$

32,748,715 

$

29,123,118 

   Adjustments to reconcile net income to net

 

 

 

       cash provided by operating activities:

 

 

 

    

Provision for loan losses

27,623,368 

22,484,582 

19,008,749 

    

Depreciation and amortization

2,910,855 

2,716,463 

2,586,017 

    

Provision for deferred taxes

145,730 

252,359 

24,348 

Earnings in equity method investment

(211,635)

    

Losses due to called redemptions on marketable

       

securities, loss on sales of equipment and

 

 

 

       

amortization on securities

1,004,266 

1,126,903 

564,126 

    

Increase in miscellaneous

assets and other

(1,561,178)

(433,312)

(280,623)

    

Increase (decrease) in other liabilities

(333,179)

1,961,216 

(736,171)

          

Net Cash Provided

63,985,988 

60,856,926 

50,289,564 

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

   Loans originated or purchased

(334,922,921)

(300,909,120)

(268,764,514)

   Loan payments

281,446,113 

252,810,438 

226,770,538 

   Decrease (increase) in restricted cash

3,702,378 

891,699 

(1,789,795)

   Purchases of securities, available for sale

(38,947,670)

(28,596,333)

(17,503,960)

   Purchases of securities, held to maturity

(28,785,585)

   Purchase of equity fund investment

(10,000,000)

 - 

   Sales of securities, available for sale

4,199,916 

265,977 

2,267,712 

   Sales of securities, held to maturity

817,615 

   Redemptions of securities, available for sale

12,880,000 

7,528,250 

11,100,000 

   Redemptions of securities, held to maturity

2,975,000 

3,060,000 

2,695,000 

   Capital expenditures

(2,715,004)

(2,516,138)

(5,565,398)

   Proceeds from sale of equipment

45,662 

64,103 

554,630 

          

Net Cash Used

(81,336,526)

(67,401,124)

(78,203,757)

 

 

 

 

CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:

 

 

 

   Net increase in Senior Demand Notes

4,022,163   

3,425,884   

6,214,556   

   Advances on credit line

531,375 

532,392 

4,308,977 

   Payments on credit line

(531,375)

(532,392)

(5,208,977)

   Commercial paper issued

61,559,542 

55,411,872 

51,932,342 

   Commercial paper redeemed

(33,460,285)

(26,745,170)

(21,938,031)

   Subordinated debt issued

8,645,970 

8,740,067 

10,518,270 

   Subordinated debt redeemed

(11,185,439)

(12,692,167)

(23,427,814)

   Dividends / Distributions paid

(14,017,609)

(9,761,394)

(8,835,403)

          

Net Cash Provided

15,564,342 

18,379,092 

13,563,920 

 

 

 

 

NET (DECREASE) INCREASE IN

 

 

 

     CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS

(1,786,196)

11,834,894 

(14,350,273)

 

 

 

 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, beginning

28,186,035 

16,351,141 

30,701,414 

CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS, ending

$

26,399,839 

$

28,186,035 

$

16,351,141 


SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:

 

Interest

$

11,537,662 

$

11,333,494 

$

11,710,584 

 

Income Taxes

3,857,000 

3,617,900 

3,082,000 

 

Non-cash Exchange of Investment Securities

2,830,022 

811,200 

-  

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements



28






1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION


NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2013, 2012 AND 2011


1.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES


Business:


1st Franklin Financial Corporation (the "Company") is a consumer finance company which originates and services direct cash loans, real estate loans and sales finance contracts through 275 branch offices located throughout the southeastern United States. 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 credit life, the credit accident and health and the credit property insurance so written.


Basis of Consolidation:


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


Fair Values of Financial Instruments:


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


Cash and Cash Equivalents. Cash includes cash on hand and with banks. Cash equivalents are short-term highly liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less. The carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value due to the relatively short period of time between the origination of the instruments and their expected realization. Cash and cash equivalents are classified as a Level 1 financial asset.


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 interest rate charged by the Company approximates market rates. Loans are classified as a Level 3 financial asset.


Marketable Debt Securities. The fair value of marketable debt securities is based on quoted market prices. If a quoted market price is not available, fair value is estimated using market prices for similar securities. Held-to-maturity marketable debt securities are classified as Level 2 financial assets. See additional information below regarding fair value under Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") No. 820, Fair Value Measurements. See Note 4 for fair value measurement of available-for-sale marketable debt securities. See Note 4 for the fair value of marketable debt securities and Note 4 for information related to how these securities are valued.


Equity Method Investment. The fair value of equity method investment is estimated based on the Company's allocable share of the investee net asset value as of the reporting date. Equity method investment is a Level 2 financial asset.


Senior Debt. The carrying value of the Company's senior debt securities approximate fair value due to the relatively short period of time between the origination of the instruments and their expected payment. Senior debt securities are classified as a Level 2 financial liability.


Subordinated Debt. The carrying value of the Company's subordinated debt securities approximates fair value due to the re-pricing frequency of the securities. Subordinated debt securities are classified as a Level 2 financial liability.


Use of Estimates:


The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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



29





amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could vary from these estimates.



30





Income Recognition:


Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America 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 account with precomputed charges to calculate income for those on-going 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 accounts with precomputed charges are repaid or renewed prior to maturity, the result is that most of the accounts with precomputed charges 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 do not have precomputed charges, have income recognized on a simple interest accrual basis. Any loan which becomes 60 days or more past due, based on original contractual term, is placed in a non-accrual status. When a loan is placed in non-accrual status, income accruals are discontinued. Accrued income prior to the date an account becomes 60 days or more past due is not reversed. Income on loans in non-accrual status is earned only if payments are received. A loan in nonaccrual status is restored to accrual status when it becomes less 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 an unrelated 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 an unrelated 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.


Claims of the insurance subsidiaries are expensed as incurred and reserves are established for incurred but not reported claims. Reserves for claims totaled $1,444,360 and $1,340,003 at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, and are included in unearned insurance premiums on the consolidated statements of financial position.


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.


The primary revenue category included in other revenue relates to commissions earned by the Company on sales of auto club memberships. Commissions received from the sale of auto club memberships are earned at the time the membership is sold. The Company sells the memberships as an agent for a third party. The Company has no further obligations after the date of sale as all claims for benefits are paid and administered by the third party.


Depreciation and Amortization:


Office machines, equipment and Company automobiles are recorded at cost and depreciated on a straight-line basis over a period of three to ten years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over five years or less depending on the term of the applicable lease. Depreciation and amortization expense for each of the three years ended December 31, 2013 was $2,910,855, $2,716,463 and $2,586,017, respectively.


Restricted Cash:


At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had cash of $974,452 and $4,676,830, respectively, held in restricted accounts at its insurance subsidiaries in order to comply with certain requirements imposed on insurance companies by the State of Georgia and to meet the reserve requirements of its reinsurance agreements. During 2013 and 2012, restricted cash also included escrow deposits held by the Company on behalf of certain mortgage real estate customers.




31






Equity Method Investment:


The Company evaluates its unconsolidated equity investment to determine whether it should be recorded on a consolidated basis. The percentage ownership interest in the equity investment, an evaluation of control and whether a variable interest entity exists are all considered in the Company's consolidation assessment.


The Company accounts for its equity investment where it owns a non-controlling interest or where it is not the primary beneficiary of a VIE using the equity method of accounting. Under the equity method, the Company's cost of an investment is adjusted for its share of equity in the earnings of the unconsolidated investment and reduced by distributions received. There is no difference between the cost of the Company's equity investment and the value of the underlying equity as reflected in the unconsolidated equity investment's financial statements.


The Company assesses the carrying value of its equity method investment for impairment in accordance with ASC 323-10, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures. The Company assesses whether there are any indicators that the fair value of the Company's equity method investment might be impaired. An investment is impaired only if the Company's estimate of the fair value of the investment is less than the carrying value of the investment and such decline in value is deemed to be other than temporary. During the year ended December 31, 2013, no impairment of equity method investment was recognized.


Impairment of Long-Lived Assets:


The Company annually evaluates whether events and circumstances have occurred or triggering events have occurred that indicate the carrying amount of property and equipment may warrant revision or may not be recoverable. When factors indicate that these long-lived assets should be evaluated for possible impairment, the Company assesses the recoverability by determining whether the carrying value of such long-lived assets will be recovered through the future undiscounted cash flows expected from use of the asset and its eventual disposition. Based on Management’s evaluation, there has been no impairment of carrying value of the long-lived assets, including property and equipment at December 31, 2013 and 2012.


Income Taxes:


The Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 740-10. FASB ASC 740-10 provides that a tax benefit from an uncertain tax position may be recognized when it is more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination, including resolutions of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits. Income tax positions must meet a more-likely-than-not recognition threshold at the effective date to be recognized. FASB ASC 740-10 also provides guidance on measurement, de-recognition, classification, interest and penalties, accounting in interim periods, disclosure and transition. At December 31, 2013, the Company had no uncertain tax positions.  


The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are treated as taxable entities and income taxes are provided for where applicable (Note 12). No provision for income taxes has been made by the Company since it has elected to be treated as an S Corporation for income tax reporting purposes. However, the state of Louisiana does not recognize S Corporation status, and the Company has accrued amounts necessary to pay the required income taxes in such state.


Collateral Held for Resale:


When the Company takes possession of 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.


Marketable Debt Securities:


Management has designated a significant portion of the Company’s marketable debt securities held in the Company's investment portfolio at December 31, 2013 and 2012 as being available-for-sale. This portion of the investment portfolio is reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported in other comprehensive income (loss) included in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income/loss. 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



32





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.


Recent Accounting Pronouncements:


In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, "Reporting Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income". The guidance adds new disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income. This update requires that companies present either in a single note or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements, the effect of significant amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income based on its source and the income statement line items affected by the reclassification. If a component is not required to be reclassified to net income in its entirety, companies would instead cross reference to the related footnote for additional information. This update was effective for the Company beginning in the first quarter of 2013 and its adoption did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.


2.

LOANS


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


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, 2013 is as follows:


 

 

Direct

Real

Sales

 

Due In   

Cash

Estate

Finance

 

Calendar Year  

  Loans  

  Loans  

Contracts

 

2014

68.27%

17.43%

62.10%

 

2015

26.42

16.01

27.68

 

2016

4.48

14.12

8.34

 

2017

.61

11.95

1.68

 

2018

.10

9.58

.16

 

2019 & beyond

.12

30.91

.04

 

 

100.00%

100.00%

100.00%


Historically, a majority of the Company's loans have been 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, 2013 and 2012, cash collections applied to the principal of loans totaled $281,446,113 and $252,810,438, respectively, and the ratios of these cash collections to average net receivables were 71.08% and 67.75%, respectively.


Allowance for Loan Losses:


The Allowance for Loan Losses is based on Management's evaluation of the inherent risks and changes in the composition of the Company's loan portfolio. Management’s approach to estimating and evaluating the allowance for loan losses is on a total portfolio level based on historical loss trends, bankruptcy trends, the level of receivables at the statement of financial position date, payment patterns and economic conditions primarily including, but not limited to, unemployment levels and gasoline prices. Historical loss trends are tracked on an on going basis. The trend analysis includes statistical analysis of the correlation between loan date and charge off date, charge off statistics by the total loan portfolio, and charge off statistics by branch, division and state. If trends indicate credit losses are increasing or decreasing, Management will evaluate to ensure the allowance for loan losses remains at proper levels. Delinquency and bankruptcy filing trends are also tracked. If these trends indicate an adjustment to the



33





allowance for loan losses is warranted, Management will make what it considers to be appropriate adjustments. The level of receivables at the statement of financial position date is reviewed and adjustments to the allowance for loan losses are made, if Management determines increases or decreases in the level of receivables warrants an adjustment. The Company uses monthly unemployment statistics, and various other monthly or periodic economic statistics, published by departments of the U.S. government and other economic statistics providers to determine the economic component of the allowance for loan losses. Such allowance is, in the opinion of Management, sufficiently adequate for probable losses in the current loan portfolio. As the estimates used in determining the allowance for loan losses are influenced by outside factors, such as consumer payment patterns and general economic conditions, there is uncertainty inherent in these estimates. Actual results could vary based on future changes in significant assumptions.


Management does not disaggregate the Company’s loan portfolio by loan class when evaluating loan performance. The total portfolio is evaluated for credit losses based on contractual delinquency, and other economic conditions. The Company classifies delinquent accounts at the end of each month according to the number of installments past due at that time, based on the then-existing terms of the contract. Accounts are classified in delinquency categories based on the number of days past due. When three installments are past due, we classify the account as being 60-89 days past due; when four or more installments are past due, we classify the account as being 90 days or more past due. 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/or other indicators of collectability. In connection with any bankruptcy court-initiated repayment plan and as allowed by state regulatory authorities, the Company effectively resets the delinquency rating of each account to coincide with a court initiated repayment plan. 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, if applicable.


When a loan becomes 60 days or more past due based on its original terms, it is placed in nonaccrual status. At this time, the accrual of any additional finance charges is discontinued. Finance charges are then only recognized to the extent there is a loan payment received or until the account qualifies for return to accrual status. Non-accrual loans return to accrual status when the loan becomes less than 60 days past due. There were no loans past due 60 days or more and still accruing interest at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012. The Company’s principal balances on non-accrual loans by loan class at December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows:



Loan Class

December 31,

 2013

December 31, 2012

 

 

 

Consumer Loans

$

33,680,602

$

31,936,076

Real Estate Loans

969,149

1,113,624

Sales Finance Contracts

816,196

862,952

Total

$

35,465,947

$

33,912,652


An age analysis of principal balances past due, segregated by loan class, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 is as follows:



December 31, 2013


30-59 Days

Past Due


60-89 Days

Past Due

90 Days or

More

Past Due

Total

Past Due

Loans

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Loans

$

11,939,226

$

6,542,571

$

13,438,184

$

31,919,981

Real Estate Loans

299,094

173,842

547,012

1,019,948

Sales Finance Contracts

391,658

203,821

448,991

1,044,470

Total

$

12,629,978

$

6,920,234

$

14,434,187

$

33,984,399


December 31, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Loans

$

11,265,415

$

5,928,748

$

12,984,546

$

30,178,709

Real Estate Loans

479,103

201,442

603,585

1,284,130

Sales Finance Contracts

455,619

208,323

389,533

1,053,475

Total

$

12,200,137

$

6,338,513

$

13,977,664

$

32,516,314




34





In addition to the delinquency rating analysis, the ratio of bankrupt accounts to our total loan portfolio is also used as a credit quality indicator. The ratio of bankrupt accounts to total principal loan balances outstanding at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 was 2.54% and 2.64%, respectively.


Nearly our entire loan portfolio consists of small homogeneous consumer loans (of the product types set forth in the table below).




December 31, 2013


Principal

Balance


%

Portfolio


Net

Charge Offs

%

Net

Charge Offs

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Loans

$

442,998,555

91.3%

$

24,475,597

98.1%

Real Estate Loans

20,006,101

4.1

5,603

.0

Sales Finance Contracts

22,145,169

  4.6

471,464

  1.9

Total

$

485,149,825

100.0%

$

24,952,664

100.0%

 

 

 

 

 

December 31, 2012

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Loans

$

405,102,125

90.8%

$

21,240,441

97.3%

Real Estate Loans

20,340,475

4.5

63,148

.3

Sales Finance Contracts

20,915,700

  4.7

530,993

  2.4

Total

$

446,358,300

100.0%

$

21,834,582

100.0%


Sales finance contracts are similar to consumer loans in nature of loan product, terms, customer base to whom these products are marketed, factors contributing to risk of loss and historical payment performance, and together with consumer loans, represented approximately 96% and 95% of the Company’s loan portfolio at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. As a result of these similarities, which have resulted in similar historical performance, consumer loans and sales finance contracts represent substantially all loan losses. Real estate loans and related losses have historically been insignificant, and, as a result, we do not stratify the loan portfolio for purposes of determining and evaluating our loan loss allowance. Due to the composition of the loan portfolio, the Company determines and monitors the allowance for loan losses on a collectively evaluated, single portfolio segment basis. Therefore, a roll forward of the allowance for loan loss activity at the portfolio segment level is the same as at the total portfolio level. We have not acquired any impaired loans with deteriorating quality during any period reported. The following table provides additional information on our allowance for loan losses based on a collective evaluation:



 

2013

2012

2011

Allowance For Credit Losses:

 

 

 

Beginning Balance

$

22,010,085 

$

21,360,085 

$

24,110,085 

Provision for Loan Losses

27,623,368 

22,484,582 

19,008,749 

Charge-Offs

(33,938,554)

(30,811,295)

(29,848,682)

Recoveries

8,985,890 

8,976,713 

8,089,933 

Ending Balance

$ 24,680,789 

$ 22,010,085 

$ 21,360,085 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013

2012

2011

Finance Receivables:

 

 

 

Ending Balance

$485,149,825 

$446,358,300 

$414,720,423 

Ending Balance; collectively

evaluated for impairment


$

485,149,825 


$

446,358,300 


$

414,720,423 


Troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”) represent loans on which the original terms have been modified as a result of the following conditions: (i) the restructuring constitutes a concession and (ii) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulties.  Loan modifications by the Company involve payment alterations, interest rate concessions and/ or reductions in the amount owed by the customer. The following table presents a summary of loans that were restructured during the year ended December 31, 2013.




35








 

Number

of

Loans

Pre-Modification

Recorded

Investment

Post-Modification

Recorded

Investment

 

 

 

 

Consumer Loans

3,976

$

11,691,878

$

10,726,908

Real Estate Loans

54

426,551

421,596

Sales Finance Contracts

  178

354,651

327,626

Total

4,208

$

12,473,080

$

11,476,130


TDRs that subsequently defaulted during the year ended December 31, 2013 are listed below.


 

Number

of

Loans

Pre-Modification

Recorded

Investment

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Loans

617

$

1,200,288

 

Real Estate Loans

3

7,044

 

Sales Finance Contracts

 25

22,286

 

Total

645

$

1,229,618

 


The following table presents a summary of loans that were restructured during the year ended December 31, 2012.

 

Number

of

Loans

Pre-Modification

Recorded

Investment

Post-Modification

Recorded

Investment

 

 

 

 

Consumer Loans

3,584

$

11,280,800

$

10,256,084

Real Estate Loans

59

455,019

412,226

Sales Finance Contracts

  202

484,991

440,703

Total

3,845

$

12,220,810

$

11,109,013


TDRs that subsequently defaulted during the year ended December 31, 2012 are listed below.


 

Number

of

Loans

Pre-Modification

Recorded

Investment

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Loans

583

$

1,171,053

 

Real Estate Loans

3

10,851

 

Sales Finance Contracts

 28

20,617

 

Total

614

$

1,202,521

 


The level of TDRs, including those which have experienced a subsequent default, is considered in the determination of an appropriate level of allowance for loan losses.


3.

MARKETABLE DEBT SECURITIES


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


 


Amortized

Cost

Gross

Unrealized

Gains

Gross

Unrealized

Losses

Estimated

Fair

Value

December 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

Obligations of states and

 

 

 

 

political subdivisions

$

109,412,622

$

1,241,209

$

(5,025,281)

$

105,628,550

Corporate securities

130,316

302,718

-- 

433,034

 

$

109,542,938

$

1,543,927

$

(5,025,281)

$

106,061,584


December 31, 2012

 

 

 

 

Obligations of states and

 

 

 

 

 political subdivisions

$

88,092,434

$

2,808,800

$

(145,814)

$

90,755,420

Corporate securities

130,316

167,957

-- 

298,273

 

$

88,822,750

$

2,976,757

$

(145,814)

$

91,053,693



36








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 values of these debt securities are as follows:




 


Amortized

Cost

Gross

Unrealized

Gains

Gross

Unrealized

Losses

Estimated

Fair

Value

December 31, 2013

 

 

 

 

Obligations of states and

 

 

 

 

political subdivisions

$

29,777,456

$

562,993

$

  (170,575)

$

30,169,874


December 31, 2012

 

 

 

 

Obligations of states and

 

 

 

 

political subdivisions

$

33,237,199

$

1,212,823

$

  (43,744)

$

34,406,278


 The amortized cost and estimated fair values of marketable debt securities at December 31, 2013, by contractual maturity, are shown below:

 

Available for Sale

Held to Maturity

 

 

Estimated

 

Estimated

 

Amortized

Fair

Amortized

Fair

 

Cost

Value

Cost

Value

 

 

 

 

 

Due in one year or less

$

9,421,326

$

9,807,220

$

1,215,434

$

1,219,655

Due after one year through five years

23,107,212

23,976,710

10,828,014

11,090,840

Due after five years through ten years

16,623,485

16,501,444

17,734,008

17,859,379

Due after ten years

60,390,915

55,776,210

--

--

 

$

109,542,938

$

106,061,584

$

29,777,456

$

30,169,874



The following table presents an analysis of investment securities in an unrealized loss position for which other-than-temporary impairments have not been recognized as of December 31, 2013:


 

Less than 12 Months

12 Months or Longer

Total

 

Fair

Value

Unrealized

Losses

Fair

Value

Unrealized

Losses

Fair

Value

Unrealized

Losses

Available for Sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obligations of states and

political subdivisions


$

51,088,253


$

3,354,098


$

9,763,723


$

1,671,183


$

60,851,976


$

5,025,281

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Held to Maturity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obligations of states and

political subdivisions


2,229,451


38,968


3,168,698


131,607


5,398,149


170,575

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall Total

$

53,317,704

$

3,393,066

$

12,932,421

$

1,802,790

$66,250,125

$

5,195,856


The following table presents an analysis of investment securities in an unrealized loss position for which other-than-temporary impairments have not been recognized as of December 31, 2012:


 

Less than 12 Months

12 Months or Longer

Total

 

Fair

Value

Unrealized

Losses

Fair

Value

Unrealized

Losses

Fair

Value

Unrealized

Losses

Available for Sale:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obligations of states and

political subdivisions


$

9,789,632


$

145,814


$

-


$

-


$

9,789,632


$

145,814

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Held to Maturity:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Obligations of states and

political subdivisions


3,321,640


43,744


-


-


3,321,640


43,744

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Overall Total

$

13,111,272

$

189,558

$

-

$

-

$

13,111,272

$

189,558


The previous two tables represent 112 investments and 19 investments held by the Company at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, the majority of which were rated “A+” or higher. The unrealized losses on the Company’s investments were the result of interest rate increases over the previous years. Based on the credit ratings of these investments, along with the consideration of whether the Company has the intent to sell or will be more likely than not required to sell the applicable investment



37





before recovery of amortized cost basis, the Company does not consider the impairment of these investments to be other-than-temporary at December 31, 2013 and 2012.


Proceeds from sales of securities during 2013 were $7,029,938. Gross gains of $234,819 were realized on these sales. Proceeds from redemptions of investment securities due to the exercise of call provisions by the issuers thereof and regularly scheduled maturities during 2013 were $15,855,000. Gross gains of $10 were realized from these redemptions.  


Proceeds from sales of securities during 2012 were $265,977. Gross gains of $1,296 were realized on these sales. Proceeds from redemptions of investment securities due to the exercise of call provisions by the issuers thereof and regularly scheduled maturities during 2012 were $11,399,450. Gross gains of $7,869 were realized from these redemptions.


Proceeds from sales of securities during 2011 were $3,085,237. Gross gains of $24,157 and gross losses of $12,345 were realized on these sales. Proceeds from redemptions of investment securities due to the exercise of call provisions by the issuers thereof and regularly scheduled maturities during 2011 were $13,795,000. Gross gains of $1,231 were realized from these redemptions.



4.

FAIR VALUE


FASB ASC 820 defines fair value as the exchange price that would be received for an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market for the asset or liability in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date The following fair value hierarchy is used in selecting inputs used to determine the fair value of an asset or liability, with the highest priority given to Level 1, as these are the most transparent or reliable. A financial asset or liability’s classification within the hierarchy is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement.


Level 1 -

Quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.


Level 2 -

Quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active; and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets.


Level 3 -

Valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable.


The Company is responsible for the valuation process and as part of this process may use data from outside sources in establishing fair value. The Company performs due diligence to understand the inputs or how the data was calculated or derived. The Company employs a market approach in the valuation of its obligations of states, political subdivisions and municipal revenue bonds that are available-for-sale. These investments are valued on the basis of current market quotations provided by independent pricing services selected by Management based on the advice of an investment manager. To determine the value of a particular investment, these independent pricing services may use certain information with respect to market transactions in such investment or comparable investments, various relationships observed in the market between investments, quotations from dealers, and pricing metrics and calculated yield measures based on valuation methodologies commonly employed in the market for such investments. Quoted prices are subject to our internal price verification procedures. We validate prices received using a variety of methods, including, but not limited to comparison to other pricing services or corroboration of pricing by reference to independent market data such as a secondary broker. There was no change in this methodology during any period reported.




38






Assets measured at fair value as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are available-for-sale investment securities which are summarized below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using

 

 

Quoted Prices

 

 

 

 

In Active

Significant

 

 

 

Markets for

Other

Significant

 

 

Identical

Observable

Unobservable

 

 

Assets

Inputs

Inputs

Description

12/31/2013

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate securities

$

433,034

$

433,034

$

--

$

    --

Obligations of states and

   political subdivisions


105,628,550


--


105,628,550


    --

Available-for-sale

   investment securities


$

106,061,584


$

433,034


$

105,628,5501


$

    --

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurements at Reporting Date Using

 

 

Quoted Prices

 

 

 

 

In Active

Significant

 

 

 

Markets for

Other

Significant

 

 

Identical

Observable

Unobservable

 

 

Assets

Inputs

Inputs

Description

12/31/2012

(Level 1)

(Level 2)

(Level 3)

 

 

 

 

 

Corporate securities

$

298,273

$

298,273

$

--

$

    --

Obligations of states and

   political subdivisions


90,755,420


--


90,755,420


    --

Available-for-sale

   investment securities


$

91,053,693


$

298,273


$

90,755,420


$

    --



5.

EQUITY METHOD INVESTMENT:


The Company has one investment accounted for using the equity method of accounting. On November 1, 2013, the Company invested $10.0 million in Mertiage Capital, Centennial Absolute Return Fund, L.P. (the "Fund"). The carrying value of this investment was $10.2 million as of December 31, 2013, which represents a 12.14% ownership interest in the Fund. With at least 60 days notice, the Company has the ability to redeem its investment in the Fund at the end of any calendar quarter.


Condensed financial statement information of the equity method investment is as follows:


 

December 31, 2013

 

Company's equity method investment

$

10,211,635

 

Partnership assets

$

88,602,340

 

Partnership liabilities

$

2,873,918

 

Partnership net income

$

7,983,103

 


6.

INSURANCE SUBSIDIARY RESTRICTIONS


As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, 79% and 83% 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 investment may constitute of 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, unless prior approval is obtained from the Georgia Insurance Commissioner. At December 31, 2013, Frandisco Property and Casualty Insurance Company and Frandisco Life Insurance Company had a statutory surplus of $56.4 million and $56.7 million, respectively. The maximum aggregate amount of dividends these subsidiaries could pay to the Company during 2013, without prior approval of the Georgia Insurance Commissioner,



39





was approximately $10.3 million. The Company elected not to pay any dividends from the insurance subsidiaries during the three year period ended December 31, 2013.



7.

SENIOR DEBT


Effective September 11, 2009, the Company entered into a credit facility with Wells Fargo Preferred Capital, Inc. As amended to date, the credit agreement provides for borrowings and reborrrowings of up to $100.0 million, subject to certain limitations, and all borrowings are secured by the finance receivables of the Company. The credit agreement contains covenants customary for financing transactions of this type. Available borrowings under the credit agreement were $100.0 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, at an interest rate of 3.75%. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had no borrowings under the credit agreement.


Available but unborrowed amounts under the credit agreement are subject to a periodic unused line fee of .50%. The interest rate under the credit agreement is equivalent to the greater of (a) .75% per annum plus 300 basis points or (b) the three month London Interbank Offered Rate (the “LIBOR Rate”) plus 300 basis points. The LIBOR Rate is adjusted on the first day of each calendar month based upon the LIBOR Rate as of the last day of the preceding calendar month.


The credit agreement has a commitment termination date of September 11, 2016. Any then- outstanding balance under the Credit Agreement would be due and payable on such date. The lender also may terminate the agreement upon the violation of any of the financial ratio requirements or covenants contained in the credit agreement or if the financial condition of the Company becomes unsatisfactory to the lender, 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. At December 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all financial covenants.


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


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



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)

2013:

 

 

 

 

Bank Borrowings

3.75%

$

45

$

1

3.75%

Senior Demand Notes

1.72  

55,196

53,060

1.76  

Commercial Paper

3.49  

253,960

 

238,782

3.61  

All Categories

3.18  

308,015

291,843

3.46  

 

 

 

 

 

2012:

 

 

 

 

Bank Borrowings

3.75%

$

45

$

1

3.75%

Senior Demand Notes

1.97  

50,033

46,261

2.01  

Commercial Paper

3.74  

225,861

 214,214

3.91  

All Categories

3.42  

321,246

260,476

3.79  

 

 

 

 

 

2011:

 

 

 

 

Bank Borrowings

3.75%

$

2,925

$

60

3.75%

Senior Demand Notes

2.12  

47,607

43,089

2.10  

Commercial Paper

3.95  

197,194

 

185,120

4.25  

All Categories

3.60  

244,439

228,269

4.08  





40





8.

SUBORDINATED DEBT


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


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


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


Weighted Average

Interest Rate at

 

Weighted Average

Interest Rate

End of Year

 

During Year

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2013 

2012 

2011 

 

2013

2012

2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.02%

3.32%

3.54%

 

3.14%

3.30%

4.10%



Maturity and redemption information relating to the Company's subordinated debt at December 31, 2013 is as follows:


 

Amount Maturing or

Redeemable at Option of Holder

 

Based on Maturity

Based on Interest

 

Date

Adjustment Period

 

 

 

2014

$

8,522,799

$

27,069,230

2015

9,535,013

9,485,881

2016

9,618,228

1,383,541

2017

12,702,467

2,439,855

 

$

40,378,507

$

40,378,507



9.

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES


The Company's operations are carried on in locations which are occupied under operating lease agreements. These lease agreements usually provide for a lease term of five years with the Company holding a renewal option for an additional five years. Total operating lease expense was $5,511,912, $5,218,119 and $5,010,851 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011, respectively. The Company’s minimum aggregate lease commitments at December 31, 2013 are shown in the table below.



Year

Operating

Leases

 

 

2014

$

5,309,908

2015

4,591,431

2016

3,276,188

2017

2,131,058

2018

849,133

2019 and beyond

27,259

  Total

$

16,184,977


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



41





10.

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS


The Company maintains a 401(k) plan, which was 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 is 18 years of age or older is eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan on the first day of the month following the completion of one complete calendar month of continuous employment and the Company begins matching up to 4.50% of an employee’s deferred contribution, up to 6.00% of their total compensation. During 2013, 2012 and 2011, the Company contributed $1,606,957, $1,473,961 and $1,371,469, respectively, in matching funds for employee 401(k) deferred accounts.


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 such amount may be adjusted from time to time in accordance with the Code.


11.

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS


The Company leases a portion of its properties (see Note 9) for an aggregate of $156,600 per year from certain officers or stockholders.


The Company has an outstanding loan 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 $1,437,923 at December 31, 2013. This was the maximum loan 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 entered into a Split-Dollar Life Insurance Agreement with the Trustee of an executive officer’s irrevocable life insurance trust. The life insurance policy insures one of the Company’s executive officers. As a result of certain changes in tax regulations relating to split-dollar life insurance policies, the agreement was amended effectively making the premium payments a loan to the Trust. The interest on the loan is a variable rate adjusting monthly based on the federal mid-term Applicable Federal Rate. A payment of $4,004 for interest accrued during 2013 was applied to the loan on December 31, 2013. No principal payments on this loan were made in 2013. The balance on this loan at December 31, 2013 was $315,998. This was the maximum loan amount outstanding during the year.


12.

INCOME TAXES


The Company has elected to be treated as an S corporation for income tax reporting purposes. The taxable income or loss of an S corporation is treated as income of and is reportable in the individual tax returns of the shareholders of the Company in an appropriate allocation. Accordingly, deferred income tax assets and liabilities have been eliminated and no provisions for current and deferred income taxes were made by the Company except 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 as they are not permitted to be treated as S Corporations.


The provision for income taxes for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is made up of the following components:


 

2013   

2012   

2011   

 

 

 

 

Current – Federal

$

3,840,502 

$

3,653,739 

$

3,077,083 

Current – State

6,432 

7,700 

4,500 

Total Current

3,846.934 

3,661,439 

3,081,583 

 

 

 

 

Deferred – Federal

145,730 

252,359 

24,348 

 

 

 

 

Total Provision

$

3,992,664 

$

3,913,798 

$

3,105,931 




42






Temporary differences create deferred federal tax assets and liabilities, which are detailed below as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. These amounts are included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of financial position.


 

   Deferred Tax Assets (Liabilities)

 

 

 

 

2013   

2012   

Insurance Commissions

$

(5,654,165)

$

(5,376,504)

Unearned Premium Reserves

2,190,561 

2,001,212 

Unrealized Loss (Gain) on

 

 

Marketable Debt Securities

1,008,621 

(732,325)

Other

(176,989)

(89,741)

 

$

(2,631,972)

$

(4,197,358)


The Company's effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 is analyzed as follows. Rates were lower than statutory federal income tax rates mainly due to taxable income at the S corporation level being passed to the shareholders of the Company for tax reporting, whereas income earned by the insurance subsidiaries was taxed at the corporate level.


 

2013 

2012 

2011

Statutory Federal income tax rate

34.0%

34.0%

34.0%

Net tax effect of IRS regulations

 

 

 

on life insurance subsidiary

-  

-  

(1.5)

Tax effect of S corporation status

(20.7)

(20.7)

(20.5)

Tax exempt income

  (2.9)

  (2.6)

  (2.4)

Effective Tax Rate

10.4%

10.7%

 9.6%


13.

SEGMENT FINANCIAL INFORMATION:


The Company discloses segment information in accordance with FASB ASC 280. FASB ASC 280 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. Division II is comprised of offices in North Georgia and Division III is comprised of South Georgia offices. Division IV represents our Alabama and Tennessee offices, and our offices in Louisiana and Mississippi encompass Division V.

 

Accounting policies of the segments are the same as those of the Company 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.




43






Below is a performance recap of each of the Company's reportable segments for the year ended December 31, 2013 followed by a reconciliation to consolidated Company data.



Year 2013

 

Division

I

Division

II

Division

III

Division

IV

Division

V

 

Total

Segments

Revenues:

 

( In Millions)

Finance Charges Earned

$ 19.8 

$ 28.6 

$ 28.0 

$ 28.4 

$ 23.9 

 

$ 128.7 

Insurance Income

3.6 

11.8 

10.7 

5.5 

5.9 

 

37.5 

Other

.1 

2.1 

1.9 

1.4 

1.8 

 

7.3 

 

 

23.5 

42.5 

40.6 

35.3 

31.6 

 

173.5 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Cost

1.4 

2.8 

2.8 

2.6 

1.9 

 

11.5 

Provision for Loan Losses

3.5 

5.2 

5.7 

5.8 

4.7 

 

24.9 

Depreciation

.4 

.6 

.5 

.5 

.5 

 

2.5 

Other

10.0 

13.2 

13.8 

12.8 

12.7 

 

62.5 


15.3 

21.8 

22.8 

21.7 

19.8 

 

101.4 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment Profit

$ 8.2 

$ 20.7 

$ 17.8 

$ 13.6 

$ 11.8 

 

$ 72.1 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Receivables

$ 51.9 

$ 98.7 

$ 95.7 

$ 94.5 

$ 69.0 

 

$409.8 

Cash

.3 

.6 

.7 

.5 

.5 

 

2.6 

Net Fixed Assets

1.3 

1.4 

.9 

1.3 

1.2 

 

6.1 

Other Assets

.0 

.0 

.0 

.1 

.2 

 

.3 

Total Segment Assets

$ 53.5 

$100.7 

$ 97.3 

$ 96.4 

$ 70.9 

 

$418.8 

 








RECONCILIATION:







2013

Revenues:






 

(In Millions)

Total revenues from reportable segments

$ 173.5 

Corporate finance charges earned not allocated to segments

.2 

Corporate investment income earned not allocated to segments

3.8 

Timing difference of insurance income allocation to segments

8.1 

Other revenues not allocated to segments

.4 

Consolidated Revenues

$186.0 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Net Income:

 

 

 

 

 


 

Total profit or loss for reportable segments

$ 72.1 

Corporate earnings not allocated

12.5 

Corporate expenses not allocated

(46.2) 

Income taxes not allocated

(4.0) 

Consolidated Net Income

$ 34.4 

 







 

Assets:







 

Total assets for reportable segments

$418.8 

Loans held at corporate level

1.9 

Unearned insurance at corporate level

(17.5) 

Allowance for loan losses at corporate level

(24.7) 

Cash and cash equivalents held at  corporate level

24.8 

Investment securities at corporate level

146.1 

Fixed assets at corporate level

2.7 

Other assets at corporate level

9.7 

Consolidated Assets

$561.8 



44






Below is a performance recap of each of the Company's reportable segments for the year ended December 31, 2012 followed by a reconciliation to consolidated Company data.  



Year 2012

 

Division

I

Division

II

Division

III

Division

IV

Division

V

 

Total

Segments

Revenues:

 

( In Millions)

Finance Charges Earned

$ 17.8 

$ 26.7 

$ 26.4 

$ 26.6 

$ 21.9 

 

$ 119.4 

Insurance Income

3.2 

10.9 

10.2 

2.8 

5.4 

 

32.5 

Other

.1 

2.0 

1.9 

3.8 

1.8 

 

9.6 

 

 

21.1 

39.6 

38.5 

33.2 

29.1 

 

161.5 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Cost

1.4 

2.8 

2.8 

2.6 

1.8 

 

11.4 

Provision for Loan Losses

3.0 

4.8 

5.2 

4.9 

3.9 

 

21.8 

Depreciation

.4 

.5 

.5 

.5 

.4 

 

2.3 

Other

9.1 

12.3 

13.0 

11.6 

11.7 

 

57.7 


13.9 

20.4 

21.5 

19.6 

17.8 

 

93.2 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment Profit

$ 7.2 

$ 19.2 

$ 17.0 

$ 13.6 

$ 11.3 

 

$ 68.3 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Receivables

$ 46.8 

$ 92.4 

$ 90.5 

$ 87.9 

$ 62.1 

 

$379.7 

Cash

.3 

.6 

.8 

.6 

.6 

 

2.9 

Net Fixed Assets

1.3 

1.4 

1.2 

1.3 

1.2 

 

6.4 

Other Assets

.0 

.1 

.0 

.2 

.1 

 

.4 

Total Segment Assets

$ 48.4 

$ 94.5 

$ 92.5 

$ 90.0 

$ 64.0 

 

$389.4 

 








RECONCILIATION:







2012

Revenues:






 

(In Millions)

Total revenues from reportable segments

$ 161.6 

Corporate finance charges earned not allocated to segments

(.1) 

Corporate investment income earned not allocated to segments

3.4 

Timing difference of insurance income allocation to segments

7.7 

Other revenues not allocated to segments

.1 

Consolidated Revenues

$172.7 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Net Income:

 

 

 

 

 


 

Total profit or loss for reportable segments

$ 68.3 

Corporate earnings not allocated

11.1 

Corporate expenses not allocated

(42.8) 

Income taxes not allocated

(3.9) 

Consolidated Net Income

$ 32.7 

 







 

Assets:







 

Total assets for reportable segments

$389.4 

Loans held at corporate level

1.9 

Unearned insurance at corporate level

(16.0) 

Allowance for loan losses at corporate level

(22.0) 

Cash and cash equivalents held at  corporate level

30.0 

Investment securities at corporate level

124.3 

Fixed assets at corporate level

2.6 

Other assets at corporate level

8.1 

Consolidated Assets

$518.3 




45






Below is a performance recap of each of the Company's reportable segments for the year ended December 31, 2011 followed by a reconciliation to consolidated Company data.  



Year 2011

 

Division

I

Division

II

Division

III

Division

IV

Division

V

 

Total

Segments

Revenues:

 

( In Millions)

Finance Charges Earned

$ 16.0 

$ 25.0 

$ 25.5 

$ 23.0 

$ 19.3 

 

$ 108.8 

Insurance Income

2.8 

9.7 

9.5 

4.7 

4.8 

 

31.5 

Other

.1 

2.0 

1.8 

1.1 

1.6 

 

6.6 

 

 

18.9 

36.7 

36.8 

28.8 

25.7 

 

146.9 

Expenses:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest Cost

1.3 

2.9 

3.0 

2.6 

1.8 

 

11.6 

Provision for Loan Losses

3.3 

5.1 

5.9 

4.1 

3.4 

 

21.8 

Depreciation

.4 

.5 

.5 

.5 

.4 

 

2.3 

Other

8.5 

11.9 

12.5 

11.1 

10.6 

 

54.6 


13.5 

20.4 

21.9 

18.3 

16.2 

 

90.3 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment Profit

$ 5.4 

$ 16.3 

$ 14.9 

$ 10.5 

$ 9.5 

 

$ 56.6 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Segment Assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Receivables

$ 40.4 

$ 87.3 

$ 88.2 

$ 80.2 

$ 56.2 

 

$352.3 

Cash

.4 

.8 

.9 

.6 

.7 

 

3.4 

Net Fixed Assets

1.0 

1.6 

1.5 

1.6 

1.1 

 

6.8 

Other Assets

.0 

.1 

.0 

.1 

.1 

 

.3 

Total Segment Assets

$ 41.8 

$ 89.8 

$ 90.6 

$ 82.5 

$ 58.1 

 

$362.8 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

RECONCILIATION:







2011

Revenues:






 

(In Millions)

Total revenues from reportable segments

$ 146.9 

Corporate finance charges earned not allocated to segments

.1 

Corporate investment income earned not allocated to segments

2.9 

Timing difference of insurance income allocation to segments

7.9 

Other revenues not allocated to segments

.1 

Consolidated Revenues

$157.9 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

Net Income:

 

 

 

 

 


 

Total profit or loss for reportable segments

$ 56.6 

Corporate earnings not allocated

10.9 

Corporate expenses not allocated

(35.3) 

Income taxes not allocated

(3.1) 

Consolidated Net Income

$ 29.1 

 







 

Assets:







 

Total assets for reportable segments

$362.8 

Loans held at corporate level

2.2 

Unearned insurance at corporate level

(15.2) 

Allowance for loan losses at corporate level

(21.4) 

Cash and cash equivalents held at  corporate level

18.5 

Investment securities at corporate level

107.7 

Fixed assets at corporate level

2.6 

Other assets at corporate level

7.7 

Consolidated Assets

$464.9 




46






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

 

James H. Harris, III

Co-owner and Vice President

2014

Unichem Technologies, Inc.

President

Moonrise Distillery

 

John G. Sample, Jr.

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer,

2004

Atlantic American Corporation

 

C. Dean Scarborough

Real Estate Agent

2004

 

 

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

 

J. Michael Culpepper

Executive Vice President and

2006

   Chief Operating Officer

 

C. Michael Haynie

Executive Vice President -

2006

   Human Resources

 

Karen S. Lovern

Executive Vice President -

2006

   Strategic and Organization Development

 

Charles E. Vercelli, Jr.

Executive Vice President -

2008

   General Counsel

 

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

135 East Tugalo Street

Atlanta, Georgia

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Toccoa, Georgia 30577

Atlanta, Georgia

(706) 886-7571

 

Requests for Additional Information

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




47






BRANCH OPERATIONS

 

 

 

 

 

Division I - South Carolina

 

 

 

 

 

 

Virginia K. Palmer

----------

Vice President

 

 

Regional Operations Directors

 

 

Richard F. Corirossi

 

Brian L. McSwain

 

 

David A. Hoard

 

Larry D. Mixson

 

 

Victoria A. McLeod

 

M. Summer Rhodes

 

 

 

 

 

 

Division II - North Georgia  *

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ronald F. Morrow

----------

Vice President

 

 

Regional Operations Directors

 

 

Ronald E. Byerly

 

John R. Massey

 

 

A. Keith Chavis

 

Sharon S. Langford

 

 

Shelia H. Garrett

 

Diana L. Lewis

 

 

Janee G. Huff

 

Harriet H. Welch

 

 

 

 

 

 

Division III – South Georgia *

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marcus C. Thomas

----------

Vice President

 

 

Regional Operations Directors

 

 

Bertrand P. Brown

 

Thomas C. Lennon

 

 

William J. Daniel

 

James A. Mahaffey

 

 

Judy A. Landon

 

Jennifer C. Purser

 

 

Jeffrey C. Lee

 

Michelle Rentz-Benton

 

 

 

 

 

 

Division IV - Alabama and Tennessee

 

 

 

 

 

 

Michael J. Whitaker

----------

Vice President

 

 

Joseph R. Cherry

----------

Area Vice President - TN

 

 

Regional Operations Directors

 

 

Janice E. Childers

 

Johnny M. Olive

 

 

Brian M. Hill

 

Hilda L. Phillips

 

 

Jerry H. Hughes

 

Michael E. Shankles

 

 

J. Steven Knotts

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Division V – Louisiana and Mississippi

 

 

 

 

 

 

James P. Smith, III

----------

Vice President

 

 

John B. Gray

----------

Area Vice President - LA

 

 

Regional Operations Directors

 

 

Sonya L. Acosta

 

Carla A. Eldridge

 

 

Bryan W. Cook

 

Jimmy R. Fairbanks, Jr.

 

 

Charles R. Childress

 

Chad H. Frederick

 

 

Jeremy R. Cranfield

 

Marty B. Miskelly

 

 

T. Loy Davis

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ADMINISTRATION

 

 

 

 

 

Lynn E. Cox

Vice President –

 

Investment Center

 

Anita S. Looney

Vice President –

 Branch Administration

Cindy H. Mullin

Vice President –

   Information Technology

 

Pamela S. Rickman

Vice President  -

Compliance / Audit

Brian D. Lingle

Vice President –

Controller

 

 R. Darryl Parker

Vice President -

   Employee Development

 

 

 

 

 




48






 

 

___________________


2013 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 McDonough, Georgia staff for this significant achievement.  The Friendly Franklin Folks salute you!





49






                                   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

Adamsville

Bessemer

Enterprise

Huntsville (2)

Opp

Scottsboro

Albertville

Center Point

Fayette

Jasper

Oxford

Selma

Alexander City

Clanton

Florence

Moody

Ozark

Sylacauga

Andalusia

Cullman

Fort Payne

Moulton

Pelham

Troy

Arab

Decatur

Gadsden

Muscle Shoals

Prattville

Tuscaloosa

Athens

Dothan

Hamilton

Opelika

Russellville (2)

Wetumpka


GEORGIA

Adel

Carrollton

Dallas

Georgetown

Madison

Statesboro

Albany (2)

Cartersville

Dalton

Gray

Manchester

Stockbridge

Alma

Cedartown

Dawson

Greensboro

McDonough

Swainsboro

Americus

Chatsworth

Douglas (2)

Griffin

Milledgeville

Sylvania

Athens (2)

Clarkesville

Douglasville

Hartwell

Monroe

Sylvester

Bainbridge

Claxton

Dublin

Hawkinsville

Montezuma

Thomaston

Barnesville

Clayton

East Ellijay

Hazlehurst

Monticello

Thomson

Baxley

Cleveland

Eastman

Helena

Moultrie

Tifton

Blairsville

Cochran

Eatonton

Hinesville (2)

Nashville

Toccoa

Blakely

Colquitt

Elberton

Hogansville

Newnan

Valdosta

Blue Ridge

Columbus

Fayetteville

Jackson

Perry

Vidalia

Bremen

Commerce

Fitzgerald

Jasper

Pooler

Villa Rica

Brunswick

Conyers

Flowery Branch

Jefferson

Richmond Hill

Warner Robins

Buford

Cordele

Forsyth

Jesup

Rome

Washington

Butler

Cornelia

Fort Valley

LaGrange

Royston

Waycross

Cairo

Covington

Fort Oglethorpe

Lavonia

Sandersville

Waynesboro

Calhoun

Cumming

Gainesville

Lawrenceville

Savannah

Winder

Canton

Dahlonega

Garden City

 

 

 



LOUISIANA

Abbeville

Denham           Springs    

Houma

Marksville

New Iberia

Slidell

Alexandria

DeRidder

Jena

Minden

Opelousas

Springhill

Bossier City

Eunice

Lafayette

Monroe

Pineville

Sulphur

Bastrop

Franklin

LaPlace

Morgan City

Prairieville

Thibodaux

Crowley

Hammond

Leesville

Natchitoches

Ruston

Winnsboro

DeRidder

MISSISSIPPI

Batesville

Columbus

Hazlehurst

Magee

Oxford

Ripley

Bay St. Louis

Corinth

Hernando

McComb

Pearl

Senatobia

Booneville

Forest

Houston

Meridian

Philadelphia

Starkville

Brookhaven

Grenada

Iuka

New Albany

Picayune

Tupelo

Carthage

Gulfport

Jackson

Newton

Pontotoc

Winona

Columbia

Hattiesburg

Kosciusko

Olive Branch

 

 

Columbia

SOUTH CAROLINA

Aiken

Chester

Greenville

Lexington

North Augusta

Spartanburg

Anderson

Columbia

Greenwood

Greenwood

North Charleston

Summerville

Batesburg-      Leesville

Conway

Greer

Manning

North Greenville

Sumter

Beaufort

Dillon

Hartsville

Marion

Orangeburg

Union

Camden

Easley

Irmo

Moncks        Corner

Rock Hill

Walterboro



50








Cayce

Florence

Lancaster

Myrtle Beach

Seneca

Winnsboro

Charleston

Gaffney

Laurens

Newberry

Simpsonville

York

Cheraw

Georgetown

 

 

 

 


 

 

1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION BRANCH OFFICES (Continued)

 

TENNESSEE

Aloca

Crossville

Greenville

Kingsport

Lenior City

Sevierville

Athens

Dayton

Hixson

Knoxville

Madisonville

Sparta

Bristol

Elizabethton

Johnson City

LaFollette

Newport

Winchester

Cleveland

Gallatin

 

 

 

 

 









1st FRANKLIN FINANCIAL CORPORATION



MISSION STATEMENT:


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

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





CORE VALUES:


Ø

Integrity Without Compromise


Ø

Open Honest Communication


Ø

Respect all Customers and Employees


Ø

Teamwork and Collaboration


Ø

Personal Accountability


Ø

Run It Like You Own It





51