MEGO MORTGAGE CORP
424B1, 1996-11-19
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS CREDIT INSTITUTION
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<PAGE>   1
 
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON NOVEMBER 14, 1996
                                                      REGISTRATION NO. 333-13421
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                             ---------------------
                                AMENDMENT NO. 2
                                       TO
 
                                    FORM S-1
                             REGISTRATION STATEMENT
                                     UNDER
                           THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
 
                           MEGO MORTGAGE CORPORATION
                (Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)
                             ---------------------
 
<TABLE>
<S>                               <C>                               <C>
             DELAWARE                            6162                           88-0286042
 (State or other jurisdiction of     (Primary Standard Industrial            (I.R.S. Employer
  incorporation or organization)     Classification Code Number)           Identification No.)
</TABLE>
 
                             ---------------------
                        1000 PARKWOOD CIRCLE, SUITE 500
                             ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30339
                                 (770) 952-6700
 
  (Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of
                   registrant's principal executive offices)
                             ---------------------
                                JAMES L. BELTER
                            EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
                           MEGO MORTGAGE CORPORATION
                        1000 PARKWOOD CIRCLE, SUITE 500
                             ATLANTA, GEORGIA 30339
                                 (770) 952-6700
 
 (Name, address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code,
                             of agent for service)
                           COPY OF COMMUNICATIONS TO:
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                               <C>
             GARY EPSTEIN, ESQ.                              STEVEN R. FINLEY, ESQ.
             FERN S. WATTS, ESQ.                           GIBSON, DUNN & CRUTCHER LLP
        GREENBERG, TRAURIG, HOFFMAN,                             200 PARK AVENUE
        LIPOFF, ROSEN & QUENTEL, P.A.                       NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10166
            1221 BRICKELL AVENUE                                 (212) 351-4000
            MIAMI, FLORIDA 33131                           (FACSIMILE) (212) 351-4035
               (305) 579-0500
         (FACSIMILE) (305) 579-0717
</TABLE>
 
                             ---------------------
     APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO THE PUBLIC:  As soon
as practicable after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
 
     If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, check the following box:  [ ]
 
     If this Form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration number of the earlier effective
registration statement for the same offering.  [ ]
 
     If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement
for the same offering.  [ ]
 
     If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box.  [ ]
                             ---------------------
 
     THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(A) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(A),
MAY DETERMINE.
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
                                                Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(1)
                                                      Registration No. 333-13421

                                                                            MEGO
                                                                          (LOGO)
PROSPECTUS
 
                                  $40,000,000
                           MEGO MORTGAGE CORPORATION
 
                   12 1/2% SENIOR SUBORDINATED NOTES DUE 2001
 
     Mego Mortgage Corporation (the "Company") is offering hereby (the
"Offering") $40.0 million principal amount of its 12 1/2% Senior Subordinated
Notes due 2001 (the "Notes"). Interest on the Notes will be payable semiannually
on June 1 and December 1 of each year, commencing June 1, 1997. The Notes are
not redeemable at any time prior to maturity, except that, until December 1,
1998, the Company may redeem, at its option, up to 35% of the original principal
amount of the Notes at the redemption price set forth herein plus accrued
interest to the date of redemption with the net proceeds of one or more Public
Equity Offerings (as defined herein), if at least 65% of the original principal
amount of the Notes remain outstanding after such redemption. Upon the
occurrence of a Change of Control (as defined herein), holders of the Notes will
have the right to require the Company to repurchase their Notes, in whole or in
part, at a purchase price equal to 101% of the aggregate principal amount
thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the repurchase date. The
Notes will be general unsecured obligations of the Company, subordinated in
right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness (as defined herein) of the Company.
In addition, the obligations of the Company under the Notes will be jointly and
severally guaranteed (Subsidiary Guarantees, as defined herein) on an unsecured,
subordinated basis by each of the Company's future Restricted Subsidiaries,
other than Special Purpose Subsidiaries (each as defined herein). The Subsidiary
Guarantees will be subordinated in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness
of the Subsidiary Guarantors. As of August 31, 1996, after giving pro forma
effect to the offering of the Notes and the Common Stock Offering (as defined
herein) and the application of the net proceeds therefrom, the outstanding
Senior Indebtedness of the Company, on a consolidated basis, would have been
approximately $932,000. There is no established trading market for the Notes and
the Company does not intend to apply for a listing of the Notes on any national
securities exchange. See "Description of the Notes."
 
     Concurrent with the Offering by the Company, the Company is offering
2,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the "Common
Stock"), of the Company (the "Common Stock Offering"). The sale of the Notes
being offered hereby is contingent upon the completion of the Common Stock
Offering.
 
     THE NOTES OFFERED HEREBY INVOLVE A HIGH DEGREE OF RISK. SEE "RISK FACTORS"
BEGINNING ON PAGE 9 HEREOF FOR A DISCUSSION OF CERTAIN FACTORS THAT SHOULD BE
CONSIDERED CAREFULLY BY PROSPECTIVE PURCHASERS OF THE NOTES OFFERED HEREBY.
                            ------------------------
THE SECURITIES OFFERED HEREBY ARE NOT SAVINGS ACCOUNTS OR SAVINGS DEPOSITS
      AND ARE NOT INSURED OR GUARANTEED BY THE FEDERAL DEPOSIT INSURANCE
          CORPORATION, ANY OTHER GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY OR OTHERWISE.
                            ------------------------
THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
  EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION, NOR HAS THE
     SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION
       PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY
        REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
                            ------------------------
                 THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
           HAS NOT PASSED ON OR ENDORSED THE MERITS OF THIS OFFERING.
                ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS UNLAWFUL.

 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
======================================================================================================
                                           PRICE TO            UNDERWRITING          PROCEEDS TO
                                          PUBLIC(1)            DISCOUNT(2)            COMPANY(3)
- ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                       <C>                   <C>                  <C>
Per Note............................         100.0%                5.0%                 95.0%
Total...............................      $40,000,000           $2,000,000           $38,000,000
======================================================================================================
</TABLE>
 
(1) Plus accrued interest, if any, from the date of issuance.
(2) The Company has agreed to indemnify the Underwriters against certain
     liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as
     amended. See "Underwriting."
(3) Before deducting expenses payable by the Company estimated at $375,000.
                            ------------------------
     The Notes are offered by the Underwriters, subject to receipt and
acceptance by the Underwriters, approval of certain legal matters by counsel for
the Underwriters and certain other conditions. The Underwriters reserve the
right to withdraw, cancel or modify such offers and to reject orders in whole or
in part. It is expected that delivery of the Notes will be made through the
facilities of The Depository Trust Company on or about November 22, 1996.
                            ------------------------
FRIEDMAN, BILLINGS, RAMSEY & CO., INC.                   OPPENHEIMER & CO., INC.
 
                The date of this Prospectus is November 19, 1996                
                                                                                
<PAGE>   3
 
                           MEGO MORTGAGE CORPORATION

                                    [MAP]
 
MAP OF THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES SHOWING TOP SIX STATES, HEADQUARTERS AND
BRANCH OFFICES.

IN CONNECTION WITH THIS OFFERING, THE UNDERWRITERS MAY OVER-ALLOT OR EFFECT
TRANSACTIONS WHICH STABILIZE OR MAINTAIN THE MARKET PRICE OF THE NOTES AT A
LEVEL ABOVE THAT WHICH MIGHT OTHERWISE PREVAIL IN THE OPEN MARKET. SUCH
TRANSACTIONS, IF COMMENCED, MAY BE DISCONTINUED AT ANY TIME.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   4
 
                               PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
 
     The following summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to the more
detailed information and financial statements, including the notes thereto,
appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus. Each prospective investor is urged to
read this Prospectus in its entirety. Unless otherwise indicated, all
information in this Prospectus gives effect to a 1,600-for-1 stock split
effected in October 1996.
 
                                  THE COMPANY
 
     Mego Mortgage Corporation (the "Company") is a specialized consumer finance
company that originates, purchases, sells and services consumer loans consisting
primarily of home improvement loans secured by liens on the improved property.
Through its network of independent correspondent lenders ("Correspondents") and
home improvement construction contractors ("Dealers"), the Company initially
originated only home improvement loans insured under the Title I credit
insurance program ("Title I Loans") of the Federal Housing Administration (the
"FHA"). The Title I program provides for insurance of 90% of the principal
balance of the loan, and certain other costs. The Company began offering
conventional uninsured home improvement loans and debt consolidation loans
("Conventional Loans") through its Correspondents in May 1996. For the three
months ended August 31, 1996, such loans totalled $11.2 million and constituted
22.5% of the Company's total loan originations.
 
     The Company's borrowers are individuals who own their home and have
verifiable income but may have limited access to traditional financing sources
due to insufficient home equity, limited credit history or high ratios of debt
service to income. These borrowers require or seek a high degree of personalized
service and prompt response to their loan applications. As a result, the
Company's borrowers generally are not averse to paying higher interest rates
that the Company charges for its loan programs as compared to the interest rates
charged by banks and other traditional financial institutions. The Company has
developed a proprietary credit index profile that includes as a significant
component the credit evaluation score methodology developed by Fair, Isaac and
Company to classify borrowers on the basis of likely future performance. The
other components of the Company's scoring system include debt to income ratio,
employment history and residence stability. The Company charges varying rates of
interest based upon the borrower's credit profile and income. For the year ended
August 31, 1996, the loans originated by the Company had a weighted average
interest rate of 14.03%.
 
     The Company's loan originations increased to $139.4 million during the year
ended August 31, 1996 from $87.8 million during the year ended August 31, 1995
and $8.2 million during the six months in which it originated loans in the year
ended August 31, 1994. The Company's revenues increased to $25.0 million for the
year ended August 31, 1996 from $13.6 million for the year ended August 31, 1995
and $751,000 for the year ended August 31, 1994. For the year ended August 31,
1996, the Company had net income of $6.9 million compared to $3.6 million for
the year ended August 31, 1995. As a result of its substantial growth in loan
originations, the Company has operated since March 1994, and expects to continue
to operate for the foreseeable future, on a negative cash flow basis.
 
     The Company sells substantially all the loans it originates through either
whole loan sales to third party institutional purchasers or securitizations at a
yield below the stated interest rate on the loans, retaining the right to
service the loans and receive any amounts in excess of the yield to the
purchasers. The Company completed its first two securitizations of Title I Loans
in March and August 1996 totalling $133.0 million and expects to sell a
substantial portion of its loan production through securitizations in the
future. At August 31, 1996, the Company serviced $209.5 million of loans it had
sold, and $4.7 million of loans it owned.
 
     The Company's strategic plan is to continue to expand its lending
operations while maintaining its credit quality. The Company's strategies
include: (i) offering new loan products; (ii) expanding its network of
Correspondents and Dealers; (iii) entering new geographic markets; (iv)
realizing operational efficiencies through economies of scale; and (v) using
securitizations to sell higher volumes of loans on more favorable terms. At
August 31, 1996, the Company had developed a network of approximately 310 active
Correspondents and approximately 435 active Dealers. The Company's
Correspondents generally offer a wide variety of loans and its Dealers typically
offer home improvement loans in conjunction with debt consolidation. By offering
a more diversified product line, including Conventional Loans, and maintaining
its high level of service, the Company has increased the loan production from
its existing network of Correspondents. The
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   5
 
Company also intends to increase its number of active Correspondents and Dealers
by greater penetration of existing markets, because of its broader product line,
and through expansion into new geographic markets. The Company anticipates that
as it expands its lending operations it will realize economies of scale, thereby
reducing its average loan origination costs and enhancing its profitability. In
addition, the Company intends to continue to sell its loan production through
securitizations as opportunities arise. Through access to securitization, the
Company believes that it has the ability to sell higher volumes of loans on more
favorable terms than through whole loan sales. See "Business -- Business
Strategy."
 
     The Company was incorporated under the laws of the State of Delaware in
1992. The Company's principal executive offices are located at 1000 Parkwood
Circle, Suite 500, Atlanta, Georgia 30339, and its telephone number is (770)
952-6700.
 
                                  THE OFFERING
 
Amount offered......................     $40.0 million aggregate principal
                                         amount.
 
Maturity date.......................     December 1, 2001.
 
Interest payment dates..............     June 1 and December 1 of each year,
                                         commencing June 1, 1997.
 
Subsidiary Guarantees...............     The obligations of the Company under
                                         the Notes will be jointly and severally
                                         guaranteed by each of the future
                                         Restricted Subsidiaries, other than
                                         Special Purpose Subsidiaries. See
                                         "Description of the Notes -- Subsidiary
                                         Guarantees."
 
Optional redemption.................     The Notes are not redeemable by the
                                         Company prior to maturity, except that,
                                         until December 1, 1998, the Company may
                                         redeem, at its option, up to 35% of the
                                         original principal amount of the Notes
                                         at the redemption price set forth
                                         herein plus accrued interest to the
                                         date of redemption with the net
                                         proceeds of one or more Public Equity
                                         Offerings if at least 65% of the
                                         original principal amount of the Notes
                                         remains outstanding after such
                                         redemption. See "Description of the
                                         Notes -- Optional Redemption."
 
Mandatory redemption................     None.
 
Ranking.............................     The Notes will be general unsecured
                                         obligations of the Company,
                                         subordinated in right of payment to all
                                         existing and future Senior Indebtedness
                                         of the Company and will be senior in
                                         right of payment to all Indebtedness
                                         (as defined herein) of the Company that
                                         by its terms is expressly subordinated
                                         in right of payment to the Notes. Each
                                         Subsidiary Guarantee will be a general
                                         unsecured obligation of the Subsidiary
                                         Guarantor, subordinated in right of
                                         payment to all Senior Indebtedness of
                                         such Subsidiary Guarantor and will be
                                         senior in right of payment to all
                                         Indebtedness of such Subsidiary
                                         Guarantor that by its terms is
                                         expressly subordinated in right of
                                         payment to the Subsidiary Guarantee. As
                                         of August 31, 1996, after giving pro
                                         forma effect to the issuance of the
                                         Notes and the Common Stock Offering and
                                         the application of the net proceeds
                                         therefrom, the outstanding Senior
                                         Indebted-
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   6
 
                                         ness of the Company, on a consolidated
                                         basis, would have been approximately
                                         $932,000.
 
Change of Control...................     Upon a Change of Control, holders of
                                         the Notes will have the option to
                                         require the Company to repurchase up to
                                         all outstanding Notes of the holders
                                         requiring such repurchase at 101% of
                                         their principal amount, plus accrued
                                         interest to the date of repurchase.
                                         There can be no assurance that the
                                         Company will have the funds available
                                         to repurchase the Notes in the event of
                                         a Change of Control.
 
Certain covenants...................     The Indenture (as defined herein)
                                         pursuant to which the Notes will be
                                         issued will contain certain covenants
                                         that, among other things, limit the
                                         ability of the Company and its
                                         subsidiaries to incur certain
                                         indebtedness, pay dividends and make
                                         other distributions, engage in
                                         transactions with affiliates, sell
                                         assets (including stock of
                                         subsidiaries), issue subsidiary
                                         preferred stock, create certain liens,
                                         engage in mergers or consolidations and
                                         enter into any arrangement that would
                                         impose certain restrictions on the
                                         ability of subsidiaries to make
                                         dividend and other payments to the
                                         Company. See "Description of the
                                         Notes -- Certain Covenants."
 
Amendment or waiver of Indenture
provisions..........................     Certain provisions of the Indenture,
                                         including those related to Change of
                                         Control, may be amended or waived with
                                         the consent of the holders of at least
                                         the majority in principal amount of
                                         then outstanding Notes.
 
Use of proceeds.....................     The Company intends to use the
                                         aggregate net proceeds of the Offering
                                         and the Common Stock Offering to
                                         provide capital to originate and
                                         securitize loans, to repay Intercompany
                                         Debt and to pay down the amounts
                                         outstanding under the Company's lines
                                         of credit. See "Use of Proceeds."
 
                      CONCURRENT OFFERING OF COMMON STOCK
 
     Concurrent with the Offering, the Company is offering 2,000,000 shares of
Common Stock (plus up to an additional 300,000 shares to cover over-allotments,
if any) by a separate prospectus in the Common Stock Offering. The consummation
of the Offering and the Common Stock Offering are conditioned upon each other.
In connection with the Common Stock Offering, the Common Stock has been approved
for quotation on The Nasdaq National Market under the symbol "MMGC."
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   7
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     Investment in the Notes offered hereby involves a high degree of risk. Each
prospective investor should carefully consider all of the matters described
herein under "Risk Factors," including, among others: risks relating to
subordination and leverage; risks relating to control by Mego Financial;
consequences of a change of control; risks related to the Company's dependence
on securitization transactions; the fact that the Company has operated, and
expects to continue to operate, on a negative cash flow basis; risks relating to
changes in interest rates; risks associated with capitalized excess servicing
rights and valuation of mortgage related securities; risks relating to possible
termination of servicing rights; contingent risks including the risks relating
to losses from loan delinquencies and other loan defaults; risks relating to the
Company's limited operating history; risks inherent in the implementation of the
Company's growth strategy; risks relating to the Company's dependence on credit
enhancement; risks relating to dependence on financing and need for additional
financing; risks relating to the Company's concentration of operations in
California and Florida; legislative and regulatory risks; risks related to
fraudulent conveyances and preferential transfers; risks related to permissible
operation through subsidiaries; risks relating to the Company's dependence on
management, Mego Financial and PEC; risks associated with competition; the
absence of a public market for the Notes; and factors inhibiting a takeover of
the Company.
 
                        RELATIONSHIP WITH MEGO FINANCIAL
 
     Mego Financial Corp. ("Mego Financial"), a publicly traded company,
currently owns 100% of the outstanding Common Stock. Upon completion of the
Common Stock Offering, Mego Financial will own approximately 83.3% of the
outstanding Common Stock (approximately 81.3% if the underwriters of the Common
Stock Offering exercise their over-allotment option in full). As a result of its
ownership interest, upon completion of the Common Stock Offering, Mego Financial
will have voting control on all matters submitted to stockholders of the
Company, including the election of directors and the approval of extraordinary
corporate transactions. See "Principal Stockholders." In order to fund the
Company's past operations and growth, and in conjunction with filing
consolidated tax returns, the Company incurred debt and other obligations
("Intercompany Debt") to Mego Financial and its subsidiary Preferred Equities
Corporation ("PEC"). The amount of Intercompany Debt was $8.5 million at August
31, 1995 and $12.8 million at August 31, 1996. The Company intends to use a
portion of the aggregate net proceeds from the Offering and the Common Stock
Offering to repay Intercompany Debt. It is not anticipated that Mego Financial
will continue to provide funds to the Company or guarantee the Company's
indebtedness following consummation of the Offering. The Company also has
agreements with PEC for the provision of management services and loan servicing
and an agreement with Mego Financial for tax sharing. See "Use of Proceeds" and
"Certain Transactions."
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   8
 
                             SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA
                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
     The summary financial information set forth below should be read in
conjunction with the financial statements, related notes and "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations"
appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
                                                                    ---------------------------
                                                                    1994(1)    1995      1996
                                                                    -------   -------   -------
<S>                                                                 <C>       <C>       <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues:
  Gain on sale of loans...........................................  $   579   $12,233   $17,994
  Net unrealized gain on mortgage related securities(2)...........       --        --     2,697
  Loan servicing income...........................................       --       873     3,348
  Interest income, net of interest expense of $107, $468 and
     $1,116.......................................................      172       473       988
                                                                    --------  -------   -------
Total revenues....................................................      751    13,579    25,027
Total costs and expenses..........................................    2,262     7,660    13,872
                                                                    --------  -------   -------
Income (loss) before income taxes(3)..............................   (1,511)    5,919    11,155
Income taxes(3)...................................................       --     2,277     4,235
                                                                    --------  -------   -------
Net income (loss).................................................  $(1,511)  $ 3,642   $ 6,920
                                                                    ========  =======   =======
Pro forma net income per share(4).................................                      $  0.60
                                                                                        =======
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        AS OF AUGUST 31,     AS OF AUGUST 31, 1996
                                                        -----------------   ------------------------
                                                        1994(1)    1995     ACTUAL    AS ADJUSTED(5)
                                                        -------   -------   -------   --------------
<S>                                                     <C>       <C>       <C>       <C>
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION DATA:
Loans held for sale, net..............................  $1,463    $ 3,676   $ 4,610      $  4,610
Excess servicing rights...............................     904     14,483    12,121        12,121
Mortgage related securities(2)........................      --         --    22,944        22,944
Total assets..........................................   5,122     24,081    50,606        82,453
Total liabilities.....................................     983     13,300    32,905        46,827
Total stockholder's equity............................   4,139     10,781    17,701        35,626
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
                                                                ----------------------------
                                                                1994(1)    1995       1996
                                                                -------   -------   --------
<S>                                                             <C>       <C>       <C>
OPERATING DATA:
Loans originated..............................................  $8,164    $87,751   $139,367
Weighted average interest rate on loans originated............   14.18 %    14.55%     14.03%
Servicing portfolio (end of year):
  Company-owned loans.........................................  $1,471    $ 3,720   $  4,698
  Sold loans..................................................   6,555     88,566    209,491
                                                                ------    -------   --------
          Total...............................................  $8,026    $92,286   $214,189
                                                                ======    =======   ========
Delinquency period(6):
  31-60 days past due.........................................    2.06 %     2.58%      2.17%
  61-90 days past due.........................................    0.48       0.73       0.85
  91 days and over past due...................................    0.36       0.99       4.53(7)
  91 days and over past due, net of claims filed(8)...........    0.26       0.61       1.94
Claims filed with HUD(9)......................................    0.10       0.38       2.59
Amount of FHA insurance available (end of year)...............  $  813    $ 9,552   $ 21,205(10)
Amount of FHA insurance available as a percentage of loans
  serviced (end of year)......................................   10.13 %    10.35%      9.90%
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(11)........................   N/A         7.69x      2.38x(12)
</TABLE>
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   9
 
- ---------------
 
 (1) The Company commenced originating loans in March 1994.
 (2) Mortgage related securities consist of certificates representing interests
     retained by the Company in securitization transactions.
 (3) The results of operations of the Company are included in the consolidated
     federal income tax returns filed by Mego Financial, the Company's sole
     stockholder. Mego Financial allocates income taxes to the Company
     calculated on a separate return basis. See "Certain Transactions."
 (4) Shares used in computing pro forma net income per share include the
     weighted average of common stock outstanding during the period. There were
     no common stock equivalents. Historical per share data is not included
     because the data is not considered relevant or indicative of the ongoing
     operations of the Company. Net income utilized in the calculation of pro
     forma net income per share has been reduced by an estimated pro forma
     interest expense in the amount of $1,484,000 and a related tax benefit of
     $564,000 based upon the application of a 12 1/2% interest rate to the
     Company's average balance of non-interest bearing debt payable to Mego
     Financial. Pro forma net income per share would change by $0.01 with a 1%
     change in the interest rate utilized.
 (5) As adjusted to give effect to (i) the sale of the Notes offered hereby
     (after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated expenses of the
     Offering), (ii) the sale of the 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock pursuant
     to the Common Stock Offering (after deducting underwriting discounts and
     estimated expenses of the Common Stock Offering) and (iii) the application
     of the estimated net proceeds from the Offering and the Common Stock
     Offering as described under "Use of Proceeds."
 (6) Represents the dollar amount of delinquent loans as a percentage of total
     dollar amount of loans serviced by the Company (including loans owned by
     the Company) as of the date indicated.
 (7) During fiscal 1996, the processing and payment of claims filed with HUD
     were delayed. See "Business -- Loan Servicing."
 (8) Represents the dollar amount of delinquent loans net of delinquent Title I
     Loans for which claims have been filed with HUD and payment is pending as a
     percentage of total dollar amount of loans serviced by the Company
     (including loans owned by the Company) as of the date indicated.
 (9) Represents the dollar amount of delinquent Title I Loans for which claims
     have been filed with HUD and payment is pending as a percentage of total
     dollar amount of loans serviced by the Company (including loans owned by
     the Company) as of the date indicated.
(10) If all claims filed with HUD had been processed and paid as of period end,
     the amount of FHA insurance available would have been reduced to
     $16,215,000, which as a percentage of loans serviced would have been 7.77%.
(11) Earnings include pretax income, the portion of rents representative of the
     interest factor and interest on debt. Fixed charges include interest on
     indebtedness, prepaid commitment fees and the portion of rents
     representative of the interest factor.
(12) Ratio computed giving pro forma effect for the total additional interest
     expense resulting from the proposed issuance by the Company of the Notes at
     an interest rate of 12 1/2% in lieu of the interest expense recorded by the
     Company under its existing lines of credit intended to be repaid with the
     proceeds of the Offering and the Common Stock Offering.
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   10
 
                                  RISK FACTORS
 
     Investment in the Notes offered hereby involves a high degree of risk,
including the risks described below. Each prospective investor should carefully
consider the following risk factors inherent in and affecting the business of
the Company and this offering before making an investment decision. This
Prospectus contains forward-looking statements which involve risks and
uncertainties. Discussions containing such forward-looking statements may be
found in the material set forth under "Prospectus Summary," "Risk Factors,"
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations" and "Business," as well as in the Prospectus generally. Actual
events or results may differ as a result of various factors, including, without
limitation, the risk factors set forth below and the matters set forth in the
Prospectus generally.
 
SUBORDINATION AND LEVERAGE
 
     The Notes (including the Subsidiary Guarantees) will be subordinated in
right of payment to all existing and future Senior Indebtedness, including all
warehouse indebtedness and all other indebtedness for borrowed money. The
Company currently has significant outstanding indebtedness and subsequent to the
Offering, the Company will be significantly leveraged. As of August 31, 1996,
after giving effect to the Offering and the Common Stock Offering and the
application of the net proceeds therefrom, the Company would have had
outstanding indebtedness of approximately $40.9 million, of which approximately
$932,000 would have been Senior Indebtedness to which the Notes are
subordinated. See "Capitalization." In addition, subject to the limitations set
forth in the Indenture, the Company and its future Subsidiaries (as defined
herein) may incur substantial amounts of additional indebtedness, much of which
is expected to constitute Senior Indebtedness. By reason of the subordination of
the Notes, in the event of insolvency, bankruptcy, liquidation, reorganization,
dissolution or winding up of the business of the Company or any Subsidiary
Guarantor (as defined herein) or upon default in payment with respect to or
acceleration of any Senior Indebtedness of the Company or any Subsidiary
Guarantor or an event of default with respect to certain Senior Indebtedness
continuing for up to 179 days, the assets of the Company or the Subsidiary
Guarantor would be available to pay the amounts due on the Notes only after such
Senior Indebtedness had been paid in full. The Company is a party to certain
warehouse facilities for the financing of its loan originations, which
facilities are secured by the loans financed thereby. The Company also has
certain additional secured credit facilities and, subject to the limitations set
forth in the Indenture, may have additional amounts of secured indebtedness in
the future. The Notes (including the Subsidiary Guarantees) are effectively
subordinated to all such secured obligations to the extent of the collateral,
irrespective of whether payments on the Notes (including the Subsidiary
Guarantees) are otherwise permitted to be made under the subordination
provisions in the Indenture prior to payment of such other indebtedness in full.
Upon certain events of default under such facilities, the lenders could elect to
declare all amounts outstanding, together with accrued and unpaid interest
thereon, to be immediately due and payable. If the Company were unable to repay
those amounts, the lenders could proceed against the collateral granted them to
secure that indebtedness. If any of such indebtedness were to be accelerated,
there can be no assurance that the assets of the Company would be sufficient to
repay in full that indebtedness and the other indebtedness of the Company,
including the Notes.
 
     The Company's ability to make payments of principal and interest on, or to
refinance its indebtedness (including the Notes) depends on its future operating
performance, which to a certain extent is subject to economic, financial,
competitive and other factors beyond its control. The degree to which the
Company is leveraged could have important consequences to the holders of the
Notes, including (i) the Company's vulnerability to adverse general economic and
industry conditions, (ii) the Company's ability to obtain additional financing
for future working capital expenditures (including loan originations), general
corporate purposes or other purposes, and (iii) the dedication of a substantial
portion of the Company's cash flow from operations to the payment of principal
and interest on indebtedness, thereby reducing the funds available for
operations and future business opportunities.
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   11
 
CONTROL BY MAJORITY STOCKHOLDER
 
     Upon completion of the Common Stock Offering, the Company's current sole
stockholder, Mego Financial, will beneficially own approximately 83.3% of the
outstanding shares of Common Stock (approximately 81.3% if the underwriters of
the Common Stock Offering exercise their over-allotment option in full) and will
therefore be able to elect the entire Board of Directors and control all matters
submitted to stockholders for a vote, all fundamental corporate matters,
including the selection of management and key personnel, whether the Company
engages in any mergers, acquisitions or other business combinations or whether
Mego Financial, at some time in the future, divests all or any portion of its
interest in the Company by means of a distribution to its stockholders or
otherwise. The Common Stock Offering has been structured in such a way as to
facilitate the ability of Mego Financial, should it so determine in the future,
to effect a subsequent tax free distribution of all or a portion of Mego
Financial's shares in the Company to its shareholders, although there is no
assurance that any such distribution will occur. The Company has been advised
that Mego Financial may seek a ruling from the Internal Revenue Service, as is
customary, that such a distribution would be tax free. There is no assurance
that it will obtain such a ruling. Pursuant to the Amended and Restated
Certificate of Incorporation of the Company (the "Certificate of Incorporation")
and an agreement between Mego Financial and the Company, no additional shares of
Common Stock may be issued by the Company that would reduce Mego Financial's
interest below 80% without Mego Financial's written approval, so long as Mego
Financial owns at least 80% of the issued and outstanding Common Stock of the
Company (the "Eighty Percent Period"). In addition, although the Certificate of
Incorporation provides for the issuance of one or more series of preferred stock
from time to time, during the Eighty Percent Period no shares of any other class
of capital stock may be issued without Mego Financial's written approval during
such period, nor may the Company invest in or form any corporation without such
approval. Amendments to the Company's bylaws and changes to the Board are also
subject to such approval during the Eighty Percent Period. Any decision as to
whether any transactions of the type mentioned above ultimately occur will be
solely within the discretion of Mego Financial. See "Principal Stockholders."
 
CONSEQUENCES OF CHANGE OF CONTROL
 
     Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, the holders of the Notes would
be entitled to require the Company to repurchase up to all outstanding Notes of
the holders requiring such repurchase at a purchase price equal to 101% of the
principal amount of such Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest thereon to the
date of repurchase. Failure by the Company to make such a repurchase would
result in a default under the Indenture. In addition, the future indebtedness of
the Company and the Subsidiaries may contain prohibitions on the occurrence of
certain events that would constitute a Change of Control or require such
indebtedness to be repurchased upon a Change of Control. Moreover, the exercise
by the holders of the Notes of their right to require the Company to repurchase
the Notes could cause a default under such indebtedness due to the financial
effect of such repurchase on the Company or otherwise, even if the Change of
Control itself does not cause a default. In the event of a Change of Control,
there can be no assurance that the Company would have sufficient assets to
repurchase the Notes and to satisfy its other obligations under the Notes and
any such other indebtedness or be permitted to make such repurchase in
compliance with the subordination provisions in the Indenture. See "Description
of the Notes -- Change of Control."
 
LIQUIDITY -- DEPENDENCE ON SECURITIZATION TRANSACTIONS
 
     The values of and markets for the sale of the Company's loans are dependent
upon a number of factors, including general economic conditions, interest rates
and government regulations. Adverse changes in those factors may affect the
Company's ability to originate or sell loans in the secondary market for
acceptable prices within reasonable time frames. The ability of the Company to
sell loans in the secondary market is essential for continuation of the
Company's loan origination activities. A reduction in the size of the secondary
market for home improvement loans would adversely affect the Company's ability
to sell its loans in the secondary market with a consequent adverse impact on
the Company's profitability and future originations.
 
     The Company entered into its first two securitization transactions, which
involve the pooling and sale of loans, in March 1996 and August 1996 and intends
to continue to sell loans through securitization transactions
 
                                       10
<PAGE>   12
 
from time to time as opportunities arise. Pursuant to these securitizations,
pass-through certificates evidencing interests in the pools of loans were sold
in public offerings. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
securitize its loan production efficiently. Securitization transactions may be
affected by a number of factors, some of which are beyond the Company's control,
including, among other things, conditions in the securities markets in general,
conditions in the asset-backed securitization market, the conformity of loan
pools to rating agency requirements and, to the extent that monoline insurance
is used, the requirements of such insurers. Adverse changes in the
securitization market could impair the Company's ability to originate and sell
loans through securitizations on a favorable or timely basis. Any such
impairment could have a material adverse effect upon the Company's results of
operations and financial condition. Furthermore, the Company's quarterly
operating results can fluctuate significantly as a result of the timing and
level of securitizations.
 
LIQUIDITY -- NEGATIVE CASH FLOW
 
     As a result of the substantial growth in loan originations, the Company has
operated since March 1994, and expects to continue to operate for the
foreseeable future, on a negative cash flow basis. During the year ended August
31, 1996, the Company operated on a negative cash flow basis using $15.3 million
in operations that was funded primarily from borrowings, due primarily to an
increase in loans originated and the Company's sale of loans. In connection with
whole loan sales and securitizations, the Company recognizes a gain on sale of
the loans upon the closing of the transaction and the delivery of the loans, but
does not receive the cash representing such gain until it receives the excess
servicing spread, which is payable over the actual life of the loans sold. The
Company incurs significant expenses in connection with securitizations and
incurs tax liabilities as a result of the gain on sale. The Company must
maintain external sources of cash to fund its operations and pay its taxes and
therefore must maintain warehouse lines of credit and other external funding
sources. If the capital sources of the Company were to decrease, the rate of
growth of the Company would be negatively affected. See "-- Dependence on Mego
Financial and PEC."
 
     The pooling and servicing agreements relating to the Company's
securitizations require the Company to build over-collateralization levels
through retention within each securitization trust of excess servicing
distributions and application thereof to reduce the principal balances of the
senior interests issued by the related trust or cover interest shortfalls. This
retention causes the aggregate principal amount of the loans in the related pool
to exceed the aggregate principal balance of the outstanding investor
certificates. Such over-collateralization amounts serve as credit enhancement
for the related trust and therefore are available to absorb losses realized on
loans held by such trust. The Company continues to be subject to the risks of
default and foreclosure following the sale of loans through securitizations to
the extent excess servicing distributions are required to be retained or applied
to reduce principal or cover interest shortfalls from time to time. Such
retained amounts are predetermined by the entity issuing the guarantee of the
related senior interests and are a condition to obtaining insurance and an
AAA/Aaa rating thereon. In addition, such retention delays cash distributions
that otherwise would flow to the Company through its retained interest, thereby
adversely affecting the flow of cash to the Company. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
     After giving pro forma effect to the Offering and the Common Stock
Offering, the Company would have had net income of $6.0 million for the year
ended August 31, 1996 and its ratio of earnings to fixed charges would have been
2.38x. However, this ratio is not necessarily indicative of the adequacy of the
Company's cash flow from operating activities to cover fixed charges because net
income consists largely of non-cash items. There can be no assurance that cash
from operations will be sufficient to enable it to make required interest
payments on its debt obligations and other required payments, and the Company
may encounter liquidity problems which could affect its ability to meet such
obligations while attempting to withstand competitive pressures. See "Selected
Financial Data."
 
INTEREST RATE RISKS
 
     Changes in interest rates affect the Company's business in a variety of
ways, including decreased demand for loans during periods of higher interest
rates, fluctuations in profits derived from the difference between
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   13
 
short-term and long-term interest rates and increases in prepayment rates during
periods of lower interest rates. The profits realized by the Company from home
improvement loans are, in part, a function of the difference between fixed
long-term interest rates, at which the Company originates its home improvement
loans, and adjustable short-term interest rates, at which the Company finances
such loans until the closing of the sale of such loans. Generally, short-term
rates are lower than long-term rates and the Company benefits from the positive
interest rate differentials during the time the loans are held by the Company
pending the closing of the sale of such loans. During the period from 1994
through the present, the interest rate differential was high and this fact
contributed significantly to the Company's net interest income. The interest
rate differential may not continue at such favorable levels in the future.
 
     Changes in interest rates during the period between the time an interest
rate is established on a loan and the time such loan is sold affect the revenues
realized by the Company from loans. In connection with the origination of loans,
the Company issues loan commitments for periods of up to 45 days in the case of
Correspondents and 90 days in the case of Dealers. Furthermore, the period of
time between the closing on a loan and the sale of such loan generally ranges
from 10 to 90 days. Increases in interest rates during these periods will result
in lower gains (or even losses) on sales of loans than would be recorded if
interest rates had remained stable or had declined. Changes in interest rates
after the sale of loans also affect the profits realized by the Company with
respect to loan sale transactions in which the yield to the purchaser is based
on an adjustable rate. During the years ended August 31, 1995 and 1996, the
Company sold loans under an agreement which provides for the yield to the
purchaser to be adjusted monthly to a rate equal to 200 basis points over the
one-month London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR"). An increase in LIBOR would
result in a decrease in the Company's future income from such sold loans
resulting in a charge to earnings in the period of adjustment. Although through
August 31, 1996 the Company has not suffered losses in connection with the sale
of Title I Loans or Conventional Loans as a result of interest rate changes,
there can be no assurance that such losses will not occur in the future. To
date, the Company has not hedged its interest rate risk, although it may do so
in the future. To the extent that the Company engages in hedging transactions,
there can be no assurance that it will be successful in mitigating the adverse
impact of changes in interest rates.
 
     Interest rate levels also affect the Company's excess servicing spread. The
Company generally retains the servicing rights to the loans it sells. The yield
to the purchaser is generally lower than the average stated interest rates on
the loans, as a result of which the Company earns an excess servicing spread on
the loans it sells. Increases in interest rates or competitive pressures may
result in reduced servicing spreads, thereby reducing or eliminating the gains
recognized by the Company upon the sale of loans in the future.
 
CAPITALIZED EXCESS SERVICING RIGHTS AND VALUATION OF MORTGAGE RELATED SECURITIES
 
     At August 31, 1996, the Company's statement of financial condition
reflected excess servicing rights of $12.1 million, mortgage related securities
of $22.9 million and mortgage servicing rights of $3.8 million. The Company
derives a significant portion of its income by realizing gains upon the sale of
loans due to the excess servicing rights associated with such loans recorded at
the time of sale and the capitalization of mortgage servicing rights recorded at
origination. Excess servicing rights as capitalized on the Company's statement
of financial condition represent the excess of the interest rate payable by an
obligor on a loan over the interest rate passed through to the purchaser
acquiring an interest in such loan, less the Company's normal servicing fee and
other applicable recurring fees.
 
     The Company records gains on sale of loans through securitizations and
whole loan sales based in part on the estimated fair value of the mortgage
related securities (residual and interest only securities) retained by the
Company and on the estimated fair value of retained mortgage servicing rights
related to such loans. When loans are sold, the Company recognizes as current
revenue the present value of the excess servicing rights expected to be realized
over the anticipated average life of loans sold less future estimated credit
losses relating to the loans sold. Mortgage related securities consist of
certificates representing the excess of the interest rate payable by an obligor
on a sold loan over the yield on pass-through certificates sold pursuant to a
securitization transaction, after payment of servicing and other fees. The
capitalized excess servicing rights, and capitalized mortgage servicing rights
and valuation of mortgage related securities are computed using
 
                                       12
<PAGE>   14
 
prepayment, default and interest rate assumptions that the Company believes are
reasonable. The amount of revenue recognized upon the sale of loans will vary
depending on the assumptions utilized. The weighted average discount rate used
to determine the present value of the balance of capitalized excess servicing
rights and capitalized mortgage servicing rights reflected on the Company's
statement of financial condition at August 31, 1995 and 1996 was approximately
12%. Capitalized excess servicing rights are amortized over the lesser of the
estimated or actual remaining life of the underlying loans as an offset against
the excess servicing rights component of servicing income actually received in
connection with such loans. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations."
 
     Although the Company believes that it has made reasonable estimates of the
fair value of the mortgage related securities, the excess servicing rights and
mortgage servicing rights likely to be realized, the rate of prepayment and the
amount of defaults utilized by the Company are estimates and actual experience
may vary from its estimates. The gain recognized by the Company upon the sale of
loans and unrealized gain on mortgage related securities will have been
overstated if prepayments or defaults are greater than anticipated. Higher
levels of future prepayments could result in excess servicing rights and
mortgage servicing rights amortization expense exceeding realized excess
servicing rights and mortgage servicing rights, thereby adversely affecting the
Company's servicing income and resulting in a charge to earnings in the period
of adjustment. Similarly, if delinquencies or liquidations were to be greater
than initially assumed, excess servicing rights and mortgage servicing rights
amortization would occur more quickly than originally anticipated, which would
have an adverse effect on loan servicing income in the period of such
adjustment. The Company periodically reviews its prepayment assumptions in
relation to current rates of prepayment and, if necessary, reduces the remaining
asset to the net present value of the estimated remaining future excess
servicing rights. Rapid increases in interest rates or competitive pressures may
result in a reduction of excess servicing income recognized by the Company upon
the sale of loans in the future, thereby reducing the gains recognized by the
Company upon such sales. Higher levels of prepayments than initially assumed
would result in a charge to earnings in the period of adjustment.
 
     Increases in interest rates or higher than anticipated rates of loan
prepayments or credit losses on the underlying loans of the Company's mortgage
related securities or similar securities may require the Company to write down
the value of such mortgage related securities and result in a material adverse
impact on the Company's results of operations and financial condition. The
Company is not aware of an active market for the mortgage related securities,
excess servicing rights or mortgage servicing rights. No assurance can be given
that the mortgage related securities, capitalized excess servicing rights or
mortgage servicing rights could in fact be sold at their carrying value, if at
all. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and
Results of Operations."
 
     In order to provide availability under its warehouse line of credit, during
the years ended August 31, 1995 and 1996, the Company sold an aggregate of
approximately $175.8 million of loans under an agreement which provides for the
yield to the purchaser to be adjusted monthly to a rate equal to 200 basis
points over LIBOR. The Company is not obligated to reacquire and the purchaser
is not obligated to resell such loans. In March 1996 and August 1996, in order
to fix the yield on such loans, the Company reacquired $77.7 million and $36.2
million, respectively, of such loans and included the loans in pools of loans
sold in its first two securitization transactions. As a result of the
reacquisitions and subsequent sales in the securitization transactions, the
gains on sale and excess servicing rights recognized upon the initial sales of
the loans in such periods were recalculated without any material adverse effect
on the Company's earnings. The Company anticipates that in the future it may
sell and then reacquire loans to be resold pursuant to securitizations, which
will result in recalculation of the initial gain on sale and excess servicing
rights. Any such recalculation in such periods could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's earnings in the period of recalculation. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources."
 
POSSIBLE TERMINATION OF SERVICING RIGHTS
 
     The pooling and servicing agreements relating to the Company's
securitization transactions contain provisions with respect to the maximum
permitted loan delinquency rates and loan default rates, which, if
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   15
 
exceeded, would allow the termination of the Company's right to service the
related loans. At September 30, 1996, the default rates on the pool of loans
sold in the March 1996 securitization transaction exceeded the permitted limit
set forth in the related pooling and servicing agreement. Accordingly, this
condition could result in the termination of the Company's servicing rights with
respect to that pool of loans by the trustee, the master servicer or the
insurance company providing credit enhancement for that transaction. The
mortgage servicing rights on this pool of loans were approximately $1.4 million
at August 31, 1996. Although the insurance company has indicated that it has,
and to its knowledge the trustee and the master servicer have, no present
intention to terminate the Company's servicing rights, no assurance can be given
that one or more of such parties will not exercise its right to terminate. In
the event of such termination, there would be an adverse effect on the valuation
of the Company's mortgage servicing rights. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Possible
Termination of Servicing Rights."
 
CONTINGENT RISKS
 
     Loan delinquencies and other loan defaults by obligors expose the Company
to risks of loss and reduced net earnings. The loan delinquency and default
risks to which the Company's business is subject become more acute in an
economic slowdown or recession. During such periods, loan delinquencies and
other defaults generally increase. In addition, significant declines in market
values of the properties that secure loans serviced by the Company reduce
homeowners' equity in their homes and their borrowing power, thereby increasing
the likelihood of delinquencies and defaults. Because most of the Company's
borrowers generally lack significant equity in their homes, the likelihood of
default may be further increased. This lack of equity also increases the risk
that, upon the occurrence of a customer default, the Company would be unlikely
to recover more than the amount insured (if any).
 
     Although the Company sells substantially all loans which it originates on a
limited recourse basis, the Company retains some degree of risk on substantially
all loans sold. In connection with whole loan sales, the excess servicing
payable to the Company is subordinated to the payment of scheduled principal and
interest due to the purchasers of such loans. The Company is required under the
loan sale documentation to establish reserves which are typically based on a
percentage of the principal balances of such loans and funded from the excess
servicing spread received by the Company. If a reserve falls below the required
level, the Company is obligated under the loan sale documentation to restore the
reserve from the servicing spread received by the Company, thereby reducing the
stream of revenue from the servicing spread. Similarly, in connection with loan
securitizations, the residual certificates retained by the Company are
subordinated to the payment of scheduled principal and interest on the senior
certificates issued by the securitization trust. In the event that payments
received on the loans are insufficient to make scheduled payments of principal
and interest on the senior certificates, the amounts otherwise distributable
with respect to the residual certificates will be used to cover the shortfall,
thereby reducing the stream of revenues from such residual certificates.
Although the Company believes it maintains adequate reserves for potential
losses from delinquencies and defaults, there can be no assurance that such
levels of reserves will be adequate in the future. In addition, documents
governing the Company's securitizations and whole loan sales require the Company
to commit to reacquire or replace loans that do not conform to the
representations and warranties made by the Company at the time of sale. When
borrowers are delinquent in making monthly payments on loans included in a
securitization trust, the Company is required to advance interest payments with
respect to such delinquent loans to the extent that the Company deems such
advances ultimately recoverable. These advances require funding by the Company
but have priority of repayment from the succeeding month's collections. See
"Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources," "Business -- Loan
Servicing -- Sale of Loans" and Note 2 of Notes to Financial Statements.
 
     During the period of time that loans are held pending sale, the Company is
subject to the various business risks associated with the lending business,
including the risk of borrower default, the risk of foreclosure and the risk
that a rapid increase in interest rates would result in a decline in the value
of loans to potential purchasers. To date, 95% of the loans originated by the
Company qualify under Title I of the National Housing Act pursuant to which 90%
of the principal balances of such loans are insured by the FHA; however, the
Company bears the risk of delinquencies and defaults with respect to the
uninsured portion of such loans. Moreover,
 
                                       14
<PAGE>   16
 
even as to the insured portion, the amount of reimbursement to which the Company
is entitled pursuant to Title I is limited to the amount of insurance coverage
in its reserve account established by the FHA. The amount of insurance coverage
in a lender's reserve account is equal to 10% of the original principal amount
of all Title I Loans originated and reported for insurance coverage by the
lender less the amount of all insurance claims approved for payment in
connection with losses on such loans and less amounts transferred in connection
with sales of loans. The Company also would sustain a loss on loans if defaults
occur that are not cured and proceeds from FHA insurance or the foreclosure on
and disposition of property securing a defaulted loan are less than the amounts
due on the loan plus carrying and other costs. Furthermore, Title I sets forth
requirements to be satisfied by the lender in connection with the origination of
Title I Loans and the submission of claims for insurance. The exhaustion of the
reserves or the Company's failure to comply with Title I requirements could
result in denial of payment by FHA.
 
     As a percentage of the total serviced portfolio, the principal balance of
loans contractually past due 91 days or more has increased from 0.99% as of
August 31, 1995 to 4.53% as of August 31, 1996. This rise in delinquencies, all
of which pertain to the portfolio of Title I Loans, represents an expected
seasoning of the portfolio. This increase includes approximately 2.59% of the
serviced portfolio pursuant to which claims have been filed with HUD. As of
August 31, 1996 the Company had received payment on 83 claims filed with HUD
aggregating $1.3 million. As of August 31, 1996, none of the Company's
Conventional Loans was more than 30 days contractually past due.
 
     The Company began originating Conventional Loans through its Correspondents
in May 1996. For the three months ended August 31, 1996, such loans totalled
$11.2 million and constituted 22.5% of the Company's total loan originations.
During the period of time that such loans are held for sale, the Company bears
the risk of delinquencies and defaults with respect to the entire principal
amount of and interest on such loans and the risk that the realizable value of
the property securing such loans will not be sufficient to repay the borrower's
obligations to the Company. Significant defaults under these loans could have a
material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial
condition. The Company's Conventional Loan program provides for loan amounts up
to $60,000 with fixed rates of interest and terms up to 20 years. The proceeds
of these loans are utilized to pay for home improvements and for consolidation
of existing debt. The Company has focused on those borrowers who have
demonstrated excellent payment history on their existing credit. Heavier
reliance in the approval of these loans has been placed on the credit worthiness
of the borrowers as opposed to underlying collateral value of the properties.
The Company takes a lien, generally junior in priority, on each of the
properties, however on average the total debt to market value, including the
Company's loan, has been 110%.
 
     In the ordinary course of its business, the Company is subject to claims
made against it by borrowers and private investors arising from, among other
things, losses that are claimed to have been incurred as a result of alleged
breaches of fiduciary obligations, misrepresentations, errors and omissions of
employees, officers and agents of the Company (including its appraisers),
incomplete documentation and failures by the Company to comply with various laws
and regulations applicable to its business. The Company believes that liability
with respect to any currently asserted claims or legal actions is not likely to
be material to the Company's results of operations or financial condition;
however, any claims asserted in the future may result in legal expenses or
liabilities which could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results
of operations and financial condition.
 
LIMITED OPERATING HISTORY
 
     The Company began originating Title I Loans in March 1994 and began
offering Conventional Loans in May 1996. The Company's prospects must be
considered in light of the risks, delays, expenses and difficulties frequently
encountered in connection with an early-stage business in a highly-regulated,
competitive environment. No assurance can be given that the Company will
successfully implement any of its plans or develop its current operations in a
timely or effective manner or whether the Company will be able to continue to
generate significant revenues or operate profitably.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   17
 
RISKS RELATING TO GROWTH STRATEGY
 
     The Company's strategic plan contemplates the continued expansion of its
mortgage lending operations. The Company's ability to continue implementing its
expansion strategy depends on its ability to increase the volume of loans it
originates while maintaining credit quality and managing its resulting growth.
The Company's ability to increase its volume of loans will depend on, among
other factors, its ability to (i) obtain and maintain increasingly larger lines
of credit, (ii) securitize pools of loans for sale, (iii) offer attractive
products to prospective borrowers, (iv) attract and retain qualified
underwriting, servicing and other personnel, (v) market its loan products
successfully and (vi) establish and maintain relationships with Correspondents
and Dealers in states in which the Company is currently active and in additional
states. The Company's ability to manage growth as it pursues its expansion
strategy will be dependent upon, among other things, its ability to (i) maintain
appropriate procedures, policies and systems to ensure that the Company's loan
portfolio does not have an unacceptable level of credit risk and loss, (ii)
satisfy its need for additional financing on reasonable terms, (iii) manage the
costs associated with expanding its infrastructure and (iv) continue operating
in competitive, economic, regulatory and judicial environments that are
conducive to the Company's business activities. As part of its expansion
strategy, the Company has begun to offer a more diversified product line,
including Conventional Loans which expose the Company to greater risks than
Title I Loans. There can be no assurance that the Company will be able to
continue to grow successfully.
 
DEPENDENCE ON CREDIT ENHANCEMENT
 
     In order to gain access to the securitization market, the Company has
relied on credit enhancements provided by a monoline insurance carrier to
guarantee outstanding senior interests in the related securitization trusts to
enable it to obtain an AAA/Aaa rating for such interests. The Company has not
attempted to structure a mortgage loan pool for sale through a securitization
based solely on the internal credit characteristics of the pool or the Company's
credit. In the absence of such credit enhancements, the Company would be unable
to market its loans through securitizations at reasonable rates. Any substantial
reductions in the size or availability of the securitization market for the
Company's loans, or the unwillingness or inability of insurance companies to
insure the senior interests in the Company's loan pools, could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
Furthermore, a downgrading of the insurer's credit rating or its withdrawal of
credit enhancement could have a material adverse effect on the Company's results
of operations and financial condition. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Liquidity and Capital
Resources."
 
DEPENDENCE ON FINANCING; NEED FOR ADDITIONAL FINANCING
 
     The Company's business operations require continued access to adequate
credit facilities. The Company is dependent on the availability of credit
facilities for the origination of loans prior to their sale. The Company has a
financing arrangement for the financing of Title I and Conventional Loan
originations prior to the sale of such loans, which provides for a warehouse
line of credit of up to $20.0 million which expires in August 1997. At August
31, 1996, an aggregate of $3.3 million was outstanding under such line of credit
and $16.7 million was available for borrowing. In addition, at August 31, 1996,
the Company had a $10.0 million facility for the financing of excess servicing
rights and mortgage related securities, of which $10.0 million was outstanding
on that date. The revolving loan has an 18-month revolving credit period
expiring in December 1997, followed by a 30-month amortization period. In
September 1996, the Company entered into a repurchase agreement with a financial
institution pursuant to which it pledged the interest only certificates from its
two 1996 securitizations in exchange for a $3.0 million advance. In November
1996, the Company entered into an agreement with the same financial institution
for the purchase of $2.0 billion of loans over a five-year period. The Company
has also received a commitment from the financial institution for up to $11.0
million, reduced by any amounts advanced under the repurchase agreement, for the
financing of the interest only and residual certificates from future
securitizations. In the event that the proceeds received by the Company from the
Offering and the Common Stock Offering together with cash flow from operations
and its existing credit facilities prove to be insufficient to meet the
Company's capital requirements, the Company may be required to seek additional
financing. There can be no assurance that such financing will be available on
favorable
 
                                       16
<PAGE>   18
 
terms, or at all. To the extent that the Company were not successful in
maintaining or replacing existing financing or obtaining additional financing,
or selling its loans or receivables, it would have to curtail its activities,
which would have a material adverse effect on the Company. See "Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations -- Liquidity and Capital Resources" and Note 11 of Notes to Financial
Statements.
 
INCOME TAXES
 
     The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return with its parent,
Mego Financial. Income taxes for the Company are provided for on a separate
return basis. As part of its former tax sharing arrangement, the Company
recorded a liability to Mego Financial for federal income taxes applied to the
Company's financial statement income after giving consideration to applicable
income tax law and statutory rates. Under a new tax allocation and indemnity
agreement with Mego Financial, the Company will record a liability to Mego
Financial calculated on a separate company basis. The Company accounts for taxes
under SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" ("SFAS No. 109"), which
requires an asset and liability approach. The provision for income taxes
includes deferred income taxes, which result from reporting items of income and
expense for financial statement purposes in different accounting periods than
for income tax purposes. The Company also provides for state income taxes at the
rate of 6% of income before income taxes.
 
CONCENTRATION OF OPERATIONS
 
     Approximately 36.2% of the dollar volume of the Company's servicing
portfolio at, and approximately 28.5% of the dollar volume of loans originated
by the Company during the year ended, August 31, 1996 were secured by properties
located in California. Although the Company is expanding its network nationally,
significant portions of the Company's servicing portfolio and loan originations
are likely to remain concentrated in California for the foreseeable future.
Consequently, the Company's results of operations and financial condition are
dependent upon general trends in the California economy and its residential real
estate market. The California economy has experienced a slowdown or recession
over the last several years that has been accompanied by a sustained decline in
the California real estate market. Residential real estate market declines may
adversely affect the value of the properties securing loans to the extent that
the principal balances of such loans, together with any primary financing on the
mortgaged properties, will equal or exceed the value of the mortgaged
properties. In addition, California historically has been vulnerable to certain
natural disaster risks, such as earthquakes and erosion-caused mudslides, which
are not typically covered by the standard hazard insurance policies maintained
by borrowers. Uninsured disasters may adversely impact borrowers' ability to
repay loans made by the Company. The existence of adverse economic conditions or
the occurrence of such natural disasters in California could have a material
adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
 
     In addition, approximately 12.5% of the dollar volume of the Company's
servicing portfolio at, and approximately 15.0% of the dollar volume of loans
originated by the Company during the year ended, August 31, 1996 were secured by
properties located in Florida. As a result, the Company's results of operations
and financial condition are dependent upon general trends in the Florida economy
and its residential real estate market.
 
LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY RISKS
 
     Members of Congress and government officials from time to time have
suggested the elimination of the mortgage interest deduction for federal income
tax purposes, either entirely or in part, based on borrower income, type of loan
or principal amount. Because many of the Company's loans are made to borrowers
for the purpose of consolidating consumer debt or financing other consumer
needs, the competitive advantages of tax deductible interest, when compared with
alternative sources of financing, could be eliminated or seriously impaired by
such government action. Accordingly, the reduction or elimination of these tax
benefits would have a material adverse effect on the demand for loans of the
kind offered by the Company.
 
     The Company's business is subject to extensive regulation, supervision and
licensing by federal, state and local governmental authorities and is subject to
various laws and judicial and administrative decisions
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   19
 
imposing requirements and restrictions on part or all of its operations. The
Company's consumer lending activities are subject to the Federal
Truth-in-Lending Act and Regulation Z (including the Home Ownership and Equity
Protection Act of 1994), the Federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation
B, as amended ("ECOA"), the Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, as amended, the
Federal Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act ("RESPA") and Regulation X, the
Home Mortgage Disclosure Act and the Federal Debt Collection Practices Act, as
well as other federal and state statutes and regulations of, and examinations
by, the Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") and state regulatory
authorities with respect to originating, processing, underwriting, selling,
securitizing and servicing loans. These rules and regulations, among other
things, impose licensing obligations on the Company, establish eligibility
criteria for mortgage loans, prohibit discrimination, provide for inspections
and appraisals of properties, require credit reports on loan applicants,
regulate assessment, collection, foreclosure and claims handling, investment and
interest payments on escrow balances and payment features, mandate certain
disclosures and notices to borrowers and, in some cases, fix maximum interest
rates, fees and mortgage loan amounts. Failure to comply with these requirements
can lead to loss of approved status, termination or suspension of servicing
contracts without compensation to the servicer, demands for indemnification or
mortgage loan repurchases, certain rights of rescission for mortgage loans,
class action lawsuits and administrative enforcement actions.
 
     Although the Company believes that it has systems and procedures to
facilitate compliance with these requirements and believes that it is in
compliance in all material respects with applicable local, state and federal
laws, rules and regulations, there can be no assurance that more restrictive
laws, rules and regulations will not be adopted in the future that could make
compliance more difficult or expensive. See "Business -- Government Regulation."
 
     To date, a substantial portion of the loans originated by the Company have
been Title I Loans. Accordingly, a substantial part of the Company's business is
dependent on the continuation of the Title I Loan program, which is federally
funded. In August 1995, bills were introduced in both houses of the United
States Congress that would, among other things, abolish HUD, of which the FHA is
a part, reduce federal spending for housing and community development activities
and eliminate the Title I Loan program. Other changes to HUD have been proposed,
which, if adopted, could affect the operation of the Title I Loan program.
Discontinuation of or a significant reduction in the Title I Loan program or the
Company's authority to originate loans under the Title I Loan program could have
a material adverse effect on the Company's results of operations and financial
condition.
 
FRAUDULENT CONVEYANCES AND PREFERENTIAL TRANSFERS
 
     The ability of the holders of the Notes or the Trustee (as defined herein)
to enforce the Subsidiary Guarantees may be limited by certain fraudulent
conveyance and similar laws. Various fraudulent conveyance and similar laws have
been enacted for the protection of creditors and may be utilized by a court of
competent jurisdiction to avoid the Subsidiary Guarantees or to subordinate the
obligations of the Company under the Notes or the obligations of any Subsidiary
Guarantor under its Subsidiary Guarantee to obligations (including trade
payables) that do not otherwise constitute Senior Indebtedness. The requirements
for establishing a fraudulent conveyance vary depending on the law of the
jurisdiction which is being applied. Generally, if in a bankruptcy,
reorganization, rehabilitation or similar proceeding in respect of the Company
or a Subsidiary Guarantor, or in a lawsuit by or on behalf of creditors against
the Company or a Subsidiary Guarantor, a court were to find that (i) the Company
or a Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, incurred indebtedness in
connection with the Notes (including the Subsidiary Guarantees) with the intent
of hindering, delaying or defrauding current or future creditors of the Company
or the Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, or (ii) the Company or a
Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, received less than reasonably
equivalent value or fair consideration for incurring such indebtedness, as the
case may be, and either (a) was insolvent at the time of the incurrence of such
indebtedness, (b) was rendered insolvent by reason of incurring such
indebtedness, (c) was at such time engaged or about to engage in a business or
transaction for which its assets constituted unreasonably small capital or (d)
intended to incur, or believed that it would incur, debts beyond its ability to
pay such debts as they matured, such court could, with respect to the Company or
the Subsidiary Guarantor, as the case may be, declare void in whole or in part
the obligations of the Company or such
 
                                       18
<PAGE>   20
 
Subsidiary Guarantor in connection with the Notes (including the Subsidiary
Guarantees) and/or subordinate claims with respect to the Notes to all other
debts of the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantors, as applicable. If the
obligations of the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantors were subordinated, there
can be no assurance that after payment of the other debts of the Company or the
Subsidiary Guarantors, there would be sufficient assets to pay such subordinated
claims with respect to the Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees.
 
     Generally, for purposes of the foregoing, an entity will be considered
insolvent if the sum of its respective debts is greater than the fair saleable
value of all of its property at a fair valuation or if the present fair saleable
value of its assets is less than the amount that will be required to pay its
probable liability on its existing debts, as they become absolute and mature.
 
     Additionally, under federal bankruptcy or applicable state insolvency law,
if certain bankruptcy or insolvency proceedings were initiated by or against the
Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor within 90 days after any payment by the
Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor with respect to the Notes or a Subsidiary
Guarantee, respectively, or if the Company or such Subsidiary Guarantor
anticipated becoming insolvent at the time of such payment, all or a portion of
such payment could be avoided as a preferential transfer and the recipient of
such payment could be required to return such payment.
 
PERMISSIBLE OPERATION THROUGH SUBSIDIARIES
 
     Although the Company currently has no Subsidiaries, it is permitted to
conduct future operations through Subsidiaries. If it forms or acquires
Subsidiaries in the future, the Company may be required to rely, at least in
part, upon payment from its Subsidiaries to generate the funds necessary to meet
its obligations, including the payment of interest on and principal of the
Notes. The ability of the Subsidiaries to make such payments will be subject to,
among other things, applicable state laws, and may be subject to certain net
worth maintenance requirements under warehouse credit facilities of subsidiaries
that are permitted under the Indenture. See "Description of the Notes -- Certain
Covenants -- Limitation on Restrictions of Distributions from Restricted
Subsidiaries." Claims of creditors of the Company's Subsidiaries will generally
have priority as to the assets of such Subsidiaries over the claims of the
Company.
 
     Although the Subsidiary Guarantees provide the Note holders with a direct
claim against the assets of the Subsidiary Guarantors, enforcement of the
Subsidiary Guarantees against any Subsidiary Guarantors would be subject to
certain "suretyship" defenses available to guarantors generally, and such
enforcement would also be subject to certain defenses available to the
Subsidiary Guarantors in certain circumstances. See " -- Fraudulent Conveyances
and Preferential Transfers." Although the Indenture contains waivers of most
"suretyship" defenses, certain of those waivers may not be enforced by a court
in a particular case. To the extent that the Subsidiary Guarantees are not
enforceable, the Notes would be effectively subordinated to all liabilities of
the Company's Subsidiaries, including trade payables of such Subsidiaries,
whether or not such liabilities otherwise constitute Senior Indebtedness under
the Indenture. See " -- Subordination and Leverage," above.
 
DEPENDENCE ON MANAGEMENT
 
     Certain of the Company's loan agreements with financial institutions
contain provisions to the effect that if at least three of the four senior
members of management of the Company do not continue to hold such positions or
control the Company, whether due to death, disability, resignation or otherwise,
the lenders have the right to declare the loans in default. In addition, one of
such agreements also provides that the lender has the right to declare the loan
in default upon the death of, or any reduction of the management responsibility
of, more than one of these four senior managers. In such event, there is no
assurance that the lenders will consider replacement managers acceptable to them
and not declare such instruments in default. The Company has not entered into
employment agreements with any of such senior managers.
 
DEPENDENCE ON MEGO FINANCIAL AND PEC
 
     The Company has been dependent on Mego Financial to provide, among other
things, (i) funds for operations without interest and (ii) guarantees of the
Company's financing arrangements. The Company
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   21
 
anticipates that no further financing or guarantees will be made by Mego
Financial following the completion of the Offering. There can be no assurance
that the absence of such financing or guarantees will not have a material
adverse effect on the Company, particularly as the Company seeks to grow. In
addition, the Company has been dependent on its affiliate, PEC, to provide
management services, routine loan collection services and management information
systems, including services of certain of its executive officers. There can be
no assurance that PEC will continue to provide such services. The loss of such
services could have a material adverse effect on the Company if suitable
replacements are not made.
 
COMPETITION
 
     The consumer finance industry is highly competitive. Competitors in the
consumer finance business include mortgage banking companies, commercial banks,
credit unions, thrift institutions, credit card issuers and finance companies.
Certain of the Company's competitors are substantially larger, have greater name
recognition and have more capital and other resources than the Company.
Competition in the home improvement and debt consolidation loan business can
take many forms including convenience in obtaining a loan, customer service,
marketing and distribution channels and interest rates. In addition, the current
level of gains realized by the Company and its existing competitors on the sale
of loans could attract additional competitors to this market with the possible
effect of lower gains on loan sales resulting from increased loan origination
competition. According to a report issued by HUD, the Company was the fourth
largest lender of Title I Loans, based on volume of loans originated, for the
quarter ended June 30, 1996. Due to the variance in the estimates of the size of
the conventional home improvement loan market, the Company is unable to
accurately estimate its competitive position in that market.
 
     The Company depends largely on its Correspondents and Dealers for its
originations of loans. The Company's competitors also seek to establish
relationships with the Company's Correspondents and Dealers, none of whom is
required to deal exclusively with the Company. The Company's future results may
become more exposed to fluctuations in the volume and cost of its loans
resulting from competition from other purchasers of such loans, market
conditions and other factors.
 
PORTION OF PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT MAJORITY STOCKHOLDER
 
     The Company intends to use a portion of the aggregate net proceeds of the
Offering and the Common Stock Offering to repay Intercompany Debt owed to Mego
Financial. See "Use of Proceeds."
 
ABSENCE OF PUBLIC MARKET FOR THE NOTES
 
     Prior to the Offering, there has been no public market for the Notes. There
can be no assurance that an active trading market for the Notes will develop or
that, if developed, it will be sustained after the Offering or that it will be
possible to resell the Notes at or above the initial public offering price. The
market price of the Notes could be subject to significant fluctuations in
response to the Company's operating results and other factors. In addition, the
market in recent years has experienced extreme price and volume fluctuations
that often have been unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance
of companies. Such fluctuations, and general economic and market conditions, may
adversely affect the market price of the Notes. The Notes will not be listed on
any securities exchange or quoted on The Nasdaq National Market. See "Selected
Financial Data," "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition
and Results of Operations" and "Underwriting."
 
FACTORS INHIBITING TAKEOVER
 
     As Mego Financial will continue to own in excess of 80% of the Common Stock
after the Common Stock Offering, no takeover would be successful without its
consent. Changes in the management or ownership of Mego Financial or a reduction
in the number of shares owned by Mego Financial, however, could have an effect
on the likelihood of a takeover. However, the Certificate of Incorporation
provides that no additional shares of Common Stock may be issued that would
reduce Mego Financial's interest below 80% without its written approval during
the Eighty Percent Period. In addition, although the Certificate of
Incorporation
 
                                       20
<PAGE>   22
 
provides for the issuance of one or more series of preferred stock from time to
time, during the Eighty Percent Period no shares of any other class of capital
stock may be issued without Mego Financial's written approval. Even in the event
that at some later date Mego Financial's percentage ownership in the Company is
significantly reduced, certain provisions of the Company's Certificate of
Incorporation and Amended and Restated Bylaws (the "Bylaws") may be deemed to
have anti-takeover effects and may delay, defer or prevent a takeover attempt
that a stockholder might consider in its best interest. The Company's
Certificate of Incorporation authorizes the Board to determine the rights,
preferences, privileges and restrictions of unissued series of preferred stock
and to fix the number of shares of any series of preferred stock and the
designation of any such series, without any vote or action by the Company's
stockholders. Thus, the Board may authorize and issue shares of preferred stock
with voting or conversion rights that could adversely affect the voting or other
rights of holders of the Common Stock. In addition, the issuance of preferred
stock may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of
control of the Company, since the terms of the preferred stock that might be
issued could potentially prohibit the Company's consummation of any merger,
reorganization, sale of substantially all of its assets, liquidation or other
extraordinary corporate transaction without the approval of the holders of the
outstanding shares of the preferred stock. Other provisions of the Company's
Certificate of Incorporation and Bylaws (i) provide that special meetings of the
stockholders may be called only by the Board of Directors or upon the written
demand of the holders of not less than 30% of the votes entitled to be cast at a
special meeting and (ii) establish certain advance notice procedures for
nomination of candidates for election as directors by stockholders and for
stockholder proposals to be considered at annual stockholders' meetings. Mego
Financial could also vote to amend the Company's Certificate of Incorporation or
Bylaws without the vote of any other holders of the Common Stock. Upon the
occurrence of a Change of Control, the holders of the Notes will be entitled to
require the Company to repurchase up to all outstanding Notes of the holders
requiring such repurchase. This provision would further inhibit any takeover of
the Company. See "Description of the Notes -- Change of Control."
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     The net proceeds to the Company from the sale of the Notes offered hereby,
after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated expenses of the Offering,
are estimated to be approximately $37.6 million. The net proceeds to the Company
from the Common Stock Offering, after deducting underwriting discounts and
estimated expenses of the Common Stock Offering, are estimated to be
approximately $17.9 million ($20.7 million if the underwriters of the Common
Stock Offering exercise their over-allotment option in full).
 
     The Company currently intends to use approximately $13.2 million of the
aggregate net proceeds received by the Company from the Offering and the Common
Stock Offering to repay Intercompany Debt which does not bear interest and is
due on demand, approximately $17.0 million to reduce the amounts outstanding
under the Company's warehouse and revolving lines of credit, which currently
bear interest at rates ranging from 1.0% to 2.0% over the prime rate and which
expire in August 1997 and December 1997, respectively, and approximately $3.0
million to reduce the amount outstanding under a repurchase agreement which
currently bears interest at a rate equal to 2.0% over LIBOR and is due on
demand. The remaining net proceeds will be used to provide capital to originate
and securitize loans. Pending such use, the net proceeds received by the Company
will be invested in high quality, short term interest-bearing investment and
deposit accounts.
 
                                       21
<PAGE>   23
 
                                 CAPITALIZATION
 
     The following table sets forth the capitalization of the Company at August
31, 1996, and as adjusted as of such date to give effect to (i) the sale of the
Notes offered hereby (after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated
expenses of the Offering), (ii) the sale of the 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock
pursuant to the Common Stock Offering (after deducting underwriting discounts
and estimated expenses of the Common Stock Offering) and (iii) the application
of the net proceeds from the Offering and the Common Stock Offering as described
under "Use of Proceeds." This table should be read in conjunction with the
financial statements, the related notes and the other financial information
appearing elsewhere in this Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             AUGUST 31, 1996
                                                                           -------------------
                                                                                         AS
                                                                           ACTUAL      ADJUSTED
                                                                           -------     -------
                                                                             (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                        <C>         <C>
Debt:
  Warehouse line of credit...............................................  $ 3,265     $    --(1)
  Revolving line of credit...............................................   10,000          --(1)
  Other notes and contracts payable......................................      932         932
  12 1/2% senior subordinated notes due 2001.............................       --      40,000
  Intercompany debt......................................................   12,813          --
                                                                           -------     -------
          Total debt.....................................................  $27,010     $40,932
                                                                           =======     =======
Stockholder's equity:
  Preferred stock, $.01 par value; 5,000,000 shares authorized; no shares
     issued and outstanding..............................................  $    --     $    --
  Common stock, $.01 par value; 50,000,000 shares authorized; 10,000,000
     shares issued and outstanding, actual and 12,000,000 shares issued
     and outstanding, as adjusted(2).....................................      100         120
  Additional paid-in capital.............................................    8,550      26,455
  Retained earnings......................................................    9,051       9,051
                                                                           -------     -------
  Total stockholder's equity.............................................   17,701      35,626
                                                                           -------     -------
          Total capitalization...........................................  $44,711     $76,558
                                                                           =======     =======
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) The Company intends to use a portion of the net proceeds of the Offering and
     the Common Stock Offering to reduce the amounts outstanding under these
     lines of credit. Such lines of credit may remain available for future use.
(2) Does not include 925,000 shares of Common Stock reserved for issuance upon
     the exercise of stock options available to be granted under the Company's
     Stock Option Plan or 300,000 shares of Common Stock issuable pursuant to
     the underwriters' over-allotment option in the Common Stock Offering. See
     "Management -- Company Stock Option Plan" and "Underwriting."
 
                                       22
<PAGE>   24
 
                       PRO FORMA SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
 
     The following table sets forth selected financial data for the year ended
August 31, 1996 on a pro forma basis to give effect to the estimated pro forma
interest expense of the Company's proposed offering of $40,000,000 of Notes at
an interest rate of 12 1/2% in lieu of the interest expense recorded by the
Company under its existing notes and contracts payable without giving effect for
any earnings factor on funds not applied to pay off existing debt.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                           FOR THE YEAR ENDED
                                                                             AUGUST 31, 1996
                                                                           -------------------
                                                                                         PRO
                                                                           ACTUAL       FORMA
                                                                           -------     -------
                                                                              (IN THOUSANDS
                                                                            EXCEPT PER SHARE
                                                                                 AMOUNT)
<S>                                                                        <C>         <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues:
  Interest income, net...................................................  $   988     $ 2,104
  Other revenues.........................................................   24,039      24,039
                                                                           -------     -------
          Total revenues.................................................   25,027      26,143
                                                                           -------     -------
Costs and expenses:
  Other interest.........................................................      167       5,000
  Other costs and expenses...............................................   13,705      13,705
                                                                           -------     -------
          Total costs and expenses.......................................   13,872      18,705
                                                                           -------     -------
Income before income taxes...............................................   11,155       7,438
Income taxes.............................................................    4,235       2,826
                                                                           -------     -------
Net income...............................................................  $ 6,920     $ 4,612
                                                                           =======     =======
Net income per share.....................................................              $  0.46
                                                                                       =======
</TABLE>
 
                                       23
<PAGE>   25
 
                            SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
                 (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS, EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)
 
     The selected Statement of Operations data and Statement of Financial
Condition data set forth below have been derived from the financial statements
of the Company. The financial statements as of and for the years ended August
31, 1994, 1995 and 1996 have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent
auditors, and are included elsewhere in this Prospectus. The selected financial
information set forth below should be read in conjunction with the financial
statements, the related notes and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of
Financial Condition and Results of Operations" appearing elsewhere in this
Prospectus.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
                                                                    ---------------------------
                                                                    1994(1)    1995      1996
                                                                    -------   -------   -------
<S>                                                                 <C>       <C>       <C>
STATEMENT OF OPERATIONS DATA:
Revenues:
  Gain on sale of loans...........................................  $   579   $12,233   $17,994
  Net unrealized gain on mortgage related securities(2)...........       --        --     2,697
  Loan servicing income...........................................       --       873     3,348
  Interest income, net of interest expense of $107, $468 and
     $1,116.......................................................      172       473       988
                                                                    -------   -------   -------
          Total revenues..........................................      751    13,579    25,027
                                                                    -------   -------   -------
Costs and expenses:
  Provision for credit losses.....................................       96       864     1,510
  Depreciation and amortization...................................      136       403       394
  Other interest..................................................       22       187       167
  General and administrative:
     Payroll and benefits.........................................      975     3,611     5,031
     Commissions and selling......................................       13       552     2,013
     Professional services........................................       --       177       732
     Servicing fees paid to affiliate.............................       13       232       709
     Management services by affiliate.............................      442       690       671
     FHA insurance................................................       11       231       572
     Other........................................................      554       713     2,073
                                                                    -------   -------   -------
          Total costs and expenses................................    2,262     7,660    13,872
                                                                    -------   -------   -------
Income (loss) before income taxes(3)..............................   (1,511)    5,919    11,155
Income taxes(3)...................................................       --     2,277     4,235
Net income (loss).................................................  $(1,511)  $ 3,642   $ 6,920
                                                                    =======   =======   =======
Pro forma net income per share(4).................................                      $  0.60
                                                                                        =======
</TABLE>
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                        AS OF AUGUST 31,    AS OF AUGUST 31, 1996
                                                        ----------------   ------------------------
                                                        1994(1)   1995     ACTUAL    AS ADJUSTED(5)
                                                        ------   -------   -------   --------------
<S>                                                     <C>      <C>       <C>       <C>
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL CONDITION DATA:
Loans held for sale, net..............................  $1,463   $ 3,676   $ 4,610      $  4,610
Excess servicing rights...............................     904    14,483    12,121        12,121
Mortgage related securities(2)........................      --        --    22,944        22,944
Total assets..........................................   5,122    24,081    50,606        82,453
Total liabilities.....................................     983    13,300    32,905        46,827
Total stockholder's equity............................   4,139    10,781    17,701        35,626
</TABLE>
 
                                       24
<PAGE>   26
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
                                                           -------------------------------
                                                           1994(1)     1995         1996
                                                           ------     -------     --------
<S>                                                        <C>        <C>         <C>
OPERATING DATA:
Loans originated.........................................  $8,164     $87,751     $139,367
Weighted average interest rate on loans originated.......   14.18%      14.55%       14.03%
Servicing portfolio (end of year):
  Company-owned loans....................................  $1,471     $ 3,720     $  4,698
  Sold loans.............................................   6,555      88,566      209,491
                                                           ------     -------      -------
          Total..........................................  $8,026     $92,286     $214,189
                                                           ======     =======      =======
Delinquency period(6):
  31-60 days past due....................................    2.06%       2.58%        2.17%
  61-90 days past due....................................    0.48        0.73         0.85
  91 days and over past due..............................    0.36        0.99         4.53(7)
  91 days and over past due, net of claims filed(8)......    0.26        0.61         1.94
Claims filed with HUD(9).................................    0.10        0.38         2.59
Amount of FHA insurance available (end of year)..........  $  813     $ 9,552     $ 21,205(10)
Amount of FHA insurance available as a percentage
  of loans serviced (end of year)........................   10.13%      10.35%        9.90%(10)
Ratio of earnings to fixed charges(11)...................     N/A        7.69x        2.38x(12)
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
 (1) The Company commenced originating loans in March 1994.
 (2) Mortgage related securities consist of certificates representing interests
     retained by the Company in securitization transactions.
 (3) The results of operations of the Company are included in the consolidated
     federal income tax returns filed by Mego Financial, the Company's sole
     stockholder. Mego Financial allocates income taxes to the Company
     calculated on a separate return basis. See "Certain Transactions."
 (4) Shares used in computing pro forma net income per share include the
     weighted average of common stock outstanding during the period. There were
     no common stock equivalents. Historical per share data is not included
     because the data is not considered relevant or indicative of the ongoing
     operations of the Company. Net income utilized in the calculation of pro
     forma net income per share has been reduced by an estimated pro forma
     interest expense in the amount of $1,484,000 and a related tax benefit of
     $564,000 based upon the application of a 12 1/2% interest rate to the
     Company's average balance of non-interest bearing debt payable to Mego
     Financial. Pro forma net income per share would change by $0.01 with a 1%
     change in the interest rate utilized.
 (5) As adjusted to give effect to (i) the sale of the Notes offered hereby
     (after deducting underwriting discounts and estimated expenses of the
     Offering), (ii) the sale of the 2,000,000 shares of Common Stock pursuant
     to the Common Stock Offering (after deducting underwriting discounts and
     estimated expenses of the Common Stock Offering) and (iii) the application
     of the estimated net proceeds from the Offering and the Common Stock
     Offering as described under "Use of Proceeds."
 (6) Represents the dollar amount of delinquent loans as a percentage of total
     dollar amount of loans serviced by the Company (including loans owned by
     the Company) as of the date indicated.
 (7) During fiscal 1996, the processing and payment of claims filed with HUD
     were delayed. See "Business -- Loan Servicing."
 (8) Represents the dollar amount of delinquent loans net of delinquent Title I
     Loans for which claims have been filed with HUD and payment is pending as a
     percentage of total dollar amount of loans serviced by the Company
     (including loans owned by the Company) as of the date indicated.
 (9) Represents the dollar amount of delinquent Title I Loans for which claims
     have been filed with HUD and payment is pending as a percentage of total
     dollar amount of loans serviced by the Company (including loans owned by
     the Company) as of the date indicated.
(10) If all claims filed with HUD had been processed and paid as of period end,
     the amount of FHA insurance available would have been reduced to
     $16,215,000, which as a percentage of loans serviced would have been 7.77%.
(11) Earnings include pretax income, the portion of rents representative of the
     interest factor and interest on debt. Fixed charges include interest on
     indebtedness, prepaid commitment fees and the portion of rents
     representative of the interest factor.
(12) Ratio computed giving pro forma effect for the total additional interest
     expense resulting from the proposed issuance by the Company of the Notes at
     an interest rate of 12 1/2% in lieu of the interest expense recorded by the
     Company under its existing lines of credit intended to be repaid with the
     proceeds of the Offering and the Common Stock Offering.
 
                                       25
<PAGE>   27
 
                    MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF
                 FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
     The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with
the Financial Statements, including the notes thereto, contained elsewhere in
this Prospectus.
 
GENERAL
 
     The Company began originating loans on March 1, 1994 and, accordingly, the
Company's results of operations for the years ended August 31, 1995 and 1996
include full years of operations, while results for the year ended August 31,
1994 include only six months of loan originations.
 
     The Company recognizes revenue from the gain on sale of loans, interest
income and servicing income. Interest income, net, represents the interest
received on loans in the Company's portfolio prior to their sale, net of
interest paid under its credit agreements. The Company continues to service all
loans sold to date. Net loan servicing income represents servicing fee income
and other ancillary fees received for servicing loans less the amortization of
capitalized mortgage servicing rights. Mortgage servicing rights are amortized
over the estimated net future servicing fee income.
 
     The Company sells its loans through whole loan sales to third party
purchasers, retaining the right to service the loans and to receive any amounts
in excess of the guaranteed yield to the purchasers. In addition, the Company
has commenced the sale of loans through securitizations. Certain of the regular
interests of the related securitizations are sold, with the interest only and
residual class securities retained by the Company.
 
     Gain on sale of loans includes the gain on sale of mortgage related
securities and loans held for sale. The gain on sale of mortgage related
securities is determined by an allocation of the cost of the securities based on
the relative fair value of the securities sold and the securities retained. The
Company generally retains an interest only strip security and residual interest
security. The fair value of the interest only strip and residual interest
security is the present value of the estimated cash flows to be received after
considering the effects of estimated prepayments and credit losses, net of FHA
insurance recoveries. The net unrealized gain on mortgage related securities
represents the difference between the allocated cost basis of the securities and
the estimated fair value.
 
     As the holder of the residual securities, the Company is entitled to
receive certain excess cash flows. These excess cash flows are calculated as the
difference between (a) principal and interest paid by borrowers and (b) the sum
of (i) pass-through interest and principal to be paid to the holders of the
regular securities and interest only securities, (ii) trustee fees, (iii)
third-party credit enhancement fees, (iv) servicing fees and (v) estimated loan
pool losses. The Company's right to receive the excess cash flows is subject to
the satisfaction of certain reserve requirements which are specific to each
securitization and are used as a means of credit enhancement.
 
     The Company carries interest only and residual securities at fair value. As
such, the carrying value of these securities is affected by changes in market
interest rates and prepayment and loss experiences of these and similar
securities. The Company estimates the fair value of the interest only and
residual securities utilizing prepayment and credit loss assumptions the Company
believes to be appropriate for each particular securitization. To the Company's
knowledge, there is no active market for the sale of these interest only and
residual securities. The range of values attributable to the factors used in
determining fair value is broad. Although the Company believes that it has made
reasonable estimates of the fair value of the mortgage related securities, the
rate of prepayments and default rates utilized are estimates, and actual
experience may vary from its estimates.
 
     The present value of expected net cash flows from the sale of loans is
recorded at the time of sale as excess servicing rights and mortgage related
securities. Excess servicing rights are amortized as a charge to income, as
payments are received on the retained interest differential over the estimated
life of the underlying loans. The expected cash flows used to determine the
excess servicing rights asset and mortgage related securities have been reduced
for potential losses, net of FHA insurance recoveries, under recourse provisions
 
                                       26
<PAGE>   28
 
of the sales agreements. The allowance for credit losses on loans sold with
recourse represents the Company's estimate of losses to be incurred in
connection with the recourse provisions of the sales agreements.
 
     To determine the fair value of the mortgage servicing rights and excess
servicing rights, the Company projects net cash flows expected to be received
over the life of the loans. Such projections assume certain servicing costs,
prepayment rates and credit losses. These assumptions are similar to those used
by the Company to value the residual securities. As of August 31, 1996, mortgage
servicing rights totaled $3.8 million, excess servicing rights totaled $12.1
million and mortgage related securities totaled $22.9 million.
 
     There can be no assurance that the Company's estimates used to determine
the fair value of mortgage and excess servicing rights will remain appropriate
for the life of the loans. If actual loan prepayments or credit losses exceed
the Company's estimates, the carrying value of the Company's mortgage and excess
servicing rights may have to be written down through a charge against earnings.
The Company will not write up such assets to reflect slower than expected
prepayments, although slower prepayments may increase future earnings as the
Company will receive cash flows in excess of those anticipated.
 
     The Company discounts cash flows on its loan sales at the rate it believes
an independent third-party purchaser would require as a rate of return. The cash
flows were discounted to present value using discount rates which averaged 12.0%
for the years ended August 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996. The Company has developed
its assumptions based on experience with its own portfolio, available market
data and ongoing consultation with its financial advisors.
 
     Total costs and expenses consist primarily of general and administrative
expenses, depreciation and amortization, and provision for credit losses. PEC, a
wholly-owned subsidiary of Mego Financial, provides loan servicing and
management services to the Company the costs of which are charged to general and
administrative expenses. See "Certain Transactions" and Note 14 of Notes to
Financial Statements.
 
     The Company continues to implement its business growth strategy through
both product line and geographic diversification and expansion of its
Correspondent and Dealer operations, in an effort to increase both loan
origination volume and servicing volume. See "Business -- Business Strategy."
Implementation of this strategy has increased the Company's total assets through
growth in excess servicing rights, mortgage servicing assets and mortgage
related securities and has been funded through increased borrowings. While this
growth has increased the Company's revenues through increased gain on sales of
loans, loan servicing income and net interest income, it has also increased the
general and administrative expense and provision for credit losses associated
with the growth in loans originated and serviced. Continued increases in the
Company's total assets and increasing earnings can continue only so long as
origination volumes continue to exceed paydowns of loans serviced and previous
period origination volumes. Additionally, the fair value of mortgage related
securities, mortgage servicing rights and excess servicing rights owned by the
Company may be adversely affected by changes in the interest rate environment
which could affect the discount rate and prepayment assumptions used to value
the assets. Any such adverse change in assumptions could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
 
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
 
  Fiscal 1996 Compared to Fiscal 1995
 
     The Company originated $139.4 million of loans during fiscal 1996 compared
to $87.8 million of loans during fiscal 1995, an increase of 58.8%. The increase
is a result of the overall growth in the Company's business, including an
increase in the number of active Correspondents and Dealers and an increase in
the number of states served. At August 31, 1996, the Company had approximately
310 active Correspondents and 435 active Dealers, compared to approximately 150
active Correspondents and 170 active Dealers at August 31, 1995. Of the $139.4
million of loans originated in fiscal 1996, $11.6 million were Conventional
Loans. The Company did not originate Conventional Loans in fiscal 1995.
 
                                       27
<PAGE>   29
 
     The following table sets forth certain data regarding loans originated by
the Company during fiscal 1995 and 1996.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
                                                  ------------------------------------------------
                                                          1995                       1996
                                                  ---------------------     ----------------------
<S>                                               <C>             <C>       <C>              <C>
Principal amount of loans:
  Correspondents:
     Title I....................................  $63,792,680      72.7%    $ 82,596,197      59.3%
     Conventional...............................           --        --       11,582,108       8.3
                                                  -----------     -----      -----------     -----
          Total Correspondent...................   63,792,680      72.7       94,178,305      67.6
                                                  -----------     -----      -----------     -----
  Dealers -- Title I............................   23,957,829      27.3       45,188,721      32.4
                                                  -----------     -----      -----------     -----
          Total.................................  $87,750,509     100.0%    $139,367,026     100.0%
                                                  ===========     =====      ===========     =====
Number of loans:
  Correspondents:
     Title I....................................        3,437      59.1%           4,382      50.9%
     Conventional...............................           --        --              392       4.6
                                                  -----------     -----      -----------     -----
          Total Correspondent...................        3,437      59.1            4,774      55.5
                                                  -----------     -----      -----------     -----
  Dealers -- Title I............................        2,381      40.9            3,836      44.5
                                                  -----------     -----      -----------     -----
          Total.................................        5,818     100.0%           8,610     100.0%
                                                  ===========     =====      ===========     =====
</TABLE>
 
     See Notes 2 and 5 of Notes to Financial Statements.
 
     Total revenues increased 84.3% to $25.0 million for fiscal 1996 from $13.6
million for fiscal 1995. The increase was primarily the result of the increased
volume of loans originated and the sale of such loans. The following table sets
forth the principal balance of loans sold or securitized and related gain on
sale data for fiscal 1995 and 1996.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
                                                                          ---------------------
                                                                             1995       1996
                                                                            -------   --------
                                                                              (IN THOUSANDS)
<S>                                                                         <C>       <C>
Principal amount of loans sold:
  Title I.................................................................  $85,363   $127,414
  Conventional............................................................       --     10,494
                                                                            -------   --------
          Total...........................................................  $85,363   $137,908
                                                                            =======   ========
Gain on sale of loans.....................................................  $12,233   $ 17,994
Net unrealized gain on mortgage related securities........................       --      2,697
                                                                            -------   --------
Gain on sale of loans and unrealized gain on mortgage related
  securities..............................................................  $12,233   $ 20,691
                                                                            =======   ========
Gain on sale of loans as a percentage of principal balance of loans
  sold....................................................................     14.3%      13.0%
Gain on sale of loans and unrealized gain on mortgage related securities
  as a percentage of principal balance of loans sold......................     14.3%      15.0%
</TABLE>
 
     See Note 2 of Notes to Financial Statements.
 
     Loan servicing income increased 283.5% to $3.3 million for fiscal 1996 from
$873,000 for fiscal 1995. The increase was primarily the result of a 61.6%
increase in the amount of loan sale activity in fiscal 1996 with the servicing
rights retained by the Company, to $137.9 million for fiscal 1996 from $85.4
million for fiscal 1995.
 
     Interest income on loans held for sale and mortgage related securities, net
of interest expense, increased 108.9% to $988,000 during fiscal 1996 from
$473,000 during fiscal 1995. The increase was primarily the result of the
increase in the average size of the portfolio of loans held for sale, and the
increased mortgage related securities portfolio.
 
                                       28
<PAGE>   30
 
     The Company intends to consider strategies to mitigate the interest rate
risks associated with the loan origination/warehousing function, funding its
portfolio of mortgage related securities, excess servicing rights, mortgage
servicing rights, and valuation of these assets. Implementation of interest rate
risk management strategies may decrease spreads, decrease gain on sale of loans,
or otherwise decrease revenues from that which might otherwise occur in a stable
interest rate environment without such strategies in place. The Company intends
to thoroughly analyze the cost of such strategies compared to the risks which
would be mitigated prior to implementation of any strategy.
 
     The provision for credit losses increased 74.8% to $1.5 million for fiscal
1996 from $864,000 for fiscal 1995. The increase in the provision was directly
related to the increase in volume of loans originated in fiscal 1996 compared to
fiscal 1995. The provision for credit losses is based upon periodic analysis of
the portfolio, economic conditions and trends, historical credit loss
experience, borrowers' ability to repay, collateral values, and estimated FHA
insurance recoveries on loans originated and sold. As the Company increases its
mix of Conventional Loan originations as compared to Title I Loan originations,
the provision for credit losses as a percentage of loans originated can be
expected to increase due to the increased credit risk associated with
Conventional Loans. Servicing costs on a per loan basis may also increase as
problem Conventional Loans may require greater costs to service.
 
     Total general and administrative expenses increased 90.2% to $11.8 million
for fiscal 1996 from $6.2 million for fiscal 1995. The increase was primarily a
result of increased payroll related to the hiring of additional underwriting,
loan processing, administrative, loan quality control and other personnel in
contemplation of the expansion of the Company's business and costs related to
the opening of additional offices.
 
     Payroll and benefits expense increased 39.3% to $5.0 million for fiscal
1996 from $3.6 million for fiscal 1995. The number of employees increased from
105 as of fiscal year end 1995 to 170 as of fiscal year end 1996, due to
increased staff necessary to support the business expansion and improve quality
control.
 
     Commissions and selling expenses increased 264.7% to $2.0 million for
fiscal 1996 from $552,000 for fiscal 1995 while loan originations increased by
$51.6 million from fiscal 1995 to 1996. The sales network expanded to
substantially all states, adding new personnel and offices to further the loan
origination growth strategy.
 
     Professional services increased 313.6% to $732,000 for fiscal 1996 from
$177,000 for fiscal 1995 due primarily to increased audit and legal services and
consultation fees.
 
     Servicing fees paid to affiliate increased 205.6% to $709,000 for fiscal
1996 from $232,000 for fiscal 1995. The increase was a result of the increase in
the size of the loan portfolio serviced by PEC. Management services by affiliate
decreased 2.9% to $671,000 for fiscal 1996 from $690,000 for fiscal 1995. These
expenses represent services provided by PEC, including executive, accounting,
legal, management information, data processing, human resources, advertising and
promotional materials. During fiscal 1995 and 1996, the Company incurred
interest expense to PEC of $85,000 and $29,000, respectively, which amounts were
included in other interest expense. During fiscal 1995 and 1996, the Company
paid PEC for developing certain computer programming, incurring costs of $36,000
and $56,000, respectively. See Note 14 of Notes to Financial Statements.
 
     FHA insurance increased 147.6% to $572,000 for fiscal 1996 from $231,000
for fiscal 1995. The increase was primarily attributable to the increased volume
of loan originations and loans serviced.
 
     Other general and administrative expenses increased 190.7% to $2.1 million
for fiscal 1996 from $713,000 for fiscal 1995 primarily due to increased
expenses related to expansion of facilities and increased communications
expense. The Company is enhancing its loan production systems. These
enhancements are expected to cost approximately $50,000 and will be funded from
the Company's normal operating cash flow. See "Business -- Loan Production
Technology Systems."
 
     Income before income taxes increased 88.5% to $11.2 million for fiscal 1996
from $5.9 million for fiscal 1995.
 
                                       29
<PAGE>   31
 
     As a result of the foregoing, net income increased 90.0% to $6.9 million
for fiscal 1996 from $3.6 million for fiscal 1995.
 
  Fiscal 1995 Compared to Fiscal 1994
 
     The Company commenced originating loans in March 1994. Total revenues
increased 1,708.1% to $13.6 million for fiscal 1995 from $751,000 for fiscal
1994. The increase was primarily the result of the increased volume of loans
originated and the sale of such loans. The Company originated $87.8 million of
loans during fiscal 1995 compared to $8.2 million of loans during fiscal 1994,
an increase of 974.9%. The increase was a result of the overall growth in
Company's business. At August 31, 1995, the Company had approximately 150 active
Correspondents and 170 active Dealers in 34 states, compared to approximately 14
active Correspondents and 30 active Dealers in 14 states at August 31, 1994.
 
     The following table sets forth certain data regarding Title I Loans
originated by the Company during fiscal 1994 and 1995.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                  YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
                                                        ------------------------------------------
                                                               1994                   1995
                                                        ------------------     -------------------
<S>                                                     <C>          <C>       <C>           <C>
Principal amount of loans:
  Correspondents......................................  $5,251,647    64.3%    $63,792,680    72.7%
  Dealers.............................................   1,492,318    18.3      23,957,829    27.3
  Bulk purchase.......................................   1,420,150    17.4              --      --
                                                        ----------   -----     -----------   -----
          Total.......................................  $8,164,115   100.0%    $87,750,509   100.0%
                                                        ==========   =====     ===========   =====
Number of loans:
  Correspondents......................................         338    47.4%          3,437    59.1%
  Dealers.............................................         164    23.0           2,381    40.9
  Bulk purchase.......................................         211    29.6              --      --
                                                        ----------   -----     -----------   -----
          Total.......................................         713   100.0%          5,818   100.0%
                                                        ==========   =====     ===========   =====
</TABLE>
 
     The Company sold $85.4 million in principal balance of loans during fiscal
1995, recognizing a gain on sale of loans of $12.2 million. The Company sold
$6.6 million in principal balance of loans during fiscal 1994 recognizing a gain
on sale of loans of $579,000. As a percentage of loans sold, gain on sale of
loans was 14.3% during fiscal 1995 compared to 8.8% during fiscal 1994. The
increase in gain on sale was primarily a result of increased volume of loans
sold and a wider differential between the stated interest rate on the loans and
the yield to purchasers. The weighted average gross excess spread on sold loans
was 5.6% and 6.2% for fiscal 1994 and 1995, respectively. The weighted average
discount rate used in the determination of the gain on sale for both periods was
12%.
 
     Loan servicing income was $873,000 during fiscal 1995. This income was the
result of the sale of $85.4 million of Title I Loans, with the right to service
the loans being retained by the Company. The Company had no loan servicing
income in fiscal 1994 because the Company did not sell any loans until August
31, 1994.
 
     Interest income, net of interest expense, increased 175.0% to $473,000
during fiscal 1995 from $172,000 during fiscal 1994. The increase was primarily
the result of the growth in the size of the portfolio of loans held for sale of
151.3% to $3.7 million at August 31, 1995 from $1.5 million at August 31, 1994.
 
     The provision for credit losses increased 800.0% to $864,000 for fiscal
1995 from $96,000 for fiscal 1994 due to increased loan originations. Provision
for credit losses relating to unsold loans is recorded as expense in amounts
sufficient to maintain the allowance at a level considered adequate to provide
for anticipated losses resulting from liquidation of outstanding loans. The
provision for credit losses is based upon periodic analysis of the portfolio,
economic conditions and trends, historical credit loss experience, borrowers'
ability to repay, collateral values, and estimated FHA insurance recoveries on
Title I Loans.
 
                                       30
<PAGE>   32
 
     Depreciation and amortization expense increased 196.3% to $403,000 for
fiscal 1995 from $136,000 for fiscal 1994 as a result of the purchase of
additional equipment, the expansion of the Company's facilities and additional
software development costs.
 
     Other interest expense increased 750.0% to $187,000 for fiscal 1995 from
$22,000 for fiscal 1994 as a result of increased capitalized lease obligations.
 
     Total general and administrative expenses increased 209.1% to $6.2 million
for fiscal 1995 from $2.0 million for fiscal 1994. The increase was primarily a
result of increased payroll related to the hiring of additional personnel in
contemplation of the expansion and projected growth of the Company's business
and costs related to the opening of additional offices. Commissions and selling
expenses increased to $552,000 for fiscal 1995 from $13,000 for fiscal 1994 due
to the expansion of the sales network and facilities to support increased loan
origination growth. Included in general and administrative expenses were
servicing fees paid to PEC in the amount of $13,000 and $232,000 for fiscal 1994
and 1995, respectively, and management fees paid to PEC in the amount of
$442,000 and $690,000 for fiscal 1994 and 1995, respectively. See Note 14 of
Notes to Financial Statements. FHA insurance expense increased to $231,000 for
fiscal 1995 from $11,000 for fiscal 1994 due to increased volume of Title I Loan
originations.
 
     Income (loss) before income taxes increased to income of $5.9 million for
fiscal 1995 from a loss of $1.5 million for its six months of operations in
fiscal 1994.
 
     Effective September 1, 1994, the Company adopted SFAS No. 122 which
requires that a mortgage banking enterprise recognize as separate assets the
rights to service mortgage loans for others, regardless of how those servicing
rights are acquired. The effect of adopting SFAS No. 122 on the Company's
financial statements was to increase income before income taxes by $1.1 million
for fiscal 1995.
 
     As a result of the foregoing, net income (loss) increased to net income of
$3.6 million for fiscal 1995 from a net loss of $1.5 million for fiscal 1994.
 
FINANCIAL CONDITION
 
  August 31, 1996 Compared to August 31, 1995
 
     Cash decreased 41.1% to $443,000 at August 31, 1996 from $752,000 at August
31, 1995 primarily as a result of the timing of loan originations, sales, and
borrowings.
 
     Restricted cash deposits increased 76.7% to $4.5 million at August 31, 1996
from $2.5 million at August 31, 1995 due to increased volume of loans serviced
for others pursuant to agreements which restrict a small percentage of cash
relative to the volume of loans serviced, as well as loan payments collected
from borrowers.
 
     Loans held for sale, net increased 25.4% to $4.6 million at August 31, 1996
from $3.7 million at August 31, 1995 primarily as a result of increased loan
originations from $87.8 million for fiscal 1995 to $139.4 million for fiscal
1996, and the timing of loan sales.
 
     Excess servicing rights decreased 16.3% to $12.1 million at August 31, 1996
from $14.5 million at August 31, 1995. Excess servicing rights are calculated
using prepayment, default and interest rate assumptions that the Company
believes market participants would use for similar rights. The Company believes
that the excess servicing rights recognized at the time of sale do not exceed
the amount that would be received if such rights were sold at fair market value
in the marketplace. The decrease in excess servicing rights was primarily a
result of loans sold with excess servicing rights recognized which were
reacquired and included in the fiscal 1996 securitizations as well as normal
amortization of such excess servicing rights. The excess cash flow created
through securitization which had been recognized as excess servicing rights on
loans reacquired and securitized are included in the cost basis of the mortgage
related securities.
 
     Mortgage related securities were $22.9 million at August 31, 1996 as a
result of the Company's securitization transactions during fiscal 1996. There
was no corresponding asset at August 31, 1995. See Note 2 of Notes to Financial
Statements.
 
                                       31
<PAGE>   33
 
     Mortgage servicing rights increased 255.7% to $3.8 million at August 31,
1996 from $1.1 million at August 31, 1995 as a result of additional sales of
mortgage originations and the resulting increase in sales of loans serviced from
$85.4 million during fiscal 1995 to $137.9 million during fiscal 1996.
 
     Property and equipment, net, increased 101.6% to $865,000 at August 31,
1996 from $429,000 at August 31, 1995 due to increased purchases of office
equipment related to facility expansion.
 
     Notes and contracts payable increased 873.7% to $14.2 million at August 31,
1996 from $1.5 million at August 31, 1995 due to increased levels of mortgage
servicing rights and mortgage related securities created through loan
securitization which were available for financing to meet the Company's cash
requirements. The Company has a $10.0 million revolving facility for the
financing of mortgage related securities.
 
     Accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased 81.6% to $4.1 million at
August 31, 1996 from $2.2 million at August 31, 1995, primarily as a result of
increases in accrued payroll, interest and other unpaid operational costs.
 
     Allowances for credit losses and for loans sold with recourse increased
slightly by 3.8% to $920,000 at August 31, 1996 from $886,000 at August 31,
1995. Loans sold with recourse which were reacquired and included in the 1996
securitizations decreased the need for this allowance while increased loan sales
increased the allowance requirements. Recourse to the Company on sales of loans
is governed by the agreements between the purchasers and the Company. The
allowance for credit losses on loans sold with recourse represents the Company's
estimate of its probable future credit losses to be incurred over the lives of
the loans considering estimated future FHA insurance recoveries on Title I
Loans. No allowance for credit losses on loans sold with recourse is established
on loans sold through securitizations, as the Company has no recourse obligation
under those securitization agreements. Estimated credit losses on loans sold
through securitizations are considered in the Company's valuation of its
residual interest securities.
 
     Due to parent company increased 41.9% to $12.0 million at August 31, 1996
from $8.5 million at August 31, 1995. The increase was primarily attributable to
the increase in the federal tax provision owed to Mego Financial as a result of
the filing of a consolidated federal tax return.
 
     Stockholder's equity increased 64.2% to $17.7 million at August 31, 1996
from $10.8 million at August 31, 1995 as a result of net income of $6.9 million
during fiscal 1996.
 
  August 31, 1995 Compared to August 31, 1994
 
     Cash decreased 8.7% to $752,000 at August 31, 1995 from $824,000 at August
31, 1994 primarily as a result of the timing of loan originations, sales and
borrowings.
 
     Restricted cash deposits were $2.5 million at August 31, 1995 due to
activity on loans serviced for others pursuant to agreements which restrict a
small percentage of cash relative to the volume of loans serviced, as well as
loan payments collected from borrowers. There was no corresponding asset at
August 31, 1994.
 
     Loans held for sale, net, increased 151.3% to $3.7 million at August 31,
1995 from $1.5 million at August 31, 1994 primarily as a result of timing of
loan sales and growth in loan originations.
 
     Excess servicing rights increased 1,502.1% to $14.5 million at August 31,
1995 from $904,000 at August 31, 1994. Excess servicing rights are calculated
using prepayment, default and interest rate assumptions that the Company
believes market participants would use for similar rights. The Company believes
that the excess servicing rights recognized at the time of sale do not exceed
the amount that would be received if such rights were sold at fair market value
in the marketplace. The increase in excess servicing rights was primarily a
result of increases in loans sold with excess servicing rights.
 
     Mortgage servicing rights were $1.1 million at August 31, 1995 as a result
of sales of loans which resulted in an increase in the principal balance of sold
loans serviced and implementation of SFAS No. 122. There was no corresponding
asset at August 31, 1994.
 
                                       32
<PAGE>   34
 
     Notes and contracts payable increased 128.9% to $1.5 million at August 31,
1995 from $637,000 at August 31, 1994 due to increased borrowings under the
Company's warehouse line of credit and the timing of loan sales.
 
     Accounts payable and accrued liabilities increased 699.6% to $2.2 million
at August 31, 1995 from $280,000 at August 31, 1994, primarily as a result of
increases in accrued payroll, interest and other operational costs, due to
expansion and growth of the Company.
 
     Allowances for credit losses and for loans sold with recourse increased to
$886,000 at August 31, 1995 from $66,000 at August 31, 1994, primarily due to
increased loans held for sale and loans sold under recourse provisions. Recourse
to the Company on sales of loans is governed by the agreements between the
purchasers and the Company. The allowance for credit losses on loans sold with
recourse represents the Company's estimate of its probable future credit losses
to be incurred over the lives of the loans, considering estimated future FHA
insurance recoveries on Title I Loans.
 
     Due to parent company was $8.5 million at August 31, 1995. There was no
corresponding liability at August 31, 1994. Advances from Mego Financial plus
income tax provisions owed to Mego Financial were the primary components of this
liability. See Note 14 of Notes to Financial Statements.
 
     Stockholder's equity increased 160.5% to $10.8 million at August 31, 1995
from $4.1 million at August 31, 1994 as a result of net income of $3.6 million
during fiscal 1995, compared to a net loss of $1.5 million in 1994.
 
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
 
     The Company had cash of $443,000 at August 31, 1996 compared to cash of
$752,000 at August 31, 1995.
 
     The Company's cash requirements arise from loan originations, payments of
operating and interest expenses and deposits to reserve accounts related to loan
sale transactions. Loan originations are initially funded principally through
the Company's $20.0 million warehouse line of credit pending the sale of loans
in the secondary market. Substantially all of the loans originated by the
Company are sold. Net cash used in the Company's operating activities for the
years ended August 31, 1995 and 1996 was approximately $11.8 million and $15.3
million, respectively. This use was funded primarily from the reinvestment of
proceeds from the sale of loans in the secondary market totaling approximately
$85.0 million and $135.5 million for the years ended August 31, 1995 and 1996,
respectively. The loan sale transactions required the subordination of certain
cash flows payable to the Company to the payment of scheduled principal and
interest due to the loan purchasers. In connection with certain of such sale
transactions, a portion of amounts payable to the Company from the excess
interest spread is required to be maintained in a reserve account to the extent
of the subordination requirements. The subordination requirements generally
provide that the excess interest spread is payable to the reserve account until
a specified percentage of the principal balances of the sold loans is
accumulated therein.
 
     Excess interest spread payable to the Company is subject to being utilized
first to replenish cash paid from the reserve account to fund shortfalls in
collections of interest from borrowers who default on the payments on the loans
until the Company's deposits into the reserve account equal the specified
percentage. The excess interest required to be deposited and maintained in the
respective reserve accounts is not available to support the cash flow
requirements of the Company. At August 31, 1996, amounts on deposit in such
reserve accounts totaled $4.5 million.
 
     Adequate credit facilities and other sources of funding, including the
ability of the Company to sell loans in the secondary market, are essential for
the continuation of the Company's loan origination operations. At August 31,
1996, the Company had a $20.0 million warehouse line of credit (the "Warehouse
Line") for the financing of loan originations which expires in August 1997. At
August 31, 1996, $3.3 million was outstanding under the Warehouse Line and $16.7
million was available. The Warehouse Line bears interest at the prime rate plus
1.0% per year and is secured by loans prior to sale. The agreement with the
lender requires the Company to maintain a minimum tangible net worth of $12.5
million plus 50% of the Company's cumulative
 
                                       33
<PAGE>   35
 
net income after May 1, 1996, and a minimum level of profitability of at least
$500,000 per rolling six month period. In addition, the Company had a $10.0
million revolving credit facility from the same lender, with respect to which
$10.0 million was outstanding on that date. This facility was secured by a
pledge of the Company's excess servicing rights and the interest only and
residual class certificates ("Certificates") relating to securitizations carried
as "Mortgage related securities" on the Company's statements of financial
condition, payable to the Company pursuant to its securitization agreements. The
revolving loan has an 18-month revolving credit period followed by a 30-month
amortization period, and requires the Company to maintain a minimum tangible net
worth of $12.5 million plus 50% of the Company's cumulative net income after May
1, 1996, and a minimum level of profitability of at least $500,000 per rolling
six month period. Borrowings under the revolving loan cannot exceed the lesser
of (i) 40% of the Company's excess servicing rights and Certificates or (ii) six
times the aggregate of the excess servicing rights and Certificate payments
actually received by the Company over the most recent three-month period. While
the Company believes that it will be able to maintain its existing credit
facilities and obtain replacement financing as its credit arrangements mature
and additional financing, if necessary, there can be no assurance that such
financing will be available on favorable terms, or at all.
 
     From time to time, the Company has sold loans through whole loan sales. In
August 1994, the Company entered into an agreement with a bank pursuant to which
an aggregate of $38.3 million in principal amount of loans had been sold at
December 31, 1995, for an amount equal to their remaining principal balance and
accrued interest. Pursuant to the agreement, the purchaser is entitled to
receive interest at a rate equal to the sum of 187.5 basis points and the yield
paid on four-year Federal Government Treasury obligations at the time of the
sale. The Company retained the right to service the loans and the right to
receive the difference (the "Excess Interest") between the sold loans' stated
interest rate and the yield to the purchaser. The Company is required to
maintain a reserve account equal to 1.0% of the declining principal balance of
the loans sold pursuant to the agreement funded from the Excess Interest
received by the Company less its servicing fee to fund shortfalls in collections
from borrowers who default in the payment of principal or interest.
 
     In April 1995, the Company entered into a continuing agreement with a
financial institution pursuant to which an aggregate of approximately $175.8
million in principal amount of loans had been sold at August 31, 1996 for an
amount equal to their remaining principal balances. Pursuant to the agreement,
the purchaser is entitled to receive interest at a variable rate equal to the
sum of 200 basis points and the one-month LIBOR rate as in effect from time to
time. The Company retained the right to service the loans and the right to
receive the Excess Interest. The Company is required to maintain a reserve
account equal to 2.5% of the proceeds received by the Company from the sale of
loans pursuant to the agreement plus the Excess Interest received by the Company
less its servicing fee to fund shortfalls in collections from borrowers who
default in the payment of principal or interest. In May 1995 and June 1995, the
Company reacquired an aggregate of approximately $25.0 million of such Title I
Loans for an amount equal to their remaining principal balance, which were sold
to a financial institution. In March 1996 and August 1996, the Company
reacquired an additional $77.7 million and $36.2 million, respectively, of the
Title I Loans in connection with its first two securitization transactions. In
September 1996, the Company entered into a repurchase agreement with the
financial institution pursuant to which the Company pledged the interest only
certificates from its two 1996 securitizations in exchange for a $3.0 million
advance. In November 1996, the Company entered into an agreement with the same
financial institution, providing for the purchase of up to $2.0 billion of loans
over a five-year period. Pursuant to the agreement, Mego Financial issued to the
financial institution four-year warrants to purchase 1,000,000 shares of Mego
Financial's common stock at an exercise price of $7.125 per share. The agreement
also provides (i) that so long as the aggregate principal balance of loans
purchased by the financial institution and not resold to third parties exceeds
$100.0 million, the financial institution shall not be obligated to purchase,
and the Company shall not be obligated to sell, loans under the agreement and
(ii) that the percentage of conventional loans owned by the financial
institution at any one time and acquired pursuant to the agreement shall not
exceed 65% of the total amount of loans owned by the financial institution at
such time and acquired pursuant to the agreement. The value of the warrants,
estimated at $3.0 million (0.15% of the commitment amount) as of the commitment
date, will be charged to the Company and amortized as the commitment for the
purchase of loans is utilized. The financial institution has also committed to
provide the Company with a separate one-year facility of up to $11.0 million,
less any amounts
 
                                       34
<PAGE>   36
 
advanced under the repurchase agreement, for the financing of the interest only
and residual certificates from future securitizations.
 
     In May 1995, the Company entered into an agreement with a bank pursuant to
which an aggregate of $25.0 million in principal amount of loans had been sold
at June 30, 1995 for an amount equal to their remaining principal balance.
Pursuant to the agreement, the purchaser is entitled to receive interest at a
rate equal to the sum of 190 basis points and the yield paid on four-year
Federal Government Treasury obligations at the time of the sale. The Company
retained the right to service the loans and the right to receive the Excess
Interest. The agreement requires the Company to maintain a reserve account equal
to 1.0% of the declining principal balance of the loans sold pursuant to the
agreement funded from the Excess Interest received by the Company less its
servicing fee to fund shortfalls in collections from borrowers who default in
the payment of principal or interest.
 
     In furtherance of the Company's strategy to sell loans through
securitizations, in March 1996 and August 1996, the Company completed its first
two securitizations pursuant to which it sold pools of $84.2 million and $48.8
million, respectively, of Title I Loans. The Company previously reacquired at
par $77.7 million and $36.2 million of such loans, respectively. Pursuant to
these securitizations, pass-through certificates evidencing interests in the
pools of loans were sold in a public offering. The Company continues to
subservice the sold loans and is entitled to receive from payments in respect of
interest on the sold loans a servicing fee equal to 1.25% of the balance of each
loan with respect to the March transaction and 1.0% with respect to the August
transaction. In addition, with respect to both transactions, the Company
received certificates (carried as "Mortgage related securities" on the Company's
statement of financial condition), representing the interest differential, after
payment of servicing and other fees, between the interest paid by the obligors
of the sold loans and the yield on the sold certificates. The Company may be
required to repurchase loans that do not conform to the representations and
warranties made by the Company in the securitization agreements.
 
     During fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1996, the Company used cash of $11.8 million
and $15.3 million, respectively, in operating activities. During fiscal 1995 and
fiscal 1996, the Company provided cash of $12.0 million and $15.6 million,
respectively, in financing activities. During fiscal 1995 and fiscal 1996, the
Company used cash of $274,000 and $637,000, respectively, in investing
activities, which was substantially expended for office equipment and
furnishings and data processing equipment.
 
     The Company believes that funds from operations and financing activities,
borrowings under its existing credit facilities and the net proceeds from the
Offering and the Common Stock Offering will be sufficient to satisfy its
contemplated cash requirements for at least twelve months following the
consummation of the Offering.
 
POSSIBLE TERMINATION OF SERVICING RIGHTS
 
     As described in Note 8 of Notes to Financial Statements, the pooling and
servicing agreements relating to the Company's securitization transactions
contain provisions with respect to the maximum permitted loan delinquency rates
and loan default rates, which, if exceeded, would allow the termination of the
Company's right to service the related loans. At September 30, 1996, the default
rates on the pool of loans sold in the March 1996 securitization transaction
exceeded the permitted limit set forth in the related pooling and servicing
agreement. Accordingly, this condition could result in the termination of the
Company's servicing rights with respect to that pool of loans by the trustee,
the master servicer or the insurance company providing credit enhancement for
that transaction. The mortgage servicing rights on this pool of loans were
approximately $1.4 million at August 31, 1996. Although the insurance company
has indicated that it has, and to its knowledge, the trustee and the master
servicer have, no present intention to terminate the Company's servicing rights,
no assurance can be given that one or more of such parties will not exercise its
right to terminate. In the event of such termination, there would be an adverse
effect on the valuation of the Company's mortgage servicing rights and the
results of operations in the amount of the mortgage servicing rights ($1.4
million before tax and $870,000 after tax at August 31, 1996) on the date of
termination. The Company has taken certain steps designed to reduce the default
rates on this pool of loans as well as its other
 
                                       35
<PAGE>   37
 
loans. These steps include the hiring of a divisional manager in charge of
collection of delinquent loans, the hiring of additional personnel to collect
delinquent accounts, the assignment of additional personnel specifically
assigned to the collection of this pool of loans and the renegotiation of the
terms of certain delinquent accounts in this pool of loans within the guidelines
promulgated by HUD.
 
EFFECTS OF CHANGING PRICES AND INFLATION
 
     The Company's operations are sensitive to increases in interest rates and
to inflation. Increased borrowing costs resulting from increases in interest
rates may not be immediately recoverable from prospective purchasers. The
Company's loans held for sale consist primarily of fixed-rate long term
installment contracts that do not increase or decrease as a result of changes in
interest rates charged to the Company. In addition, delinquency and loss
exposure may be affected by changes in the national economy. See Note 4 of Notes
to Financial Statements.
 
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
 
     At August 31, 1995, effective September 1, 1994, the Company adopted SFAS
No. 122, which requires that a mortgage banking enterprise recognize as separate
assets the rights to service mortgage loans for others, regardless of how those
servicing rights are acquired. The effect of adopting SFAS No. 122 on the
Company's financial statements was to increase income before income taxes by
$1.1 million for the year ended August 31, 1995. The fair value of capitalized
mortgage servicing rights was estimated by taking the present value of expected
net cash flows from mortgage servicing using assumptions the Company believes
market participants would use in their estimates of future servicing income and
expense, including assumptions about prepayment, default and interest rates.
Capitalized mortgage servicing rights are amortized in proportion to and over
the period of estimated net servicing income. The estimate of fair value was
based on a 100 basis points per year servicing fee, reduced by estimated costs
of servicing, and using a discount rate of 12% in 1995. The Company has
developed its assumptions based on experience with its own portfolio, available
market data and ongoing consultation with its investment bankers.
 
     The Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") has issued Statement
No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived
Assets to be Disposed of" ("SFAS No. 121"). SFAS No. 121 requires that
long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles be reviewed for
impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the
carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. SFAS No. 121 is effective
for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1995. The Company has not
determined the effect upon adoption on its results of operation or financial
condition.
 
     The FASB has issued Statement No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation" ("SFAS No. 123"), which establishes financial accounting and
reporting standards for stock-based employee compensation plans and for
transactions in which an entity issues its equity instruments to acquire goods
or services from nonemployees. SFAS No. 123 is generally effective for fiscal
years beginning after December 15, 1995. The Company intends to provide the pro
forma and other additional disclosures about stock-based employee compensation
plans in its 1997 financial statements as required by SFAS No. 123.
 
     SFAS No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets
and Extinguishments of Liabilities" ("SFAS No. 125") was issued by the FASB in
June 1996. SFAS No. 125 provides accounting and reporting standards for
transfers and servicing of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities.
This statement also provides consistent standards for distinguishing transfers
of financial assets that are sales from transfers that are secured borrowings.
It requires that liabilities and derivatives incurred or obtained by transferors
as part of a transfer of financial assets be initially measured at fair value.
SFAS No. 125 also requires that servicing assets be measured by allocating the
carrying amount between the assets sold and retained interests based on their
relative fair values at the date of transfer. Additionally, this statement
requires that the servicing assets and liabilities be subsequently measured by
(a) amortization in proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing
income and (b) assessment for asset impairment or increased obligation based on
their fair values. The statement will require that the Company's existing and
future excess servicing receivables be measured at fair market value and be
reclassified as interest only strip securities and accounted
 
                                       36
<PAGE>   38
 
for in accordance with SFAS No. 115. As required by the statement, the Company
will adopt the new requirements effective January 1, 1997. It is not anticipated
that upon implementation, the statement will have any material impact on the
financial statements of the Company, as the book value of the Company's excess
servicing rights and mortgage related securities approximates fair value.
 
SEASONALITY
 
     Home improvement loan volume tracks the seasonality of home improvement
contract work. Volume tends to build during the spring and early summer months,
particularly with regard to pool installations. A decline is typically
experienced in late summer and early fall until temperatures begin to drop. This
change in seasons precipitates the need for new siding, window and insulation
contracts. Peak volume is experienced in November and early December and
declines dramatically from the holiday season through the winter months. Debt
consolidation and home equity loan volume are not impacted by seasonal climate
changes and, with the exclusion of the holiday season, tend to be stable
throughout the year.
 
                                       37
<PAGE>   39
 
                                    BUSINESS
 
GENERAL
 
     The Company is a specialized consumer finance company that originates,
purchases, sells and services consumer loans consisting primarily of home
improvement loans secured by liens on the improved property. Through its network
of Correspondents and Dealers, the Company initially originated only Title I
Loans. The Title I program provides for insurance of 90% of the principal
balance of the loan, and certain other costs. The Company began offering
Conventional Loans through its Correspondents in May 1996. For the three months
ended August 31, 1996, such loans totalled $11.2 million which represents 22.5%
of the Company's total loan originations for that quarter.
 
     The Company's borrowers are individuals who own their home and have
appropriate verifiable income but may have limited access to traditional
financing sources due to insufficient home equity, limited credit history or
high ratios of debt service to income. These borrowers require or seek a high
degree of personalized service and prompt response to their loan applications.
As a result, the Company's borrowers generally are not averse to paying higher
interest rates that the Company charges for its loan programs as compared to the
interest rates charged by banks and other traditional financial institutions.
The Company has developed a proprietary credit index profile that includes as a
significant component the credit evaluation score methodology developed by Fair,
Isaac and Company to classify borrowers on the basis of likely future
performance. The other components of the Company's scoring system include debt
to income ratio, employment history and residence stability. The Company charges
varying rates of interest based upon the borrower's credit profile and income.
The Company quotes higher interest rates for those borrowers exhibiting a higher
degree of risk. The borrowers' credit standing and/or lack of collateral may
preclude them from obtaining alternative funding. For the year ended August 31,
1996, the loans originated by the Company had a weighted average interest rate
of 14.03%.
 
     The credit evaluation methodology developed by Fair, Isaac and Company
takes into consideration a number of factors in the borrower's credit history.
These include, but are not limited to, (i) the length of time the borrower's
credit history has been on file with the respective credit reporting agency,
(ii) the number of open credit accounts, (iii) the amount of open revolving
credit availability, (iv) the payment history on the open credit accounts and
(v) the number of recent inquiries for the borrower's credit file which may
indicate additional open credit accounts not yet on file. Based on this
information Fair, Isaac and Company will assign a score to the borrower's credit
file which is updated periodically. Based on their statistical analysis, this
score will indicate the percentage of borrowers in that score range expected to
become 90 days delinquent on an additional loan. The score ascribed by Fair,
Isaac and Company weighs heavily in the Company's approval process; however its
effects, whether positive or negative, can be mitigated by the other factors
described above.
 
     The Company's loan originations increased to $139.4 million during the
fiscal year ended August 31, 1996 from $87.8 million during the fiscal year
ended August 31, 1995 and $8.2 million during the six months in which it
originated loans in the fiscal year ended August 31, 1994. The Company's
revenues increased to $25.0 million for the year ended August 31, 1996 from
$13.6 million for the fiscal year ended August 31, 1995 and $751,000 for the
fiscal year ended August 31, 1994. For the year ended August 31, 1996, the
Company had net income of $6.9 million compared to $3.6 million for the year
ended August 31, 1995. As a result of the substantial growth in loan
originations, the Company has operated since March 1994, and expects to continue
to operate for the foreseeable future, on a negative cash flow basis.
 
     The Company sells substantially all the loans it originates through either
whole loan sales to third party institutional purchasers or securitizations at a
yield below the stated interest rate on the loans, retaining the right to
service the loans and receive any amounts in excess of the guaranteed yield to
the purchasers. The Company completed its first two securitizations of Title I
Loans in March and August 1996 totalling $133.0 million and expects to sell a
substantial portion of its loan production through securitizations in the
future. At August 31, 1996, the Company serviced $209.5 million of loans it had
sold, and $4.7 million of loans it owned.
 
                                       38
<PAGE>   40
 
HOME IMPROVEMENT LOAN INDUSTRY
 
     According to data released by the Commerce Department's Bureau of the
Census, expenditures for home improvement and repairs of residential properties
have exceeded $100.0 billion per year since 1992 with 1995 expenditures
estimated at $112.6 billion. The Company targets the estimated $40.0 billion of
those expenditures which are for owner-occupied single-family properties where
improvements are performed by professional remodelers. As the costs of home
improvements escalate, home owners are seeking financing as a means to improve
their property and maintain and enhance its value. The National Association of
Home Builders Economics Forecast in 1995 estimates that home improvement
expenditures will exceed $200.0 billion by the year 2003. Two types of home
improvement financing are available to borrowers, the Title I program
administered by the FHA, which is authorized to partially insure qualified
lending institutions against losses, and uninsured loans where the lender relies
more heavily on the borrower's creditworthiness, debt capacity and the
underlying collateral. Both types of loans are generally secured with a real
estate mortgage lien on the property improved.
 
     The conventional home improvement financing market continues to grow, as
many homeowners have limited access to traditional financing sources due to
insufficient home equity, limited credit history or high ratios of debt service
to income. Conventional loan proceeds can be used for a variety of improvements
such as large remodeling projects, both interior and exterior, kitchen and bath
remodeling, room additions and in-ground swimming pools. Borrowers also have the
opportunity to consolidate a portion of their outstanding debt in order to
reduce their monthly debt service.
 
     According to the FHA, the amount of single family Title I Loans originated
has grown from $375.0 million during 1988 to $1.3 billion during 1995. Based on
FHA data, the Company estimates that it had an 8.6% market share of the property
improvement Title I loan market in calendar 1995. Out of approximately 3,100
lenders participating in the program in 1995, according to FHA data, the Company
was the third largest originator of property improvement Title I Loans. Under
Title I, the payment of approximately 90% of the principal balance of a loan is
insured by the United States of America in the event of a payment default. The
Title I program generally limits the maximum amount of the loan to $25,000 and
restricts the type of eligible improvements and the use of the loan proceeds.
Under Title I, only property improvement loans to finance the alteration, repair
or improvement of existing single family, multifamily and non-residential
structures are allowed. The FHA does not review individual loans at the time of
approval. In the case of a Title I Loan less than $7,500, no equity is required
in the property to be improved and the loan may be unsecured.
 
BUSINESS STRATEGY
 
     The Company's strategic plan is to continue to expand its lending
operations while maintaining its credit quality. The Company's strategies
include: (i) offering new loan products ; (ii) expanding its existing network of
Correspondents and Dealers; (iii) entering new geographic markets; (iv)
realizing operational efficiencies through economies of scale; and (v) using
securitizations to sell higher volumes of loans on more favorable terms. At
August 31, 1996, the Company had developed a nationwide network of approximately
310 active Correspondents and approximately 435 active Dealers. The Company's
Correspondents generally offer a wide variety of loans and its Dealers typically
offer home improvement loans in conjunction with debt consolidation. By offering
a more diversified product line, including Conventional Loans, and maintaining
its high level of service, the Company has increased the loan production from
its existing network of Correspondents. The Company anticipates that as it
expands its lending operations, it will realize economies of scale thereby
reducing its average loan origination costs and enhancing its profitability. In
addition, the Company intends to continue to sell its loan production through
securitizations as opportunities arise. Through access to securitization, the
Company believes that it has the ability to sell higher volumes of loans on more
favorable terms than in whole loan sales.
 
  Product Extension and Expansion
 
     The Company intends to continue to review its loan programs and introduce
new loan products to meet the needs of its customers. The Company will also
evaluate products or programs that it believes are
 
                                       39
<PAGE>   41
 
complementary to its current products for the purpose of enhancing revenue by
leveraging and enhancing the Company's value to its existing network of
Correspondents and Dealers. The Company believes that its introduction of new
loan products will enhance its relationship with its Dealers and Correspondents
and enable it to become a single source for their various financing needs. Since
it commenced operations, the Company has originated Title I Loans from both its
Dealers and Correspondents. In May 1996, the Company broadened these activities
to include non-FHA insured home improvement loans and combination home
improvement and debt consolidation loans. To date, these non-FHA insured loans
have been originated solely through Correspondents. All of these loans, which
permit loan amounts up to $60,000 with fixed rates and 20-year maturities, are
secured by a lien, generally junior in priority, on the respective primary
residence. The Company intends to offer pure debt consolidation loans in the
first quarter of fiscal 1997. The Company also intends to offer non-FHA insured
loans through its Dealer division in the first quarter of 1997 and to make
direct debt consolidation loans to borrowers originated by the Dealer division
in conjunction with home improvement financing.
 
  Expansion of Correspondent Operations
 
     The Company seeks to increase originations of loans from select
Correspondents. The Company has expanded its product line to include
Conventional Loans to meet the needs of its existing network of Correspondents.
Prior to May 1996, the Company originated only Title I Loans. This limited its
ability to attract the more sophisticated Correspondent that offered a multitude
of loan products and, accordingly, limited the Company's market penetration. The
Company began offering Conventional Loans to existing select Correspondents in
May 1996. In order to maintain the Company's customer service excellence, the
Company has gradually increased the number of Correspondents to which it has
offered Conventional Loans. Since the Company commenced offering Conventional
Loans, the loan production of the Company's Correspondent division has
significantly increased. The Company believes that it is well positioned to
expand this segment without any material increase in concentration or quality
risks.
 
  Expansion of Dealer Operations
 
     The Company seeks to expand its Dealer network and maximize loan
originations from its existing network by offering a variety of innovative
products and providing consistent and prompt service at competitive prices. The
Company will provide conventional products as well as its existing Title I
product to its Dealers in order to meet the needs of the diverse borrower
market. The Company targets Dealers that typically offer financing to their
customers and attempts to retain and grow these relationships by providing
superior customer service, personalized attention and prompt approvals and
fundings. The Company has been unable to fully meet the needs of its Dealers
because of Title I program limits on the amount and types of improvements which
may be financed. The Company intends to meet the needs of its Dealers with new
Conventional Loan programs. These programs allow for more expensive project
financing such as in-ground swimming pools and substantial remodeling as well as
financing for creditworthy borrowers with limited equity who are in need of debt
consolidation and borrowers with marginal creditworthiness and substantial
equity in their property. With this strategy, the Company believes it can
achieve further market penetration of its existing Dealer network and gain new
Dealers and market share in areas in which the Title I product is less
successful because of its restrictions.
 
  Nationwide Geographic Expansion
 
     The Company intends to continue to expand its Correspondent and Dealer
network on a nationwide basis and to enhance its value to its existing network.
The Company's strategy involves (i) focusing on geographic areas that the
Company currently underserves and (ii) tailoring the Company's loan programs to
better serve its existing markets and loan sources.
 
  Maximization of Flexibility in Loan Sales
 
     The Company employs a two-pronged strategy of disposing of its loan
originations primarily through securitizations and, to a lesser extent, through
whole loan sales. By employing this dual strategy, the Company
 
                                       40
<PAGE>   42
 
has the flexibility to better manage its cash flow, diversify its exposure to
the potential volatility of the capital markets and maximize the revenues
associated with the gain on sale of loans given market conditions existing at
the time of disposition. The Company has recently been approved by FNMA as a
seller/servicer of Title I Loans, as a result of which the Company is eligible
to sell such loans to FNMA on a servicing retained basis.
 
LOAN PRODUCTS
 
     The Company originates Title I and Conventional Loans. Both types of loans
are typically secured by a first or junior lien on the borrower's principal
residence, although the Company occasionally originates and purchases unsecured
loans with borrowers that have an excellent credit history. Borrowers use loan
proceeds for a wide variety of home improvement projects, such as
exterior/interior remodeling, structural additions, roofing and plumbing, as
well as luxury items such as in-ground swimming pools, and for debt
consolidation. The Company lends to borrowers of varying degrees of
creditworthiness. See "Loan Processing and Underwriting."
 
  Conventional Loans
 
     A Conventional Loan is a non-insured home improvement or home equity loan
typically undertaken to pay for a home improvement project, home improvement and
debt consolidation combination or a debt consolidation. Substantially all of the
Conventional Loans originated by the Company are secured by a first or junior
mortgage lien on the borrower's principal residence. Underwriting for
Conventional Loans varies according to the Company's evaluation of the
borrower's credit risk and income stability as well as the underlying
collateral. The Company will rely on the underlying collateral and equity in the
property for borrowers judged to be greater credit risks. The Company targets
the higher credit quality segment of borrowers. The Company has begun
originating Conventional Loans through its Correspondent Division and plans to
begin offering such loan products to its Dealer Division.
 
     The Company has focused its Conventional Loan program on that segment of
the marketplace with higher credit quality borrowers who may have limited equity
in their residence after giving effect to the amount of senior liens. The
portfolio of Conventional Loans generated through August 31, 1996 indicates on
average that the borrowers have received an A grade under the Company's
proprietary credit index profile, have an average debt-to-income ratio of 38%
and the subject properties are 100% owner occupied. On average, the market value
of the underlying property is $123,000 without added value from the respective
home improvement work, the amount of senior liens of $107,000 and the loan size
is $28,500. Typically, there is not enough equity in the property to cover a
junior lien in the event that a senior lender forecloses on the property. More
than 99% of the loans comprising the Company's Conventional Loan portfolio are
secured by junior liens.
 
  Title I Loan Program
 
     The National Housing Act of 1934 (the "Housing Act"), Sections 1 and 2(a),
authorized the creation of the FHA and the Title I credit insurance program
("Title I"). Under the Housing Act, the FHA is authorized to insure qualified
lending institutions against losses on certain types of loans, including loans
to finance the alteration, repair or improvement of existing single family,
multi-family and nonresidential real property structures. Under Title I, the
payment of approximately 90% of the principal balance of a loan and certain
other amounts is insured by the United States of America in the event of a
payment default.
 
     Title I and the regulations promulgated thereunder establish criteria
regarding (i) who may originate, acquire, service and sell Title I Loans, (ii)
Title I Loan eligibility of improvements and borrowers, (iii) the principal
amounts and terms of and security for Title I Loans, (iv) the use and
disbursement of loan proceeds, (v) verification of completion of improvements,
(vi) the servicing of Title I Loans in default and (vii) the processing of
claims for Title I insurance.
 
     The principal amount of a secured Title I Loan may not exceed $25,000, in
the case of a loan for the improvement of a single family structure, and
$60,000, in the case of a loan for the improvement of a multi-family structure.
Loans up to a maximum of $7,500 in principal amount may qualify as unsecured
Title I Loans.
 
                                       41
<PAGE>   43
 
     Title I Loans are required to bear fixed rates of interest and, with
limited exceptions, be fully amortizing with equal weekly, bi-weekly,
semi-monthly or monthly installment payments. Title I Loan terms may not be less
than six months nor more than 240 months in the case of secured Title I Loans or
120 months in the case of unsecured Title I Loans. Subject to other federal and
state regulations, the lender may establish the interest rate to be charged in
its discretion.
 
     Title I generally provides for two types of Title I Loans, direct loans
("Direct Title I Loans") and dealer loans ("Dealer Title I Loans"). Direct Title
I Loans are made directly by a lender to the borrower and there is no
participation in the loan process by the contractor, if any, performing the
improvements. In the case of Dealer Title I Loans, the Dealer, a contractor
performing the improvements, assists the borrower in obtaining the loan,
contracts with the borrower to perform the improvements, executes a retail
installment contract with the borrower and, upon completion of the improvements,
assigns the retail installment contract to the Title I lender. Each Dealer must
be approved by the Title I lender in accordance with HUD requirements. Direct
Title I Loans are closed by the lender in its own name with the proceeds being
disbursed directly to the borrower prior to completion of the improvements. The
borrower is generally required to complete the improvements financed by a Direct
Title I Loan within six months of receiving the proceeds. In the case of Dealer
Title I Loans, the lender is required to obtain a completion certificate from
the borrower certifying that the improvements have been completed prior to
disbursing the proceeds to the Dealer.
 
     The FHA charges a lender an annual fee equal to 50 basis points of the
original principal balance of a loan for the life of the loan. A Title I lender
or Title I sponsored lender is permitted to require the borrower to pay the
insurance premium with respect to the loan. In general, the borrowers pay the
insurance premiums with respect to Title I Loans originated through the
Company's Correspondents but not with respect to Title I Loans originated
through the Company's Dealers. Title I provides for the establishment of an
insurance coverage reserve account for each lender. The amount of insurance
coverage in a lender's reserve account is equal to 10% of the original principal
amount of all Title I Loans originated or purchased and reported for insurance
coverage by the lender less the amount of all insurance claims approved for
payment. The amount of reimbursement to which a lender is entitled is limited to
the amount of insurance coverage in the lender's reserve account.
 
LENDING OPERATIONS
 
     The Company has two principal divisions for the origination of loans, the
Correspondent Division and the Dealer Division. The Correspondent Division
represents the Company's largest source of loan originations. Through its
Correspondent Division, the Company originates loans through a nationwide
network of Correspondents including financial intermediaries, mortgage
companies, commercial banks and savings and loan institutions. The Company
typically originates loans from Correspondents on an individual loan basis,
pursuant to which each loan is pre-approved by the Company and is purchased
immediately after the closing. The Correspondent Division conducts operations
from its headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, with a vice president of operations
responsible for underwriting and processing and five account executives
supervised by the Vice President-National Marketing responsible for developing
and maintaining relationships with Correspondents. At August 31, 1996, the
Company had a network of approximately 310 active Correspondents.
 
     In addition to purchasing individual Direct Title I Loans and Conventional
Loans, from time to time the Correspondent Division purchases portfolios of
loans from Correspondents. In March 1994, the Company purchased a portfolio of
Direct Title I Loans originated by another financial institution, which
consisted of 211 loans with an aggregate remaining principal balance of $1.4
million.
 
     The Dealer Division originates Dealer Title I Loans through a network of
Dealers, consisting of home improvement construction contractors approved by the
Company, by acquiring individual retail installment contracts ("Installment
Contracts") from Dealers. An Installment Contract is an agreement between the
Dealer and the borrower pursuant to which the Dealer performs the improvements
to the property and the borrower agrees to pay in installments the price of the
improvements. Before entering into an Installment Contract with a borrower, the
Dealer assists the borrower in submitting a loan application to the Company. If
 
                                       42
<PAGE>   44
 
the loan application is approved, the Dealer enters into an Installment Contract
with the borrower, the Dealer assigns the Installment Contract to the Company
upon completion of the home improvements and the Company, upon receipt of the
requisite loan documentation (described below) and completion of a satisfactory
telephonic interview with the borrower, pays the Dealer pursuant to the terms of
the Installment Contract. The Dealer Division maintains 13 branch offices
located in Montvale, New Jersey, Kansas City, Missouri, Las Vegas, Nevada,
Austin, Texas, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Seattle, Washington, Waterford,
Michigan, Columbus, Ohio, Elmhurst, Illinois, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,
Denver, Colorado, Woodbridge, Virginia and Bowie, Maryland through which it
conducts its marketing to Dealers in the state in which the branch is located as
well as certain contiguous states. The Dealer Division is operated with a vice
president of operations responsible for loan processing and underwriting, two
regional managers, and 13 field representatives supervised by the Vice
President-National Marketing who are responsible for marketing to Dealers. At
August 31, 1996, the Company had a network of approximately 435 active Dealers
doing business in 32 states. The Company intends to commence offering
Conventional Loans through its Dealer Division.
 
     Correspondents and Dealers qualify to participate in the Company's programs
only after a review by the Company's management of their reputations and
expertise, including a review of references and financial statements, as well as
a personal visit by one or more representatives of the Company. Title I requires
the Company to reapprove its Dealers annually and to monitor the performance of
those Correspondents that are sponsored by the Company. The Company's compliance
function is performed by a director of compliance and loan administration, whose
staff performs periodic reviews of portfolio loans and Correspondent and Dealer
performance and may recommend to senior management the suspension of a
Correspondent or a Dealer. The Company believes that its system of acquiring
loans through a network of Correspondents and Dealers and processing such loans
through a centralized loan processing facility has (i) assisted the Company in
minimizing its level of capital investment and fixed overhead costs and (ii)
assisted the Company in realizing certain economies of scale associated with
evaluating and acquiring loans. The Company does not believe that the loss of
any particular Correspondent or Dealer would have a material adverse effect upon
the Company. See "Loan Processing and Underwriting."
 
     The Company pays its Correspondents premiums on the loans it purchases
based on the credit score of the borrower and the interest rate on the
respective loan. Additional premiums are paid to Correspondents based on the
volume of loans purchased from such Correspondents in a monthly period. During
fiscal 1996 the Company originated $94.2 million of loans from Correspondents
and paid total premiums of $2.8 million or 3.0% of such loans.
 
     None of the Company's arrangements with its Dealers or Correspondents is on
an exclusive basis. Each relationship is documented by either a Dealer Purchase
Agreement or a Correspondent Purchase Agreement. Pursuant to a Dealer Purchase
Agreement, the Company may purchase from a Dealer loans that comply with the
Company's underwriting guidelines at a price acceptable to the Company. With
respect to each loan purchased, the Dealer makes customary representations and
warranties regarding, among other things, the credit history of the borrower,
the status of the loan and its lien priority if applicable, and agrees to
indemnify the Company with respect to such representations and warranties.
Pursuant to a Correspondent Purchase Agreement, the Company may purchase loans
through a Correspondent, subject to receipt of specified documentation. The
Correspondent makes customary representations and warranties regarding, among
other things, the Correspondent's corporate status, as well as regulatory
compliance, good title, enforceability and payments and advances of the loans to
be purchased. The Correspondent covenants to, among other things, keep Company
information confidential, provide supplementary information, maintain government
approvals with respect to Title I Loans and to refrain from certain
solicitations of the Company's borrowers. The Correspondent also agrees to
indemnify the Company for misrepresentations or non-performance of its
obligations.
 
     The Company originates and acquires a limited variety of loan products,
including: (i) fixed rate, secured Title I Loans, secured by single family
residences, with terms and principal amounts ranging from 60 to 240 months and
approximately $3,000 to $25,000, respectively; and (ii) fixed rate, unsecured
Title I Loans with terms and principal amounts ranging from 36 to 120 months and
approximately $2,500 to $7,500, respectively. As part of the Company's strategic
plan, the Company has commenced originating non-FHA insured Conventional Loans
utilizing its established network of Correspondents.
 
                                       43
<PAGE>   45
 
     The following table sets forth certain data regarding loan applications
processed and loans originated by the Company during the periods indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                 YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
                                                           -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                  1994                  1995                    1996
                                                           ------------------    -------------------    --------------------
<S>                                                        <C>          <C>      <C>           <C>      <C>            <C>
Total Loan Applications:
  Number processed.......................................       3,512                 27,608                  42,236
  Number approved........................................       1,984                 15,956                  20,910
  Approval ratio.........................................        56.5%                  57.8%                   49.5%
Loan Originations:
  Principal balance of loans:
  Correspondents:
    Title I..............................................  $5,251,647    64.3%   $63,792,680    72.7%   $ 82,596,197    59.3%
    Conventional.........................................          --      --             --      --      11,582,108     8.3
                                                           ----------   -----    -----------   -----    ------------   -----
        Total Correspondents.............................   5,251,647    64.3     63,792,680    72.7      94,178,305    67.6
                                                           ----------   -----    -----------   -----    ------------   -----
  Dealers................................................   1,492,318    18.3     23,957,829    27.3      45,188,721    32.4
  Bulk purchase..........................................   1,420,150    17.4             --      --              --      --
                                                           ----------   -----    -----------   -----    ------------   -----
        Total............................................  $8,164,115   100.0%   $87,750,509   100.0%   $139,367,026   100.0%
                                                           ==========   =====    ===========   =====    ============   =====
Number of Loans:
  Correspondents:
    Title I..............................................         338    47.4%         3,437    59.1%          4,382    50.9%
    Conventional.........................................          --      --             --      --             392     4.6
                                                           ----------   -----    -----------   -----    ------------   -----
        Total Correspondents.............................         338    47.4          3,437    59.1           4,774    55.5
                                                           ----------   -----    -----------   -----    ------------   -----
  Dealers................................................         164    23.0          2,381    40.9           3,836    44.5
  Bulk purchase..........................................         211    29.6             --      --              --      --
                                                           ----------   -----    -----------   -----    ------------   -----
        Total............................................         713   100.0%         5,818   100.0%          8,610   100.0%
                                                           ==========   =====    ===========   =====    ============   =====
  Average principal balance of loans.....................  $   11,450            $    15,083            $     16,187
  Weighted average interest rate on loans originated.....       14.18%                 14.55%                  14.03%
  Weighted average term of loans originated (months).....         175                    188                     198
</TABLE>
 
LOAN PROCESSING AND UNDERWRITING
 
     The Company's loan application and approval process generally is conducted
over the telephone with applications usually received at the Company's
centralized processing facility from Correspondents and Dealers by facsimile
transmission. Upon receipt of an application, the information is entered into
the Company's system and processing begins. All loan applications are
individually analyzed by employees of the Company at its loan processing
headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia.
 
     The Company has developed a proprietary credit index profile ("CIP") as a
statistical credit based tool to predict likely future performance of a
borrower. A significant component of this customized system is the credit
evaluation score methodology developed by Fair, Isaac and Company ("FICO"), a
consulting firm specializing in creating default predictive models through a
high number of variable components. The other components of the CIP include debt
to income analysis, employment stability, self employment criteria, residence
stability and occupancy status of the subject property. By utilizing both
scoring models in tandem, all applicants are considered on the basis of their
ability to repay the loan obligation while allowing the Company to maintain its
risk based pricing for each loan.
 
     Based upon FICO score default predictors and the Company's internal CIP
score, loans are classified by the Company into gradations of descending credit
risks and quality, from "A" credits to "D" credits, with subratings within those
categories. Quality is a function of both the borrowers creditworthiness, and
the extent of the value of the collateral, which is typically a second lien on
the borrower's primary residence. "A+" credits generally have a FICO score
greater than 680. An applicant with a FICO score of less than 620 would be rated
a "C" credit unless the loan-to-value ratio was 75% or less which would raise
the credit risk to the Company to a "B" or better depending on the borrower's
debt service capability. Depending on loan size, typical loan-to-value ratios
for "A" and "B" credits range from 90% to 125%, while loan-to-value ratios for
"C" and "D" credits range from 60% up to 90% with extraordinary compensating
factors.
 
     The Company's underwriters review the applicant's credit history, based on
the information contained in the application as well as reports available from
credit reporting bureaus and the Company's CIP score, to determine the
applicant's acceptability under the Company's underwriting guidelines. Based on
the under-
 
                                       44
<PAGE>   46
 
writer's approval authority level, certain exceptions to the guidelines may be
made when there are compensating factors subject to approval from a corporate
officer. The underwriter's decision is communicated to the Correspondent or
Dealer and, if approved, fully explains the proposed loan terms. The Company
endeavors to respond to the Correspondent or Dealer on the same day the
application is received.
 
     The Company issues a commitment to purchase a pre-approved loan upon the
receipt of a fully completed loan package. Commitments indicate loan amounts,
fees, funding conditions, approval expiration dates and interest rates. Loan
commitments are generally issued for periods of up to 45 days in the case of
Correspondents and 90 days in the case of Dealers. Prior to disbursement of
funds, all loans are carefully reviewed by funding auditors to ensure that all
documentation is complete, all contingencies specified in the approval have been
met and the loan is closed in accordance with Company and regulatory procedures.
 
  Conventional Loans
 
     The Company has implemented policies for its Conventional Loan program that
are designed to minimize losses by adhering to high credit quality standards or
requiring adequate loan-to-value levels. The Company will only make Conventional
Loans to borrowers with an "A" or "B" credit grade using the CIP. Through August
31, 1996, the Company's portfolio of Conventional Loans originated through its
Correspondent Division had been evaluated as an "A" credit risk and had a
weighted average (i) FICO score of 661, (ii) gross debt to income ratio of 38%,
(iii) interest rate of 14.04% and (iv) loan-to-value ratio of 110%, as well as
an average loan amount of $28,569. Substantially all of the Conventional Loans
originated to date by the Company are secured by first or second mortgage liens
on single family, owner occupied properties.
 
     Terms of Conventional Loans made by the Company, as well as the maximum
loan-to-value ratios and debt service to income coverage (calculated by dividing
fixed monthly debt payments by gross monthly income), vary depending upon the
Company's evaluation of the borrower's creditworthiness. Borrowers with lower
creditworthiness generally pay higher interest rates and loan origination fees.
 
     As part of the underwriting process for Conventional Loans, the Company
generally requires an appraisal of the collateral property as a condition to the
commitment to purchase. The Company requires independent appraisers to be state
licensed and certified. The Company requires that all appraisals be completed
within the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice as adopted by
the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation. Prior to originating
a loan, the Company audits the appraisal for accuracy and to insure that the
appraiser used sufficient care in analyzing data to avoid errors that would
significantly affect the appraiser's opinion and conclusion. This audit includes
a review of economic demand, physical adaptability of the real estate,
neighborhood trends and the highest and best use of the real estate. In the
event the audit reveals any discrepancies as to the method and technique that
are necessary to produce a credible appraisal, the Company will perform
additional property data research or may request a second appraisal to be
performed by an independent appraiser selected by the Company in order to
substantiate further the value of the subject property.
 
     The Company also requires a title report on all subject properties securing
its loans to verify property ownership, lien position and the possibility of
outstanding tax liens or judgments. In the case of larger loan amounts or first
liens, the Company requires a full title insurance policy in compliance with the
American Land Title Association.
 
  Title I Loans
 
     The Title I Loans originated by the Company are executed on forms meeting
FHA requirements as well as federal and state regulations. Loan applications and
Installment Contracts are submitted to the Company's processing headquarters for
credit verification. The information provided in loan applications is first
verified by, among other things, (i) written confirmations of the applicant's
income and, if necessary, bank deposits, (ii) a formal credit bureau report on
the applicant from a credit reporting agency, (iii) a title report, (iv) if
necessary, a real estate appraisal and (v) if necessary, evidence of flood
insurance. Appraisals for Title I Loans, when necessary, are generally prepared
by pre-approved independent appraisers that meet the Company's standards for
experience, education and reputation. Loan applications are also reviewed to
 
                                       45
<PAGE>   47
 
ascertain whether or not they satisfy the Company's underwriting criteria,
including loan-to-value ratios (if non-owner occupied), borrower income
qualifications, employment stability, purchaser requirements and necessary
insurance and property appraisal requirements. The Company will make Title I
Loans to borrowers with an "A" to "C" credit grade based on CIP score and lien
position. Since the implementation of the CIP scoring system in February 1996,
through August 31, 1996, the Company's portfolio of Title I Loans originated
through its Correspondent and Dealer Divisions had been evaluated as a "C+" and
"B" credit risk, respectively, and had a weighted average FICO score of 637 and
645, respectively. The Company's underwriting guidelines for Title I Loans meet
FHA's underwriting criteria. Completed loan packages are sent to the Company's
Underwriting Department for predisbursement auditing and funding.
 
     Subject to underwriting approval of an application forwarded to the Company
by a Dealer, the Company issues a commitment to purchase an Installment Contract
from a Dealer upon the Company's receipt of a fully completed loan package and
notice from the borrower of satisfactory work completion. Subject to
underwriting approval of an application forwarded to the Company by a
Correspondent, the Company issues a commitment to purchase a Title I Loan upon
the Company's receipt of a fully completed and closed loan package.
 
     The Company's underwriting personnel review completed loan applications to
verify compliance with the Company's underwriting standards, FHA requirements
and federal and state regulations. In the case of Title I Loans being acquired
from Dealers, the Company conducts a prefunding telephonic interview with the
property owner to determine that the improvements have been completed in
accordance with the terms of the Installment Contract and to the owner's
satisfaction. The Company utilizes a nationwide network of independent
inspectors to perform on-site inspections of improvements within the timeframes
specified by the Title I program.
 
     Since the Company does not currently originate any Title I Loans with an
original principal balance in excess of $25,000, the FHA does not individually
review the Title I Loans originated by the Company.
 
QUALITY CONTROL
 
     The Company employs various quality control personnel and procedures in
order to insure that loan origination standards are adhered to and regulatory
compliance is maintained while substantial growth is experienced in the
servicing portfolio.
 
     In accordance with Company policy, the Quality Control Department reviews a
statistical sample of loans closed each month. This review is generally
completed within 60 days of funding and circulated to appropriate department
heads and senior management. Finalized reports are maintained in the Company's
files for a period of two years from completion. Typical review procedures
include reverification of employment and income, re-appraisal of the subject
property, obtaining separate credit reports and recalculation of debt-to-income
ratios. The statistical sample is intended to cover 10% of all new loan
originations with particular emphasis on new Correspondents and Dealers.
Emphasis will also be placed on those loan sources where higher levels of
delinquency are experienced, physical inspections reveal a higher level of
non-compliance, or payment defaults occur within the first six months of
funding. On occasion, the Quality Control Department may review all loans
generated from a particular loan source in the event an initial review
determines a higher than normal number of exceptions. The account selection of
the Quality Control Department is also designed to include a statistical sample
of loans by each underwriter and each funding auditor and thereby provide
management with information as to any aberration from Company policies and
procedures in the loan origination process.
 
     Under the direction of the Vice President of Credit Quality and Regulatory
Compliance, a variety of review functions are accomplished. On a daily basis, a
sample of recently approved loans are reviewed to insure compliance with
underwriting standards. Particular attention is focused on those underwriters
who have developed a higher than normal level of exceptions. In addition to this
review, the Company has developed a staff of post-disbursement review auditors
which reviews 100% of recently funded accounts, typically within two weeks of
funding. All credit reports are analyzed, debt-to-income ratios recalculated,
contingencies monitored and loan documents inspected. Exception reports are
forwarded to the respective Vice Presidents of
 
                                       46
<PAGE>   48
 
Production as well as senior management. The Company also employs a Physical
Inspection Group that is responsible for monitoring the inspection of all homes
which are the subject of home improvement loans. Non-compliance is tracked by
loan source and serves as another method of evaluating a loan source
relationship.
 
     The Company has expended substantial amounts in developing its Quality
Control and Compliance Department. The Company recognizes the need to monitor
its operations continually as it experiences substantial growth. Feedback from
these departments provides senior management with the information necessary to
take corrective action when appropriate, including the revision and expansion of
its operating policies and procedures.
 
LOAN PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY SYSTEMS
 
     The Company utilizes a sophisticated computerized loan origination tracking
system that allows it to monitor the performance of Dealers and Correspondents
and supports the marketing efforts of the Dealer and Correspondent Divisions by
tracking the marketing activities of field sales personnel. The system automates
various other functions such as Home Mortgage Disclosure Act and HUD reporting
requirements and routine tasks such as decline letters and the flood
certification process. The system also affords management access to a wide range
of decision support information such as data on the approval pipeline, loan
delinquencies by source, and the activities and performance of underwriters and
funders. The Company uses intercompany electronic mail, as well as an
electronic-mail link with its affiliate, PEC, to facilitate communications and
has an electronic link to PEC that allows for the automated transfer of accounts
to PEC's servicing system.
 
     The Company is enhancing this system to provide for the automation of the
loan origination process as well as loan file indexing and routing. These
enhancements will include electronic routing of loan application facsimile
transmissions, automated credit report inquiries and consumer credit scoring
along with on-screen underwriting and approval functions. Where feasible the
system will interface with comparable systems of the Company's Dealers and
Correspondents. The Company expects that these enhancements will (i) increase
loan production efficiencies by minimizing manual processing of loan
documentation, (ii) enhance the quality of loan processing by use of uniform
electronic images of loan files and (iii) facilitate loan administration and
collections by providing easier access to loan account information. The
implementation of these enhancements is expected to be substantially completed
prior to December 1996. These enhancements to improve loan production systems
are expected to cost approximately $50,000 and will be funded from the Company's
normal operating cash flows.
 
LOAN SERVICING
 
     The Company's strategy has been to retain the servicing rights associated
with the loans it originates. The Company's loan servicing activities include
responding to borrower inquiries, processing and administering loan payments,
reporting and remitting principal and interest to the whole loan purchasers who
own interests in the loans and to the trustee and others with respect to
securitizations, collecting delinquent loan payments, processing Title I
insurance claims, conducting foreclosure proceedings and disposing of foreclosed
properties and otherwise administering the loans. The Company's various loan
sale and securitization agreements allocate a portion of the difference between
the stated interest rate and the interest rate passed through to purchasers of
its loans to servicing revenue. Servicing fees are collected by the Company out
of monthly loan payments. Other sources of loan servicing revenues include late
charges and miscellaneous fees. The Company uses a sophisticated computer based
mortgage servicing system that it believes enables it to provide effective and
efficient administering of Conventional and Title I Loans. The servicing system
is an on-line real time system developed and maintained by the Company's
affiliate, PEC. It provides payment processing and cashiering functions,
automated payoff statements, on-line collections, statement and notice mailing
along with a full range of investor reporting requirements. The Company has
entered into a subservicing agreement with PEC for the use of the system and
continuous support. The monthly investor reporting package includes a trial
balance, accrued interest report, remittance report and delinquency reports.
Formal written procedures have been established for payment processing, new loan
set-up, customer service, tax and insurance monitoring.
 
                                       47
<PAGE>   49
 
     The Company is a HUD approved lender and a FNMA approved seller/servicer.
As such, it is subject to a thorough due diligence review of its policies,
procedures, and business, and is qualified to underwrite, sell and service Title
I Loans on behalf of the FHA and FNMA.
 
     The Company's loan collection functions are organized into two areas of
operation: routine collections and management of nonperforming loans.
 
     Routine collection personnel are responsible for collecting loan payments
that are less than 60 days contractually past due and providing prompt and
accurate responses to all customer inquiries and complaints. These personnel
report directly to the Company's Vice President of Loan Administration.
Borrowers are contacted on the due date for each of the first six payments in
order to encourage continued prompt payment. Generally, after six months of
seasoning, collection activity will commence if a loan payment has not been made
within five days of the due date. Borrowers usually will be contacted by
telephone at least once every five days and also by written correspondence
before the loan becomes 60 days delinquent. With respect to loan payments that
are less than 60 days late, routine collections personnel utilize a system of
mailed notices and telephonic conferences for reminding borrowers of late
payments and encouraging borrowers to bring their accounts current. Installment
payment invoices and return envelopes are mailed to each borrower on a monthly
basis. The Company has bilingual customer service personnel available.
 
     Once a loan becomes 30 days past due, a collection supervisor generally
analyzes the account to determine the appropriate course of remedial action. On
or about the 45th day of delinquency, the supervisor determines if the property
needs immediate inspection to determine if it is occupied or vacant. Depending
upon the circumstances surrounding the delinquent account, a temporary
suspension of payments or a repayment plan to return the account to current
status may be authorized by the Vice President of Loan Administration. In any
event, it is the Company's policy to work with the delinquent customer to
resolve the past due balance before Title I claim processing or legal action is
initiated.
 
     Nonperforming loan management personnel are responsible for collecting
severely delinquent loan payments (over 60 days late), filing Title I insurance
claims or initiating legal action for foreclosure and recovery. Operating from
the Company's headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia, collection personnel are
responsible for collecting delinquent loan payments and seeking to mitigate
losses by providing various alternatives to further actions, including
modifications, special refinancing and indulgence plans. Title I insurance claim
personnel are responsible for managing Title I insurance claims, utilizing a
claim management system designed to track insurance claims for Title I Loans so
that all required conditions precedent to claim perfection are met. In the case
of Conventional Loans, a foreclosure coordinator will review all previous
collection activity, evaluate the lien and equity position and obtain any
additional information as necessary. The ultimate decision to foreclose, after
all necessary information is obtained, is made by an officer of the Company.
Foreclosure regulations and practices and the rights of the owner in default
vary from state to state, but generally procedures may be initiated if: (i) the
loan is 90 days (120 days under California law) or more delinquent; (ii) a
notice of default on a senior lien is received; or (iii) the Company discovers
circumstances indicating potential loss exposure.
 
     Net loan servicing income was $873,000 and $3.3 million for the years ended
August 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively, constituting 6.4% and 13.4%,
respectively, of the Company's total revenues in such periods. As of August 31,
1996, the Company had increased the size of the loan portfolio it services to
approximately $214.2 million from approximately $92.3 million as of August 31,
1995, an increase of approximately $121.9 million or 132.1%. The Company's loan
servicing portfolio is subject to reduction by normal amortization, prepayment
of outstanding loans and defaults.
 
                                       48
<PAGE>   50
 
     The following table sets forth certain information regarding the Company's
loan servicing for the periods indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                   YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
                                                              -------------------------------
                                                              1994(1)   1995         1996
                                                              ------   -------   ------------
                                                                      (IN THOUSANDS)
    <S>                                                       <C>      <C>       <C>
    Servicing portfolio at beginning of year................  $   --   $ 8,026     $ 92,286
    Additions to servicing portfolio........................   8,164    87,751      139,367
    Reductions in servicing portfolio(2)....................     138     3,491       17,464
                                                              ------   -------     --------
    Servicing portfolio at end of year......................  $8,026   $92,286     $214,189
                                                              ======   =======     ========
    Servicing portfolio (end of year):
      Company-owned loans...................................   1,471     3,720        4,698
      Sold loans............................................   6,555    88,566      209,491
                                                              ------   -------     --------
              Total.........................................  $8,026   $92,286     $214,189
                                                              ======   =======     ========
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) The Company commenced originating loans in March 1994.
(2) Reductions result from scheduled payments, prepayments and write-offs during
     the period.
 
     The following table sets forth the delinquency and Title I insurance claims
experience of loans serviced by the Company as of the dates indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          AUGUST 31,
                                                             ------------------------------------
                                                              1994(1)        1995         1996
                                                             ----------   ----------   ----------
                                                                    (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
    <S>                                                      <C>          <C>          <C>
    Delinquency period(2)
      31-60 days past due...................................     2.06%         2.58%         2.17%
      61-90 days past due...................................     0.48          0.73          0.85
      91 days and over past due.............................     0.36          0.99          4.53(3)
      91 days and over past due, net of claims filed(4).....     0.26          0.61          1.94
    Claims filed with HUD(5)................................     0.10          0.38          2.59%
    Number of Title I insurance claims......................        1            23           255
    Total servicing portfolio at end of period..............   $8,026      $ 92,286     $ 214,189
    Amount of FHA insurance available.......................      813         9,552        21,205(6)
    Amount of FHA insurance available as a percentage of
      loans serviced (end of year)..........................    10.13%        10.35%         9.90%(6)
    Losses on liquidated loans(7)...........................   $   --      $   16.8     $    32.0
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) The Company commenced originating loans in March 1994.
(2) Represents the dollar amount of delinquent loans as a percentage of total
     dollar amount of loans serviced by the Company (including loans owned by
     the Company) as of the date indicated.
(3) During the year ended August 31, 1996, the processing and payment of claims
     filed with HUD was delayed.
(4) Represents the dollar amount of delinquent loans net of delinquent Title I
     Loans for which claims have been filed with HUD and payment is pending as a
     percentage of total dollar amount of loans serviced by the Company
     (including loans owned by the Company) as of the date indicated.
(5) Represents the dollar amount of delinquent Title I Loans for which claims
     have been filed with HUD and payment is pending as a percentage of total
     dollar amount of loans serviced by the Company (including loans owned by
     the Company) as of the date indicated.
(6) If all claims with HUD had been processed as of period end, the amount of
     FHA insurance available would have been reduced to $16,215,000, which as a
     percentage of loans serviced would have been 7.77%.
(7) A loss is recognized upon receipt of payment of a claim or final rejection
     thereof. Claims paid in a period may relate to a claim filed in an earlier
     period. Since the Company commenced its Title I lending operations in March
     1994, there has been no final rejection of a claim by the FHA. Aggregate
     losses on
 
                                       49
<PAGE>   51
 
     liquidated Title I Loans related to 83 of the 338 Title I insurance claims
     made by the Company since commencing operations through August 31, 1996.
     Losses on liquidated loans will increase as the balance of the claims are
     processed by HUD. The Company has received an average payment from HUD
     equal to 90% of the outstanding principal balance of such Title I Loans,
     plus appropriate interest and costs.
 
     The Company has received an average amount equal to 96.87% of the
outstanding principal balance of Title I Loans for which claims have been made,
each payment including certain interest and costs. The processing and payment of
claims filed with HUD have been delayed for a number of reasons including (i)
furloughs experienced by HUD personnel in December 1995 and January 1996, (ii)
the growth in the volume of Title I Loans originated from approximately $750
million in 1994 to $1.3 billion in 1995 without a corresponding increase in HUD
personnel to service claims and (iii) the transition of processing operations to
regional centers during the second and third quarters of 1996. It is expected
that once appropriate staffing and training have been completed at HUD regional
centers, the timeframe for payment of HUD claims will be significantly
shortened.
 
  Sale of Loans
 
     The Company customarily sells the loans it originates to third party
purchasers or, in the case of a third party purchaser not eligible to own a
Title I Loan, sells Title I Loan participation certificates backed by Title I
Loans. Whether the Company sells a loan or a loan participation, the Company
typically retains the right to service the loans for a servicing fee. The
Company typically sells loans for an amount approximating the then remaining
principal balance. The purchasers are entitled to receive interest at yields
below the stated interest rates of the loans. In connection with such sales, the
Company is typically required to deposit into a reserve account the excess
servicing spread received by it, less its servicing fee, up to a specified
percentage of the principal balance of the loans, to fund shortfalls in
collections that may result from borrower defaults. To date, the purchasers in
whole loan sales have been two banks and another financial institution.
 
     The following table sets forth certain data regarding Title I Loans sold by
the Company during the periods indicated:
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                 YEAR ENDED AUGUST 31,
                                                          -----------------------------------
                                                          1994(1)     1995           1996
                                                          ------     -------     ------------
                                                                (DOLLARS IN THOUSANDS)
    <S>                                                   <C>        <C>         <C>
    Principal amount of loans sold to third party
      purchasers........................................  $6,555     $85,363       $137,908(2)
    Gain on sales of loans to third party purchasers....     579      12,233         17,994
    Net unrealized gain on mortgage related
      securities........................................      --          --          2,697
    Weighted average stated interest rate on loans sold
      to third party purchasers.........................   14.15%      14.53%         14.09%
    Weighted average pass-through interest rate on loans
      sold to third party purchasers....................    8.54        8.36           7.50
    Weighted average excess spread retained on loans
      sold..............................................    5.61        6.17           6.59
</TABLE>
 
     --------------------
 
     (1) The Company commenced originating loans in March 1994.
     (2) Includes $10.5 million of Conventional Loans.
 
     At August 31, 1995 and 1996, the Company's statement of financial condition
reflected excess servicing rights of approximately $14.5 million and $12.1
million, respectively. The Company also retains mortgage related securities
through securitization transactions. At August 31, 1996, the Company's statement
of financial condition reflected $22.9 million of mortgage related securities.
The Company derives a significant portion of its income by realizing gains upon
the sale of loans and loan participations due to the excess servicing rights
associated with such loans. Excess servicing rights represent the excess of the
interest rate payable by a borrower on a loan over the interest rate passed
through to the purchaser of an interest in the loan, less the Company's normal
servicing fee and other applicable recurring fees. Mortgage related securities
consist of certificates representing the excess of the interest rate payable by
an obligor on a sold loan over the yield on pass through certificates sold
pursuant to a securitization transaction, after payment of servicing and
 
                                       50
<PAGE>   52
 
other fees. When loans are sold, the Company recognizes as current revenue the
present value of the excess servicing rights expected to be realized over the
anticipated average life of the loans sold less future estimated credit losses
relating to the loans sold. The capitalized excess servicing rights and
valuation of mortgage related securities are computed using prepayment, default
and interest rate assumptions that the Company believes are reasonable based on
experience with its own portfolio, available market data and ongoing
consultation with industry participants. The amount of revenue recognized by the
Company upon the sale of loans or loan participations will vary depending on the
assumptions utilized. The weighted average discount rate used to determine the
present value of the balance of capitalized excess servicing rights reflected on
the Company's statement of financial condition at August 31, 1995 and 1996 was
approximately 12.0%.
 
     Capitalized excess servicing rights are amortized over the lesser of the
estimated or actual remaining life of the underlying loans as an offset against
the excess servicing rights component of servicing income actually received in
connection with such loans. Although the Company believes that it has made
reasonable estimates of the excess servicing rights likely to be realized, the
rate of prepayment and the amount of defaults utilized by the Company are
estimates and experience may vary from its estimates. The gain recognized by the
Company upon the sale of loans will have been overstated if prepayments or
defaults are greater than anticipated. Higher levels of future prepayments would
result in capitalized excess servicing rights amortization expense exceeding
realized excess servicing rights, thereby adversely affecting the Company's
servicing income and resulting in a charge to earnings in the period of
adjustment. Similarly, if delinquencies or liquidations were to be greater than
was initially assumed, capitalized excess servicing rights amortization would
occur more quickly than originally anticipated, which would have an adverse
effect on servicing income in the period of such adjustment. The Company
periodically reviews its prepayment assumptions in relation to current rates of
prepayment and, if necessary, reduces the remaining asset to the net present
value of the estimated remaining future excess servicing income. Rapid increases
in interest rates or competitive pressures may result in a reduction of future
excess servicing income, thereby reducing the gains recognized by the Company
upon the sale of loans or loan participations in the future.
 
     At August 31, 1995 and 1996, the Company's statement of financial condition
reflected mortgage servicing rights of approximately $1.1 million and $3.8
million, respectively. The fair value of capitalized mortgage servicing rights
was estimated by taking the present value of expected net cash flows from
mortgage servicing using assumptions the Company believes market participants
would use in their estimates of future servicing income and expense, including
assumptions about prepayment, default and interest rates. Capitalized mortgage
servicing rights are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated
net servicing income. The estimate of fair value was based on a range of 100 to
125 basis points per year servicing fee, reduced by estimated costs of
servicing, and using a discount rate of 12% in the years ended August 31, 1995
and 1996. The Company has developed its assumptions based on experience with its
own portfolio, available market data and ongoing consultation with industry
participants.
 
     In furtherance of the Company's strategy to sell loans through
securitizations, in March 1996 and August 1996, the Company completed its first
two securitizations pursuant to which it sold pools of $84.2 million and $48.8
million, respectively, of Title I Loans. The Company previously reacquired at
par $77.7 million and $36.2 million of such loans, respectively. Pursuant to
these securitizations, pass-through certificates evidencing interests in the
pools of loans were sold in a public offering. The Company continues to
subservice the sold loans and is entitled to receive from payments in respect of
interest on the sold loans a servicing fee equal to 1.25% of the balance of each
loan with respect to the March transaction and 1.0% with respect to the August
transaction. In addition, with respect to both transactions, the Company
received certificates (carried as "Mortgage related securities" on the Company's
balance sheet), representing the interest differential, after payment of
servicing and other fees, between the interest paid by the obligors of the sold
loans and the yield on the sold certificates. The Company may be required to
repurchase loans that do not conform to the representations and warranties made
by the Company in the securitization agreements.
 
     The Company typically earns net interest income during the "warehouse"
period between the closing or assignment of a loan and its delivery to a
purchaser. On loans held for sale, the Company earns interest at long-term
rates, financed by lines of credit which bear interest at short-term interest
rates. Normally, short-term interest rates are lower than long-term interest
rates and the Company earns a positive spread on its loans
 
                                       51
<PAGE>   53
 
held for sale. The average warehouse period for a loan ranges from six to 90
days, and the balance of loans in warehouse was approximately $3.7 million and
$4.6 million as of August 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively. The Company's
interest income, net of interest expense was $473,000 and $988,000 for the years
ended August 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
 
SEASONALITY
 
     Home improvement loan volume tracks the seasonality of home improvement
contract work. Volume tends to build during the spring and early summer months,
particularly with regard to pool installations. A decline is typically
experienced in late summer and early fall until temperatures begin to drop. This
change in seasons precipitates the need for new siding, window and insulation
contracts. Peak volume is experienced in November and early December and
declines dramatically from the holiday season through the winter months. Debt
consolidation and home equity loan volume are not impacted by seasonal climate
changes and, with the exclusion of the holiday season, tend to be stable
throughout the year.
 
COMPETITION
 
     The consumer finance industry is highly competitive. Competitors in the
home improvement and debt consolidation loan business include mortgage banking
companies, commercial banks, credit unions, thrift institutions, credit card
issuers and finance companies. Certain of the Company's competitors are
substantially larger and have more capital and other resources than the Company.
 
     The Company faces substantial competition within both the home improvement
and debt consolidation loan industry. The home improvement and debt
consolidation loan industry is dominated by widely diversified mortgage banking
companies, commercial banks, savings and loan institutions, credit card
companies, financial service affiliates of Dealers and unregulated financial
service companies, many of which have substantially greater personnel and
financial resources than those of the Company. At present, these types of
competitors dominate the home improvement and debt consolidation loan industry;
however, no one lender or group of lenders dominates the industry. According to
a report issued by HUD, the Company was the fourth largest lender of Title I
Loans, based on volume of loans originated, for the quarter ended June 30, 1996.
Due to the variance in the estimates of the size of the conventional home
improvement loan market, the Company is unable to accurately estimate its
competitive position in that market. The Company believes that Greentree
Financial Corp., The Money Store, First Plus Financial Inc., Associates First
Capital Corporation and Empire Funding Corp. are some of its largest direct
competitors. The Company competes principally by providing prompt, professional
service to its Correspondents and Dealers and, depending on circumstances, by
providing competitive lending rates.
 
     Competition can take many forms including convenience in obtaining a loan,
customer service, marketing and distribution channels, amount and term of the
loan, and interest rates. In addition, the current level of gains realized by
the Company and its existing competitors on the sale of loans could attract
additional competitors into this market with the possible effect of lowering
gains on future loan sales owing to increased loan origination competition.
 
GOVERNMENT REGULATION
 
     The Company's consumer lending activities are subject to the Federal
Truth-in-Lending Act and Regulation Z (including the Home Ownership and Equity
Protection Act of 1994), ECOA, the Fair Credit Reporting Act of 1970, as
amended, RESPA and Regulation X, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act, the Federal
Debt Collection Practices Act and the Housing Act, as well as other federal and
state statutes and regulations affecting the Company's activities. Failure to
comply with these requirements can lead to loss of approved status, termination
or suspension of servicing contracts without compensation to the servicer,
demands for indemnifications or mortgage loan repurchases, certain rights of
rescission for mortgage loans, class action lawsuits and administrative
enforcements actions.
 
     The Company presently is subject to the rules and regulations of, and
examinations by, HUD, FHA and other federal and state regulatory authorities
with respect to originating, underwriting, funding, acquiring,
 
                                       52
<PAGE>   54
 
selling and servicing consumer and mortgage loans. In addition, there are other
federal and state statutes and regulations affecting such activities. These
rules and regulations, among other things, impose licensing obligations on the
Company, establish eligibility criteria for loans, prohibit discrimination,
provide for inspection and appraisals of properties, require credit reports on
prospective borrowers, regulate payment features and, in some cases, fix maximum
interest rates, fees and loan amounts. The Company is required to submit annual
audited financial statements to various governmental regulatory agencies that
require the maintenance of specified net worth levels. The Company's affairs are
also subject to examination, at all times, by the Federal Housing Commissioner
to assure compliance with FHA regulations, policies and procedures. For more
information regarding regulation of the Company under Title I, see "Title I Loan
Program."
 
     The Company is a HUD approved Title I mortgage lender and is subject to the
supervision of HUD. The Company is also a FNMA approved seller/servicer and is
subject to the supervision of FNMA. In addition, the Company's operations are
subject to supervision by state authorities (typically state banking or consumer
credit authorities), many of which generally require that the Company be
licensed to conduct its business. This normally requires state examinations and
reporting requirements on an annual basis.
 
     The Federal Consumer Credit Protection Act ("FCCPA") requires a written
statement showing an annual percentage rate of finance charges and requires that
other information be presented to debtors when consumer credit contracts are
executed. The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires certain disclosures to
applicants concerning information that is used as a basis for denial of credit.
ECOA prohibits discrimination against applicants with respect to any aspect of a
credit transaction on the basis of sex, marital status, race, color, religion,
national origin, age, derivation of income from public assistance program, or
the good faith exercise of a right under the FCCPA.
 
     The interest rates which the Company may charge on its loans are subject to
state usury laws, which specify the maximum rate which may be charged to
consumers. In addition, both federal and state truth-in-lending regulations
require that the Company disclose to its customers prior to execution of the
loans, all material terms and conditions of the financing, including the payment
schedule and total obligation under the loans. The Company believes that it is
in compliance in all material respects with such regulations.
 
EMPLOYEES
 
     As of August 31, 1996, the Company had 170 employees, including six
executive officers, 78 managerial and staff professional personnel, 13 marketing
and sales specialists and 73 general administrative and support personnel and
loan processors. None of the Company's employees is represented by a collective
bargaining unit. The Company believes that its relations with its employees are
satisfactory.
 
PROPERTIES
 
     In order to accommodate the Company's growth, a lease of new corporate
headquarters was executed in April 1996 for 45,950 square feet at 1000 Parkwood
Circle, Atlanta, Georgia. This lease is for an initial six year term expiring
August 2002 with a conditional option to extend the term to August 2007. After
an initial partial rent abatement period of six months, monthly rentals will be
$73,711 plus a pro rata share of any operating expense increase. This lease rate
will escalate 2% per year throughout the term of the lease. The Company also
leases 10,478 square feet of office space at its prior headquarters location in
Atlanta, Georgia, at a rental of $13,193 per month, pursuant to a lease that
expires in March 1999. The Company intends to sublease this office space for the
remaining term of its lease. The Company also leases office space on short-term
or month-to-month leases in Kansas City, Missouri, Austin, Texas, Montvale, New
Jersey, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Seattle, Washington, Waterford, Michigan,
Columbus, Ohio, Elmhurst, Illinois, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Denver,
Colorado, Woodbridge, Virginia and Bowie, Maryland.
 
LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
 
     In the ordinary course of its business, the Company is, from time to time,
named in lawsuits. The Company believes that it has meritorious defenses to
these lawsuits and that resolution of these matters will not have a material
adverse effect on the business or financial condition of the Company.
 
                                       53
<PAGE>   55
 
                                   MANAGEMENT
 
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
     The following table sets forth certain information with respect to the
directors and executive officers of the Company.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   NAME                      AGE                     POSITION
- -------------------------------------------  ---    -------------------------------------------
<S>                                          <C>    <C>
Jerome J. Cohen............................  68     Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive
                                                      Officer
Jeffrey S. Moore...........................  38     President, Chief Operating Officer and
                                                      Director
James L. Belter............................  49     Executive Vice President and Chief
                                                      Financial Officer
Michael G. Ebinger.........................  40     Vice President, National Marketing
David A. Cleveland.........................  39     Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer
Robert Nederlander.........................  63     Director
Herbert B. Hirsch..........................  60     Director
Don A. Mayerson............................  69     Director
Spencer I. Browne..........................  46     Director Nominee
Jeremy Wiesen..............................  54     Director Nominee
</TABLE>
 
     Jerome J. Cohen has been Chairman of the Board of the Company since April
1995 and Chief Executive Officer of the Company since June 1992. Mr. Cohen has
been the President and a Director of Mego Financial since January 1988. Since
April 1992, Mr. Cohen has been a Director of Atlantic Gulf Communities Inc.,
formerly known as General Development Corporation, a publicly held company
engaged in land development, land sales and utility operations in Florida and
Tennessee. Mr. Cohen does not currently serve on a full time basis in his
capacities with the Company.
 
     Jeffrey S. Moore has been the President of the Company since April 1995 and
Chief Operating Officer since December 1993. In addition, Mr. Moore has served
as a director of the Company since June 1992. Prior to being elected President,
Mr. Moore served as an Executive Vice President of the Company from June 1992 to
March 1995. Mr. Moore was the founder and from August 1984 until March 1992,
served as President, Chief Executive Officer and a director of Empire Funding
Corp., a privately-held, nationwide consumer finance company specializing in
originating, purchasing, selling and servicing FHA Title I and other home
improvement mortgage loans. Mr. Moore serves as a director of the Title One Home
Improvement Lenders Association and is a member of its Legislative and
Regulatory Affairs Committee.
 
     James L. Belter has been Executive Vice President of the Company since
April 1995 and Chief Financial Officer since September 1996. Prior to joining
the Company, from May 1989 to September 1993, Mr. Belter served as the
President, Chief Operating Officer and a director of Del-Val Capital
Corporation, a commercial finance company. From April 1985 to April 1989, Mr.
Belter served as Executive Vice President of Security Capital Credit
Corporation, a commercial finance company, where he was responsible for the
formation of the company's installment receivable lending division. From
November 1976 to April 1985, Mr. Belter served as a corporate Vice President of
Barclays Business Credit, Inc. where he managed a unit specializing in financing
portfolios of consumer contracts including residential second mortgages, home
improvement contracts, timeshare and land sales.
 
     Michael G. Ebinger has served as Vice President of National Marketing since
June 1995. From January 1995 to June 1995, Mr. Ebinger served as Director of
National Accounts of the Correspondent Division. From 1989 to 1994, Mr. Ebinger
served as Director of National Accounts for the home improvement division of
Greentree Financial Corporation, where he developed and managed the national
account program which created a network of over 1,000 home improvement
contractors. From 1987 to 1989, he served as West Coast Regional Manager for
VIPCO, a division of Crane Plastics, a manufacturer of replacement vinyl siding.
From 1986 to 1987, he served as National Accounts Manager for Security Pacific
Financial Services Corporation in
 
                                       54
<PAGE>   56
 
its Manufacturer Funding Division and was responsible for the marketing of its
indirect home improvement loan programs to home improvement contractors.
 
     David A. Cleveland has been Vice President and Chief Accounting Officer of
the Company since October 1996. Mr. Cleveland has been Chief Accounting Officer
of Mego Financial since October 1996. From June 1990 to July 1996, Mr. Cleveland
served as Senior Vice President and Controller of PriMerit Bank, a federal
savings bank. Mr. Cleveland does not currently serve on a full time basis in his
capacities with the Company.
 
     Robert Nederlander has been a Director of the Company since September 1996.
Mr. Nederlander has been the Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer
of Mego Financial since January 1988. Mr. Nederlander has been Chairman of the
Board of Riddell Sports Inc. since April 1988 and was Riddell Sports Inc.'s
Chief Executive Officer from April 1988 through March 1993. From February 1992
until June 1992, Mr. Nederlander was also Riddell Sports Inc.'s interim
President and Chief Operating Officer. Since November 1981, Mr. Nederlander has
been President and a Director of the Nederlander Organization, Inc., owner and
operator of one of the world's largest chains of legitimate theaters. He served
as the Managing General Partner of the New York Yankees from August 1990 until
December 1991, and has been a limited partner since 1973. Since October 1985,
Mr. Nederlander has been President of the Nederlander Television and Film
Productions, Inc.; Vice Chairman of the Board from February 1988 to early 1993
of Vacation Spa Resorts, Inc., an affiliate of Mego Financial; and Chairman of
the Board of Allis-Chalmers Corp. from May 1989 to 1993, when he became Vice
Chairman. In 1995, Mr. Nederlander became a director of HFS Incorporated. In
October 1996, Mr. Nederlander became a director of News Communications, Inc., a
publisher of community oriented free circulation newspapers. Mr. Nederlander was
a senior partner in the law firm of Nederlander, Dodge and Rollins in Detroit,
Michigan, from 1960 to 1989.
 
     Herbert B. Hirsch has been a Director of the Company since the Company's
formation in June 1992. Mr. Hirsch has been the Senior Vice President, Chief
Financial Officer, Treasurer and a Director of Mego Financial since January
1988. Mr. Hirsch served as Vice President and Treasurer of the Company from June
1992 to September 1996.
 
     Don A. Mayerson has been a Director of the Company since the Company's
formation in June 1992. Mr. Mayerson has been the Secretary of Mego Financial
since January 1988 and the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Mego
Financial since April 1988. Mr. Mayerson served as Vice President, General
Counsel and Secretary of the Company from June 1992 to September 1996.
 
     Spencer I. Browne has been nominated and has agreed to become a Director of
the Company upon consummation of the Offering. For more than five years prior to
September 1996, Mr. Browne held various executive and management positions with
several publicly traded companies engaged in businesses related to the
residential and commercial mortgage loan industry. From August 1988 until
September 1996, Mr. Browne served as President, Chief Executive Officer and a
director of Asset Investors Corporation ("AIC"), a New York Stock Exchange
("NYSE") traded company he co-founded in 1986. He also served as President,
Chief Executive Officer and a director of Commercial Assets, Inc., an American
Stock Exchange traded company affiliated with AIC, from its formation in October
1993 until September 1996. In addition, from June 1990 until March 1996, Mr.
Browne served as President and a director of M.D.C. Holdings, Inc., an NYSE
traded company and the parent company of a major homebuilder in Colorado.
 
     Jeremy Wiesen has been nominated and has agreed to become a Director of the
Company upon consummation of the Offering. Mr. Wiesen has been an Associate
Professor of Business Law and Accounting at the Leonard N. Stern School of
Business at New York University since 1972.
 
     The Company's officers are elected annually by the Board of Directors and
serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors. The Company's directors hold
office until the next annual meeting of stockholders and until their successors
have been duly elected and qualified. The Company reimburses all directors for
their expenses in connection with their activities as directors of the Company.
Directors of the Company who are also employees of the Company do not receive
additional compensation for their services as directors. Members of the Board of
Directors of the Company who are not employees of the Company receive an annual
fee of $20,000 for four Board meetings per year plus $2,500 for each additional
meeting attended in person and $1,000 for each additional telephonic meeting
attended. Directors are also reimbursed for their expenses incurred in attending
meetings of the Board of Directors and its committees.
 
                                       55
<PAGE>   57
 
     Upon the effective date of the Registration Statement of which this
Prospectus forms a part, the Company will have an Audit Committee, Executive
Committee and Stock Option Committee. The following is a brief description of
the Company's committees and identification of the members thereof:
 
     Audit Committee.  The members of the Audit Committee will initially be
Robert Nederlander, Jeremy Wiesen and Spencer I. Browne. The Audit Committee's
functions include recommending to the Board the engagement of the Company's
independent certified public accountants, reviewing with the accountants the
plan and results of their audit of the Company's financial statements and
determining the independence of the accountants.
 
     Executive Committee.  The members of the Executive Committee will initially
be Jerome J. Cohen, Jeffrey S. Moore and Robert Nederlander. The Executive
Committee will have the authority to exercise all of the powers of the Board to
the extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law.
 
     Stock Option Committee.  The members of the Stock Option Committee will
initially be Jeremy Wiesen and Spencer I. Browne. The Stock Option Committee
will have the authority to approve the grant of options under the Company's
Stock Option Plan to any employee of the Company who, on the last day of the
taxable year of the Company, is (i) the Chief Executive Officer of the Company
or who is acting in such capacity, (ii) among the four highest compensated
officers of the Company and its affiliates (other than the Chief Executive
Officer), or (iii) otherwise considered to be a "Covered Employee" within the
meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 
     Mego Financial and the Company have restated certain of their previously
issued financial statements, including certain financial statements upon which
their independent auditors had rendered unqualified opinions. See Note 16 of
Notes to Financial Statements. As a result of the restatement of Mego
Financial's financial statements and certain trading in Mego Financial's common
stock, the Commission has commenced a formal investigation to determine, among
other things, whether Mego Financial, and/or its officers and directors,
violated applicable federal securities laws in connection with the preparation
and filing of Mego Financial's previously issued financial statements or such
trading. Certain of such officers and directors are also officers and/or
directors of the Company. Possible penalties for violation of federal securities
laws include civil remedies, such as fines and injunctions, as well as criminal
sanctions. There can be no assurance that Mego Financial and/or its officers and
directors will not be found to have violated the federal securities laws or that
the Company will not be affected by the investigation or any sanction.
 
KEY EMPLOYEES
 
     Robert Bellacosa -- Mr. Bellacosa, age 54, has served as Vice
President -- Financial Management since October 1993 and Secretary since
September 1996. From May 1989 to October 1993, Mr. Bellacosa served as Senior
Vice President of Accounting for Del-Val Capital Corp. From May 1985 to May
1989, he served as Vice President of Security Capital Credit Corp. where he was
responsible for loan administration of commercial real estate and term
receivable lending functions. From 1974 to 1985, he served as Vice President for
Aetna Business Credit, Inc. which was purchased by Barclays American Business
Credit, Inc. and was responsible for the management of loan administration for
special term receivables.
 
     Jack Elrod -- Mr. Elrod, age 40, has served as Vice President -- Loan
Administration since May 1995. From March 1994 to May 1995, Mr. Elrod served as
a Senior Underwriter for ITT Financial Corporation. From March 1993 to March
1994, he served as Branch Manager for Commercial Credit Corporation and from
January 1977 to February 1993, he served as Assistant Vice President and
District Manager of Household Finance Corporation.
 
     Samuel Schultz -- Mr. Schultz, age 47, has served as Vice
President -- Credit Quality since June 1996 and as Vice President of the
Company's Dealer Division Operations from December 1993 until June 1996. Mr.
Schultz was a consultant to the Company from June 1993 until December 1993. From
September 1990 to June 1993, he served as Vice President of Underwriting for
Empire Funding Corp., a nationwide consumer finance company specializing in the
purchase of FHA Title I and other home improvement mortgage loans. From February
1988 to September 1990, he served as a Senior Manager for Avco Financial
Services. From
 
                                       56
<PAGE>   58
 
October 1985 to February 1988, he served as a Department Manager for Associates
Financial Services Inc. Prior to 1985, and since 1971, Mr. Schultz's experience
includes collections and originations of consumer finance loans for Postal
Finance, Turner Mortgage and other consumer finance companies.
 
     Yancy Lockie -- Mr. Lockie, age 33, has served as Vice President -- Dealer
Division Operations since July 1996. From September 1993 to June 1996, Mr.
Lockie served as Manager of Real Estate Underwriting for NationsCredit Financial
Services and was responsible for underwriting of real estate and indirect home
improvement loans for 245 branches and from December 1990 to August 1993, he
served as Branch Manager for NationsCredit Financial Services. From 1987 to
November 1990, he served as a Senior Assistant Manager and Senior Underwriter
for Household Finance Corporation.
 
     John Kostelich -- Mr. Kostelich, age 33, has served as Vice
President -- Project Management since June 1996 and is responsible for
developing and implementing the Company's policies and procedures for new and
diversified loan products. From June 1995 to June 1996, Mr. Kostelich served as
Director of Compliance for the Company. From 1985 to 1995, he served in various
positions for ITT Consumer Financial Corporation, including Director of Quality
Control and Correspondent Support Operations, Senior Compliance Officer, in
which he managed special projects for the Chairman of the company, Regional
Manager and Branch Manager.
 
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
     The following table sets forth information concerning the annual and
long-term compensation earned by the Company's chief executive officer and each
of the three other executive officers whose annual salary and bonus during the
fiscal years presented exceeded $100,000 (the "Named Executive Officers"). As of
August 31, 1996, no stock options had been granted or were outstanding.
 
                           SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                         LONG-TERM
                                                                                        COMPENSATION
                                              ANNUAL COMPENSATION                          AWARDS
                                -----------------------------------------------   ------------------------
                                                                     OTHER        NUMBER OF
                                FISCAL                              ANNUAL         OPTIONS     ALL OTHER
 NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION     YEAR     SALARY       BONUS    COMPENSATION(1)   GRANTED(2)  COMPENSATION
- ------------------------------  ------   --------     -------   ---------------   ---------   ------------
<S>                             <C>      <C>          <C>       <C>               <C>         <C>
Jerome J. Cohen(3)............   1994    $ 75,000     $    --      $      --            --      $     --
  Chairman of the Board and      1995      64,388          --             --            --            --
  Chief Executive Officer        1996      65,748          --             --            --            --
Jeffrey S. Moore..............   1994    $126,771     $    --      $   5,400        25,000      $     --
  President and Chief            1995     200,003          --         13,963            --            --
  Operating Officer              1996     200,003      86,084         13,625            --            --
James L. Belter...............   1994    $ 98,079     $    --      $      --        15,000      $     --
  Executive Vice President and   1995     150,003      50,000          1,510            --            --
  Chief Financial Officer        1996     159,080      50,000          4,330            --            --
Michael G. Ebinger............   1994    $     --     $    --      $      --            --      $     --
  Vice President                 1995      55,320          --          5,609        15,000            --
                                 1996     110,011      11,500             --            --            --
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(1) Other annual compensation consists of car allowances, contributions to
     401(k) plans and moving expenses.
(2) Represents options to purchase shares of Mego Financial's common stock paid
     as compensation for services rendered to the Company.
(3) Mr. Cohen's compensation is included in the management fees paid to PEC. See
     "Certain Transactions."
 
EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT
 
     The Company has entered into an employment agreement with Jeffrey S. Moore
which expires on December 31, 1998 and which provides for an annual base salary
of $200,000. In addition, Mr. Moore is to
 
                                       57
<PAGE>   59
 
receive an incentive bonus each calendar year equal to 1.5% of the Company's
after tax income, provided that certain scheduled sales goals are met, as well
as deferred compensation of 1% of the gain on sale from sales of loans during
such year, payable in 48 equal installments. In the event payments of the
incentive bonus and deferred compensation due in any year exceed $500,000, then
the excess over $500,000 is only payable with the approval of the Company's
Board of Directors.
 
COMPANY STOCK OPTION PLAN
 
     Under the Company's Stock Option Plan (the "Plan"), which will be effective
upon the consummation of the Common Stock Offering, 925,000 shares of Common
Stock will be reserved for issuance upon exercise of stock options. The options,
even if vested, may not be exercised without the written approval of Mego
Financial during the Eighty Percent Period. Such shares will be accompanied by
stock appreciation rights which will become exercisable as determined by the
Board, or a Committee thereof, only if Mego Financial does not give approval to
the exercise of the option. The Plan is designed as a means to retain and
motivate key employees and directors. The Company's Board of Directors, or a
committee thereof, administers and interprets the Plan and is authorized to
grant options thereunder to all eligible employees and directors of the Company,
except that no incentive stock options (as defined in Section 422 of the
Internal Revenue Code) may be granted to a director who is not also an employee
of the Company or a subsidiary.
 
     The Plan will provide for the granting of both incentive stock options and
nonqualified stock options. Options will be granted under the Plan on such terms
and at such prices as determined by the Company's Board of Directors, or a
committee thereof, except that the per share exercise price of incentive stock
options cannot be less than the fair market value of the Common Stock on the
date of grant. Each option is exercisable after the period or periods specified
in the related option agreement, but no option may be exercisable after the
expiration of ten years from the date of grant. Options granted to an individual
who owns (or is deemed to own) at least 10% of the total combined voting power
of all classes of stock of the Company must have an exercise price of at least
110% of the fair market value of the Common Stock on the date of grant and a
term of no more than five years. The Plan also authorizes the Company to make or
guarantee loans to optionees to enable them to exercise their options. Such
loans must (i) provide for recourse to the optionee, (ii) bear interest at a
rate no less than the prime rate of interest, and (iii) be secured by the shares
of Common Stock purchased. The Board of Directors has the authority to amend or
terminate the Plan, provided that no such action may impair the rights of the
holder of any outstanding option without the written consent of such holder, and
provided further that certain amendments of the Plan are subject to stockholder
approval. Unless terminated sooner, the Plan will continue in effect until all
options granted thereunder have expired or been exercised, provided that no
options may be granted ten years after commencement of the Plan.
 
                                       58
<PAGE>   60
 
     The following table sets forth information with respect to options to be
granted under the Plan upon consummation of the Common Stock Offering to (i)
each Named Officer and (ii) each director and nominee for director. All of the
options are incentive stock options (other than the options being granted to
Spencer I. Browne and Jeremy Wiesen), are being granted with an exercise price
equal to the initial public offering price (other than the options being granted
to Robert Nederlander, which are being granted with an exercise price equal to
110% of the initial public offering price), are subject to the consummation of
the Common Stock Offering and are being granted in 1996.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                               NAME OF GRANTEE                                 NUMBER OF SHARES
- -----------------------------------------------------------------------------  ----------------
<S>                                                                            <C>
Robert Nederlander...........................................................        25,000
Jerome J. Cohen..............................................................       100,000
Jeffrey S. Moore.............................................................       300,000
James L. Belter..............................................................       100,000
Herbert B. Hirsch............................................................        25,000
Don A. Mayerson..............................................................        25,000
Michael G. Ebinger...........................................................        50,000
Spencer I. Browne............................................................        25,000
Jeremy Wiesen................................................................        25,000
                                                                               ----------------
          Total..............................................................       675,000
                                                                               =============
</TABLE>
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
     The Company does not currently have a Compensation Committee. Mr. Cohen
participated in deliberations concerning compensation of executive officers
during fiscal 1996. Mr. Cohen's compensation was determined by the Board of
Directors of Mego Financial.
 
BONUS PLAN
 
     The Company does not currently have a bonus plan but anticipates it may
adopt a bonus plan pursuant to which an aggregate of not in excess of 2 1/2% of
pretax income will be distributed to officers and key employees.
 
                             PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS
 
     Mego Financial currently owns 10,000,000 shares of Common Stock (after
giving effect to the 1,600-for-one stock split), representing 100% of all the
issued and outstanding Common Stock of the Company. After giving effect to the
issuance of the Common Stock pursuant to the Common Stock Offering, Mego
Financial will own approximately 83.3% of the issued and outstanding Common
Stock of the Company (approximately 81.3% if the underwriters of the Common
Stock Offering exercise their over-allotment option in full).
 
     The following table sets forth, as of the date of this Prospectus,
information with respect to the beneficial ownership of the common stock of Mego
Financial by (i) each person known by the Company to be the beneficial owner of
more than 5% of the outstanding shares of common stock of Mego Financial, (ii)
each director and director nominee of the Company, (iii) each of the Named
Executive Officers and (iv) all directors, director nominees and executive
officers of the Company as a group. Unless otherwise noted, the
 
                                       59
<PAGE>   61
 
Company believes that all persons named in the table have sole voting and
investment power with respect to all shares of common stock of Mego Financial
beneficially owned by them.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        PERCENTAGE
                                                                                         OWNERSHIP
                                                                                      ATTRIBUTABLE TO
                                                                                        THE COMPANY
                                                                                    -------------------
                                                             AMOUNT AND NATURE OF    BEFORE     AFTER
          NAME AND ADDRESS OF BENEFICIAL OWNER(1)            BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP   OFFERING   OFFERING
- -----------------------------------------------------------  --------------------   --------   --------
<S>                                                          <C>                    <C>        <C>
Robert Nederlander(2)......................................        2,133,697          11.4%       9.5%
Eugene I. Schuster and Growth Realty Inc. ("GRI")(3).......        1,933,634          10.4        8.7
Jerome J. Cohen(4).........................................        1,127,823           6.1        5.1
Jeffrey S. Moore(5)........................................           15,000             *          *
James L. Belter(6).........................................            9,000             *          *
Michael G. Ebinger(7)......................................            3,000             *          *
Herbert B. Hirsch(8).......................................        1,699,623           9.1        7.6
Don A. Mayerson(9).........................................          824,414           4.4        3.7
Spencer I. Browne(10)......................................           10,000             *          *
Jeremy Wiesen(11)..........................................               --            --         --
All executive officers and directors of the Company as a
  group (9 persons)(12)....................................        5,822,557          30.2       25.2
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
   * Less than 1%.
 (1) A person is deemed to be the beneficial owner of securities that can be
     acquired by such person within 60 days from the date of this Prospectus
     upon the exercise of options and warrants. Each beneficial owner's
     percentage ownership is determined by assuming that options and warrants
     that are held by such person (but not those held by any other person) and
     that are exercisable within 60 days from the date of this Prospectus have
     been exercised.
 (2) 810 Seventh Avenue, 21st Floor, New York, New York 10019. Includes 21,000
     shares issuable under an option granted pursuant to the Mego Financial
     Stock Option Plan, to the extent exercisable within the next 60 days, and
     250,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants held by an affiliate
     of Mr. Nederlander which are presently exercisable.
 (3) 321 Fisher Building, Detroit, Michigan 48202. Consists of 1,683,634 shares
     held of record by GRI, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Venture Funding, Ltd.
     of which Mr. Schuster is a principal shareholder, Director and Chief
     Executive Officer, and 250,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of
     warrants held by an affiliate of Mr. Schuster which are presently
     exercisable.
 (4) 1125 N.E. 125th Street, Suite 206, North Miami, Florida 33161. Includes
     21,000 shares issuable under an option granted pursuant to the Mego
     Financial Stock Option Plan, to the extent exercisable within the next 60
     days, and 200,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants held by Mr.
     Cohen which are presently exercisable. Excludes 103,503 shares owned by Mr.
     Cohen's spouse and 500,000 shares owned by a trust for the benefit of his
     children over which Mr. Cohen does not have any investment or voting power,
     as to which he disclaims beneficial ownership.
 (5) 1000 Parkwood Circle, Suite 500, Atlanta, Georgia 30339. Includes 15,000
     shares issuable under an option granted pursuant to the Mego Financial
     Stock Option Plan, to the extent exercisable within the next 60 days.
 (6) 1000 Parkwood Circle, Suite 500, Atlanta, Georgia 30339. Includes 9,000
     shares issuable under an option granted pursuant to the Mego Financial
     Stock Option Plan, to the extent exercisable within the next 60 days.
 (7) 1000 Parkwood Circle, Suite 500, Atlanta, Georgia 30339. Includes 3,000
     shares issuable under an option granted pursuant to the Mego Financial
     Stock Option Plan, to the extent exercisable within the next 60 days.
 (8) 230 East Flamingo Road, Las Vegas, Nevada 89109. Includes 21,000 shares
     issuable under an option granted pursuant to the Mego Financial Stock
     Option Plan, to the extent exercisable within the next 60 days, and 200,000
     shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants held by Mr. Hirsch which are
     presently exercisable. Excludes 10,000 shares held by the daughter of Mr.
     Hirsch as custodian for a
 
                                       60
<PAGE>   62
 
     minor child as to which he disclaims beneficial ownership, and 21,666
     shares held by a family trust, as to which he disclaims beneficial
     ownership.
 (9) 1125 N.E. 125th Street, Suite 206, North Miami, Florida 33161. Includes
     21,000 shares issuable under an option granted pursuant to the Mego
     Financial Stock Option Plan, to the extent exercisable within the next 60
     days, and 100,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of warrants held by Mr.
     Mayerson which are presently exercisable. Excludes 56,667 shares owned by
     Mr. Mayerson's spouse, as to which he disclaims beneficial ownership.
(10) 1660 Holly Street, Denver, Colorado 80220.
(11) 254 East 68th Street, New York, New York 10021.
(12) See Notes (2)-(11).
 
                              CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
     The Company has entered into the following transactions with its affiliates
in the past three years. The Company believes that each of these transactions is
on terms at least as favorable to the Company as those which could have been
negotiated with an unaffiliated third party.
 
TAX SHARING AND INDEMNITY AGREEMENT
 
     After the Offering, the results of operations of the Company will continue
to be included in the tax returns filed by Mego Financial's affiliated or
combined group for federal income tax purposes. The members of the group,
including the Company, currently are parties to a tax allocation arrangement
that allocates the liability for those taxes among them. Effective on
consummation of the Offering, the Company and Mego Financial will enter into a
tax allocation and indemnity agreement. Under that agreement, for periods ending
after the Offering, the tax liability of the Company will be allocated pursuant
to a method that would impose on the Company liability for an amount that
corresponds to the liability that the Company would incur if it filed a separate
tax return. In addition, the agreement provides that the Company and Mego
Financial each will indemnify the other under certain circumstances.
 
MANAGEMENT AGREEMENT WITH PEC
 
     The Company and PEC were parties to a management services arrangement (the
"Management Arrangement") pursuant to which certain executive, accounting,
legal, management information, data processing, human resources, advertising and
promotional personnel of PEC provide services to the Company on an as needed
basis. The Management Arrangement provided for the payment by the Company of a
management fee to PEC in an amount equal to the direct and indirect expenses of
PEC related to the services rendered by its employees to the Company, including
an allocable portion of the salaries and expenses of such employees based upon
the percentage of time such employees spend performing services for the Company.
For the years ended August 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, $442,000, $690,000 and
$671,000, respectively, of the salaries and expenses of certain employees of PEC
were attributable to and paid by the Company in connection with services
rendered by such employees to the Company. In addition, during the years ended
August 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, the Company paid PEC for developing certain
computer programming, incurring costs of $130,000, $36,000 and $56,000,
respectively.
 
     The Company has entered into a formal management agreement with PEC,
effective as of September 1, 1996, pursuant to which PEC has agreed to provide
the following services to the Company for an aggregate annual fee of
approximately $967,000 payable monthly: strategic planning, management and tax;
accounting and finance; legal; management information systems; insurance
management; human resources; and purchasing. Either party has the right to
terminate all or any of these services upon 90 days' notice with a corresponding
reduction in fees.
 
                                       61
<PAGE>   63
 
SERVICING AGREEMENT WITH PEC
 
     The Company had an arrangement with PEC pursuant to which it paid servicing
fees of 50 basis points of the principal balance of loans serviced per year. For
the years ended August 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, the Company paid servicing fees
to PEC of $13,000, $232,000 and $709,000, respectively. The Company has entered
into a servicing agreement with PEC, effective as of September 1, 1996,
providing for the payment of servicing fees of 50 basis points of the principal
balance of loans serviced per year. For the years ended August 31, 1995 and
1996, the Company incurred interest expense in the amount of $85,000 and
$29,000, respectively, related to fees payable to PEC for these services. The
interest rates were based on PEC's average cost of funds and equalled 11.8% in
1995 and 10.68% in 1996.
 
FUNDING AND GUARANTEES BY MEGO FINANCIAL
 
     In order to fund the Company's past operations and growth, and in
conjunction with filing consolidated returns, the Company incurred Intercompany
Debt to Mego Financial. For the years ended August 31, 1995 and 1996, the amount
of Intercompany Debt owed to Mego Financial was $8.5 million and $12.0 million,
respectively. Mego Financial has guaranteed the Company's obligations under the
Warehouse Line, the Revolving Loan and the Company's new office lease. Such
guarantees currently extend for the term of the loans and the lease. The Company
has not paid any compensation to Mego Financial for such guarantees.
 
     It is not anticipated that Mego Financial will continue to provide funds to
the Company or guarantee the Company's indebtedness or other obligations
following consummation of the Offering.
 
                                       62
<PAGE>   64
 
                            DESCRIPTION OF THE NOTES
 
GENERAL
 
     The Notes are to be issued under an Indenture, to be dated as of November
22, 1996 (the "Indenture"), between the Company and American Stock Transfer &
Trust Company, as Trustee (the "Trustee"). A copy of the form of the Indenture
is filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is
a part. The following summary of certain provisions of the Indenture does not
purport to be complete and is subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by
reference to, all the provisions of the Indenture, including the definitions of
certain terms therein and those terms made a part thereof by the Trust Indenture
Act of 1939, as amended.
 
     Principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Notes will be payable,
and the Notes may be exchanged or transferred, at the office or agency of the
Company in the Borough of Manhattan, The City of New York (which initially shall
be the corporate trust office of the Trustee, at 40 Wall Street, New York, New
York 10005), except that, at the option of the Company, payment of interest may
be made by check mailed to the address of the Holders as such address appears in
the Note register.
 
     The Notes will be issued only in fully registered form, without coupons, in
denominations of $1,000 and any integral multiple of $1,000. No service charge
shall be made for any registration of transfer or exchange of Notes, but the
Company may require payment of an amount sufficient to cover any transfer tax or
other similar governmental charge payable in connection therewith.
 
TERMS OF THE NOTES
 
     The Notes will be general unsecured obligations of the Company,
subordinated in right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness of the Company, will
be limited to $40,000,000 aggregate principal amount, and will mature on
December 1, 2001. The Notes will bear interest at the rate shown on the cover
page hereof from November 22, 1996, or from the most recent date to which
interest has been paid or provided for, payable semiannually to Holders of
record at the close of business on the May 15 or November 15 immediately
preceding the interest payment date on June 1 and December 1 of each year,
commencing June 1, 1997. The Company will pay interest on overdue principal at
1% per year in excess of such rate and will pay interest on overdue installments
of interest at such higher rate to the extent lawful. Interest on the Notes will
be computed on the basis of a 360-day year of twelve 30-day months.
 
SUBSIDIARY GUARANTEES
 
     The Notes will be unconditionally guaranteed (a "Subsidiary Guarantee") by
all future Subsidiaries of the Company other than Special Purpose Subsidiaries
(together, the "Subsidiary Guarantors", and each of them, a "Subsidiary
Guarantor"), unless any such Subsidiary is designated an "Unrestricted
Subsidiary" in accordance with the terms of the Indenture. Each Subsidiary
Guarantor's obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee will be unsecured
obligations of such Subsidiary Guarantor, subordinated in right of payment to
all Senior Indebtedness of such Subsidiary Guarantor, and will be joint and
several with the obligations of each other Subsidiary Guarantor under its
Subsidiary Guarantee of the Notes. In addition, the Indenture will provide that,
in the event the Company designates a Restricted Subsidiary to be an
Unrestricted Subsidiary, then such Restricted Subsidiary will be released and
relieved of any obligations under its Subsidiary Guarantee; provided that such
designation is conducted in accordance with the applicable provisions of the
Indenture. See "-- Certain Covenants -- Restricted Payments", "-- Certain
Definitions -- Unrestricted Subsidiary" and "-- Investments."
 
     The Indenture will include a covenant by the Company to cause each future
Restricted Subsidiary (other than a Special Purpose Subsidiary) to execute a
Subsidiary Guarantee. The obligations of each Subsidiary Guarantor under its
Subsidiary Guarantee will be limited so as to reduce the risk that they would be
found to constitute a fraudulent conveyance under applicable law. See "Risk
Factors -- Fraudulent Conveyances and Preferential Transfers."
 
                                       63
<PAGE>   65
 
SUBORDINATION
 
     The Indebtedness represented by the Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees
will be subordinated in right of payment to all existing and future Senior
Indebtedness of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors, respectively,
including without limitation all obligations of the Company or any Subsidiary
Guarantor under any Warehouse Facility, and will be senior in right of payment
to all future Indebtedness of the Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors that by
its terms is expressly subordinated in right of payment to the Notes or the
Subsidiary Guarantees as described in the Indenture ("Junior Subordinated
Obligations"). As of August 31, 1996, the Company had approximately $14.2
million of Senior Indebtedness outstanding and had no Subsidiaries. See
"Capitalization." Although the Indenture contains limitations on the amount of
additional Indebtedness which the Company and the Restricted Subsidiaries may
incur, the amount of such Indebtedness is likely to be substantial, and
substantially all such Indebtedness may be Senior Indebtedness. See "-- Certain
Covenants -- Limitations on Indebtedness."
 
     If any Senior Indebtedness is disallowed, avoided or subordinated pursuant
to the provisions of Section 548 of the Bankruptcy Law or any applicable state
fraudulent conveyance law, such Indebtedness nevertheless will constitute Senior
Indebtedness for purposes of the Indenture.
 
     The Company may not pay the principal of, premium, if any, or interest on,
the Notes or make any deposit pursuant to the provisions described under
"Defeasance" below and may not repurchase, redeem, defease or otherwise retire
any Notes (collectively, "pay" or a "payment" with respect to the Notes) if (i)
any Senior Indebtedness of the Company is not paid when due or (ii) any other
default on any such Senior Indebtedness occurs and the maturity thereof has been
accelerated in accordance with its terms, unless, in either case, (x) the
default has been cured or waived and any such acceleration has been rescinded or
(y) such Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full. During the continuance of
any default (other than a default described in clause (i) or (ii) of the
preceding sentence) with respect to any Designated Senior Indebtedness of the
Company pursuant to which the maturity thereof may be accelerated immediately
without further notice (except such notice as may be required to effect such
acceleration) or the expiration of any applicable grace periods, the Company may
not pay the Notes for a period (a "Payment Blockage Period") commencing upon the
receipt by the Company and the Trustee of written notice of such default from
the Representative of any Designated Senior Indebtedness specifying an election
to effect a Payment Blockage Period (a "Blockage Notice") and ending 179 days
thereafter (or earlier if such Payment Blockage Period is terminated (i) by
written notice to the Trustee and the Company from the Person or Persons who
gave such Blockage Notice, (ii) by repayment in full of such Designated Senior
Indebtedness or (iii) because the default giving rise to such Blockage Notice is
no longer continuing). Notwithstanding the provisions described in the
immediately preceding sentence (but subject to the provisions contained in the
next preceding sentence), unless the holders of such Designated Senior
Indebtedness or the Representative of such holders shall have accelerated the
maturity of such Designated Senior Indebtedness, the Company may resume payments
on the Notes after such Payment Blockage Period. Not more than one Blockage
Notice may be given in any consecutive 360-day period, irrespective of the
number of defaults with respect to Designated Senior Indebtedness during such
period.
 
     Upon any payment or distribution of the assets of the Company to creditors
upon a total or partial liquidation or total or partial dissolution of the
Company or in a bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency, receivership or similar
proceeding relating to the Company or its property (whether voluntary or
involuntary), (i) the holders of Senior Indebtedness of the Company will be
entitled to receive payment in full before the holders of the Notes are entitled
to receive any payment, and (ii) until the Senior Indebtedness of the Company is
paid in full, any payment to which the Holders of the Notes would be entitled
but for this provision will be made to holders of Senior Indebtedness as their
interests may appear, except that Holders may receive shares of stock or
Indebtedness of the Company that is subordinated to Senior Indebtedness of the
Company to at least the same extent as the Notes.
 
     No Subsidiary Guarantor may make any payment under its Subsidiary Guarantee
with respect to any payment with respect to the Notes if (i) any Senior
Indebtedness of any Subsidiary Guarantor is not paid when due or (ii) any other
default on any such Senior Indebtedness occurs and the maturity thereof has been
 
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<PAGE>   66
 
accelerated in accordance with its terms, unless, in either case, (x) the
default has been cured or waived and any such acceleration has been rescinded or
(y) such Senior Indebtedness has been paid in full. During the continuance of
any default (other than a default described in clause (i) or (ii) of the
preceding sentence) with respect to any Designated Senior Indebtedness of any
Subsidiary Guarantor pursuant to which the maturity thereof may be accelerated
immediately without further notice (except such notice as may be required to
effect such acceleration) or the expiration of any applicable grace periods,
such Subsidiary Guarantor may not make any payment with respect to the Notes for
a period (a "Subsidiary Guarantor Payment Blockage Period") commencing upon the
receipt by the Subsidiary Guarantor and the Trustee of written notice of such
default from the Representative of any Designated Senior Indebtedness of such
Subsidiary Guarantor specifying an election to effect a Subsidiary Guarantor
Payment Blockage Period (a "Subsidiary Guarantor Blockage Notice") and ending
179 days thereafter (or earlier if such Subsidiary Guarantor Payment Blockage
Period is terminated (i) by written notice to the Trustee and the Subsidiary
Guarantors from the Person or Persons who gave such Subsidiary Guarantor
Blockage Notice, (ii) by repayment in full of such Designated Senior
Indebtedness of such Subsidiary Guarantor or (iii) because the default giving
rise to such Subsidiary Guarantor Blockage Notice is no longer continuing).
Notwithstanding the provisions described in the immediately preceding sentence
(but subject to the provisions contained in the next preceding sentence and the
next paragraph), unless the holders of such Senior Indebtedness of such
Subsidiary Guarantor or the Representative of such holders shall have
accelerated the maturity of such Designated Senior Indebtedness of such
Subsidiary Guarantor, such Subsidiary Guarantor may resume payments under its
Subsidiary Guarantee after such Subsidiary Guarantor Payment Blockage Period.
Not more than one Subsidiary Guarantor Blockage Notice may be given with respect
to the Subsidiary Guarantors in any consecutive 360-day period, irrespective of
the number of defaults with respect to Designated Senior Indebtedness of the
Subsidiary Guarantors during such period.
 
     Upon any payment or distribution of the assets of any Subsidiary Guarantor
to creditors upon a total or partial liquidation or total or partial dissolution
of the Subsidiary Guarantor or in a bankruptcy, reorganization, insolvency,
receivership or similar proceeding relating to the Subsidiary Guarantor or its
property (whether voluntary or involuntary), (i) the holders of Senior
Indebtedness of such Subsidiary Guarantor will be entitled to receive payment in
full before the holders of the Notes are entitled to receive any payment, and
(ii) until the Senior Indebtedness of such Subsidiary Guarantor is paid in full,
any payment to which the Holders of the Notes would be entitled but for this
provision will be made to holders of Senior Indebtedness of such Subsidiary
Guarantor as their interests may appear, except that Holders may receive shares
of stock or Indebtedness that is subordinated to Senior Indebtedness of the
Subsidiary Guarantor to at least the same extent as the Subsidiary Guarantees.
 
     In the event that, notwithstanding the foregoing, any payment or
distribution of assets of the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor shall be
received by the Trustee or the Holders at a time when such payment or
distribution is prohibited by the foregoing provisions, such payment or
distribution shall be held in trust for the benefit of the holders of Senior
Indebtedness of such Person, and shall be paid or delivered by the Trustee or
such Holders, as the case may be, to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness
remaining unpaid or unprovided for or to their Representative, ratably according
to the aggregate amounts remaining unpaid on account of the Senior Indebtedness
held or represented by each, for application to the payment of all Senior
Indebtedness remaining unpaid, to the extent necessary to pay or to provide for
the payment of all such Senior Indebtedness in full after giving effect to any
concurrent payment or distribution to the holders of such Senior Indebtedness.
 
     If payment of the Notes is accelerated because of an Event of Default, the
Company or the Trustee shall promptly notify the holders of Senior Indebtedness
or any Representative thereof of the acceleration. If the Trustee provides such
notice, the Trustee also will notify the Company of the acceleration.
 
     By reason of such subordination provisions contained in the Indenture, in
the event of insolvency, holders of the Notes may recover less, ratably, than
other creditors of the Company or the Subsidiary Guarantors (including trade
creditors), or may recover nothing.
 
                                       65
<PAGE>   67
 
OPTIONAL REDEMPTION
 
     The Notes will not be redeemable prior to maturity, except that, at any
time and from time to time prior to December 1, 1998, the Company may redeem in
the aggregate up to 35% of the original principal amount of the Notes with the
proceeds of one or more Public Equity Offerings, at a redemption price
(expressed as a percentage of principal amount) of 112 1/2% plus accrued
interest to the redemption date (subject to the right of Holders of record on
the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant interest
payment date); provided, however, that the aggregate principal amount of the
Notes that remain outstanding after each such redemption is at least equal to
65% of the original principal amount of the Notes.
 
     In the case of any partial redemption, selection of the Notes for
redemption will be made by the Trustee on a pro rata basis, by lot or by such
other method as the Trustee in its sole discretion shall deem to be fair and
appropriate, although no Note of $1,000 in original principal amount or less
shall be redeemed in part. If any Note is to be redeemed in part, the notice of
redemption relating to such Note shall state the portion of the principal amount
thereof to be redeemed. A new Note in principal amount equal to the unredeemed
portion thereof will be issued in the name of the Holder thereof upon
cancellation of the original Note.
 
SINKING FUND
 
     There will be no mandatory sinking fund for the Notes.
 
MANDATORY OFFERS TO PURCHASE THE NOTES
 
     The Indenture will require the Company to purchase all of the outstanding
Notes tendered by the Holders upon the occurrence of a Change of Control and to
offer to purchase a portion of the outstanding Notes under certain other
circumstances. See "Change of Control" and "Certain Covenants -- Limitations on
Asset Sales."
 
CHANGE OF CONTROL
 
     Upon the occurrence of a Change of Control, each Holder will have the right
to require that the Company repurchase such Holder's Notes at a purchase price
in cash equal to 101% of the principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid
interest, if any, to the date of purchase (subject to the right of Holders of
record on the relevant record date to receive interest due on the relevant
interest payment date).
 
     A "Change of Control" will be deemed to have occurred:
 
          (i) upon any merger or consolidation of the Company or Parent with or
     into any person or any sale, transfer or other conveyance, whether direct
     or indirect, of all or substantially all of the assets of the Company or
     Parent (in each case on a consolidated basis), in one transaction or a
     series of related transactions, if, in the case of any such merger or
     consolidation, the securities of the Company or Parent, as applicable, that
     are outstanding immediately prior to such transaction and which represent
     100% of the aggregate voting power of the Voting Stock of the Company or
     Parent are changed into or exchanged for cash, securities or property,
     unless pursuant to such transaction such securities are changed into or
     exchanged for, in addition to any other consideration, securities of the
     surviving corporation that represent, immediately after such transaction,
     at least a majority of the aggregate voting power of the Voting Stock of
     the surviving corporation, provided, however, that the sale by the Company,
     its Subsidiaries or Parent from time to time of Receivables in the ordinary
     course of business shall not be treated hereunder as a sale of all or
     substantially all the assets of the Company or Parent;
 
          (ii) when any "person" or "group" (as such terms are used for purposes
     of Sections 13(d) and 14(d) of the Exchange Act, whether or not
     applicable), other than any or all of the Excluded Persons, is or becomes
     the "beneficial owner" (as defined in Rules 13d-3 and 13d-5 under the
     Exchange Act, except that such person shall be deemed to have "beneficial
     ownership" of all shares that any such person has the right to acquire,
     whether such right is exercisable immediately or only after the passage of
     time), directly or indirectly, of (A) more than 40% of the then outstanding
     shares of Voting Stock of the Company or (B) more than 40% (or, if the
     Excluded Persons, in the aggregate, then hold more than 40%
 
                                       66
<PAGE>   68
 
     of the outstanding shares of Voting Stock of the Parent, more than 45%) of
     the then outstanding shares of Voting Stock of the Parent; or
 
          (iii) when, during any period of 24 consecutive months after the Issue
     Date, individuals who at the beginning of any such 24-month period
     constituted the Board of Directors of the Company or the board of directors
     of Parent (together with any new directors whose election by such Board or
     board or whose nomination for election by the stockholders of the Company
     or Parent, as applicable, was approved by a vote of a majority of the
     directors then still in office who were either directors at the beginning
     of such period or whose election or nomination for election was previously
     so approved), cease for any reason to constitute a majority of the Board of
     Directors of the Company or the board of directors of Parent, as
     applicable, then in office.
 
     Within 30 days following any Change of Control, the Company shall mail a
notice to each Holder with a copy to the Trustee stating: (i) that a Change of
Control has occurred and that such Holder has the right to require the Company
to purchase such Holder's Notes at a purchase price in cash equal to 101% of the
principal amount thereof plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to the date
of purchase (subject to the right of Holders of record on the relevant record
date to receive interest on the relevant interest payment date); (ii) the
circumstances and relevant facts regarding such Change of Control (including, in
the case of any merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all
assets, information with respect to pro forma results of operations, cash flow
and capitalization after giving effect to such Change of Control); (iii) the
repurchase date (which shall be no earlier than 30 days nor later than 60 days
from the date such notice is mailed); and (iv) the instructions determined by
the Company, consistent with the covenant described hereunder, that a Holder
must follow in order to have its Notes purchased.
 
     The Company will comply, to the extent applicable, with the requirements of
Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and any other applicable securities laws or
regulations in connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to the covenant
described hereunder. To the extent that the provisions of any securities laws or
regulations conflict with the provisions of the covenant described hereunder,
the Company will comply with the applicable securities laws and regulations and
will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under the covenant described
hereunder by virtue thereof.
 
     The phrase "all or substantially all" of the assets of the Company is
likely to be interpreted by reference to applicable state law at the relevant
time, and will be dependent on the facts and circumstances existing at such
time. As a result, there may be a degree of uncertainty in ascertaining whether
a sale or transfer of "all or substantially all" of the assets of the Company
has occurred. However, a sale of Receivables in the ordinary course of business
will not constitute a Change of Control, regardless of the magnitude of such
sale.
 
     The Change of Control purchase feature is a result of negotiations between
the Company and the Underwriters. Management has no present intention to engage
in a transaction involving a Change of Control, although it is possible that the
Company would decide to do so in the future. Subject to the limitations
discussed below, the Company could enter into certain transactions, including
acquisitions, refinancings or other recapitalizations, that would not constitute
a Change of Control under the Indenture, but that could increase the amount of
indebtedness outstanding at such time or otherwise affect the Company's capital
structure or credit ratings. Restrictions on the ability of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries to Incur additional Indebtedness and Preferred Stock of
Subsidiaries are contained in the covenants described under "-- Certain
Covenants -- Limitation on Indebtedness," "-- Certain Covenants -- Limitation on
Liens" and "-- Certain Covenants -- Limitation on Preferred Stock of
Subsidiaries." Such restrictions can be waived only with the consent of the
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then outstanding. Except
for the limitations contained in such covenants, however, the Indenture will not
contain any covenant or provision that may afford Holders of the Notes
protection in the event of a highly leveraged transaction, reorganization,
restructuring, merger, spin-off or similar transaction that may adversely affect
such Holders.
 
     Future indebtedness of the Company may contain prohibitions on the
occurrence of certain events that would constitute a Change of Control or
require such indebtedness to be repurchased or prepaid upon a Change of Control.
Moreover, the exercise by the Holders of their right to require the Company to
repurchase the Notes could cause a default under such indebtedness, even if the
Change of Control itself does not, due to
 
                                       67
<PAGE>   69
 
the financial effect of such repurchase on the Company. If a Change of Control
should occur, the rights of the Holders to receive payment for their Notes would
be subject to the prior rights of the holders of any Senior Indebtedness. See
"Subordination." Finally, the Company's ability to pay cash to the Holders of
Notes following the occurrence of a Change of Control may be limited by the
Company's then existing financial resources. There can be no assurance that
sufficient funds will be available when necessary to make any required
repurchases. The provisions under the Indenture relating to the Company's
obligation to make an offer to repurchase the Notes as a result of a Change of
Control may be waived or modified with the written consent of the Holders of a
majority in principal amount of the Notes. As a result, a Holder may not be able
to avail itself of its right to require the Company to repurchase the Notes upon
a Change of Control.
 
SAME-DAY SETTLEMENT AND PAYMENT
 
     Settlement for the Notes will be made in immediately available funds. All
payments of principal, premium, if any, and interest will be made by the Company
in immediately available funds. The Notes will trade in the Same-Day Funds
Settlement System of The Depository Trust Company ("DTC") until maturity, and
secondary market trading activity for the Notes will therefore settle in
immediately available funds.
 
CERTAIN COVENANTS
 
     Set forth below are descriptions of certain covenants set forth in the
Indenture.
 
     Limitation on Indebtedness.  (a) The Company will not Incur, and the
Company will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to Incur, directly or
indirectly, any Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock if, on the date of such
Incurrence and after giving effect thereto, the Consolidated Leverage Ratio
exceeds 2.0 to 1.0.
 
     (b) Notwithstanding the foregoing paragraph (a), the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries may Incur the following Indebtedness:
 
          (1) Permitted Warehouse Indebtedness and Guarantees by the Company of
     any Permitted Warehouse Indebtedness of Restricted Subsidiaries, provided
     that (i) on the date of such Incurrence and giving effect to any such
     Incurrence, the aggregate principal amount of Permitted Warehouse
     Indebtedness permitted under this clause (1), together with the amount of
     all then outstanding Warehouse Indebtedness (other than Permitted Warehouse
     Indebtedness) of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries permitted
     under clause (a) above, shall not exceed 300% of Consolidated Net Worth at
     such time, and (ii) that to the extent any such Indebtedness ceases to
     constitute Permitted Warehouse Indebtedness of the Company or a Restricted
     Subsidiary, such event shall be deemed to constitute the Incurrence of such
     Indebtedness (and any such Guarantees, but without duplication) by the
     Company or such Subsidiary, as the case may be;
 
          (2) the Notes and the Subsidiary Guarantees;
 
          (3) Hedging Obligations directly related to: (i) Indebtedness
     permitted to be Incurred by the Company or the Restricted Subsidiaries
     pursuant to the Indenture; (ii) Receivables held by the Company or its
     Restricted Subsidiaries pending sale or that have been sold pursuant to a
     Warehouse Facility; or (iii) Receivables with respect to which the Company
     or any Restricted Subsidiary has an outstanding purchase or offer
     commitment, financing commitment or security interest;
 
          (4) Indebtedness outstanding on the Issue Date (other than Permitted
     Warehouse Indebtedness and Guarantees thereof, which shall be permissible
     under this paragraph (b) only pursuant to clause (1) above);
 
          (5) Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock issued to and held by the
     Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that
     any subsequent issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock that results in
     any such Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Wholly Owned
     Restricted Subsidiary or any subsequent transfer of such Indebtedness or
     Disqualified Stock (other than to the Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted
     Subsidiary) will be deemed, in each case, to constitute the Incurrence of
     such Indebtedness or issuance of such Disqualified Stock by the issuer
     thereof;
 
                                       68
<PAGE>   70
 
          (6) Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary
     Incurred on or prior to the date on which such Subsidiary was acquired by
     the Company, other than Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock Incurred in
     connection with, or to provide all or any portion of the funds or credit
     support utilized to consummate, the transaction or series of related
     transactions pursuant to which such Subsidiary became a Subsidiary or was
     acquired by the Company; provided, however, that on the date of such
     acquisition and after giving effect thereto, the Company would have been
     able to Incur at least $1.00 of Indebtedness pursuant to paragraph (a)
     above; and
 
          (7) while no Default or Event of Default exists, Refinancing
     Indebtedness in respect of Indebtedness Incurred pursuant to paragraph (a)
     or clause (4) or (6) of this paragraph (b).
 
     (c) Notwithstanding the foregoing, (i) the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries may not Incur any Indebtedness (other than the Notes and the
Subsidiary Guarantees) if such Indebtedness is subordinate or junior in ranking
in any respect to any Senior Indebtedness unless such Indebtedness is a Junior
Subordinated Obligation, (ii) the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries shall
not Incur any Indebtedness if the proceeds thereof are used, directly or
indirectly, to Refinance any Junior Subordinated Obligations unless such
Indebtedness shall be subordinated to the Notes or the Subsidiary Guarantees, as
applicable, to at least the same extent as such Junior Subordinated Obligations,
and (iii) no Restricted Subsidiary that is not a Subsidiary Guarantor shall
incur, directly or indirectly, any Indebtedness. Unsecured Indebtedness is not
deemed to be subordinate or junior to secured Indebtedness merely because it is
unsecured.
 
     (d) For purposes of determining compliance with the foregoing covenant: (i)
in the event that an item of Indebtedness meets the criteria of more than one of
the types of Indebtedness described above, the Company, in good faith, will
classify such item of Indebtedness and be required to include the amount and
type of such Indebtedness in one of the above clauses; and (ii) an item of
Indebtedness may be divided and classified in more than one of the types of
Indebtedness described above.
 
     Limitation on Preferred Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries.  The Company will
not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to Incur, directly or indirectly, any
Preferred Stock except:
 
          (a) Preferred Stock issued to and held by the Company or a Wholly
     Owned Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that any subsequent
     issuance or transfer of any Capital Stock that results in any such Wholly
     Owned Restricted Subsidiary ceasing to be a Wholly Owned Restricted
     Subsidiary or any subsequent transfer of such Preferred Stock (other than
     to the Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary) will be deemed, in
     each case, to constitute the Incurrence of such Preferred Stock by the
     issuer thereof; and
 
          (b) Preferred Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary Incurred or issued and
     outstanding on or prior to the date on which such Restricted Subsidiary was
     acquired by the Company, other than Preferred Stock Incurred or issued in
     connection with, or to provide all or any portion of the funds or credit
     support utilized to consummate, the transaction or series of related
     transactions pursuant to which such Subsidiary became a Restricted
     Subsidiary or was acquired by the Company; provided, however, that on the
     date of such acquisition and after giving effect thereto, the Company would
     have been able to Incur at least $1.00 of Indebtedness pursuant to
     paragraph (a) of the covenant described under "Limitation on Indebtedness."
 
     Limitation on Liens.  The Company will not, and will not permit any
Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, Incur or permit to exist any
Lien of any nature whatsoever on any of its properties (including Capital Stock
of a Subsidiary), whether owned at the Issue Date or thereafter acquired, other
than Permitted Liens, without effectively providing that the Notes shall be
secured equally and ratably with (or prior to) the obligations so secured for so
long as such obligations are so secured.
 
     Limitation on Restricted Payments.  (a) The Company will not, and will not
permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, make a Restricted
Payment if at the time the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary makes such
Restricted Payment: (i) a Default shall have occurred and be continuing (or
would result therefrom); (ii) the Company is not able to Incur an additional
$1.00 of Indebtedness pursuant to paragraph (a) of the covenant described under
"Limitation on Indebtedness"; or (iii) the aggregate amount of
 
                                       69
<PAGE>   71
 
such Restricted Payment and all other Restricted Payments since the Issue Date
would exceed the sum of: (A) 33% of the Consolidated Adjusted Net Income accrued
during the period (treated as one accounting period) from the beginning of the
fiscal quarter during which the Issue Date occurs to the end of the most recent
fiscal quarter prior to the date of such Restricted Payment for which financial
statements are available (or, in case such Consolidated Net Income shall be a
deficit, minus 100% of such deficit); and (B) the aggregate Net Cash Proceeds
received by the Company from the issuance or sale after the Issue Date of (1)
Capital Stock of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock) or (2) debt
securities of the Company, but only if, when and to the extent such debt
securities have been converted into any such Capital Stock (other than, in each
case, an issuance or sale to a Subsidiary of the Company and other than an
issuance or sale to an employee stock ownership plan or to a trust established
by the Company or any of its Subsidiaries for the benefit of their employees).
 
     (b) While no Default or Event of Default exists, the provisions of the
foregoing paragraph (a) shall not prohibit: (i) any purchase or redemption of
Capital Stock or Junior Subordinated Obligations of the Company to the extent
made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds of the substantially concurrent
sale of, Capital Stock of the Company (other than Disqualified Stock and other
than Capital Stock issued or sold to (A) a Subsidiary of the Company or (B) an
employee stock ownership plan or to a trust established by the Company or any of
its Subsidiaries for the benefit of their employees, except to the extent that
the funds used by such plan or trust are attributable to employee
contributions); provided, however, that (A) such purchase or redemption shall be
excluded in the calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments and (B) the Net
Cash Proceeds from such sale shall be excluded from the calculation of amounts
under clause (iii)(B) of paragraph (a) above; (ii) any payment, purchase,
repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value
of Junior Subordinated Obligations made by exchange for, or out of the proceeds
of the substantially concurrent sale of, Indebtedness of the Company that is
permitted to be Incurred pursuant to the covenant described under "Limitation on
Indebtedness"; provided, however, that, such purchase, repurchase, redemption,
defeasance or other acquisition or retirement for value shall be excluded in the
calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments; and (iii) dividends paid
within 60 days after the date of declaration thereof if at such date of
declaration such dividend would have complied with the covenant described
hereunder; provided, however, that such dividend shall be included in the
calculation of the amount of Restricted Payments.
 
     Limitation on Restrictions on Distributions from Restricted
Subsidiaries.  The Company will not, and will not permit any Restricted
Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly, create or otherwise cause or permit to
exist or become effective any consensual encumbrance or restriction on the
ability of any Restricted Subsidiary (a) to pay dividends or make any other
distributions on its Capital Stock to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary or
pay any Indebtedness owed to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, (b) to
make any loans or advances to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary or (c) to
transfer any of its property or assets to the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary, except: (i) any encumbrance or restriction pursuant to an agreement
in effect at the Issue Date and listed on a schedule to the Indenture; (ii) any
encumbrance or restriction with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to
an agreement applicable to such Subsidiary prior to the date on which such
Subsidiary was acquired by the Company (other than an agreement entered into in
connection with, or in anticipation of, the transaction or series of related
transactions pursuant to which such Subsidiary became a Subsidiary or was
acquired by the Company) and outstanding on such date; (iii) any encumbrance or
restriction with respect to a Restricted Subsidiary pursuant to any other
agreement contained in any amendment to an agreement referred to in clause (i)
or (ii) of this covenant or this clause (iii); provided, however, that the
encumbrances and restrictions with respect to such Restricted Subsidiary
contained in any such amendment are no less favorable to the Holders than
encumbrances and restrictions with respect to such Restricted Subsidiary
contained in the agreements referred to in clause (i) or (ii) of the covenant
described hereunder, as the case may be; (iv) any such encumbrance or
restriction consisting of customary non-assignment provisions in leases
governing leasehold interests to the extent such provisions restrict the
transfer of the lease or the property leased thereunder; (v) in the case of
clause (c) above, restrictions contained in security agreements or mortgages
securing Indebtedness of a Restricted Subsidiary otherwise permissible under the
Indenture to the extent such restrictions restrict the transfer of the property
subject to such security agreements or mortgages; (vi) with respect to the
ability of a Restricted Subsidiary to pay dividends or make
 
                                       70
<PAGE>   72
 
any other distributions on its Capital Stock to the Company, any Permitted
Warehouse Indebtedness Limitation; and (vii) any restriction with respect to a
Restricted Subsidiary imposed pursuant to an agreement entered into for the sale
or disposition of all or substantially all the Capital Stock or assets of such
Restricted Subsidiary pending the closing of such sale or disposition.
 
     Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock.  (a) The Company will
not, and will not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, directly or indirectly,
consummate any Asset Disposition unless: (i) the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary receives consideration at the time of such Asset Disposition at least
equal to the fair market value (including as to the value of any non-cash
consideration), as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors, of the
shares and assets subject to such Asset Disposition and at least 85% of the
consideration thereof received by the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary is
in the form of cash or Temporary Cash Investments; (ii) an amount equal to 100%
of the Net Available Cash from such Asset Disposition is applied by the Company
(or such Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be):
 
          (A) first, to the extent the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary
     elects either (x) to acquire Additional Assets or (y) to prepay, repay,
     redeem or purchase Senior Indebtedness of the Company or such Restricted
     Subsidiary, as the case may be (other than in either case Indebtedness owed
     to the Company or an Affiliate of the Company), in each case within 180
     days from the later of the date of such Asset Disposition or the receipt of
     such Net Available Cash;
 
          (B) second, to the extent of the balance of such Net Available Cash
     after application in accordance with clause (A), for the Company to make an
     offer to the Holders of the Notes to purchase Notes pursuant to and subject
     to the conditions contained in the Indenture; and
 
          (C) third, to the extent of the balance of such Net Available Cash
     after application in accordance with clauses (A) and (B), to any
     application not prohibited by the Indenture;
 
and (iii) at the time of such Asset Disposition no Default shall have occurred
and be continuing (or would result therefrom). Pending application of Net
Available Cash pursuant to this covenant, such Net Available Cash shall be
invested in Temporary Cash Investments.
 
     For the purposes of this covenant, the following are deemed to be cash: (x)
the assumption of Indebtedness (other than Junior Subordinated Obligations) of
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, and the release of the Company or such
Subsidiary from all liability on such Indebtedness, in connection with such
Asset Disposition and (y) securities received by the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary from the transferee that are promptly converted by the Company or
such Subsidiary into cash or Temporary Cash Investments.
 
     (b) In the event of an Asset Disposition that requires an offer to purchase
the Notes, the Company will be required to purchase Notes tendered pursuant to
an offer by the Company for the Notes at a purchase price of 100% of their
principal amount plus accrued but unpaid interest in accordance with the
procedures (including prorating in the event of oversubscription) set forth in
the Indenture. If the aggregate purchase price of Notes tendered pursuant to
such offer is less than the Net Available Cash allotted to the purchase thereof,
the Company will be permitted to apply the remaining Net Available Cash in
accordance with clause (a)(ii)(C) above. The Company shall not be required to
make such an offer to purchase Notes pursuant to this covenant if the Net
Available Cash available therefor is less than $1,000,000 (which lesser amount
shall be carried forward for purposes of determining whether such an offer is
required with respect to any subsequent Asset Disposition).
 
     (c) The Company will comply, to the extent applicable, with the
requirements of Section 14(e) of the Exchange Act and any other securities laws
or regulations in connection with the repurchase of Notes pursuant to the
covenant described hereunder. To the extent that the provisions of any
securities laws or regulations conflict with provisions of the covenant
described hereunder, the Company will comply with the applicable securities laws
and regulations and will not be deemed to have breached its obligations under
this covenant by virtue thereof.
 
                                       71
<PAGE>   73
 
     Limitation on Affiliate Transactions.  The Company will not, and will not
permit any Restricted Subsidiary to, enter into or permit to exist any
transaction (including without limitation the making of any loan, advance,
Guarantee or capital contribution to or for the benefit of, the purchase, sale,
lease or exchange of any property with, the entering into or amending of
employee compensation arrangements with, or the rendering of any service) with
or for the benefit of, any Affiliate of the Company (an "Affiliate Transaction")
unless the terms thereof: (i) are in the ordinary course of business and
consistent with past practice; (ii) are fair to the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary and are no less favorable to the Company or such Restricted
Subsidiary than those that could be obtained at the time of such transaction in
arm's-length dealings with a Person who is not an Affiliate; (iii) if such
Affiliate Transaction involves an amount in excess of $500,000, (A) are set
forth in writing and (B) have been approved by a majority of the members of the
Board of Directors having no personal stake in such Affiliate Transaction; and
(iv) if such Affiliate Transaction involves an amount in excess of $3,000,000,
have been determined by a nationally recognized investment banking firm to be
fair, from a financial standpoint, to the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries.
 
     The provisions of the foregoing paragraph shall not apply to (a)
transactions exclusively between or among the Company and any Wholly Owned
Restricted Subsidiary or between or among Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiaries,
(b) any Restricted Payment permitted to be made under the covenant described
under "-- Limitation on Restricted Payments," (c) any employment or related
arrangement entered into by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in the
ordinary course of business on terms customary in the consumer finance business,
provided any such arrangement is approved by the disinterested members of the
Board of Directors, (d) customary directors fees and indemnities, and (e)
payments required by the Tax Sharing Agreement or any renewal thereof on
substantially similar terms, provided, however, in the case of each of the
foregoing clauses (a) through (d), that such transactions are not otherwise
prohibited by the Indenture. The provisions of clause (iv) of the foregoing
paragraph shall not apply to transactions between the Company and PEC pursuant
to agreements in effect on the Issue Date and described under "Certain
Transactions" and renewals thereof on substantially similar terms.
 
     Merger and Consolidation.  The Company will not consolidate with or merge
with or into, or convey, transfer or lease, in one transaction or a series of
related transactions, all or substantially all its assets to, any Person,
unless: (i) the resulting, surviving or transferee Person (the "Successor
Company") shall be a Person organized and existing under the laws of the United
States of America or any State thereof and the Successor Company (if not the
Company) shall expressly assume, by an indenture supplemental thereto, executed
and delivered to the Trustee, in form satisfactory to the Trustee, all of the
Company's obligations under the Notes and the Indenture; (ii) immediately after
giving effect to such transaction (and treating any Indebtedness that becomes an
obligation of the Successor Company or any Restricted Subsidiary as a result of
such transaction as having been Incurred by such Successor Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary at the time of such transaction), no Default shall have
occurred and be continuing; (iii) immediately after giving effect to such
transaction, the Successor Company would be able to incur an additional $1.00 of
Indebtedness pursuant to paragraph (a) of the covenant described under
"Limitation on Indebtedness;" (iv) immediately after giving effect to such
transaction, the Successor Company shall have Consolidated Net Worth in an
amount that is not less than the Consolidated Net Worth of the Company prior to
such transaction; and (v) the Company shall have delivered to the Trustee an
Officers' Certificate and an Opinion of Counsel, each stating that such
consolidation, merger or transfer and such supplemental indenture (if any)
comply with the Indenture.
 
     The Successor Company shall be the successor to the Company and shall
succeed to, and be substituted for, and may exercise every right and power of,
the Company under the Indenture, but the predecessor Company, in the case of a
lease, shall not be released from the obligation to pay the principal of,
premium, if any, and interest on the Notes.
 
     The Indenture will provide that no Restricted Subsidiary may consolidate
with or merge with or into (whether or not such Restricted Subsidiary is the
surviving Person) another Person, whether or not affiliated with such Restricted
Subsidiary, unless (i) subject to the provisions of the following paragraph, the
Person formed by or surviving any such consolidation or merger (if other than
such Restricted Subsidiary) assumes all the obligations of such Restricted
Subsidiary, pursuant to a supplemental indenture, in form and substance
 
                                       72
<PAGE>   74
 
satisfactory to the Trustee, under the Indenture; (ii) immediately after giving
effect to such transaction, no Default or Event of Default exists; (iii) such
Restricted Subsidiary, or any Person formed by or surviving any such
consolidation or merger, would have Consolidated Net Worth (immediately after
giving effect to such transaction) equal to or greater than the Consolidated Net
Worth of such Restricted Subsidiary immediately preceding the transaction; and
(iv) the Restricted Subsidiary would be permitted, immediately after giving
effect to such transaction, to Incur at least $1.00 of additional Indebtedness
pursuant to paragraph (a) in the covenant described above under the caption
"Certain Covenants -- Limitation on Indebtedness"; provided that the foregoing
provisions will not restrict the ability of a Subsidiary to consolidate or merge
with the Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary.
 
     The Indenture will provide that, in the event of a sale or other
disposition of all of the assets of any Subsidiary (other than to or with the
Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary), by way of merger,
consolidation or otherwise, or a sale or other disposition of all of the Capital
Stock of any Subsidiary (other than to the Company or a Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiary), then such Restricted Subsidiary (in the event of a sale or other
disposition, by way of such a merger, consolidation or otherwise, of all of the
Capital Stock of such Subsidiary) or the corporation acquiring the property (in
the event of a sale or other disposition of all of the assets of such Restricted
Subsidiary) will be released and relieved of any obligations under its
Subsidiary Guarantee; provided that the Net Cash Proceeds of such sale or other
disposition are applied in accordance with the applicable provisions of the
Indenture.
 
     Limitation on Investment Company Status.  The Company shall not take, and
shall not permit any Restricted Subsidiary to take, any action, or otherwise
permit to exist any circumstance, that would require the Company or such
Restricted Subsidiary to register as an "investment company" under the
Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended.
 
     Line of Business.  The Company will not, and will not permit any Subsidiary
to, engage in any line of business that is not a Related Business.
 
     Payments for Consent.  The Indenture will provide that neither the Company
nor any Restricted Subsidiary will, directly or indirectly, pay or cause to be
paid any consideration, whether by way of interest, fee or otherwise, to any
Holder of any Notes for or as an inducement to any consent, waiver or amendment
of any of the terms or provisions of the Indenture or the Notes unless such
consideration is offered to be paid or agreed to be paid to all Holders of the
Notes that consent, waive or agree to amend in the time frame set forth in the
solicitation documents relating to such consent, waiver or agreement.
 
     SEC Reports.  Notwithstanding that the Company may not be required to
remain subject to the reporting requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the
Exchange Act, the Company shall file with the SEC and provide the Trustee and
Holders with such annual reports, quarterly reports and such other information,
documents and reports as are specified in Sections 13 and 15(d) of the Exchange
Act and applicable to a U.S. corporation subject to such Sections, such
information, documents and other reports to be so filed and provided at the
times specified for the filing of such information, documents and reports under
such Sections.
 
DEFAULTS
 
     An Event of Default is defined in the Indenture as: (i) a default in the
payment of interest on the Notes when due, continued for 30 days; (ii) a default
in the payment of principal of and premium, if any, on any Note when due at its
Stated Maturity, upon optional redemption, upon required repurchase, upon
declaration of acceleration or otherwise; (iii) the failure by the Company or
any Subsidiary Guarantor to comply with any of its obligations in the covenants
described under "Change of Control," "Subsidiary Guarantees" or under "Certain
Covenants -- Merger and Consolidation," or "-- Limitation on Sales of Assets and
Subsidiary Stock"; (iv) the failure by the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor
to comply with any of its obligations in the covenants described above under
"Certain Covenants -- Limitation on Affiliate Transactions", "-- Limitation on
Indebtedness," "-- Limitation on Preferred Stock of Restricted Subsidiaries,"
"-- Limitation on Liens," "-- Limitation on Restricted Payments," "-- Limitation
on Restrictions on Distributions from Restricted Subsidiaries," "-- Limitation
on Investment Company Status" or "-- SEC Reports" and 30 days or more shall have
expired after a Senior Officer of the Company first becomes aware of such
failure; (v) the
 
                                       73
<PAGE>   75
 
failure by the Company or any Subsidiary Guarantor to comply for 30 days after
notice with its other agreements contained in the Indenture; (vi) Indebtedness
of the Company or any Subsidiary is not paid within any applicable grace period
after final maturity or is accelerated by the holders thereof because of a
default and the total amount of such Indebtedness unpaid or accelerated exceeds
$2,000,000 (the "cross acceleration provision"); (vii) certain events of
bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the Company or a Subsidiary (the
"bankruptcy provisions"); (viii) any judgment or decree for the payment of money
in excess of $1,000,000 is rendered against the Company or a Subsidiary, remains
outstanding for a period of 60 days following such judgment and is not
discharged, waived or stayed (the "judgment default provision"); or (ix) any
Subsidiary Guarantee ceases to be effective (except if permitted by the
Indenture), is held to be invalid in a judicial proceeding or its validity is
contested by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary. However, a default under
clause (v) will not constitute an Event of Default until the Trustee or the
Holders of 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes notify the Company
of the Default and the Company does not cure such Default within the time
specified after receipt of such notice.
 
     If an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee or the Holders
of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding Notes may declare the
principal of, premium, if any, and accrued but unpaid interest on all the Notes
to be due and payable. Upon such a declaration, such principal, premium, if any,
and interest shall be due and payable immediately. If an Event of Default
relating to certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization of the
Company occurs and is continuing, the principal of, premium, if any, and any
accrued but unpaid interest on all the Notes will ipso facto become and be
immediately due and payable without any declaration or other act on the part of
the Trustee or any Holders of the Notes. Under certain circumstances, the
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes may rescind
any such acceleration with respect to the Notes and its consequences.
 
     Subject to the provisions of the Indenture relating to the duties of the
Trustee, in case an Event of Default occurs and is continuing, the Trustee will
be under no obligation to exercise any of the rights or powers under the
Indenture at the request or direction of any of the Holders of the Notes unless
such Holders have offered to the Trustee reasonable indemnity or security
against any loss, liability or expense. Except to enforce the right to receive
payment of principal, premium, if any, or interest when due, no Holder may
pursue any remedy with respect to the Indenture or the Notes unless (i) such
Holder has previously given the Trustee notice that an Event of Default is
continuing, (ii) Holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding
Notes have requested the Trustee to pursue the remedy, (iii) such Holders have
offered the Trustee reasonable security or indemnity against any loss, liability
or expense, (iv) the Trustee has not complied with such request within 60 days
after the receipt thereof and the offer of security or indemnity and (v) the
Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes have not
given the Trustee a direction inconsistent with such request within such 60-day
period. Subject to certain restrictions, the Holders of a majority in principal
amount of the outstanding Notes have the right to direct the time, method and
place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the Trustee or of
exercising any trust or power conferred on the Trustee. The Trustee, however,
may refuse to follow any direction that conflicts with law or the Indenture or
that the Trustee determines is unduly prejudicial to the rights of any other
Holder or that would involve the Trustee in personal liability.
 
     The Indenture provides that if a Default occurs and is continuing and is
known to the Trustee, the Trustee must mail to each Holder of the Notes notice
of the Default within 60 days after it occurs. Except in the case of a Default
in the payment of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on any Note, the
Trustee may withhold notice if and so long as a committee of its trust officers
determines that withholding notice is not opposed to the interest of the
Holders. In addition, the Company is required to deliver to the Trustee, within
120 days after the end of each fiscal year, a certificate indicating whether the
signers thereof know of any Default that occurred during the previous year. The
Company also is required to deliver to the Trustee, within 30 days after a
Senior Officer of the Company or any Subsidiary becomes aware of the occurrence
thereof, written notice of any event which would constitute certain Defaults,
their status and what action the Company or such Subsidiary is taking or
proposes to take in respect thereof.
 
                                       74
<PAGE>   76
 
AMENDMENTS AND WAIVERS
 
     Subject to certain exceptions, the Indenture may be amended with the
consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount of the Notes then
outstanding (including consents obtained in connection with a tender offer or
exchange for the Notes) and any past Default or compliance with any provisions
may be waived with the consent of the Holders of a majority in principal amount
of the Notes then outstanding. However, without the consent of each Holder of an
outstanding Note affected thereby, no amendment or waiver may, among other
things, (i) reduce the amount of Notes whose Holders must consent to an
amendment, (ii) reduce the rate of or extend the time for payment of interest on
any Note, (iii) reduce the principal of or extend the Stated Maturity of any
Note, (iv) reduce the premium payable upon the redemption or acceleration of any
Note or change the time at which any Note may be redeemed as described under
"Optional Redemption", (v) make any Note payable in money other than that stated
in the Note, (vi) impair the right of any Holder to receive payment of principal
of, premium, if any, and interest on such Holder's Notes on or after the due
dates therefor or to institute suit for the enforcement of any payment on or
with respect to such Holder's Notes, (vii) make any change to the provisions of
the Indenture relating to subordination of the Notes, (viii) release any
Subsidiary Guarantee of the Notes (except in connection with any such Subsidiary
being designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary or its Capital Stock or assets being
disposed of, in each case to the extent permissible under the Indenture), or
(ix) make any change in the amendment provisions which require each Holder's
consent or in the waiver provisions.
 
     Without the consent of any Holder, the Company and Trustee may amend the
Indenture to cure any ambiguity, omission, defect or inconsistency, to provide
for the assumption by a successor corporation of the obligations of the Company
or any Subsidiary Guarantor under the Indenture, to provide for uncertificated
Notes in addition to or in place of certificated Notes (provided that the
uncertificated Notes are issued in registered form for purposes of Section
163(f) of the Code, or in a manner such that the uncertificated Notes are
described in Section 163(f)(2)(B) of the Code), to add guarantees with respect
to the Notes, to secure the Notes, to add to the covenants of the Company for
the benefit of the Holders or to surrender any right or power conferred upon the
Company, to make any change that does not adversely affect the rights of any
Holder or to comply with any requirement of the SEC in connection with the
qualification of the Indenture under the Trust Indenture Act.
 
     The consent of the Holders is not necessary under the Indenture to approve
the particular form of any proposed amendment. It is sufficient if such consent
approves the substance of the proposed amendment.
 
     After an amendment under the Indenture becomes effective, the Company will
mail to Holders a notice briefly describing such amendment. However, the failure
to give such notice to all Holders, or any defect therein, will not impair or
affect the validity of the amendment.
 
TRANSFER
 
     A Holder will be able to register the transfer of or exchange the Notes
only in accordance with the provisions of the Indenture. The Company may require
payment of a sum sufficient to cover any tax, assessment or other governmental
charge payable in connection with certain registrations of transfers and
exchanges.
 
DEFEASANCE
 
     The Company and the Subsidiary Guarantors at any time may terminate all
their respective obligations under the Notes, the Subsidiary Guarantees and the
Indenture ("legal defeasance"), except for certain obligations, including those
respecting the defeasance trust and obligations to register the transfer or
exchange of the Notes, to replace mutilated, destroyed, lost or stolen Notes and
to maintain a registrar and paying agent in respect of the Notes. The Company at
any time may terminate its obligations under "Change of Control" and under the
covenants described under "Certain Covenants" (other than the covenant described
under "-- Merger and Consolidation"), the operation of the cross acceleration
provision, the bankruptcy provisions with respect to Subsidiaries and the
judgment default provision described under "-- Defaults" and the limitations
 
                                       75
<PAGE>   77
 
contained in clauses (iii) and (iv) under "Certain Covenants -- Merger and
Consolidation" ("covenant defeasance").
 
     The Company may exercise its legal defeasance option notwithstanding its
prior exercise of its covenant defeasance option. If the Company exercises its
legal defeasance option, payment of the Notes may not be accelerated because of
an Event of Default with respect thereto (other than an Event of Default with
respect to the obligations referred to in the first sentence of the immediately
preceding paragraph). If the Company exercises its covenant defeasance option,
payment of the Notes may not be accelerated because of an Event of Default under
the provisions described in the last sentence of the foregoing paragraph.
 
     In order to exercise either defeasance option, the Company must irrevocably
deposit in trust (the "defeasance trust") with the Trustee unencumbered money or
U.S. Government Obligations for the payment of principal of, premium, if any,
and interest on the Notes to redemption or maturity, as the case may be, and
must comply with certain other conditions, including delivery to the Trustee of
an Opinion of Counsel to the effect that Holders will not recognize income, gain
or loss for federal income tax purposes as a result of such deposit and
defeasance and will be subject to federal income tax on the same amount and in
the same manner and at the same times as would have been the case if such
deposit and defeasance had not occurred (and, in the case of legal defeasance
only, such Opinion of Counsel must be based on a ruling of the Internal Revenue
Service or other change in applicable federal income tax law).
 
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
 
     American Stock Transfer & Trust Company is to be the Trustee under the
Indenture and has been appointed by the Company as Registrar and Paying Agent
with regard to the Notes.
 
     The Holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding Notes will
have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding
for exercising any remedy available to the Trustee, subject to certain
exceptions. The Indenture provides that if an Event of Default occurs (and is
not cured), the Trustee will be required, in the exercise of its power, to use
the degree of care of a prudent man in the conduct of his own affairs. Subject
to such provisions, the Trustee will be under no obligation to exercise any of
its rights or powers under the Indenture at the request of any Holder, unless
such Holder shall have offered to the Trustee security and indemnity
satisfactory to it against any loss, liability or expense and then only to the
extent required by the terms of the Indenture.
 
GOVERNING LAW
 
     The Indenture provides that it and the Notes will be governed by, and
construed in accordance with, the laws of the State of New York without giving
effect to applicable principles of conflicts of law to the extent that the
application of the law of another jurisdiction would be required thereby.
 
BOOK-ENTRY, DELIVERY AND FORM
 
     The Notes will initially be issued in the form of one or more Global Notes
(the "Global Note"). The Global Note will be deposited on the Issue Date with
The Depository Trust Company (the "Depositary") or its custodian and registered
in the name of Cede & Co., as nominee of the Depositary (such nominee being
referred to herein as the "Global Note Holder").
 
     The Company has been advised by the Depositary that the Depositary is a
limited-purpose trust company that was created to hold securities for its
participating organizations (collectively, the "Participants" or the
"Depositary's Participants") and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of
transactions in such securities between Participants through electronic
book-entry changes in accounts of its Participants. The Depositary's
Participants include securities brokers and dealers (including the
Underwriters), banks and trust companies, clearing corporations and certain
other organizations. Access to the Depositary's system is also available to
other entities such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies
(collectively, the "Indirect Participants" or the "Depositary's Indirect
Participants") that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a
Participant, either directly or indirectly. Persons who are not Participants may
beneficially own securities held
 
                                       76
<PAGE>   78
 
by or on behalf of the Depositary only through the Depositary's Participants or
the Depositary's Indirect Participants.
 
     The Company expects that pursuant to procedures established by the
Depositary (i) upon deposit of the Global Note, the Depositary will credit the
accounts of Participants designated by the Underwriters with portions of the
principal amount of the Global Note and (ii) ownership of the Notes evidenced by
the Global Note will be shown on, and the transfer of ownership thereof will be
effected only through, records maintained by the Depositary (with respect to the
interests of the Depositary's Participants), the Depositary's Participants and
the Depositary's Indirect Participants. Prospective purchasers are advised that
the laws of some states require that certain persons take physical delivery in
definitive form of securities that they own. Consequently, the ability to
transfer Notes evidenced by the Global Note will be limited to such extent.
 
     So long as the Global Note Holder is the registered owner of any Notes, the
Global Note Holder will be considered the sole Holder under the Indenture of any
Notes evidenced by the Global Note for the purposes of receiving payment on the
Notes, receiving notices, and for all other purposes under the Indenture and the
Notes. Beneficial owners of Notes evidenced by the Global Note will not be
considered the owners or Holders thereof under the Indenture for any purpose,
including with respect to the giving of any directions, instructions or
approvals to the Trustee thereunder. Neither the Company nor the Trustee will
have any responsibility or liability for any aspect of the records of the
Depositary or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any records of the
Depositary relating to the Notes. Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial
interest in the Global Note must rely on the procedures of the Depositary, and,
if such person is not a Participant, on the procedures of the Participant
through which such person owns its interest, to exercise any rights of a holder
under the Indenture. The Company understands that under existing industry
practices, in the event that the Company requests any action of holders or that
an owner of a beneficial interest in the Global Note desires to give or take any
action which a holder is entitled to give or take under the Indenture, the
Depositary would authorize the Participants holding the relevant beneficial
interest to give or take such action and such Participants would authorize
beneficial owners owning through such Participants to give or take such action
or would otherwise act upon the instructions of beneficial owners owning through
them.
 
     Payments in respect of the principal of, and premium, if any, and interest
on any Notes registered in the name of the Global Note Holder on the applicable
record date will be payable by the Trustee to or at the direction of the Global
Note Holder in its capacity as the registered Holder under the Indenture. Under
the terms of the Indenture, the Company and the Trustee may treat the persons in
whose names Notes, including the Global Note, are registered as the owners
thereof for the purpose of receiving such payments. Consequently, neither the
Company nor the Trustee has or will have any responsibility or liability for the
payment of such amounts to beneficial owners of the Notes. The Company believes,
however, that it is currently the policy of the Depositary to immediately credit
the accounts of the relevant Participants with such payments, in amounts
proportionate to their respective holdings of beneficial interests in the
relevant security as shown on the records of the Depositary. Payments by the
Depositary's Participants and the Depositary's Indirect Participants to the
beneficial owners of Notes will be governed by standing instructions and
customary practice and will be the responsibility of the Depositary's
Participants or the Depositary's Indirect Participants.
 
     If (i) the Company notifies the Trustee in writing that the Depositary is
no longer willing or able to act as a depositary and the Company is unable to
locate a qualified successor within 90 days, (ii) the Company, at its option,
notifies the Trustee in writing that it elects to cause the issuance of Notes in
other than global form, or (iii) there shall have occurred and be continuing a
Default or an Event of Default with respect to any of the Notes represented by
the Global Note, then, upon surrender by the Global Note Holder of its Global
Note, Notes in certificated form will be issued to each person that the Global
Note Holder and the Depositary identify as being the beneficial owner of the
related Notes.
 
     Neither the Company nor the Trustee will be liable for any delay by the
Global Note Holder or the Depositary in identifying the beneficial owners of
Notes and the Company and the Trustee may conclusively rely on, and will be
protected in relying on, instructions from the Global Note Holder or the
Depositary for all purposes.
 
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<PAGE>   79
 
CERTAIN DEFINITIONS
 
     "Additional Assets" means: (i) any operating property or assets (including
Receivables, but excluding Indebtedness and Capital Stock of the acquiring
Person) used or useful in a Related Business; (ii) the Capital Stock of a Person
that becomes a Restricted Subsidiary as a result of the acquisition of such
Capital Stock by the Company or another Restricted Subsidiary; or (iii) Capital
Stock constituting a minority interest in any Person that at such time is a
Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that any such Restricted Subsidiary
described in clause (ii) or (iii) is primarily engaged in a Related Business.
 
     "Affiliate" of any specified Person means any other Person, directly or
indirectly, controlling or controlled by or under direct or indirect common
control with such specified Person. For the purposes of this definition,
"control" when used with respect to any Person means the power to direct the
management and policies of such Person, directly or indirectly, whether through
the ownership of voting securities, by contract or otherwise; provided that a
Person shall be deemed to have such power with respect to the Company if such
Person is the beneficial owner of Capital Stock representing 10% or more of the
total voting power of the Voting Stock (on a fully diluted basis) of the Company
or of rights or warrants to purchase such Capital Stock (whether or not
currently exercisable). The terms "controlling" and "controlled" have meanings
correlative to the foregoing.
 
     "Asset Disposition" means (i) any sale, lease, transfer or other
disposition (or series of related sales, leases, transfers or dispositions) by
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary, including any disposition by means of
a merger, consolidation or similar transaction (each referred to for the
purposes of the definition as a "disposition"), but excluding any merger,
consolidation or sale of assets of the Company subject to and permitted by the
first paragraph of the covenant described under "Certain Covenants -- Merger and
Consolidation," of: (a) any shares of Capital Stock of a Subsidiary (other than
director's qualifying shares or shares required by applicable law to be held by
a Person other than the Company or a Subsidiary); (b) all or substantially all
the assets of, or of any division or line of business of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary; (c) any other assets of the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary with a book or fair market value, together with other assets disposed
of in the same or related transactions, exceeding $500,000; or (d) any Excess
Spread Receivables (other than, in the case of clauses (a), (b), (c) or (d)
above, (1) a disposition of Receivables in the ordinary course of business, (2)
a disposition by a Restricted Subsidiary to the Company or by the Company or a
Subsidiary to a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary or (3) any grant of a
Permitted Lien) or (ii) the issuance of Capital Stock by any Restricted
Subsidiary to any Person other than the Company or any Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiary.
 
     "Average Life" means, as of the date of determination, with respect to any
Indebtedness or Preferred Stock, the quotient obtained by dividing (i) the sum
of the products of numbers of years from the date of determination to the dates
of each successive scheduled principal payment of such Indebtedness or
redemption or similar payment with respect to such Preferred Stock multiplied by
the amount of such payment by (ii) the sum of all such payments.
 
     "Board of Directors" means the Board of Directors of the Company or any
committee thereof duly authorized to act on behalf of such Board.
 
     "Business Day" means each day which is not a Legal Holiday.
 
     "Capital Lease Obligation" means an obligation that is required to be
classified and accounted for as a capital lease for financial reporting purposes
in accordance with GAAP. The amount of Indebtedness represented by such
obligation shall be the capitalized amount of such obligation determined in
accordance with GAAP, and the Stated Maturity thereof shall be the date of the
last payment of rent or any other amount due under such lease prior to the first
date upon which such lease may be terminated by the lessee without payment of a
penalty.
 
     "Capital Stock" of any Person means any and all shares, interests, rights
to purchase, warrants, options, participations or other equivalents of or
interests in (however designated) equity of such Person, including any Preferred
Stock, but excluding any debt securities convertible into such equity.
 
                                       78
<PAGE>   80
 
     "Code" means the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended.
 
     "Consolidated Adjusted Net Income" means, for any period, (a) Consolidated
Net Income minus (b) gain on sale of loans and net unrealized gain on mortgage
related securities, plus (c) provision for credit losses, amortization and
depreciation (including amortization of excess servicing rights), in each case
for such period and for the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries.
 
     "Consolidated Leverage Ratio" as of any date of determination means the
ratio of (i) the aggregate amount of all Indebtedness of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries, excluding (A) Permitted Warehouse Indebtedness and
Guarantees thereof permitted to be Incurred pursuant to clause (b)(1) of the
covenant described under "Certain Covenants -- Limitation on Indebtedness," (B)
Hedging Obligations permitted to be Incurred pursuant to clause (b)(3) of the
covenant described under "Certain Covenants -- Limitation on Indebtedness" and
(C) Junior Subordinated Obligations of the Company to (ii) the Consolidated Net
Worth of the Company.
 
     "Consolidated Net Income" means, for any period, the net income of the
Company and its consolidated Subsidiaries for such period determined in
accordance with GAAP; provided, however, that there shall not be included in
such Consolidated Net Income: (i) any net income of any person if such Person is
not a Restricted Subsidiary, except that (A) subject to the exclusion contained
in clause (iv) below, the Company's equity in the net income of any such Person
for such period shall be included in such Consolidated Net Income up to the
aggregate amount of cash actually distributed by such Person during such period
to the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary as a dividend or other distribution
(subject, in the case of a dividend or other distribution paid to a Restricted
Subsidiary, to the limitations contained in clause (iii) below) and (B) the
Company's equity in a net loss of any such Person for such period shall be
included in determining such Consolidated Net Income; (ii) any net income (or
loss) of any Person acquired by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary in a
pooling of interests transaction for any period prior to the date of such
acquisition; (iii) any net income of any Restricted Subsidiary if such
Restricted Subsidiary is subject to restrictions, directly or indirectly, on the
payment of dividends or the making of distributions by such Restricted
Subsidiary, directly or indirectly, to the Company, except that (A) subject to
the exclusion contained in clause (iv) below, the Company's equity in the net
income of any such Restricted Subsidiary for such period shall be included in
such Consolidated Net Income to the extent that cash could have been distributed
by such Restricted Subsidiary during such period to the Company or another
Restricted Subsidiary as a dividend or other distribution (subject, in the case
of a dividend or other distribution paid to another Restricted Subsidiary, to
the limitation contained in this clause) and (B) the Company's equity in a net
loss of any such Restricted Subsidiary for such period shall be included in
determining such Consolidated Net Income; (iv) any gain (but not loss) realized
upon the sale or other disposition of any assets of the Company or its
consolidated Restricted Subsidiaries (including pursuant to any
sale-and-leaseback arrangement) which is not sold or otherwise disposed of in
the ordinary course of business and any gain (but not loss) realized upon the
sale or other disposition of any Capital Stock of any Person; (v) extraordinary
gains or losses; and (vi) the cumulative effect of a change in accounting
principles, in each case determined in accordance with GAAP.
 
     "Consolidated Net Worth" means the consolidated stockholders' equity of the
Company and its Subsidiaries, as determined in accordance with GAAP, as of the
end of the most recent fiscal quarter of the Company for which financial
statements are available, less (i) all write-ups by the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary (other than write-ups resulting from foreign currency
translations, write-ups of tangible assets of a going concern business made
within 12 months after acquisition thereof and write-ups of Excess Spread
Receivables or mortgage servicing rights in accordance with GAAP), (ii) all
Investments in unconsolidated Subsidiaries or Persons that are not Restricted
Subsidiaries (except Temporary Cash Investments), (iii) all unamortized debt
discount and expense and unamortized deferred charges of the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries, in each case as of such date and (iv) any amounts
attributable to Disqualified Stock. The "Consolidated Net Worth" of a Restricted
Subsidiary means the consolidated net worth of such Subsidiary and its
Subsidiaries (if any), determined on an equivalent basis. For purposes of this
definition, "deferred charges" does not include deferred taxes, costs associated
with mortgage servicing rights and loan origination costs, in each case to the
extent deferred in accordance with GAAP).
 
                                       79
<PAGE>   81
 
     "Currency Agreement" means, with respect to any Person, any foreign
exchange contract, currency swap agreement or other similar agreement to which
such Person is a party or a beneficiary.
 
     "Default" means any event which is, or after notice or passage of time or
both would be, an Event of Default.
 
     "Designated Senior Indebtedness" means, as of any date of determination,
any Senior Indebtedness if the unpaid principal amount thereof, or the amount of
Senior Indebtedness committed to be extended by the lender or lenders under the
related credit facility, equals or exceeds $1,000,000 on such date.
 
     "Disqualified Stock" means, with respect to any Person, any Capital Stock
that by its terms (or by the terms of any security in to which it is convertible
or for which it is exchangeable) or upon the happening of any event (i) matures
or is mandatorily redeemable pursuant to a sinking fund obligation or otherwise,
(ii) is convertible or exchangeable for Indebtedness or Disqualified Stock or
(iii) is redeemable at the option of the holders thereof, in each case in whole
or in part on or prior to the first anniversary of the Stated Maturity of the
Notes.
 
     "Eligible Excess Spread Receivables" means Excess Spread Receivables of the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, other than (i) any Excess Spread
Receivables created as the result of the securitization or sale of other Excess
Spread Receivables, and (ii) any Excess Spread Receivables attributable to any
whole loan sale of Receivables, unless the Person or Persons holding such
Receivables (a) is a GSE or (b) has then outstanding senior unsecured and
unsupported long-term debt rated Baa2 or better by Moody's Investors Service,
Inc. and BBB or better by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group.
 
     "Excess Spread" means (i) with respect to a "pool" of Receivables that has
been sold to a trust or other Person in a securitization, the excess of (a) the
weighted average coupon on each pool of Receivables sold over (b) the sum of the
pass-through interest rate plus a normal servicing fee, a trustee fee, an
insurance fee and an estimate of annual future credit losses related to such
assets, in each case calculated in accordance with any applicable GAAP, and (ii)
with respect to Receivables that have been sold to a Person in a whole loan
sale, the cash flow of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries from such
Receivables, net of, to the extent applicable, a normal servicing fee, a trustee
fee, an insurance fee and an estimate of annual future credit losses related to
such assets, in each case calculated in accordance with any applicable GAAP.
 
     "Excess Spread Receivables" of a Person means the contractual or
certificated right to Excess Spread capitalized on such Person's consolidated
balance sheet (the amount of which shall be the present value of the Excess
Spread, calculated in accordance with GAAP, net of any allowance for losses on
loans sold with recourse or other liability allocable thereto, to the extent not
otherwise reflected in such amount). Excess Spread Receivables (a) include
mortgage backed securities attributable to Receivables sold by the Company or
any Subsidiary, and (b) do not include any mortgage servicing rights.
 
     "Exchange Act" means the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.
 
     "Excluded Person" means (i) any Existing Holder, (ii) any corporation or
limited liability company controlled by one or more Existing Holders, (iii) any
partnership the general partners of which are or are corporations controlled by
one or more Existing Holders and (iv) any trust of which any Existing Holder is
the trustee and at least 80% of the beneficial interests in which are owned by
such Existing Holder and the spouse or lineal descendants of such Existing
Holder. For purposes of this definition, "control" means the beneficial
ownership of at least 80% of the Voting Stock of a Person.
 
     "Existing Holders" means Robert Nederlander, Eugene I. Schuster, Jerome J.
Cohen, Herbert B. Hirsch and Don A. Mayerson.
 
     "GAAP" means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States
of America as in effect from time to time, including those set forth in (i) the
opinions and pronouncements of the Accounting Principles Board of the American
Institute of Certified Public Accountants, (ii) statements and pronouncements of
the Financial Accounting Standards Board, (iii) such other statements by such
other entity as approved by a significant segment of the accounting profession
and (iv) the rules and regulations of the SEC governing the inclusion of
financial statements (including pro forma financial statements) in periodic
reports
 
                                       80
<PAGE>   82
 
required to be filed pursuant to Section 13 of the Exchange Act, including
opinions and pronouncements in staff accounting bulletins and similar written
statements from the accounting staff of the SEC and releases of the Emerging
Issues Task Force.
 
     "GSE" means Federal National Mortgage Association or Federal Home Loan
Mortgage Corporation.
 
     "Guarantee" means any obligation, contingent or otherwise, of any Person
directly or indirectly guaranteeing any Indebtedness or other obligation of any
Person and any obligation, direct or indirect, contingent or otherwise, of such
Person (i) to purchase or pay (or advance or supply funds for the purchase or
payment of) such Indebtedness or other obligation of such Person (whether
arising by virtue of partnership arrangements, or by agreements to keep-well, to
purchase assets, goods, securities or services, to take-or-pay or to maintain
financial statement conditions or otherwise) or (ii) entered into for the
purpose of assuring in any other manner the obligee of such Indebtedness or
other obligation of the payment thereof or to protect such obligee against loss
in respect thereof (in whole or in part); provided, however, that the term
"Guarantee" shall not include endorsements for collection or deposit in the
ordinary course of business. The term "Guarantee" used as a verb has a
corresponding meaning. The term "Guarantor" means any person Guaranteeing any
obligation.
 
     "Hedging Obligations" of any Person means the obligations of such Person
pursuant to any Interest Rate Agreement or Currency Agreement.
 
     "Holders" or "Noteholders" means the Person in whose name a Note is
registered on the Registrar's books.
 
     "Incur" means issue, assume, Guarantee, incur or otherwise become liable
for; provided, however, that any Indebtedness or Capital Stock of a Person
existing at the time such Person becomes a Subsidiary (whether by merger,
consolidation, acquisition or otherwise) shall be deemed to be Incurred by such
Subsidiary at the time it becomes a Subsidiary. The term "Incurrence" when used
as a noun shall have a correlative meaning. The accretion of principal of a
non-interest bearing or other discount security shall be deemed the Incurrence
of Indebtedness.
 
     "Indebtedness" means, with respect to any Person on any date of
determination (without duplication): (i) the principal of and premium, if any,
in respect of (A) indebtedness of such Person for money borrowed and (B)
indebtedness evidenced by notes, debentures, bonds or other similar instruments
for the payment of which such Person is responsible or liable; (ii) all Capital
Lease Obligations of such Person; (iii) all obligations of such Person issued or
assumed as the deferred purchase price of property, all conditional sale
obligations of such Person and all obligations of such Person under any title
retention agreement (including any such obligations under repurchase agreements,
but excluding trade accounts payable and expense accruals arising in the
ordinary course of business not overdue by more than 60 days); (iv) all
obligations of such Person for the reimbursement of any obligor on any letter of
credit, banker's acceptance or similar credit transaction; (v) the amount of all
obligations of such Person with respect to the redemption, repayment or other
repurchase of any Disqualified Stock (but excluding any accrued dividends) or,
in the case of a Subsidiary of such Person, any Preferred Stock (but excluding
any accrued dividends); (vi) Warehouse Indebtedness; (vii) in connection with
each sale of any Excess Spread Receivables, the maximum aggregate claim (if any)
that the purchaser thereof could have against such Person if the payments
anticipated in connection with such Excess Spread Receivables are not collected;
(viii) all obligations of the type referred to in clauses (i) through (vii) of
other Persons and all dividends of other Persons for the payment of which, in
either case, such Person is responsible or liable, directly or indirectly, as
obligor, guarantor or otherwise, including by means of any Guarantee; (ix) all
obligations of the type referred to in clauses (i) through (viii) of other
Persons secured by any Lien on any property or asset of such Person (whether or
not such obligation is assumed by such Person), the amount of such obligation
being deemed to be the lesser of the value of such property or assets or the
amount of the obligation so secured; and (x) to the extent not otherwise
included in this definition, Hedging Obligations of such Person. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, "Indebtedness" shall not include obligations under the Tax
Sharing Agreement or any renewal or other modification thereof that complies
with the covenant described under "Certain Covenants -- Limitation on Affiliate
Transactions." Except in the case of Warehouse Indebtedness (the amount of which
shall be determined in
 
                                       81
<PAGE>   83
 
accordance with the definition thereof), the amount of unconditional
Indebtedness of any Person at any date shall be the outstanding balance at such
date of all unconditional obligations as described above. The amount of any
Indebtedness under clause (viii) of this definition shall be equal to the amount
of the outstanding obligation for which such Person is responsible or liable,
directly or indirectly, including by way of Guarantee. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, any securities issued in a securitization by a special purpose owner
trust or similar entity formed by or on behalf of a Person and to which
Receivables have been sold or otherwise transferred by or on behalf of such
Person or its Restricted Subsidiaries shall not be treated as Indebtedness of
such Person or its Restricted Subsidiaries under the Indenture, regardless of
whether such securities are treated as indebtedness for tax purposes, provided
(1) neither the Company nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than
Special Purpose Subsidiaries) (a) provides credit support of any kind (including
any undertaking, agreement or instrument that would constitute Indebtedness),
except for credit support in the form of "over-collateralization" of the senior
certificates issued in, or subordination of or recourse to all or a portion of
Excess Spread Receivables attributable to, such securitization, in each case to
the extent reflected in the book value of such Excess Spread Receivables, or (b)
is directly or indirectly liable (as a guarantor or otherwise), and (2) no
default with respect to such securities (including any rights that the holders
thereof may have to take enforcement action against an Unrestricted Subsidiary)
would permit (upon notice, lapse of time or both) any holder of any other
Indebtedness of the Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries to declare a
default on such other Indebtedness or cause the payment thereof to be
accelerated or payable prior to its stated maturity.
 
     "Interest-only Certificate" means a certificate issued in a securitization
of a pool of Receivables which pays a fixed or floating interest rate on a
notional principal amount.
 
     "Interest Rate Agreement" means any interest rate swap agreement, interest
rate cap agreement, repurchase agreement, futures contract or other financial
agreement or arrangement designed to protect the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary against fluctuations in interest rates.
 
     "Investment" in any Person means any direct or indirect advance, loan
(other than advances to customers in the ordinary course of business, other than
Receivables, that are recorded as trade accounts on the balance sheet of the
lender) or other extensions of credit (including by way of Guarantee or similar
arrangement) or capital contribution to (by means of any transfer of cash or
other property to others or any payment for property or services for the account
or use of others), or any purchase or acquisition of Capital Stock, Indebtedness
(including Receivables) or other similar instruments issued by, such Person. For
purposes of the definitions of "Unrestricted Subsidiary" and "Restricted
Payment" and the covenant described under "Certain Covenants -- Limitation on
Restricted Payments," (i) "Investment" shall include the greater of the fair
market value and the book value of the Investments by the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries in such Subsidiary at the time it is so designated; and
(ii) any property transferred to or from a Person shall be valued at its fair
market value at the time of such transfer, in each case as determined in good
faith by the Board of Directors.
 
     "Issue Date" means the date on which the Notes are originally issued.
 
     "Junior Subordinated Obligation" is defined under "Subordination."
 
     "Legal Holiday" means any Saturday, Sunday or other day on which banks in
the States of New York or Georgia are authorized or obligated by law to be
closed for business.
 
     "Lien" means (i) any mortgage, pledge, security interest, encumbrance, lien
or charge of any kind (including any conditional sale or other title retention
agreement or lease in the nature thereof) and (ii) any claim (whether direct or
indirect through subordination or other structural encumbrance) against any
Excess Spread Receivables sold or otherwise transferred by such Person to a
buyer, unless such Person is not liable for any losses thereon.
 
     "Net Available Cash" from an Asset Disposition means cash payments received
therefrom (including any cash payment received by way of deferred payment of
principal pursuant to a note or installment receivable or otherwise, but only as
and when received, but excluding any other consideration received in the form of
assumption by the acquiring Person of Indebtedness or other obligations relating
to such properties or assets or
 
                                       82
<PAGE>   84
 
received in any other noncash form) in each case net of (i) all legal, title and
recording tax expenses, commissions and other fees and expenses incurred, and
all federal, state, provincial, foreign and local taxes required to be accrued
as a liability under GAAP as a consequence of such Asset Disposition, (ii) all
payments made on any Indebtedness which is secured by any assets subject to such
Asset Disposition, in accordance with the terms of any Lien upon or other
security agreement of any kind with respect to such assets, or which must by its
terms, or in order to obtain a necessary consent to such Asset Disposition, or
by applicable law be, repaid out of the proceeds from such Asset Disposition,
and (iii) the deduction of appropriate amounts provided by the seller as a
reserve, in accordance with GAAP, against any liabilities associated with the
property or other assets disposed of in such Asset Disposition and retained by
the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary after such Asset Disposition.
 
     "Net Cash Proceeds," with respect to any issuance or sale of Capital Stock,
means the cash proceeds of such issuance or sale net of attorneys' fees,
accountants' fees, underwriters' or placement agents' fees, discounts or
commissions and brokerage, consultant and other fees actually incurred in
connection with such issuance or sale and net of taxes paid or payable as a
result thereof.
 
     "Non-Recourse Debt" means indebtedness (i) as to which neither the Company
nor any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (a) provides a Guarantee or other credit
support of any kind (including any undertaking, agreement or instrument that
would constitute Indebtedness), (b) is directly or indirectly liable (as the
primary obligor or otherwise), or (c) constitutes the lender; and (ii) no
default with respect to which (including any rights that the holders thereof may
have to take enforcement action against an Unrestricted Subsidiary) would permit
(upon notice, lapse of time or both) any holder of any other Indebtedness of the
Company or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries (other than the Notes and the
Subsidiary Guarantees) to declare a default on such other Indebtedness or cause
the payment thereof to be accelerated or payable prior to its stated maturity.
 
     "Parent" means Mego Financial and its successors, but only while such
company beneficially owns 40% or more of the Voting Stock of the Company.
 
     "PEC" means Preferred Equities Corporation and its successors.
 
     "Permitted Investment" means an Investment by the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary: (i) in a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary or a Person that, upon
the making of such Investment, will become a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary;
provided, however, that the primary business of such Wholly Owned Restricted
Subsidiary is a Related Business; (ii) in another Person if as a result of such
Investment such other Person is merged or consolidated with or into, or
transfers or conveys all or substantially all its assets to, the Company or a
Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that such Person's
primary business is a Related Business; (iii) while no Default or Event of
Default exists, any Investment in Persons engaged in a Related Business,
provided the aggregate amount of all Investments made by the Company and its
Restricted Subsidiaries after the Issue Date that constitute Permitted
Investments under this clause (iii)(and, without limitation, not including
Permitted Investments under clause (i) above), on any date (the "date of
determination"), may not exceed the sum of (a) $6,000,000, plus (b) the excess,
if any, of (A) 25% of Consolidated Net Income during the period (treated as one
accounting period) from the beginning of the first fiscal quarter commencing
after the Issue Date to the end of the fiscal quarter ended most recently prior
to the date of determination for which financial statements are available (or,
in case such Consolidated Net Income shall be a deficit, zero), over (B) the
aggregate amount of Restricted Payments made by the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries after the Issue Date (other than a Restricted Payment permitted to
be made pursuant to clause (i) or (ii) of paragraph (b) of the covenant
described above under "Certain Covenants -- Limitation on Restricted Payments"),
(iv) in the form of Temporary Cash Investments; (v) in the form of receivables
(other than Receivables) owing to the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary if
created or acquired in the ordinary course of business and payable or
dischargeable in accordance with customary trade terms; (vi) in the form of
payroll, travel and similar advances to cover matters that are expected at the
time of such advances ultimately to be treated as expenses for accounting
purposes and that are made in the ordinary course of business; (vii) in the form
of loans or advances to employees made in the ordinary course of business
consistent with past practices of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary in
an aggregate amount not to
 
                                       83
<PAGE>   85
 
exceed $250,000 outstanding at any time; (viii) in the form of stock,
obligations or securities received in settlement of debts created in the
ordinary course of business and owing to the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary or in satisfaction of judgments; (ix) in any Person to the extent
such Investment represents the non-cash portion of the consideration received
for an Asset Disposition as permitted pursuant to the covenant described under
"Certain Covenants -- Limitation on Sales of Assets and Subsidiary Stock",
provided the amount thereof does not exceed 10% of Consolidated Net Worth; (x)
in the form of Receivables of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary; and (xi)
in the form of Excess Spread Receivables, subordinated certificates or
Interest-only Certificates arising from a securitization or sale of Receivables
by the Company or any of its Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiaries (including any
securitization of a "pool" of receivables that, in addition to Receivables, also
includes loans, leases or other receivables of Persons other than the Company or
any Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary).
 
     "Permitted Liens" means, with respect to the Company and any Restricted
Subsidiary: (i) pledges or deposits by such Person under worker's compensation
laws, unemployment insurance laws or similar legislation, or good faith deposits
in connection with bids, tenders, contracts (other than for the payment of
Indebtedness) or leases to which such Person is a party, or deposits to secure
public or statutory obligations of such Person or deposits of cash or United
States government bonds to secure surety or appeal bonds to which such Person is
a party, or deposits as security for contested taxes or for the payment of rent,
in each case Incurred in the ordinary course of business; (ii) Liens imposed by
law, such as carriers', warehousemen's and mechanics' Liens, in each case for
amounts not yet due or being contested in good faith by appropriate proceedings
or other Liens arising out of judgments or awards against such Person with
respect to which such Person shall then be proceeding with an appeal or other
proceedings for review; (iii) Liens for property taxes not yet subject to
penalties for nonpayment or which are being contested in good faith and by
appropriate proceedings; (iv) minor survey exceptions, minor encumbrances,
easements or reservations of, or rights of others for, licenses, rights of way,
sewers, electric lines, telegraph and telephone lines and other similar
purposes, or zoning or other restrictions as to the use of real property, or
leases, subleases or other Liens incidental to the conduct of the business of
such Person or to the ownership of its properties which were not Incurred in
connection with Indebtedness and which do not in the aggregate materially
adversely affect the value of said properties or materially impair their use in
the operation of the business of such Person; (v) Liens securing Indebtedness of
such Person Incurred to finance the construction, purchase or lease of, or
repairs, improvements or additions to, equipment (including vehicles) of such
Person (but excluding Capital Stock of another Person); provided, however, that
the Lien may not extend to any other property owned by such Person or any of its
Subsidiaries at the time the Lien is Incurred, and the Indebtedness secured by
the Lien may not be Incurred more than 180 days after the later of the
acquisition, completion of construction, repair, improvement, addition or
commencement of full operation of the property subject to the Lien; (vi) Liens
on Receivables of the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary, as the case may be, to
secure Indebtedness permitted under the provisions described in clause (b)(1)
under "-- Certain Covenants -- Limitation on Indebtedness"; (vii) Liens on
Excess Spread Receivables (or on the Capital Stock of any Person substantially
all the assets of which are Excess Spread Receivables); provided, however, that
no such Liens may encumber Eligible Excess Spread Receivables of the Company and
its Restricted Subsidiaries in an amount equal to the sum of (1) the Specified
Percentage in effect at the creation of such Lien (the "determination date") of
the unpaid principal amount as of the determination date of the Notes and all
other unsecured Indebtedness of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries that
does not constitute Junior Subordinated Obligations (collectively, the
"Specified Unsecured Indebtedness"; the amount under this subclause (1) being
the "Base Set Aside"), plus (2) 25% of the excess, if any, of (x) the total
amount of Eligible Excess Spread Receivables shown on the balance sheet of the
Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries, determined on a consolidated basis in
accordance with GAAP, as of the determination date, over (y) the Base Set Aside,
provided that the sum of the Base Set Aside plus the amount in this clause (2)
(the "Excess Set Aside") shall not exceed 200% of Specified Unsecured
Indebtedness, plus (3) 10% of the excess, if any, of (x) the amount under the
foregoing subclause (2)(x), over (y) the sum of the Base Set Aside plus the
Excess Set Aside; (viii) Liens existing on the Issue Date and listed on a
schedule to the Indenture; (ix) Liens on property or shares of Capital Stock of
another Person at the time such other Person becomes a Restricted Subsidiary of
such Person; provided, however, that (A) such Liens are not created, incurred or
 
                                       84
<PAGE>   86
 
assumed in connection with, or in contemplation of, such other Person becoming a
Subsidiary or being designated a Restricted Subsidiary and (B) such Liens may
not extend to any other property owned by such Person or any of its Restricted
Subsidiaries; (x) Liens on property at the time such Person or any of its
Restricted Subsidiaries acquires the property, including any acquisition by
means of a merger or consolidation with or into such Person or a Restricted
Subsidiary of such Person; provided, however, that (A) such Liens are not
created, incurred or assumed in connection with, or in contemplation of, such
acquisition and (B) such Liens may not extend to any other property owned by
such Person or any of its Restricted Subsidiaries; (xi) Liens securing
Indebtedness or other obligations of a Restricted Subsidiary of such Person
owing to such Person or a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of such Person;
(xii) Liens (other than on any Excess Spread Receivables) securing Hedging
Obligations of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary so long as such Hedging
Obligations relate to Indebtedness that is, and is permitted under the Indenture
to be, secured by a Lien on the same property securing such Hedging Obligations;
(xiii) Liens to secure any Refinancing (or successive Refinancings) as a whole,
or in part, of any Indebtedness of the Company or such Restricted Subsidiary
secured by any Lien referred to in the foregoing clauses (v), (viii) and (ix);
provided, however, that (A) such new Lien shall be limited to all or part of the
same property that secured the original Lien (plus improvements to or on such
property), (B) the Indebtedness secured by such Lien at such time is not
increased to any amount greater than the sum of (1) the outstanding principal
amount or, if greater, committed amount of the Indebtedness described under
clause (v), (viii) or (ix), as the case may be, at the time the original Lien
became a Permitted Lien and (2) an amount necessary to pay any fees and
expenses, including premiums, related to such refinancing, refunding, extension,
renewal or replacement and (C) the Average Life of such Indebtedness is not
decreased, and (xiv) any Lien in the form of "over-collateralization" of the
senior certificates issued in, or subordination of or recourse to all or a
portion of Excess Spread Receivables of the Company or any Subsidiary
attributable to a securitization of Receivables, in each case to the extent
reflected in the book value of such Excess Spread Receivables, which Lien is in
favor of the holders of other interests in the trust relating to such
securitization, provided, however, that notwithstanding any of the foregoing
clauses, no Lien on Eligible Excess Spread Receivables, other than a Lien
permissible under the foregoing clauses (vii) and (xiv), shall be a Permitted
Lien. Notwithstanding the foregoing, "Permitted Liens" will not include any Lien
described in clause (v), (ix) or (x) above to the extent such Lien applies to
any Additional Assets acquired directly or indirectly from Net Available Cash
pursuant to the covenant described under "Certain Covenants -- Limitation on
Sale of Assets and Subsidiary Stock." Without limitation, for purposes of clause
(vii) of this definition, the Incurrence of any Indebtedness (or an increase in
the amount of any Indebtedness) secured by a Lien on Excess Spread Receivables
shall be considered the incurrence of a new Lien on such Excess Spread
Receivables, irrespective of whether a Lien securing other Indebtedness (or a
lesser amount of Indebtedness) already exists on such assets at the time of such
Incurrence.
 
     "Permitted Warehouse Indebtedness" means Warehouse Indebtedness in
connection with a Warehouse Facility; provided, however, that (i) the assets
being financed are eligible to be recorded as held for sale on the consolidated
balance sheet of the Company and its Restricted Subsidiaries in accordance with
GAAP, (ii) Warehouse Indebtedness constitutes Permitted Warehouse Indebtedness
only (a) if, in the case of Warehouse Indebtedness under a Purchase Facility,
recourse with respect to the obligations of the Company and its Restricted
Subsidiaries under such Warehouse Facility is limited to the Receivables
financed thereby or (b) in the case of any other Warehouse Indebtedness, to the
extent of the lesser of (A) the amount advanced by the lender with respect to
the Receivables financed under the Warehouse Facility, and (B) the principal
amount of such Receivables, and (iii) any such Indebtedness has not been
outstanding in excess of 360 days.
 
     "Permitted Warehouse Indebtedness Limitation" means, with respect to any
Warehouse Indebtedness of any Restricted Subsidiary, any covenant in the credit
documents under which such Warehouse Indebtedness is incurred to maintain the
consolidated net worth of such Restricted Subsidiary at a specified dollar
amount, provided that such covenant does not require such consolidated net worth
to be maintained at a level in excess of 85% of the consolidated net worth of
such Restricted Subsidiary shown on the most recently available consolidated
balance sheet of such Restricted Subsidiary at the time such credit documents
are entered into,
 
                                       85
<PAGE>   87
 
amended or renewed. For purposes of this definition, "consolidated net worth"
shall be determined in accordance with GAAP.
 
     "Person" means any individual, corporation, partnership, joint venture,
association, joint-stock company, limited liability company, trust,
unincorporated organization, government or any agency or political subdivision
thereof or any other entity.
 
     "Preferred Stock" as applied to the Capital Stock of any Person, means
Capital Stock of any class or classes (however designated) which is preferred as
to the payment of dividends, or as to the distribution of assets upon any
voluntary or involuntary liquidation or dissolution of such Person, over shares
of Capital Stock of any other class of such corporation.
 
     "Principal" of a Note means the principal of the Note payable on the Note
which is due or overdue or is to become due at the relevant time.
 
     "Public Equity Offering" means an underwritten primary public offering of
Common Stock of the Company pursuant to an effective registration statement
under the Securities Act.
 
     "Purchase Facility" means any Warehouse Facility pursuant to which the
Company or a Restricted Subsidiary sells Receivables to a financial institution
or other Person and retains a right of first refusal (or a right with similar
effect) upon the subsequent resale of such Receivables by such financial
institution.
 
     "Receivables" means loans, leases and receivables purchased or originated
by the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary in the ordinary course of business;
provided, however, that for purposes of determining the amount of a Receivable
at any time, such amount shall be determined in accordance with GAAP,
consistently applied, as of the most recent practicable date.
 
     "Refinance" means, in respect of any Indebtedness, to refinance, extend,
renew, refund, repay, prepay, redeem, defease or retire, or to issue other
Indebtedness in exchange or replacement for, such indebtedness. "Refinanced" and
"Refinancing" shall have correlative meanings.
 
     "Refinancing Indebtedness" means Indebtedness that Refinances any
Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary existing on the Issue
Date or Incurred in compliance with the Indenture, including Indebtedness that
Refinances Refinancing Indebtedness; provided, however, that (i) such
Refinancing Indebtedness has a Stated Maturity no earlier than the Stated
Maturity of the Indebtedness being Refinanced, (ii) such Refinancing
Indebtedness has an Average Life at the time such Refinancing Indebtedness is
Incurred that is equal to or greater than the Average Life of the Indebtedness
being Refinanced, (iii) such Refinancing Indebtedness has an aggregate principal
amount (or, if Incurred with original issue discount, an aggregate issue price)
that is equal to or less than the aggregate principal amount (or, if Incurred
with original issue discount, the aggregate accreted value) then outstanding or
committed (plus fees and expenses, including any premium and defeasance costs)
under the Indebtedness being Refinanced, and (iv) in the case of Refinancing
Indebtedness that Refinances any Junior Subordinated Obligations, such
Refinancing Indebtedness constitutes a Junior Subordinated Obligation; provided
further, however, that Refinancing Indebtedness shall not include (x)
Indebtedness of a Subsidiary that Refinances Indebtedness of the Company or
another Subsidiary or (y) Indebtedness of the Company or a Subsidiary that
Refinances Indebtedness of an Unrestricted Subsidiary.
 
     "Related Business" means any consumer lending business or any financial
service business directly relating to such business.
 
     "Representative" means, with respect to any Senior Indebtedness, any holder
thereof or any agent, trustee or other representative for any such holder.
 
     "Restricted Payment" with respect to any Person means: (i) the declaration
or payment of any dividends or any other distributions of any sort in respect of
its Capital Stock (including any payment in connection with any merger or
consolidation involving such Person) or similar payment to the direct or
indirect holders of its Capital Stock (other than (A) dividends or distributions
payable solely in its Capital Stock (other than Disqualified Stock), and (B)
dividends or distributions payable solely to the Company or a Wholly Owned
 
                                       86
<PAGE>   88
 
Restricted Subsidiary; (ii) the purchase, redemption or other acquisition or
retirement for value of any Capital Stock of the Company held by any Person or
of any Capital Stock of a Restricted Subsidiary held by any Affiliate of the
Company (other than a Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary), including the
exercise of any option to exchange any Capital Stock (other than into Capital
Stock of the Company that is not Disqualified Stock); (iii) the payment,
purchase, repurchase, redemption, defeasance or other acquisition or retirement
for value, prior to scheduled maturity, scheduled repayment or scheduled sinking
fund payment of any Junior Subordinated Obligations of the Company or any
Restricted Subsidiary; or (iv) the making of any Investment (other than a
Permitted Investment) in any Person. Notwithstanding the foregoing, solely for
purposes of calculating the aggregate amount of "other Restricted Payments since
the Issue Date," as used in clause (iii) of paragraph (a) of the covenant
described under "-- Certain Covenants -- Limitation on Restricted Payments," any
Investment that constitutes a Permitted Investment under clause (iii) of the
definition of "Permitted Investment" shall be considered a Restricted Payment
(but such a Permitted Investment shall not be considered a Restricted Payment
for any other purpose).
 
     "Restricted Subsidiary" means any Subsidiary of the Company that is not an
Unrestricted Subsidiary.
 
     "SEC" means the Securities and Exchange Commission.
 
     "Senior Indebtedness" means principal of and interest (including interest
accruing on or after the filing of any petition in bankruptcy or for
reorganization relating to the Company or a Subsidiary, as applicable, to the
extent postpetition interest is allowed in such proceeding) and premium, if any,
on (a) any Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary of the type
referred to in clause (i), (ii), (iii), (iv) or (vi) of the definition of
"Indebtedness," or (b) all Guarantees by the Company or any Restricted
Subsidiary with respect to Indebtedness referred to in the foregoing clause (a),
unless, in the case of clause (a) or (b), the instrument under which such
Indebtedness is incurred expressly provides that it is pari passu with or
subordinated in right of payment to the Notes (in the case of Indebtedness being
Incurred by the Company) or the Subsidiary Guarantee of such Restricted
Subsidiary (in the case of Indebtedness being Incurred by any Restricted
Subsidiary). Notwithstanding the foregoing, Senior Indebtedness shall not
include (a) any liability for federal, state, local, foreign or other taxes, (b)
any Indebtedness of the Company or any Restricted Subsidiary to any Affiliates
(including obligations under the Tax Sharing Agreement, as amended from time to
time), (c) any trade accounts payable and expense accruals, (d) any Indebtedness
that is Incurred in violation of the Indenture, and (e) Indebtedness owed for
compensation or for services rendered.
 
     "Special Purpose Subsidiary" means a Restricted Subsidiary formed in
connection with a securitization of Receivables (i) all the Capital Stock of
which (other than directors' qualifying shares and shares held by other Persons
to the extent such shares are required by applicable law to be held by a Person
other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) is owned by the Company or
one or more Restricted Subsidiaries, (ii) that has no assets other than Excess
Spread Receivables created in such securitization, (iii) that conducts no
business other than holding such Excess Spread Receivables, and (iv) that has no
Indebtedness (other than short-term Indebtedness to the Company or any Wholly
Owned Restricted Subsidiary attributable to the purchase by such Restricted
Subsidiary from the Company or such Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary of such
Receivables, which Indebtedness is paid in full upon closing of such
securitization).
 
     "Specified Percentage" means (i) at any time prior to the date that is 6
months after the Issue Date, 0%, (ii) subject to clause (i), at any time prior
to the date that is 12 months after the Issue Date, 20%, (iii) subject to
clauses (i) and (ii), at any time prior to the date that is 18 months after the
Issue Date, 40%, (iv) subject to clauses (i), (ii) and (iii), at any time prior
to the date that is 24 months after the Issue Date, 90%, and (v) at any other
time, 125%.
 
     "Stated Maturity" means, with respect to any security, the date specified
in such security as the fixed date on which the final payment of principal of
such security is due and payable, including pursuant to any mandatory redemption
provision (but excluding any provision providing for the repurchase of such
security at the option of the holder thereof upon the happening of any
contingency unless such contingency has occurred).
 
                                       87
<PAGE>   89
 
     "Subsidiary" means, in respect of any Person, any corporation, association,
partnership or other business entity of which more than 50% of the total voting
power of shares of Capital Stock or other interests (including partnership
interests) entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to
vote in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof is at the time
owned or controlled, directly or indirectly, by (i) such Person, (ii) such
Person and one or more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person or (iii) one or
more Wholly Owned Subsidiaries of such Person. Unless otherwise specified,
"Subsidiary" means a Subsidiary of the Company.
 
     "Tax Sharing Agreement" means the tax allocation and indemnity agreement,
dated as of November 22, 1996, by and between Mego Financial and the Company,
without regard to any amendments, supplements or other modifications thereof
after the Issue Date.
 
     "Temporary Cash Investments" means any of the following: (i) any investment
in direct obligations of the United States of America or any agency thereof or
obligations guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States of
America or any agency thereof and maturing within 180 days after acquisition
thereof; (ii) investments in demand deposit accounts or time deposit accounts,
certificates of deposit and money market deposits maturing within 180 days of
the date of acquisition thereof issued by a bank or trust company that is not an
Affiliate of the Company and that is organized under the laws of the United
States of America or any state thereof, which bank or trust company has capital,
surplus and undivided profits aggregating in excess of $500,000,000 and has
outstanding debt which is rated "AA" (or similar equivalent rating) or higher by
at least one nationally recognized statistical rating organization (as defined
in Rule 436 under the Securities Act) or any money-market fund sponsored by a
registered broker-dealer or mutual fund distributor; (iii) repurchase
obligations with a term of not more than 30 days for underlying securities of
the types described in clause (i) above entered into with a bank meeting the
qualifications described in clause (ii) above; (iv) investments in commercial
paper, maturing not more than 90 days after the date of acquisition, issued by a
corporation (other than an Affiliate of the Company) organized and in existence
under the laws of the United States of America with a rating of "P-1" or higher
according to Moody's Investors Service, Inc. or "A-1" or higher according to
Standard & Poor's Ratings Group; and (v) investments in securities with
maturities of six months or less from the date of acquisition issued or fully
guaranteed by any state, commonwealth or territory of the United States of
America, or by any political subdivision or taxing authority thereof, and rated
at least "A" by Standard & Poor's Ratings Group or Moody's Investors Service,
Inc.
 
     "Unrestricted Subsidiary" means (i) any Subsidiary of the Company that at
the time of determination shall be designated an Unrestricted Subsidiary by the
Board of Directors in the manner provided below and (ii) any Subsidiary of an
Unrestricted Subsidiary. The Board of Directors may designate any Subsidiary of
the Company (including any newly acquired or newly formed Subsidiary) to be an
Unrestricted Subsidiary unless (a) such Subsidiary or any of its Subsidiaries
owns any Capital Stock or Indebtedness of, or holds any Lien on any property of,
the Company or any other Subsidiary of the Company that is not a Subsidiary of
the Subsidiary to be so designated or (b) any such Subsidiary has outstanding
any Indebtedness other than Non-Recourse Debt; provided, however, that such
designation would be a permitted Restricted Investment under the covenant
described under " -- Certain Covenants -- Limitation on Restricted Payments".
The Board of Directors may designate any Unrestricted Subsidiary to be a
Restricted Subsidiary; provided, however, that immediately after giving effect
to such designation (x) the Company could Incur $1.00 of additional Indebtedness
under paragraph (a) of the covenant described under " -- Certain
Covenants -- Limitation on Indebtedness" and (y) no Default or Event of Default
shall have occurred and be continuing or would result therefrom (giving pro
forma effect to the Incurrence of the Indebtedness of such Subsidiary). Any such
designation by the Board of Directors shall be evidenced by the Company to the
Trustee by promptly filing with the Trustee a copy of the board resolution
giving effect to such designation and an Officers' Certificate certifying that
such designation complied with the foregoing provisions. If any Subsidiary at
any time shall fail to meet the foregoing requirements for designation as an
Unrestricted Subsidiary, it shall thereafter be designated as a Restricted
Subsidiary for purposes of the Indenture and any Indebtedness of such Subsidiary
shall be deemed to be Incurred by such Subsidiary as of such date.
 
                                       88
<PAGE>   90
 
     "U.S. Government Obligations" means direct obligations (or certificates
representing an ownership interest in such obligations) of the United States of
America (including any agency or instrumentality thereof) for the payment of
which the full faith and credit of the United States of America is pledged and
which are not callable at the issuer's option.
 
     "Voting Stock" of a Person means all classes of Capital Stock or other
interests (including partnership interests) of such Person then outstanding and
normally entitled (without regard to the occurrence of any contingency) to vote
in the election of directors, managers or trustees thereof.
 
     "Warehouse Facility" means any funding arrangement with a financial
institution or other lender or purchaser exclusively to finance the purchase or
origination of Receivables by the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary of the
Company for the purpose of pooling such Receivables prior to securitization or
sale in the ordinary course of business, including any Purchase Facilities.
 
     "Warehouse Indebtedness" means the consideration received by the Company or
its Restricted Subsidiaries under a Warehouse Facility with respect to
Receivables until such time such Receivables are (i) securitized, (ii)
repurchased by the Company or its Restricted Subsidiaries or (iii) sold by the
counterpart under the Warehouse Facility to a Person who is not an Affiliate of
the Company.
 
     "Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiary" means a Restricted Subsidiary all the
Capital Stock of which (other than directors' qualifying shares and shares held
by other Persons to the extent such shares are required by applicable law to be
held by a Person other than the Company or a Restricted Subsidiary) is owned by
the Company or one or more Wholly Owned Restricted Subsidiaries.
 
     "Wholly Owned Subsidiary" means a Subsidiary all the Capital Stock of which
(other than directors' qualifying shares and shares held by other Persons to the
extent such shares are required by applicable law to be held by a Person other
than the Company or a Subsidiary) is owned by the Company or one or more Wholly
Owned Subsidiaries.
 
                                       89
<PAGE>   91
 
                                  UNDERWRITING
 
     Subject to the terms and conditions contained in an underwriting agreement
with respect to the Offering among the Company and the underwriters named below
(the "Underwriters"), for whom Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc. and
Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. are acting as representatives (the "Representatives"),
each of the Underwriters has severally agreed to purchase from the Company, and
the Company has agreed to sell to the Underwriters, the respective aggregate
principal amount of the Notes set forth opposite their names below.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                          AGGREGATE PRINCIPAL
                                    NAME                                    AMOUNT OF NOTES
    --------------------------------------------------------------------  -------------------
    <S>                                                                   <C>
    Friedman, Billings, Ramsey & Co., Inc. .............................      $28,000,000
    Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. ............................................       12,000,000
                                                                                ---------
              Total.....................................................      $40,000,000
                                                                                =========
</TABLE>
 
     The Underwriting Agreement provides that the obligations of the several
Underwriters thereunder are subject to approval of certain legal matters by
counsel and to various other conditions. The Underwriters are committed to
purchase all of the Notes if any are purchased.
 
     The Underwriters propose to offer the Notes directly to the public at the
initial public offering price set forth on the cover page of this Prospectus and
to certain dealers at such price less a concession not in excess of 3% of the
principal amount. The Underwriters may allow, and such dealers may reallow, a
concession not in excess of 1% of the principal amount on sales to certain other
dealers. The offering of the Notes is made for delivery when, as and if accepted
by the Underwriters and is subject to prior sale and to withdrawal, cancellation
or modification of the offer without notice. The Underwriters reserve the right
to reject any offer for the purchase of the Notes. After the initial public
offering of the Notes, the public offering price and other selling terms may be
changed by the Underwriters.
 
     Prior to the Offering, there has been no public trading market for the
Notes and there can be no assurance that any active trading market will develop
for the Notes or, if developed, will be maintained.
 
     The Representatives have informed the Company that the Underwriters do not
intend to confirm sales to any accounts over which they exercise discretionary
authority.
 
     The Company has agreed to indemnify the several Underwriters against
certain liabilities, including liabilities under the federal securities laws, or
to contribute to payments that the Underwriters may be required to make in
respect thereof.
 
     Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. has provided from time to time, and expects to
provide in the future, investment banking and financial services to the Company
and its affiliates, for which Oppenheimer & Co., Inc. has received and will
receive customary fees and commissions.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     The legality of the Notes offered hereby will be passed upon for the
Company by Greenberg, Traurig, Hoffman, Lipoff, Rosen & Quentel, P.A., Miami,
Florida. Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, New York, New York has acted as counsel
for the Underwriters in connection with the Offering.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The financial statements included in this Prospectus have been audited by
Deloitte & Touche LLP, independent auditors, as stated in their report appearing
herein and elsewhere in the registration statement, and are so included in
reliance upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.
 
                                       90
<PAGE>   92
 
                             ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
 
     The Company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the
"Commission") a Registration Statement on Form S-1 (together with all
amendments, exhibits and schedules thereto, the "Registration Statement") under
the Securities Act, with respect to the Notes offered hereby. This Prospectus
does not contain all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement.
For further information with respect to the Company and the Notes offered
hereby, reference is hereby made to such Registration Statement. Statements
contained in this Prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other
document are not necessarily complete and, in each instance, reference is made
to the copy of such contract or document filed as an exhibit to the Registration
Statement, each such statement being qualified in all respects by such
reference. Copies of the Registration Statement, including all exhibits thereto,
may be obtained from the Commission's principal office at 450 Fifth Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, upon payment of the fees prescribed by the
Commission, or may be examined without charge at the offices of the Commission
at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Room 1024, Washington, D.C. 20549, as well as the
Commission's regional offices at Seven World Trade Center, Suite 1300, New York,
New York 10048, and Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, Suite
1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511. In addition, copies of the Registration
Statement and related documents may be obtained from the Commission's web site
at http://www.sec.gov.
 
     Upon completion of the Offering and the Common Stock Offering, the Company
will be subject to the reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of
1934, as amended, and in accordance therewith will file annual and quarterly
reports, proxy statements and other information with the Commission. Such
reports, proxy statements and other information may be inspected, and copies of
such material may be obtained upon payment of prescribed fees, at the
Commission's Public Reference Section at the addresses set forth above.
 
     The Company intends to furnish its stockholders with annual reports
containing audited financial statements of the Company which have been certified
by its independent public accountants.
 
                                       91
<PAGE>   93
 
                           MEGO MORTGAGE CORPORATION
 
                         INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                        PAGE
                                                                                        ----
<S>                                                                                     <C>
Independent Auditors' Report..........................................................  F-2
Financial Statements:
  Statements of Financial Condition -- August 31, 1995 and 1996.......................  F-3
  Statements of Operations -- Years Ended August 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996..............  F-4
  Statements of Cash Flows -- Years Ended August 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996..............  F-5
  Statements of Stockholder's Equity -- Years Ended August 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996....  F-6
Notes to Financial Statements.........................................................  F-7
</TABLE>
 
                                       F-1
<PAGE>   94
 
                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
 
To the Board of Directors and Stockholder of
Mego Mortgage Corporation
Las Vegas, Nevada
 
     We have audited the accompanying statements of financial condition of Mego
Mortgage Corporation (a wholly owned subsidiary of Mego Financial Corp.) (the
"Company") as of August 31, 1995 and 1996, and the related statements of
operations, stockholder's equity and of cash flows for each of the three years
in the period ended August 31, 1996. These financial statements are the
responsibility of the Company's management. Our responsibility is to express an
opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.
 
     We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain
reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting
the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An audit also includes
assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by
management, as well as evaluating the overall financial statement presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
 
     In our opinion, such financial statements referred to above present fairly,
in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of August 31,
1995 and 1996, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of
the three years in the period ended August 31, 1996 in conformity with generally
accepted accounting principles.
 
     As discussed in Note 16 to the financial statements, the accompanying 1994
financial statements have been restated.
 
     As discussed in Note 2 to the financial statements, the Company adopted
Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 122, Accounting for Mortgage
Servicing Rights effective September 1, 1994.
 
DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP
 
Las Vegas, Nevada
October 28, 1996
 
                                       F-2
<PAGE>   95
 
                           MEGO MORTGAGE CORPORATION
 
                       STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION
                           (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                AUGUST 31,
                                                                             -----------------
                                                                              1995      1996
                                                                             -------   -------
<S>                                                                          <C>       <C>
                                            ASSETS
Cash.......................................................................  $   752   $   443
Cash deposits, restricted..................................................    2,532     4,474
Loans held for sale, net of allowance for credit losses of $74 and $95.....    3,676     4,610
Mortgage related securities, at fair value.................................       --    22,944
Excess servicing rights....................................................   14,483    12,121
Mortgage servicing rights..................................................    1,076     3,827
Other receivables..........................................................      142        59
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation of $108 and $279...      429       865
Organizational costs, net of amortization..................................      675       482
Other assets...............................................................      316       781
                                                                             -------   -------
          TOTAL ASSETS.....................................................  $24,081   $50,606
                                                                             =======   =======
                             LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
Liabilities:
  Notes and contracts payable..............................................  $ 1,458   $14,197
  Accounts payable and accrued liabilities.................................    2,239     4,066
  Allowance for credit losses on loans sold with recourse..................      886       920
  Due to parent company....................................................    8,453    11,994
  Due to affiliated company................................................       --       819
  State income taxes payable...............................................      264       909
                                                                             -------   -------
          Total liabilities................................................   13,300    32,905
                                                                             -------   -------
Stockholder's equity:
  Common Stock -- $.01 par value per share
     Authorized -- 50,000,000 shares
     Issued and outstanding -- 10,000,000 shares...........................      100       100
  Additional paid in capital...............................................    8,550     8,550
  Retained earnings........................................................    2,131     9,051
                                                                             -------   -------
          Total stockholder's equity.......................................   10,781    17,701
                                                                             -------   -------
          TOTAL LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY.......................  $24,081   $50,606
                                                                             =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
                       See notes to financial statements.
 
                                       F-3
<PAGE>   96
 
                           MEGO MORTGAGE CORPORATION
 
                            STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
                (THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS EXCEPT PER SHARE AMOUNTS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                             FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
                                                         ---------------------------------------
                                                            1994          1995          1996
                                                         -----------     -------     -----------
                                                             (AS      
                                                         RESTATED --  
                                                          NOTE 16)    
<S>                                                      <C>             <C>         <C>
REVENUES
  Gain on sale of loans................................    $   579       $12,233     $    17,994
  Net unrealized gain on mortgage related securities...         --            --           2,697
  Loan servicing income................................         --           873           3,348
  Interest income, net of interest expense of $107,
     $468, and $1,116..................................        172           473             988
                                                           -------       -------         -------
          Total revenues...............................        751        13,579          25,027
                                                           -------       -------         -------
COSTS AND EXPENSES
  Provision for credit losses..........................         96           864           1,510
  Depreciation and amortization........................        136           403             394
  Other interest.......................................         22           187             167
  General and administrative:
     Payroll and benefits..............................        975         3,611           5,031
     Commissions and selling...........................         13           552           2,013
     Professional services.............................         --           177             732
     Servicing fees paid to affiliate..................         13           232             709
     Management services by affiliate..................        442           690             671
     FHA insurance.....................................         11           231             572
     Other.............................................        554           713           2,073
                                                           -------       -------         -------
          Total costs and expenses.....................      2,262         7,660          13,872
                                                           -------       -------         -------
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE INCOME TAXES......................     (1,511)        5,919          11,155
INCOME TAXES...........................................         --         2,277           4,235
                                                           -------       -------         -------
NET INCOME (LOSS)......................................    $(1,511)      $ 3,642     $     6,920
                                                           =======       =======         =======
PRO-FORMA NET INCOME PER SHARE (Note 2) (Unaudited)....                              $      0.60
                                                                                         =======
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding
  (Note 2).............................................                               10,000,000
                                                                                         =======
</TABLE>
 
                       See notes to financial statements.
 
                                       F-4
<PAGE>   97
 
                           MEGO MORTGAGE CORPORATION
 
                            STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOW
                           (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                          FOR THE YEARS ENDED
                                                                                              AUGUST 31,
                                                                                  -----------------------------------
                                                                                      1994          1995       1996
                                                                                  -------------   --------   --------
                                                                                       (AS       
                                                                                   RESTATED--    
                                                                                    NOTE 16)     
<S>                                                                               <C>             <C>        <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
  Net income (loss)..............................................................    ($1,511)     $  3,642   $  6,920
                                                                                    --------      --------   --------
  Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash used in operating
    activities:
    Additions to mortgage servicing rights.......................................         --        (1,176)    (3,306)
    Additions to excess servicing rights.........................................       (904)      (14,098)   (20,563)
    Net unrealized gain on mortgage related securities...........................         --            --     (2,697)
    Provisions for estimated credit losses.......................................         96           864      1,510
    Deferred income taxes........................................................         --           230        673
    Depreciation and amortization expense........................................        136           403        394
    Amortization of excess servicing rights......................................         --           519      2,144
    Amortization of mortgage servicing rights....................................         --           100        555
    Accretion of residual interest in mortgage related securities................         --            --       (243)
    Repayments of mortgage related securities....................................         --            --         92
    Loans originated for sale, net of loan fees..................................     (8,164)      (87,751)  (139,367)
    Repayments on loans held for sale............................................        116           131        504
    Proceeds from sale of loans..................................................      6,397        84,952    135,483
    Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
      Increase in cash deposits, restricted......................................         --        (2,532)    (1,942)
      (Increase) decrease in other assets, net...................................       (342)          375      1,248
      Increase in state income taxes payable.....................................         --           264        670
      Increase in other liabilities, net.........................................        279         1,959      1,827
      Additions to due to affiliated company.....................................      1,547         3,581      2,100
      Payments on due to affiliated company......................................     (2,052)       (3,305)    (1,281)
                                                                                    --------      --------   --------
         Total adjustments.......................................................     (2,891)      (15,484)   (22,199)
                                                                                    --------      --------   --------
         Net cash used in operating activities...................................     (4,402)      (11,842)   (15,279)
                                                                                    --------      --------   --------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
  Purchase of property and equipment.............................................       (263)         (274)      (637)
                                                                                    --------      --------   --------
         Net cash used in investing activities...................................       (263)         (274)      (637)
                                                                                    --------      --------   --------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
  Proceeds from borrowings on notes and contracts payable........................      6,275        77,178    146,448
  Payments on notes and contracts payable........................................     (5,638)      (76,357)  (133,709)
  Additions in due to parent company.............................................         --        10,836      8,368
  Payments on due to parent company..............................................         --        (2,613)    (5,500)
  Receipt of common stock subscription...........................................      4,500            --         --
  Increase in additional paid-in capital.........................................         --         3,000         --
                                                                                    --------      --------   --------
         Net cash provided by financing activities...............................      5,137        12,044     15,607
                                                                                    --------      --------   --------
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH..................................................        472           (72)      (309)
CASH -- BEGINNING OF YEAR........................................................        352           824        752
                                                                                    --------      --------   --------
CASH -- END OF YEAR..............................................................    $   824      $    752   $    443
                                                                                    ========      ========   ========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
  Cash paid during the year for:
    Interest.....................................................................    $    38      $    618   $    964
                                                                                    ========      ========   ========
    Income taxes.................................................................    $    --      $      3   $     25
                                                                                    ========      ========   ========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURE OF NON-CASH ACTIVITIES:
  In connection with the securitization of loans and creation of mortgage related
    securities, the Company retained an interest only security and a residual
    interest security............................................................    $    --      $     --   $ 20,096
                                                                                    ========      ========   ========
  In connection with the organization of the Company, the Company's parent issued
    475,000 shares of its Common Stock to an unrelated entity for services
    rendered.....................................................................    $   650      $     --   $     --
                                                                                    ========      ========   ========
</TABLE>
 
                       See notes to financial statements.
 
                                       F-5
<PAGE>   98
 
                           MEGO MORTGAGE CORPORATION
 
                       STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDER'S EQUITY
             FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1994 AND 1995 AND 1996
                           (IN THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS)
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                    COMMON STOCK       ADDITIONAL   RETAINED
                                                 -------------------    PAID IN     EARNINGS
                                                   SHARES     AMOUNT    CAPITAL     DEFICIT     TOTAL
                                                 ----------   ------   ----------   --------   -------
<S>                                              <C>          <C>      <C>          <C>        <C>
BALANCE AT SEPTEMBER 1, 1993...................  10,000,000    $100      $4,900     $     --   $ 5,000
Additional paid-in capital.....................          --      --         650           --       650
Net loss for the year ended August 31, 1994 (as
  restated -- Note 16).........................          --      --          --       (1,511)   (1,511)
                                                 ----------    ----      ------      -------   -------
BALANCE AT AUGUST 31, 1994 (AS RESTATED -- NOTE
  16)..........................................  10,000,000     100       5,550       (1,511)    4,139
Additional paid-in capital.....................          --      --       3,000           --     3,000
Net income for the year ended August 31,
  1995.........................................          --      --          --        3,642     3,642
                                                 ----------    ----      ------      -------   -------
BALANCE AT AUGUST 31, 1995.....................  10,000,000     100       8,550        2,131    10,781
Net income for the year ended August 31,
  1996.........................................          --      --          --        6,920     6,920
                                                 ----------    ----      ------      -------   -------
BALANCE AT AUGUST 31, 1996.....................  10,000,000    $100      $8,550     $  9,051   $17,701
                                                 ==========    ====      ======      =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
                       See notes to financial statements.
 
                                       F-6
<PAGE>   99
 
                           MEGO MORTGAGE CORPORATION
 
                         NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
               FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31, 1994, 1995 AND 1996
 
1.  NATURE OF OPERATIONS
 
     Mego Mortgage Corporation (the Company) was incorporated on June 12, 1992,
in the State of Delaware. The authorized capital stock of the Company is
50,000,000 shares of Common Stock with a par value of $.01 per share. The
Company issued a total of 10,000,000 shares of its capital stock to Mego
Financial Corp. (Mego Financial), a New York corporation, for $5,000,000 and
became a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mego Financial. The Company, through its
loan correspondents and home improvement contractors, is primarily engaged in
the business of originating, selling, servicing and pooling home improvement
loans, which qualify under the provisions of Title I of the National Housing Act
which is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD). Pursuant to that program, 90% of the principal balances of the loans are
U.S. government insured (Title I Loans), with cumulative maximum coverage equal
to 10% of all Title I Loans originated by the Company. In May 1996, the Company
commenced the origination of conventional home improvement and equity loans
through its network of loan correspondents.
 
2.  SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
 
     Cash Deposits, Restricted -- Restricted cash represents cash on deposit
which is restricted in accordance with the loan sale agreements and
untransmitted funds received from collection of loans which have not as yet been
disbursed to the purchasers of such loans in accordance with the loan sale
agreements.
 
     Loans Held for Sale -- Loans held for sale are carried at the lower of
aggregate cost or market value in the accompanying Statements of Financial
Condition, net of allowance for credit losses. Loan origination fees and direct
origination costs are deferred until the loan is sold.
 
     Mortgage Related Securities -- In 1996, the Company securitized a majority
of loans originated into the form of a REMIC. A REMIC is a trust issuing
multi-class securities with certain tax advantages to investors and which
derives its cash flow from a pool of underlying mortgages. Certain of the senior
classes of the REMICs are sold, and an interest only strip and a subordinated
residual class are retained by the Company. The subordinated residual class is
in the form of residual certificates and are classified as residual interest
securities. The documents governing the Company's securitizations require the
Company to establish initial overcollateralization or build
overcollateralization levels through retention of distributions by the REMIC
trust otherwise payable to the Company as the residual interest holder. This
overcollateralization causes the aggregate principal amount of the loans in the
related pool and/or cash reserves to exceed the aggregate principal balance of
the outstanding investor certificates. Such excess amounts serve as credit
enhancement for the related REMIC trust. To the extent that borrowers default on
the payment of principal or interest on the loans, losses will reduce the
overcollateralization and cash flows otherwise payable to the residual interest
security holder to the extent that funds are available. If payment defaults
exceed the amount of overcollateralization, as applicable, the insurance policy
maintained by the related REMIC trust will pay any further losses experienced by
holders of the senior interests in the related REMIC trust. The Company does not
have any recourse obligations for credit losses in the REMIC trust. The residual
interests are amortized to operations over the contractual lives of the loans,
considering future estimated prepayments utilizing an amortization method which
approximates the level yield method.
 
     The Company adopted Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (SFAS) No.
115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in Debt and Equity Securities" (SFAS
115) on September 1, 1995. There was no cumulative financial statement impact as
a result of adopting SFAS 115.
 
     In accordance with the provisions of SFAS 115, the Company classifies
residual interest securities and interest only securities as trading securities
which are recorded at fair value with any unrealized gains or losses recorded in
the results of operations in the period of the change in fair value. Valuations
at origination and at each reporting period are based on discounted cash flow
analyses. The cash flows are estimated as the excess
 
                                       F-7
<PAGE>   100
 
                           MEGO MORTGAGE CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
of the weighted average coupon on each pool of loans securitized over the sum of
the pass-through interest rate, servicing fees, a trustee fee, an insurance fee
and an estimate of annual future credit losses, net of FHA insurance recoveries,
related to the loans securitized, over the life of the loans. These cash flows
are projected over the life of the loans using prepayment, default, and loss
assumptions that the Company believes market participants would use for similar
financial instruments and are discounted using an interest rate that the Company
believes a purchaser unrelated to the seller of such a financial instrument
would require. The Company utilized prepayment assumptions of 14%, estimated
loss factor assumptions of 1%, and weighted average discount rates of 12%. The
valuation includes consideration of characteristics of the loans including loan
type and size, interest rate, origination date, and term. The Company also uses
other available information such as externally prepared reports on prepayment
rates and industry default rates of the type of loan portfolio under review. To
the Company's knowledge, there is no active market for the sale of these
mortgage related securities. The range of values attributable to the factors
used in determining fair value is broad. Although the Company believes that it
has made reasonable estimates of the fair value of the mortgage related
securities, the rate of prepayments and default rates utilized are estimates,
and actual experience may vary.
 
     Revenue Recognition-Gain on Sale of Loans -- Gain on sale of loans includes
the gain on sale of mortgage related securities and the gain on sale of loans
held for sale. In accordance with Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No.
88-11, the gain on sale of mortgage related securities is determined by an
allocation of the cost of the securities based on the relative fair value of the
securities sold and the securities retained. The Company retains an interest
only strip security and a residual interest security.
 
     The present value of expected net cash flows from the sale of loans are
recorded at the time of sale as excess servicing rights. Excess servicing rights
are amortized as a charge to income, as payments are received on the retained
interest differential over the estimated life of the underlying loans. Excess
servicing rights are recorded at the lower of unamortized cost or estimated fair
value. The expected cash flows used to determine the excess servicing rights
asset have been reduced for potential losses, net of FHA insurance recoveries,
under recourse provisions of the sales agreements. The allowance for losses on
loans sold with recourse represents the Company's estimate of losses, net of FHA
insurance recoveries, to be incurred in connection with the recourse provisions
of the sales agreements and is shown separately as a liability in the Company's
Statements of Financial Condition.
 
     In discounting cash flows related to loan sales, the Company defers
servicing income at annual rates of 1% to 1.25% and discounts cash flows on its
sales at the rate it believes a purchaser would require as a rate of return. The
cash flows were discounted to present value using discount rates which averaged
12% for the years ended August 31, 1994, 1995, and 1996. The Company has
developed its assumptions based on experience with its own portfolio, available
market data and ongoing consultation with its investment bankers.
 
     In determining expected cash flows, management considers economic
conditions at the date of sale. In subsequent periods, these estimates may be
revised as necessary using the original discount rate, and any losses arising
from prepayment and loss experience will be recognized as realized.
 
     Mortgage Servicing Rights -- At August 31, 1995, effective September 1,
1994, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS No. 122 "Accounting for
Mortgage Servicing Rights -- an amendment of SFAS No. 65" (SFAS 122) which
requires that a mortgage banking enterprise recognize as separate assets the
rights to service mortgage loans for others however those servicing rights are
acquired. The effect of adopting SFAS No. 122 on the Company's financial
statements was to increase income before income taxes by $1,076,000 for the year
ended August 31, 1995. The fair value of capitalized mortgage servicing rights
is estimated by calculating the present value of expected net cash flows from
mortgage servicing using assumptions the Company believes market participants
would use in their estimates of future servicing income and expense, including
assumptions about prepayment, default and interest rates. Mortgage servicing
rights are amortized in proportion to and over the period of estimated net
servicing income. The estimate of fair value was based on
 
                                       F-8
<PAGE>   101
 
                           MEGO MORTGAGE CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
a 125 basis points per annum servicing fee reduced by estimated costs of
servicing using a discount rate of 12% for the year ended August 31, 1996, and a
100 basis points per annum servicing fee reduced by estimated costs of servicing
using a discount rate of 12% for the year ended August 31, 1995. At August 31,
1995 and August 31, 1996, the book value of mortgage servicing rights
approximated fair value. The Company periodically reviews mortgage servicing
rights to determine impairment. This review is performed on a disaggregated
basis, based upon date of origination. Impairment is recognized in a valuation
allowance for each pool in the period of impairment. The Company has developed
its assumptions based on experience with its own portfolio, available market
data and ongoing consultation with its investment bankers.
 
     Allowance for Credit Losses -- Provision for credit losses relating to
unsold loans is recorded as expense in amounts sufficient to maintain the
allowance at a level considered adequate to provide for anticipated losses
resulting from liquidation of outstanding loans. The provision for credit losses
is based upon periodic analysis of the portfolio, economic conditions and
trends, historical credit loss experience, borrowers' ability to repay,
collateral values, and estimated Federal Housing Authority (FHA) insurance
recoveries on Title I Loans.
 
     Property and Equipment -- Property and equipment is stated at cost and is
depreciated over its estimated useful life (generally five years) using the
straight-line method. Costs of maintenance and repairs that do not improve or
extend the life of the respective assets are recorded as expense.
 
     Organizational Costs -- Organizational costs associated with the
commencement of originating, purchasing, selling and servicing of Title I Loans
are being amortized over a five year period which commenced on March 1, 1994.
Such amortization is included in depreciation and amortization expense on the
Statements of Operations. Accumulated amortization related to organizational
costs was $289,000 and $482,000 at August 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
 
     Loan Origination Costs and Fees -- Loan origination costs and fees
including non-refundable loan origination fees and incremental direct costs
associated with loan originations are deferred and amortized over the lives of
the loans. Unamortized loan origination costs and fees are recorded as expense
or income upon the sale of the related loans.
 
     Allowance for Credit Losses on Loans Sold with Recourse -- Recourse to the
Company on sales of loans is governed by the agreements between the purchasers
and the Company. The allowance for credit losses on loans sold with recourse
represents the Company's estimate of its probable future credit losses to be
incurred over the lives of the loans, considering estimated future FHA insurance
recoveries on Title I Loans. No allowance for credit losses on loans sold with
recourse is established on loans sold through securitizations, as the Company
has no recourse obligation under those securitization agreements. Estimated
credit losses on loans sold through securitizations are considered in the
Company's valuation of its residual interest securities.
 
     Proceeds from the sale of loans with recourse provisions were $6,397,000,
$84,952,000, and $118,082,000 for the years ended August 31, 1994, 1995, and
1996, respectively.
 
     Interest Income -- Interest income is recorded as earned. Interest income
represents the interest earned on loans held for sale during the period prior to
their securitization or other sale, mortgage related securities, and short term
investments. In accordance with EITF Issue No. 89-4, the Company computes an
effective yield based on the carrying amount of each mortgage related security
and its estimated future cash flow. This yield is then used to accrue interest
income on the mortgage related security.
 
     During the period that a Title I Loan is 30 days through 270 days
delinquent, the Company accrues interest at the HUD guaranteed rate of 7% in
lieu of the contractual rate of the loan. When a Title I Loan becomes over 270
days contractually delinquent, it is placed on non-accrual status and interest
is recognized only as cash is received. Interest income on conventional loans
greater than 90 days delinquent is generally to be recognized on a cash basis.
 
                                       F-9
<PAGE>   102
 
                           MEGO MORTGAGE CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Loan Servicing Income -- Fees for servicing loans originated or acquired by
the Company and sold with servicing rights retained are generally based on a
stipulated percentage of the outstanding principal balance of such loans and are
recognized when earned. Interest received on loans sold, less amounts paid to
investors, is reported as loan servicing income. Capitalized mortgage servicing
rights and excess servicing rights are amortized systematically to reduce loan
servicing income to an amount representing normal servicing income and the
present value discount. Late charges and other miscellaneous income are
recognized when collected. Costs to service loans are recorded to expense as
incurred.
 
     Income Taxes -- The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return
with its parent, Mego Financial. Income taxes for the Company are provided for
on a separate return basis. As part of a tax sharing arrangement, the Company
has recorded a liability to Mego Financial for federal income taxes applied to
the Company's financial statement income after giving consideration to
applicable income tax law and statutory rates. The Company accounts for taxes
under SFAS No. 109, "Accounting for Income Taxes" (SFAS 109), which requires an
asset and liability approach.
 
     The provision for income taxes includes deferred income taxes, which result
from reporting items of income and expense for financial statement purposes in
different accounting periods than for income tax purposes. The Company also
provides for state income taxes at the rate of 6% of income before income taxes.
 
     Recently Issued Accounting Standards -- The Financial Accounting Standards
Board (the FASB) has issued Statement No. 121, "Accounting for the Impairment of
Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of" (SFAS 121). SFAS
121 requires that long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles be
reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate
that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. SFAS 121 is
effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 1995. The Company does
not anticipate any material effect upon adoption on results of operations or
financial condition.
 
     In October 1995, FASB issued SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation" (SFAS 123), which establishes financial accounting and reporting
standards for stock-based employee compensation plans. Those plans include all
arrangements by which employees receive shares of stock or other equity
instruments of the employer or the employer incurs liabilities to employees in
amounts based on the price of the stock.
 
     This statement also applies to transactions in which an entity issues its
equity instruments to acquire goods or services from nonemployees. Those
transactions must be accounted for based on the fair value of the consideration
received or the fair value of the equity instruments issued, whichever is more
reliably measurable. SFAS 123 is effective for fiscal years beginning after
December 15, 1995. The Company intends to provide the pro forma and other
additional disclosure about stock-based employee compensation plans in its 1997
financial statements as required by SFAS 123.
 
     SFAS No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial Assets
and Extinguishments of Liabilities" (SFAS 125) was issued by FASB in June 1996.
SFAS 125 provides accounting and reporting standards for transfers and servicing
of financial assets and extinguishments of liabilities. This statement also
provides consistent standards for distinguishing transfers of financial assets
that are sales from transfers that are secured borrowings. It requires that
liabilities and derivatives incurred or obtained by transferors as part of a
transfer of financial assets be initially measured at fair value. SFAS 125 also
requires that servicing assets be measured by allocating the carrying amount
between the assets sold and retained interests based on their relative fair
values at the date of transfer. Additionally, this statement requires that the
servicing assets and liabilities be subsequently measured by (a) amortization in
proportion to and over the period of estimated net servicing income and (b)
assessment for asset impairment or increased obligation based on their fair
values. The statement will require that the Company's existing and future excess
servicing receivables be measured at fair market value and be reclassified as
interest only strip securities and accounted for in accordance with
 
                                      F-10
<PAGE>   103
 
                           MEGO MORTGAGE CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
SFAS 115. As required by the statement, the Company will adopt the new
requirements effective January 1, 1997. It is not anticipated that upon
implementation, the statement will have any material impact on the financial
statements of the Company, as the book value of the Company's excess servicing
rights and mortgage related securities approximates fair value.
 
     Stock Split -- The accompanying financial statements retroactively reflect
a 1,600 for 1 stock split, an increase in authorized shares of common stock to
50,000,000, and the establishment of a $.01 par value per share effective
October 28, 1996.
 
     Pro Forma Net Income Per Share (Unaudited) -- Shares used in computing pro
forma net income per share include the weighted average of common stock
outstanding during the period, adjusted for the 1,600 for 1 stock split. There
were no common stock equivalents. Historical per share data is not included on
the Statements of Operations because the data is not considered relevant or
indicative of the ongoing operations of the Company. Net income utilized in the
calculation of pro forma net income per share has been reduced by an estimated
pro forma interest expense in the amount of $1,484,000 and a related tax benefit
of $564,000 based upon the application of a 12.5% interest rate to the Company's
average balance of non-interest bearing debt payable to Mego Financial. Pro
forma net income per share would change by $0.01 with a 1% change in the
interest rate utilized.
 
     Reclassification -- Certain reclassifications have been made to conform
prior years with the current year presentation.
 
     Use of Estimates -- The preparation of financial statements in conformity
with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make
estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and
liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of
the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses
during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
 
3.  FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
 
     SFAS No. 107, "Disclosure about Fair Value of Financial Instruments" (SFAS
107), requires disclosure of estimated fair value information for financial
instruments, whether or not recognized in the Statement of Financial Condition.
Fair values are based upon estimates using present value or other valuation
techniques in cases where quoted market prices are not available. Those
techniques are significantly affected by the assumptions used, including the
discount rate and estimates of future cash flows. In that regard, the derived
fair value estimates cannot be substantiated by comparison to independent
markets and, in many cases, could not be realized in immediate settlement of the
instrument. SFAS 107 excludes certain financial instruments and all nonfinancial
instruments from its disclosure requirements. Accordingly, the aggregate fair
value amounts presented do not represent the underlying value of the Company.
 
                                      F-11
<PAGE>   104
 
                           MEGO MORTGAGE CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Estimated fair values, carrying values and various methods and assumptions
used in valuing the Company's financial instruments at August 31, 1996 are set
forth below (thousands of dollars):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     CARRYING   ESTIMATED FAIR
                                                                      VALUE         VALUE
                                                                     --------   --------------
    <S>                                                              <C>        <C>
    Financial Assets:
      Cash(a)......................................................  $    443      $    443
      Loans held for sale, net(b)..................................     4,610         5,371
      Mortgage related securities(c)...............................    22,944        22,944
      Excess servicing rights(c)...................................    12,121        12,121
      Mortgage servicing rights(c).................................     3,827         3,827
    Financial Liabilities:
      Notes and contracts payable(d)...............................    14,197        14,197
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
 
(a)  Carrying value was used as the estimate of fair value.
(b)  Since it is the Company's business to sell loans it originates, the fair
     value was estimated by using outstanding commitments from investors
     adjusted for non-qualified loans and the collateral securing such loans.
(c)  The fair value was estimated by discounting future cash flows of the
     instruments using discount rates, default, loss and prepayment assumptions
     based upon available market data, opinions from investment bankers and
     portfolio experience.
(d)  Notes payable generally are adjustable rate, indexed to the prime rate;
     therefore, carrying value approximates fair value. Contracts payable
     represent capitalized equipment leases with a weighted average interest
     rate of 9.48%, which approximates fair value.
 
     At August 31, 1996, the Company had $59,597,000 in outstanding commitments
to originate and purchase loans and no other off-balance sheet financial
instruments. A fair value of the commitments was estimated at $6.8 million by
calculating a theoretical gain or loss on the sale of a funded loan adjusted for
an estimate of loan commitments not expected to fund, considering the difference
between investor yield requirements and the committed loan rates. The estimated
fair value is not necessarily representative of the actual gain to be recorded
on such loan sales in the future.
 
     The fair value estimates made at August 31, 1996 were based upon pertinent
market data and relevant information on the financial instruments at that time.
These estimates do not reflect any premium or discount that could result from
the sale of the entire portion of the financial instruments. Because no market
exists for a substantial portion of the financial instruments, fair value
estimates may be based upon judgments regarding future expected loss experience,
current economic conditions, risk characteristics of various financial
instruments and other factors. These estimates are subjective in nature and
involve uncertainties and matters of significant judgment and therefore cannot
be determined with precision. Changes in assumptions could significantly affect
the estimates.
 
     Fair value estimates are based upon existing on- and off-balance sheet
financial instruments without attempting to estimate the value of anticipated
future business and the value of assets and liabilities that are not considered
financial instruments. For instance, the Company has certain fee-generating
business lines (e.g., its loan servicing operations) that were not considered in
these estimates since these activities are not financial instruments. In
addition, the tax implications related to the realization of the unrealized
gains and losses can have a significant effect on fair value estimates and have
not been considered in any of the estimates.
 
                                      F-12
<PAGE>   105
 
                           MEGO MORTGAGE CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
4.  CONCENTRATIONS OF RISK
 
     Availability of Funding Source -- The Company funds substantially all of
the loans which it originates or purchases with borrowings through its financing
facilities and internally generated funds. These borrowings are in turn repaid
with the proceeds received by the Company from selling such loans through loan
sales or securitizations. Any failure to renew or obtain adequate financing
under its financing facilities, or other borrowings, or any substantial
reduction in the size of or pricing in the markets for the Company's loans,
could have a material adverse effect on the Company's operations. To the extent
that the Company is not successful in maintaining or replacing existing
financings, it would have to curtail its loan production activities or sell
loans earlier than is optimal, thereby having a material adverse effect on the
Company's results of operations and financial condition.
 
     Dependence on Securitizations -- In 1996, the Company pooled and sold
through securitizations an increasing percentage of the loans that it
originated. The Company derives a significant portion of its income by
recognizing gains on sale of loans through securitizations which are due in part
to the fair value, recorded at the time of sale, of residual interests and
interest only securities retained. Adverse changes in the securitization market
could impair the Company's ability to sell loans through securitizations on a
favorable or timely basis. Any such impairment could have a material adverse
effect upon the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
 
     The Company has relied on credit enhancement and overcollateralization to
achieve the "AAA/Aaa" rating for the senior interests in its securitizations.
The credit enhancement has generally been in the form of an insurance policy
issued by an insurance company insuring the timely repayment of senior interests
in each of the REMIC trusts. There can be no assurance that the Company will be
able to obtain credit enhancement in any form from the current insurer or any
other provider of credit enhancement on acceptable terms or that future
securitizations will be similarly rated. A downgrading of the insurer's credit
rating or its withdrawal of credit enhancement could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
 
     Geographic Concentrations -- The Company's servicing portfolio and loans
sold with recourse are geographically diversified within the United States. The
Company services mortgage loans in 47 states and the District of Columbia. At
August 31, 1996, 36% of the dollar value of loans serviced had been originated
in California, and 13% in Florida. No other state accounted for more than 10% of
the servicing portfolio. The risk inherent in such concentrations is dependent
upon regional and general economic stability which affects property values and
the financial stability of the borrowers.
 
     Credit Risk -- The Company is exposed to on-balance sheet credit risk
related to its loans held for sale and mortgage related securities. The Company
is exposed to off-balance sheet credit risk related to loans which the Company
has committed to originate and loans sold under recourse provisions. The
outstanding balance of loans sold with recourse provisions totaled $88,566,000
and $81,458,000 at August 31, 1995 and 1996, respectively.
 
     Off-Balance Sheet Activities -- These financial instruments consist of
commitments to extend credit to borrowers and commitments to purchase loans from
others. As of August 31, 1995 and 1996, the Company had outstanding commitments
to extend credit or purchase loans in the amounts of $53,447,000 and
$59,597,000, respectively. These commitments do not represent the expected total
cash outlay of the Company, as historically only 40% of these commitments result
in loan originations or purchases. The prospective borrower or seller is under
no obligation as a result of the Company's commitment. The Company's credit and
interest rate risk is therefore limited to those commitment which result in loan
originations and purchases. The commitments are made for a specified fixed rate
of interest, therefore the Company is exposed to interest rate risk, to the
extent changes in market interest rates change prior to the origination and
prior to the sale of the loan.
 
                                      F-13
<PAGE>   106
 
                           MEGO MORTGAGE CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Interest Rate Risk -- The Company's profitability is in part determined by
the difference, or "spread," between the effective rate of interest received on
the loans originated or purchased by the Company and the interest rates payable
under its financing facilities during the warehousing period and yield required
by investors on loan sales and securitizations. The spread can be adversely
affected after a loan is originated or purchased and while it is held during the
warehousing period by increases in the interest rate demanded by investors in
securitizations or sales. In addition, because the loans originated and
purchased by the Company have fixed rates, the Company bears the risk of
narrowing spreads because of interest rate increases during the period from the
date the loans are originated or purchased until the closing of the sale or
securitization of such loans. Additionally, the fair value of mortgage related
securities, mortgage servicing rights and excess servicing rights owned by the
Company may be adversely affected by changes in the interest rate environment
which could effect the discount rate and prepayment assumptions used to value
the assets. Any such adverse change in assumptions could have a material adverse
effect on the Company's results of operations and financial condition.
 
5.  LOANS HELD FOR SALE, ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES, LOAN ORIGINATIONS, AND
LOANS SERVICED
 
     Loans held for sale, net of allowance for credit losses, consisted of the
following (thousands of dollars):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             AUGUST 31,
                                                                           ---------------
                                                                            1995     1996
                                                                           ------   ------
    <S>                                                                    <C>      <C>
    Loans held for sale..................................................  $3,750   $4,705
    Less allowance for credit losses.....................................     (74)     (95)
                                                                           ------   ------
              Total......................................................  $3,676   $4,610
                                                                           ======   ======
</TABLE>
 
     The Company provides an allowance for credit losses, in an amount which in
the Company's judgment will be adequate to absorb losses after FHA insurance
recoveries on the loans, that may become uncollectible. The Company's judgment
in determining the adequacy of this allowance is based on its continual review
of its portfolio of loans which utilizes historical experience and current
economic factors. These reviews take into consideration changes in the nature
and level of the portfolio, current and future economic conditions which may
affect the obligors' ability to pay, collateral values and overall portfolio
quality. Changes in the allowance for credit losses for loans consisted of the
following (thousands of dollars):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                       FOR THE YEARS ENDED
                                                                           AUGUST 31,
                                                                      ---------------------
                                                                      1994   1995    1996
                                                                      ----   ----   -------
    <S>                                                               <C>    <C>    <C>
    Balance at beginning of year....................................  $--    $ 96   $   960
    Provisions for credit losses....................................   96     864     1,510
    Reductions due to reacquisition and securitization..............   --      --    (1,455)
                                                                      ---    ----    ------
    Balance at end of year..........................................  $96    $960   $ 1,015
                                                                      ===    ====    ======
    Allowance for credit losses.....................................  $30    $ 74   $    95
    Allowance for credit losses on loans sold with recourse.........   66     886       920
                                                                      ---    ----    ------
              Total.................................................  $96    $960   $ 1,015
                                                                      ===    ====    ======
</TABLE>
 
     During 1996, $113,917,000 of loans sold under recourse provisions were
repurchased and securitized as further described in Note 2. Reductions due to
reacquisition and securitization represent the allowance for credit losses on
loans sold with recourse transferred to the cost basis of the mortgage related
securities as a result of these transactions.
 
                                      F-14
<PAGE>   107
 
                           MEGO MORTGAGE CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Loans serviced and originated consisted of the following (thousands of
dollars):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                            AUGUST 31,
                                                                        ------------------
                                                                         1995       1996
                                                                        -------   --------
    <S>                                                                 <C>       <C>
    Amount of Title I Loan originations...............................  $87,751   $127,785
    Amount of conventional loan originations..........................       --     11,582
                                                                        -------   --------
              Total...................................................  $87,751   $139,367
                                                                        =======   ========
    Loans serviced (including loans securitized, loans sold to
      investors and loans held for sale)
      Title I Loans...................................................  $92,286   $202,766
      Conventional loans..............................................       --     11,423
                                                                        -------   --------
              Total...................................................  $92,286   $214,189
                                                                        =======   ========
</TABLE>
 
6.  MORTGAGE RELATED SECURITIES
 
     Mortgage related securities consist of interest only strips and residual
interest certificates of FHA Title I Loan asset-backed securities collateralized
by loans originated, purchased and serviced by the Company.
 
     Mortgage related securities are classified as trading securities and are
recorded at estimated fair value. Changes in the estimated fair value are
recorded in current operations. As of August 31, 1996 mortgage related
securities consisted of the following (thousands of dollars):
 
<TABLE>
    <S>                                                                          <C>
    Interest only securities...................................................  $ 4,602
    Residual interest securities...............................................   18,342
                                                                                 -------
              Total............................................................  $22,944
                                                                                 =======
</TABLE>
 
     No mortgage related securities were owned during 1995.
 
     Activity in mortgage related securities consisted of the following for the
year ended August 31, 1996 (thousands of dollars):
 
<TABLE>
    <S>                                                                          <C>
    Balance at beginning of year...............................................  $    --
    Additions due to securitizations, at cost..................................   20,096
    Net unrealized gain........................................................    2,697
    Accretion of residual interest.............................................      243
    Principal reductions.......................................................      (92)
                                                                                 -------
              Balance at end of year...........................................  $22,944
                                                                                 =======
</TABLE>
 
7.  EXCESS SERVICING RIGHTS
 
     Activity in excess servicing rights consisted of the following (thousands
of dollars):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     FOR THE YEARS ENDED
                                                                         AUGUST 31,
                                                                  -------------------------
                                                                  1994    1995       1996
                                                                  ----   -------   --------
    <S>                                                           <C>    <C>       <C>
    Balance at beginning of year................................  $ --   $   904   $ 14,483
    Plus additions..............................................   904    14,098     20,563
    Less amortization...........................................    --      (519)    (2,144)
    Less amounts related to loans repurchased, securitized and
      transferred to mortgage related securities................    --        --    (20,781)
                                                                  ----   -------    -------
              Balance at end of year............................  $904   $14,483   $ 12,121
                                                                  ====   =======    =======
</TABLE>
 
                                      F-15
<PAGE>   108
 
                           MEGO MORTGAGE CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     As of August 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, excess servicing rights consisted of
excess cash flows on serviced loans totaling $6,555,000, $88,566,000 and
$81,458,000, yielding weighted average interest rates of 12.9%, 13.3% and 12.8%,
and net of normal servicing and pass-through fees with weighted average
pass-through yields to the investor of 8.5%, 8.4% and 8.1%, respectively. These
loans were sold under recourse provisions as described in Note 2.
 
     During 1996, $113,917,000 of loans sold were repurchased and securitized as
further described in Note 2. Excess servicing rights related to the loans
repurchased and securitized of $20,781,000 were transferred to the cost basis of
the mortgage related securities as a result of these transactions.
 
     Of the Title I Loans sold in the year ended August 31, 1995, $56,922,000 of
such loans were sold to a purchaser, in a series of sales commencing on April
21, 1995, under a continuing sales agreement which provides for the yield to the
purchaser to be adjusted monthly to a rate equal to 200 basis points (2%) per
annum over the one-month London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR). LIBOR was 5.875%
per annum at August 31, 1996. The principal balance of loans subject to the
LIBOR adjustment was $29,255,000 at August 31, 1996. The effect of an increase
or decrease in LIBOR of 100 basis points (1%) applied to those loans would be a
decrease or increase, respectively, to the Company's future pre-tax income of
approximately $956,000.
 
8.  MORTGAGE SERVICING RIGHTS
 
     Activity in mortgage servicing rights consisted of the following (thousands
of dollars):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                      FOR THE YEARS ENDED
                                                                           AUGUST 31,
                                                                     ----------------------
                                                                     1994    1995     1996
                                                                     ----   ------   ------
    <S>                                                              <C>    <C>      <C>
    Balance at beginning of year...................................  $ --   $   --   $1,076
    Plus additions.................................................    --    1,176    3,306
    Less amortization..............................................    --     (100)    (555)
                                                                     ----   ------   ------
              Balance at end of year...............................  $ --   $1,076   $3,827
                                                                     ====   ======   ======
</TABLE>
 
     As indicated in Note 2, the Company adopted the provisions of SFAS 122
effective September 1, 1994.
 
     The Company had no valuation allowance for mortgage servicing rights during
1994, 1995 and 1996, as the cost basis of mortgage servicing rights approximated
fair value.
 
     The pooling and servicing agreements relating to the securitization
transactions contain provisions with respect to the maximum permitted loan
delinquency rates and loan default rates, which, if exceeded, would allow the
termination of the Company's right to service the related loans. At September
30, 1996, the default rates on one pooling and servicing agreement exceeded the
permitted level. The mortgage servicing rights for this agreement were
approximately $1.4 million at August 31, 1996. In the event of such termination,
there would be an adverse effect on the valuation of the Company's mortgage
servicing rights.
 
                                      F-16
<PAGE>   109
 
                           MEGO MORTGAGE CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
9.  PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT
 
     Property and equipment consisted of the following (thousands of dollars):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             AUGUST 31,
                                                                           --------------
                                                                           1995     1996
                                                                           -----   ------
    <S>                                                                    <C>     <C>
    Office equipment and furnishings.....................................  $ 337   $  640
    EDP equipment........................................................    166      470
    Vehicles.............................................................     34       34
                                                                           -----   ------
                                                                             537    1,144
    Less accumulated depreciation........................................   (108)    (279)
                                                                           -----   ------
              Total property and equipment, net..........................  $ 429   $  865
                                                                           =====   ======
</TABLE>
 
10.  OTHER ASSETS
 
     Other assets consisted of the following (thousands of dollars):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             AUGUST 31,
                                                                           --------------
                                                                           1995     1996
                                                                           -----   ------
    <S>                                                                    <C>     <C>
    Deferred borrowing costs.............................................  $ 129   $  216
    Software costs, net of amortization (See Note 14)....................    127      154
    Other................................................................     60      411
                                                                            ----     ----
              Total......................................................  $ 316   $  781
                                                                            ====     ====
</TABLE>
 
11.  NOTES AND CONTRACTS PAYABLE
 
     Notes and contracts payable consisted of the following (thousands of
dollars):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             AUGUST 31,
                                                                          ----------------
                                                                           1995     1996
                                                                          ------   -------
    <S>                                                                   <C>      <C>
    Note payable -- warehouse line of credit............................  $1,039   $ 3,265
    Note payable -- revolving line of credit............................      --    10,000
    Other...............................................................     419       932
                                                                          ------   -------
              Total.....................................................  $1,458   $14,197
                                                                          ======   =======
</TABLE>
 
     Notes payable at August 31, 1996 included $3,265,000 of borrowings
outstanding under a Warehousing Credit and Security Agreement with a lender that
provides available credit facilities up to $20,000,000. The outstanding
borrowings bear interest at the bank's prevailing prime rate plus 1% (9.25% at
August 31, 1996) and are collateralized by security interests in the Company's
loans held for sale. The warehouse line of credit matures on August 9, 1997.
 
     At August 31, 1996, the Company had a $10,000,000 revolving line of credit
with the same lender maturing on June 30, 2000, bearing interest at the bank's
prevailing prime rate plus 2% (10.25% at August 31, 1996). This facility was
secured by a pledge of the Company's excess servicing rights and mortgage
related securities. The facility has an 18 month revolving credit period
expiring on approximately December 31, 1997, followed by a 30 month payment
period. Borrowings under this facility cannot exceed the lesser of (a) 40% of
the Company's excess servicing rights and mortgage related securities or (b) 6
times the aggregate of the excess servicing rights and mortgage related
securities payments actually received by the Company over the most recent 3
month period. The agreement contains certain restrictions, including but not
limited to, restrictions on additional indebtedness and restrictions on capital
distributions, through minimum tangible net worth requirements of $12.5 million
plus 50% of cumulative net income since May 1, 1996 (50% of cumulative net
income for the period May 1, 1996 to August 31, 1996 was $1.1 million).
 
                                      F-17
<PAGE>   110
 
                           MEGO MORTGAGE CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     Both the warehouse line of credit and the revolving line of credit are
subject to a requirement of the maintenance of a minimum tangible net worth of
$12,500,000 plus 50% of cumulative net income since May 1, 1996 and a minimum
level of profitability of at least $500,000 per rolling six month period. Both
lines of credit have been guaranteed by Mego Financial.
 
     At August 31, 1995 and 1996, contracts payable consisted of $419,000 and
$932,000, respectively, in obligations under lease purchase arrangements secured
by property and equipment, bearing a weighted average interest rate of 9.48%.
 
     Scheduled maturities of the Company's contracts payable of $932,000 at
August 31, 1996 are as follows (thousands of dollars):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                   FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
              ----------------------------------------
    TOTAL     1997     1998     1999     2000     2001
    -----     ----     ----     ----     ----     ----
    <S>       <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>      <C>
    $ 932     $255     $272     $221     $179      $5
</TABLE>
 
12.  ADDITIONAL PAID-IN CAPITAL
 
     In 1995, Mego Financial contributed $3,000,000 to the Company as additional
paid-in capital. During fiscal 1994, Mego Financial contributed $650,000 to the
Company as additional paid-in capital through the issuance of 475,000 shares of
common stock of Mego Financial. The Mego Financial common stock was issued to an
unrelated company for its services in obtaining the necessary HUD approval,
state licensing and other matters in connection with the organization of the
Company. The value of the Mego Financial stock was based upon the closing bid
price of Mego Financial stock as of the date of the agreement with the third
party, reduced by (a) an estimate of the costs which would be incurred to
register the stock to allow its sale to the public; and (b) an estimate of the
discount a seller would incur upon selling a large block of shares. The Company
reduced the due to parent company account as a result of this transaction.
 
13.  COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
 
     The Company leases an office under the terms of an operating lease that
expires March 31, 1999. During fiscal 1994, 1995 and 1996, the Company's rent
expense related to this lease was $54,000, $154,000 and $164,000, respectively.
In April 1996, the Company executed an operating lease for its main offices in a
second location which it will occupy in late 1996. The 1996 lease commences
September 1, 1996, expires August 31, 2002, and is guaranteed by Mego Financial.
Future minimum rental payments under these operating leases are set forth below
(thousands of dollars):
 
<TABLE>
    <S>                                                                           <C>
    FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
    1997........................................................................  $  943
    1998........................................................................   1,071
    1999........................................................................   1,005
    2000........................................................................     939
    2001........................................................................     957
    Thereafter..................................................................     978
                                                                                  ------
              Total.............................................................  $5,893
                                                                                  ======
</TABLE>
 
     In the general course of business the Company, at various times, has been
named in lawsuits. The Company believes that it has meritorious defenses to
these lawsuits and that resolution of these matters will not have a material
adverse affect on the business or financial condition of the Company.
 
                                      F-18
<PAGE>   111
 
                           MEGO MORTGAGE CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
14.  RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
 
     During the years ended August 31, 1994, 1995, and 1996, Preferred Equities
Corporation (PEC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mego Financial, provided certain
services to the Company including loan servicing and collection for a cost of
$13,000, $232,000, and $709,000, respectively. In addition, the affiliate
provided services including executive, accounting, legal, management
information, data processing, human resources, advertising and promotional
materials (management services) totaling $442,000, $690,000, and $671,000 which
amounts were included in general and administrative expenses for the years ended
August 31, 1994, 1995, and 1996, respectively. Included in other interest
expense for the years ended August 31, 1995 and 1996, are $85,000 and $29,000
related to advances from PEC.
 
     During the years ended August 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, the Company paid PEC
for developing certain computer programming (see Note 10), incurring costs of
$130,000, $36,000 and $56,000, respectively. The Company is amortizing these
costs over a five year period. During fiscal 1994, 1995 and 1996, amortization
of $13,000, $26,000 and $29,000, respectively, was included in expense. The
Company's agreement with PEC regarding loan servicing and collection services
charges the Company an annual rate of 0.5% of outstanding loans serviced by PEC
calculated and paid on a monthly basis. The costs charged to the Company for
management services provided by PEC represent an estimate of the costs incurred
by PEC which would have been incurred by the Company had it been operating as a
stand alone entity.
 
     Management believes the allocation methodologies for services performed by
PEC is reasonable and is representative of an approximation of the expense the
Company would incur if it operated as a stand alone entity, unrelated to PEC.
 
     At August 31, 1995 and 1996, the Company had a non-interest bearing
liability to Mego Financial of $8,453,000 and $11,994,000, respectively, for
federal income taxes and cash advances, which is due on demand and has not as
yet been paid. At August 31, 1996, the Company had a non-interest bearing
liability to PEC of $819,000 relating to charges for services to the Company.
 
     Activity in due to parent company consisted of the following (thousands of
dollars):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
                                                               ------------------------------
                                                                  1994     1995      1996
                                                                 ------   -------   -------
    <S>                                                          <C>      <C>       <C>
    Balance at beginning of year...............................  $   --   $    --   $ 8,453
    Provision for federal taxes................................      --     2,013     3,566
    Cash advances from parent..................................      --     9,053     5,475
    Repayments of advances.....................................      --    (2,613)   (5,500)
                                                                 ------   -------   -------
              Balance at end of year...........................  $   --   $ 8,453   $11,994
                                                                 ======   =======   =======
    Average balance during the year............................  $   --   $ 2,275   $11,874
                                                                 ======   =======   =======
</TABLE>
 
     The Company anticipates issuing common stock and subordinated debt to the
public to support its cash flow needs in the future. Subsequent to these
transactions, it is not anticipated that Mego Financial will continue to provide
funds to the Company or guarantee its indebtedness. At August 31, 1996, Mego
Financial has no contractual obligation to provide such support other than its
guaranty of the warehouse line of credit, revolving credit loan and operating
leases described in Notes 11 and 13.
 
                                      F-19
<PAGE>   112
 
                           MEGO MORTGAGE CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
15.  INCOME TAXES
 
     As described in Note 2, the Company records a liability to Mego Financial
for federal income taxes at the statutory rate (currently 34%). State income
taxes are computed at the appropriate state rate (6%) net of any available
operating loss carryovers and are recorded as state income taxes payable. For
the years ended August 31, 1994, 1995 and 1996, income tax expense has been
computed as follows (thousands of dollars):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                               FOR THE YEARS ENDED AUGUST 31,
                                                               ------------------------------
                                                                  1994      1995     1996
                                                                 -------   ------   -------
    <S>                                                          <C>       <C>      <C>
    Income (loss) before income taxes..........................  $(1,511)  $5,919   $11,155
                                                                 =======   ======   =======
    Federal income taxes at 34% of income......................  $    --   $2,013   $ 3,793
    State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit......       --      264       442
                                                                 -------   ------   -------
    Income tax expense.........................................  $    --   $2,277   $ 4,235
                                                                 =======   ======   =======
</TABLE>
 
     Income tax expense is comprised of the following (thousands of dollars):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                     FOR THE YEARS ENDED
                                                                         AUGUST 31,
                                                                  -------------------------
                                                                   1994      1995     1996
                                                                  -------   ------   ------
    <S>                                                           <C>       <C>      <C>
    Current.....................................................  $    --   $2,047   $3,562
    Deferred....................................................       --      230      673
                                                                  -------   ------   ------
              Total.............................................  $    --   $2,277   $4,235
                                                                  =======   ======   ======
</TABLE>
 
     Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of (a) temporary
differences between the carrying amount of assets and liabilities for financial
reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes, (b) temporary
differences between the timing of revenue recognition for book purposes and
income tax purposes and (c) operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. The tax
effects of significant items comprising the Company's net deferred tax
liability, included in due to parent company, as of August 31, 1995 and 1996 are
as follows (thousands of dollars):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                             AUGUST 31,
                                                                            -------------
                                                                            1995    1996
                                                                            ----   ------
    <S>                                                                     <C>    <C>
    Deferred tax liabilities:
      Difference between book and tax carrying value of assets............  $ --   $   98
      Unrealized gain on mortgage related securities......................    --    1,025
      Mortgage servicing rights...........................................   591      164
      Other...............................................................    16        2
                                                                            ----   ------
                                                                             607    1,289
                                                                            ----   ------
    Deferred tax assets:
      Allowances for credit losses........................................   366      386
      Difference between book and tax carrying value of assets............    11       --
                                                                            ----   ------
                                                                             377      386
                                                                            ----   ------
              Net deferred tax liability..................................  $230   $  903
                                                                            ====   ======
</TABLE>
 
16.  RESTATEMENT
 
     Subsequent to the issuance of its financial statements for the year ended
August 31, 1994, the Company determined that certain adjustments were required
to be made to the previously reported amounts as of and for the year ended
August 31, 1994.
 
                                      F-20
<PAGE>   113
 
                           MEGO MORTGAGE CORPORATION
 
                  NOTES TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS -- (CONTINUED)
 
     The Company accounts for its sales of loans under SFAS No. 65, "Accounting
for Certain Mortgage Banking Activities" and SFAS No. 91 which require that
certain estimates and assumptions (such as the impact of prepayments,
cancellations and the discount period and rate) be made in order to compute the
present value of the income stream to be received over the estimated lives of
the loans sold by the Company. The Company determined that the estimates and
assumptions it used previously required revision. The net effect of the
restatement for the year ended August 31, 1994 was a decrease in income before
income taxes of $421,000. The effect on the Statement of Financial Condition at
August 31, 1994, was primarily a reduction of excess servicing rights.
 
     The Company determined that it erroneously included certain expenses in
deferred organizational costs related to the fiscal year ended August 31, 1994.
Accordingly, costs and expenses were understated by $725,000 and amortization of
the organizations costs was overstated by $3,000. The effect of this restatement
on the Statement of Operations was to reduce income before income taxes in 1994
by $722,000. The effect of this restatement on the Statement of Financial
Condition of the Company at August 31, 1994, was to reduce other assets by
$722,000.
 
     The restatement also included other miscellaneous adjustments. A summary of
the effect of the restatement on the Statement of Operations for the year ended
August 31, 1994 is as follows (thousands of dollars):
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                    AS PREVIOUSLY
                                                                      REPORTED      AS RESTATED
                                                                    -------------   -----------
    <S>                                                             <C>             <C>
    Gain on sale of loans.........................................     $ 1,206        $   579
    Interest income...............................................         298            279
    Interest expense..............................................          57            107
    Provision for credit losses...................................         133             96
    Depreciation and amortization.................................         189            136
    Commissions and selling.......................................          --             13
    General and administrative....................................       1,471          1,995
    Net loss......................................................        (368)        (1,511)
</TABLE>
 
17. SUBSEQUENT EVENT (UNAUDITED)
 
     In September 1996, the Company received a commitment from a financial
institution providing for the purchase of up to $2.0 billion of loans over a
five year period. Upon closing of the final agreement, Mego Financial will issue
to the financial institution four-year warrants to purchase 1,000,000 shares of
Mego Financial's common stock at an exercise price of $7.125 per share. The
value of the warrants, estimated at $3.0 million (0.15% of the commitment
amount) as of the commitment date, will be recorded as a commitment fee and
charged to expense as the commitment is utilized. The financial institution has
also agreed to provide the Company a separate one year facility of up to $11.0
million, less any amounts advanced under a separate $3.0 million repurchase
agreement, for the financing of the interest only and residual certificates from
future securitizations.
 
                                      F-21
<PAGE>   114
 
- ------------------------------------------------------
- ------------------------------------------------------
 
     NO PERSON IS AUTHORIZED TO GIVE ANY INFORMATION OR TO MAKE ANY
REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS AND ANY INFORMATION OR
REPRESENTATION NOT CONTAINED HEREIN MUST NOT BE RELIED UPON AS HAVING BEEN
AUTHORIZED BY THE COMPANY OR THE UNDERWRITERS. THIS PROSPECTUS DOES NOT
CONSTITUTE AN OFFER OF ANY SECURITIES TO WHICH IT RELATES OR AN OFFER TO ANY
PERSON IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE SUCH AN OFFER WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. NEITHER THE
DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY SALE MADE HEREUNDER SHALL, UNDER ANY
CIRCUMSTANCES, CREATE ANY IMPLICATION THAT THERE HAS BEEN NO CHANGE IN THE
AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.
 
                         ------------------------------
                               TABLE OF CONTENTS
                         ------------------------------
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                             PAGE
                                             ----
<S>                                          <C>
Prospectus Summary.........................    3
Risk Factors...............................    9
Use of Proceeds............................   21
Capitalization.............................   22
Pro Forma Selected Financial Data..........   23
Selected Financial Data....................   24
Management's Discussion and Analysis of
  Financial Condition and Results
  of Operations............................   26
Business...................................   38
Management.................................   54
Principal Stockholders.....................   59
Certain Transactions.......................   61
Description of the Notes...................   63
Underwriting...............................   90
Legal Matters..............................   90
Experts....................................   90
Additional Information.....................   91
Index to Financial Statements..............  F-1
</TABLE>
 
    UNTIL DECEMBER 16, 1996, ALL DEALERS EFFECTING TRANSACTIONS IN THE NOTES,
WHETHER OR NOT PARTICIPATING IN THIS DISTRIBUTION, MAY BE REQUIRED TO DELIVER A
PROSPECTUS. THIS IS IN ADDITION TO THE OBLIGATIONS OF DEALERS TO DELIVER A
PROSPECTUS WITH RESPECT TO THEIR UNSOLD ALLOTMENTS OR SUBSCRIPTIONS.
             ------------------------------------------------------
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                                  $40,000,000
 
                              MEGO MORTGAGE (LOGO)
 
                                 MEGO MORTGAGE 
                                  CORPORATION
 
                          12 1/2% SENIOR SUBORDINATED
                                 NOTES DUE 2001

                         ------------------------------
                                   PROSPECTUS
                         ------------------------------

                              FRIEDMAN, BILLINGS,
                               RAMSEY & CO., INC.
                            OPPENHEIMER & CO., INC.
 
                               NOVEMBER 19, 1996
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