Table of Contents

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UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

 

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FORM 10-Q

 

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☒	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2020

 

OR

 

☐	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

 

For the transition period from                    to                    

 

Commission file number: 001-35637

 

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ASTA FUNDING, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

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Delaware		22-3388607
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(IRS Employer Identification No.)
210 Sylvan Ave., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey		07632
(Address of principal executive offices)		(Zip Code)

 

Registrant’s telephone number: (201) 567-5648

 

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Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report: N/A

 

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

 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files).    

Yes   ☒     No   ☐

 

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

 

Large accelerated filer		☐		Accelerated filer		☐
Non-accelerated filer		☒		Smaller reporting company		☒
Emerging growth company		☐

 

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ☐

 

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

 

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:
Title of each class		Trading Symbol(s)		Name of each exchange on which registered
Common stock, par value $0.01 per share		ASFI		Nasdaq Global Select Market

 

As of May 22, 2020, the registrant had 6,567,765 common shares outstanding.

 

 

 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO FORM 10-Q

 

Part I-FINANCIAL INFORMATION	3
Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	3
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2020 (unaudited) and September 30, 2019	3
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2020 (unaudited) and 2019 (unaudited)	4
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and six months ended March 31, 2020 (unaudited) and 2019 (unaudited)	5
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Stockholders’ Equity for the three and six months ended March 31, 2020 (unaudited) and 2019 (unaudited)	6
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended March 31, 2020 (unaudited) and 2019 (unaudited)	7
Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	8
Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	27
Item 4. Controls and Procedures	36
Part II-OTHER INFORMATION	37
Item 1. Legal Proceedings	37
Item 1A. Risk Factors	38
Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	38
Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities	38
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures	38
Item 5. Other Information	39
Item 6. Exhibits	39
Signatures	40

   

 

		March 31, 2020 (Unaudited)				September 30, 2019
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents		$	8,982,000			$	4,308,000
Available for sale debt securities (at fair value)			55,692,000				56,123,000
Investments in equity securities (at fair value)			8,111,000				8,136,000
Consumer receivables acquired for liquidation (at cost)			1,193,000				1,668,000
Investment in personal injury claims, net			3,709,000				5,190,000
Due from third party collection agencies and attorneys			345,000				596,000
Accounts receivable, net			212,000				266,000
Prepaid and income taxes receivable, net			68,000				264,000
Furniture and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $2.0 million at March 31, 2020 and $1.9 million at September 30, 2019			72,000				120,000
Right of use assets			454,000			––
Equity method investment			223,000				280,000
Settlement receivable			757,000				1,558,000
Deferred income taxes			9,383,000				9,631,000
Goodwill			1,410,000				1,410,000
Other assets			1,754,000				1,135,000
Total assets		$	92,365,000			$	90,685,000
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		$	1,499,000			$	994,000
Right of use liability			456,000			––
Income taxes payable			391,000				787,000
			2,346,000				1,781,000
Commitments and contingencies
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Preferred stock, $.01 par value; authorized 5,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding — none			—				—
Preferred stock, Series A Junior Participating, $.01 par value; authorized 30,000 shares; issued and outstanding — none			—				—
Common stock, $.01 par value, authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued 13,459,708 at March 31, 2020 and September 30, 2019; and outstanding 6,567,765 at March 31, 2020 and September 30, 2019			135,000				135,000
Additional paid-in capital			68,558,000				68,558,000
Retained earnings			88,880,000				87,907,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes			418,000				276,000
Treasury stock (at cost) 6,891,943 shares at March 31, 2020 and September 30, 2019			(67,972,000	)			(67,972,000	)
Total stockholders’ equity			90,019,000				88,904,000
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	92,365,000			$	90,685,000

 

		Three Months				Three Months				Six Months				Six Months
		Ended				Ended				Ended				Ended
		March 31, 2020				March 31, 2019				March 31, 2020				March 31, 2019
Revenues:
Finance income, net		$	2,808,000			$	3,481,000			$	5,940,000			$	6,975,000
Personal injury claims income			165,000				456,000				541,000				1,169,000
Disability fee income			900,000				1,296,000				1,708,000				2,557,000
Total revenues			3,873,000				5,233,000				8,189,000				10,701,000
Other Income:
Interest and dividend income			320,000				255,000				649,000				454,000
Gain on settlement			30,000				323,000				30,000				323,000
Other income (expense), net			(172,000	)			51,000				(161,000	)			86,000
Total other income			178,000				629,000				518,000				863,000
			4,051,000				5,862,000				8,707,000				11,564,000
Expenses:
General and administrative			3,906,000				3,395,000				7,098,000				7,321,000
Impairment of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation		––					—				23,000				—
Loss from equity method investment			53,000				56,000				57,000				86,000
			3,959,000				3,451,000				7,178,000				7,407,000
Income before income tax			92,000				2,411,000				1,529,000				4,157,000
Income tax expense			164,000				638,000				556,000				1,109,000
Net (loss) income		$	(72,000	)		$	1,773,000			$	973,000			$	3,048,000
Net income (loss) per share:
Basic		$	(0.01	)		$	0.27			$	0.15			$	0.46
Diluted		$	(0.01	)		$	0.27			$	0.15			$	0.46
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding:
Basic			6,567,765				6,685,415				6,567,765				6,685,415
Diluted			6,567,765				6,685,827				6,654,873				6,685,775

 

		Three Months Ended March 31, 2020				Three Months Ended March 31, 2019				Six Months Ended March 31, 2020				Six Months Ended March 31, 2019
Comprehensive income is as follows:
Net (loss) income		$	(72,000	)		$	1,773,000			$	973,000			$	3,048,000
Net unrealized gain (loss) on debt securities, net of tax (expense)/ benefit of ($9,000) and ($35,000) during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $43,000 and ($87,000) during the six months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.			21,000				88,000				(107,000	)			223,000
Reclassification adjustment for securities sold, net of tax expense of ($2,000) and $0 during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and ($50,000) and $0 during the six months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.			5,000			––					127,000			––
Foreign currency translation, net of tax (expense) / benefit of ($43,000) and $17,000 during the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and ($31,000) and ($7,000) during the six months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.			166,000				(44,000	)			122,000				36,000
Other comprehensive income			192,000				44,000				142,000				259,000
Total comprehensive income		$	120,000			$	1,817,000			$	1,115,000			$	3,307,000

 

		Common Stock								Additional								Accumulated Other								Total
		Issued Shares				Amount				Paid-in Capital				Retained Earnings				Comprehensive Income				Treasury Stock				Stockholders’ Equity
Balance, September 30, 2019			13,459,708			$	135,000			$	68,558,000			$	87,907,000			$	276,000			$	(67,972,000	)		$	88,904,000
Net income			—				—				—				1,045,000				—				—				1,045,000
Unrealized loss on debt securities, net			—				—				—				—				(128,000	)			—				(128,000	)
Amount reclassified from other comprehensive income			—				—				—				—				122,000				—				122,000
Foreign currency translation, net			—				—				—				—				(44,000	)			—				(44,000	)
Balance, December 31, 2019			13,459,708			$	135,000			$	68,558,000			$	88,952,000			$	226,000			$	(67,972,000	)		$	89,899,000
Net loss			—				—				—				(72,000	)			—				—				(72,000	)
Unrealized gain on debt securities, net			—				—				—				—				21,000				—				21,000
Amount reclassified from other comprehensive income			—				—				—				—				5,000				—				5,000
Foreign currency translation, net			—				—				—				—				166,000				—				166,000
Balance, March 31, 2020			13,459,708			$	135,000			$	68,558,000			$	88,880,000			$	418,000			$	(67,972,000	)		$	90,019,000

		Common Stock								Additional								Accumulated Other								Total
		Issued Shares				Amount				Paid-in Capital				Retained Earnings				Comprehensive Income				Treasury Stock				Stockholders’ Equity
Balance, September 30, 2018			13,459,708			$	135,000			$	68,551,000			$	80,834,000			$	35,000			$	(67,128,000	)		$	82,427,000
Cumulative effect of adjustment for adoption of ASC 606, net of tax of $80,000			—				—				—				173,000				—				—				173,000
Cumulative effect of adjustment for adoption of ASU No. 2016-01, net of tax of $5,000			—				—				—				(10,000	)			10,000				—				—
Adjusted opening equity			13,459,708			$	135,000			$	68,551,000			$	80,997,000			$	45,000			$	(67,128,000	)		$	82,600,000
Stock based compensation expense			—				—				7,000				—				—				—				7,000
Net income			—				—				—				1,275,000				—				—				1,275,000
Unrealized gain on debt securities, net			—				—				—				—				135,000				—				135,000
Foreign currency translation, net			—				—				—				—				80,000				—				80,000
Balance, December 31, 2018			13,459,708			$	135,000			$	68,558,000			$	82,272,000			$	260,000			$	(67,128,000	)		$	84,097,000
Net income			—				—				—				1,773,000				—				—				1,773,000
Unrealized gain on debt securities, net			—				—				—				—				88,000				—				88,000
Foreign currency translation, net			—				—				—				—				(44,000	)			—				(44,000	)
Balance, March 31, 2019			13,459,708			$	135,000			$	68,558,000			$	84,045,000			$	304,000			$	(67,128,000	)		$	85,914,000

 

		Six Months Ended
		March 31, 2020				March 31, 2019
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income		$	973,000			$	3,048,000
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization			48,000				44,000
Deferred income taxes			241,000				305,000
Impairment of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation			23,000			––
Stock based compensation		––					7,000
Unrealized (gain)loss on equity securities			162,000				(21,000	)
Provision/ (recoveries) for bad debts – personal injury claims			(59,000	)			158,000
Loss from equity method investment			57,000				86,000
Changes in:
Prepaid and income taxes receivable			196,000				(3,109,000	)
Due from third party collection agencies and attorneys			238,000				87,000
Accounts receivable			54,000				(209,000	)
Settlement receivable		––					(223,000	)
Other assets			(619,000	)			(449,000	)
Other liabilities			627,000				(648,000	)
Right of use assets			182,000			––
Right of use liabilities			(180,000	)		––
Income taxes payable			(396,000	)		––
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities			1,547,000				(924,000	)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Principal collected on receivables acquired for liquidation			411,000				1,026,000
Purchase of available for sale debt securities and investments in equity securities			(97,248,000	)			(38,474,000	)
Proceeds from sale of available for sale debt securities			97,569,000				30,480,000
Proceeds from note receivable		––					482,000
Proceeds from settlement receivable			801,000				925,000
Personal injury claims - advances			(116,000	)			—
Personal injury claims - receipts			1,656,000				3,957,000
Change in equity method investment		––					(61,000	)
Capital expenditures		––					(112,000	)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities			3,073,000				(1,777,000	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Net cash provided by financing activities			—				—
Foreign currency effect on cash			54,000				111,000
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents			4,674,000				(2,590,000	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period			4,308,000				6,284,000
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period		$	8,982,000			$	3,694,000
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for: Income taxes		$	700,000			$	4,000,000
Supplemental disclosure of non-cash operating activities:
Initial recognition of right of use assets		$	636,000			––
Initial recognition of right of use assets		$	636,000			$	—

 

   Note 1 – Correction of Previously Issued Consolidated Financial Statements

 

During the preparation of its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three and six months ended March 31, 2020, Asta Funding, Inc. (the “Company”) determined that certain adjustments were needed to correct the previously issued September 30, 2019 consolidated financial statements.  Specifically, management determined that it had understated its income taxes payable and related income tax expense from foreign operations and understated accrued professional fees and related professional fee expense as of and for the year ended September 30, 2019. In accordance with Securities and Exchange Commission Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 99, Materiality, and SAB No. 108, Considering the Effects of Prior Year Misstatements when Quantifying Misstatements in Current Year Financial Statements, we evaluated the materiality of the errors from a qualitative and quantitative perspective and concluded that the effect of the errors were not material to our previously issued consolidated financial statements.

 

As a result, the accompanying consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended September 30, 2019 have been revised to correct for these immaterial accounting errors. Correction of these immaterial errors resulted in an increase in income taxes payable of $212,000 and an increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses of $53,000 with a corresponding increase in income tax expense and general and administrative expense, respectively. The cumulative effect of these adjustments on retained earnings as of October 1, 2019 was a reduction of $265,000.

 

The following tables summarize the effects of the revisions on the Company’s previously reported consolidated financial statements in its Annual Report on Form 10-K as of and for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019 (the “2019 Form 10-K”).

 

 

 

 

The correction of these errors had no net effect on net cash flows provided by operating activities, and no effect on financing or investing activities.

 

 

 

  Note 2—Business and Basis of Presentation  

 

Business  

 

The Company, Asta Funding, Inc., a Delaware Corporation (“we” or “us”), together with its wholly owned significant operating subsidiaries Palisades Collection, LLC, Palisades Acquisition XVI, LLC (“Palisades XVI”), Palisades Acquisition XIX, LLC (“Palisades XIX”), Palisades Acquisition XXIII, LLC (“Palisades XXIII”), VATIV Recovery Solutions LLC (“VATIV”), ASFI Pegasus Holdings, LLC (“APH”), Fund Pegasus, LLC (“Fund Pegasus”), GAR Disability Advocates, LLC (“GAR Disability Advocates”), Five Star Veterans Disability, LLC (“Five Star”), EMIRIC, LLC (“EMIRIC”), Simia Capital, LLC (“Simia”), Sylvave, LLC (“Sylvave”) (formerly known as Pegasus Funding, LLC (“Pegasus”)), Arthur Funding LLC (“Arthur Funding”) (formerly known as Practical Funding, LLC (“Practical Funding”)), and other subsidiaries, which are not all wholly owned, is engaged in several business segments in the financial services industry including funding of personal injury claims, through the Company's wholly owned subsidiaries Sylvave, Simia and Arthur Funding, social security disability advocacy through the Company's wholly owned subsidiaries GAR Disability Advocates and Five Star and the business of purchasing, managing for its own account and servicing distressed consumer receivables, including charged off receivables, and semi-performing receivables.

 

We operate principally in the United States in three reportable business segments: consumer receivables, social security disability advocacy and personal injury claims.

 

Consumer receivables

 

This segment is engaged in the business of purchasing, managing for its own account and servicing distressed charged off receivables including consumer receivables. Recently, our effort has been in the international areas (mainly South America), as we have curtailed our active purchasing of consumer receivables in the United States. We acquire these consumer receivables at substantial discounts to their face values, based on the characteristics of the underlying accounts of each portfolio. 

 

 Personal injury claims

 

This segment is comprised of purchased interests in personal injury claims from claimants who are a party to a personal injury claim. The Company advances to each claimant funds on a non-recourse basis at an agreed upon fee, in anticipation of a future settlement. The Company capitalizes employee compensation and benefits expenses as direct costs related to the origination of personal injury advances. Claims purchased consist of the right to receive, from such claimant, part of the proceeds or recoveries which such claimant receives by reason of a settlement, judgment or award with respect to such claimant’s claim. The Company historically funded personal injury claims in Simia and Sylvave. The Company formed a new wholly owned subsidiary, Practical Funding on March 16, 2018 to continue in the personal injury claims funding business. On April 8, 2019, Practical Funding changed its name to Arthur Funding, LLC. Arthur Funding began funding advances on personal injury claims in May 2019 (see Note 6).

 

Simia commenced operations in January 2017, and conducts its business solely in the United States. Simia obtained its business from external brokers and internal sales professionals soliciting attorneys and law firms who represent claimants who have personal injury claims. Business was also obtained from its website and through attorneys. The personal injury claims segment includes the consolidated results of operations of Sylvave, Simia and Arthur Funding. Simia and Sylvave are not funding any new advances, but continue to collect on outstanding personal claim advances in the ordinary course. 

 

Social security disability advocacy 

 

This segment consists of advocacy groups representing individuals throughout the United States in their claims for social security disability and supplemental social security income benefits from the Social Security Administration and Department of Veterans Affairs. It relies upon Search Engine Optimization (“SEO”) to bring awareness to its intended market.

 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 2—Business and Basis of Presentation (Continued)

  

Basis of Presentation

 

The condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2020, the condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive income (loss) for the three and six months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the condensed consolidated statements of stockholders’ equity as of and for the three and six months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, and the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the six months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, are unaudited. The September 30, 2019 financial information included in this report was derived from our audited financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary to present fairly our financial position at March 31, 2020, the results of operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the condensed consolidated statement of comprehensive income (loss) for the three and six months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the condensed consolidated statement of stockholders' equity for the three and six months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 and condensed consolidated cash flows for the six months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 have been made. The results of operations for the three and six months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 are not necessarily indicative of the operating results for any other interim period or the full fiscal year.  

 

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and therefore do not include all information and note disclosures required under generally accepted accounting principles. The Company suggests that these financial statements be read in conjunction with the financial statements and notes thereto included in our 2019 Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. 

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“US GAAP”) and industry practices.

 

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates including management’s estimates of future cash flows and the resulting rates of return.

 

The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Asta Funding, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

 

Pending Transactions 

 

On April 8, 2020 the Company announced that it has entered into a definitive merger agreement (the “Merger Agreement”) under which the Stern Group, comprised of Gary Stern, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Ricky Stern and certain related parties, will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock of the Company through the merger of the Company with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Asta Finance Acquisition Inc. (“Parent”), with the Company surviving as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Parent (the “Merger”).

 

Each share of outstanding common stock will be purchased for $11.47 in cash.

 

The Merger was unanimously approved by the board of directors of Asta (the “Board”), acting on the unanimous recommendation of a special committee of independent and disinterested directors (the “Special Committee”) that was granted full authority to conduct a comprehensive strategic review and evaluate, and if warranted, negotiate an acquisition proposal. The Merger is subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions as well as the approval by the Company’s stockholders other than the Stern Group. Upon closing, the Company will become a privately held company and as such, the Company’s shares of common stock will no longer be listed or traded on the Nasdaq Global Select Market.

 

Subsequent to the approval of the Merger by the Board, on May 22, 2020, RBF Capital, LLC notified the Company’s Board of Directors, of its proposal to acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Company not currently held by RBF Capital, LLC for a price of $13.00 per share in cash (the “RBF Capital Proposal”), representing a 13% premium to the Stern Investor Group’s proposed purchase price of $11.47 per share. RBF Capital, LLC intends to finance the proposed acquisition with internal cash. RBF Capital, LLC is prepared to immediately negotiate a confidentiality agreement, commence due diligence and begin negotiation of definitive documentation for a transaction. RBF Capital, LLC is open to a co-investment with the Stern Investor Group as part of their buyout proposal, if the members of the Stern family wish to retain their equity in the Company. The RBF Capital Proposal does not purport to be complete and RBF Capital, LLC reserves the right to modify the RBF Capital Proposal in any way, to extend or discontinue discussions regarding the same, or to withdraw the RBF Capital Proposal at any time. RBF Capital, LLC may, directly or indirectly, take such additional steps from time to time as it may deem appropriate to further the RBF Capital Proposal as may be modified from time to time, including, without limitation, (a) engaging in discussions regarding the same with the Company, other shareholders advisors, and other relevant parties, and (b) entering into other agreements, arrangements and understanding as may be appropriate in connection with its RBF Capital Proposal, as may be modified from time to time. The Special Committee is evaluating the RBF Capital Proposal.

 

During the three and six months ended March 31, 2020, the Company incurred fees and expenses in connection with the Merger of $531,000 and $785,000, respectively, included in general and administrative expenses on the accompanying consolidated statement of operations.

 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 2—Business and Basis of Presentation (Continued) 

 

  Risks and Uncertainties 

 

Current economic uncertainty brought about as a result of the coronavirus 2019 (“COVID-19”) global pandemic may adversely impact the results of operations and liquidity of the Company overall and its business units to varying degrees over the near and longer term, particularly if the economic effects of the pandemic worsen or persist for an extended period of time. 

 

A contributing factor to this expected near-term impact is that the COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the ability of many consumers to pay their charged-off consumer receivable balances.  In addition, the world-wide effect of this pandemic has been to drastically reduce employment both in the U.S. and abroad, and because employment is the greatest predictor of a consumer debtor to fulfill his or her obligations, diminished cash flows are probable in this segment. Our Personal Injury claims business relies on the adjudication of personal injury claims for which we purchase an interest in the right to receive, from such claimant, part of the proceeds or recoveries which such claimant receives by reason of a settlement, judgment or award with respect to such claimant’s claim. Most courthouses have temporarily closed and lawsuits are not being adjudicated.  It is unclear as to when there will be a full reopening of the court system, and, as such, many cases will be held in abeyance as part of an already long-standing backlog.

 

While it is premature to quantify the impact of the evolving effects of COVID-19 and the effectiveness of measures taken by global governments to mitigate the pandemic and its economic impact, we expect COVID-19 will negatively impact the Company’s results of operations and its cash flows across both the consumer receivable and personal injury claim segments.  The nature,  extent and duration of the impact to the Company’s businesses will depend on implications to the  general economic and financial markets, changes in economic variables, such as the availability of consumer credit, the ability of consumers to pay amounts owed to us; the effect on the housing market; the rate of unemployment; the number and size of personal bankruptcy filings;the effect on energy costs;  the levels of consumer confidence and consumer debt; investor sentiment; and any closures to our offices. Additionally, government actions in response to the pandemic may hinder our collection activities or result in increased expenses. 

 

Management is actively monitoring the impact of the global situation on our financial condition, liquidity, operations, and workforce. Given the daily evolution of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global responses to curb its spread, the Company is not able to estimate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on its results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity for fiscal year 2020.

 

Concentration of Credit Risk – Cash and cash equivalents

 

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity date of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.  

 

Cash balances are maintained at various depository institutions and are insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). The Company had a cash balance with one bank at March 31, 2020 that exceeded the balance insured by the FDIC by approximately $5.3 million. Additionally, three foreign banks with an aggregate $2.3 million balances are not FDIC insured. The Company does not believe it is exposed to any significant credit risk due to concentration of cash. 

 

Investments in Equity Securities  

 

 All equity investments in nonconsolidated entities are measured at fair value with changes recognized in earnings, except for those accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Changes in the fair value of equity securities are included in other income, net on the condensed consolidated statement of operations.

 

Available-for-Sale Debt Securities   

 

Debt investments that the Company intends to hold for an indefinite period of time, but not necessarily to maturity, are classified as available-for-sale debt securities and are carried at fair value. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale debt securities are determined using the specific-identification method. Unrealized gains/losses are recorded in other comprehensive income (loss).

 

Declines in the fair value of individual available-for-sale debt securities below their respective costs that are other than temporary will result in write-downs of the individual securities to their fair value. Factors affecting the determination of whether an other-than-temporary impairment has occurred include: a downgrading of the security by a rating agency, a significant deterioration in the financial condition of the issuer, or that management would not have the ability to hold a security for a period of time sufficient to allow for any anticipated recovery in fair value.  

 

Personal Injury Claim Advances and Impairments

 

The Company accounts for its investments in personal injury claims at an agreed upon fee, in anticipation of a future settlement. Purchased personal injury claim advances consists of the right to receive from a claimant part of the proceeds or recoveries which such claimant receives by reason of a settlement, judgment or reward with respect to such claimant’s claim. Open case revenue is estimated, recognized and accrued based on the expected realization and underwriting guidelines and facts and circumstances for each individual case. These personal injury claims are non-recourse. When a case is closed and the cash is received for the advance provided to a claimant, revenue is recognized based upon the contractually agreed upon fee, and, if applicable, adjusted for any changes due to a settled amount and fees charged to the claimant.

 

Management assesses the quality of the personal injury claims portfolio through an analysis of the underlying personal injury fundings on a case by case basis. Cases are reviewed through periodic updates with attorneys handling the cases, as well as with third party research tools which monitor public filings, such as motions or judgments rendered on specific cases. The Company specifically reserves for those fundings where the underlying cases are identified as uncollectible, due to anticipated non-favorable verdicts and/or settlements at levels where recovery of the advance outstanding is unlikely. For cases that have not exhibited any specific negative collection indicators, the Company establishes reserves based on the historical collections of the fee income. Fee income on advances is reserved for on all cases where a specific reserve is established on the initially funded amount. In addition, management also monitors its historical collection on fee income and establishes reserves on fee income consistent with the historically experienced collection rates. Management regularly analyzes and updates the historical collection of its initially funded cases as well as its fee income.

 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 2—Business and Basis of Presentation (Continued) 

 

Income Recognition - Consumer Receivables 

 

The Company accounts for certain of its investments in consumer receivables using the guidance of Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 310, Receivables - Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality (“ASC 310”). Under the guidance of ASC 310, static pools of accounts are established. These pools are aggregated based on certain common risk criteria. Each static pool is recorded at cost and is accounted for as a single unit for the recognition of income, principal payments and loss provision. Due to the substantial reduction of portfolios reported under the interest method, and the inability to reasonably estimate cash collections required to account for those portfolios under the interest method the Company concluded the cost recovery method is the appropriate accounting method under the circumstances.

 

Under the guidance of ASC 310, the Company must analyze a portfolio upon acquisition to ensure which method is appropriate, and once a static pool is established for a quarter, individual receivable accounts are not added to the pool (unless replaced by the seller) or removed from the pool (unless sold or returned to the seller).

 

The Company uses the cost recovery method when collections on a particular pool of accounts cannot be reasonably predicted. Under the cost recovery method, no income is recognized until the cost of the portfolio has been fully recovered. A pool can become fully amortized (zero carrying balance on the balance sheet) while still generating cash collections. At such time, all cash collections are recognized as revenue when received.

 

Impairments - Consumer Receivables 

 

The Company accounts for its impairments in accordance with ASC 310, which provides guidance on how to account for differences between contractual and expected cash flows from an investor’s initial investment in loans or debt securities acquired in a transfer if those differences are attributable, at least in part, to credit quality. The recognition of income under ASC 310 is dependent on the Company having the ability to develop reasonable expectations of both the timing and amount of cash flows to be collected. In the event the Company cannot develop a reasonable expectation as to both the timing and amount of cash flows expected to be collected, ASC 310 permits the change to the cost recovery method. The Company will recognize income only after it has recovered its carrying value. 

 

If collection projections indicate the carrying value will not be recovered, an impairment is required. The impairment will be equal to the difference between the carrying value at the time of the forecast and the corresponding estimated remaining future collections. The Company believes it has significant experience in acquiring certain distressed consumer receivable portfolios at a significant discount to the amount actually owed by underlying customers. The Company invests in these portfolios only after both qualitative and quantitative analyses of the underlying receivables are performed and a calculated purchase price is paid so that it believes its estimated cash flow offers an adequate return on acquisition costs after servicing expenses. Additionally, when considering larger portfolio purchases of accounts, or portfolios from issuers with whom the Company has limited experience, it has the added benefit of soliciting its third party collection agencies and attorneys for their input on liquidation rates and, at times, incorporates such input into the estimates it uses for its expected cash flows, and the Company’s ability to recover their cost basis.

 

Income Recognition - Social Security Disability Advocacy 

 

 In accordance with FASB ASC 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers, the Company recognizes disability fee income for GAR Disability Advocates and Five Star when disability claimant’s cases close, when cash is received or when the Company receives a notice of award from the Social Security Administration (“SSA”) or the Department of Veterans Affairs that stipulates the amount of fee approved by the SSA to be paid to the Company. The Company establishes a reserve for the differentials in amounts awarded by the SSA compared to the actual amounts received by the Company. Fees paid to the Company are withheld by the SSA against the claimant's disability claim award, and are remitted directly to the Company from the SSA.

 

Commissions and fees   

 

Commissions and fees are the contractual commissions earned by third party collection agencies and attorneys, and direct costs associated with the collection effort, generally court costs and asset searches. The Company utilizes third party collection agencies and attorney networks. 

 

Income taxes   

 

Deferred federal and state taxes arise from (i) recognition of finance income collected for tax purposes, but not yet recognized for financial reporting; (ii) provision for impairments/credit losses, all resulting in timing differences between financial accounting and tax reporting; (iii) amortization of intangibles resulting in timing differences between financial accounting and tax reporting; (iv) stock based compensation; and (v) partnership investments.

 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 2—Business and Basis of Presentation (Continued) 

 

Fair Value Hierarchy 

 

FASB ASC 825, Financial Instruments, (“ASC 825”), requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized on the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. Because there are a limited number of market participants for certain of the Company’s assets and liabilities, fair value estimates are based upon judgments regarding credit risk, investor expectation of economic conditions, normal cost of administration and other risk characteristics, including interest rate and prepayment risk. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of judgment, which significantly affect the estimates.

 

The Company records its available-for-sale debt securities and investments in equity securities at estimated fair value on a recurring basis. The accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements include estimated fair value information regarding its available-for-sale debt securities and investments in equity securities as of March 31, 2020, as required by FASB ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (“ASC 820”). ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability (an exit price) in an orderly transaction between market participants on the measurement date. ASC 820 also establishes a fair value hierarchy which requires an entity to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. A financial instrument’s level within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of input significant to the fair value measurement. 

 

Level 1 - Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the Company has the ability to assess at the measurement date.

 

Level 2 - Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices in markets that are not active for identical or similar assets or liabilities; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the asset or liability.

 

Level 3 - Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities that are developed using the reporting entities’ estimates and assumptions, which reflect those that market participants would use. 

 

ASC 825 requires disclosure of fair value information about financial instruments, whether or not recognized on the balance sheet, for which it is practicable to estimate that value. Because there are a limited number of market participants for certain of the Company’s assets and liabilities, fair value estimates are based upon judgments regarding credit risk, investor expectation of economic conditions, normal cost of administration and other risk characteristics, including interest rate and prepayment risk. These estimates are subjective in nature and involve uncertainties and matters of judgment, which significantly affect the estimates.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements  

 

Adopted During the Six Months Ended March 31, 2020

 

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) (“ASU 2016-02”) which requires lessees to recognize right-of-use assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with terms longer than 12 months. For a lease with a term of 12 months or less, a lessee is permitted to make an accounting policy election by class of underlying asset not to recognize a right-of-use asset and lease liability. Additionally, when measuring assets and liabilities arising from a lease, optional payments should be included only if the lessee is reasonably certain to exercise an option to extend the lease, exercise a purchase option or not exercise an option to terminate the lease. In January 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-01, Leases (Topic 842): Land Easement Practical Expedient for Transition to Topic 842 (“ASU 2018-01”). ASU 2018-01 was issued to address concerns about the cost and complexity of complying with the transition provisions of ASU 2016-02. Additionally, in July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, “Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements, which provides an alternative transition method that permits an entity to use the effective date of ASU 2016-02 as the date of initial application through the recognition of a cumulative effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings upon adoption. The standard became effective in for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those years, and early adoption is permitted (see Note 8 – Right of Use Assets). 

 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 2—Business and Basis of Presentation (Continued)

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements (continued)

 

The Company adopted the lease accounting standard using the modified retrospective transition option on adoption on October 1, 2019, which had an immaterial impact to the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet. Upon adoption, the Company recorded additional lease liabilities of approximately $636,000 attributable to the Company’s operating leases based on the present value of the remaining minimum lease payments with an increase to right-of-use assets of approximately $636,000. The Company used 3.5% as its incremental borrowing rate to calculate the net present value of its leases at October 1, 2019, based on the Company's estimated borrowing rate for a collateralized loan. The Company had no debt outstanding as of October 1, 2019.

 

In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, which allows a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted on December 22, 2017, and requires certain disclosures about stranded tax effects. ASU 2018-02 was effective for the Company's fiscal year beginning October 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted, and was applied in the period of adoption in which the effect of the change in the U.S. federal corporate income tax rate in the Act was recognized. The adoption of this accounting update did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements Not Yet Adopted

  

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The ASU requires an organization to measure all expected credit losses for financial assets held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Additionally, the ASU amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. For the Company, this update will be effective for interim periods and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2022. Upon adoption, the Company will accelerate the recording of its credit losses and is continuing to assess the impact on its consolidated financial statements. 

 

In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04 Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment. The objective of this update is to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill, by eliminating step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The amendments in this update are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company does not believe this update will have a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

 

In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework - Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement. This ASU modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. The ASU removes the requirement to disclose: the amount of and reasons for transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy; the policy for timing of transfers between levels; and the valuation processes for Level 3 fair value measurements. The ASU requires disclosure of changes in unrealized gains and losses for the period included in other comprehensive income (loss) for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements held at the end of the reporting period and the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements. This ASU is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements.  

 

 In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes, which is intended to simplify various aspects related to accounting for income taxes. ASU 2019-12 removes certain exceptions to the general principles in Topic 740 and also clarifies and amends existing guidance to improve consistent application. ASU 2019-12 is effective for the Company beginning in fiscal 2022. The Company is evaluating the impact of the adoption of ASU 2019-12 on its financial statements, but does not expect such adoption to have a material impact.

 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 3—Investments in Debt and Equity Securities

 

Investments in Equity Securities  

 

Investments of equity securities at March 31, 2020 and September 30, 2019, consist of mutual funds valued at $8.1 million and $8.1 million, respectively.

 

Net gains and losses recognized on investments in equity securities for the three and six months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 are as follows:

 

 

Available for Sale Debt Securities

 

Available for sale debt securities at March 31, 2020 and September 30, 2019, consist of the following:

 

 

 

 

Unrealized holding gains and losses on available for sale debt securities are included in other comprehensive income (loss) within stockholders’ equity. Realized gains (losses) on available for sale debt securities are included in other income (loss) and, when applicable, are reported as a reclassification adjustment in other comprehensive income (loss).  

 

Note 4—Consumer Receivables Acquired for Liquidation

 

Accounts acquired for liquidation are stated at cost and consist primarily of defaulted consumer loans of individuals primarily, throughout the United States and South America.

 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)  

 

Note 4—Consumer Receivables Acquired for Liquidation (Continued) 

 

The following tables summarize the changes in the condensed consolidated balance sheet account of consumer receivables acquired for liquidation during the following periods:

 

 

 

 During the three and six months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 the Company did not purchase any new portfolios.

 

As of March 31, 2020, the Company held consumer receivables acquired for liquidation from Peru and Colombia of $0.8 million and $0.2 million, respectively. The total amount of foreign consumer receivables acquired for liquidation was $1.0 million, or 81.7% of the $1.2 million in total consumer receivables held at March 31, 2020. Of the total consumer receivables held domestically and internationally 3 individual portfolios comprise 26.3%, 18.3% and 14.5% of the overall asset balance at March 31, 2020.

 

As of September 30, 2019, the Company held consumer receivables acquired for liquidation from Peru and Colombia of $1.1 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The total amount of foreign consumer receivables acquired for liquidation was $1.4 million, or 83.8% of the total consumer receivables held of $1.7 million at September 30, 2019. Of the total consumer receivables held domestically and internationally 4 individual portfolios comprise 23.9%, 16.2%, 14.1% and 11.0% of the overall asset balance at September 30, 2019.

 

As of March 31, 2020, and September 30, 2019, 1.1% and 1.5% of the Company's total assets were related to its international operations, respectively. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, 5.5% and 4.9%, respectively, and 5.9% and 4.9%, respectively, of the Company's total revenue were related to its international operation.

 

At March 31, 2020, approximately 34% of the Company’s portfolio face value was serviced by five collection organizations.  At September 30, 2019, approximately 28% of the Company’s portfolio face value was serviced by five collection organizations. The Company has servicing agreements in place with these five collection organizations, as well as all of the Company’s other third-party collection agencies and attorneys that cover standard contingency fees and servicing of the accounts. While the 5 collection organizations represent only 34% and 28% as of March 31, 2020 and September 30, 2019, respectively, of the Company’s portfolio face value, it does represent approximately 89% and 86% of the Company’s portfolio face value at all third-party collection agencies and attorneys as of March 31, 2020 and September 30, 2019, respectively.

 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

  

Note 4—Consumer Receivables Acquired for Liquidation (Continued) 

 

The following table summarizes collections received by the Company’s third-party collection agencies and attorneys, less commissions and direct costs, for the three and six months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. 

 

 

(1)

Gross collections include collections from third party collection agencies and attorneys, collections from in-house efforts and collections represented by account sales.

(2)

Commissions are earned by third party collection agencies and attorneys, and include direct costs associated with the collection effort, generally court costs. In December 2007 an arrangement was consummated with one servicer who also received a 3% fee on gross collections received by the Company in connection with the related portfolio purchase.  The fee is charged for asset location and skip tracing in connection with this portfolio purchase.

 

  Note 5—Equity Method Investments

 

Serlefin Peru is a joint venture in which the Company has a 49% ownership interest. The other 51% is owned by three individuals who share common ownership with Serlefin BPO&O Serlefin S.A. (“Serlefin”). Each owner maintains voting rights equivalent to their share ownership, and the 51% shareholders collectively manage the operations of the business. Based on the Company's ownership and voting rights, the Company lacks requisite control of Serlefin Peru, and therefore accounts for its investment in Serlefin Peru under the equity method of accounting. Under the joint venture agreement, the Company is entitled to a management fee from Serlefin Peru in connection with certain payments made to Serlefin Peru. In light of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) pandemic, the Company agreed to delay the reimbursement of management fees due in April and May 2020.

 

Additionally, the Company and Serlefin jointly purchase international consumer debt portfolios under a purchase agreement. The Company and Serlefin purchase the portfolios on a pro-rata basis of 80% and 20%, respectively. The purchased portfolios are transferred to an administrative and payment trust, where the Company and Serlefin are trustees. Serlefin provides collection services to the trust, and receives a performance fee determined by the parties for each loan portfolio acquired. Serlefin received approximately $0.4 million and $0.2 million, and $0.7 million and $0.5 million in performance fees for the three and six months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.

 

The carrying value of the investment in Serlefin Peru was $223,000 and $280,000 as of March 31, 2020 and September 30, 2019, respectively. The cumulative net loss from our investment in Serlefin Peru from the date of the initial investment through March 31, 2020 was approximately $308,000, and was not significant to the Company's condensed consolidated statement of operations. The Company has determined that there is no impairment of this investment at March 31, 2020.

 

Note 6—Personal Injury Claims Funding 

 

Simia and Sylvave

 

As of March 31, 2020, Simia had a personal injury claims portfolio of $1.0 million, and recognized revenue for the three and six months then ended of $55,000 and $71,000, respectively.  As of September 30, 2019, Simia had a personal injury claims portfolio of $1.3 million, and recognized revenue of $15,000 and $29,000, respectively, for the three and six months ended March 31, 2019.

   

 As of March 31, 2020, Sylvave had a personal injury claims portfolio of $2.4 million, and recognized revenue for the three and six months then ended of $94,000 and $440,000, respectively.  As of September 30, 2019, Sylvave had a personal injury claims portfolio of $3.7 million, and recognized revenue of $441,000 and $1,140,000, respectively, for the three and six months ended March 31, 2019.

 

Simia and Sylvave remain in operation to continue to collect on their outstanding personal injury claim portfolios, but will not be funding any new advances to claimants. 

 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)  

 

Note 6—Personal Injury Claims Funding (Continued)

 

Arthur Funding

 

Arthur Funding began funding advances on personal injury claims in May 2019. As of March 31, 2020, Arthur Funding had a personal injury claims portfolio of $0.4 million, and recognized revenue for the three and six months then ended of $16,000 and $30,000, respectively. As of September 30, 2019, Arthur Funding had a personal injury claims portfolio of $0.2 million, and no revenue was recognized for the three and six months ended March 31, 2019.   

 

The following tables summarize the changes in the balance sheet account of personal injury claim portfolios held by Simia, Sylvave and Arthur Funding, net of reserves, for the following periods: 

 

 

  

 The Company recognized personal injury claims income of $0.2 million and $0.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, and $0.5 million and $1.2 million for the six months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The Company has recorded a net reserve against its investment in personal injury claims of $1.4 million as of March 31, 2020 and $1.2 million as of September 30, 2019. During the quarter and six months ended March 31, 2020, the Company incurred personal injury bad debt expense (recovery) of $243,000 and ($60,000), respectively, as compared with ($45,000) and $158,000 in the comparable periods of fiscal 2019, respectively.

 

Note 7—Non-Recourse Debt

 

Non-Recourse Debt –Bank of Montreal (“BMO”)

 

As of March 31, 2020 and September 30, 2019, the Company recorded a liability to BMO of approximately $96,000 and $22,000, respectively, which has been recorded in accounts payable and accrued expenses on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. The funds were subsequently remitted to BMO on April 10, 2020 and October 10, 2019, respectively. The liability to BMO is recorded when actual collections are received.

 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 8 – Right of Use Assets and Liabilities

 

Effective October 1, 2019, the Company adopted ASU 2016-02, and all subsequent ASUs that modified Topic 842. For the Company, Topic 842 affected the accounting treatment for operating lease agreements in which the Company is the lessee by recognizing lease assets and liabilities on the balance sheet. The Company leases the premises for two New Jersey office facilities under operating lease agreements expiring in various years through 2023. The Company is responsible to pay all insurance, utilities, maintenance and repairs on the office spaces. All of the Company’s leases are classified as operating leases.

 

On October 1, 2019, the Company recorded lease liabilities of approximately $636,000 attributable to the Company’s operating leases based on the present value of the remaining minimum lease payments along with right-of-use assets of approximately $636,000. The Company used 3.5% as its incremental borrowing rate to calculate the net present value of its leases on October 1, 2019. As of March 31, 2020, the Company’s operating lease right-of-use assets and operating lease liabilities were approximately $454,000 and $456,000, respectively.

 

The Company leases office space in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey and subleases office space in Fort Lee, New Jersey under agreements classified as operating leases.

 

The lease agreement in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey expires on August 31, 2020 and does not include any renewal option. The lease agreement provides for an initial monthly base amount plus annual escalations through the term of the lease.

 

The sublease agreement in Fort Lee, New Jersey expires on March 31, 2023 and does not include any renewal option. The lease agreement provides for an initial monthly base amount plus certain additional amounts pursuant to the leasing arrangement between the landlord and sublessor.

 

In adopting the new accounting guidance, the Company used the following practical expedients for transitional relief as provided for in ASU 2018-01:

 

●An entity need not reassess whether any expired or existing contracts are or contain leases.

●An entity need not reassess the lease classification for any expired or existing leases.

●An entity need not reassess initial direct costs for any existing leases.

●An entity may elect to apply hindsight to leases that existed during the period from the beginning of the earliest period presented in the financial statements until the effective date.

 

The Company also elected not to include short-term leases (i.e., leases with initial terms of twelve months or less) or insignificant equipment leases on the condensed consolidated balance sheet as provided for in the accounting guidance.

 

The following provides additional information about the Company’s operating leases:

 

As of March 31, 2020:

 

 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 8 – Right of Use Assets and Liabilities (Continued)

 

As of March 31, 2020, the future minimum payments for the fiscal years are as follows: 

 

 

 The Company leases its facilities in (i) Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, and (ii) Fort Lee, New Jersey. Rent expense for the three and six months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019 was $0.1 million and $0.1 million and $0.2 million and $0.1 million, respectively.  

 

Note 9– Settlements

 

In August 2014, the Company filed a lawsuit in Delaware state court against a third-party servicer arising from the third-party servicer’s failure to pay the Company certain amounts that are due the Company under a servicing agreement. The third-party servicer filed a counterclaim in the Delaware action alleging that the Company owes certain amounts to the third-party servicer for court costs pursuant to an alleged arrangement between the companies. On or about July 12, 2018, the parties agreed to settle the action pursuant to a settlement agreement and release, which provides for, among other things, the payment by the third-party servicer of $4.4 million to the Company pursuant to an agreed upon schedule with a lump sum payment to be made at the third anniversary of the agreement.

 

These fee-based settlements are required to total $2.4 million and $4.4 million by the second and third anniversaries, respectively. To the extent that these fee-based settlement fees are less than these amounts, the servicer is required to make lump sum true-up payments.

 

The Company determined the fair value of this settlement using (i) historical collection history to estimate the fee based settlement fees that are expected to be received each month from the servicer; (ii) the contractual true-up dates, discussed above, in order to estimate the anticipated true-up payments that will be received from the servicer on the second and third anniversaries; and (iii) an imputed interest rate of 8.5%.

 

As of March 31, 2020, and September 30, 2019, the Company has a settlement receivable due from this third-party servicer of $0.8 million and $1.6 million, respectively. During the six months ended March 31, 2020, the Company received $0.4 million in payments from this third-party servicer. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company recorded $33,000 and $58,000 and $72,000 and $126,000, respectively, in interest income, which is included in other income on the Company's condensed consolidated statements of operations. 

 

On January 22, 2018, DLCA, LLC (“DLCA”), a Delaware limited liability company and a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, filed a complaint against Balance Point Divorce Funding, LLC. (“Balance Point”) and Stacey Napp (“Napp”) in the United States District Court of New Jersey, asserting various claims including breach of contract, conversion, unjust enrichment and fraud associated with a loan made to Balance Point and Napp in May 2012.

 

On May 22, 2019, Napp and DLCA entered into a Settlement Agreement that settled the action as well as all other claims for monies and/or other obligations owed as and between the parties.

 

Napp agreed to pay the sum of $1.4 million (the “Settlement Amount”), the payment terms of which are between May 21, 2019 and January 12, 2022.

 

The Company has previously reviewed the financial condition of both Balance Point and Napp, and has concluded that neither entity currently has assets sufficient to honor the obligations set forth in the Settlement Agreement. Therefore, due to the uncertainty of collecting the Settlement Amount from either Balance Point or Napp, the Company will realize the gain on this settlement, as the Company receives the cash proceeds. Napp missed the $25,000 due in December 2019 and made a $30,000 payment in February 2020. The Company has recognized a gain on settlement of $30,000 for the three and six months ended March 31, 2020 in its condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 10 – Interest, Dividend and Other Income

 

The following tables summarize interest, dividend and other income for the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

 

 

Note 11—Commitments and Contingencies 

 

Legal Matters

  

On November 7, 2019, a shareholder of the Company filed a verified shareholder derivative complaint in the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware against certain current and former officers and directors of the Company, and named the Company as a nominal defendant, alleging that certain actions taken by management constituted a violation of fiduciary duty to the Company. The Company believes the lawsuit is without merit and intends to vigorously defend the matter. On or about January 8, 2020, a motion to dismiss the complaint was filed on behalf of all individual defendants and the Company as nominal defendant. In light of the execution of the merger agreement, the parties to the lawsuit entered into a joint stipulation and submitted a proposed order to stay proceedings in the lawsuit until the earlier of: (i) an announcement by the Company of the completion or cancellation of the merger, or (ii) June 30, 2020. On April 14, 2020, the court granted the parties’ stipulation and proposed order.

 

In the ordinary course of our business, we are involved in numerous legal proceedings. We regularly initiate collection lawsuits, using our network of third-party law firms, against consumers. Also, consumers occasionally initiate litigation against us, in which they allege that we have violated a federal or state law in the process of collecting their account. We do not believe that these ordinary course matters are material to our business and financial condition. The Company is not involved in any other material litigation in which we are a defendant. 

 

 Note 12—Income Taxes

 

The Company’s effective rate for the three months ended March 31, 2020 differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21%, primarily due to changes in forecasted income, income from foreign operations resulting in tax expense of $62,000, and state income taxes. The Company’s effective tax rate from operations for the six months ended March 31, 2020 differed from the U.S. federal statutory rate of 21%, primarily due to income from foreign operations, state income taxes and other differences discrete to the quarter.

 

The Company files income tax returns in the U.S federal jurisdiction, various state jurisdictions, and various foreign countries. The Company does not have any uncertain tax positions. 

 

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act") was signed into law.  The CARES Act contains several new or changed income tax provisions, including but not limited to the following: increased limitation threshold for determining deductible interest expense, class life changes to qualified improvements (in general, from 39 years to 15 years), and the ability to carry back net operating losses incurred from tax years 2018 through 2020 up to the five preceding tax years. The income tax provisions of the CARES Act had limited applicability to the Company as of March 31, 2020, and therefore, the enactment of the CARES Act did not have a material impact on the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements as of, and for the three and six months ended, March 31, 2020. We will continue to evaluate the impact of tax legislation and will update our disclosures as additional information and interpretive guidance becomes available.

 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

 Note 13—Net Income (Loss) per Share

 

Basic per share data is determined by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average shares outstanding during the period. Diluted per share data is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted average shares outstanding, assuming all dilutive

potential common shares were issued. The assumed proceeds from the exercise of dilutive options are calculated using the treasury stock method based on the average market price for the period.

 

The following table presents the computation of basic and diluted per share data for the three and six months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

 

At March 31, 2020 there were no stock options outstanding that were anti-dilutive. At March 31, 2019 there were 725,567 stock options outstanding that could have an effect on the future computation of dilution per common share, had their effect not been anti-dilutive.

 

Note 14—Stock Option Plans 

 

2012 Stock Option and Performance Award Plan 

 

On February 7, 2012, the Company adopted the 2012 Stock Option and Performance Award Plan (the “2012 Plan”), which was approved by the stockholders of the Company on March 21, 2012. The 2012 Plan replaced the Equity Compensation Plan (as defined below). 

 

The 2012 Plan provides the Company with flexibility with respect to equity awards by providing for grants of stock awards (i.e. restricted or unrestricted), stock purchase rights and stock appreciation rights, in addition to the granting of stock options. 

 

The Company authorized 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance under the 2012 Plan. Under the 2012 Plan, the Company has granted options to purchase an aggregate of 540,800 shares, awarded 245,625 shares of restricted stock, and has cancelled 118,568 options, leaving 1,332,143 shares available as of March 31, 2020. At March 31, 2020, 49 of the Company’s employees were able to participate in the 2012 Plan. 

 

Equity Compensation Plan 

 

On December 1, 2005, the Company adopted the Equity Compensation Plan (the “Equity Compensation Plan”), which was approved by the stockholders of the Company on March 1, 2006. The Equity Compensation Plan was adopted to supplement the Company’s 2002 Stock Option Plan (as defined below). 

 

In addition to permitting the grant of stock options as are permitted under the 2002 Stock Option Plan, the Equity Compensation Plan allowed the Company flexibility with respect to equity awards by also providing for grants of stock awards (i.e. restricted or unrestricted), stock purchase rights and stock appreciation rights.  

 

The Company authorized 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance under the Equity Compensation Plan. As of March 21, 2012, no more awards could be issued under this plan. 

 

2002 Stock Option Plan 

 

On March 5, 2002, the Company adopted the 2002 Stock Option Plan (the “2002 Plan”), which was approved by the stockholders of the Company on May 1, 2002. The 2002 Plan was adopted in order to attract and retain qualified directors, officers and employees of, and consultants to, the Company. 

 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited) 

 

Note 14—Stock Option Plans (Continued)

 

The 2002 Plan authorized the granting of incentive stock options (as defined in Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”)) and non-qualified stock options to eligible employees of the Company, including officers and directors of the Company (whether or not employees) and consultants of the Company.  

 

The Company authorized 1,000,000 shares of Common Stock under the 2002 Plan. As of March 5, 2012, no more awards could be issued under this plan.

 

Summary of the Plans

 

Compensation expense for stock options and restricted stock is recognized over the requisite vesting or service period. Compensation expense for restricted stock is based upon the market price of the shares underlying the awards on the grant date. 

 

The following table summarizes stock option transactions under the 2012 Plan, the Equity Compensation Plan and the 2002 Plan (collectively the “Plans”):

  

 

  

The following table summarizes information about the Plans outstanding options as of March 31, 2020:

 

 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 14—Stock Option Plans (Continued)

 

The Company did not recognize any compensation expense related to the stock option grants during the three and six months ended March 31, 2020. The Company recognized $0 and $7,000 of compensation expense related to the stock options vested during the three and six months ended March 31, 2019, respectively. As of March 31, 2020, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to stock option awards.

 

The intrinsic value of the outstanding and exercisable options as of March 31, 2020 was approximately $124,000. The weighted average remaining contractual life of exercisable options is 2.5 years. There were no options exercised during the three and six months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019. The fair value of the stock options that vested during the three and six months ended March 31, 2020 was approximately $0 for both periods. The fair value of the stock options that vested during the three and six months ended March 31, 2019 was approximately $0 and $84,000, respectively. There were no options granted during the three and six months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019. 

 

The Company did not grant any restricted stock awards during the three and six months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019. As of March 31, 2020, and September 30, 2019, there was no unrecognized compensation cost related to restricted stock awards.

 

Note 15—Stockholders’ Equity

 

 The Company has 5,000,000 authorized preferred shares with a par value of $0.01 per share.  The Board of Directors of the Company (the “Board”) are authorized to divide the authorized shares of Preferred Stock into one or more series, each of which shall be so designated as to distinguish the shares thereof from the shares of all other series and classes.

 

There were no shares of preferred stock issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2020 and 2019.

 

Dividends are declared at the discretion of the Board and depend upon the Company’s financial condition, operating results, capital requirements and other factors that the Board deems relevant. In addition, agreements with the Company’s lenders may, from time to time, restrict the ability to pay dividends. As of March 31, 2020, there were no such restrictions, as there were no lending agreements in place. No dividends were declared during the three and six months ended March 31, 2020.  

 

Note 16—Fair Value of Financial Measurements and Disclosures  

 

Fair Value of Financial Instruments 

 

The estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments is summarized as follows:

 

   

Disclosure of the estimated fair values of financial instruments often requires the use of estimates. The Company uses the following methods and assumptions to estimate the fair value of financial instruments:

 

Cash equivalents - The Company considers all highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. The carrying amount of cash equivalents approximates fair value.

 

Investments in equity securities - The investments in equity consist of mutual funds that are valued based on quoted prices in active markets.

 

Available-for-sale debt securities - The available-for-sale debt securities consist of U.S. treasury bills that are valued based on quoted prices in active markets. The U.S. treasury bills have been classified as available for sale by the Company, as they are deemed to be short term investments, and can be liquidated as needed by the Company. 

 

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 16—Fair Value of Financial Measurements and Disclosures (Continued) 

 

The Company’s investments in equity securities and available-for-sale debt securities are classified as Level 1 and Level 2 financial instruments, respectively, based on the classifications described above. The Company did not have any transfers into (out of) Level 1 investments during the fiscal year ended September 30, 2019. The Company had no Level 3 available-for-sale investments during the three and six months ended March 31, 2020.

 

Consumer receivables acquired for liquidation - The Company computed the fair value of the consumer receivables acquired for liquidation using its proprietary forecasting model. The Company’s forecasting model utilizes a discounted cash flow analysis. The Company’s cash flows are an estimate of monthly collections for consumer receivables over the estimated collection period, which is currently April of 2020 through March of 2029. These cash flows are then fair valued using a discount rate of 20%. See Note 4 for the rollforward of Level 3 activity. 

 

Note 17—Related Party Transactions

 

The Company utilizes the services of a consultant in conjunction with its international operations. The consultant is the spouse of one of the owners of Serlefin Peru. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019, the Company paid this consultant $12,500 and $25,000, and $25,239 and $50,478, respectively. The Company does not have a formal agreement in place for these services, and the Company had no amounts due to this consultant as of March 31, 2020 and September 30, 2019.

 

On August 15, 2019, the Company and Lou Piccolo, a non-independent member of the Company’s Board of Directors, entered into a new one-year, $30,000 contract, pursuant to which Mr. Piccolo will provide consulting services. The compensation is to be paid quarterly. The Company recorded an expense of $7,500 and $15,000 for the three and six months ended March 31, 2020. There were no amounts due to Mr. Piccolo at March 31, 2020 and September 30, 2019.

 

Note 18—Segment Reporting

 

The Company operates through strategic business units that are aggregated into three reportable segments: Consumer receivables, personal injury claims and social security disability advocacy. The three reportable segments consist of the following:

 

•

Consumer receivables - This segment is engaged in the business of purchasing, managing for its own account and servicing distressed consumer receivables, including judgment receivables, charged off receivables and semi-performing receivables.  Judgment receivables are accounts where outside attorneys have secured judgments directly against the consumer. Primary charged-off receivables are accounts that have been written-off by the originators and may have been previously serviced by collection agencies. Semi-performing receivables are accounts where the debtor is currently making partial or irregular monthly payments, but the accounts may have been written-off by the originators. Distressed consumer receivables are the unpaid debts of individuals to banks, finance companies and other credit providers. A large portion of our distressed consumer receivables are MasterCard®, Visa® and other credit card accounts which were charged-off by the issuers or providers for non-payment. We acquire these and other consumer receivable portfolios at substantial discounts to their face values. The discounts are based on the characteristics (issuer, account size, debtor location and age of debt) of the underlying accounts of each portfolio. Recently, the Company's efforts have been in the international areas (mainly South America), as we have curtailed our active purchasing of consumer receivables in the United States. The Company holds consumers receivable acquired for liquidation in both Colombia and Peru of approximately $1.0 million. The business conducts its activities primarily under the name Palisades Collection, LLC.

 

•

Personal injury claims – This segment is comprised of purchased interests in personal injury claims from claimants who are a party in personal injury litigation or claims. The Company advances to each claimant funds on a non-recourse basis at an agreed upon interest rate, in anticipation of a future settlement. The interest in each claim purchased consists of the right to receive, from such claimant, part of the proceeds or recoveries which such claimant receives by reason of a settlement, judgment or award with respect to such claimant’s claim. The Company historically funded personal injury claims in Simia and Sylvave. The Company formed a new wholly owned subsidiary, Arthur Funding, on March 16, 2018 to continue in the personal injury claims funding business. Arthur Funding began funding advances on personal injury claims in May 2019. Arthur Funding, Simia and Sylvave conduct its businesses solely in the United States and obtains business from external brokers and internal sales professionals soliciting attorneys and law firms who represent claimants who have personal injury claims. Business is also obtained from its website and through attorneys. Simia and Sylvave are not funding any new advances, but continue to collect on outstanding personal injury claim advances in the ordinary course.

  

 

ASTA FUNDING, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

 

Note 18—Segment Reporting (Continued)

 

•

Social Security benefit advocacy – GAR Disability and Five Star are advocacy groups representing individuals throughout the United States in their claims for social security disability and supplemental security income benefits from the Social Security and Veterans Administration.

 

Certain non-allocated administrative costs, interest income and various other non-operating income and expenses are reflected in Corporate. Corporate assets include cash and cash equivalents, investments in equity securities and available-for-sale debt securities, settlement receivable, property and equipment, goodwill, deferred taxes and other assets.

  

The following table shows results by reporting segment for the three and six months ended March 31, 2020 and 2019:

 

 

The Company does not have any intersegment revenue transactions.

 

(1)	Includes other amounts in other line items on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.
(2)	Corporate is not part of the three reportable segments, as certain expenses and assets are not earmarked to any specific operating segment.

 

Note 19—Subsequent Events

 

On April 10, 2020, the Company applied for a $1.1 million Paycheck Protection Program (“PPP”) loan under the CARES Act. The proceeds of the loan are intended to be used to retain the Company’s employees, maintain payroll and make lease and utility payments. The Company received approval for a PPP loan from the Small Business Administration. On May 11, 2020, the Company signed a PPP loan note with an interest rate of 1% and a May 11, 2022 maturity date, though PPP loans may be forgiven if certain conditions are met. The PPP loan was funded on May 20, 2020.