Form 10-Q
Table of Contents

 

 

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

 

 

FORM 10-Q

 

 

(Mark One)

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

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2010

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: 001-16123

 

 

NEWTEK BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

 

 

 

New York   11-3504638

(State or other jurisdiction of

incorporation or organization)

 

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

1440 Broadway, 17th floor, New York, NY   10018
(Address of principal executive offices)   (Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (212) 356-9500

 

 

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted 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 and post such files).    Yes  ¨    No  ¨

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

 

Large accelerated Filer   ¨    Accelerated filer   ¨
Non-accelerated filer   ¨    Smaller reporting company   x

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

As of November 8, 2010, there were 36,754,919 of the Company’s Common Shares outstanding.

 

 

 


Table of Contents

 

CONTENTS

 

          PAGE  
PART I - FINANCIAL INFORMATION   
Item 1.    Financial Statements (Unaudited):   
   Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009      3   
   Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009      4   
   Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2010 and 2009      5   
   Notes to Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements      7   
Item 2.    Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations      26   
Item 3.    Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk      42   
Item 4.    Controls and Procedures      42   
PART II - OTHER INFORMATION   
Item 6.    Exhibits      44   
Signatures      45   
Exhibits      46   

 

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Item 1. Financial Statements

NEWTEK BUSINESS SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 AND 2009

(In Thousands, except for Per Share Data)

 

     Three Months ended
September 30,
    Nine Months Ended
September 30,
 
     2010     2009     2010     2009  

Operating revenues

   $ 29,202      $ 26,812      $ 83,061      $ 78,010   
                                

Net change in fair market value of:

        

Liability on SBA loans transferred, subject to premium recourse

     50        —          2,076        —     

Credits in lieu of cash and notes payable in credits in lieu of cash

     (44     34        130        1,044   
                                

Total net change in fair market value

     6        34        2,206        1,044   
                                

Operating expenses:

        

Electronic payment processing costs

     17,456        15,370        50,580        42,424   

Salaries and benefits

     4,677        4,410        14,365        13,717   

Interest

     1,023        2,668        3,307        8,790   

Depreciation and amortization

     1,155        1,313        3,586        4,532   

Provision for loan losses

     658        387        1,511        1,320   

Other general and administrative costs

     3,991        3,797        12,030        12,223   
                                

Total operating expenses

     28,960        27,945        85,379        83,006   
                                

Income (loss) before income taxes

     248        (1,099     (112     (3,952

(Provision) benefit for income taxes

     (590     1,244        77        2,389   
                                

Net (loss) income

     (342     145        (35     (1,563

Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests

     24        637        181        732   
                                

Net (loss) income attributable to Newtek Business Services, Inc.

   $ (318   $ 782      $ 146      $ (831
                                

Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic

     35,659        35,631        35,651        35,625   
                                

Weighted average common shares outstanding - diluted

     35,659        35,756        35,795        35,625   
                                

(Loss) income per share - basic and diluted

   $ (0.01   $ 0.02      $ 0.00      $ (0.02
                                

See accompanying notes to these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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NEWTEK BUSINESS SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 AND DECEMBER 31, 2009

(In Thousands, except for Per Share Data)

 

     September 30,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 
     Unaudited     (Note 1)  

ASSETS

    

Cash and cash equivalents

   $ 7,301      $ 12,581   

Restricted cash

     9,068        6,739   

Broker receivable

     7,858        6,467   

SBA loans held for investment (net of reserve for loan losses of $3,902 and $3,985, respectively)

     24,899        23,257   

Accounts receivable (net of allowance of $570 and $211, respectively)

     9,455        5,012   

SBA loans held for sale

     753        200   

Prepaid expenses and other assets (net of accumulated amortization of deferred financing costs of $2,668 and $2,491, respectively)

     7,845        7,502   

Servicing asset (net of accumulated amortization and allowances of $5,027 and $4,539, respectively)

     2,192        2,436   

Fixed assets (net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of $14,172 and $12,276, respectively)

     3,012        3,631   

Intangible assets (net of accumulated amortization of $11,454 and $10,299, respectively)

     3,138        4,218   

SBA loans transferred, subject to premium recourse

     19,831        —     

Credits in lieu of cash

     38,153        51,947   

Goodwill

     12,092        12,092   
                

Total assets

   $ 145,597      $ 136,082   
                

LIABILITIES AND EQUITY

    

Liabilities:

    

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   $ 10,240      $ 8,314   

Notes payable

     17,950        16,298   

Deferred revenue

     1,827        1,862   

Liability on SBA loans transferred, subject to premium recourse

     19,895        —     

Notes payable in credits in lieu of cash

     38,153        51,947   

Deferred tax liability

     3,372        3,634   
                

Total liabilities

     91,437        82,055   
                

Commitments and contingencies

    

Equity:

    

Newtek Business Services, Inc. stockholders’ equity:

    

Preferred stock (par value $0.02 per share; authorized 1,000 shares, no shares issued and outstanding)

     —          —     

Common stock (par value $0.02 per share; authorized 54,000 shares, 36,701 and 36,674 issued, respectively; 35,666 and 35,648 outstanding, respectively, not including 83 shares held in escrow)

     734        733   

Additional paid-in capital

     57,329        57,302   

Accumulated deficit

     (4,729     (4,974

Treasury stock, at cost (1,035 and 1,026 shares, respectively)

     (663     (649
                

Total Newtek Business Services, Inc. stockholders’ equity

     52,671        52,412   

Non-controlling interests

     1,489        1,615   
                

Total equity

     54,160        54,027   
                

Total liabilities and equity

   $ 145,597      $ 136,082   
                

See accompanying notes to these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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NEWTEK BUSINESS SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 AND 2009

(In Thousands)

 

     2010     2009  

Cash flows from operating activities:

    

Net loss

   $ (35   $ (1,563

Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:

    

Income from tax credits

     (1,923     (6,483

Accretion of interest expense

     2,053        7,528   

Fair market value adjustment on SBA loans transferred, subject to premium recourse

     (2,076  

Fair market value adjustment of credits in lieu of cash and notes payable in credits in lieu of cash

     (130     (1,044

Deferred income taxes

     (262     (1,511

Depreciation and amortization

     3,586        4,532   

Provision for loan losses

     1,511        1,320   

Gain on sale/recovery of investments in qualified businesses

       (1,078

Other, net

     168        553   

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

    

Originations of SBA loans held for sale

     (554     (3,976

Originations of SBA loans transferred, subject to premium recourse

     (19,831     —     

Originations of SBA loans, achieving sale status

     (15,692     —     

Proceeds from originations of SBA loans, achieving sale status

     15,692        10,109   

Liability on SBA loans transferred, subject to premium recourse

     21,972        —     

Broker receivable

     (1,391     (1,096

Accounts receivable

     (4,447     (327

Prepaid expenses, accrued interest receivable and other assets

     (295     (66

Accounts payable, accrued expenses and deferred revenue

     1,889        (729

Other, net

     (1,472     (532
                

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

     (1,237     5,637   
                

Cash flows from investing activities:

    

Return of investments in qualified businesses

     142        1,981   

Purchase of fixed assets and customer merchant accounts

     (1,398     (1,298

SBA loans originated for investment, net

     (5,761     (1,004

Proceeds from sales of loans held for investment

     —          400   

Payments received on SBA loans

     2,700        2,846   

Change in restricted cash

     (1,101     (387 )
                

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

     (5,418 )     2,538   
                

See accompanying notes to these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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NEWTEK BUSINESS SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (UNAUDITED)

FOR THE NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2010 AND 2009 (CONTINUED)

 

 

     2010     2009  

Cash flows from financing activities:

    

Net repayments on bank lines of credit

   $ (9,562   $ (9,197

Proceeds from bank term note payable

     12,500        —     

Payments on bank term note payable

     (1,286     —     

Other

     (277     (258
                

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     1,375        (9,455
                

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (5,280     (1,280

Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of period

     12,581        16,852   
                

Cash and cash equivalents - end of period

   $ 7,301      $ 15,572   
                

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow activities:

    

Reduction of credits in lieu of cash and notes payable in credits in lieu of cash balances due to delivery of tax credits to Certified Investors

   $ 18,423      $ 25,126   
                

Refinance of line of credit to term loan

   $ 2,083      $ —     
                

See accompanying notes to these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements.

 

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NEWTEK BUSINESS SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

NOTE 1 – DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION:

Newtek Business Services, Inc. (“Newtek” or the “Company”) is a holding company for several wholly- and majority-owned subsidiaries, including thirteen certified capital companies which are referred to as Capcos, and several portfolio companies in which the Capcos own non-controlling or minority interests. The Company provides a “one-stop-shop” for business services to the small- and medium-sized business market and uses state of the art web-based proprietary technology to be a low cost acquirer and provider of products and services. The Company partners with companies, credit unions, and associations to offer its services.

The Company’s principal business segments are:

Electronic Payment Processing: Marketing third party credit card processing and check approval services to the small- and medium-sized business market.

Web Hosting: CrystalTech Web Hosting, Inc., d/b/a/ Newtek Technology Services (“NTS”), which offers shared and dedicated web hosting and related services to the small- and medium-sized business market.

Small Business Finance: Primarily consists of Newtek Small Business Finance, Inc. (“NSBF”), a nationally licensed, U.S. Small Business Administration (“SBA”) lender that originates, sells and services loans to qualifying small businesses, which are partially guaranteed by the SBA; and CDS Business Services, Inc. d/b/a Newtek Business Credit (“NBC”), which provides receivable financing.

All Other: Includes results from businesses formed from Investments in Qualified Businesses made through Capco programs which cannot be aggregated with other operating segments.

Corporate Activities: Corporate implements business strategy, directs marketing, provides technology oversight and guidance, coordinates and integrates activities of the segments, contracts with alliance partners, acquires customer opportunities, and owns our proprietary NewTracker™ referral system. This segment includes revenue and expenses not allocated to other segments, including interest income, Capco management fee income and corporate operations expenses.

Capcos: Thirteen certified capital companies which invest in small- and medium-sized businesses. They generate non-cash income from tax credits and non-cash interest and insurance expenses.

The condensed consolidated financial statements of Newtek Business Services, Inc., its Subsidiaries and consolidated entities (the “Company” or “Newtek”) included herein have been prepared by the Company in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and include all wholly- and majority-owned subsidiaries, and several portfolio companies in which the Capcos own non-controlling minority interests, or those variable interest entities which Newtek is considered to be the primary beneficiary of. All inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Non-controlling interests (previously shown as minority interest) are reported below net income (loss) under the heading “Net loss attributable to non-controlling interests” in the unaudited condensed consolidated statements of operations and shown as a component of equity in the condensed consolidated balance sheets. See “New Accounting Standards” for further discussion.

The accompanying notes to unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with Newtek’s 2009 Annual Report on Form 10-K. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulations S-X and, therefore, omit or condense certain footnotes and other information normally included in financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States. The results of operations for an interim period may not give a true indication of the results for the entire year. The December 31, 2009 condensed consolidated balance sheet has been derived from the audited financial statements of that date but does not include all disclosures required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

All financial information included in the tables in the following footnotes is stated in thousands, except per share data.

NOTE 2 – SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES:

Use of Estimates

The preparation of consolidated 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 and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported

 

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amounts of revenue and expense during the reporting period. The level of uncertainty in estimates and assumptions increases with the length of time until the underlying transactions are complete. The most significant estimates are with respect to valuation of investments in qualified businesses, asset impairment valuation, allowance for loan losses, valuation of servicing assets, chargeback reserves, tax valuation allowances and the fair value measurements used to value certain financial assets and financial liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Revenue Recognition

The Company operates in several different segments. Revenues are recognized as services are rendered and are summarized as follows:

Electronic payment processing revenue: Electronic payment processing income is derived from the electronic processing of credit and debit card transactions that are authorized and captured through third-party networks. Typically, merchants are charged for these processing services on a percentage of the dollar amount of each transaction plus a flat fee per transaction. Certain merchant customers are charged miscellaneous fees, including fees for handling charge-backs or returns, monthly minimum fees, statement fees and fees for other miscellaneous services. Revenues derived from the electronic processing of MasterCard® and Visa® sourced credit and debit card transactions are reported gross of amounts paid to sponsor banks.

The Company also derives revenues from acting as independent sales offices (“ISO”) for third-party processors (“residual revenue”) and from the sale of credit and debit card devices. Residual revenue is recognized monthly, based on contractual agreements with such processors to share in the residual income derived from the underlying merchant agreements. Revenues derived from sales of equipment are recognized at the time of shipment to the merchant.

Web hosting revenue: Web hosting revenues are primarily derived from monthly recurring service fees for the use of its web hosting and software support services. Customer set-up fees are billed upon service initiation and are recognized as revenue over the estimated customer relationship period of 2.5 years. Payment for web hosting and related services is generally received one month to three years in advance. Deferred revenues represent customer prepayments for upcoming web hosting and related services.

Income from tax credits: Following an application process, a state will notify a company that it has been certified as a Capco. The state then allocates an aggregate dollar amount of tax credits to the Capco. However, such amount is neither recognized as income nor otherwise recorded in the financial statements since it has yet to be earned by the Capco. The Capco is legally entitled to earn tax credits upon satisfying defined investment percentage thresholds within specified time requirements and corresponding non-recapture percentages. At September 30, 2010, the Company had Capcos in six states and the District of Columbia. Each statute requires that the Capco invest a threshold percentage of Certified Capital in Qualified Businesses within the time frames specified. As the Capco meets these requirements, it avoids grounds under the statute for its disqualification for continued participation in the Capco program. Such a disqualification, or “decertification” as a Capco, results in a recapture of all or a portion of the allocated tax credits; the proportion of the recapture is reduced over time as the Capco remains in general compliance with the program rules and meets the progressively increasing investment benchmarks.

As the Capco continues to make its investments in Qualified Businesses and, accordingly, places an increasing proportion of the tax credits beyond recapture, it earns an amount equal to the non-recapturable tax credits and records such amount as “income from tax credits”, with a corresponding asset called “credits in lieu of cash”, in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The amount earned and recorded as income is determined by multiplying the total amount of tax credits allocated to the Capco by the percentage of tax credits immune from recapture (the earned income percentage) under the state statute. To the extent that the investment requirements are met ahead of schedule, and the percentage of non-recapturable tax credits is accelerated, the present value of the tax credit earned is recognized currently and the asset, credits in lieu of cash, is accreted up to the amount of tax credits available to the Certified Investors. If the tax credits are earned before the state is required to make delivery (i.e., investment requirements are met ahead of schedule, but credits can only be used by the certified investor in a future year), then the present value of the tax credits earned are recorded upon completion of the requirements. The receivable is calculated at fair value; see Note 3 for a full discussion. Delivery of the tax credits to the Certified Investors results in a decrease of the receivable and the notes payable in credits in lieu of cash.

The allocation and utilization of Capco tax credits is controlled by the state law applicable to the Capco. In general, the Capco applies for tax credits from the state and is allocated a specific dollar amount of credits which are available to be earned. The Capco provides the state with a list of the Certified Investors, who have contractually agreed to accept the tax credits in lieu of cash interest payments on their notes. The tax credits are claimed by the Certified Investors on their state premium tax return as provided under each state Capco and tax law. State regulations specify the amount of tax credits a Certified Investor can claim and the period in which they can claim them. Each state periodically reviews the Capco’s operations to verify the amount of tax credits earned. In addition, the state maintains a list of Certified Investors and, therefore, has the ability to determine whether the Certified Investor is allowed to claim this deduction.

 

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Sales and Servicing of SBA Loans: NSBF originates loans to customers under the SBA program that generally provides for SBA guarantees of 50% to 90% of each loan, subject to a maximum guarantee amount. Generally, NSBF sells the guaranteed portion of each loan to a third party via an SBA regulated secondary market transaction utilizing SBA form 1086 and retains the unguaranteed principal portion in its own portfolio. SBA form 1086 requires as part of the transferor’s representations and warranties that the transferor repay any premium received from the transferee if either the SBA 7(a) loan borrower prepays the loan within 90 days of the transfer settlement date or fails to make one of its first three loan payments after the settlement date in a timely fashion and then proceeds to default within 275 days of the settlement date. Under ASC Topic 860, “Transfers and Servicing”, effective January 1, 2010, such recourse precludes sale treatment of the transferred guaranteed portions during this warranty period; rather NSBF is required to account for this as a financing arrangement with the transferee. Until the warranty period expires, such transferred loans are classified as “SBA loans transferred, subject to premium recourse” with a matching liability “Liability on SBA Loans Transferred, subject to premium recourse”. At the expiration of the warranty period, the sale of the guaranteed portions of these loans as well as the corresponding gain is recognized, and the asset and liability eliminated.

Upon recognition of each loan sale, the Company retains servicing responsibilities and receives servicing fees of a minimum of 1% of the guaranteed loan portion sold. The Company is required to estimate its adequate servicing compensation in the calculation of its servicing asset. The purchasers of the loans sold have no recourse to the Company for failure of customers to pay amounts contractually due.

Upon recognition of the sale of loans to third parties, NSBF separately recognizes at fair value any servicing assets or servicing liabilities first, and then allocates the previous carrying amount between the assets sold and the interests that continue to be held by it (the unguaranteed portion of the loan) based on their relative fair values at the date of transfer. The difference between the proceeds received and the allocated carrying value of the financial assets sold is recognized as a gain on sale of loans.

Each class of servicing assets and liabilities are subsequently measured using either the amortization method or the fair value measurement method. The amortization method, which NSBF has chosen to continue applying to its servicing asset, amortizes the asset in proportion to, and over the period of, the estimated future net servicing income on the underlying sold portion of the loans (guaranteed) and assesses the servicing asset for impairment based on fair value at each reporting date. In the event future prepayments are significant or impairments are incurred and future expected cash flows are inadequate to cover the unamortized servicing assets, additional amortization or impairment charges would be recognized. The Company uses an independent valuation specialist to estimate the fair value of the servicing asset.

In evaluating and measuring impairment of servicing assets, NSBF stratifies its servicing assets based on year of loan and loan term which are key risk characteristics of the underlying loan pools. The fair value of servicing assets is determined by calculating the present value of estimated future net servicing cash flows, using assumptions of prepayments, defaults, servicing costs and discount rates that NSBF believes market participants would use for similar assets.

If NSBF determines that the impairment for a stratum is temporary, a valuation allowance is recognized through a charge to current earnings for the amount the amortized balance exceeds the current fair value. If the fair value of the stratum were to later increase, the valuation allowance may be reduced as a recovery. However, if NSBF determines that impairment for a stratum is other than temporary, the value of the servicing asset and any related valuation allowance is written-down.

Interest and Small Business Administration (“SBA”) Loan Fees—SBA Loans: Interest income on loans is recognized as earned. Loans are placed on non-accrual status if they are 90 days past due with respect to principal or interest and, in the opinion of management, interest or principal on individual loans is not collectible, or at such earlier time as management determines that the collectability of such principal or interest is unlikely. Such loans are designated as impaired non-accrual loans. All other loans are defined as performing loans. When a loan is designated as non-accrual, the accrual of interest is discontinued, and any accrued but uncollected interest income is reversed and charged against current operations. While a loan is classified as non-accrual and the future collectability of the recorded loan balance is doubtful, collections of interest and principal are generally applied as a reduction to principal outstanding.

The Company passes certain expenditures it incurs to the borrower, such as forced placed insurance, insufficient funds fees, or fees it assesses, such as late fees, with respect to managing the loan. These expenditures are recorded when incurred. Due to the uncertainty with respect to collection of these passed through expenditures or assessed fees, any funds received to reimburse the Company are recorded on a cash basis as other income.

Insurance commissions: Revenues are comprised of commissions earned on premiums paid for insurance policies and are recognized at the time the commission is earned. At that date, the earnings process has been completed and the Company can estimate the impact of policy cancellations for refunds and establish reserves. The reserve for policy cancellations is based on historical cancellation experience adjusted by known circumstances.

 

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Other income: Other income represents revenues generated by NBC, as well as revenues derived from operating units that cannot be aggregated with other business segments, and one-time recoveries or gains on qualified investments. Revenue is recorded when there is pervasive evidence of an agreement, the related fees are fixed, the service, and or product has been delivered, and the collection of the related receivable is assured. Other income particular to NBC include the following components:

 

 

Receivable fees: Receivable fees are derived from the funding (purchase) of receivables from finance clients. The Company recognizes the revenue on the date the receivables are purchased at a percentage of face value as agreed to by the client at which time the Company takes ownership of the receivables. The Company also has arrangements with certain of its clients whereby it purchases the client’s receivables and charges interest at a specified rate based on the amount of funds advanced against such receivables. The funds provided are collateralized and the interest income is recognized as earned.

 

 

Late fees: Late fees are derived from receivables the Company has already purchased that have gone over a certain period (usually over 30 days) without payment. The client or the client’s customer is charged a late fee according to the agreement with the client.

 

 

Billing fees: Billing fees are derived from billing-only (non-finance) clients. These fees are recorded when earned, which occurs when the service is rendered.

 

 

Other fees: These fees include annual fees, due diligence fees, termination fees, under minimum fees and other fees including finance charges, supplies sold to clients, NSF fees, wire fees and administration fees. These fees are charged upon funding, takeovers or liquidation of finance clients. Finally, the Company also receives commission revenue from various sources.

The detail of total operating revenues included in the condensed consolidated statements of operations is as follows for the three and nine months ended:

 

     Three months
ended September 30:
     Nine months
ended September 30:
 

(In thousands):

   2010      2009      2010      2009  

Electronic payment processing

   $ 20,513       $ 18,109       $ 59,673       $ 50,750   

Web hosting

     4,799         4,743         14,400         14,117   

Interest income

     520         368         1,363         1,296   

Income from tax credits

     621         2,234         1,923         6,483   

Premium income

     1,202         142         1,395         725   

Servicing fee

     736         421         1,868         1,246   

Insurance commissions

     203         201         615         619   

Other income

     608         594         1,824         2,774   
                                   

Totals

   $ 29,202       $ 26,812       $ 83,061       $ 78,010   
                                   

Electronic Payment Processing Costs

Electronic payment processing costs consist principally of costs directly related to the processing of merchant sales volume, including interchange fees, VISA® and MasterCard® dues and assessments, bank processing fees and costs paid to third-party processing networks. Such costs are recognized at the time the merchant transactions are processed or when the services are performed. Two of the most significant components of electronic processing expenses include interchange and assessment costs, which are set by the credit card associations. Interchange costs are passed on to the entity issuing the credit card used in the transaction and assessment costs are retained by the credit card associations. Interchange and assessment fees are billed primarily as a percent of dollar volume processed and, to a lesser extent, as a per transaction fee. In addition to costs directly related to the processing of merchant sales volume, electronic payment processing costs also include residual expenses. Residual expenses represent fees paid to third-party sales referral sources. Residual expenses are paid under various formulae as contracted with such third-party referral sources, but are generally linked to revenues derived from merchants successfully referred to the Company and that begin using the Company for merchant processing services. Such residual expenses are typically ongoing as long as the referred merchant remains a customer of the Company and are recognized as expenses as related revenues are recognized in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

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Restricted Cash

Restricted cash includes cash collateral relating to a letter of credit; monies due on SBA loan-related remittances and insurance premiums received by the Company and due to third parties; cash held by the Capcos restricted for use in managing and operating the Capco, making qualified investments and for the payment of income taxes; cash held for future repayment under the Capital One loan agreement and a cash account maintained as a reserve against chargeback losses.

Purchased Receivables

Purchased receivables are recorded at the point in time when cash is released to the seller. A majority of the receivables purchased have recourse and are charged back to the seller if aged over 60, 90 or 120 days, depending on contractual agreements. Purchased receivables are included in accounts receivable on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

Investments in Qualified Businesses

The various interests that the Company acquires in its qualified investments are accounted for under three methods: consolidation, equity method and cost method. The applicable accounting method is generally determined based on the Company’s voting interest or the economics of the transaction if the investee is determined to be a variable interest entity.

Consolidation Method. Investments in which the Company directly or indirectly owns more than 50% of the outstanding voting securities, those the Company has effective control over, or those deemed to be a variable interest entity in which the Company is the primary beneficiary are generally accounted for under the consolidation method of accounting. Under this method, an investment’s financial position and results of operations are reflected within the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. All significant inter-company accounts and transactions are eliminated, including returns of principal, dividends, interest received and investment redemptions. The results of operations and cash flows of a consolidated operating entity are included through the latest interim period in which the Company owned a greater than 50% direct or indirect voting interest, exercised control over the entity for the entire interim period or was otherwise designated as the primary beneficiary. Upon dilution of control below 50%, or upon occurrence of a triggering event requiring reconsideration as to the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity, the accounting method is adjusted to the equity or cost method of accounting, as appropriate, for subsequent periods.

Equity Method. Investees that are not consolidated, but over which the Company exercises significant influence, are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Whether or not the Company exercises significant influence with respect to an investee depends on an evaluation of several factors including, among others, representation on the investee’s Board of Directors and ownership level, which is generally a 20% to 50% interest in the voting securities of the investee, including voting rights associated with the Company’s holdings in common, preferred and other convertible instruments in the investee. Under the equity method of accounting, an investee’s accounts are not reflected within the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements; however, the Company’s share of the earnings or losses of the investee is reflected in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements.

Cost Method. Investees not accounted for under the consolidation or the equity method of accounting are accounted for under the cost method of accounting. Under this method, the Company’s share of the net earnings or losses of such companies is not included in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. However, cost method impairment charges are recognized, as necessary, in the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements. If circumstances suggest that the value of the investee has been subsequently recovered, such recovery is not recorded until ultimately liquidated or realized.

The Company’s debt and equity investments have substantially been made with funds available to Newtek through the Capco programs. These programs generally require that each Capco meet a minimum investment benchmark within five years of initial funding. In addition, any funds received by a Capco as a result of a debt repayment or equity return may, under the terms of the Capco programs, be reinvested and counted towards the Capcos’ minimum investment benchmarks.

Stock - Based Compensation

All share-based payments to employees are recognized in the financial statements based on their fair values using an option-pricing model at the date of grant.

As of September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company had two share-based compensation plans. At the Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 26, 2010, a new plan was approved as a result of which one of the older plans is now suspended. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, compensation cost charged to operations for those plans was $41,000 and $30,000 in 2010, respectively, and $28,000 and $49,000 in 2009, respectively, and is included in salaries and benefits in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

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There were no options or restricted stock awards granted during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2010.

As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, there was $0 and $55,000 of total unrecognized compensation costs related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the plans, respectively.

Fair Value

The Company adopted the methods of fair value to value its financial assets and liabilities. The Company carries its credits in lieu of cash, prepaid insurance and notes payable in credits in lieu of cash at fair value. The Company also carries impaired loans and other real estate owned at fair value. Fair value is based on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In order to increase consistency and comparability in fair value measurements, the Company utilized a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value into three broad levels, which are described below:

 

Level 1    Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 1 assets and liabilities include debt and equity securities and derivative contracts that are traded in an active exchange market, as well as certain U.S. Treasury, other U.S. Government and agency mortgage-backed debt securities that are highly liquid and are actively traded in over-the-counter markets.
Level 2    Observable inputs other than Level 1 prices, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities. Level 2 assets and liabilities include debt securities with quoted prices that are traded less frequently than exchange-traded instruments and derivative contracts whose value is determined using a pricing model with inputs that are observable in the market or can be derived principally from or corroborated by observable market data. This category generally includes certain U.S. Government and agency mortgage-backed debt securities, corporate debt securities, derivative contracts and residential mortgage loans held-for-sale.
Level 3    Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets or liabilities. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques, as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation. This category generally includes certain private equity investments, retained residual interests in securitizations, residential mortgage servicing rights, and highly structured or long-term derivative contracts.

Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are computed based upon the differences between the financial statement and income tax basis of assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which those temporary differences are expected to be realized or settled. If available evidence suggests that it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is required to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amount that is more likely than not to be realized.

The Company’s U.S. Federal and state income tax returns prior to fiscal year 2006 are closed, and management continually evaluates expiring statutes of limitations, audits, proposed settlements, changes in tax law and new authoritative rulings.

Accounting for Uncertainty in Income Taxes

The ultimate deductibility of positions taken or expected to be taken on tax returns is often uncertain. In order to recognize the benefits associated with a tax position taken (i.e., generally a deduction on a corporation’s tax return), the entity must conclude that the ultimate allowability of the deduction is more likely than not. If the ultimate allowability of the tax position exceeds 50% (i.e., it is more likely than not), the benefit associated with the position is recognized at the largest dollar amount that has more than a 50% likelihood of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Differences between tax positions taken in a tax return and recognized will generally result in (1) an increase in income taxes currently payable or a reduction in an income tax refund receivable or (2) an increase in a deferred tax liability or a decrease in a deferred tax asset, or both (1) and (2).

 

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When accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, the Income Tax Topic of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification also provides guidance on:

 

 

Derecognizing the benefits associated with a recognized tax position where subsequent events indicate that it is not more likely than not that the entity will benefit from the tax position taken

 

 

Classification of financial statement elements that result from recognizing benefits associated with uncertain tax positions

 

 

Treatment of interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions

 

 

Accounting for uncertain tax positions in interim periods

 

 

Disclosure and transition

Concentration of Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to a concentration of credit risk consist of cash, cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company maintains its cash and cash equivalents with major financial institutions and at times, cash balances with any one financial institution may exceed Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured limits.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, no single customer accounted for 10% or more of the Company’s revenue, or of total accounts receivable.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

As required by the Financial Instruments Topic of the FASB Accounting Standards Codification, the estimated fair values of financial instruments must be disclosed. Excluding fixed assets, intangible assets, goodwill, and prepaid expenses and other assets (excluding as noted below), substantially all of the Company’s assets and liabilities are considered financial instruments as defined under this standard. Fair value estimates are subjective in nature and are dependent on a number of significant assumptions associated with each instrument or group of similar instruments, including estimates of discount rates, risks associated with specific financial instruments, estimates of future cash flows and relevant available market information.

The carrying values of the following balance sheet items approximate their fair values primarily due to their liquidity and short-term or adjustable-yield nature:

 

 

Cash and cash equivalents

 

 

Restricted cash

 

 

Broker receivable

 

 

Accounts receivable

 

 

Bank notes payable

 

 

Accrued interest receivable (included in prepaid expended and other assets)

 

 

SBA loans transferred, subject to premium recourse

 

 

Accrued interest payable (included in accounts payable and accrued expenses)

 

 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

The carrying value of investments in Qualified Businesses (included in prepaid expenses and other assets), credits in lieu of cash, notes payable in credits in lieu of cash, liability on SBA loans transferred, subject to premium recourse and loans receivable approximate fair value based on management’s estimates.

New Accounting Standards

In June 2009, the FASB issued an accounting standard which requires entities to provide more information regarding sales of securitized financial assets and similar transactions, particularly if the entity has continuing exposure to the risks related to transferred financial assets and removes the concept of a qualifying special-purpose entity and limits the circumstances in which a financial asset, or portion of a financial asset, should be derecognized when the transferor has not transferred the entire financial asset to an entity that is not consolidated with the transferor in the financial statements being presented and/or when the transferor has continuing involvement with the transferred financial asset. The new standard became effective for the Company on

 

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January 1, 2010 and its effect on asset, liability and revenue recognition is described in this note, under Revenue Recognition, Sales and Servicing of SBA Loans. This accounting standard was subsequently codified into the Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) Topic 860, “Transfers and Servicing.”

In June 2009, the FASB issued an accounting standard which modifies how a company determines when an entity that is insufficiently capitalized or is not controlled through voting (or similar rights) should be consolidated. It clarifies that the determination of whether a company is required to consolidate an entity is based on, among other things, an entity’s purpose and design and a company’s ability to direct the activities of the entity that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance. It requires an ongoing reassessment of whether a company is the primary beneficiary of a variable interest entity (“VIE”) and additional disclosures about a company’s involvement in VIEs and any significant changes in risk exposure due to that involvement. The new standard became effective for the Company on January 1, 2010 and did not have a material impact on its financial position or results of operations. This accounting standard was subsequently codified into ASC Topic 805, “Business Combinations.”

In August 2009, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2009-05, “Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures (Topic 820) –Measuring Liabilities at Fair Value,” which updates ASC 820-10. The update provides clarification that in circumstances in which a quoted price in an active market for the identical liability is not available, a reporting entity is required to measure fair value using one or more of the following techniques:

 

1. A valuation technique that uses

 

  a. the quoted price of an identical liability when traded as an asset, or

 

  b. quoted prices for similar liabilities or similar liabilities when traded as assets.

 

2. Another valuation technique that is consistent with the principles of Topic 820, examples include an income approach, such as a present value technique, or a market approach, such as a technique that is based on the amount at the measurement date that the reporting entity would pay to transfer the identical liability or would receive to enter into the identical liability.

This standard is effective for financial statements issued for interim and annual periods ending after August 2009. The Company adopted ASU No. 2009-05 effective for the quarter ending September 30, 2009. The adoption did not have a material impact on the Company’s disclosures.

On July 21, 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-20, “Disclosures about the Credit Quality of Financing Receivables and the Allowance for Credit Losses”, which requires significant new disclosures about the allowance for credit losses and the credit quality of financing receivables. The requirements are intended to enhance transparency regarding credit losses and the credit quality of loan and lease receivables. Under this statement, allowance for credit losses and fair value are to be disclosed by portfolio segment, while credit quality information, impaired financing receivables and nonaccrual status are to be presented by class of financing receivable. Disclosure of the nature and extent, the financial impact and segment information of troubled debt restructurings will also be required. The disclosures are to be presented at the level of disaggregation that management uses when assessing and monitoring the portfolio’s risk and performance. This standard is effective for interim and annual reporting periods after December 15, 2010. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of adopting the new standard on the condensed consolidated financial statements.

In February 2010, the FASB issued ASU No. 2010-10, “Amendments for Certain Investment Funds” and in December 2009, the FASB issued ASU No. 2009-17, “Improvements to Financial Reporting by Enterprises Involved with Variable Interest Entities”. These ASUs amend the VIE guidance of ASC Topic 810. The Company adopted the new VIE guidance of ASC Topic 810. This guidance amends FIN 46(R), as codified in ASC Topic 810, to require the Company to perform an analysis of existing investments to determine whether variable interest or interests give the Company a controlling financial interest in a VIE. This analysis identifies the primary beneficiary of a VIE as the enterprise that has both the power to direct the activities of significant impact on a VIE and the obligation to absorb losses or receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. It also amends ASC Topic 810 to require ongoing reassessments of whether an enterprise is the primary beneficiary of a VIE. As a result of adoption, the Company is no longer considered the primary beneficiary of OnLAN, LLC (“OnLAN”), a VIE for which the Company was considered the primary beneficiary and which required the financial performance of OnLAN to be consolidated in the Company’s financial statements. Because the Company is no longer considered the primary beneficiary, the Company is no longer required to consolidate OnLAN in its financial statements effective July 1, 2010. As a result of the adoption of the new VIE guidance in ASC 810, the Company recorded a cumulative-effect adjustment to increase retained earnings by $99,000. This adjustment represents the difference between the cumulative net losses previously recorded through the consolidation of OnLAN and its actual investment. The Company’s equity value of the OnLAN investment recorded on the Company’s books as of September 30, 2010 is $110,000 and is included in prepaid expenses and other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet.

 

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NOTE 3 – FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS:

FAIR VALUE OPTION ELECTIONS

Effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted fair value accounting concurrent with the election of the fair value option. The accounting standard relating to the fair value measurements clarifies the definition of fair value and describes methods available to appropriately measure fair value in accordance with GAAP. The accounting standard applies whenever other accounting standards require or permit fair value measurements. The accounting standard relating to the fair value option for financial assets and financial liabilities allows entities to irrevocably elect fair value as the initial and subsequent measurement attribute for certain financial assets and financial liabilities that are not otherwise required to be measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in earnings as they occur. It also establishes presentation and disclosure requirements designed to improve comparability between entities that elect different measurement attributes for similar assets and liabilities.

On January 1, 2008, the Company elected the fair value option for valuing its Capcos’ credits in lieu of cash, notes payable in credits in lieu of cash and prepaid insurance.

On January 1, 2010, the Company elected the fair value option for valuing its liability on SBA loans transferred, subject to premium recourse.

The Company elected the fair value option in order to reflect in its financial statements the assumptions that market participants use in evaluating these financial instruments.

FAIR VALUE OPTION ELECTION – CREDITS IN LIEU OF CASH, PREPAID INSURANCE AND NOTES PAYABLE IN CREDITS IN LIEU OF CASH

Under the cost basis of accounting, the discount rates used to calculate the present value of the credits in lieu of cash and notes payable in credits in lieu of cash did not reflect the credit enhancements that the Company’s Capcos obtained from Chartis, Inc. (“Chartis”) (formerly American International Group, Inc.), namely its AA+ rating at such time, for their debt issued to certified investors. Instead the cost paid for the credit enhancements was recorded as prepaid insurance and amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the credit enhancements.

With the adoption of the fair value measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities and the election of the fair value option, credits in lieu of cash and notes payable in credits in lieu of cash are valued based on the yields at which financial instruments would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller when the former is not under any compulsion to buy and the latter is not under any compulsion to sell, both parties having reasonable knowledge of relevant facts. The accounting standards require the fair value of the assets or liabilities to be determined based on the assumptions that market participants use in pricing the financial instrument. In developing those assumptions, the Company identified characteristics that distinguish market participants generally, and considered factors specific to (a) the asset type, (b) the principal (or most advantageous) market for the asset group, and (c) market participants with whom the reporting entity would transact in that market.

Based on the aforementioned characteristics and in view of the Chartis credit enhancements, the Company believes that market participants purchasing or selling its Capcos’ debt, and therefore its credits in lieu of cash and notes payable in credits in lieu of cash, view nonperformance risk to be equal to the risk of Chartis nonperformance risk and as such both the fair value of credits in lieu of cash and notes payable in credits in lieu of cash should be priced to yield a rate equal to an applicable Chartis U.S. Dollar denominated debt instrument. Because the value of notes payable in credits in lieu of cash directly reflects the credit enhancement obtained from Chartis, the unamortized cost relating to the credit enhancement will cease to be separately carried as an asset on Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheets and is incorporated in notes payable in credits in lieu of cash.

 

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Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of September 30, 2010 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Fair Value Measurements Using:  
     Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Assets:

           

Credits in lieu of cash

   $ 38,153       $ —         $ 38,153       $ —     
                                   

Liabilities:

           

Notes payable in credits in lieu of cash

   $ 38,153       $ —         $ 38,153       $ —     
                                   

Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of December 31, 2009 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Fair Value Measurements Using:  
     Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Assets:

           

Credits in lieu of cash

   $ 51,947       $ —         $ 51,947       $ —     
                                   

Liabilities:

           

Notes payable in credits in lieu of cash

   $ 51,947       $ —         $ 51,947       $ —     
                                   

Credits in lieu of cash and Notes payable in credits in lieu of cash

The Company elected to account for both credits in lieu of cash and notes payable in credits in lieu of cash at fair value in order to reflect in its condensed consolidated financial statements the assumptions that market participant’s use in evaluating these financial instruments.

Fair value measurements:

The Company’s Capcos’ debt, enhanced by Chartis insurance, effectively bears the nonperformance risk of Chartis. Therefore the Company calculates the fair value of both the Credits in lieu of cash and Notes payable in credits in lieu of cash using the yields of various Chartis notes with similar maturities to each of the Company’s respective Capcos’ debt. The Company elected to discontinue utilizing Chartis 7.70% Series A-5 Junior Subordinated Debentures (the “Chartis Debentures”) because those long maturity debentures began to trade with characteristics of a preferred stock after Chartis received financing from the United States Government. The Company considers the Chartis Note Basket a Level 2 input under fair value accounting, since it is a quoted yield for a similar liability that is traded in an active exchange market. The Company selected these Chartis Note Baskets as the most representative of the nonperformance risk associated with the CAPCO notes because they are Chartis issued notes, are actively traded and because maturities match Credits in lieu of cash and Notes payable in credits in lieu of cash.

After calculating the fair value of both the Credits in lieu of cash and Notes payable in credits in lieu of cash, the Company compares their values. This calculation is done on a quarterly basis. Calculation differences primarily due to tax credit receipt versus delivery timing may cause the value of the Credits in lieu of cash to differ from that of the Notes payable in credits in lieu of cash. Because the Credits in lieu of cash asset has the single purpose of paying the Notes payable in credits in lieu of cash and has no other value to the Company, Newtek determined that the Credits in lieu of cash should equal the Notes payable in credits in lieu of cash.

On December 31, 2009, the yield on the Chartis Note Basket was 6.92%. As of September 30, 2010, the date the Company revalued the asset and liability, the yields on the Chartis notes averaged 3.83% reflecting changes in interest rates in the marketplace. This decrease in yield increased both the fair value of the credits in lieu of cash and the fair value of the notes payable in credits in lieu of cash. The Company increased the value of the credits in lieu of cash to equal the value of the notes payable in credits in lieu of cash because the credits in lieu of cash can only be used to satisfy the liability and must equal the

 

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value of the notes payable in credits in lieu of cash at all times. The net change in fair value reported in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 was a (loss) gain of $(44,000) and $130,000, respectively.

On December 31, 2008, the yield on the Chartis Note Basket was 11.76%. As of September 30, 2009, the date the Company revalued the asset and liability, the yields on the Chartis notes averaged 9.8% reflecting changes in interest rates in the marketplace. This increase in yield decreased both the fair value of the credits in lieu of cash and the fair value of the notes payable in credits in lieu of cash. The Company reduced the value of the credits in lieu of cash to equal the value of the notes payable in credits in lieu of cash because the credits in lieu of cash can only be used to satisfy the liability and must equal the value of the notes payable in credits in lieu of cash at all times. The net change in fair value reported in the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2009 was a gain of $34,000 and $1,044,000, respectively.

Changes in the future yield of the Chartis issued debt selected for valuation purposes will result in changes to the fair values of the credits in lieu of cash and notes payable in credits in lieu of cash when calculated for future periods; these changes will be reported through the Company’s condensed consolidated statements of operations.

FAIR VALUE OPTION ELECTION – LIABILITY ON SBA LOANS TRANSFERRED, SUBJECT TO PREMIUM RECOURSE

Effective January 1, 2010, a new accounting standard codified into ASC Topic 860, “Transfers and Servicing,” requires the Company to establish a new liability related to the guaranteed portion of SBA 7(a) loans contractually sold but subject to premium recourse. Contemporaneous with the adoption of this new accounting standard the Company elected the fair value option for valuing this new liability, which is captioned in the condensed consolidated financial statements as “Liability on SBA loans transferred, subject to premium recourse”. Management elected to adopt the fair value option election because it more accurately reflects the economic transaction. Within the fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value, the Company utilizes Level 3 unobservable inputs which reflect the Company’s own assumptions about the assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the liability (including assumptions about risk). The Company values the liability based on the probability of payment given the Company’s history of returning premium: the transferee will receive 100% of the guaranteed portion from either the borrower or the SBA and approximately 3% of the premium amount from the Company. The aforementioned return of premiums is triggered by either the borrower’s prepayment of the loan within 90 days of the transfer settlement date or the borrower’s default within 275 days of the settlement date on loans where any of the borrower’s first three payments were delinquent.

Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis as of September 30, 2010 are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Fair Value Measurements Using:  
      Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3  

Liabilities:

           

Liability on SBA loans transferred, subject to premium recourse

   $ 19,895       $ —         $ —         $ 19,895   
                                   

Below is a summary of the activity in the liability on SBA loans transferred, subject to premium recourse for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 (In thousands):

 

Balance at December 31, 2009

   $ —     

Liability on SBA loans transferred, subject to premium recourse

     35,587   

SBA loans sold, no longer subject to premium recourse

     (15,692
        

Balance at September 30, 2010

   $ 19,895   
        

 

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OTHER FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS

Assets Measured at Fair Value on a Non-recurring Basis are as follows (in thousands):

 

     Fair Value Measurements at September 30, 2010 Using:         
     Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total Losses  

Assets

              

Impaired loans

   $ 5,473       $ —         $ —         $ 5,473       $ (1,449

Other real-estate owned

     150         —           150         —           (4
                                            

Total assets

   $ 5,623       $ —         $ 150       $ 5,473       $ (1,453
                                            
     Fair Value Measurements at December 31, 2009 Using:         
     Total      Level 1      Level 2      Level 3      Total Losses  

Assets

              

Impaired loans

   $ 5,302       $ —         $ —         $ 5,302       $ (2,239

Impaired customer merchant accounts

     —           —           —           —           (126

Other real-estate owned

     132         —           132         —           (314
                                            

Total assets

   $ 5,434       $ —         $ 132       $ 5,302       $ (2,679
                                            

Impaired loans

Impairment of a loan is measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan’s effective interest rate, or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is collateral dependent. Impaired loans for which the carrying amount is based on fair value of the underlying collateral are included in assets and reported at estimated fair value on a non-recurring basis, both at initial recognition of impairment and on an on-going basis until recovery or charge-off of the loan amount. The determination of impairment involves management’s judgment in the use of market data and third party estimates regarding collateral values. Valuations in the level of impaired loans and corresponding impairment affect the level of the reserve for loan losses.

Impaired customer merchant accounts

Customer merchant accounts are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying value may not be recoverable. In reviewing for impairment, the carrying value is compared to the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected. If such cash flows are not sufficient to support the asset’s recorded value, an impairment charge is recognized to reduce the carrying value of the customer merchant account to its estimated fair value. The determination of future cash flows as well as the estimated fair value of customer merchant accounts involves significant estimates on the part of management.

Other real-estate owned (included in Prepaid expenses and other assets)

The estimated fair value of other real-estate owned is calculated using observable market information, including bids from prospective purchasers and pricing from similar market transactions where available. The value is generally discounted between 20-25% based on market valuations as well as expenses associated with securing our interests. Where bid information is not available for a specific property, the valuation is principally based upon recent transaction prices for similar properties that have been sold. These comparable properties share comparable demographic characteristics. Other real estate owned is generally classified within Level 2 of the valuation hierarchy.

 

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NOTE 4 – SBA LOANS:

SBA loans have concentrations in the hotel and motel industry (10% of the portfolio) and the restaurant industry (11% of the portfolio), as well as geographically in Florida (25% of the portfolio) and New York (12% of the portfolio). Below is a summary of the activity in the SBA loans held for investment, net of SBA loan loss reserves for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 (In thousands):

 

Balance at December 31, 2009

   $ 23,257   

SBA loans funded for investment

     5,777   

Payments received

     (2,700

Provision for SBA loan losses

     (1,511

Loans foreclosed into real estate owned

     (46

Discount on loan originations, net

     122   
        

Balance at September 30, 2010

   $ 24,899   
        

Below is a summary of the activity in the reserve for loan losses for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 (In thousands):

 

Balance at December 31, 2009

   $ 3,985   

SBA loan loss provision

     1,511   

Recoveries

     62   

Loan charge-offs

     (1,656
        

Balance at September 30, 2010

   $ 3,902   
        

Below is a summary of the activity in the SBA loans held for sale for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 (In thousands):

 

Balance at December 31, 2009

   $ 200   

Originations of SBA Loans held for sale

     36,075   

SBA loans transferred, subject to premium recourse

     (35,522
        

Balance at September 30, 2010

   $ 753   
        

SBA loans transferred, subject to premium recourse represents fully funded SBA loans which were transferred during the quarter, but cannot yet be considered as sold as a result of the recourse provision under SBA Form 1086. The value of the SBA loans transferred equals the amount of the guaranteed portion of the loans transferred.

All loans are priced at the Prime interest rate plus approximately 2.75% to 3.75%. The only loans with a fixed interest rate are defaulted loans of which the guaranteed portion sold is repurchased from the secondary market by the SBA, while the unguaranteed portion of the loans still remains with the Company. As of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, net SBA loans receivable held for investment with adjustable interest rates amounted to $21,203,000 and $22,549,000, respectively.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009, the Company funded approximately $41,852,000 and $5,056,000 in loans and transferred approximately $35,522,000 and $10,109,000 of the guaranteed portion of the loans, respectively. Receivables from loans traded but not settled of $7,858,000 and $6,467,000 as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively, are presented as broker receivable in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The outstanding balances of loans past due ninety days or more and still accruing interest as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 amounted to $324,000 and $300,000, respectively.

 

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At September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, total impaired non-accrual loans amounted to $8,329,000 and $8,324,000, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and for the year ended December 31, 2009, the average balance of impaired non-accrual loans was $8,553,000 and $7,773,000, respectively. Approximately $2,874,000 and $3,022,000 of the allowance for loan losses were allocated against such impaired non-accrual loans, respectively. The following is a summary of SBA loans held for investment as of:

 

(In thousands):    September 30,
2010
    December 31,
2009
 

Due in one year or less

   $ 17      $ 6   

Due between one and five years

     3,721        2,672   

Due after five years

     26,527        26,154   
                

Total

     30,265        28,832   

Less: Allowance for loan losses

     (3,902     (3,985

Less: Deferred origination fees, net

     (1,464     (1,590
                

Balance (net)

   $ 24,899      $ 23,257   
                

NOTE 5 – SERVICING ASSET:

Servicing rights are recognized as assets when transferred SBA loans are accounted for as sold and the rights to service those loans are retained. The Company measures all separately recognized servicing assets initially at fair value, if practicable. The Company reviews capitalized servicing rights for impairment based on risk strata, which are determined on a disaggregated basis given the predominant risk characteristics of the underlying loans. The predominant risk characteristics are loan term and year of loan origination.

The changes in the value of the Company’s servicing rights for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 were as follows:

 

(In thousands):       

Balance at December 31, 2009

   $ 2,436   

Servicing assets capitalized

     244   

Servicing assets amortized

     (488
        

Balance at September 30, 2010

   $ 2,192   
        

The estimated fair value of capitalized servicing rights was $2,192,000 and $2,436,000 at September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. The estimated fair value of servicing assets at both balance sheet dates was determined using a discount rate of 17%, weighted average prepayment speeds ranging from 1% to 13%, depending upon certain characteristics of the loan portfolio, weighted average life of 3.4 years, and an average default rate of 6%. The Company uses an independent valuation specialist to estimate the fair value of the servicing asset.

The unpaid principal balances of loans serviced for others are not included in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. The unpaid principal balances of loans serviced for others within the NSBF originated portfolio were $170,083,000 and $142,513,000 as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively. The unpaid principal balances of loans serviced for others which were not originated by NSBF and are outside of the Newtek portfolio were $76,038,000 and $794,000 as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009, respectively.

NOTE 6 – BANK NOTES PAYABLE:

In April 2010, the Company closed two five-year term loans aggregating $14,583,000 with Capital One, N.A., of which $12,500,000 refinanced Newtek Small Business Finance’s debt to General Electric Commercial Capital (“GE”) and $2,083,000 refinanced the pre-existing term loan between Capital One and NTS. This financing will support the lending operations of NSBF by providing working capital. The interest rate on the loans is variable based on the monthly LIBOR rate plus 4.25% or Prime plus 2.25%, but no lower than 5.75%. The balance of the two term loans included in bank notes payable on the condensed consolidated balance sheet at September 30, 2010 was $13,297,000 and the combined weighted average effective interest rate at September 30, 2010 was 6.00%. Interest is paid in arrears along with each monthly principal payment due. The agreement includes such financial covenants as a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio and minimum EBITDA; the Company guarantees these term loans.

 

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In connection with the closing of the Capital One facility, in April 2010, NSBF repaid the outstanding balance of $12,500,000 of its credit facility with GE plus accrued interest of approximately $70,000.

NOTE 7 – (PROVISION) BENEFIT FOR INCOME TAXES:

The Company’s effective tax rate (provision) and benefit for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 was (238)% and 68%, respectively. The Company revised its effective tax rate during the second quarter of 2010 to reflect the utilization of an NOL at NSBF for which a reserve had previously been taken. Based on NSBF’s current and expected performance for the remainder of the year, the Company believes there is sufficient evidence to conclude that it is more likely than not that such NOLs will be used for the 2010 tax year. The utilization of this tax benefit caused the Company to experience a higher than expected tax rate for the nine month period. In addition, the Company changed its estimate for its expected annualized book income for the year based on current and expected performance for the remainder of the year which generated a current tax provision as reflected in the three month tax rate.

NOTE 8 – NON-CONTROLLING INTEREST:

Resulting from the completion of a statutory merger and acquisition during the quarter ended June 30, 2010, the Company purchased 26% of the non-controlling interest in NBC for approximately $26,000. As a result, the excess of the value of the purchase price over the non-controlling interest balance at the date of purchase, approximately $216,000, was recorded as additional paid-in capital.

During the period ended, unexercised warrants that had entitled holders to interests in two Capcos expired. As a result, the non-controlling interest balance as of the expiration, approximately $136,000, was reclassified to additional paid-in capital.

NOTE 9 – COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES:

In the ordinary course of business, the Company may from time to time be party to lawsuits and claims. The Company evaluates such matters on a case by case basis and its policy is to contest vigorously any claims it believes are without compelling merit. The Company is currently involved in various litigation matters. In one matter involving a service provider there is a contract dispute which the Company assesses as “reasonably possible” to result in a loss in the near term which it estimates to be between $0 and $750,000.

 

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NOTE 10 – (LOSS) EARNINGS PER SHARE:

Basic (loss) earnings per share is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period. The dilutive effect of common share equivalents is included in the calculation of diluted loss per share only when the effect of their inclusion would be dilutive.

The calculations of (loss) earnings per share were:

 

     Three months
Ended September 30:
     Nine months
Ended September 30:
 

(In thousands except per share data):

   2010     2009      2010      2009  

Numerator for basic and diluted EPS – (loss) income available to common shareholders

   $ (318   $ 782       $ 146       $ (831
                                  

Denominator for basic EPS – weighted average shares

     35,659        35,631         35,651         35,625   

Effect of dilutive securities

     —          125         144         —     
                                  

Denominator for diluted EPS – weighted average shares

     35,659        35,756         35,795         35,625   
                                  

(Loss) earnings per share: Basic and diluted

   $ (0.01   $ 0.02       $ 0.00       $ (0.02
                                  

The amount of anti-dilutive shares/units excluded from above is as follows:

          

Stock options

     992        1,484         992         1,484   

Warrants

     50        216         50         216   

Contingently issuable shares

     83        97         83         97   

NOTE 11 – SEGMENT REPORTING:

Operating segments are organized internally primarily by the type of services provided. The Company has aggregated similar operating segments into six reportable segments: Electronic payment processing, Web hosting, Small business finance, All other, Corporate and Capcos.

The Electronic payment processing segment is a processor of credit card transactions, as well as a marketer of credit card and check approval services to the small- and medium-sized business market. Expenses include direct costs (included in a separate line captioned electronic payment processing costs), professional fees, salaries and benefits, and other general and administrative costs, all of which are included in the respective caption on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The Web hosting segment consists of NTS, acquired in July 2004. NTS’s revenues are derived primarily from web hosting services and consist of web hosting and set up fees. NTS generates expenses such as professional fees, payroll and benefits, and depreciation and amortization, which are included in the respective caption on the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations, as well as licenses and fees, rent, and general office expenses, all of which are included in other general and administrative costs in the respective caption on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The Small business finance segment consists of Small Business Lending, Inc., a lender that primarily originates, sells and services government guaranteed SBA 7(a) loans to qualifying small businesses through NSBF, its licensed SBA lender; the Texas Whitestone Group which manages the Company’s Texas Capco; and NBC which provides accounts receivable financing, billing and accounts receivable maintenance services to businesses. NSBF generates revenues from sales of loans, servicing income for those loans retained or contracted to service by NSBF and interest income earned on the loans themselves. The lender generates expenses for interest, professional fees, salaries and benefits, depreciation and amortization, and provision for loan losses, all of which are included in the respective caption on the condensed consolidated statements of operations. NSBF also has expenses such as loan recovery expenses, loan processing costs, and other expenses that are all included in the other general and administrative costs caption on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

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The All other segment includes revenues and expenses primarily from qualified businesses that received investments made through the Company’s Capcos which cannot be aggregated with other operating segments. The two largest entities in the segment are Newtek Insurance Agency, LLC, an insurance sales operation, and Business Connect, LLC, a provider of sales and processing services.

Corporate activities represent revenue and expenses not allocated to our segments. Revenue includes interest income and management fees earned from Capcos (and included in expenses in the Capco segment). Expenses primarily include corporate operations related to broad-based sales and marketing, legal, finance, information technology, corporate development and additional costs associated with administering the Capcos.

The Capco segment, which consists of the thirteen Capcos, generates non-cash income from tax credits, interest income and gains from investments in qualified businesses which are included in other income. Expenses primarily include non-cash interest and insurance expense, management fees paid to Newtek (and included in the Corporate activities revenues), legal, and auditing fees and losses from investments in qualified businesses.

Management has considered the following characteristics when making its determination of its operating and reportable segments:

 

 

the nature of the product and services;

 

 

the type or class of customer for their products and services;

 

 

the methods used to distribute their products or provide their services; and

 

 

the nature of the regulatory environment (for example, banking, insurance, or public utilities).

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies.

 

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The following table presents the Company’s segment information for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 and total assets as of September 30, 2010 and December 31, 2009 (In Thousands):

 

     For the three
months ended
September 30,
2010
    For the three
months ended
September 30,
2009
    For the nine
months  ended
September 30,
2010
    For the nine
months ended
September  30,
2009
 

Third Party Revenue

        

Electronic payment processing

   $ 20,518      $ 18,115      $ 59,688      $ 50,778   

Web hosting

     4,800        4,746        14,404        14,128   

Small business finance

     3,024        1,478        6,289        4,885   

All other

     342        311        1,060        2,017   

Corporate activities

     453        712        1,693        2,497   

Capcos

     647        2,298        2,024        6,609   
                                

Total reportable segments

     29,784        27,660        85,158        80,914   

Eliminations

     (582     (848     (2,097     (2,904
                                

Consolidated Total

   $ 29,202      $ 26,812      $ 83,061      $ 78,010   
                                

Inter-Segment Revenue

        

Electronic payment processing

   $ 239      $ 64      $ 534      $ 160   

Web hosting

     159        96        366        296   

Small business finance

     264        18        526        54   

All other

     292        167        3,663        442   

Corporate activities

     524        445        1,501        1,366   

Capcos

     335        467        1,222        1,360   
                                

Total reportable segments

     1,813        1,257        7,812        3,678   

Eliminations

     (1,813     (1,257     (7,812     (3,678
                                

Consolidated Total

   $ —        $ —        $ —        $ —     
                                

Income (loss) before income taxes

        

Electronic payment processing

   $ 1,347      $ 1,088      $ 3,799      $ 3,111   

Web hosting

     1,277        1,027        3,402        2,860   

Small business finance

     404        (756     851        (2,097

All other

     (194     (271     (757     (120

Corporate activities

     (1,786     (1,314     (5,041     (4,666

Capcos

     (800     (873     (2,366     (3,040
                                

Totals

   $ 248      $ (1,099   $ (112   $ (3,952
                                

Depreciation and amortization

        

Electronic payment processing

   $ 396      $ 421      $ 1,209      $ 1,306   

Web hosting

     455        516        1,412        2,070   

Small business finance

     191        233        597        705   

All other

     32        34        110        96   

Corporate activities

     78        105        249        339   

Capcos

     3        4        9        16   
                                

Totals

   $ 1,155      $ 1,313      $ 3,586      $ 4,532   
                                

 

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     As of
September 30,
2010
     As of
December 31,
2009
 

Identifiable assets

     

Electronic payment processing

   $ 9,037       $ 12,295   

Web hosting

     11,464         12,382   

Small business finance

     73,018         43,109   

All other

     4,209         5,125   

Corporate activities

     1,558         3,492   

Capcos

     46,311         59,679   
                 

Consolidated total

   $ 145,597       $ 136,082   
                 

 

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Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

The following discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations is intended to assist in the understanding and assessment of significant changes and trends related to the results of operations and financial position of the Company together with its subsidiaries. This discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and the accompanying notes.

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q contains forward-looking statements. Additional written or oral forward-looking statements may be made by Newtek from time to time in filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission or otherwise. The words “believe,” “expect,” “seek,” “anticipate” and “intend” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date the statement is made. Such forward-looking statements are within the meaning of that term in Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Such statements may include, but are not limited to, projections of income or loss, expenditures, acquisitions, plans for future operations, financing needs or plans relating to our services, as well as assumptions relating to the foregoing. Forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by or underlying the forward-looking statements. Newtek does not undertake, and specifically disclaims, any obligation to release publicly the results of revisions which may be made to forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after such statements.

Our Capcos operate under a different set of rules in each of the 7 jurisdictions and these place varying requirements on the structure of our investments. In some cases, particularly in Louisiana, we do not control the equity or management of a qualified business but that cannot always be presented orally or in written presentations.

For the quarter ended September 30, 2010, the Company reported income before income taxes of $248,000, a $1,347,000 improvement from the loss of $(1,099,000) for the same quarter of 2009. This transition from loss to income resulted from continued improvements in business operations producing an increase in revenue. The Company had a net loss of $(318,000) due to a $(590,000) provision for income taxes based on anticipated taxable earnings for 2010, versus net income of $782,000 for the third quarter of 2009 which included a $1,244,000 benefit for income taxes. Total revenues increased by $2,390,000 to $29,202,000, or 8.9%, from $26,812,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2009, principally due to increased revenues in the Electronic payment processing, Web hosting, Small business finance, and All other segments offset by a decrease in revenues from our Capco segment. The improvement to a profit from the net loss from the third quarter of 2009 reflects improvements in operations for all segments except Corporate: in Electronic payment processing from a gain in dollar margin; in Web hosting from improved sales and reduced expenses; in Small business finance by utilizing the Company’s business model to capitalize on a positive operating environment due to improved pricing in the secondary market for guaranteed loan sales, the current 90% guaranty rate for SBA 7(a) loans, and demand for loans from borrowers due to the shortage of loans provided by conventional lenders, to increase loan originations, loan servicing and receivables financing; and Capco and in the All other segment from reductions in expenses. Corporate experienced an increase in salary and benefits reflecting increased personnel for the run up to the introduction to the Company’s Small Business Authority marketing and sales campaign and professional fees reflecting work on new financing alternatives for the Company.

The Company believes it will be profitable for the year and as a result changed its estimate for its expected annualized book income for the year which generated a current tax provision as reflected in the three month tax rate. The Company’s effective tax rate (provision) and benefit for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2010 was (238)% and 68%, respectively. The Company revised its effective tax rate during the second quarter of 2010 to reflect the utilization of an NOL at NSBF for which a reserve had previously been taken. Based on NSBF’s current and expected performance for the remainder of the year, the Company believes there is sufficient evidence to conclude that it is more likely than not that such NOLs will be used during the 2010 tax year. The utilization of this tax benefit caused the Company to experience a higher than expected tax rate for the nine month period.

The Company is currently evaluating its investment in a qualified business accounted for under the cost method. This investment, SmartPill, LLC, is recorded at its cost basis of $500,000. SmartPill raised additional funds in a manner that might, as a result, cause Newtek’s interest to be diluted and may indicate a lower valuation for SmartPill. If such dilution occurred and SmartPill’s valuation is reduced, it may cause the investment to be impaired. As of September 30, 2010, the Company believes the investment is recoverable.

 

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The decrease in the Company’s cash and cash equivalents from $12,581,000 to $7,301,000 at September 30, 2010 is primarily due to the resumption of lending by the Company’s SBA lender for a fourth consecutive quarter, increased receivable purchases by NBC, the reduction in debt associated with NSBF and NTS, establishment of restricted reserve accounts for such debt, and transfer of cash from Company operating to restricted Capco accounts. Overall, throughout 2010 the Company has and we believe will continue to enjoy improvements from increased revenues and the benefit from the previous expense reductions as well as the continuing cost cutting efforts in 2010.

The Company’s reportable business segment results:

The Company’s reportable segments are described in Note 1 to the Unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements and their results of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 are discussed below.

Electronic Payment Processing

 

     Three months
ended September 30:
        

(In thousands):

   2010      2009      $ Change     % Change  

Revenue:

          

Electronic payment processing

   $ 20,513       $ 18,108       $ 2,405        13

Interest income

     5         7         (2     (29 %) 
                            

Total revenue

     20,518         18,115         2,403        13
                            

Expenses:

          

Electronic payment processing costs

     17,454         15,366         2,088        14

Salaries and benefits

     1,013         962         51        5

Professional fees

     74         62         12        19

Depreciation and amortization

     396         421         (25     (6 %) 

Other general and administrative costs

     234         216         18        8
                            

Total expenses

     19,171         17,027         2,144        13
                            

Income before income taxes

   $ 1,347       $ 1,088       $ 259        24
                            

Three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

Electronic payment processing revenue for the third quarter increased $2,403,000 or 13% from the previous period due growth in organic revenue of 14% offset by a 1% reduction in revenues from acquired portfolios due to customer departures (merchant attrition) and other factors. The growth in organic revenue was due to a combination of growth in processing volumes, selective fee increases and additional fee-based services provided to our merchants. Processing volumes were favorably impacted by an increase in the average number of merchants under contract between periods of 9%. In addition, organic revenue between periods increased due to an increase of approximately 3% in the average monthly processing volume per merchant. The increase in the average monthly processing volume per merchant is due in part to the addition of several larger volume processing merchants as well as year-over-year growth in processing volumes from existing merchants. The remaining increase in organic revenue is due to selective fee increases, principally reflecting the pass through effect to merchants of corresponding fee increases by both VISA® and Master Card®, and the mix of services provided to our merchants.

Electronic payment processing costs increased $2,088,000 or 14% between years. Electronic payment processing costs resulting from acquired portfolios had the overall effect of decreasing such costs by approximately 1% between periods due to merchant attrition and other factors. Organic electronic payment processing costs had the effect of increasing electronic payment processing cost by 15% between periods. Processing revenues less electronic payment processing cost (“margin”) declined slightly from 15.1% in 2009 to 14.9% in 2010 or 0.2%, demonstrating a reduction in the rate of decline from the same measurement periods in the previous two years. A lower contribution to margin from acquired portfolios contributed 0.6% to the decline in margin. For the organic portfolio, an increase in residual payments made to certain high volume third-party sales referral sources and the growth of such third-party sales on a sales mix basis resulted in a reduction of the margin by 0.7% offset by margin improvements totaling approximately 1.1%. Such margin improvements included negotiated cost reductions with the Company’s principal transaction processor, the introduction of new, higher margin products and services, as well as rate increases for certain processing services. The increase in margin dollars was $318,000 between periods.

 

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Costs other than electronic payment processing costs increased $56,000 or 3% over the prior period. Depreciation and amortization costs decreased $25,000 between periods as the result of previously acquired portfolio intangible assets becoming fully amortized between periods. Remaining costs increased $81,000 or 7% principally in customer service related costs to support the growth in the number of merchants served between periods.

Overall segment income before income taxes increased $259,000 or 24% to $1,347,000 in 2010 from $1,088,000 in 2009. An increase in the dollar margin of operating revenues less processing costs due to the reasons noted above coupled with a lower rate of increase in other expenses resulted in the increase in income before income taxes between periods.

 

     Nine months
ended September 30:
        

(In thousands):

   2010      2009      $ Change     % Change  

Revenue:

          

Electronic payment processing

   $ 59,673       $ 50,748       $ 8,925        18

Interest income

     15         30         (15     (50 %) 
                            

Total revenue

     59,688         50,778         8,910        18
                            

Expenses:

          

Electronic payment processing costs

     50,573         42,414         8,159        19

Salaries and benefits

     3,140         3,086         54        2

Professional fees

     234         176         58        33

Depreciation and amortization

     1,209         1,306         (97     (7 %) 

Other general and administrative costs

     733         685         48        7
                            

Total expenses

     55,889         47,667         8,222        17
                            

Income before income taxes

   $ 3,799       $ 3,111       $ 688        22
                            

Nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

Electronic payment processing revenue increased $8,910,000 or 18% between periods due to growth in organic revenue of 19% offset by a 1% reduction in revenues from acquired portfolios to merchant attrition and other factors. The growth in organic revenue was due to a combination of growth in processing volumes, selective fee increases, and additional fee-based services provided to our merchants. Processing volumes were favorably impacted by an increase in the average number of merchants under contract between periods of 8%. In addition, organic revenue between periods increased due to an increase of approximately 8% in the average monthly processing volume per merchant. The increase in the average monthly processing volume per merchant is due in part to the addition of several larger volume processing merchants as well as period-over-period growth in processing volumes from existing merchants. The remaining increase in organic revenue is due to selective fee increases, principally reflecting the pass through effect to merchants of corresponding fee increases by both VISA® and Master Card®, and the mix of services provided to our merchants.

Electronic payment processing costs increased $8,159,000 or 19% between years. Electronic payment processing costs resulting from acquired portfolios had the overall effect of decreasing such costs by approximately 1% between periods due to merchant attrition and other factors. Organic electronic payment processing costs had the effect of increasing electronic payment processing cost by 20% between periods. Processing revenues less electronic payment processing cost (“margin”) declined approximately 1.2% from 16.4% in 2009 to 15.2% in 2010. A lower contribution to margin from acquired portfolios contributed 0.7% to the decline in margin. For the organic portfolio, an increase in residual payments made to certain high volume third-party sales referral sources and the growth of such third-party sales on a sales mix basis resulted in a reduction of the margin by 1.5% which was partially offset by margin improvements totaling approximately 1.0%. Such margin improvements included negotiated cost reductions with the Company’s principal transaction processor, the introduction of new, higher margin products and services, as well as rate increases for certain processing services. The increase in margin dollars was $766,000 between periods.

 

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Excluding electronic payment processing costs, other costs increased $63,000 or 1% between periods. Depreciation and amortization costs decreased $97,000 between periods as the result of previously acquired portfolio intangible assets becoming fully amortized. Remaining costs, including salaries and benefits, professional fees, and other expenses, increased $160,000 or 4% principally in customer service related costs to support the growth in the number of merchants served.

Overall segment income before income taxes increased $688,000 or 22% to $3,799,000 in 2010 from $3,111,000 in 2009. An increase in the dollar margin of operating revenues less processing costs due to the reasons noted above coupled with a lower rate of increase in other expenses resulted in the increase in income before income taxes between periods.

Web Hosting

 

     Three months
ended September 30:
        

(In thousands):

   2010      2009      $ Change     % Change  

Revenue:

          

Web hosting

   $ 4,799       $ 4,743       $ 56        1

Interest income

     1         3         (2     (67 )% 
                            

Total revenue

     4,800         4,746         54        1
                            

Expenses:

          

Salaries and benefits

     1,145         1,319         (174     (13 )% 

Interest

     31         34         (3     (9 )% 

Professional fees

     104         94         10        11

Depreciation and amortization

     455         516         (61     (12 )% 

Other general and administrative costs

     1,788         1,756         32        2
                            

Total expenses

     3,523         3,719         (196     (5 )% 
                            

Income before income taxes

   $ 1,277       $ 1,027       $ 250        24
                            

Three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

This segment derives revenue primarily from recurring fees from hosting websites, including monthly contracts for shared hosting, dedicated servers, and virtual instance the “plans”). Web hosting revenue increased $54,000, or 1%, to $4,800,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 over the same period in 2009 due to improved revenue per plan (see below), organic growth of hosted virtual instances, and an increase in the sales of custom website development services. NTS sales promotions and service and plan enhancements failed to prevent losses in plan counts but did help to improve revenue. Management’s intent is to grow revenues through higher service offerings to customers to drive greater revenue and margin per plan, although this may result in a lower number of plans sold overall.

The increase in revenue reflects an increase in average quarterly revenue per plan of 8% to $79.47 from $73.54 offset by a decrease in the average number of total plans by 4,112 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009, or 6%, to 60,387 from 64,499. Improvement in revenue per plan primarily reflects the growth in virtual instances, customers purchasing higher-cost plans, and utilizing additional options and services. The average number of dedicated server plans for the three months ended September 30, 2010, which generate a higher monthly fee versus shared hosting plans, decreased by 28 between periods, or 1%, to an average of 2,116 from an average of 2,144 for the same period in 2009. The average number of shared hosting plans decreased 4,114, or 7%, to 58,073 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, from 62,187 for the same period in 2009. The average number of virtual instance plans increased by 30, or 18%, to 198 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, from 168 for the same period in 2009. Current economic conditions, although starting to improve, and increased competition from other web hosting providers as well as alternative website services continue to have a negative effect on plan count growth which in turn limits revenue growth.

Total segment expenses decreased by 5%, or $196,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 over the same period a year earlier. The majority of the decrease between periods reflects a decrease in salaries and benefits of $174,000, a decrease in depreciation and amortization of $61,000 and a decrease in interest expense of $3,000 partially offset by an increase in other general and administrative costs of $32,000, mainly due to an increase in utility costs, and an increase in professional fees of

 

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$10,000. The $174,000 decrease in salaries and benefits was primarily due to a reduction of headcount between periods offset slightly by an increase in health insurance premiums. The $61,000 decrease in depreciation and amortization was primarily due to the slowing of capital expenditures as a result of more efficient use of the existing equipment within the datacenter.

Income before income taxes increased 24% or $250,000 to $1,277,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 from $1,027,000 for the same period in 2009. The improvement in profitability primarily resulted from the increase in web site plan revenue combined with a decrease in total expenses.

 

     Nine months
ended September 30:
        

(In thousands):

   2010      2009      $ Change     % Change  

Revenue:

          

Web hosting

   $ 14,400       $ 14,117       $ 283        2

Interest income

     4         11         (7     (64 )% 
                            

Total revenue

     14,404         14,128         276        2
                            

Expenses:

          

Salaries and benefits

     3,811         3,749         62        2

Interest

     77         100         (23     (23 )% 

Professional fees

     373         203         170        84

Depreciation and amortization

     1,412         2,070         (658     (32 )% 

Other general and administrative costs

     5,329         5,146         183        4
                            

Total expenses

     11,002         11,268         (266     (2 )% 
                            

Income before income taxes

   $ 3,402       $ 2,860       $ 542        19
                            

Nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

Web hosting revenue increased by $276,000, or 2%, to $14,404,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 over the same period in 2009 due to improved revenue per plan, organic growth of hosted virtual instances, and an increase in the sales of custom website development services. NTS sales promotions and service and plan enhancements failed to prevent losses in plan counts but did help to improve revenue. Management’s intent is to grow revenues through higher service offerings to customers to drive greater revenue and margin per plan, although this may result in a lower number of plans sold overall.

The increase in revenue reflects an increase in average monthly revenue per plan of 9% to $26.02 from $23.88 offset by a decrease in the average number of total plans by 4,198 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009, or 6%, to 61,480 from 65,678. Improvement in revenue per plan primarily reflects the growth in virtual instances, customers purchasing higher-cost plans, and utilizing additional options and services. The average number of dedicated server plans for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, which generate a higher monthly fee versus shared hosting plans, decreased by 11 between periods, or 1%, to an average of 2,174 from an average of 2,185 for the same period in 2009. The average number of shared hosting plans decreased 4,239, or 7%, to 59,117 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, from 63,356 for the same period in 2009. The average number of virtual instance plans increased 52, or 38%, to 189 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, from 137 for the same period in 2009. Current economic conditions, although starting to improve, and increased competition from other web hosting providers as well as alternative website services continue to have a negative effect on plan count growth which in turn limits revenue growth.

Total segment expenses decreased by 2%, or $266,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The majority of the decrease between periods reflects a decrease in depreciation and amortization of $658,000 and a decrease in interest expense of $23,000, partially offset by an increase in other general and administrative costs of $183,000, an increase in salaries and benefits of $62,000, and an increase in professional fees of $170,000. The $658,000 decrease in depreciation and amortization was primarily due to the customer account and non-compete covenant from the time of NTS’ acquisition being fully amortized as of June 30, 2009 and the slowing of capital expenditures as a result of more efficient use of the already existing equipment within the datacenter. The increase of $170,000 in professional fees was due to legal and consulting fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. The increase in other general and administrative costs was primarily due to a $158,000 increase in rent and utilities, a $51,000 increase in processing costs, a $48,000 increase in licenses and permits, a $29,000 increase in office and other

 

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costs and a $14,000 increase in bad debt. The increases were offset in part by a $21,000 decrease in internet and communications expenses, a result of renegotiations of internet and telephone contracts, and an approximate decrease of $96,000 in marketing costs. Salaries and benefits increased $62,000 for the nine months September 30, 2010 mainly due to increased benefits cost.

Income before income taxes increased 19% or $542,000 to $3,402,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from $2,860,000 for the same period in 2009. The improvement in profitability primarily resulted from the increase in web site plan revenue combined with a decrease in total expenses.

Small Business Finance

 

     Three months
ended September 30:
       

(In thousands):

   2010      2009     $ Change     % Change  

Revenue:

         

Premium income

   $ 1,202       $ 142      $ 1,060        747

Servicing fee

     735         421        314        75

Interest income

     471         318        153        48

Management fees

     146         146        —          —  

Other income

     470         451        19        4
                           

Total revenue

     3,024         1,478        1,546        105
                           

Net change in fair market value of:
Liability on SBA loans transferred, subject to premium recourse

     50         —          50        —  
                           

Expenses:

         

Salaries and benefits

     901         682        219        32

Interest

     403         366        37        10

Management fees

     115         115        —          —  

Professional fees

     66         101        (35     (35 )% 

Depreciation and amortization

     191         233        (42     (18 )% 

Provision for loan losses

     598         388        210        54

Other general and administrative costs

     396         349        47        13
                           

Total expenses

     2,670         2,234        436        20
                           

Income (loss) before income taxes

   $ 404       $ (756   $ 1,160     
                           

Three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

Revenue is derived primarily from premium income generated by the sale of the guaranteed and unguaranteed portions of SBA loans. Additionally, the Company derives revenue from interest income on SBA loans held for investment and those awaiting sale recognition under ASC Topic 860, servicing fee income on the guaranteed portions of SBA loans previously sold, servicing income for loans originated by other lenders for which NSBF is the servicer, and financing and billing services, classified as other income above, provided by Newtek Business Credit (“NBC”). Most SBA loans originated by NSBF charge an interest rate equal to the Prime rate plus an additional percentage amount; the interest rate resets to the current Prime rate on a monthly or quarterly basis, which will result in changes to the amount of interest accrued for that month and going forward and a re-amortization of a loan’s payment amount until maturity.

Generally, NSBF sells the guaranteed portion of each loan to a third party via an SBA regulated secondary market transaction utilizing SBA form 1086 and retains the unguaranteed principal portion in its own portfolio. SBA form 1086 requires, as part of the transferor’s representations and warranties, that the transferor repay any premium received from the transferee if either the SBA 7(a) loan borrower prepays the loan within 90 days of the transfer settlement date or fails to make one of its first three loan payments after the settlement date in a timely fashion and then proceeds to default within 275 days of the settlement date. Under ASC Topic 860, “Transfers and Servicing,” effective January 1, 2010, such recourse precludes sale treatment of the transferred guaranteed portions during this warranty period; rather NSBF is required to account for this as a financing arrangement with the transferee. Until the warranty period expires such transferred loans are classified as “SBA loans transferred, subject to premium

 

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recourse” with a matching liability “Liability on SBA loans transferred, subject to premium recourse.” The Company values the liability based on the probability of payment given the Company’s history of returning premium: the transferee will receive 100% of the guaranteed portion from either the borrower or the SBA and approximately 3% of the premium amount from the Company in instances of default or prepayment during the warranty period. At the expiration of the warranty period, the sale of the guaranteed portions of these loans as well as the corresponding gain is recognized into premium income, and the asset and liability eliminated. Recognition is estimated to occur from 90 days of settlement date, which for many of the loans sold in the second quarter 2010 occurred throughout the third quarter.

The Company recognized $1,202,000 in premium income for the third quarter ended September 30, 2010 for 24 guaranteed loan sales totaling $13,269,000 transferred in the first and second quarters of 2010 for which the warranty period had expired. Also during these three months, the Company transferred 26 guaranteed loans aggregating $11,986,000; however, as discussed above, the recognition of the revenue from these transfers are delayed into future periods until the sale is recognized. The Company continued to benefit from the government’s program of higher guaranty percentages per loan which allowed it to transfer a larger guaranteed portion of the loans it made in the quarter. Premium income for the three months ended September 30, 2009 totaled $142,000, resulting from one guaranteed loan sale of $1,328,000 and recognized under previous accounting treatment. 2009 results reflected that NSBF had substantially stopped originating new loans due to the dislocation in the secondary market during the early part of 2009.

Servicing fee income related to SBA loans increased by $314,000 due primarily to the addition of servicing income associated with the FDIC contract, which totaled $377,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010; there was no corresponding FDIC income in the prior quarter. Additionally, the average NSBF servicing portfolio increased from $124,043,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 to $147,232,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 reflecting NSBF’s renewed loan originations starting in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Total interest income increased by $153,000 for the quarter due, in part, from an increase in the average outstanding performing portfolio of SBA loans held for investment from $20,260,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009 to $21,746,000 in the third quarter of 2010. This portfolio expansion accounted for $14,000 of the increase in interest income. The remaining $139,000 in interest income recognized in the third quarter of 2010 was interest recognized on the loans transferred, not yet sold under ASC Topic 860. Total interest income on loans held for investment, after removing the effect of ASC Topic 860, was $332,000 and $318,000 for the three months ending September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Other income increased by $19,000 due to the net addition of fourteen receivable financing clients which generated an additional $90,000 of income. This increase was predominately offset by reductions in late payment and other loan-related income at NSBF of $50,000 as well as a reduction in billing services revenue earned by NBC of $15,000. The average number of billing service customers decreased by 6 from an average of 80 to an average of 74 during the three months ended September 30, 2009 and 2010, respectively.

As a result of the implementation of ASC Topic 860, the Company established a new liability, “Liability for SBA loans transferred, subject to recourse” to account for transfers of the guaranteed portions sold via SBA regulated secondary market transactions as financings during the duration of the premium warranty period. As discussed above, contemporaneous with the implementation the Company elected to fair value the new liability. Fair valuing the liability at the end of the quarter resulted in a net gain of $50,000 which reflected the increase in the liability due to the transfer of guaranteed portions in the third quarter offset by those that achieved sale status in the quarter.

Salaries and benefits increased by $237,000 at NSBF as additional staff was added in the originating, servicing and liquidation departments in connection with the resumption of lending that began in the third quarter of 2009 as well as an increase in staff to service the FDIC contract. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in payroll expense at NBC by $18,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared with the prior quarter as a result of the elimination of one employee. The Company believes it has adequate staff to maintain operations at NBC as well as service its portfolio and originate loans at NSBF. The combined average headcount for the quarter increased by 42% from 31 at September 30, 2009, to 44 at September 30, 2010.

During the second quarter 2010, NSBF paid off its line with GE and initiated a $12,500,000 new term loan with Capital One. After deducting the amortization of deferred financing costs associated with the lines of credit held by NSBF and NBC of $81,000 for the quarter ended September 30, 2009 and $23,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 along with the interest expense of $139,000 associated with the secured borrowings under ASC Topic 860 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, interest expense decreased from $285,000 to $241,000 for the same periods, respectively. This decrease in net interest expense was due to a reduction in the average interest rates charged under the NSBF and NBC credit facilities. The weighted

 

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average interest rate quarter over quarter decreased from 7.13% to 5.89%. This reduction in interest rate was partially offset by an increase in borrowings under the NBC credit facility from $1,949,000 to $4,348,000. The reduction in amortization of deferred financing costs for the quarter ended September 30, 2010, was due to the new term loan with Capital One which allows for an extended amortization period for the capitalized fees.

Professional fees for the three months ended September 30, 2010 decreased by $35,000 as a result of reductions in consulting, accounting and legal expenses.

Consideration in arriving at the provision for loan loss includes past and current loss experience, current portfolio composition, future estimated cash flows, and the evaluation of real estate and other collateral as well as current economic conditions. While the quarterly provision for loan loss increased by $210,000 quarter over quarter, the reserve for loan losses as compared to the gross portfolio balance decreased from $4,014,000 or 14.0% at September 30, 2009 to $3,902,000 or 12.7% at September 30, 2010 reflecting the overall growth from new lending and performance of the portfolio. Total impaired non-accrual loans at September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2010, decreased from $8,875,000 to $8,202,000, respectively, with $3,044,000 or 34.3% and $2,881,000 or 35.1% of the allowance for loan losses being allocated against such impaired non-accrual loans, respectively. The year over year reduction in non-performing loans reflects an improvement in the overall economic climate and corresponding impact on the underlying borrowers.

Other general and administrative costs increased by $47,000 due primarily to an increase in loan servicing and loan recovery expenses in the three months ended September 30, 2010. Additionally, increases in software maintenance costs and rent and utilities were offset by reductions in bank service charges and losses on foreclosed property recorded in the prior quarter ended September 30, 2009.

The resumption of loan originations and transfers in 2010 with the 90% guaranty percentage, the additions to servicing and consulting income from the NSBF portfolio and the FDIC contracts, and the adoption of fair value accounting for the liability created in accordance with ASC Topic 860, restored segment operations to a profit in the current quarter as opposed to a loss in the previous year’s quarter.

 

     Nine months
ended September 30:
       

(In thousands):

   2010      2009     $ Change     % Change  

Revenue:

         

Premium income

   $ 1,395       $ 725      $ 670        92

Servicing fee

     1,865         1,246        619        49

Interest income

     1,173         1,114        59        5

Management fees

     439         439        —          —  

Other income

     1,417         1,361        56        4
                           

Total revenue

     6,289         4,885        1,404        29
                           

Net change in fair market value of:
Liability on SBA loans transferred, subject to premium recourse

     2,076         —          2,076        —  
                           

Expenses:

         

Salaries and benefits

     2,553         2,129        424        20

Interest

     1,149         1,159        (10     (1 )% 

Management fees

     345         345        —          —  

Professional fees

     328         259        69        27

Depreciation and amortization

     597         705        (108     (15 )% 

Provision for loan losses

     1,451         1,320        131        10

Other general and administrative costs

     1,091         1,065        26        2
                           

Total expenses

     7,514         6,982        532        8
                           

Income (loss) before income taxes

   $ 851       $ (2,097   $ 2,948     
                           

 

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For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

The Company recognized $1,395,000 in premium income for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 for 28 guaranteed loan sales totaling $15,692,000 where the warranty period expired. Also during these nine months, the Company transferred 42 guaranteed loans aggregating $19,831,000; however, as discussed above, the recognition of the revenue from these transfers is delayed into future periods until the sale can be recognized. Premium income for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 totaled $725,000, resulting from 15 guaranteed loan sales aggregating $10,109,000. As a result of the dislocation in the secondary market during 2009, the premium on the guaranteed loans sold dropped to par and the servicing component increased to over 4.2% during the first nine months. In order to appropriately value the servicing asset during a period early in 2009 in which premiums could not be obtained on guaranteed loans sales, the Company applied a discounted cash flow model which used valuation techniques to convert future cash flows to a single present value and is based on the value indicated by current market expectations about those future cash flows. The premium earned during the first nine months of 2009 is reflective of this valuation method for the servicing assets created at that time. With the return of premium sales, in 2010 the Company reverted back to the strip multiple method for loans that achieved sale status.

Servicing fee income related to SBA loans increased by $619,000 due primarily to the addition of servicing income associated with the FDIC contract, which totaled $607,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010; there was no FDIC income in the corresponding nine month period in 2009. Additionally, the average NSBF servicing portfolio increased from $126,227,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 compared to $137,312,000 for the current nine month period reflecting NSBF’s renewed loan originations starting in the fourth quarter of 2009.

Interest income increased by $59,000 due to $238,000 in interest income recognized on the loans transferred, not yet sold, under ASC 860 during the first nine months of 2010. This increase was partially offset by a reduction in interest income associated with a decrease in the average outstanding performing portfolio of SBA loans held for investment from $22,938,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 to $20,675,000 in the first half of 2010. In addition, a $70,000 reduction in interest income was recognized during the first nine months of 2010 as a result of previous recognized interest income being reversed as a result of loans being transferred into nonperforming status. Total interest income on loans held for investment was $935,000 and $1,114,000 for the nine months ending September 30, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

Other income increased by $56,000 due primarily to the addition of consulting income associated with the FDIC contract, which totaled $137,000 as well as the net addition of fourteen new receivable financing clients at NBC resulting in an additional $100,000 of related income. This increase was predominately offset by reductions in late payment and other loan-related income at NSBF of $129,000 as well as a reduction in billing services revenue earned by NBC of $41,000. The average number of billing service customers decreased by 7 from an average of 82 to an average of 75 during the respective first nine months of 2009 and 2010.

As a result of the implementation of ASC Topic 860, the Company established a new liability, “Liability for SBA loans transferred, subject to recourse” to account for transfers of the guaranteed portions sold via SBA regulated secondary market transactions as financings during the duration of the premium warranty period. As discussed above, contemporaneous with the implementation of ASC Topic 860, the Company elected to fair value the new liability. As a result, the Company recognized a net gain of $2,076,000 from the reduction of the value of the liability based on its economic likelihood of repayment of the premium under the warranty.

Salaries and benefits increased by $447,000 at NSBF as additional staff was added in the originating, servicing and liquidation departments of NSBF in connection with the resumption of lending that began in the third quarter of 2009 as well as an increase in staff to service the FDIC contract. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in payroll expense at NBC by $23,000 during the first nine months ended September 30, 2010. The Company believes it has adequate staff to maintain operations at NBC as well as service its portfolio and originate loans at NSBF. The combined average headcount for the nine month period increased by 31.3%, from 32 at September 30, 2009 to 42 at September 30, 2010.

During the second quarter of 2010, NSBF paid off its line with GE and initiated a $12,500,000 new term loan with Capital One. After deducting the amortization of deferred financing costs associated with the lines of credit held by NSBF and NBC of $277,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and $148,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 along with the interest expense of $238,000 associated with the secured borrowings under ASC 860 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, interest expense decreased from $882,000 to $763,000 for the same periods, respectively. This decrease in net interest expense was primarily due to reductions in the average combined debt outstanding by NSBF and NBC, which decreased from $17,503,000 to $15,298,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and 2010, respectively. The decrease in amortization of deferred financing costs for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, was due to the new term loan with Capital One which allows for an extended amortization period for the capitalized fees.

 

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Professional fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 increased by $69,000 as a result of an increase in consulting and accounting expenses, which was partially offset by a decrease in legal expense. The increase in consulting and accounting expenses was mainly due to obtaining a rating from the S&P on our loan servicing operations and additional professional fees associated with the payoff of the line with GE.

Consideration in arriving at the provision for loan loss includes past and current loss experience, current portfolio composition, future estimated cash flows, and the evaluation of real estate and other collateral as well as current economic conditions. While the provision for loan loss increased by $131,000 for the nine month period ended September 30, 2010, the reserve for loan losses as compared to the gross portfolio balance decreased from $4,014,000 or 14.0% at September 30, 2009 to $3,902,000 or 12.7% at September 30, 2010 reflecting the overall growth from new lending and performance of the portfolio. Total impaired non-accrual loans at September 30, 2009 and September 30, 2010, decreased from $8,875,000 to $8,202,000, respectively, with $3,044,000 or 34.3% and $2,881,000 or 35.1% of the allowance for loan losses being allocated against such impaired non-accrual loans, respectively. The year over year reduction in non-performing loans reflects an improvement in the overall economic climate and corresponding impact on the underlying borrowers.

Other general and administrative costs increased by $26,000 due primarily to an increase in loan servicing costs as well as an increase in rent and utilities for the nine months ended September 30, 2010. These increases were partially offset by reductions in loan recovery expenses which included a $102,000 write-down on foreclosed property and a $10,000 loss on disposal of owned property in the corresponding prior period.

The resumption of loan originations with the 90% guaranty percentage, the additions to servicing and consulting income from the NSBF portfolio and the FDIC contracts, and the adoption of fair value accounting for the liability created in accordance with ASC Topic 860 resulted in a return to profitability for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from the loss in the same period of 2009.

All Other

The All other segment includes revenues and expenses primarily from Newtek Insurance Agency, LLC and qualified businesses that received investments made through the Company’s Capcos which cannot be aggregated with other operating segments.

 

     Three months
ended September 30:
       

(In thousands):

   2010     2009     $ Change     % Change  

Revenue:

        

Insurance commissions

   $ 203      $ 201      $ 2        1

Other income

     129        100        29        29

Interest income

     10        10        —          —  
                          

Total revenue

     342        311        31        10
                          

Expenses:

        

Salaries and benefits

     372        376        (4     (1 )% 

Professional fees

     47        18        29        161

Depreciation and amortization

     32        34        (2     (6 )% 

Other general and administrative costs

     85        154        (69     (45 )% 
                          

Total expenses

     536        582        (46     (8 )% 
                          

Loss before income taxes

   $ (194   $ (271   $ (77     (28 )% 
                          

Three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

Revenue increased $31,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2009 primarily due to a recovery of a previously written off investment. Insurance commission and interest income remained flat period over period.

 

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Salaries and benefits and depreciation and amortization remained flat period over period. Other general administrative costs decreased by $69,000, or 45% to $85,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $154,000 for 2009 mainly due to a $20,000 collection in 2010 of a receivable previous deemed uncollectable and a reduction in expenses resulting from the deconsolidation of a previously consolidated variable interest entity.

 

     Nine months
ended September 30:
       

(In thousands):

   2010     2009     $ Change     % Change  

Revenue:

        

Insurance commissions

   $ 615      $ 619      $ (4     (1 )% 

Other income

     388        1,359        (971     (71 )% 

Interest income

     57        39        18        46
                          

Total revenue

     1,060        2,017        (957     (47 )% 
                          

Expenses:

        

Salaries and benefits

     1,173        1,270        (97     (8 )% 

Professional fees

     149        143        6        4

Depreciation and amortization

     110        96        14        15

Other general and administrative costs

     385        628        (243     (39 )% 
                          

Total expenses

     1,817        2,137        (320     (15 )% 
                          

Loss before income taxes

   $ (757   $ (120   $ 637        531
                          

Nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

The revenue decrease of $957,000 is primarily due to the decrease in other income of $971,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the same period in 2009, primarily due to a one-time $1,000,000 recovery in 2009 of an investment previously written off that has not recurred in 2010. Interest income increased as a result of an increase in cash and cash equivalents. Insurance commissions remained flat period over period.

Salaries and benefits decreased by $97,000, or 8% to $1,173,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $1,270,000 for the same in period 2009, as a result of management’s cost cutting initiatives in the insurance agency and other entities mainly during the first quarter 2010. Other general administrative costs decreased by $243,000, or 39% to $385,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010, as compared to $628,000 for 2009, primarily due to a one-time expense adjustment and a reduction in software maintenance costs in the insurance agency as a result of a software conversion.

Corporate activities

The Corporate activities segment implements business strategy, directs marketing, provides technology oversight and guidance, coordinates and integrates activities of the other segments, contracts with alliance partners, acquirers customer opportunities and owns our proprietary NewTracker™ referral system and all other intellectual property rights. This segment includes revenue and expenses not allocated to other segments, including interest income, Capco management fee income, and corporate operations expenses. These operating expenses consist primarily of internal and external public accounting expenses, internal and external corporate legal expenses, corporate officer salaries, and rent for the principal executive office.

 

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     Three months
ended September 30:
       

(In thousands):

   2010     2009     $ Change     % Change  

Revenue:

        

Management fees

   $ 434      $ 700      $ (266     (38 )% 

Interest income

     9        9        —          —  

Other income

     10        3        7        233
                          

Total revenue

     453        712        (259     (36 )% 
                          

Expenses:

        

Salaries and benefits

     1,236        1,072        164        15

Professional fees

     316        221        95        43

Depreciation and amortization

     78        105        (27     (26 )% 

Other general and administrative costs

     609        628        (19     (3 )% 
                          

Total expenses

     2,239        2,026        213        11
                          

Loss before income taxes

   $ (1,786   $ (1,314   $ 472        36
                          

Three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

Revenue is derived primarily from management fees earned from the Capcos which declined 38%, or $266,000, to $434,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 from $700,000 for the third quarter of 2009. Management fees, which are eliminated upon consolidation, are expected to continue to decline in the future as the Capcos mature and utilize their cash. If a Capco does not have current or projected cash sufficient to pay management fees, then such fees are not paid or accrued.

Expenses increased $213,000, or 11%, for the three months ended September 30, 2010 from the same period in 2009. Salaries and benefits increased $164,000 or 15% to $1,236,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to $1,072,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2009 mainly due to an increase in headcount for general corporate purposes. Professional fees increased $95,000, or 43%, during the three months ended September 30, 2010 due to an increase in legal and public relation fees. Other general and administrative costs decreased $19,000 or 3% to $609,000 for the third quarter of 2010 as compared to $628,000 for the same period in 2009.

 

     Nine months
ended September 30:
       

(In thousands):

   2010     2009     $ Change     % Change  

Revenue:

        

Management fees

   $ 1,658      $ 2,464      $ (806     (33 )% 

Interest income

     22        21        1        5

Other income

     13        12        1        8
                          

Total revenue

     1,693        2,497        (804     (32 )% 
                          

Expenses:

        

Salaries and benefits

     3,675        3,465        210        6

Professional fees

     962        1,360        (398     (29 )% 

Depreciation and amortization

     249        339        (90     (27 )% 

Other general and administrative costs

     1,848        1,999        (151     (8 )% 
                          

Total expenses

     6,734        7,163        (429     (6 )% 
                          

Loss before income taxes

   $ (5,041   $ (4,666   $ 375        8
                          

Nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

Revenue from management fees earned from the Capcos declined 33%, or $806,000, to $1,658,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from $2,464,000 for the same period in 2009. Management fees, which are eliminated upon consolidation, are expected to continue to decline in the future as the Capcos mature and utilize their cash. If a Capco does not have current or projected cash sufficient to pay management fees, then such fees are not paid or accrued.

 

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Expenses declined $429,000, or 6%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from the same period in 2009. Salaries and benefits increased $210,000 or 6% to $3,675,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to $3,465,000 for the same period ended in 2009 mainly due to an increase in headcount. Professional fees decreased $398,000, or 29%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from the same period in 2009 due to the Company exploring various financing and restructuring alternatives that resulted in significantly higher professional fees for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. Other general and administrative costs decreased $151,000 or 8% to $1,848,000 as compared to $1,999,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009 mainly due to decreases in insurance, maintenance, postage and telephone costs.

Capcos

As described in Note 3 to the condensed consolidated financial statements, effective January 1, 2008, the Company adopted fair value accounting for its financial assets and financial liabilities concurrent with its election of the fair value option for substantially all credits in lieu of cash, notes payable in credits in lieu of cash and prepaid insurance. These are the financial assets and liabilities associated with the Company’s Capco notes that are reported within the Company’s Capco segment. The tables below reflect the effects of the adoption of fair value measurement on the income and expense items (income from tax credits, interest expense and insurance expense) related to the revalued financial assets and liability for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009. In addition, the net change to the revalued financial assets and liability for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009 is reported in the line “Net change in fair market value of Credits in lieu of cash and Notes payable in credits in lieu of cash” on the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

 

     Three months
ended September 30:
       

(In thousands):

   2010     2009     $ Change     % Change  

Revenue:

        

Income from tax credits

   $ 621      $ 2,234      $ (1,613     (72 )% 

Interest income

     25        21        4        19

Other income

     1        43        (42     (98 )% 
                          

Total revenue

     647        2,298        (1,651     (72 )% 
                          

Net change in fair market value of:
Credits in lieu of cash and Notes payable in credits in lieu of cash

     (44     34        (78     (229 )% 
                          

Expenses:

        

Interest

     586        2,268        (1,682     (74 )% 

Management fees

     465        731        (266     (36 )% 

Professional fees

     164        140        24        17

Other general and administrative costs

     188        66        122        185
                          

Total expenses

     1,403        3,205        (1,802     (56 )% 
                          

Loss before income taxes

   $ (800   $ (873   $ (73     (8 )% 
                          

Three months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

Revenue is derived primarily from non-cash income from tax credits. The decrease in the third quarter 2010 revenue versus third quarter 2009 reflects the effect of the lower interest rate used under fair value accounting. The amount of future income from tax credits revenue will fluctuate with future interest rates. However, over future periods through 2016, the amount of tax credits, and therefore the income the Company will recognize, will decrease to zero.

Expenses consist primarily of management fees and non-cash interest expense. Management fees decreased 36%, or $266,000, to $465,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 from $731,000 for the same period in 2009. Management fees, which are eliminated upon consolidation, are expected to decline in the future as the Capcos mature and utilize their cash. Interest expense decreased 74%, or $1,682,000, to $586,000 for the three months ended September 30, 2010 from $2,268,000 as a result of the lower interest rate used under the fair market value accounting for the period. Other general and administrative costs increased $122,000 mainly due to the recognition of a loss of approximately $70,000 on the sublease of an existing leasehold in addition to a provision for loan loss of $60,000 due to a loan assessed by management as uncollectable.

 

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The Company does not anticipate creating any new Capcos in the foreseeable future and the Capco segment will continue to incur losses going forward. The Capcos will continue to earn cash investment income on their cash balances and incur cash management fees and operating expenses. The amount of cash available for investment and to pay management fees will be primarily dependent upon future returns generated from investments in qualified businesses. Income from tax credits will consist solely of accretion of the discounted value of the declining dollar amount of tax credits the Capcos will receive in the future; the Capcos will continue to incur non-cash interest expense.

 

     Nine months
ended September 30:
       

(In thousands):

   2010     2009     $ Change     % Change  

Revenue:

        

Income from tax credits

   $ 1,923      $ 6,483      $ (4,560     (70 )% 

Interest income

     92        82        10        12

Other income

     9        44        (35     (80 )% 
                          

Total revenue

     2,024        6,609        (4,585     (69 )% 
                          

Net change in fair market value of:
Credits in lieu of cash and Notes payable in credits in lieu of cash

     130        1,044        (914     (88 )% 
                          

Expenses:

        

Interest

     2,078        7,528        (5,450     (72 )% 

Management fees

     1,752        2,558        (806     (32 )% 

Professional fees

     337        436        (99     (23 )% 

Other than temporary decline in value of investments

     5        158        (153     (97 )% 

Other general and administrative costs

     348        13        335        2,577
                          

Total expenses

     4,520        10,693        (6,173     (58 )% 
                          

Loss before income taxes

   $ (2,366   $ (3,040   $ (674     (22 )% 
                          

Nine months ended September 30, 2010 and 2009:

Revenue is derived primarily from non-cash income from tax credits. The decrease in revenue for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 versus the same period in 2009 reflects the effect of the lower interest rate used under fair market value accounting. The amount of future income from tax credits revenue will fluctuate with future interest rates. However, over future periods through 2016, the amount of tax credits, and therefore the income the Company will recognize, will decrease to zero.

Expenses consist primarily of management fees and non-cash interest expense. Management fees decreased 32%, or $806,000, to $1,752,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from $2,558,000 for the same period in 2009. Management fees, which are eliminated upon consolidation, are expected to decline in the future as the Capcos mature and utilize their cash. Interest expense decreased 72%, or $5,450,000, to $2,078,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from $7,528,000 for the same period in 2009 as a result of the lower interest rate used under the fair value accounting for the period. Professional fees decreased $99,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2009 and approximately $30,000 of the decrease was due to the elimination of audit and tax return preparation expenses associated with one Capco that was voluntarily decertified and liquidated in the fourth quarter of 2009. The remainder of the decrease in professional fees is due to the timing of when audit fees are incurred during 2010. The $335,000 increase in other general and administrative costs is due to a returned premium on a Capco insurance policy for $250,000 during the nine months ended September 30, 2009 which did not recur in 2010, to the recognition of a loss in 2010 of approximately $70,000 on the sublease of an existing leasehold and to a provision for loan loss of $60,000, offset partially by $45,000 of reductions in other general and administrative expenses.

The Company does not anticipate creating any new Capcos in the foreseeable future and the Capco segment will continue to incur losses going forward. The Capcos will continue to earn cash investment income on their cash balances and incur cash management fees and operating expenses. The amount of cash available for investment and to pay management fees will be primarily dependent upon future returns generated from investments in qualified businesses. Income from tax credits will consist solely of accretion of the discounted value of the declining dollar amount of tax credits the Capcos will receive in the future; the Capcos will continue to incur non-cash interest expense.

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash requirements and liquidity needs over the next twelve months are anticipated to be funded primarily through operating results, available cash and cash equivalents, and an existing credit line. As more fully described below, the Company’s SBA lender will require additional funding sources to maintain current SBA loan originations in the latter part of 2011 under anticipated conditions; although the failure to find these sources may require the reduction in the Company’s SBA lending and related operations, it will not impair the Company’s overall ability to operate.

In order to operate, the Company’s SBA lender depends on the continuation of the SBA 7(a) guaranteed loan program of the United States Government. For 2010 and most likely into the first quarter of 2011 the Company has benefitted and will continue to benefit from the increase in the guarantee on SBA 7(a) loans to 90% from 75% which effectively reduces the amount of the loan the Company needs to retain and increases the amount of premium the Company earns on a loan. The return to the 75% guarantee level for loans approved after December 31, 2010 will require the Company to commit greater cash resources to fund SBA 7(a) loans. The Company’s SBA lender depends on the availability of purchasers for SBA loans held for sale transferred to the secondary markets and the premium earned therein to support its lending operations. At this time the secondary market for the SBA loans held for sale is robust but during the 2008 – 2009 financial crisis the Company had difficulty selling its loans for a premium or at all.

The Company’s SBA lender finances the operations of the lending business through loans or credit facilities from various lenders. Such lenders invariably require a security interest in the SBA loans as collateral which, under the applicable law, requires the prior approval of the US Small Business Administration. In April 2010, the Company closed two five year term loans aggregating $14,583,000 with Capital One, N.A. which refinanced Newtek’s SBA lender’s $12,500,000 debt to GE as well as the existing $2,083,000 term loan between Capital One and NTS. Previously the SBA lender utilized the GE debt to originate and warehouse the guaranteed and unguaranteed portions of SBA loans. Under the Capital One term loan, which is collateralized by the unguaranteed, retained loan portions, all unguaranteed loan repayment proceeds are used to reduce the outstanding indebtedness and the SBA lender funds its cash requirements through available cash and cash equivalents supplemented as needed by the cash resources of Newtek. Because these resources will be insufficient to maintain current SBA loan originations in the latter part of 2011 under anticipated conditions, the Company is working with various lenders on obtaining an additional credit facility to increase its ability to lend and exploring the possibility of issuing a rated debt security. If the Company should ever be unable to obtain the approval for its financing arrangements from the SBA, it would likely be unable to continue to make loans.

The receivables financing unit (“NBC”) utilizes a $10 million line of credit provided by Wells Fargo Bank to purchase and warehouse receivables. Wells Fargo has informally indicated it plans to exit the business of financing small finance companies and will likely not extend its agreement with NBC which matures in February 2012; we are engaged in discussions with other potential lenders to replace this line. There are no cross covenants or collateralization between the Wells Fargo lending facility and the Capital One term loans. The availability of the Wells Fargo line of credit and the performance of the Capital One term loans are subject to compliance with certain covenants and collateral requirements as set forth in their respective agreements, as well as limited restrictions on distributions or loans to the Company by the respective debtor, none of which are material to the liquidity of the Company. The Company guarantees these loans for the subsidiaries: Capital One for the amount borrowed and Wells Fargo for up to $800,000. As of September 30, 2010, the Company’s unused sources of liquidity consisted of $7,301,000 in unrestricted cash and cash equivalents and $434,000 available through the Wells Fargo line of credit.

Restricted cash of $9,068,000 as of September 30, 2010 is primarily held in the Capcos and can be used in managing and operating the Capcos, making qualified investments, to repay debt obligations, and for the payment of taxes on capco income.

 

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In summary, Newtek generated and used cash as follows:

(Dollars in thousands)

 

    

For the nine

months ended
September 30,

 
     2010     2009  

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities

   $ (1,237   $ 5,637   

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities

     (5,418     2,538   

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

     1,375        (9,455
                

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

     (5,280     (1,280

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period

     12,581        16,852   
                

Cash and cash equivalents, end of period

   $ 7,301      $ 15,572   
                

Net cash flows from operating activities decreased $6,874,000 to $(1,237,000) for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to $5,637,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. This change primarily reflects the use of funds for lending and purchasing receivables by our Small business finance segment in the current nine months whereas the 2009 nine month period benefited from the sale of SBA loans held for sale originated in 2008 and a reduction in SBA lending in 2009. For the nine months ended September 30, 2009, the Company originated $3,976,000 SBA loans held for sale and received proceeds from the sale of SBA loans held for sale net of premium recorded as income of $10,109,000 offset by a broker receivable increase of $1,096,000 for net proceeds of $6,133,000. For the nine months ended September 30, 2010 the Company originated $36,077,000 of SBA loans held for sale. Reflecting the effects of ASC Topic 860 “Transfers and Servicing” which became effective on January 1, 2010 (discussed above), the Company received proceeds from transfers of SBA loans held for sale accounted for as financings (“Liability for SBA loans transferred, subject to recourse”) of $21,972,000 reduced by a premium of $2,140,000 and offset by an increase in the broker receivable of $1,391,000 and proceeds from transfers that achieved sale accounting of $15,692,000 for net proceeds of $(1,944,000), a decrease of $8,077,000. Broker receivables arise from loans traded but not settled before quarter end and represent the amount of cash due from the purchasing broker; the amount varies depending on loan origination volume and timing of sales at quarter end.

Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities primarily includes the purchase of fixed assets and customer accounts, repayments of the unguaranteed portions of SBA loans, changes in restricted cash and investments in qualified businesses. Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities decreased by $7,956,000 to cash used of $(5,418,000) for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 compared to cash provided of $2,538,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The decrease was due primarily to a greater amount of SBA loans originated for investment for the nine month period, $(5,761,000) in 2010, versus $(1,004,000) in 2009, a lesser return from qualified investments in 2010, $142,000, as compared to the return of $1,981,000 in 2009; and a slight decrease in payments received on SBA loans from $2,846,000 in 2009 to $2,700,000 in 2010 primarily due to a decline in prepayments. The change in restricted cash provided $714,000 less cash flows in 2010, or $(1,101,000), versus cash flows used of $(387,000) in 2009.

Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities primarily includes the net borrowings (repayments) on bank notes payable to Capital One, Wells Fargo and GE. Net cash flows provided by (used in) financing activities increased by $10,830,000 to cash provided of $1,375,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2010 from a cash use of $(9,455,000) for the nine months ended September 30, 2009. The primary reason for the increase was the 2009 period reflected the repayment of bank notes payable of $(9,197,000) primarily from the application of proceeds from sale of SBA loans held for sale to the GE line, while the current nine months reflects borrowings on the Company’s lines of credit with Wells Fargo to fund the increase in accounts receivables purchased offset by the amount repaid to Capital One by NSBF and NTS. During the nine month period of 2010, the Company received $12,500,000 of proceeds from the Capital One term note and used the funds to repay the outstanding amount on the GE line of credit. In addition, the Company made principal payments on the Capital One term note of $1,286,000 for the period. NBC had net borrowings on the Wells Fargo line of credit for the nine month period of $3,238,000, all of which reflect a net increase of $1,375,000 to the financing activities for the nine month period.

The overall $(5,280,000) decrease in cash and cash equivalents in the first nine months of 2010 primarily reflects the increase in the origination of SBA loans held for investment and receivables purchased offset by borrowings from Wells Fargo, reduction in debt associated with NSBF and NTS, establishment of restricted reserve accounts for such debt, and transfer of cash from Company operating to restricted capco accounts due to the deconsolidation of a qualified investment which effectively moved cash from the business’s unrestricted cash account back to the Capco’s escrow, or restricted, cash account.

 

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure about Market Risk.

We consider the principal types of risk in our business activities to be fluctuations in interest rates and loan portfolio valuations and the availability of the secondary market for our SBA loans held for sale. Risk management systems and procedures are designed to identify and analyze our risks, to set appropriate policies and limits and to continually monitor these risks and limits by means of reliable administrative and information systems and other policies and programs.

Our SBA lender primarily lends at an interest rate of prime, which resets on a quarterly basis, plus a fixed margin. Our receivable financing business purchases receivables priced to equate to a similar prime plus a fixed margin structure. The Capital One term loan and the Wells Fargo line of credit are both on a prime plus a fixed factor basis as well (although the Company has elected under the Wells Fargo line to borrow under a lower cost LIBOR basis). As a result the Company believes it has matched its cost of funds to its interest income in its financing activities. However, because of the differential between the amount lent and the smaller amount financed, a significant change in market interest rates will have a material effect on our operating income. In periods of sharply rising interest rates, our cost of funds will increase at a slower rate than the interest income earned on the loans we have made; this should improve our net operating income, holding all other factors constant. However, a reduction in interest rates, as has occurred since 2008, has and will result in the Company experiencing a reduction in operating income; that is interest income will decline more quickly than interest expense resulting in a net reduction of benefit to operating income.

Our lender depends on the availability of secondary market purchasers for the guaranteed portions of SBA loans and the premium received on such sales to support its lending operations. At this time the secondary market for the guaranteed portions of SBA loans is robust but during the 2008 – 2009 financial crisis the Company had difficulty selling it loans for a premium; although not expected at this time, if such conditions did recur our SBA lender would most likely cease making new loans and could experience a substantial reduction in profitability.

We do not have significant exposure to changing interest rates on invested cash which was approximately $16,369,000 at September 30, 2010. We do not purchase or hold derivative financial instruments for trading purposes. All of our transactions are conducted in U.S. dollars and we do not have any foreign currency or foreign exchange risk. We do not trade commodities or have any commodity price risk.

We believe that we have placed our demand deposits, cash investments and their equivalents with high credit-quality financial institutions. Invested cash is held almost exclusively at financial institutions with ratings from Standard and Poor’s of A- or better. The Company invests cash not held in interest free checking accounts or bank money market accounts mainly in U.S. Treasury only money market instruments or funds and other investment-grade securities. As of September 30, 2010, cash deposits in excess of FDIC and SIPC insurance totaled approximately $345,000 and funds held in U.S. Treasury only money market funds or equivalents in excess of SIPC insurance totaled approximately $7,165,000.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

(a) Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this report are effective to provide assurance that the information required to be disclosed by us in reports filed under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management including its principal executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, cannot provide absolute assurance that the objectives of the control systems are met, and no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within a company have been detected.

 

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(b) Change in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

No change in our internal control over financial reporting occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2010 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

(c) Limitations

A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurances that the control system’s objectives will be met. Furthermore, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple errors or mistakes. Controls can also be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions. Over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or deterioration in the degree of compliance with its policies or procedures. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected. We periodically evaluate our internal controls and make changes to improve them.

 

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PART II - OTHER INFORMATION

Item 6. Exhibits

 

Exhibit
No.

 

Description

31.1

  Certification by Principal Executive Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Exchange Act, as amended.

31.2

  Certification by Principal Financial Officer required by Rule 13a-14(a) and 15d-14(a) under the Exchange Act, as amended.

32.1

  Certification by Principal Executive and Principal Financial Officers pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

 

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SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

 

  NEWTEK BUSINESS SERVICES, INC.
Date: November 12, 2010   By:  

/s/ Barry Sloane

 

        Barry Sloane

        Chairman of the Board, President, Chief Executive

        Officer and Secretary

Date: November 12, 2010   By:  

/s/ Seth A. Cohen

 

        Seth A. Cohen

        Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

 

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