AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON MARCH 31, 2000
Registration No. 333-82693
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM N-2
[ ] REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
[X] PRE-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. __1__
[ ] POST-EFFECTIVE AMENDMENT NO. _____
AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION
(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in Charter)
747 Third Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, New York 10017
(Address of Principal Executive Offices:
Number, Street, City, State, Zip Code)
(212) 355-2449
(Registrant's Telephone Number, Including Area Code)
Gary C. Granoff, Ameritrans Capital Corporation
747 Third Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, New York 10017
Tel. (212) 355-2449
Fax. (212) 759-3338
(Name and Address of Agent for Service)
with a copy to:
C. Walter Stursberg, Jr., Esq.
Stursberg & Veith
405 Lexington Avenue, Suite 4949
New York, New York 10174-4902
Tel. (212) 922-1177
Fax. (212) 922-0995
Approximate Date of Proposed Public Offering: As soon as practicable after the
effectiveness of this Registration Statement
If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on a
delayed or continuous basis in reliance on Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered in connection with a dividend reinvestment
plan, check the following box: | |
<PAGE>
It is proposed that this filing will become effective
[x] when declared effective pursuant to Section 8(c).
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>
AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION
CROSS-REFERENCE SHEET
PARTS A AND B OF PROSPECTUS*
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITEMS IN PARTS A AND B
ITEM NO. OF FORM N-2 LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS
- --------------------- ------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
1. Outside Front Cover.................... Front Cover Page
2. Inside Front and Outside Front Cover Page and Outside
Back Cover Page........................ Back Cover Page
3. Fee Table and Synopsis................. Prospectus Summary--Fees and
Expenses; Additional Information
4. Financial Highlights................... Prospectus Summary--Summary
Consolidated Financial Data; Selected
Financial Information; Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations
5. Plan of Distribution................... Cover Page; Prospectus Summary;
Underwriting
6. Selling Stockholders................... Not Applicable
7. Use of Proceeds........................ Use of Proceeds
8. General Description of the
Registrant............................. Cover Page; Prospectus Summary; Risk
Factors; Distributions; Price Range of
Common Stock; Management's
Discussion and Analysis of Financial
Condition and Results of Operations;
Business; Investment Policies; Financial
Statements
9. Management............................. Management; Investment Policies
10. Capital Stock, Long Term Debt,
and Other Securities................... Distributions; Price Range of Common
Stock; Business; Federal Income Tax
Considerations; Description of Capital
Stock
11. Defaults and Arrears on Senior
Securities............................. Not Applicable
12. Legal Proceedings...................... Not Applicable
</TABLE>
- -------------------------
* Pursuant to the General Instructions to Form N-2, all information
required to be set forth in Part B: Statement of Additional Information has been
included in Part A: The Prospectus. All items required to be set forth in
Part C are set forth in Part C.
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ITEMS IN PARTS A AND B
ITEM NO. OF FORM N-2 LOCATION IN PROSPECTUS
- --------------------- ------------------------------------------- ---------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C>
13. Table of Contents of the
Statement of Additional
Information............................ Not Applicable
14. Cover Page............................. Not Applicable
15. Table of Contents...................... Not Applicable
16. General Information and
History................................ Business
17. Investment Objective and
Policies............................... Business; Investment Policies
18. Management............................. Management; Principal Stockholders
19. Control Persons and Principal
Holders of Securities.................. Principal Stockholders
20. Investment Advisory and Other
Services............................... Management; Experts; Investment
Policies
21. Brokerage Allocation and Other
Practices.............................. Not Applicable
22. Tax Status............................. Federal Income Tax Considerations
23. Financial Statements................... Index to Financial Statements; Financial
Statements
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
We will amend and complete the information in this Prospectus. Although we are
permitted by US federal securities laws to offer to sell these securities using
this Prospectus, we may not sell them or accept your offer to buy them until the
documentation filed with the SEC relating to these securities has been declared
effective by the SEC. This Prospectus is not an offer to sell these securities
and it is not soliciting your offer to buy these securities in any state where
that would not be permitted or legal.
Subject to Completion -- March 31, 2000
AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION
1,100,000 Shares of Common Stock
We are a specialty finance company that, through our subsidiary, Elk Associates
Funding Corporation ("Elk"), makes loans to the owners of medallion taxi
businesses in the New York City, Chicago, Miami, and Boston markets and to other
small businesses. Ameritrans has the same management as Elk and was formed as a
holding company in 1998 to acquire and operate Elk and to engage in other
specialty finance business. Elk began operating in 1980 and was acquired by
Ameritrans Capital Corporation ("Ameritrans") on December 16, 1999. Both
Ameritrans and Elk are closed-end, non-diversified management investment
companies that have elected to be treated as business development companies
under the Investment Company Act of 1940.
We are selling 1,100,000 shares of Common Stock pursuant to a direct
participation offering.
Our Common Stock is currently traded on the NASDAQ SmallCap Market under the
symbol "AMTC." After the offering, it is anticipated that our Common Stock
will trade on the NASDAQ National Market. Our proposed NASDAQ National Market
symbol is "____." On _____ __, 2000, the last reported sale price of the Common
Stock was $____ per share.
PER SHARE TOTAL
Public Offering Price $ $
Proceeds before expenses to Ameritrans $ $
-----------------------------------------------------
This Prospectus sets forth the information about our company that you
should know before purchasing Common Stock. You are advised to read this
Prospectus and retain it for future reference.
This investment involves certain risks. See "Risk Factors," starting on
page 8.
NEITHER THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION NOR ANY STATE SECURITIES
COMMISSION HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THESE SECURITIES, OR DETERMINED IF THIS
PROSPECTUS IS TRUTHFUL OR COMPLETE. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A
CRIMINAL OFFENSE.
Prospectus dated __________ __, 2000
<PAGE>
TABLE OF CONTENTS
<TABLE>
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PAGE
----
<S> <C>
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY.............................................................................................. 1
RISK FACTORS.................................................................................................... 8
USE OF PROCEEDS................................................................................................. 19
DILUTION ....................................................................................................... 20
DISTRIBUTIONS................................................................................................... 21
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK..................................................................................... 22
CAPITALIZATION.................................................................................................. 24
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION.................................................................................. 25
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS.................................................................................. 27
BUSINESS ....................................................................................................... 31
INVESTMENT POLICIES............................................................................................. 45
MANAGEMENT...................................................................................................... 48
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AND MANAGEMENT..................................................... 55
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS............................................................................................ 57
REGULATION...................................................................................................... 59
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS............................................................................... 61
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK.................................................................................... 65
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE................................................................................. 66
DIRECT PARTICIPATION OFFERING................................................................................... 67
EXPERTS ....................................................................................................... 68
LEGAL MATTERS................................................................................................... 68
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.......................................................................................... 68
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS...................................................................................F-1
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
PROSPECTUS SUMMARY
THIS SUMMARY HIGHLIGHTS CERTAIN INFORMATION CONTAINED IN OTHER
PARTS OF THIS PROSPECTUS. THIS SUMMARY IS NOT COMPLETE AND DOES NOT CONTAIN ALL
OF THE INFORMATION THAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE INVESTING IN THE COMMON
STOCK. IN THIS PROSPECTUS, UNLESS THE CONTEXT INDICATES OTHERWISE, "WE" MEANS
AMERITRANS, ELK, AND ANY OTHER SUBSIDIARIES AMERITRANS MAY ESTABLISH OR ACQUIRE,
COLLECTIVELY. "AMERITRANS" OR "ELK" MEANS EACH COMPANY ALONE. YOU SHOULD READ
THE ENTIRE PROSPECTUS CAREFULLY, ESPECIALLY THE RISKS OF INVESTING IN THE COMMON
STOCK DISCUSSED UNDER "RISK FACTORS." UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED, ALL THE
INFORMATION IN THIS PROSPECTUS:
o GIVES EFFECT TO AMERITRANS' ACQUISITION OF ELK IN A ONE-FOR-ONE
SHARE EXCHANGE ON DECEMBER 16, 1999;
THE COMPANY
Ameritrans is a specialty finance company that, through its subsidiary,
Elk Associates Funding Corporation, makes loans to the owners of medallion taxi
businesses in the New York City, Chicago, Miami, and Boston markets and to other
small businesses. Ameritrans has the same management as Elk and was formed in
1998 to acquire and operate Elk and to engage in other specialty finance
business, directly or through other subsidiaries. To date, our only business
activities have been the operation of Elk. Our investment objectives are to
achieve a high level of distributable income, consistent with preservation of
capital, as well as long-term growth of net asset value.
Ameritrans and Elk have both elected to be treated as "regulated
investment companies," or "RICs," for tax purposes. A RIC will generally not be
subject to U.S. federal corporate income tax on its investment income if it
makes qualifying distributions of its income to stockholders. A RIC qualifies
for this treatment as long as it distributes at least 90% of its investment
company taxable income to stockholders as dividends. Ameritrans has organized
another subsidiary, Elk Capital Corporation ("Elk Capital"), which will engage
in similar lending and investment activities, although Elk Capital has elected
not to be treated as a RIC. As a result, Elk Capital will not be required to
make distributions to its stockholder(s), and we intend to use any after-tax
earnings of Elk Capital to internally finance growth.
Our management has successfully operated Elk since it began its taxi
medallion finance business in 1980. Taxi loans represented approximately 79% of
Elk's loan portfolio as of June 30, 1999. Elk has historically had a very low
delinquency rate with these loans and has never suffered a material loss in
connection with taxi financings. The balance of Elk's loans have been made to
other small businesses, such as laundromats, dry cleaners, and automobile
dealers, primarily in the New York City metropolitan area. The principal amounts
of Elk's loans typically range from $50,000 to $1,000,000. Elk's loan portfolio
has increased from $22,137,343 as of June 30, 1994 to $58,029,360 as of December
31, 1999.
Our business niche is small businesses that are often overlooked by
banks and other lenders and investors who have lengthy approval processes and
frequently will not consider making small loans. In contrast, we can quickly
evaluate, and make funds available to, small business borrowers. Further,
because funding resources accessible to such borrowers are limited, we can make
loans at rates that are favorable to us. As of December 31, 1999, the interest
rates on Elk's outstanding loans ranged from 8% to 18%, and the weighted average
rate on Elk's outstanding loans was 11.00%.
<PAGE>
We intend to continue to make taxi loans. Because the taxi financing
industry is highly fragmented, we may seek to expand in this area through
acquisitions of existing taxi finance companies or loan portfolios. We also
intend to further diversify our activities by lending to and investing in a
broader range of small businesses, directly, and indirectly through Elk, Elk
Capital and other subsidiaries that we may form or acquire. Elk is a "small
business investment company," or "SBIC," subject to certain restrictions under
U.S. Small Business Administration ("SBA") regulations. These restrictions
include limitations on the size of borrowers, the size of loans and the term of
loans. Ameritrans is not an SBIC, so its direct activities and other
subsidiaries will not be subject to these restrictions.
We also intend to build our business by using the Internet to increase
our market visibility, to accept and process loan applications, and to expand
our market by making ourselves more accessible to prospective borrowers through
our websites and via e-mail.
Both Ameritrans and Elk are closed-end, non-diversified management
investment companies that have elected to be treated as business development
companies under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act").
Ameritrans was incorporated in Delaware on February 12, 1998. Our
principal offices are located at 747 Third Avenue, 4th Floor, New York, New York
10017 and our telephone number is (212) 355-2449. The Ameritrans website address
is www.ameritranscapital.com and the website address for Elk is
www.elkassociates.com. Both websites are currently under construction. The
information contained at our websites is not incorporated into this Prospectus.
-2-
<PAGE>
THE OFFERING
Common Stock offered 1,100,000 shares
Common Stock Outstanding(1)
Before the Offering 1,745,600 shares
After the Offering 2,845,600 shares
Current Trading Symbol:
NASDAQ SmallCap Market AMTC
Proposed Trading Symbol:
NASDAQ National Market ____
Risk Factors For a discussion of risks that you
should consider before buying shares of
the Common Stock, see "Risk Factors."
Use of Proceeds To temporarily reduce our indebtedness;
to fund our loan and investment
activities, including Elk's SBIC
investment portfolio and our expanded
specialty finance lending business to
be conducted directly by Ameritrans or
through other subsidiaries; and for
working capital. See "Use of Proceeds."
Distributions Ameritrans pays quarterly cash
dividends to our stockholders of at
least 90% of our investment company
taxable income. See "Distributions."
- ---------------------------------
(1) The number of shares outstanding and to be outstanding after the
Offering does not include 125,000 shares authorized under our 1999
Employee Incentive Stock Option Plan, including 100,000 shares issuable
upon the exercise of options that have been granted under this plan to
date. It also does not include 75,000 shares authorized under our
Non-employee Director Stock Option Plan, pursuant to which, options to
purchase 22,224 shares have been granted. See -- "Management -- Stock
Option Plans."
-3-
<PAGE>
Fees and Expenses
Because Ameritrans is a closed-end management investment company, we
are required to include the following table in this Prospectus. The purpose of
the table is to assist stockholders in understanding the various costs and
expenses that stockholders of Ameritrans bear, directly or indirectly.
Fee Table(1)
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
ANNUAL EXPENSES (as a percentage of net assets attributable
to Common Stock)............................................................................................(2)
Interest Payments on Borrowed Funds.........................................................................(3)
Operating Expenses..........................................................................................(4)
Total Annual Expenses......................................................................................... %
</TABLE>
- ---------------------------
(1) Based on estimated amounts for the current fiscal year.
(2) Assumes a net asset value of $__________, which will be our estimated
stockholders' equity upon completion of the Offering. Operating
expenses, interest payments on borrowed funds, and other expenses are
calculated on an annualized basis based on our operations for the
period beginning July 1, 1999 and ended December 31, 1999.
(3) Interest payments on borrowed funds consist primarily of interest
payable under credit agreements with banks and on subordinated SBA
debentures. See "Business -- Sources of Funds."
(4) Operating expenses consist primarily of general and administrative
expenses, including compensation and employee benefits, professional
fees, rent, travel and other marketing expenses, and various costs
associated with collections. See "Management's Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations -- Results of
Operations, Operating Expenses."
Example:
The following example demonstrates the projected dollar amount of total
cumulative expenses that would be incurred over various periods with respect to
a hypothetical investment in Ameritrans. These amounts assume no increase or
decrease in leverage and payment by us of operating expenses at the levels set
forth in the table above.
-4-
<PAGE>
An Ameritrans stockholder would pay the following expenses on a $1,000
investment, assuming a 5% annual return:
1 YEAR 3 YEARS 5 YEARS 10 YEARS
------ ------- ------- --------
$ $ $ $
This example, as well as the information set forth in the table above,
should not be considered a representation of our future expenses. Actual
expenses may be greater or less than those shown. Moreover, while the example
assumes (as required by the Securities and Exchange Commission) a 5% annual
return, our performance will vary and may result in a return greater or less
than 5%. In addition, the example assumes reinvestment of all dividends and
distributions at net asset value.
-5-
<PAGE>
SUMMARY CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL DATA
On December 16, 1999, Ameritrans acquired Elk in a share-for-share
exchange. Prior to the acquisition, Elk had been operating independently and
Ameritrans had no operations.
The tables below contain certain summary historical financial
information of Elk. The data at December 31, 1999 and for the six months ended
December 31, 1998 and 1999 are derived from the Company's unaudited financial
statements and include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring
adjustments, that we consider necessary to fairly present such data. The results
for the six months ended December 31, 1999 do not necessarily indicate the
results to be expected for the full year ending June 30, 2000. You should read
these tables in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of
Ameritrans (the "Financial Statements") included elsewhere in this Prospectus
and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STATEMENT OF
OPERATIONS FISCAL YEAR ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
DATA JUNE 30, DECEMBER 31,
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 1998 1999
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Investment
Income ......... $ 2,629,901 $ 3,084,412 $ 4,023,795 $ 4,606,456 $ 5,583,894 $ 2,694,948 $ 3,274,408
=========== =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Interest Expense 1,002,959 1,105,993 1,582,700 1,840,731 2,440,051 1,192,115 1,546,047
Other Expenses . 960,474 1,108,505 1,408,034 1,852,262 1,903,182 890,961 1,057,894
=========== =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Total Expenses . 1,963,433 2,214,498 2,990,734 3,692,993 4,343,233 2,083,076 2,603,941
=========== =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Investment
Income Before
Credit
(provision) for
Loan Gains
(losses) and
Gains (Losses)
on Assets
Acquired and
Income Taxes ... 666,468 869,914 1,033,061 913,463 1,240,661 611,872 670,467
=========== =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Credit
(provision) for
Loan Gains
(losses) and
Gains (Losses)
on Assets
Acquired ....... (13,515) 44,292 (8,923) (14,649) (11,272) (268) (1,935)
Other Income ... 24,885 38,798 7,200
Benefit of
(Provision for)
Income Taxes(1) -- (5,945) (28,676) (3,271) 769 293 (11,983)
=========== =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Net Income ..... $ 652,953 $ 908,261 $ 1,020,347 $ 934,341 1,237,358 $ 611,897 $ 656,549
=========== =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Net Income Per
Common Share
(basic and diluted) $ .66 $ .73 $ .79 $ .62 $ .71 $ .35 $ .37
=========== =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Common Stock
Dividends Paid . $ -- $ 937,028 $ 946,655 $ 1,300,930 $ 1,256,832 $ 628,416 $ 628,416
=========== =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
-6-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STATEMENT OF
OPERATIONS FISCAL YEAR ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
DATA JUNE 30, DECEMBER 31,
--------------------------------------------------------------------------- -------------------
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 1998 1999
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Weighted
Average
Shares of
Common Stock
Outstanding Basic 988,953 1,247,120 1,283,600 1,518,969 1,745,600 1,745,600 1,745,600
========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
Unrealized
appreciation of
equity securities
not included in
net income $ -- $ -- $ 58,241 $ 140,548 $ 62,964 $ 0 $ 0
========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ========== ==========
BALANCE SHEET DATA DECEMBER 31,
JUNE 30, 1999 1999 1999
------------- ---- ----
(unaudited) as adjusted(2)
Loans Receivable .......... $ 51,103,932 $ 58,029,360 $
Unrealized depreciation of
investments ............... (380,000) (380,000)
Net of unrealized
depreciation of investments 50,723,932 57,649,360
Total assets .............. 54,510,801 61,891,295
Notes payable and demand
notes ..................... 31,000,000 38,600,000
Subordinated SBA
debentures ................ 8,880,000 8,880,000
Total liabilities ......... 40,772,584 48,488,341
Total stockholders' equity 13,738,217 13,402,954
</TABLE>
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(1) Elk, since the fiscal year ended June 30, 1984, has elected and
qualified to be taxed as a regulated investment company, and
substantially all taxable income was required to be distributed to
stockholders. Therefore, only minimal taxes were required to be paid.
(2) This column shows the effect of the sale of 1,100,000 shares of Common
Stock in this Offering at the offering price of $_____ and our
application of the net proceeds of the Offering. See "Use of Proceeds"
and "Capitalization."
-7-
<PAGE>
RISK FACTORS
AN INVESTMENT IN THE COMMON STOCK INVOLVES A SIGNIFICANT DEGREE OF
RISK. YOU SHOULD CAREFULLY CONSIDER THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION ABOUT THESE RISKS,
TOGETHER WITH THE OTHER INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS, BEFORE BUYING
SHARES OF THE COMMON STOCK.
OUR BUSINESS IS AFFECTED BY TAXI INDUSTRY CONDITIONS AND REGULATIONS.
As of December 31, 1999, approximately 80% of Elk's outstanding loans
were to finance the ownership of taxi medallions, taxis and related assets. The
taxi industry, and the ability of taxi owners to qualify for and repay loans may
be subject to factors that we cannot predict or control, such as the following:
o Taxi medallions are the main component of the collateral for the loans
that we make to taxi owners. Local governments in New York City and
other cities have traditionally issued a limited number of taxi
medallions. This generally has had the effect of increasing the value
of the existing medallions, although there have been periods when the
value of medallions has remained stable or declined. If the number of
medallions available in any city is significantly increased, the value
of both the new and outstanding medallions may decrease which, in turn,
would decrease the value of the collateral for our loans.
o Taxi fare rates and regulations are generally set by local government
agencies, and rates may remain fixed at a time when operating expenses
are increasing. As a consequence, in the short term, taxi operators may
find it more difficult to cover their expenses and to service their
loans from us. This could adversely affect the collectibility of our
loans and the value of our collateral.
WE MAY BE NEGATIVELY AFFECTED BY ANY DOWNTURN IN LOCAL ECONOMIC CONDITIONS.
Any downturn in local economic conditions in our geographic markets
could decrease the demand for taxi services. If that happens, taxi owners who
currently have loans from Elk could find it more difficult to repay their loans
and the value of the medallions, the taxis and the other assets securing those
loans could be diminished.
As of December 31, 1999, approximately 50% of our currently outstanding
loans were to taxi operators and other small businesses in New York City. We
cannot be sure that we will be able to sufficiently diversify our operations
geographically or that an economic downturn in New York City would not adversely
affect our business. See "Business."
WE OPERATE IN A HIGHLY COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY.
We compete with many other lenders, such as banks, credit unions,
finance companies and other SBICs, that offer loans to owners of taxi medallions
and other small businesses. Many of our competitors, including certain other
lenders that specialize in making loans to the taxi industry, are significantly
larger than we are and may, as a result, be able to obtain more favorable terms
from their financing sources than we can obtain from our banks. If our
competitors can lend at rates lower than we can, we will be at a competitive
disadvantage. We also will be competing with lenders who may have significantly
more expertise in evaluating small businesses in other industries and providing
managerial assistance to borrowers, which may make them more attractive to
potential small business
-8-
<PAGE>
borrowers. In addition, some of our competitors are subject to different and in
some cases less stringent regulation than we are.
THE CONTINUATION AND EXPANSION OF OUR BUSINESS IS DEPENDENT UPON THE
AVAILABILITY OF BANK FINANCING.
We have a continuing need for capital to finance our lending
activities. We fund our operations through credit facilities with bank
syndicates and, to a lesser degree, through subordinated SBA debentures. Our
business is dependent on our ability to continue to borrow funds from banks or
the SBA on favorable terms. Because we distribute to our stockholders at least
90% of our investment company taxable income, these earnings are not available
to us to fund loans to our customers.
As its operations have expanded, Elk has increasingly relied upon bank
financing for the funds it uses to make loans. Elk currently has three bank
lines of credit aggregating $40,000,000. Under these lines of credit, Elk may
borrow up to $40,000,000 at varying interest rates. As of December 31, 1999, Elk
had approximately $38,600,000 of bank loans outstanding. See "Selected Financial
Information."
Under a 1993 agreement with the SBA (the "SBA Agreement"), Elk is
permitted to borrow from its lenders, which include banks and the SBA, up to 80%
of its "working assets," which are computed quarterly under a formula that takes
into account Elk's capital and the value of Elk's loans and investments. As of
December 31, 1999, Elk's aggregate indebtedness was $47,480,000, representing
approximately 77% of its working assets as of that date. However, we cannot
predict whether our lenders would agree to increase Elk's credit lines on
favorable terms, or at all.
Because Ameritrans is not an SBIC, it will not be able to obtain any
funding from the SBA. We expect to fund the activities we propose to undertake
directly or through subsidiaries other than Elk by using a portion of the
proceeds of this Offering and establishing bank lines of credit. We do not
currently have commitments from any banks for any additional lines of credit,
and we cannot predict whether we will be able to arrange lines of credit on
acceptable terms or if the funds available to us will be sufficient to make
acquisitions or otherwise expand our operations or to engage in activities at a
level that will enable us to continue to operate profitably. See "Business --
Sources of Funds."
OUR PROFITABILITY MAY DECREASE IF THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE INTEREST RATES WE
PAY AND THE INTEREST RATES WE CHARGE DECREASES.
We can achieve a profit on borrowed funds only if there is a sufficient
spread between the interest rates we are charged for the funds we borrow and the
interest rates we charge our borrowers. If the interest rates we pay rise, our
cost of funds will increase while the rates our borrowers pay remain fixed, and
our profitability could decrease. To partially contain this risk, we have
purchased interest rate caps and swaps. While these limit our exposure to rising
interest rates, they initially increase the effective interest rates that we pay
on loans subject to the caps or swaps.
Furthermore, the loans we make typically may be prepaid by the borrower
upon payment of certain prepayment charges. A borrower is likely to exercise
prepayment rights at a time when the interest rate payable on the borrower's
loan is higher than prevailing interest rates. If lower interest rates are
available, we may have difficulty re-lending any prepaid funds at comparable
rates. If borrowers elect to refinance loans previously made at higher interest
rates and our interest costs are not correspondingly reduced, our profits from
the refinanced rates would be lower.
-9-
<PAGE>
At December 31, 1999, our outstanding debt was as follows:
o Elk had $38,600,000 outstanding under credit lines from its
banks, secured by all of its assets and bearing interest at
various floating rates. The current rates of interest ranged
from 7.08% to 7.97%; however, as a result of interest rate
swap agreements, the effective (capped) rate as to $10,000,000
was 7.36%. The revolving lines of credit mature in March 2000.
o Elk had $8,880,000 outstanding under subordinated SBA
debentures, with interest at fixed annual rates ranging from
6.12% to 8.20% and maturities ranging from September 2003, to
March 2007.
The weighted average annual rate of interest on all of our borrowings
was 7.1%. Based upon that rate, we must achieve annual returns on investments
of at least 5.33% to cover our total annual interest payments. See "Business --
Source of Funds."
LEVERAGE MAY INCREASE THE VOLATILITY OF OUR NET ASSET VALUE AND THE MARKET PRICE
OF OUR COMMON STOCK.
Leverage poses certain risks for our stockholders, including possible
higher volatility of both our net asset value and the market price of the Common
Stock, due to the following factors, among others:
o Since we must pay interest to our lenders before we can distribute any
income to our stockholders, fluctuations in the interest rates payable
to the lenders affect the yield to our stockholders. Income we earn
from operations and from lending the proceeds of the funds we borrow
must exceed the interest we must pay on such borrowed funds in order
for there to be income available for distribution to stockholders.
o The high rate of distribution of investment company taxable income
required to maintain our tax status as a RIC limits the funds that can
be retained in the business to cover periods of loss, provide for
future growth and pay for extraordinary items.
o In the event of a liquidation, our lenders and other creditors would
have to be paid before any distribution could be made to our
stockholders.
The following table illustrates the effect of leverage to a
stockholder, assuming our cost of funds at December 31, 1999, as described above
and various annual rates of return, net of expenses. The calculations set forth
in the table are hypothetical and actual returns may be greater or less than
those appearing below:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Assumed return on investments (net of
expenses)(1)....................................... -10% -5% 0% 5% 10%
Corresponding net income to common
stockholders(1).................................... -66% -44% -23% -1% 20%
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------
(1) Assumes (i) $58.2 million in average assets, (ii) an average
cost of funds of 7.1%, (iii) $43.7 million in average debt
outstanding and (iv) $13.6 million of average stockholders
equity.
-10-
<PAGE>
WE MAY EXPERIENCE LOSSES IN CONNECTION WITH FORECLOSURES OF TAXI LOANS.
We believe that the collateral securing our loans is adequate, and we
have never experienced a material loss of principal in connection with a taxi
medallion financing. However, in the event of a foreclosure, we cannot be sure
that we will be able to recoup all or a portion of a loan, and the costs of
foreclosure proceedings could also reduce our recovery.
OUR BORROWERS FOR NON-TAXI, DIVERSIFIED LOANS ARE SMALL BUSINESSES THAT HAVE
LIMITED FINANCIAL AND PERSONNEL RESOURCES.
Elk's non-taxi, diversified loans are not guaranteed by the SBA, and
its borrower base consists primarily of small business owners who have limited
resources. There is generally no publicly available information about such small
business owners, and these small businesses are unlikely to have audited
financial statements. Consequently, we must base our credit decisions on the
information our employees and agents are able to obtain. Typically, the success
of small businesses and their ability to repay our loans are dependent upon the
management talents and efforts of one person or a small group of persons, and
the death, disability or resignation of one or more of these persons could have
a serious effect on their business and make it more difficult for them to repay
our loans. Moreover, small businesses may be more vulnerable to economic
downturns and often need substantial additional capital to expand or compete.
Such companies may also experience substantial variations in operating results.
WE HAVE EXPERIENCED LOSSES IN CONNECTION WITH OUR DIVERSIFIED LOANS, AND WE MAY
BE REQUIRED TO INCREASE OUR RESERVES IN THE FUTURE.
Elk has in the past realized losses of principal on its diversified
loans. These loans typically carry more risk than taxi loans because the loan
collateral is generally not as valuable or liquid as the medallions and taxis
that are the collateral for taxi loans. Consequently, as we increase our
non-taxi diversified loans, our risk of losses of principal may increase. We
must continuously review our loan portfolio to assess the performance of all our
loans. Losses in connection with any type of loan might require us to adjust the
market valuation of our loan portfolio and increase our reserves.
THE RISKS OF LOANS AND INVESTMENTS IN OTHER SMALL BUSINESS BORROWERS MAY BE
GREATER THAN THE RISKS OF TAXI LOANS.
Elk has historically made only a small percentage of its loans to small
businesses other than taxi operators, and we intend to increase Elk's loans to
other types of small businesses. In addition, Ameritrans will make loans to
other types of businesses, directly, through Elk Capital, or through other
subsidiaries. The risks affecting the collectibility of loans to taxi operators
in major cities are unlikely to dramatically change in the foreseeable future or
to vary substantially from region to region. However, factors affecting the
potential for success of other types of small businesses and the risks of making
loans to such businesses are likely to be very different from those that affect
the operation of a taxi business and may vary significantly from industry to
industry and from region to region.
Our non-taxi, diversified loans are secured by collateral which
typically includes personal guarantees, mortgages on real estate, and/or a
security interests in personal property. Although we make substantial efforts to
collateralize our non-taxi, diversified loans to the extent possible, the
collateral on these loans is, in our experience, not as liquid as our security
interest in the taxi medallions we acquire in connection with our financing of
loans to taxi owners. Furthermore, the
-11-
<PAGE>
collateral often does not fully cover the amount of the underlying indebtedness.
Any portion of the loan not recovered by the enforcement of personal guarantees
or through the sale of the underlying collateral would be a loss and would
result in a charge to our earnings. Further, foreclosures on real estate
mortgages or proceedings to enforce our rights under loan guarantees invariably
require more time and are more costly than foreclosing on taxi medallions.
In addition to the risks related to the value of the collateral
securing these loans, such risks may include:
o The location of the potential borrower.
o The business experience of the borrower's management.
o The competition faced by the borrower.
o The effect of local, national and international economic conditions on the
business prospects of the borrower.
o The short-term and long-term capital and personnel requirements of the
borrower's business.
o The potential effect of changes in technology on the borrower's business.
Consequently, if we commit a significant portion of our available funds to
businesses in other industries, our profitability may be decreased if the risks
affecting the operations of our borrowers are greater than we anticipated.
VARIOUS FACTORS MAY NEGATIVELY AFFECT OUR PORTFOLIO VALUATION.
Under the 1940 Act, our loan portfolio must be recorded at fair market
value or "marked to market." Unlike certain lending institutions, we are not
permitted to establish reserves for loan losses, but adjust quarterly the
valuation of our portfolio to reflect our estimate of the current realizable
value of the loan portfolio. Since no ready market exists for this portfolio,
fair market value is subject to the good faith determination of our management
and the approval of our Board of Directors. In determining such value, the
directors may take into consideration various factors such as the financial
condition of the borrower, the adequacy of the collateral and interest rates.
For example, in a period of sustained increases in market rates of interest, the
Board of Directors could decrease its valuation of the portfolio because the
portfolio consists primarily of fixed-rate loans. These fair valuation
procedures are designed to approximate the value that would have been
established by market forces and are therefore subject to uncertainties and
variations from reported results. Based on the foregoing criteria, we determine
net unrealized depreciation or appreciation of investments, or the amount by
which our estimate of the current realizable value of our portfolio is above or
below its cost basis. As of December 31, 1999, our loan portfolio was recorded
on the balance sheet at fair market value, which included $380,000 of net
unrealized depreciation, as estimated in accordance with the 1940 Act and the
purchase method of accounting. At December 31, 1999, our net unrealized
appreciation was approximately $261,000.
Based upon current market conditions and current loan to value ratios, the
Board of Directors believes that the net unrealized depreciation of investments
is adequate to reflect the fair market value of the portfolio. However, if
interest rates increase, net unrealized depreciation of investments could
increase, and net increase in net assets resulting from operations could
decline. Because of the
-12-
<PAGE>
subjectivity of these estimates, there can be no assurance that in the event of
a foreclosure or in the sale of portfolio loans, we would be able to recover the
amounts reflected on our balance sheet. Further, costs associated with
foreclosure proceedings, such as a 5% New York City transfer tax assessed in
connection with every medallion transfer, may reduce our expected net proceeds.
See "Business -- Loan Portfolio; Valuation."
WE MAY ENCOUNTER DIFFICULTIES IN MAKING ACQUISITIONS ON FAVORABLE TERMS AND IN
INTEGRATING ACQUISITIONS INTO OUR OPERATIONS.
We intend to expand our business in part by acquiring other
taxi-related businesses or other finance companies or loan portfolios in our
existing as well as in new geographic markets. We will have to identify
companies that we believe will add value to our operations and negotiate the
terms on which we can acquire these companies. It is likely that potential
acquisition targets may also be attractive to others, who may be able to offer
more favorable terms than we can. We may use Common Stock (which could result in
dilution to purchasers of Common Stock) or debt (which may be long-term), or use
any combination of Common Stock and debt to make acquisitions. There can be no
assurance that we will successfully identify and acquire other companies or that
any acquisitions we make will ultimately add to our profitability. While we
regularly evaluate potential acquisition opportunities, we currently have no
commitments, agreements or understandings with respect to any material
acquisition.
We have had no prior experience in making acquisitions and integrating
other companies into our operations. Corporate acquisitions entail risks that
may include the following, among others:
o We may encounter undisclosed liabilities in acquired entities.
o We may have to deal with issues associated with entry into markets that
are new to us, such as reliance on new personnel.
o Difficulties may arise in integrating the acquired operations or
managing problems due to sudden increases in the size of our loan
portfolio, and we may be required to modify our operating systems and
procedures, hire additional staff, obtain and integrate new equipment
and complete other tasks to assimilate new and increased business
activities.
WE RELY, IN PART, ON SBA FINANCING.
At December 31, 1999, approximately $8,880,000, or 19%, of Elk's
outstanding debt consisted of subordinated SBA debentures, and we intend to
continue to seek to finance a portion of Elk's business through SBA funding
programs. The continued availability of funds from the SBA will be subject to
various factors beyond our control, including the following:
o The financing that the SBA makes available to SBICs is limited. The
amount of financing we have received from the SBA has not changed
significantly over the last five years, and we have not relied on SBA
funds to finance Elk's growth. Although funds are presently available
to qualified applicants, if Elk seeks additional SBA financing in the
future, it will compete with many other SBICs for these funds.
o The amount of financing Elk would be eligible to receive from the SBA
is calculated using a formula that nets certain expenses and
adjustments from Elk's capital.
-13-
<PAGE>
o SBA financing may be restricted in its application. The SBA has
determined that due to its concerns regarding the concentration of SBIC
loans in the taxi industry and the availability of private capital to
finance taxi related businesses, additional SBA financing may not be
made available to certain SBICs for such loans.
WE WILL BE DEPENDENT ON DIVIDENDS FROM ELK AND ANY FUTURE SUBSIDIARIES FOR OUR
OPERATING INCOME AND CASH FLOW.
We are a holding company and we derive and will derive most of our
operating income and cash flow from our subsidiaries. Currently, we derive all
of our income from Elk. While we intend to commence other operations, either
directly or through other subsidiaries we establish or acquire, we do not
currently have any other such operations. As a result, we rely entirely upon
distributions from Elk to generate the funds necessary to make dividend payments
and other distributions to our stockholders. Funds are provided to us through
dividends, but there can be no assurance that Elk or any other subsidiaries will
be in a position to continue to make such dividend payments. See "Business" and
"Distributions."
WE WILL CONTINUE TO QUALIFY FOR TAX TREATMENT AS A REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANY
ONLY IF OUR ACTIVITIES COMPLY WITH CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF THE TAX LAW.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH DISTRIBUTION REQUIREMENTS AND LEVERAGE
Ameritrans and Elk have each qualified as a regulated investment
company (a "RIC") under Subchapter M of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as
amended (the "Internal Revenue Code"). In any year in which these companies
qualify under Subchapter M, they generally will not be subject to federal income
tax on investment company taxable income (which includes, among other things,
dividends and interest reduced by deductible expenses) that they distribute to
stockholders, provided they distribute at least 90% of the investment company
taxable income to their stockholders. In addition to the distribution
requirement, to qualify as RICs, Elk and Ameritrans must also meet certain
income and diversification requirements.
However, the 1940 Act contains certain asset coverage ratio
requirements applicable to investment companies that use leverage, as Elk does
and Ameritrans intends to do. Because Elk is an SBIC, it is exempt from these
requirements, but Ameritrans will be subject to them. These asset coverage
requirements could, under certain circumstances, prohibit Ameritrans from making
distributions that are necessary to maintain RIC status. In addition, the asset
coverage and distribution requirements limit our ability to retain earnings,
establish loss reserves, provide for future growth, and pay for extraordinary
items, such as the repayment of debt principal. Qualification as a RIC under
Subchapter M is determined on an annual basis and, although Ameritrans and Elk
are currently qualified as RICs, we cannot be sure that they will each continue
to qualify for such treatment. If they were to elect not to be treated as RICs,
or were to fail to qualify for RIC status for any reason, their respective
incomes would become fully taxable, and a substantial reduction in the amount of
income available for distribution to Ameritrans and its stockholders would
result. See "Investment Policies -- Ameritrans Investment Policies," "Federal
Income Tax Considerations," and "Regulation."
The Small Business Investment Act of 1958 (the "1958 Act") and
regulations thereunder (the "SBA Regulations") govern the activities of SBICs
and under certain circumstances may have the effect of restricting distributions
by SBICs, such as Elk. The SBA has made loans to Elk, and Elk has issued
debentures in the amount of those loans to the SBA. Under the SBA Regulations,
Elk is required to pay any interest due to the SBA on a timely basis.
Historically, Elk has made timely
-14-
<PAGE>
payment of interest due to the SBA. However, if Elk were unable to do so in the
future for any reason at a time when it had investment company taxable income,
it could be prohibited by SBA Regulations from making the distributions
necessary to maintain its qualification as a RIC. Under such circumstances, in
order to comply with the SBA Regulations and the RIC distribution requirements,
Elk would have to request and receive a waiver of the SBA's restrictions. In the
absence of a waiver, compliance with the SBA Regulations could result in loss of
RIC status by both Elk and Ameritrans, and the consequent imposition of
corporate tax on both companies.
In addition, Elk must comply with certain covenants contained in its
loan agreements with its banks. If we do not comply with these covenants and do
not obtain waivers from the banks should a default occur and remain continuing,
Elk could be prohibited from paying dividends. If Elk were unable to remedy the
default and distribute its income to its stockholder, both Elk and Ameritrans
would lose their RIC status and be subject to corporate taxes.
RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH DIVERSIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
We intend to continue to pursue an expansion and diversification
strategy in our loan and investment business, and believe that there are growth
opportunities in the areas of small and medium-sized businesses. However, the
asset diversification requirements under the Internal Revenue Code could
restrict such expansion. These requirements provide, in part, that not more than
25% of the value of a RIC's total assets may be invested in the securities
(other than U.S. Government securities or securities of other RICs) of any one
issuer or two or more issuers controlled by such RIC that are engaged in similar
or related trades or businesses. Our investment in Elk will not be subject to
this diversification test so long as Elk is a RIC. However, our investment in
Elk Capital and any other subsidiaries may be subject to this test. The test is
initially calculated at the time the assets are acquired; however, subsequent
growth of a non-RIC subsidiary, if internally generated (as opposed to growth
via acquisitions), will not violate the diversification requirement even if it
represents in excess of 25% of Ameritrans' total assets. If Ameritrans fails the
diversification test at any time in the future, it would lose its RIC status,
with the consequences described above. Accordingly, our maintenance of RIC
status could limit our ability to expand and diversify our business. Our
principal focus will be to expand our business through internally generated
growth and only to consider an acquisition if, giving effect to the acquisition,
the Internal Revenue Code's diversification requirements would be met. See
"Federal Income Tax Consequences."
OUR SUCCESS IS DEPENDENT UPON OUR MANAGEMENT, PARTICULARLY GARY C. GRANOFF.
Our ability to maintain our competitive position depends on retaining
the services of our senior management. The loss of the services of one or more
members of senior management could have a material adverse effect on us. In
particular, we are largely dependent on the continued efforts of Gary C.
Granoff, who is our President and Chairman of our Board of Directors, Ellen M.
Walker, Vice President and a director, and Lee A. Forlenza, Vice President and a
director. We are the beneficiary of a "key person" life insurance policy on the
life of Mr. Granoff. The proceeds of this policy have been assigned to our banks
as additional collateral for our loans. See "Management."
We intend to hire, upon completion of the Offering, at least two
additional loan officers. If we are unable to recruit and hire qualified
individuals to fill these positions, our ability to expand our business
operations may be restricted. See "Business -- Employees."
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<PAGE>
WE ARE CONTROLLED BY OUR PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS, INCLUDING MANAGEMENT
STOCKHOLDERS.
At the conclusion of the Offering, our management and principal
stockholders will own a substantial percentage of our Common Stock
(approximately 23.5% of the outstanding shares). Stockholders do not have
cumulative voting rights. As a result, management and our principal stockholders
will continue to be able to exercise substantial influence over any matters
requiring the vote of stockholders, including the election of Directors, which
could delay or prevent a change in control of Ameritrans. See "Security
Ownership of Principal Stockholders" and "Management."
THE MARKET PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK WILL FLUCTUATE, AND COULD FLUCTUATE
SIGNIFICANTLY.
The Ameritrans Common Stock is listed on the NASDAQ SmallCap Market
under the symbol "AMTC", and prior to our acquisition of Elk, its Common Stock
was listed under the symbol "EKFG." Historically, there has been a low trading
volume in the Elk Common Stock. Upon completion of this Offering, we anticipate
the Ameritrans Common Stock will be listed on the NASDAQ National Market System.
See "Price Range of Common Stock."
The market price of the Common Stock will fluctuate, and could
fluctuate significantly, in response to various factors and events, including
the following:
o the liquidity of the market for the Common Stock;
o differences between our actual financial or operating results and those
expected by investors and analysts;
o changes in analysts' recommendations or projections;
o new statutes or regulations or changes in interpretations of existing
statutes and regulations affecting our business;
o changes in general economic or market conditions; and
-16-
<PAGE>
o broad market fluctuations.
PURCHASERS OF COMMON STOCK IN THIS OFFERING WILL EXPERIENCE IMMEDIATE AND
SUBSTANTIAL DILUTION IN THE NET TANGIBLE BOOK VALUE OF THEIR SHARES.
Immediately upon the closing of the Offering, the purchasers of the
Common Stock will experience dilution in the net tangible book value of their
shares of $2.67 per share. See "Dilution." In addition, such purchasers will
incur further dilution to the extent we issue options under the 1999 Employee
Stock Option Plan (the "1999 Employee Plan") and the Non-interested Director
Stock Option Plan (the "Director Plan") and such options are exercised at a time
when the exercise price is less than the market price for the Common Stock. See
"Management -- Stock Option Plans."
THE MARKET PRICE OF THE COMMON STOCK MAY DECLINE DUE TO SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR
FUTURE SALE.
Future sales of substantial amounts of Common Stock in the public
market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect
prevailing market prices from time to time. In addition, several of our
principal stockholders and entities affiliated with them hold a significant
portion of our outstanding Common Stock, and a decision by one or more of these
stockholders to sell their shares could adversely affect the market price of the
Common Stock.
Upon completion of the Offering, we will have outstanding 2,845,600
shares of Common Stock. Except for the shares currently owned or subsequently
acquired by our affiliates, in this Offering or otherwise, the outstanding
shares and the 1,100,000 shares to be sold in this Offering will be freely
tradable without restriction under the Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities
Act").
The shares owned by our affiliates may be sold in accordance with the
conditions of Rule 144 of the Securities Act. In general, under Rule 144, an
affiliate would be entitled to sell in brokers' transactions or to market makers
within any three-month period a number of shares that does not exceed the
greater of 1% of the then outstanding shares of the Common Stock (approximately
28,450 shares, based on the number of shares outstanding after the Offering), or
the average weekly trading volume of the Common Stock on the Nasdaq National
Market during the four calendar weeks preceding the date on which notice of the
sale is filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). Sales
under Rule 144 are also subject to certain manner of sale provisions, notice
requirements and the availability of current public information about the
company.
We have issued a total of 125,000 shares of Common Stock for issuance
with respect to the grants of options under the 1999 Employee Plan. To date, we
have granted options to purchase 100,000 shares of Common Stock, leaving 25,000
shares of Common Stock for future grants under the 1999 Employee Plan. In
addition, a total of 75,000 additional shares of Common Stock have been
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<PAGE>
issued with respect to the grant of options under the Director Plan. We intend
to file a registration statement under the Securities Act to register the shares
reserved for issuance under the 1999 Employee Plan and the Director Plan. Shares
issued upon exercise of outstanding stock options after the effective date of
such registration statement generally will be tradable without restriction under
the Securities Act.
ACTUAL RESULTS MAY DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE EXPRESSED OR FORECAST IN THE
FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS CONTAINED IN THIS PROSPECTUS.
This Prospectus contains forward-looking statements that have been made
under the provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.
These forward-looking statements are not historical facts, but, rather, are
based on current expectations, estimates, and projections about our industry,
our beliefs, and assumptions. Words such as "anticipates," "expects," "intends,"
"plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," and variations of these words and
similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These
statements are not guarantees of future performance, and are subject to certain
risks, uncertainties, and other factors, some of which are beyond our control,
are difficult to predict, and could cause actual results to differ materially
from those expressed or forecast in the forward-looking statements. These risks
and uncertainties include those described in "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in
this Prospectus. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these
forward-looking statements, which reflect our management's view only as of the
date of this Prospectus. We undertake no obligation to update these statements
or publicly release the result of any revisions to the forward-looking
statements that we may make to reflect events or circumstances after the date of
this Prospectus or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.
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<PAGE>
USE OF PROCEEDS
We estimate that the net proceeds to us from the Offering, after
deducting offering expenses, will be approximately $10,300,000, based upon a
public offering price of $11.00 per share.
We intend to use the net proceeds as follows:
o $5,000,000 to fund Elk's loan and investment portfolio.
o $5,000,000 to fund our expanded and diversified non-SBIC business,
which may be conducted directly by Ameritrans or through other
subsidiaries. We anticipate that approximately one-half of this amount
will be used to fund the activities of Elk Capital, which will not be a
RIC and will, therefore, not be required to make distributions to its
stockholders. This will enable us to use any after-tax earnings of Elk
Capital to internally finance growth.
o the balance for working capital.
Until we apply the proceeds to the purposes described above, we intend
to temporarily reduce the aggregate amounts outstanding under Elk's revolving
credit facilities by temporarily repaying debt in the aggregate amount of up to
$10,300,000, with interest rates ranging from 7.08% to 7.97% and maturing in
March, 2000. To the extent we have paid down our lines of credit, we will
reborrow from time to time amounts available under Elk's existing revolving
credit facilities and any similar facilities we may be able to arrange for
Ameritrans. See "Business -- Source of Funds."
The allocation of net proceeds set forth above represents our best
estimates of their use. Because Ameritrans has not commenced significant
operations other than through Elk, we cannot determine with certainty how much
of our expanded and diversified business we will do directly in Ameritrans and
how much through Elk Capital or other new specialized subsidiaries, although we
initially anticipate an approximately equal split. We also may acquire other
related businesses. We have entered into discussions from time to time with
potential acquisition candidates; however, any discussions are preliminary and
we have not entered into any definitive agreements with respect to such
acquisitions at this time.
The net proceeds actually allocated to the operations of Elk and our
proposed new operations may vary based on numerous factors, such as the nature
of the investment and lending opportunities that become available to us, changes
in the regulatory environment affecting taxi ownership and operations in various
cities and changes in SBA regulations. We therefore reserve the right to
reallocate net proceeds of this offering among our various investing and lending
operations as our management, in its sole discretion, deems advisable.
Any portion of the proceeds that we do not use to temporarily pay down
our indebtedness will be temporarily invested in time deposits, income-producing
securities with maturities of 15 months or less that are issued or guaranteed by
the federal government or agencies thereof, and high quality debt securities
maturing in one year or less from the time of investment.
We expect that the net proceeds will be applied as set forth above
within 12 months of the Offering.
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<PAGE>
DILUTION
The PRO FORMA consolidated net tangible book value of Ameritrans at
December 31, 1999 was $13,402,954 or $7.68 per share. "Net tangible book value
per share" is the tangible net worth (total tangible assets less total
liabilities) of Ameritrans divided by the number of shares of Common Stock
outstanding. Based upon an assumed public offering price per share of $11.00 and
after giving effect to the sale of the Common Stock offered hereby (after
deducting estimated offering expenses), the PRO FORMA net tangible book value of
Ameritrans at December 31, 1999 would have been $23,702,954 or $8.33 per share,
representing an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $.65 per share
to existing stockholders and an immediate dilution of $2.67 per share to the
investors purchasing the shares of Common Stock in the Offering ("New
Investors").
The following table illustrates this dilution to New Investors:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C>
Public offering price per share ................................ $11.00
------
Net tangible book value per share before the Offering........... $7.68
Increase per share attributable to the sale of shares to New
Investors..................................................... .65
---
Net tangible book value per share after the Offering............ $8.33
-----
Dilution to New Investors....................................... $2.67
=====
</TABLE>
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<PAGE>
DISTRIBUTIONS
Before Ameritrans acquired Elk, its stockholders were the stockholders
of Elk and received dividends directly from Elk. Elk registered under the 1940
Act for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1984, and declared and paid dividends to
holders of Common Stock for the fiscal years ended June 30, 1984, through June
30, 1992. Thereafter, Elk paid dividends per share for the fiscal years ended
June 30, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999 and for fiscal 2000 through the date of this
prospectus as follows: 1996 -- $.73, 1997 -- $.74, 1998 -- $.74, 1999 -- $.72,
and 2000 - to date -- $.37. Ameritrans intends to distribute at least 90% of its
investment company taxable income on a quarterly basis to its stockholders.
Elk and Ameritrans have elected to be treated for tax purposes as RICs
under the Internal Revenue Code. As RICs, neither Ameritrans nor Elk is subject
to federal income tax on any investment company taxable income that it
distributes to its stockholders, if at least 90% of its investment company
taxable income is distributed to its stockholders. Investment company taxable
income includes, among other things, dividends and interest reduced by interest
and operating expenses. Initially, substantially all of Ameritrans' investment
company taxable income is expected to be comprised of cash dividends paid to it
by Elk. Substantially all of Elk's net income is investment company taxable
income and is derived from interest received on outstanding loans. See "Federal
Income Tax Considerations."
We do not currently expect Ameritrans to have any material capital
gains; however, to the extent that it does, it may either distribute them
annually or retain them, pay the capital gains tax and apply any after-tax
amounts to retained earnings for corporate use. Our ability to make dividend
payments is restricted by certain asset coverage requirements under the 1940 Act
and is dependent upon maintenance of our status as a RIC under the Internal
Revenue Code. The ability of Elk and, therefore, of Ameritrans, to make dividend
payments is further restricted by certain financial covenants contained in the
credit agreements with Elk's banks, by SBA rules and under the terms of the SBA
subordinated debentures. See "Regulation" and "Federal Income Tax
Considerations."
Elk Capital is not a RIC, and Ameritrans may establish other
subsidiaries that are not RICs. Non-RIC subsidiaries would not be required to
make distributions to Ameritrans. In such cases, unless Ameritrans required
distributions from such non-RIC subsidiaries to fund the distributions it is
required to make as a RIC, these subsidiaries would use income, if any, to fund
their operations.
-21-
<PAGE>
PRICE RANGE OF COMMON STOCK
The Elk Common Stock was listed on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market on June
22, 1998, under the symbol EKFG, prior to which it had traded in the "pink
sheets." Since December 16, 1999, when Ameritrans acquired Elk, its Common Stock
has been listed on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market under the symbol AMTC. Upon
completion of the Offering it is anticipated that the Ameritrans Common Stock
will be traded on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol ____.
The following tables show the closing high and low bid prices per share
of Common Stock as reported by the National Quotation Bureau, Inc. or directly
by dealers maintaining a market in the Common Stock (through June 22, 1998) and
the high and low sale prices per share of Common Stock as reported by Nasdaq
(from June 23, 1998), for the fiscal years ended June 30, 1997, 1998 and 1999
and for the current fiscal year to December 16, 1999 for Elk, and from December
16, 1999 to date for Ameritrans.
The tables also show, for the same periods, the net asset value per
share, the premium of high sale price to net asset value, and the premium of low
sale price to net asset value. Net asset value per share is determined as of the
last day in the relevant quarter and therefore may not reflect the net asset
value per share on the date of the high and low sale price. The net asset values
are based on outstanding shares at the end of each period. Due to the limited
number of transactions involving the Common Stock during the periods presented
below, the public trading market with respect to our securities has been
limited. The Common Stock traded at less than net asset value during fiscal 1997
and through the third quarter of fiscal 1998, which we believe was primarily a
consequence of the limited trading market. Since the fourth quarter of fiscal
1998, the Common Stock has generally traded at a premium to net asset value per
share. There can be no assurance, however, that such premium will be maintained.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NET ASSET PREMIUM OF HIGH PREMIUM OF LOW
VALUE PER SALES PRICE TO SALES PRICE TO NET
ELK BID SHARE NET ASSET VALUE% ASSET VALUE %
------------------------ --------- ---------------- -----------------
HIGH LOW
---- ---
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
FISCAL 1997
1st Quarter..................... $4.75 $4.625 $8.23 -42% -43%
2nd Quarter..................... 4.75 4.75 8.25 -42% -42%
3rd Quarter..................... 5.125 4.75 8.42 -39% -43%
4th Quarter..................... 5.125 5.125 8.60 -40% -40%
FISCAL 1998
1st Quarter..................... 6.25 5.125 8.30 -25% -38%
2nd Quarter..................... 6.625 6.25 7.83 -15% -20%
3rd Quarter..................... 7.125 6.625 7.76 -8% -15%
4th Quarter (to June 22, 1998).. 9.75 7.125 7.85 24% -9%
</TABLE>
-22-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NET ASSET PREMIUM OF HIGH PREMIUM OF LOW
VALUE PER SALES PRICE TO SALES PRICE TO NET
ELK SALE SHARE NET ASSET VALUE% ASSET VALUE %
- ----- ------------------- --------- ---------------- ------------------
HIGH LOW
---- ---
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
FISCAL 1998
4th Quarter (from June 23, 1998)..... $9.50 $9.50 $7.85 21% 21%
FISCAL 1999
1st Quarter.......................... 11.25 7.75 7.84 43% -1%
2nd Quarter.......................... 11.00 9.125 7.83 40% 16%
3rd Quarter.......................... 10.625 8.875 7.85 35% 13%
4th Quarter.......................... 9.87 7.50
FISCAL 2000
1st Quarter ......................... 14.125 7.00 7.88 79% -11%
2nd Quarter (through December
16, 1999)(1)..................... 11.50 7.50 7.68 50% -2%
AMERITRANS
- ----------
2nd Quarter (from
December 16, 1999)(1) 11.50 7.50 7.68 50% -2%
3rd Quarter (through March 17, 2000) 9.80 6.00 7.68 28% -22%
</TABLE>
On ______________ ____, 2000, the closing sale price for a share of our
Common Stock was __________, as reported by Nasdaq.
(1) Stock prices shown are the high and the low for the quarter.
-23-
<PAGE>
CAPITALIZATION
The following table sets forth (i) consolidated capitalization of
Ameritrans at December 31, 1999 and (ii) the PRO FORMA capitalization of
Ameritrans at December 31, 1999, as adjusted to reflect the effects of the sale
of 1,100,000 shares of Common Stock in this Offering, after deducting the
estimated offering expenses, at an assumed public offering price of $11.00 per
share and the application of the estimated net proceeds as described in this
Prospectus. See "Use of Proceeds" and "Business." This table should be read
together with the Selected Financial Information included in this Prospectus.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
DECEMBER 31, 1999
-----------------
(unaudited)
ACTUAL AS ADJUSTED
----------------------------------
Debt:
<S> <C> <C>
Subordinated SBA debentures of subsidiary (Elk).......... $ 8,880,000 $ 8,880,000
Notes payable to bank(1)................................. 38,600,000 28,300,000
---------- ----------
Total long-term debt and bank debt....................... 47,480,000 37,180,000
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred Stock, $.01 par value;
1,000,000 shares authorized;
none issued and outstanding...........................
Common Stock, $.0001 par value; 5,000,000 shares
authorized; 1,745,600 shares issued and outstanding,
(2,845,600 issued and outstanding as adjusted)(2)..... 175 285
Additional paid-in capital............................... 13,125,533 23,425,423
Accumulated undistributed income......................... 15,493 15,493
Cumulative other comprehensive income.................... 261,753 261,753
------------ -----------
Total stockholders' equity............................... 13,402,954 23,702,954
------------ -----------
Total capitalization......................................... $60,882,954 $60,882,954
=========== ===========
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------
(1) We intend to temporarily repay up to $10,300,000 of indebtedness with
the proceeds of this Offering. See "Use of Proceeds."
(2) Excludes an aggregate of (i) 100,000 shares issuable pursuant to
immediately exercisable options outstanding at December 31, 1999, (ii)
25,000 shares reserved for issuance upon the exercise of additional
options that may be granted under our Employee Stock Option Plan, and
(iii) 75,000 shares authorized under our Non-Employee Director Stock
Option Plan, pursuant to which, options to purchase 22,224 shares have
been granted. See "Management -- Stock Option Plans" and "Shares
Eligible for Future Sale."
-24-
<PAGE>
SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION
On December 16, 1999, Ameritrans acquired Elk in a share-for-share
exchange. Prior to the acquisition, Elk had been operating independently and
Ameritrans had no operations.
The tables below contain certain summary historical financial
information of Elk. The data at December 31, 1999 and for the six months ended
December 31, 1998 and 1999 are derived from the company's unaudited financial
statements and include all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring
adjustments, that we consider necessary to fairly present such data. The results
for the six months ended December 31, 1999 do not necessarily indicate the
results to be expected for the full year ending June 30, 2000. You should read
these tables in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements of
Ameritrans (the "Financial Statements") included elsewhere in this Prospectus
and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STATEMENT OF
OPERATIONS FISCAL YEAR ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
DATA JUNE 30, DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 1998 1999
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Investment
Income $2,629,901 $3,084,412 $4,023,795 $4,606,456 $ 5,583,894 $2,694,948 $3,274,408
========== ========== ========== ========== =========== ========== ==========
Interest Expense 1,002,959 1,105,993 1,582,700 1,840,731 2,440,051 1,192,115 1,546,047
Other Expenses 960,474 1,108,505 1,408,034 1,852,262 1,903,182 890,961 1,057,894
======= ========= ========= ========= =========== ========= =========
Total Expenses 1,963,433 2,214,498 2,990,734 3,692,993 4,343,233 2,083,076 2,603,941
========= ========= ========= ========= =========== ========= =========
Investment
Income Before
Credit
for Loan Gains
and Gains
on Assets
Acquired and
Income Taxes 666,468 869,914 1,033,061 913,463 1,240,661 611,872 670,467
======= ======= ========= ======= =========== ======= =========
Credit
(provision) for
Loan Gains
(losses) and
Gains (Losses)
on Assets
Acquired (13,515) 44,292 (8,923) (14,649) (11,272) (268) (1,935)
Other Income 24,885 38,798 7,200
Benefit of
(Provision for)
Income Taxes(1) -- (5,945) (28,676) (3,271) 769 293 (11,983)
=========== ========== ======== ========== =========== ======== =========
Net Income $652,953 $908,261 $1,020,347 $934,341 $ 1,237,358 $611,897 $ 656,549
======== ======== ========== ======== =========== ======== =========
Net Income Per
Common Share $ .66 $ .73 $ .79 $ .62 $ .71 $ .35 $ .37
========== ========== ========== =========== =========== ========= =========
Common Stock
Dividends Paid $ -- $937,028 $946,655 $1,300,930 $ 1,256,832 $628,416 $628,416
========= ======== ======== ========== =========== ======== =========
</TABLE>
-25-
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
STATEMENT OF
OPERATIONS FISCAL YEAR ENDED SIX MONTHS ENDED
DATA JUNE 30, DECEMBER 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 1998 1999
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Weighted
Average
Shares of
Common Stock
Outstanding 988,953 1,247,120 1,283,600 1,518,969 1,745,600 1,745,600 1,745,600
======= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Unrealized
appreciation of
equity securities
not included in
net income $ $ $ 58,241 $140,548 $ 62,964 $ 30,737 0
=========== =========== ======== ======== ========= ========= =========
BALANCE
SHEET DATA JUNE 30, DEC. 31,
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------
1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 1998 1999
---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ---- ----
(unaudited)
Loans
Receivable $23,039,462 $24,141,421 $33,249,206 $41,590,000 $51,103,932 $47,673,884 $58,029,360
Unrealized
depreciation
of
investments (277,000) (301,000) (325,000) (295,000) (380,000) (305,000) (380,000)
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
Net of
unrealized
depreciation
of
investments $22,762,462 $23,840,421 $32,924,206 $41,295,000 $50,723,932 $47,368,884 $57,649,360
Total assets $25,702,600 $26,721,186 $37,026,021 $45,399,738 $54,510,801 $51,120,548 $61,891,295
=========== =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Notes payable
and demand
notes $ 4,950,000 $ 6,625,000 $16,820,000 $22,085,000 $31,000,000 $27,650,000 $38,600,000
Subordinated
SBA
debentures $ 8,804,000 $ 8,858,000 $8,880,000 $ 8,880,000 $ 8,880,000 $ 8,880,000 $ 8,880,000
Total
liabilities $14,085,652 $15,820,351 $25,993,253 $31,705,011 $40,772,584 $37,411,603 $48,488,341
=========== =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
Total
stockholders'
equity $11,616,948 $10,900,835 $11,032,768 $13,694,727 $13,738,217 $13,708,945 $13,402,954
=========== =========== =========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------
(1) Elk, since the fiscal year ended June 30, 1984, has elected and
qualified to be taxed as a regulated investment company and
substantially all taxable income was required to be distributed to
stockholders. Therefore, only minimal taxes were required to be paid.
-26-
<PAGE>
MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
You should read the following discussion in conjunction with the
financial statements and notes to financial statements. The results described
below are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected in any future
period. Certain statements in this discussion and analysis, including statements
regarding our strategy, financial performance, and revenue sources, are
forward-looking statements based on current expectations and entail various
risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially
from those expressed in the forward-looking statements, including those
described in "risk factors" and elsewhere in this prospectus.
GENERAL
Ameritrans acquired Elk in December 16, 1999, and to date we have had
no activities other than the acquisition and operation of Elk. Elk is an SBIC
that has been operating since 1980, making loans to (and, to a limited extent,
investments in) small businesses, primarily businesses that are majority-owned
by persons who qualify under SBA Regulations as socially or economically
disadvantaged. Most of Elk's business has consisted of originating and servicing
loans collateralized by New York City, Boston, Chicago and Miami taxi
medallions, but Elk also makes loans to and investments in other diversified
businesses and to persons who qualify under SBA Regulations as
"non-disadvantaged."
Historically, Elk's earnings derived primarily from net interest
income, which is the difference between interest earned on interest-earning
assets (consisting of business loans), and the interest paid on interest-bearing
liabilities (consisting of indebtedness to Elk's banks and subordinated
debentures issued to the SBA). Net interest income is a function of the net
interest rate spread, which is the difference between the average yield earned
on interest-earning assets and the average interest rate paid on
interest-bearing liabilities, as well as the average balance of interest-earning
assets as compared to interest-bearing liabilities. Unrealized depreciation on
loans and investments is recorded when Elk adjusts the value of a loan to
reflect management's estimate of the fair value, as approved by the Board of
Directors. See Note 1 of "Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements."
Results of Operations
for the Three Months Ended December 31, 1999 and 1998
Total investment income
Ameritrans' investment income for the three months ended December 31,
1999 increased to $1,755,577 from $1,346,281 or by $409,296 (30.5%) for the
three month period ended December 31, 1998. This increase was mainly due to an
increase in the loan portfolio during the fiscal year. The portfolio increased
from $47,673,884 as of December 31, 1998 to $58,029,361 as of December 31, 1999,
as part of our strategy to maximize shareholder rate of return by use of bank
debt.
Operating Expense
Interest expense for the three month period ended December 31, 1999
increased $200,880 ($818,863 from $617,983) over the similar period ended
December 31, 1998. This increase was mainly due to increased bank borrowings for
the period.
Other operating expenses increased $180,833 when compared with the
similar three month period ended December 31, 1998. This increase was mainly due
to a increase in non-related legal fees incurred consistent with the increase of
investments in the Chicago Medallion market, as discussed above. This is offset
by additional origination fee income. In addition, bad debts increased $61,160
when compared with the similar period.
Results of Operations
For the Six Months ended December 31, 1999 and 1998.
Total Investment Income
Ameritrans' investment income for the six months ended December 31, 1999
increased to $3,274,408 from $2,694,948 (21.5%) for the six months as compared
with the six months ended December 31, 1998, respectively. This increase was
mainly due to an increase in the loan portfolio during the period. The portfolio
increased from $47,673,884 as of December 31, 1998 to $58,029,361 as of December
31, 1999, as part of our strategy to maximize shareholder rate of return by use
of bank debt. In addition, there was a gain on the sale of equity securities
which amounted to $76,169.
Operating Expenses
Interest expenses for the six month period ended December 31, 1999
increased $353,932 ($1,546,047 from $1,192,115) over the similar period ended
December 31, 1998. This increase was mainly due to increased bank borrowings for
the period, and due to higher interest rates during the period ended December
31, 1999.
Other operating expenses for the six months ended September 30, 1999
increased $168,675 when compared with the similar period ended December 31,
1998. This increase was mainly due to increases in non-related legal fees
generated from an increase in the Chicago Medallion Market. This amount is
offset by additional origination fee income.
-27-
<PAGE>
Results of Operations
Results of Operations for the Years Ended June 30, 1999 and 1998
Total Investment Income
Elk's investment income increased by $977,438 to $5,583,894 for the
year ended June 30, 1999, when compared with the year ended June 30, 1998. The
increase was due to an increase in interest earned on the loan portfolio
($1,088,940) off-set by a decrease in other fees and income ($111,502). This
reflects Elk's decision to maximize stockholders' return by maximizing the use
of bank financing.
Operating Expenses
Interest expenses increased by $599,320 to $2,440,051 when compared
with the prior year due to Elk's stragegy to maximize bank financing which rose
to $31,000,000 as of June 30, 1999, as compared to $22,085,000 at June 30, 1998.
Other operating expenses increased to $1,767,989 for the year ended June 30,
1999, as compared with $1,639,163 in the prior year. Bad debt expense decreased
$81,283 to $146,465 during the year ended June 30, 1999, as compared with the
year ended June 30, 1998.
Net Income
Net income for the year ended June 30, 1999, increased $303,014 to
$1,237,358 when compared with the year ended June 30, 1998. The increase
reflects the benefit of Elk's decision to maximize the use of leverage on bank
financing.
Results of Operation For the Years ended June 30, 1998 and 1997
Total Investment Income
Elk's investment income for the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998
increased to $4,606,456 from $4,023,795, or 14.5%, when compared with the year
ended June 30, 1997. This increase was mainly due to an increase in its loan
portfolio. The portfolio increased from $33,249,206, as of June 30, 1997 to
$41,590,000 as of June 30, 1998, as part of our strategy to maximize stockholder
rate of return primarily through the utilization of bank financing.
Operating Expenses
Interest expense for the year ended June 30, 1998 increased to
$1,840,731 as compared to $1,582,700 for the similar period ended June 30, 1997.
This increase was mainly due to increased bank borrowings of $22,085,000 as of
June 30,1998, compared to $16,820,000 as of June 30, 1997.
Other operating expenses increased by $449,954 for the year ended June
30, 1998 when compared with the year ended June 30, 1997. This increase was
mainly due to a $227,748 increase in bad debt expense, in addition to various
increases in the administrative fees.
Net Income
Net income for the year ended June 30, 1998, decreased $86,006, as
compared to the year ended June 30, 1997. This decrease was mainly caused by an
increase in the bad debt expense of $227,748.
-28-
<PAGE>
BALANCE SHEET AND RESERVES
Total assets increased by $7,380,494 as of December 31, 1999 when
compared to total assets as of June 30, 1999. This increase was due to
management's decision to expand its portfolio in the Chicago taxi medallion
market plus increases in the diversified loan portfolio. This expansion was
financed by additional bank debt, $7,600,000, during the six month period.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
Prior to this Offering, the Company funded its operations through
private placements of its securities, bank financing, and the issuance to the
SBA of its subordinated debentures.
In 1994, Elk agreed to repurchase all of the 547,271 outstanding shares
of its 3% preferred stock from the SBA for an aggregate price of $1,915,449,
representing a discount of 65% from the original issue price of $10 per share.
As a condition of the repurchase, Elk granted the SBA a liquidating interest in
a newly established restricted capital surplus account (the "Restricted Capital
Account"). The Restricted Capital Account is equal to the amount of the net
repurchase discount in which the SBA received a liquidating interest, amortized
over 60 months ending November 10, 1999. However, if Elk is liquidated or if a
material violation of SBA Regulations occurs during the amortization period, the
SBA would receive the remaining unamortized amount of the Restricted Capital
Account prior to the stockholders of Elk receiving any amounts on their Common
Stock. The unamortized balance of the SBA's liquidating interest at December 31,
1999 was nil.
In December 1994 and September 1995 Elk raised additional capital of
$450,000 and $1,249,585, respectively, less private placement costs of $76,445
and $21,482, respectively. These proceeds were used to repurchase Elk's 3%
preferred stock from the SBA. In connection with the purchase, all dividends in
arrears on the preferred stock were extinguished.
During January 1998, Elk completed a private placement of 462,000
shares of common stock at $6.50 per share for aggregate gross proceeds of
$3,003,000, less offering expenses of $115,000. The net proceeds were utilized
to repay bank indebtedness and for working capital. A portion of the proceeds
temporarily used to reduce bank indebtedness, up to a maximum of $963,000, was
allocated by Elk toward the organization and capitalization of its new parent
company, Ameritrans.
At December 31, 1999, 81% of Elk's indebtedness was represented by
indebtedness to its banks and 19% by the debentures issued to the SBA with fixed
rates of interest ranging from 6.12 to 8.20%. Elk currently may borrow up to
$40,000,000 under its existing lines of credit, subject to the limitations
imposed by its borrowing base agreement with its banks and the SBA, the
statutory and regulatory limitations imposed by the SBA, and the availability of
funds. In addition, Elk is presently eligible to apply for additional leverage
from the SBA if it is determined by the Board of Directors to be in the best
interests of the company. No assurance can be given that, if applied for, such
additional financing will be approved by the SBA.
-29-
<PAGE>
Loan amortization and prepayments also provide a source of funding for
Elk. Prepayments on loans are influenced significantly by general interest
rates, economic conditions and competition.
Like Elk, Ameritrans will distribute at least 90% of its investment
company taxable income and, accordingly, we will continue to rely upon external
sources of funds to finance growth. In order to provide the funds necessary for
our expansion strategy, we expect to raise additional capital and to incur, from
time to time, additional bank indebtedness and (if deemed necessary by
management) to obtain SBA loans. There can be no assurances that such additional
financing will be available on acceptable terms.
YEAR 2000 COMPLIANCE
Prior to January 1, 2000, Ameritrans had taken steps to address and
prevent problems in connection with the year 2000 ("Y2K"). Such problems were
expected to occur due to the inability of systems to properly recognize and
process date-sensitive information relating to Y2K and beyond. Y2K issues could
have affected our information technology systems ("IT") and information
technology systems ("Non-IT").
Ameritrans' main business operation is the operation of Elk. Ameritrans
is a Small Business Investment Company licensed by the Small Business
Administration and as such, most of its business is making loans and investments
to small business concerns. Set forth below are the IT systems that we utilize.
Ameritrans uses a computer program to track its receivable loans ("Loan
Track"). To address Y2K, more than 18 months ago, Ameritrans engaged the
consultant who originally developed Loan Track for Ameritrans, to test, upgrade
and certify Loan Track as Y2K compliant. The consultant completed all of such
tasks and the Y2K-compliant Loan Track program is now in use in Ameritran's
regular operations. Ameritrans also utilizes the standard Peachtree accounting
system for general in-house accounting functions. The version of peachtree,
currently in use by us, has been upgraded to be Y2K compliant.
We also utilize other industry-wide programs such as Windows 95 and
Word Perfect. The current versions are Y2K-compliant. In addition, during the
past twelve months and at the present, we have been replacing or upgrading our
computer hardware with equipment that has Y2K readiness. Ameritrans does not
believe that it faces material Y2K issues with respect to its Non-IT systems.
Costs in connection with Y2K compliance have been (i) to review and
upgrade existing IT systems, (ii) to analyze the Y2K readiness of its banks and
customers and (iii) to analyze Non-IT Y2K compliance. To date, such costs, have
aggregated approximately $10,000 and for the most part have been for IT review
and upgrades. Such costs are being treated as expenses. We spent approximately
$25,000 to replace certain hardware during the fiscal year ending June 30, 1999
and spent an additional $35,000 during the six months ended December 31, 1999.
Ameritrans has not experienced any Y2K difficulties subsequent to January 1,
2000 and its information technology systems are presently functioning properly
and running in a routine manner. The cost of such replacements will be
capitalized and depreciated over a five year period.
-30-
<PAGE>
BUSINESS
GENERAL
Ameritrans was formed in 1998 to engage in lending and investment
activities, primarily with small and medium-sized businesses, directly and
through subsidiaries. On December 16, 1999, Ameritrans acquired Elk in a
one-for-one share exchange in which Elk stockholders received shares of Common
Stock of Ameritrans, and Elk became a wholly-owned subsidiary. Elk is a "small
business investment company," or "SBIC," formed in 1979 and licensed by the U.S.
Small Business Administration ("SBA") in 1980.
Elk makes loans to the owners of taxi medallion businesses in the New
York City, Chicago, Miami and Boston markets and to other small businesses. Elk
has never experienced any material losses of principal in connection with taxi
financings. Loans made to finance the purchase or continued ownership of taxi
medallions, taxis and related assets represented approximately 80% of Elk's loan
portfolio as of December 31, 1999. Loans made to finance the acquisition and/or
operation of other small businesses constitute the balance of Elk's loan
portfolio.
To date, our only activities have been the operation of Elk. We intend
to engage in broader and more diversified investment and lending activities
directly and through Elk and other subsidiaries that we may form or acquire. Our
investment objectives are to provide a high level of distributable income,
consistent with preservation of capital, as well as long-term growth of net
asset value.
Both Ameritrans and Elk are registered as business development
companies, or "BDCs," under the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act").
Accordingly, Ameritrans and Elk are subject to the provisions of the 1940 Act
governing the operations of BDCs. Both companies are managed by their executive
officers under the supervision of their Boards of Directors, and the same
individuals are the executive officers and directors of both companies.
In addition, both Ameritrans and Elk have elected to be treated as
"regulated investment companies," or "RICs," for tax purposes. Under the
Internal Revenue Code, as RICs, we will generally not be subject to U.S. federal
corporate income tax on our investment income, if we make qualifying
distributions of our income to stockholders. As RIC's we qualify for this
treatment as long as we distribute at least 90% of our investment company
taxable income to our stockholders as dividends. Elk paid qualifying dividends
from July 1983 through June 1992 and continuously since June 1996. Since
December 16, 1999, when we acquired Elk, these dividends have been, or will be,
payable to Ameritrans as Elk's sole stockholder. We intend to pay dividends as
long as funds are legally available for distribution from Elk's earnings and
from our own future earnings, if any. However, we may operate our specialty
finance business, including our proposed consumer lending operations and other
new operations through subsidiaries that are not RICs, in which event after-tax
earnings, if any, would be retained in those subsidiaries, except to the extent
those subsidiaries must pay dividends to Ameritrans in order to enable
Ameritrans, as a RIC, to pay the required dividends to its stockholders.
Because it is an SBIC, Elk's operations are subject to other
restrictions, and all loans and investments must comply with applicable SBA
Regulations. For example, the interest rate that Elk can charge, the percentage
of any other company it can own, the size of the businesses to which it can make
loans, and the length of time to the maturity date are limited by SBA rules.
Elk's business is funded by loans from banks and, to a lesser extent, by the
proceeds of subordinated debentures issued to the SBA. Ameritrans is not an SBIC
and is not subject to SBA regulation. See "Elk's Loans" and "Regulation -- The
Small Business Act of 1958."
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SCOPE OF BUSINESS ACTIVITIES AND GROWTH STRATEGY
CURRENT AND PROPOSED BUSINESS ACTIVITIES
AMERITRANS. Ameritrans is not licensed as an SBIC. Consequently, it is
neither eligible to raise funds from the SBA nor subject to the restrictions and
obligations imposed by the 1958 Act (except as they relate to Elk or any SBIC
that may be owned or acquired by Ameritrans).
Ameritrans currently intends to engage in a broad range of investment
and financial services directly and indirectly through subsidiaries. Ameritrans
plans to make a variety of loans and investments similar to those made by Elk.
However, its activities may include financial services and investments not
permitted to Elk, as an SBIC, under the 1958 Act and the SBA Regulations. For
example, Ameritrans may make loans that are for terms shorter than the terms
required by SBA Regulations or make equity investments that Elk, as an SBIC,
could not make. Further, Ameritrans intends to lend to borrowers that are not
Small Business Concerns, as defined in the SBA Regulations, and may engage in
certain specialty finance businesses other than loans to small businesses.
ELK. Elk was organized primarily to provide long-term loans to
businesses eligible for investments by SBICs under the 1958 Act ("Small Business
Concerns"). While Elk has made, and intends to continue to make, loans for
financing the purchase or continued ownership of taxi medallions, taxis and
related assets, Elk intends to continue to diversify its investments into other
businesses to the extent permitted by the 1958 Act and the SBA Regulations. We
anticipate that its present ability to pursue investments and loans with persons
who are not "disadvantaged" will afford Elk greater opportunities to make
investments that enhance Elk's profitability.
Although Elk's certificate of incorporation provides Elk with the
authority to invest in the equity capital of Small Business Concerns, Elk makes
equity investments in Small Business Concerns on a selective basis, and only to
a limited extent. Equity securities in Elk's investment portfolio at December
31, 1999, totaled $944,000 or 1.5% of total assets. Elk may make additional
equity investments. However, unless necessary to protect a prior investment of
Elk that is at risk, equity investments shall not exceed 20% of Elk's total
assets. Elk has one (1) wholly-owned subsidiary, EAF Holding Corporation, formed
in 1992, the sole activities of which are to own and operate certain real estate
assets acquired in satisfaction of loans.
ELK CAPITAL. Elk Capital, a newly formed, wholly-owned subsidiary of
Ameritrans, is not a RIC and is therefore subject to corporate tax on its
earnings. Elk Capital will also engage in the specialty financing business. Elk
Capital will engage in activities similar to those of Elk and Ameritrans, but
since Elk Capital will be neither an SBIC or a RIC, it will have an added degree
of flexibility in the loans and equity investments that it may make. Elk Capital
may also engage in certain other specialty finance businesses, which may include
consumer lending. Also, to the extent its operations are profitable, Elk Capital
will be able to retain any after tax earnings to internally finance growth, and
thereby provide Ameritrans with the ability to increase stockholder value while
engaging in our company's core business areas. The extent to which Elk Capital
can accumulate earnings may be subject to certain limitations. See "Federal
Income Tax Considerations."
GROWTH STRATEGY
We intend to continue to expand into new markets both in the taxi
industry and in other industries we identify as offering investment
opportunities. We intend to expand our business in part by acquiring other
taxi-related businesses or other finance companies or loan portfolios in our
existing as well as in new geographic markets. The loans and investments that we
plan to pursue directly by Ameritrans or through Elk, Elk Capital, or newly
formed or acquired subsidiaries, will be made in a variety of businesses,
provided that the loans made are in a majority of cases secured by real estate,
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business assets, equipment or other collateral deemed adequate by management. We
intend to apply to other industries the same methodology and risk evaluation
techniques that Elk has successfully used since 1980 in the taxi industry.
Consequently, we are seeking opportunities in those industries that offer the
same fundamental characteristics as the taxi industry and that also provide
repetitive business. We have commenced our expansion of this diversified
investment/lending business outside the New York metropolitan area into new
industries as well as into new geographical markets.
INTERNET
We are developing an Elk website (www.elkassociates.com), and an
Ameritrans website (www.ameritranscapital.com), both of which are under
construction. We intend to build our business by using the Internet to increase
our market visibility, to accept and process loan applications, and to expand
our market by making ourselves more accessible to prospective borrowers through
our websites and via e-mail.
TAXI MEDALLION FINANCE INDUSTRY AND MARKET OVERVIEW
THE NEW YORK CITY TAXI MEDALLION INDUSTRY AND MARKET. Under current
law, the number of taxi medallions that may be issued by New York City is
limited to 12,187. There are two types of medallions: corporate and individual
owner-driver. Of the total of 12,187 medallions, 7,058 are corporate medallions
and 5,129 are for individually owned cabs. A corporate medallion is issued for a
cab owned by a corporation that owns a minimum of two cabs and two corporate
medallions (i.e., one corporate medallion per cab). An individual owner-driver
may not own more than one cab and one medallion. Corporate medallions are used
by large fleet concerns with many taxis and many drivers or by small
corporations owning at least two medallions and two taxis driven by two
owner-drivers (the so-called "minifleet").
Only 11,787 medallions could be issued until August 8, 1995, when a law
permitting the issuance of up to 400 additional taxi medallions over a
three-year period went into effect. The New York City Taxi and Limousine
Commission (the "TLC") conducted the sale of 133 medallions in May 1996, 133
medallions in October 1996, and 134 medallions on October 1, 1997. Of these new
medallions, 160 were sold to individuals and the balance to minifleets in lots
of two.
At the present time, most medallion sales are handled through brokers.
As a result, an active marketplace has developed for the purchase and resale of
medallions. The price of a medallion varies with supply and demand. Elk's most
recent experience, in December 1999, was that individually owned medallions sold
for approximately $225,000 and corporate medallions sold for approximately
$260,000 each. In addition, a 5% New York City transfer tax and various
brokerage commissions are additional expenses incurred in the acquisition and
sale of a medallion.
Based upon statistics obtained from the TLC, from 1989 through 1998,
the number of corporate medallions that were resold by their holders varied each
year from approximately 245 to 440, which suggests that there were between 122
and 220 minifleet corporations in need of financing each year, while the number
of individual owner medallions sold each year varied from 250 to 415. Assuming
that a typical minifleet financing for purchases of medallions might involve a
sum of approximately $450,000, the dollar volume of New York City minifleet
financings might range from $49 million to $88 million a year. Assuming that a
typical individual medallion financing for a purchase of a medallion involves a
sum of approximately $180,000, the dollar volume of New York City individual
medallion financing might range from $45 million to $75 million a year.
In addition to financings for purchases and sales of medallions, a
substantial market exists for refinancing the indebtedness of existing minifleet
or individual medallions. Management estimates this market to exceed that of the
market for financing transfers, and to be in excess of $100,000,000 per year.
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A prospective medallion owner must meet the requirements of the TLC,
which approves all sales and transfers. In general, the requirements are that
the prospective owner have no criminal record, that the purchase funds be
derived from legitimate sources, and that the taxi vehicle and meter meet
specifications set by the TLC. Also required is a clearance from prior insurers
of the seller in the form of letters stating that there are no outstanding
claims for personal injuries in excess of insurance coverage.
NEW YORK MARKETING STRATEGY FOR MEDALLION FINANCING. Medallion
transfers in the New York City market are usually handled through medallion
brokers, who have frequent contact with taxi owners and drivers. Medallion
brokers locate buyers for sellers of medallions and sellers for buyers of
medallions, and then typically employ a financing broker to arrange for the
financing of the medallion purchases. In many cases the medallion broker and the
financing broker are the same party or related parties.
Elk has received a significant number of referrals from certain
medallion brokers in New York. Elk also receives referrals from financing
brokers and its borrowers. In addition, Elk occasionally places advertisements
in local industry newspapers and magazines. Elk also uses brokers, advertising
and referrals in connection with its taxi lending business in the Chicago,
Boston, and Miami markets.
CHICAGO TAXI MEDALLION INDUSTRY AND MARKET. As part of its geographic
diversification strategy, Elk studied the Chicago taxi medallion market in 1994,
and began making loans in Chicago in April, 1995. The taxi market and medallion
system in Chicago is regulated by the City of Chicago Department of Consumer
Services, Public Vehicle Operations Division. The number of taxi medallions is
limited by city ordinances, and until 1988, these ordinances gave control of 80%
of the medallions to the two largest taxi operators in Chicago, Yellow Cab Co.,
and Checker Taxi Co., Inc.
Since 1988, the taxi industry in Chicago has shifted toward more
individual ownership. Over the succeeding 10 years, the Yellow Cab Co. and
Checker Taxi Co., Inc., pursuant to a new ordinance, gave 1,300 medallions back
to the City, and the City added 100 medallions each year. These medallions were
distributed in a lottery system to taxi drivers who had never owned a medallion.
By July, 1997, there were a total of 5,700 medallions issued in Chicago, of
which Yellow Cab Co. owned approximately 2,071, and the remaining 3,629 were
owned by individual owner drivers, or by individual operators who had purchased
multiple medallions.
In December, 1997, the City Council increased the number of medallions
by 1,000 additional medallions, to be issued over a period of the succeeding
three years. Of these medallions, 500 will be issued in lotteries to taxi
drivers who never owned a medallion, and the other 500 will be auctioned to the
highest bidder. In the November 1998 auction of 150 medallions, there were 499
bids to purchase medallions. The winning bid prices ranged from $57,000 to
$63,000 per medallion, which was approximately the same as open market prices
for taxi medallions that were sold in Chicago at that time.
On January 21, 1999, the Yellow Cab Co. auctioned 175 medallions in a
sealed bid auction at prices equal to the current open market value price for
medallions. It is likely that the Yellow Cab Co. will continue to auction off
its medallions in the future, in order to become a medallion service business
serving the individual owner drivers who acquire the medallions.
It has been our experience that as the Chicago market has expanded, it
has also become more competitive. In addition, as the City of Chicago and now
Yellow Cab Co. supply medallions to the market place, we expect that the taxi
medallion market will continue to grow, with more and more
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owner-drivers and individual owner-operators of multiple medallions. To the
extent that there are more owner-operators and individual owner-operators of
multiple medallions in the market, we believe that there will be increased
opportunities for us to serve this market.
Chicago city regulations set forth certain qualifications that all
owners of taxi medallions must meet, and require that all security interests in
medallions be registered with the Department of Consumer Services. The
Department of Consumer Services also is involved (along with the City Council)
in setting taxi fares, and in setting maximum lease rates that may be charged by
owners to lessees of taxis, who drive them on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
CHICAGO MARKETING STRATEGY FOR MEDALLION FINANCING. At the present
time, most medallion sales in Chicago are handled through brokers or attorneys.
An active market place has developed in Chicago for the purchase and resale of
medallions. Elk's most recent experience, in 1999, was that medallions
were selling for between $65,000 and $70,000 per medallion. In addition, the
City of Chicago imposes a 5% transfer tax on a medallion held for two years or
more, a 10% transfer tax on a medallion held for between one and two years, and
a 25% transfer tax on a medallion held less than one year. The recent imposition
of the transfer taxes, in addition to being a source of revenue to the City, was
also scaled in order to inhibit speculation in the purchase and resale of taxi
medallions without the intent of actually operating taxis.
We believe that as many as 1,000 medallions are bought each year by
purchasers, and at today's market value, this would give gross potential volume
of approximately $65,000,000. If 80% of these purchases were financed, the
annual market for loans to purchase medallions would be $52,000,000 per annum.
In addition to purchases and sales of medallions, a substantial market exists
for refinancing the indebtedness of existing owners. Based on the number of
medallions currently issued and to be issued, we believe the market for
financing transfers could exceed $60,000,000 per year.
BOSTON TAXI MEDALLION INDUSTRY AND MARKET. Elk began to review the
Boston taxi market in the fall of 1994 and began making loans in this market in
1995. Since 1930, the Boston Police Commissioner has had exclusive jurisdiction
over the regulation of taxi operations, including the issuance and transfer of
medallions. The Hackney Carriage Unit of the Boston Police Department deals with
taxi regulatory issues.
By statute, the number of medallions issued in the City of Boston may
not exceed 1,525, subject to increase or decrease in the Police Commissioner's
discretion. The number of medallions remained essentially unchanged from the
late 1940's until January 1999, when the City sold 75 additional medallions at
auction. Prices at this auction exceeded $140,000 per medallion. The City of
Boston auctioned another 75 medallions in September 1999, and has announced that
it will auction another 57 medallions in May of 2000.
Under the applicable statutes and rules, Boston taxi medallions are
assignable, subject to the approval of the Police Commissioner. In practice,
transfer applications are submitted to the Hackney Carriage Unit, which has
issued guidelines and forms for transfers. Loans by financial institutions or
individuals are secured by taxi medallions and assets are routinely allowed in
accordance with the Hackney Carriage Unit's "Procedures for Recording Secured
Party Interest."
BOSTON MARKETING STRATEGY FOR MEDALLION FINANCING. The Boston taxi
market services the City of Boston, which includes Logan Airport. Elk's
marketing efforts have included retention of a local attorney, advertising in
the CARRIAGE NEWS, a local trade newspaper, and the use of forwarding brokers.
Our efforts have resulted a loan portfolio of approximately $1,757,000 as of
December 31, 1999.
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MEDALLION INDUSTRY IN METRO-DADE COUNTY, (MIAMI AREA), FLORIDA. Elk
began to investigate the Miami area taxi market in 1995, and began making loans
in 1996. The Miami taxi industry has been regulated on a county-wide basis in
Metro-Dade County, Florida since 1981. The Passenger Transportation Regulatory
Division (the "PTRD") of the Metro-Dade County Consumer Services Division
oversees taxi operations and licenses in accordance with the Metro-Dade County
Code.
Until April 1999, each taxi operator in Metro-Dade County was required
to obtain a "For-Hire" license. The number of licenses was limited to one
license for each 1,000 residents in the county. With approximately 2,100,000
residents in the county, 2,100 licenses could have been issued; however, only
1,827 licenses are currently authorized, of which 1,824 have been issued. In
1991, a For-Hire license loan program was approved, authorizing the use of loans
to purchase (but not to refinance) licenses and taxis. Any lender must be a
licensed lending institution authorized to do business in Florida. Elk is
currently one of only two lending institutions that are authorized to make loans
to the taxi industry in Metro-Dade County. Transfers of licenses and financing
arrangements are subject to prior approval by the PTRD and the County Board of
Commissioners.
For-Hire licenses were considered a privilege, not a property right.
However, since licenses were limited in number, the marketplace created a
"market price" or value in connection with the transfer of the license right to
a purchaser. As of April 1999, the Metro-Dade County Code was amended to create
a "medallion," or property right, system with a view to attracting traditional
financing providers to provide the taxi industry with additional funding
sources. Existing For-Hire licenses were automatically converted into
medallions.
According to official Metro-Dade County publications, approximately
one-third of the currently outstanding licenses are owned by individuals or
corporations that own and operate only one license. Other than 106 licenses held
by one owner, the balance of the licenses are owned mainly by holders of two to
five licenses. The number of license transfers has been generally increasing in
recent years, with a high of 197 transfers in 1997, with an average reported
price of $51,658. However, we believe that the present market price of
licenses/medallions in Metro-Dade County is between $65,000 to $70,000 per
medallion.
MIAMI AREA MARKETING STRATEGY FOR MEDALLION FINANCING. We believe that
the recent change to a medallion system and an emphasis on individual
operator-ownership of medallions for the future will open a large new market for
taxi medallion financing in the Miami area. Since this is an emerging market, we
are currently developing strategies to develop contacts and market our financing
to potential purchasers of medallions, and in the event refinancing is
permitted, to those owners who may wish to refinance their medallions in the
future. As of December 31, 1999, the total principal amount of our outstanding
taxi loans in the Miami area was approximately $1,851,000.
COMMERCIAL (NON-TAXI) LOANS -- OVERVIEW
Elk began making loans to diversified (non-taxi) small businesses
("Commercial Loans") in the New York City metropolitan area in 1985, in order to
diversify its loan portfolio, which until that time had consisted almost
entirely of loans to owners of New York City taxi medallions. After a period of
losses in its Commercial Loan portfolio from 1991 to 1994, Elk has been
increasing this portfolio on a selective basis since 1995, with a concentration
on loans to operators of retail dry cleaners and laundromats. Recently, Elk has
also begun geographically expanding its Commercial Loan portfolio, with loans in
South Florida, Massachusetts, and North Carolina.
Elk has chosen to concentrate its Commercial Loan portfolio in loans
secured by retail dry cleaning and coin-operated laundromat equipment because of
certain characteristics similar to taxi
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medallion lending that make these industries attractive candidates for
profitable lending. These factors include: (i) relatively high fixed rates of
interest ranging from approximately 325 to 700 basis points over the prevailing
Prime Rate at the time of origination, (ii) low historical repossession rates,
(iii) vendor recourse in many cases, (iv) significant equity investments by
borrowers, (v) an active market for repossessed equipment, and for resale of
businesses as going concerns through transfers of the leasehold and business
equipment to new operators, and (vi) a collateral service life that is
frequently twice as long as the term of the loans. We estimate that there are
approximately 4,000 retail dry cleaners and approximately 3,000 laundromats in
the New York City metropolitan area. In addition, we believe that specialization
in the dry cleaning and laundromat industries will permit relatively low
administrative costs because documentation and terms of credit are standardized,
and the consistency among the loans has simplified credit review and portfolio
analysis.
We further believe that other niche industries with similar
characteristics will provide additional loan portfolio growth opportunities.
Elk's other Commercial Loans are currently spread among other industries,
including auto sales, retirement home, garden center, commercial construction,
car wash, theater, restaurant, and financial services.
Elk's Commercial Loans finance either the purchase of the equipment and
related assets necessary to open a new business or the purchase or improvement
of an existing business, and Elk has originated Commercial Loans in principal
amounts up to $1,000,000. Elk generally retains these loans, although from time
to time it sells participation interests in its loans to diversify risk, or
purchases participation interests in loans generated by other SBICs.
ELK'S LOANS
Elk's primary business has been to provide long-term business loans at
commercially competitive interest rates (which at December 31, 1999, ranged from
8.0% to 18% per annum). From 1979 through March 1997, Elk was a "Specialized
Small Business Investment Company" ("SSBIC") under the rules of the SBA. All of
its loans were required to be made to small businesses that were majority-owned
by socially or economically disadvantaged persons, known as "Disadvantaged
Concerns." In September 1996, the 1958 Act was amended to provide, among other
things, that no further subsidized funding would be made available to SSBICs.
Consequently, Elk amended its Certificate of Incorporation and entered into an
agreement with the SBA in February 1997 in order to convert Elk from an SSBIC to
an SBIC. As such, Elk may now lend to persons who are not Disadvantaged
Concerns. As of December 31, 1999, more than 95% of Elk's loans and investments
were to Disadvantaged Concerns.
Elk intends to continue to make loans to Disadvantaged Concerns,
particularly in connection with the ownership of taxis and related assets in the
New York City and Chicago markets. Elk also intends to diversify its activities
by lending and investing in a broader range of Small Business Concerns.
SBA Regulations set forth a ceiling on the interest rates that an SBIC
may charge its borrowers. Under the current SBA Regulations, the basic maximum
rate of interest that an SBIC may charge is 19%. However, if either the weighted
average cost of the SBIC's qualified borrowings, as determined pursuant to SBA
Regulations, or the SBA's current debenture interest rate, plus, in either case,
11% and rounded off to the next lower eighth of 1%, is higher, the SBIC may
charge the higher rate. The maximum rate of interest that Elk was allowed to
charge its borrowers for loans originated during December 1999 was 19%. See
"Regulation -- The Small Business Act of 1958."
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Elk has agreed with the SBA that it must maintain a non-taxi
investment/loan portfolio (included with the combination of its assets acquired
and receivables on assets acquired in the future) in an amount not less than its
outstanding SBA guaranteed leverage (i.e., debentures) issued since 1995, which
amount is currently $2,470,000. See "Investment Policies -- Elk's Investment
Policies -- Concentration of Investments."
Elk may revise the nature of its loan portfolio at such time as its
Board of Directors determines that such revision is in the best interests of
Elk. Elk does not currently anticipate that its loan portfolio will realize an
annual turnover in excess of 50%. Elk will not lend to, or otherwise invest more
than the lesser of (i) 10% of its total assets, or (ii) 30% of its paid-in
capital attributable to its Common Stock in any one Small Business Concern. Elk
has not made, and is prohibited by applicable SBA Regulations from making, loans
to officers, directors or principal stockholders of Elk or "associates" of Elk,
as such term is defined in applicable SBA Regulations.
TAXI MEDALLION FINANCING LOANS
The large majority of Elk's loans have been made to purchasers or
owners of New York City taxi medallions. Since Elk commenced operations it has
made over $175,000,000 of such loans. However, the New York market has become
increasingly more competitive, and the value of medallions has remained
essentially unchanged for the last few years. This has limited Elk's
opportunities to make profitable loans or expand its activities in this market.
Consequently, in 1995 and 1996, Elk began expanding its taxi lending business
into the Chicago, Boston, and Miami markets, where its taxi lending business has
increased and continued to be profitable. During the time Elk has been making
taxi loans in these markets, the market prices of medallions have been
increasing. Since April 1995 when Elk began making loans in the Chicago taxi
medallion market, the market value of a medallion has increased from
approximately $32,000 to approximately $65,000. During the time Elk has been
making taxi loans in Boston and the Miami area, the market price of medallions
has increased from approximately $90,000 to $150,000 in Boston and from
approximately $55,000 to $70,000 in Miami.
As of December 31, 1999, $19,128,608, or 33%, of the aggregate
principal amount of its outstanding loans of $58,029,360, represented loans made
to finance the purchase or continued ownership of New York City taxi medallions
and related assets; an aggregate of $23,543,297, or 40.6%, consisted of loans to
finance the purchase or refinancing of taxi medallions in Chicago, and the
balance of $15,357,455 or 26.4% consisted of loans to various commercial
borrowers, of which $1,756,576, or 3.0%, was invested in Boston taxi medallion
financing and $1,851,670, or 3.2%, was invested in Miami taxi medallion
financing. See " -- Loan Portfolio; Valuation," below.
Due to increasing competition, annual interest rates for new loans in
the New York market are currently averaging 8.5%. Interest rates on Chicago taxi
loans generally have ranged from 12% to 14% per year. With additional
competition presently in the market place, it is expected that rates will range
in the near term from 11% to 13% per year on new loans, depending upon the size
of the loan, the repayment schedule, the balloon dates, the loan-to-value ratio,
and the credit history of the borrower. In addition, most loans that Elk has
made have been for four to six year terms and are self-amortizing. With
increased competition in the market, the term of the loan may be expected to
increase to periods longer than six years. Interest rates on loans in the Boston
market currently range from 10-12%, and in the Miami market currently range from
12-13%.
COMMERCIAL LOAN PORTFOLIO
Elk began making non-taxi Commercial Loans in 1985. Due to the effects
of the nationwide recession of the early 1990's on the New York City
metropolitan area economy, between 1990 and
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1994 Elk suffered significant losses in its Commercial Loan portfolio. These
losses were primarily written off against income earned by Elk on its taxi loan
portfolio. By 1995, the local economy had improved and Elk again began making
selective Commercial Loans, and its activities in this area has been increasing
steadily. At June 30, 1995, Commercial Loans totaled $1,275,654, or 5.5%, of
Elk's total loan portfolio, while at December 31, 1999, Commercial Loans totaled
$11,749,209, or 20.2%, of Elk's total loan portfolio.
At December 31, 1999, Elk's Commercial Loan portfolio consisted of 76
loans, of which 24 loans totaling $3,357,073 were to dry-cleaning businesses, 27
loans totaling $4,640,449 were to laundromat businesses, and 25 loans totaling
$3,751,687 were to a variety of other small businesses. Loans to dry cleaners
and laundromats represented 68% of the aggregate principal amount of Commercial
Loans outstanding at December 31, 1999.
Elk generally originates Commercial Loans by financing the cost of dry
cleaning, laundromat or other business-specific equipment, while the borrower is
making an equity investment to finance the cost of installation, building of
appropriate infrastructure to support the equipment, installation of other
equipment necessary for the business operations, other decorations and working
capital. Substantially all Commercial Loans are collateralized by first security
interests in the assets being financed by the borrower, or by real estate
mortgages. In addition, Elk generally requires personal guaranties from the
principals of the borrower and in limited cases obtains recourse guaranties from
the equipment vendors.
Elk's Commercial Loans typically require equal monthly payments
covering accrued interest and amortization of principal over a four to eight
year term and generally can be prepaid with a fee of 60 to 90 days of interest
during the first several years of the loan. The term of, and interest rate
charged on, Elk's Commercial Loans are subject to SBA Regulations.
Elk generally obtains interest rates on its Commercial Loans that are
higher than it can obtain on New York City taxi medallion loans. The Company
believes that the increased yield on Commercial Loans compensate for their
higher risk relative to medallion loans and that it will benefit from the
diversification of its portfolio. Interest rates on currently outstanding
Commercial Loans range from 8% to 18%.
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LOAN PORTFOLIO; VALUATION
The following table sets forth a classification of the Company's
outstanding loans as of December 31, 1999 (unaudited):
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
BALANCE
MATURITY OUTSTANDING
NUMBER INTEREST DATE (IN DECEMBER 31,
TYPE OF LOAN OF LOANS RATE MONTHS) 1999
------------ -------- ---- ------- ----
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(unaudited)
New York City: Taxi medallion 117 8.0-11% 1-240 $18,826,767
Radio car service 34 1-15% 1-59 301,841
Chicago Taxi medallion 501 11-15.5% 9-84 23,543,297
Boston Taxi medallion 17 9.5-13% 15-60 1,756,576
Miami Taxi medallion 37 10.5-13% 31-161 1,851,670
Other loans:
Restaurant 2 10-12% 1-60 242,750
Embroidery manufacturer 2 12-18% 47-56 221,198
Retirement home 1 15% 72 300,000
Theater 1 16% 47 162,078
Hairdresser 1 12% 1 90,046
Car wash 5 8-12% 30-59 578,204
Golf Holding Corp. 1 14% 12 200,000
Bagel store 1 14% 31 17,968
Dry cleaner 24 9-18% 25-120 3,357,073
Laundromat 27 10-17% 6-120 4,640,449
Laundry Equip 1 9.5% 45 77,116
Black car service 2 10.25-12% 17-70 449,384
(real property)
Auto sales 2 12-13% 1-29 263,160
Registered investment 1 14% 1 189,012
advisor
Garden Center 1 14% 84 287,500
Auto Center 3 10.5-12% 72 484,218
Commercial Construction 1 16% 74 189,053
--- ===========
Total Loans Receivable 782 $58,029,360
=== ===========
</TABLE>
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Loans made by Elk to finance the purchase or continued ownership of
taxi medallions, taxis and related assets are typically secured by such
medallions, taxis and related assets. Loans made by Elk to finance the
acquisition and/or operation of retail, service or manufacturing businesses are
typically secured by real estate and other assets. In the case of loans to
corporate owners, the loans are usually personally guaranteed by the
stockholders of the borrower. Elk generally obtains first mortgages, but
occasionally has participated in certain financings where it has obtained a
second mortgage on collateral. Elk has obtained a relatively higher rate of
interest in connection with these subordinated financings. Elk has not, to date,
committed more than 5% of its assets to any one business concern in its
portfolio. The interest rates charged by Elk on its currently outstanding loans
range from 8% to 18% per annum. As of December 31, 1999, the annual weighted
average interest rate on Elk's loans was approximately 11.1%. The average term
of Elk's currently outstanding loans is approximately 48 months.
VALUATION -- As an SBIC, Elk is required by applicable SBA Regulations
to submit to the SBA semi-annual valuations of its investment portfolio, as
determined by its Board of Directors, which considers numerous factors including
but not limited to the financial strength of its borrowers to determine "good"
or "bad" status, and fluctuations in interest rates to determine marketability
of loans. Reference is made to Footnotes 1, 2, and 3 of Notes to Financial
Statements for the year ended June 30, 1999, for a discussion of Elk's method of
valuation of its current portfolio of loans. In the event Elk invests in
securities for which price quotations are readily available, Elk will value such
investments at their fair market value, based on such quoted prices. With
respect to securities for which price quotations are not readily available, such
securities will be valued at fair market value as determined by the Board of
Directors.
COLLECTION EXPERIENCE -- Elk has not, to date, had a material loss of
principal in any taxi medallion loan, although it has experienced some losses of
principal in its diversified (non-taxi) loan portfolio. Likewise, its collection
experience (timely payments, collections on foreclosure, etc.) with taxi
medallion financings has historically been better than with its non-taxi loans.
From 1991 through 1994, substantially all of Elk's provisions for loan losses
and losses on assets acquired were related to business loans secured by real
estate and to radio car loans. In addition, from 1991 through 1995, Elk had
difficulty selling off real estate acquired on defaulted loans as a result of a
depressed real estate market. Since 1995, Elk has substantially increased its
diversified loan portfolio, and its overall collection experience with these
loans has improved.
SOURCES OF FUNDS
Elk is authorized to borrow money and issue debentures, promissory notes
and other obligations, subject to SBA regulatory limitations. Other than the
subordinated debentures issued to the SBA, Elk has to date borrowed funds only
from banks. As of December 31, 1999, Elk maintained three lines of credit
totaling $40,000,000 with an overall lending limit of $40,000,000. At December
31, 1999, Elk had $38,600,000 outstanding under these lines. The loans, which
mature through March 2000, bear interest based on an effective rate of
interest equal to approximately 150 basis points above LIBOR plus certain fees.
Upon maturity, Elk anticipates extending the lines of credit for another year as
has been the practice in previous years. Pursuant to the terms of the loan
agreements, Elk is required to comply with certain terms, covenants and
conditions, and has pledged its loans receivable and other assets as collateral
for the above lines of credit.
If interest rates rise, our cost of funds would increase while the
rates on our outstanding loans to our borrowers remained fixed, and our
profitability could decrease. In order to partially contain this risk, we have
purchased interest rate caps and interest rate swaps. While these limit our
exposure to
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upward movement in interest rates on our bank loans, they initially increase the
effective interest rates that we pay on loans subject to these agreements.
However, general rises in interest rates will reduce our interest rate spread in
the short term on the floating portion of our bank debt that is not covered by
interest rate caps or interest rate swaps. See "Management's Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 1 of Notes to
Consolidated Financial Statements.
Pursuant to the SBA Agreement, Elk agreed to limit the aggregate of its
indebtedness based on a computation of a borrowing base each quarter. The
borrowing base computation is calculated to determine that the total amount of
debt due on the senior bank debt and SBA debentures does not exceed
approximately 80% of the value of performing loans and investments in Elk's
portfolio. Loans that are more than 90 days in arrears are valued at a lower
amount in computing the borrowing base.
In connection with the SBA Agreement, Elk has also entered into an
intercreditor agreement (the "Intercreditor Agreement") and a custodian
agreement (the "Custodian Agreement") with its banks and the SBA. Pursuant to
the Custodian Agreement, the banks and the SBA-appointed Israel Discount Bank of
New York as the custodian to hold certain notes, security agreements, financing
statements, assignments of financing statements, and other instruments and
securities as part of the collateral for Elk's indebtedness to the banks and the
SBA. The Intercreditor Agreement sets forth the respective rights and priorities
of the banks and the SBA with respect to the repayment of indebtedness to the
banks and the SBA and as to their respective interests in the collateral.
Pursuant to the Intercreditor Agreement, the banks consented to the grant by Elk
to the SBA of a security interest in the collateral, which security interest
ranks junior in priority to the security interests of the banks.
The net proceeds of this Offering will be used primarily to fund the
expansion and diversification of our investing activities. However, we will need
significant additional sources of financing to significantly expand our
activities. We are currently discussing with Elk's banks and certain additional
banks credit lines for Ameritrans, Elk and Elk Capital contingent upon, among
other conditions, completion of this Offering. To date, we have not received
commitments for any additional credit lines. See "Use of Proceeds."
SBIC BENEFITS
GENERAL. As an SBIC, Elk is eligible to receive certain financing from
the SBA on favorable terms, and Elk and its stockholder are entitled to certain
tax benefits, both described below. The SBA has a certain amount of discretion
in determining the type and amount of financing that will be made available to
an SBIC. Therefore, there can be no assurance as to the nature and amount of SBA
financing that may actually be obtained by Elk. Furthermore, there are certain
restrictions and requirements to which Elk is subject by virtue of its being an
SBIC.
BACKGROUND. SBICs were created under the 1958 Act as vehicles for
providing equity capital, long-term loan funds and management assistance to
small businesses. In general, the SBA considers a business to be "small," and
therefore eligible to receive loans from an SBIC, only if (i) its net worth does
not exceed $18,000,000 and if the average of its net annual income after taxes
for the preceding two years was not more than $6,000,000 or (ii) it meets the
size standard for the industry in which it is primarily engaged, pursuant to SBA
Regulations. In addition, an SBIC is required to allocate a portion of its
portfolio to the financing of concerns that (i) together with their affiliates
do not have net worth in excess of $6 million and do not have an average net
income after taxes for the preceding two years in excess of $2 million or (ii)
meet the size standard for the industry in which they are primarily engaged.
SBICs are licensed, regulated, and sometimes partially financed, by the SBA.
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BENEFITS. The principal benefits to Elk of being licensed as an SBIC
are as follows:
The SBA is authorized to guaranty full repayment of all principal and
interest on debentures issued by an SBIC to the extent of 300% of the SBIC's
"Leverageable Capital," as defined in the applicable SBA Regulations. However,
the percentage of allowable leverage decreases if the SBIC's Leverageable
Capital exceeds $15,000,000. The term of such debentures is typically 10 years.
The SBA will guarantee such debentures only after such an SBIC has demonstrated
a need for such debentures as evidenced by the SBIC's investment activity and
its lack of sufficient funds available for investments; provided, however, that
an SBIC that has invested at least 50% of its Leverageable Capital and
outstanding leverage shall be presumed to lack sufficient funds available for
investment. Generally, such debentures will bear interest at a fixed rate that
is based on the rate which is set by the underwriters of the pooled debentures
sold through SBIC Funding Corp.
With respect to debentures guaranteed after July 1, 1991, the SBA's
claim against an SBIC is subordinated, in the event of such SBIC's insolvency,
only in favor of present and future indebtedness outstanding to lenders and only
to the extent that the aggregate amount of such indebtedness does not exceed the
lesser of 200% of such SBIC's paid-in capital and paid-in surplus (as adjusted
pursuant to SBA Regulations), or $10,000,000. However, the SBA may agree to a
subordination in favor of one or more loans from certain lenders, in its sole
discretion. Pursuant to the SBA Agreement and the Intercreditor Agreement, the
SBA agreed to a subordination in favor of Elk's banks; provided, however, that
Elk is required to keep its overall debt to certain levels based upon the
performance of its portfolio.
COMPETITION
Banks, credit unions, other finance companies, some of which are SBICs,
and other private lenders compete with Elk in the origination of taxi medallion
loans and commercial installment loans. Finance subsidiaries of equipment
manufacturers also compete with Elk. Many of these competitors have greater
resources than Elk and certain competitors are subject to less restrictive
regulations than Elk. As a result, Elk expects to continue to encounter
substantial competition from such lenders. Therefore, there can be no assurance
that Elk will be able to identify and complete financing transactions that will
permit it to compete successfully.
EMPLOYEES
As of December 31, 1999, we employed a total of six employees. After
the Offering, we intend to hire at least two additional loan officers. We may
hire other additional personnel as they are needed in connection with the
expansion and diversification of our lending and investment activities. We
believe that our relations with our employees are good, but that our future
success will depend, in part, on our ability to continue to recruit, retain and
motivate qualified personnel at all levels.
FACILITIES
We rent office space from a law firm, the principals of which are
officers and directors of Ameritrans and Elk, and we share certain office
expenses with that firm. The law firm, at our request, rented an additional
1,800 square feet of office space contiguous with our offices at a below market
rent (the "Additional Space"). Until we require the Additional Space, the law
firm sublets the Additional Space to outside tenants. In the event all or a
portion of the Additional Space is vacant, Elk has agreed to reimburse the law
firm for any additional rent due. At present, the Additional Space is fully
occupied pursuant to short-term arrangements. In the event our operations
expand, the Additional Space could be made available to us on relatively short
notice. We believe our current
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space, together with the Additional Space, will be sufficient for our currently
anticipated needs. See "Certain Transactions."
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INVESTMENT POLICIES
ELK INVESTMENT POLICIES
The investment policies described below are the fundamental policies of
Elk. Under the 1940 Act, these policies may be changed only by the vote of the
lesser of (i) a majority of Elk's outstanding Common Stock, or (ii) 67% of the
number of shares of Common Stock present in person or by proxy at a stockholder
meeting at which at least 50% of the outstanding shares of Common Stock are
present. Because Ameritrans is the only stockholder of Elk, we have agreed with
the SEC that Elk's fundamental investment policies will be changed only by the
vote of the Ameritrans stockholders.
(a) ISSUANCE OF SENIOR SECURITIES. Elk may issue subordinated
debentures to the SBA in the maximum amounts permissible under the 1958 Act and
the applicable regulations. Elk currently does not have any preferred stock
authorized.
(b) BORROWING OF MONEY. Elk has the power to borrow funds from banks,
trust companies, other financial institutions, the SBA or any successor agency
and/or other private or governmental sources, if determined by Elk's Board of
Directors to be in its best interests.
(c) UNDERWRITING. Elk has not engaged, and does not intend to engage,
in the business of underwriting the securities of other issuers.
(d) CONCENTRATION OF INVESTMENTS. Elk may not concentrate 25% or more
of its total assets in securities of issuers in any industry group except the
taxi industry. Elk will make at least 25% of its investments for financing the
purchase or continued ownership of taxi medallions, taxis and related assets.
The balance of its investments includes, and Elk intends to continue to finance,
the acquisition and/or operation of other small businesses.
(e) REAL ESTATE. Elk has not engaged, and does not intend to engage, in
the purchase and sale of real estate. However, Elk may elect to purchase and
sell real estate in order to protect any of its prior investments which it
considers at risk.
(f) COMMODITIES CONTRACTS. Elk has not engaged, and does not intend to
engage, in the purchase and sale of commodities or commodities contracts.
(g) LOANS. Elk has made, and will continue to make, loans to Small
Business Concerns in accordance with the provisions of the 1958 Act and the SBA
Regulations.
(h) WRITING OPTIONS. Elk has not engaged, and does not intend to
engage, in the writing of options.
(i) SHORT SALES. Elk has not engaged, and does not intend to engage, in
short sales of securities.
(j) PURCHASING SECURITIES ON MARGIN. Elk has not engaged, and does not
intend to engage, in the purchase of securities on margin.
(k) FUTURES CONTRACTS. Elk has not engaged, and does not intend to
engage, in the purchase or sale of futures contracts.
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(l) RESTRICTED SECURITIES. Elk may invest up to 100% of its assets in
restricted securities.
(m) TYPES OF INVESTMENTS. Although Elk was organized primarily to
provide long term loan funds to Small Business Concerns, Elk's certificate of
incorporation provides Elk with the authority to invest in the equity capital of
Small Business Concerns. Accordingly, Elk may make equity investments in Small
Business Concerns if determined by its Board of Directors to be in the best
interests of Elk.
(n) MAXIMUM INVESTMENT. Elk will not lend or otherwise invest more than
the lesser of (i) 10% of its total assets or (ii) 30% of its paid-in capital
attributable to its Common Stock with respect to any one Small Business Concern.
(o) PERCENTAGE OF VOTING SECURITIES. The percentage of voting
securities of any one Small Business Concern which Elk may acquire may not
exceed 49% of the outstanding voting equities of such Small Business Concern.
(p) MANAGEMENT CONTROL. Elk does not intend to invest in any company
for the purpose of exercising control of management. However, Elk may elect to
acquire control in order to protect any of its prior investments which it
considers at risk.
(q) INVESTMENT COMPANIES. Elk has not invested, and does not intend to
invest, in the securities of other investment companies.
(r) PORTFOLIO TURNOVER. Elk intends to make changes in its portfolio
when, in the judgment of its Board of Directors, such changes will be in the
best interest of our stockholders in light of the then existing business and
financial conditions. We do not anticipate that Elk's loan portfolio will
realize an annual turnover in excess of 50%, although there can be no assurance
with respect thereto.
AMERITRANS INVESTMENT POLICIES
Ameritrans' investment objectives will be to provide a high level of
current income for its stockholders through quarterly distributions, consistent
with preservation of capital, as well as long term growth of net asset value.
Ameritrans will seek to achieve its investment objectives by maximizing net
interest income and income from operations and expanding operations. There can
be no assurance that Ameritrans will achieve its investment objectives.
Ameritrans' only fundamental policies, that is, policies that cannot be
changed without the approval of the holders of a majority of Ameritrans'
outstanding voting securities, as defined under the 1940 Act, are the
restrictions described below. A "majority of Ameritrans' outstanding voting
securities" as defined under the 1940 Act means the lesser of (i) 67% of the
shares represented at a meeting at which more than 50% of the outstanding shares
are represented or (ii) more than 50% of the outstanding shares. The other
policies and investment restrictions referred to in this Prospectus, including
Ameritrans' investment objectives, are not fundamental policies of Ameritrans
and may be changed by Ameritrans' Board of Directors without stockholder
approval. Unless otherwise noted, whenever an investment policy or limitation
states a maximum percentage of Ameritrans' assets that may be invested in any
security or other asset, or sets forth a policy regarding quality standards,
such standard or percentage limitation will be determined immediately after and
as a result of Ameritrans' acquisition of such security or other asset.
Accordingly, any subsequent change in values, assets, or
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other circumstances will not be considered when determining whether the
investment complies with Ameritrans' investment policies and limitations.
Ameritrans' fundamental policies are as follows:
(a) Ameritrans will at all times conduct its business so as to retain
its status as a BDC under the 1940 Act. In order to retain that status,
Ameritrans may not acquire any assets (other than non-investment assets
necessary and appropriate to its operations as a BDC) if, after giving effect to
such acquisition, the value of its "Qualifying Assets," amount to less than 70%
of the value of its total assets. Ameritrans believes that the securities it
proposes to acquire in connection with the acquisition of Elk, as well as
temporary investments it makes with its funds, will generally be Qualifying
Assets. See "Regulation."
(b) Ameritrans may borrow funds and issue "senior securities" to the
maximum extent permitted under the 1940 Act. As a BDC, Ameritrans may issue
senior securities if, immediately after such issuance, the senior securities
will have an asset coverage of at least 200%. Under the 1940 Act, subordinated
debentures issued to or guaranteed by the SBA, the preferred stock issued to the
SBA by Elk and Elk's bank borrowings may be considered senior securities issued
by Ameritrans requiring asset coverage of 200%; however, pursuant to an
Exemptive Order issued by the SEC on December 7, 1999, such debentures,
preferred stock and bank borrowings are exempt from the asset coverage
requirements of the 1940 Act.
(c) Ameritrans will not (i) underwrite securities issued by others
(except to the extent that it may be considered an "underwriter" within the
meaning of the Securities Act in the disposition of restricted securities), (ii)
engage in short sales of securities, (iii) purchase securities on margin (except
to the extent that it may purchase securities with borrowed money), (iv) write
or buy put or call options, or (v) engage in the purchase or sale of commodities
or commodity contracts, including futures contracts (except where necessary in
working out distressed loan or investment situations). Ameritrans and Elk may
purchase interest rate caps and swaps covering up to 100% of their variable rate
debt. In addition, Ameritrans may sponsor the securitization of loan portfolios.
(d) Ameritrans and Elk may originate loans and loans with equity
features. To the extent permitted under the 1940 Act and the regulations
promulgated thereunder, Ameritrans may also make loans as permitted (i) under
its existing stock option plans, (ii) under plans providing for options for
disinterested directors that might be adopted by Ameritrans in the future, and
(iii) to officers and directors for the purchase of Ameritrans Common Stock.
(e) Ameritrans will hold all of the outstanding common stock of Elk and
Elk Capital and may organize additional subsidiaries in the future. Ameritrans
may acquire restricted securities of small businesses.
Elk Capital will engage in activities similar to those of Elk and
Ameritrans, but since Elk Capital will be neither an SBIC or a RIC, it will have
an added degree of flexibility in the loans and equity investments that it may
make.
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MANAGEMENT
DIRECTORS AND EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
The Board of Directors and executive officers of Ameritrans and Elk are
identical. The following table sets forth certain information concerning our
directors and executive officers:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME POSITION
---- --------
<S> <C>
Gary C. Granoff(1) President and Chairman of Board of Directors
Ellen M. Walker(1) Vice President, General Counsel and Director
Lee A. Forlenza(1) Vice President and Director
Steven Etra(1) Vice President and Director
Silvia Mullens(1) Vice President
Margaret Chance(1) Secretary
Marvin Sabesan Director
Paul Creditor Director
Allen Kaplan Director
John L. Acierno Director
John R. Laird Director
Howard F. Sommer Director
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------
(1) As BDCs under the 1940 Act, a majority of the directors of both Ameritrans
and Elk are required to be individuals who are not "interested persons" of
the company. Gary C. Granoff, Ellen M. Walker, Lee A. Forlenza, Steven
Etra, Margaret Chance and Silvia Mullens are each "interested persons"
with respect to both Ameritrans and Elk, as such term is defined in the
1940 Act.
Gary C. Granoff, age 51, has been President and a director of
Ameritrans since its formation and of Elk since its formation in July 1979 and
Chairman of the Board of Directors since December 1995. Mr. Granoff has been a
practicing attorney for the past 26 years and is presently an
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officer and stockholder in the law firm of Granoff, Walker & Forlenza, P.C. Mr.
Granoff is a member of the bar of the State of New York and the State of Florida
and is admitted to the United States District Court of the Southern District of
New York. Mr. Granoff is also President and the sole stockholder of GCG
Associates, Inc. ("GCG"), Elk's former investment adviser. He has served as
President and the sole stockholder of Seacrest Associates, Inc., a hotel
operator, since August 1994. Mr. Granoff has also been President and a director
since June 1996 of Gemini Capital Corporation ("Gemini"), a company primarily
engaged in the business of making consumer loans. In February 1998, Mr. Granoff
was elected to and is presently serving as a trustee on the Board of Trustees of
The George Washington University. Mr. Granoff holds a Bachelor of Business
Administration degree in Accounting and a Juris Doctor degree (with honors) from
The George Washington University.
Ellen M. Walker, age 44, has been a Vice President, General Counsel and
a director of Ameritrans since its formation and a Vice President and General
Counsel of Elk since July 1983. She was a director of Elk from July 1983 to
August 1994, and has been a director of Elk since 1995. Ms. Walker has been a
practicing attorney for more than seventeen years and she is presently an
officer and stockholder in the law firm of Granoff, Walker & Forlenza, P.C. Ms.
Walker is a member of the Bar of the State of New York and she is admitted to
the United States District Court of the Southern District of New York. Since
August 1983 Ms. Walker has been Vice President of GCG. Ms. Walker has been a
director, Vice President and General Counsel of Gemini since June 1996. Ms.
Walker received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Queens College and obtained her
Juris Doctor degree with honors from Brooklyn Law School.
Lee A. Forlenza, age 42, has been a Vice President and a director of
Ameritrans since its formation, a Vice President of Elk since March 1992, and a
director of Elk since January 1995. Mr. Forlenza has been a practicing attorney
since February 1983 and is presently an officer and stockholder in the law firm
of Granoff, Walker & Forlenza, P.C. Since March 1992 Mr. Forlenza has been an
investment analyst for GCG. Mr. Forlenza has also been Vice President, Secretary
and a director of Gemini since June 1996. Mr. Forlenza was Vice President of
True Type Printing, Inc. from 1976-1995 and has been President since May 1995.
From 1983 through 1986 Mr. Forlenza was an attorney with the SBA. Mr. Forlenza
graduated Phi Beta Kappa from New York University and obtained his Juris Doctor
degree from Fordham University School of Law.
Steven Etra, age 50, has been a Vice President and a director of
Ameritrans since its inception, a Vice President of Elk since January 1999, and
a director of Elk since November 1995. Mr. Etra has been Sales Manager since
1975 of Manufacturers Corrugated Box Company, a company owned by Mr. Etra's
family for more than seventy-five years. Mr. Etra has also been a director of
Gemini since June 1996. Mr. Etra has extensive business experience in investing
in emerging companies.
Silvia Maria Mullens, age 48, has been a Vice President of Ameritrans
since its inception, a Vice President of Elk since 1996, and the Loan
Administrator of Elk since February 1994. Prior to joining Elk, she was the
Legal Coordinator for Castle Oil Corporation from September 1991 through June
1993 and from June 1993 through January 1994, a legal assistant specializing in
foreclosures in the law firm of Greenberg & Posner. Ms. Mullens received a B.A.
from Fordham University and an M.B.A. from The Leonard Stern School of Business
Administration of New York University.
Margaret Chance, age 45, has been Secretary of Ameritrans since its
inception and Secretary of Elk and involved in loan administration since
November 1980. Ms. Chance is the office manager of Granoff, Walker & Forlenza,
P.C. and has served as the Secretary of GCG, since January 1982. Ms. Chance
holds a paralegal certificate.
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Marvin Sabesan, age 70, has been a director of Ameritrans since its
inception and a director of Elk since July 1982. Mr. Sabesan has been employed
by Pearl River Textiles, Inc. as an executive since 1990. He was an Executive
Vice President of N.O.L. Inc., a lingerie company, from 1988 to 1990. Mr.
Sabesan was an Executive Vice President of A.J. Schneierson & Son, a clothing
manufacturer from 1971 to 1987.
Paul Creditor, age 63, has been a director of Ameritrans since its
inception and a director of Elk since November 1995. Mr. Creditor has been a
practicing attorney since 1961, engaging in the general practice of law and
specializing in corporate law. From 1974 through 1979 he served as an elected
Judge in Suffolk County, New York. He also served as counsel to the New York
State Constitutional Convention and various State Agencies and Commissions.
Allen Kaplan, age 49, has been a director of Ameritrans since its
inception and a director of Elk since November 1995. Mr. Kaplan has been since
November 1986, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Team Systems, Inc.,
a company which manages and operates more than 200 New York City medallion
taxis. Mr. Kaplan is currently Vice President of the Metropolitan Taxicab Board
of Trade, a trade association consisting of 22 member fleets representing 1,200
New York City medallions.
John L. Acierno, age 41, has been a director of Ameritrans since its
inception and a director of Elk since October 1997. Mr. Acierno has served as
president of Executive Charge Inc. and its affiliated companies for the last ten
years. During that time, Executive Charge Inc. has become the largest executive
sedan operation in the United States with over 1,300 vehicles servicing the
greater New York Metropolitan area. His background includes practicing law as a
labor attorney for Proskauer Rose and serving as counsel for R.H. Macy & Co. Mr.
Acierno was founder and immediate past president for the last six years of the
Black Car Assistance Corporation, the organization which serves as the New York
black car industry association. He was named International Taxicab and Limousine
Association Premium Service Operator of the Year for 1996. Mr. Acierno graduated
Phi Beta Kappa from Tufts University, and Cum Laude from Cornell Law School.
John R. Laird, age 57, has been a director of Ameritrans and of Elk
since January 1999. Mr. Laird has been a private investor since 1994, when he
retired from Shearson Lehman Brothers Inc. ("Shearson"). Mr. Laird served as
President and Chief Executive Officer of the Shearson Lehman Brothers Division
of Shearson and as a member of the Shearson Executive Committee from 1992 to
1994. Mr. Laird was also Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Boston
Company, a subsidiary of Shearson, from 1990 until its sale by Shearson in 1993.
From 1977 to 1989 Mr. Laird was employed by American Express in various
capacities including Senior Vice President and Treasurer. He also is and has
been a member of boards of various cultural and philanthropic organizations,
including but not limited to, the Corporate Advisory Committee of the Boston
Museum of Fine Arts and the Board of Overseers for the Boston Symphony
Orchestra. Mr. Laird received a B.S. in finance and an M.B.A. from Syracuse
University and attended the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business
School.
Howard F. Sommer, age 59, has been a director of Ameritrans and of Elk
since January 1999. Mr. Sommer has been President and Chief Executive Officer of
New York Community Investment Company L.L.C., an equity investment fund
providing long-term capital to small businesses throughout the State of New
York, since 1995. Mr. Sommer was President of Fundex Capital Corporation from
1978 to 1995, President of U.S. Capital Corporation from 1973 to 1995, worked in
management consulting from 1971 to 1973 and held various positions at IBM and
Xerox Corporations
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from 1962 to 1971. Mr. Sommer was also a member of the Board of Directors for
the National Association of Small Business Investment Companies, serving on its
executive committee from 1989 to 1993 and as Chairman of the Board in 1994. He
received a B.S. in electrical engineering from City College of New York and
attended the Graduate School of Business at New York University.
Our directors are actively involved in the oversight of our affairs,
including financial and operational issues, credit and loan policies, asset
valuation, and strategic direction.
COMMITTEES OF THE AMERITRANS BOARD
Ameritrans has a standing Audit Committee and a standing 1999 Employee
Plan Committee.
The Audit Committee is comprised of Paul Creditor, John Acierno and
Gary Granoff. The function of the Audit Committee is to review our internal
accounting control procedures, review our consolidated financial statements and
review with the independent public accountants the results of their audit.
The 1999 Employee Plan Committee administers our 1999 Employee Plan.
See " -- Stock Option Plans -- The 1999 Employee Plan," below.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Prior to the Share Exchange, our directors and officers were
compensated as directors and officers of Elk and received no compensation from
Ameritrans. The following table sets forth all remuneration for services
rendered to Elk to (i) each of the executive officers and (ii) all executive
officers as a group during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999. No non-employee
director received compensation in excess of $60,000 during that period.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NAME AND PRINCIPAL POSITION CASH COMPENSATION(1) SEP BENEFIT(2)
- ----------------------------- -------------------- --------------
<S> <C> <C>
Gary C. Granoff, President $215,712(3) $24,000
Ellen M. Walker, Vice President and General $103,917 $15,000
Counsel
Lee A. Forlenza, Vice President $45,000 $6,750
Silvia Mullens, Vice President $61,825 $9,274
Margaret Chance, Secretary $60,652 $9,098
All executive officers as a group (5 persons) $487,106 $64,122
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------
(1) Officers' salaries constitute a major portion of Elk's total
"management fee compensation," which must be approved by the SBA. The
SBA has approved total officer and employee compensation of $648,000
for Elk. This amount includes officers' salaries, other salaries and
employee benefits.
(2) Simplified Employee Pension Plan.
(3) Does not include $20,000 of reimbursable expenses.
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<PAGE>
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999, increases in compensation
were given to Silvia Mullens and Margaret Chance, and Steven Etra became a Vice
President. In addition, increases were authorized for Gary C. Granoff, Ellen M.
Walker, and Lee A. Forlenza, effective July 1, 1999. Our other officers are
receiving, in the aggregate from Ameritrans and/or Elk, the same compensation as
was paid by Elk during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999. However, we expect
future compensation to be allocated between Elk and Ameritrans, based upon
factors determined by their respective Boards of Directors. The Boards of
Directors may increase such compensation for the fiscal year ending June 30,
2000.
Ameritrans and Elk have a policy of paying their directors who are not
employees fees of $750 for each meeting attended. Since July 1, 1996,
non-employee directors have been paid annual fees of $2,000 per year in addition
to the fees paid for each meeting attended. Fees and expenses paid to
non-affiliated directors were, in the aggregate, approximately $27,500 for the
year ended June 30, 1997, and $52,050 for the year ended June 30, 1998 and
$32,375 for the year ended June 30, 1999.
No options were granted to any officers or directors in the fiscal year
ended June 30, 1998. However, in January 1999, an aggregate of 100,000 options
were granted to certain officers. See " -- Stock Option Plans -- The 1999
Employee Plan."
STOCK OPTION PLANS
The descriptions of the 1999 Employee Plan and the Director Plan set
forth below are qualified in their entirety by reference to the text of the
plans.
1999 EMPLOYEE PLAN
An employee stock option plan (the "1999 Employee Plan") was adopted by
the Ameritrans Board of Directors, including a majority of the non-interested
directors, and approved by a stockholder vote, in order to link the personal
interests of key employees to our long-term financial success and the growth of
stockholder value. The 1999 Employee Plan is substantially identical to, and the
successor to, an employee stock option plan adopted by the Board of Directors of
Elk and approved by it stockholders in September 1998 (the "1998 Elk Employee
Plan").
The 1999 Employee Plan authorizes the grant of incentive stock options
within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code for the purchase
of an aggregate of 125,000 shares (subject to adjustment for stock splits and
similar capital changes) of Common Stock to our employees. By adopting the 1999
Employee Plan, the Board believes that we will be better able to attract,
motivate and retain as employees people upon whose judgment and special skills
our success in large measure depends. As of June 30, 1999, options to purchase
an aggregate of 100,000 shares of Common Stock had been granted to various
officers. These options were originally granted under the Elk 1998 Employee
Plan. Options for 70,000 shares are exercisable for 10 years from the date of
grant at a price of $8.88 per share (the fair market value of the Common Stock
on the date of grant), and options for 30,000 shares are exercisable for five
(5) years from the date of grant at a price of $9.77
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<PAGE>
per share. Accordingly, 25,000 shares of Common Stock are available for future
awards under the 1998 Employee Plan.
The 1998 Employee Plan is administered by the 1999 Employee Plan
Committee of the Board of Directors, which is comprised solely of non-employee
directors (who are "outside directors" within the meaning of Section 152(m) of
the Internal Revenue Code and "disinterested persons" within the meaning of Rule
16b-3 under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "1934 Act")). The
committee can make such rules and regulations and establish such procedures for
the administration of the 1998 Employee Plan as it deems appropriate.
The exercise price of an incentive stock option must be at the fair
market value of our Common Stock on the date of grant (110% of the fair market
value for stockholders who, at the time the option is granted, own more than 10%
of the total combined classes of stock of Ameritrans or any subsidiary). No
employees may exercise more than $100,000 in options held by them in any year.
No option may have a term of more than 10 years (five (5) years for 10%
or greater stockholders). Options generally may be exercised only if the option
holder remains continuously associated with us or a subsidiary from the date of
grant to the date of exercise. However, options may be exercised upon
termination of employment or upon death or disability of any employee within
certain specified periods.
The following is a general summary of the federal income tax
consequences under current tax law of incentive stock options ("ISOs"). It does
not purport to cover all of the special rules, including special rules relating
to persons subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16 under the 1934
Act who do not hold the shares acquired upon the exercise of an option for at
least six months after the date of grant of the option and special rules
relating to the exercise of an option with previously-acquired shares, or the
state or local income or other tax consequences inherent in the ownership and
exercise of stock options and the ownership and disposition of the underlying
shares.
An optionee will not recognize taxable income for federal income tax
purposes upon the grant of an ISO.
Upon the exercise of an ISO, the optionee will not recognize taxable
income. If the optionee disposes of the shares acquired pursuant to the exercise
of an ISO more than two years after the date of grant and more than one year
after the transfer of the shares to him or her, the optionee will recognize
long-term capital gain or loss, and we will not be entitled to a deduction.
However, if the optionee disposes of such shares within the required holding
period, all or a portion of the gain will be treated as ordinary income, and we
will generally be entitled to deduct such amount.
In addition to the federal income tax consequences described above, an
optionee may be subject to the alternative minimum tax.
NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR PLAN
A stock option plan for non-employee directors (the "Director Plan")
was adopted by the Ameritrans Board of Directors and approved by a stockholder
vote, in order to link the personal
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<PAGE>
interests of non-employee directors to our long-term financial success and the
growth of stockholder value. The Director Plan is substantially identical to,
and the successor to, an employee stock option plan adopted by the Board of
Directors of Elk and approved by it stockholders in September 1998 (the "Elk
Director Plan"). Ameritrans and Elk submitted an application for, and received
on August 31, 1999, an exemptive order relating to these plans from the SEC.
The Director Plan provides for the automatic grant of options to
directors who are not our employees, officers or interested persons (an
"Eligible Director"). By adopting the Director Plan, the Board believes that we
will be better able to attract, motivate and retain as directors people upon
whose judgment and special skills our success in large measure depends. The
total number of shares for which options may be granted from time to time under
the Director Plan is 75,000 shares.
The Director Plan provides that an Eligible Director serving on our
Board of Directors who has served as a director for at least one year prior to
the Approval Date will automatically receive on the Approval Date the grant of
an option to purchase the number of shares of Common Stock determined by
dividing $50,000 by the fair market value of the Common Stock on the Approval
Date. With respect to any Eligible Director who is elected or reelected as a
director after the Approval Date such elected director will automatically
receive on the date such director has served as a director for one year of such
election or reelection an option to purchase the number of shares of Common
Stock determined by dividing $50,000 by the fair market value of the Common
Stock on the date of the first anniversary such director became a director.
The Director Plan is administered by a committee of directors who are
not eligible to participate in the Directors Plan. Options become exercisable
with respect to such shares granted on the date on which the option was granted,
so long as the optionee remains an Eligible Director. No option may be exercised
more than five years after the date on which it is granted. The number of shares
available for options, the number of shares subject to outstanding options and
their exercise prices will be adjusted for changes in outstanding shares such as
stock splits and combinations of shares. Shares purchased upon exercise of
options, in whole or in part, must be paid for in cash or by means of
unrestricted shares of Common Stock or any combination thereof.
The following is a general summary of the federal income tax
consequences under current tax law of non-qualified stock options ("NQSOs"). It
does not purport to cover all of the special rules, including special rules
relating to persons subject to the reporting requirements of Section 16 under
the 1934 Act who do not hold the shares acquired upon the exercise of an option
for at least six months after the date of grant of the option and special rules
relating to the exercise of an option with previously-acquired shares, or the
state or local income or other tax consequences inherent in the ownership and
exercise of stock options and the ownership and disposition of the underlying
shares.
Upon the exercise of a NQSO, the optionee will recognize ordinary
income in an amount equal to the excess, if any, of the fair market value of the
shares acquired on the date of exercise over the exercise price thereof, and Elk
will generally be entitled to a deduction for such amount at that time. If the
optionee later sells shares acquired pursuant to the exercise of a NQSO, he or
she will recognize long-term or short-term capital gain or loss, depending on
the period for which the shares were held. Long-term capital gain is generally
subject to more favorable tax treatment than ordinary income or short-term
capital gains.
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<PAGE>
If the option does not have a readily ascertainable fair market value,
an optionee will not recognize taxable income for federal income tax purposes
upon the grant of an NQSO.
Options granted under the Director Plan will not be transferable other
than by the laws of descent and during the optionee's life may be exercised only
by the optionee. All rights to exercise options will terminate after the
optionee ceases to be an Eligible Director. If the optionee dies before
expiration of the option, his legal successors may have the right to exercise
the option in whole or in part within one year of death.
The Director Plan may be terminated at any time by the Board of
Directors, and will terminate 10 years after the effective date of the Director
Plan. The Board of Directors may not materially increase the number of shares
authorized under the plan or materially increase the benefits accruing to
participants under the plan without the approval of our stockholders.
The exercise or conversion price of the options issued pursuant to the
Director Plan shall be not less than current market value at the date of
issuance, or if no such market value exists, the current net asset value of such
voting securities.
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AND MANAGEMENT
The following table sets forth certain information as to (i) those
persons who, to our knowledge, owned 5% or more of our outstanding Common Stock
as of December 31, 1999, (ii) each of our directors and (iii) all of our
officers and directors as a group. Except as set forth below, the address of
each person listed below is the address of Ameritrans. See "Prospectus Summary."
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES OF PERCENTAGE OF OUTSTANDING COMMON STOCK
NAME COMMON STOCK OWNED PRIOR TO OFFERING AFTER OFFERING
- ------ ------------------ --------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
*Gary C. Granoff 350,708(1) 19.0% 11.9%
*Ellen M. Walker 57,374(2) 3.1% 1.9%
*Lee A. Forlenza 48,095(3) 2.6% 1.6%
*Steven Etra 133,016(4) 7.2% 4.5%
Marvin Sabesan 84,417(5) 4.3% 2.6%
c/o Pearl River Textiles, Inc.
990 Sixth Avenue
New York, NY
Paul Creditor 7,556(6) ** **
747 Third Avenue, Ste. 4C
New York, NY
Allen Kaplan 10,556(7) ** **
c/o Executive Charge, Inc.
1440 39th Street
Brooklyn, NY
</TABLE>
55
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
NUMBER OF SHARES OF PERCENTAGE OF OUTSTANDING COMMON STOCK
NAME COMMON STOCK OWNED PRIOR TO OFFERING AFTER OFFERING
- ------ ------------------ --------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
John L. Acierno 5,556(8) ** **
c/o Executive Charge, Inc.
1440 39th Street
Brooklyn, NY
John R. Laird 100 ** **
481 Canoe Hill Road
New Canaan, CT
Howard F. Sommer -- ** **
c/o New York Community
Investment Co., LLC
120 Broadway
New York, NY
Dan M. Granoff 155,979(9) 8.9% 5.5%
Children's Hospital
Oakland Research Institute
747 52nd Street
Oakland, CA
Alexander Nash 103,750(10) 5.5% 3.3%
20 W. Lincoln Avenue
Valley Stream, NY
Paul D. Granoff 143,179(11) 8.2% 4.9%
c/o Rush-Copley Medical Center
1900 Ogden Avenue
Aurora, IL 60504
All Officers and Directors as a 726,890(12) 38.9% 23.5%
group (12 persons)
</TABLE>
- --------------------------------------
* Gary C. Granoff, Ellen M. Walker, Lee A. Forlenza, and Steven Etra are each
"interested persons" with respect to Ameritrans and Elk, as such term is
defined in the 1940 Act.
** Less than 1%.
1. Excludes (i) 24,933 shares owned directly or indirectly by Mr. Granoff's
wife, as to which he disclaims beneficial ownership and (ii) 10,500 shares
owned by one of Mr. Granoff's sons, as to which shares he does not exercise
any control and disclaims beneficial ownership. Includes (i) 10,900 shares
owned by the Granoff family foundation, a charitable foundation of which
Mr. Granoff and his father, mother, and brother, Dan M. Granoff, are
trustees; (ii) 35,321 shares held by Mr. Granoff as trustee for his
children and other family members; (iii) 261 shares held by GCG Associates
Inc., a corporation owned by Mr. Granoff; (iv) 76,084 shares owned by
Dapary Management Corp., a corporation controlled by Mr. Granoff and (v)
30,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of five-year options issued under
the 1999 Employee Plan. See "Stock Option Plans."
2. Includes (i) 200 shares held by Ms. Walker as custodian for her son; (ii)
22,800 shares held by various trusts of which Ms. Walker is a trustee and
as to which she disclaims beneficial ownership (Mr. Granoff retains a
reversionary interest in 21,000 of such shares), and (iii) 20,000 shares
issuable upon the exercise of ten-year options issued under the 1999
Employee Plan. See "Stock Option Plans."
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<PAGE>
3. Includes 17,500 shares issuable upon the exercise of ten-year options
issued to under the 1999 Employee Plan. See "Stock Option Plans."
4. Includes (i) 29,022 shares held by Mr. Etra and his wife as joint tenants;
(ii) 27,000 shares held by Mr. Etra's wife; (iii) 1,500 shares held by Mr.
Etra's son; (iv) 10,000 shares held by SRK Associates LLC, a limited
liability company controlled by Mr. Etra, (v) 10,000 shares held by Lance's
Property Development Corp. Pension Plan, of which Mr. Etra is a trustee and
(vi) 17,500 shares issuable upon the exercise of ten-year options issued
under the 1999 Employee Plan. See "Stock Option Plans."
5. Includes 21,387 shares held by Mr. Sabesan and his wife as joint tenants
and 28,551 shares held by his wife. Mr. Sabesan disclaims beneficial
ownership of the 28,551 shares held by his wife. Also includes 5,556
shares issuable upon the exercise of ten-year options issued under the
Director Plan. See "Stock Option Plans."
6. Includes 5,556 shares issuable upon exercise of ten year options issued
under the Director Plan. See "Stock Options Plans."
7. Includes 5,556 shares issuable upon exercise of ten year options issued
under the Director Plan. See "Stock Options Plans."
8. Includes 5,556 shares issuable upon exercise of ten year options issued
under the Director Plan. See "Stock Options Plans."
9. Includes (i) 10,900 shares owned by a charitable foundation, of which N.
Henry Granoff, his wife, Jeannette Granoff, Gary C. Granoff and Dr. Dan M.
Granoff are the trustees, and (ii) 2,800 shares held in an IRA Rollover
Account for the benefit of Dr. Granoff.
10 Includes (i) 6,500 shares held by Dr. Nash as custodian for his daughter
and (ii) 52,900 shares held by his wife, as to which shares Dr. Nash
disclaims beneficial ownership.
11. Includes 40,049 shares held by Dr. Paul Granoff directly, 77,630 held by
Granoff Family Partners Ltd., of which Dr. Granoff is a general partner,
and 25,500 shares held by the Granoff Pediatric Associates Profit Sharing
Plan. Excludes 14,127 shares held by Dr. Granoff's wife, of which shares he
disclaims beneficial ownership.
12. Includes 100,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of 30,000 five-year and
70,000 ten-year options issued under the 1999 Employee Plan and 22,224
shares issuable upon the exercise of ten-year options issued under the
Director Plan. See "Stock Option Plans."
Except pursuant to applicable community property laws or as described
above, each person listed in the table above has sole voting and investment
power, and is both the owner of record and the beneficial owner of his or her
respective shares.
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
Elk pays legal fees, on a fixed or hourly basis, for loan closing
services relating to loans other than New York taxi and radio car loan closings
to Granoff, Walker & Forlenza, P.C. ("Granoff, Walker") whose stockholders are
officers and directors of Elk and Ameritrans. Such services related to New York
taxi and radio car loans are provided by the officers and employees of Elk. Elk
paid Granoff, Walker fees of $62,987 during the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999
and $28,420 during the period from July 1, 1999 through December 31, 1999. Elk
generally charges its borrowers loan origination fees to generate income to
offset the legal fees paid by Elk for loan closing services.
We also rent office space from Granoff, Walker and share certain office
expenses with that firm. For the fiscal year ended June 30, 1999, we paid
$39,600 in rent, $59,400 in shared overhead expense, and $25,738 of other
reimbursable shared overhead expense. For the year ending June 30, 2000, we have
agreed to pay $39,600 in rent and a minimum of $59,400 in expenses, which amount
is subject to adjustment if actual expenses vary. As of December 31, 1999, Elk's
share of overhead expenses for the fiscal year to date was $45,312.
During the fiscal year ended June 30, 1998, Granoff, Walker exercised
an option in its lease, at our request, and rented an additional 1,800 square
feet of office space contiguous with our offices at a below market rent (the
"Additional Space"). Until we require the Additional Space, the law firm sublets
the Additional Space to outside tenants under short-term arrangements. In the
event all or a portion of the Additional Space is vacant, Elk's Board of
Directors has agreed to reimburse the law
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<PAGE>
firm for the additional rent due. The estimated maximum amount of rent for which
we would be responsible is $58,000 per year, less any sublet rental income
received from the outside tenants. At present, the Additional Space is fully
occupied, thus requiring no reimbursement payment from us, although some
liability under the reimbursement obligation may occur in the future. In the
event our operations expand, we could occupy all or part of the Additional Space
without the inconvenience and expense of having to relocate our offices.
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST POLICIES
The Boards of Directors of Ameritrans and Elk have adopted policies
governing potential conflicts of interest between the companies and their
directors and officers. Together, these policies comprise our "Codes of Ethics"
as required under the 1940 Act.
These policies generally provide that no officer, director or employee
of the respective company will make any loan which might be deemed to be
appropriate for that company, unless and until such transaction is first
approved by a majority of the directors of that company who are not "interested
persons" of that company within the meaning of the 1940 Act and who have no
financial or other material interest in the transaction. A loan would not be
deemed to be appropriate for Elk if in any manner such loan (or investment)
would in any way violate SBA Regulations in effect at the time of making such
loan or investment. In reviewing any such transaction, the directors will
examine, among other factors, whether the transaction would deprive the company
of an opportunity or whether it would otherwise conflict with our best interests
and those of our stockholders. A complete record of any such review and the
results of the review will be maintained by the respective company as part of
its permanent records.
INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS
The Ameritrans Certificate of Incorporation limits the liability of our
directors for monetary damages arising from a breach of their fiduciary duty as
directors, except to the extent otherwise required by the Delaware General
Corporation Law. This limitation of liability does not affect the availability
of equitable remedies such as injunctive relief or recision.
The Ameritrans by-laws provide that Ameritrans shall indemnify its
officers and directors to the fullest extent permitted by Delaware law,
including in circumstances in which indemnification is otherwise discretionary
under Delaware law. We have entered into indemnification agreements with our
officers and directors containing provisions that may require Ameritrans, among
other things, to indemnify its officers and directors against certain
liabilities that may arise by reason of their status as directors or officers
(other than liabilities arising from willful misconduct of a culpable nature)
and to advance their expenses incurred as a result of any proceeding against
them as to which they could be indemnified.
Ameritrans has directors' and officers' liability insurance. This
policy was previously held by Elk for the benefit of its officers and directors
and was assumed by Ameritrans upon the completion of the Share Exchange.
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<PAGE>
REGULATION
THE INVESTMENT COMPANY ACT OF 1940
Ameritrans and Elk are closed-end, non-diversified management
investment companies that have elected to be treated as BDCs and, as such, are
subject to regulation under the 1940 Act. The 1940 Act contains prohibitions and
restrictions relating to transactions between investment companies and their
affiliates, principal underwriters and affiliates of those affiliates or
underwriters. In addition, the 1940 Act provides that a BDC may not change the
nature of its business so as to cease to be, or to withdraw its election as, a
BDC unless so authorized by the vote of a "majority of its outstanding voting
securities," as defined under the 1940 Act.
BDCs are permitted, under specified conditions, to issue multiple
classes of indebtedness and one class of stock (collectively, "senior
securities," as defined under the 1940 Act) senior to the shares of Common Stock
offered hereby if their asset coverage of such indebtedness and all senior
securities is at least 200% immediately after each such issuance. Subordinated
SBA debentures, preferred stock guaranteed by or issued to the SBA by Elk, and
Elk bank borrowings are not subject to this asset coverage test. In addition,
while senior securities are outstanding, provision must be made to prohibit the
declaration of any dividend or other distribution to stockholders (except stock
dividends) or the repurchase of such securities or shares unless we meet the
applicable asset coverage ratios at the time of the declaration of the dividend
or distribution or repurchase. The Exemptive Order issued by the SEC grants
certain relief from the asset coverage ratios applicable to BDCs.
Under the 1940 Act, a BDC may not acquire any asset other than
Qualifying Assets unless, at the time the acquisition is made, certain
Qualifying Assets represent at least 70% of the value of the company's total
assets. The principal categories of Qualifying Assets relevant to our proposed
business are the following:
(1) Securities purchased in transactions not involving a public
offering from the issuer of such securities, which issuer is an eligible
portfolio company. An "eligible portfolio company" is defined in the 1940 Act as
any issuer which:
(a) is organized under the laws of, and has its principal
place of business in, the United States;
(b) is not an investment company other than an SBIC
wholly-owned by the BDC; and
(c) satisfies one or more of the following requirements:
(i) the issuer does not have a class of securities
with respect to which a broker or dealer may extend margin
credit; or
(ii) the issuer is controlled by a BDC and the BDC
has an affiliated person serving as a director of issuer;
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<PAGE>
(iii) the issuer has total assets of not more than
$4,000,000 and capital and surplus (stockholders' equity less
retained earnings) of not less than $2,000,000, or such other
amounts as the SEC may establish by rule or regulation; or
(iv) the issuer meets such requirements as the SEC
may establish from time to time by rule or regulation.
(2) Securities for which there is no public market and which are
purchased in transactions not involving a public offering from the issuer of
such securities where the issuer is an eligible portfolio company which is
controlled by the BDC.
(3) Securities received in exchange for or distributed on or with
respect to securities described in (1) or (2) above, or pursuant to the exercise
of options, warrants or rights relating to such securities.
(4) Cash, cash items, government securities, or high quality debt
securities maturing in one year or less from the time of investment.
In addition, a BDC must have been organized (and have its principal
place of business) in the United States for the purpose of making investments in
the types of securities described in (1) or (2) above. In order to count
securities as Qualifying Assets for the purpose of the 70% test, the BDC must
either control the issuer of the securities or must make available to the issuer
of the securities significant managerial assistance; except that, where the BDC
purchases such securities in conjunction with one or more other persons acting
together, one of the other persons in the group may make available the required
managerial assistance. We believe that the common stock of Elk held by
Ameritrans are Qualifying Assets.
THE SMALL BUSINESS INVESTMENT ACT OF 1958
Elk was formerly an SSBIC and, as explained in further detail below,
was converted to an SBIC in February 1997 in accordance with an agreement with
the SBA. The 1958 Act authorizes the organization of SBICs as vehicles for
providing equity capital, long term financing and management assistance to Small
Business Concerns. A Small Business Concern, as defined in the 1958 Act and the
SBA Regulations, is a business that is independently owned and operated and
which is not dominant in its field of operation. In addition, at the end of each
fiscal year, at least 20% of the total amount of loans made since April 25, 1994
by each SBIC must be made to a subclass of Small Business Concerns that (i) have
a net worth, together with any affiliates, of $6 million or less and average
annual net income after U.S. federal income taxes for the preceding two (2)
years of $2 million or less (average annual net income is computed without the
benefit of any carryover loss), or (ii) satisfy alternative criteria under SBA
Regulations that focus on the industry in which the business is engaged and the
number of persons employed by the business or its gross revenues. SBA
Regulations also prohibit an SBIC from providing funds to a Small Business
Concern for certain purposes, such as relending and reinvestment.
The 1958 Act authorized the organization of SSBICs to provide
assistance to Disadvantaged Concerns, i.e., businesses that are at least 50%
owned and managed by persons whose participation in the free enterprise system
is hampered because of social or economic disadvantages. Certain 1996
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<PAGE>
amendment to the 1958 Act provided, among other things, that no further
subsidized funding would be made available to SSBICs. Thereafter, pursuant to an
agreement with the SBA, Elk was converted to an SBIC, subject to certain
conditions imposed by the SBA. Under this agreement, Elk may now lend to persons
who are not Disadvantaged Concerns. As of December 31, 1999, more than 95% of
Elk's portfolio of loans and investments were to Disadvantaged Concerns.
Under current SBA Regulations and subject to local usury laws, the
maximum rate of interest that Elk may charge may not exceed the higher of (i)
19% or (ii) a rate calculated with reference to Elk's weighted average cost of
qualified borrowings, as determined under SBA Regulations or the SBA's current
debenture interest rate. The current maximum rate of interest permitted on loans
originated by Elk is 19%. At June 30, 1999, Elk's outstanding loans had a
weighted average rate of interest of 11.2%. SBA Regulations also require that
each loan originated by SBICs have a term of between five years and 20 years.
The SBA restricts the ability of SBICs to repurchase their capital
stock, to retire their subordinated SBA debentures and to lend money to their
officers, directors and employees or invest in affiliates thereof. The SBA also
prohibits, without prior SBA approval, a "change of control" or transfers which
would result in any person (or group of persons acting in concert) owning 10% or
more of any class of capital stock of an SBIC. A "change of control" is any
event which would result in the transfer of the power, direct or indirect, to
direct the management and policies of an SBIC, whether through ownership,
contractual arrangements or otherwise.
Under SBA Regulations, without prior SBA approval, loans by licensees
with outstanding SBA leverage to any single Small Business Concern may not
exceed 20% of an SBIC's Leveragable Capital. Under the terms of the SBA
Agreement, however, Elk is authorized to make loans to Disadvantaged Concerns in
amounts not exceeding 30% of its respective Leveragable Capital.
SBICs must invest funds that are not being used to make loans in
investments permitted under SBA Regulations. These permitted investments include
direct obligations of, or obligations guaranteed as to principal and interest
by, the government of the United States with a term of 15 months or less and
deposits maturing in one year or less issued by an institution insured by the
FDIC. The percentage of an SBIC's assets so invested will depend on, among other
things, loan demand, timing of equity infusions and SBA funding and availability
of funds under credit facilities.
SBICs may purchase voting securities of Small Business Concerns in
accordance with SBA Regulations. SBA Regulations prohibit SBICs from controlling
a Small Business Concern except where necessary to protect an investment. SBA
Regulations presume control when SBICs purchase (i) 50% or more of the voting
securities of a Small Business Concern if the Small Business Concern has less
than 50 stockholders or (ii) more than 20% (and in certain situations up to 25%)
of the voting securities of a Small Business Concern if the Small Business
Concern has 50 or more stockholders.
FEDERAL INCOME TAX CONSIDERATIONS
The following discussion is a general summary of the federal income tax
principles applicable to Ameritrans, based on the currently existing provisions
of the Internal Revenue Code and the regulations thereunder. This summary does
not purport to be a complete description of the tax
61
<PAGE>
considerations applicable to Ameritrans or to the holders of its Common Stock.
These principles, in general, also apply to Elk, but the sole direct stockholder
of Elk is Ameritrans.
Ameritrans has elected to be treated as a "regulated investment
company" (a "RIC") under Section 851 of the Internal Revenue Code, and Elk has
elected to be treated as a RIC since 1984. A regulated investment company may
deduct, for federal income tax purposes, most dividends paid to stockholders,
thereby avoiding federal income taxation at the corporate level on stockholder
dividends. In addition, because Elk currently qualifies for treatment as a RIC,
Ameritrans anticipates that the dividends it receives from Elk will not be
subject to corporate taxation at the level of Elk. Elk Capital will not be
treated as a RIC and therefore it is contemplated its earnings will not be
distributed to stockholders.
TAXATION OF REGULATED INVESTMENT COMPANIES
In order to qualify as a RIC for a given fiscal year, a company must
meet each of the following conditions for that fiscal year:
a) The company must be registered as an investment company
under the 1940 Act at all times during the year.
b) At least 90% of the company's gross income for the year
must be derived from interest, gains on the sale or other disposition of stock
or other securities, dividends and payment with respect to securities loans.
c) Less than 30% of the company's gross income must be derived
from the sale or other disposition of securities held for less than three
months.
d) At the close of each quarter, at least 50% of the value of
the company's total assets must be represented by cash, cash items (including
receivables), securities of other RICs and securities of other issuers, except
that the investment in a single issuer of securities may not exceed 5% of the
value of the RIC's assets, or 10% of the outstanding voting securities of the
issuer.
e) At the close of each quarter, and with the exception of
government securities or securities of other RICs, no more than 25% of the value
of a RIC's assets may be made up of investments in the securities of a single
issuer or in the securities of two or more issuers controlled by the RIC and
engaged in the same or a related trade or business. However, if a non-RIC entity
controlled by the RIC subsequently sustains internally generated growth (as
opposed to growth via acquisitions), the diversification requirement will not be
violated even if the non-RIC subsidiary represents in excess of 25% of the RIC's
assets.
f) The company must distribute as dividends at least 90% of
its investment company taxable income (as defined in Section 852 of the Internal
Revenue Code), as well as 90% of the excess of its tax-exempt income over
certain disallowed tax-exempt interest deductions. This treatment substantially
eliminates the "double taxation" (i.e., taxation at both the corporate and
stockholder levels) that generally results from the use of corporate investment
vehicles. A RIC is,
62
<PAGE>
however, generally subject to federal income tax at regular corporate rates on
undistributed investment company taxable income.
In order to avoid the imposition of a non-deductible 4% excise tax on
its undistributed income, a company is required, under Section 4982 of the
Internal Revenue Code, to distribute within each calendar year at least 98% of
its ordinary income for such calendar year and 98% of its capital gain net
income (reduced by the RIC's net ordinary loss for the calendar year, but not
below its net capital gain) for the one-year period ending on October 31 of such
calendar year.
The tax benefits available to a qualified RIC are prospective,
commencing with the fiscal year in which all the conditions listed above are
met, and would not permit Ameritrans to avoid income tax at the corporate level
on income earned during prior taxable years. If Ameritrans fails to qualify as a
RIC for a given fiscal year, Ameritrans will not be entitled to a federal income
tax deduction for dividends distributed, and amounts distributed as stockholder
dividends by Ameritrans will therefore be subject to federal income tax at both
the corporate level and the individual level.
Dividends distributed by Elk to Ameritrans will constitute ordinary
income to Ameritrans to the extent derived from non-capital gain income of Elk,
and will ordinarily constitute capital gain income to Ameritrans to the extent
derived from capital gains of Elk. However, since Ameritrans is also a RIC,
Ameritrans will, in general, not be subject to a corporate level tax on its
income to the extent that it makes distributions to its stockholders. If Elk
does not qualify as a RIC for any reason in any fiscal year, it will not be
entitled to a federal income tax deduction for dividends distributed, and will
instead be liable to pay corporate level tax on its earnings. Further, if Elk
does not qualify as a RIC, such failure will cause Ameritrans to fail to qualify
for RIC status as well, as long as Elk stock held by Ameritrans represents more
than 25% of Ameritrans' assets. In such a case, Ameritrans will be taxed on
dividends received from Elk, subject to the deduction for corporate dividends
received, which is currently 70%. Thus, if Elk fails to qualify as a RIC for any
reason, its earnings would be taxed at three levels: to Elk, in part to
Ameritrans, and finally, when they are distributed by Ameritrans, to our
stockholders.
Elk Capital will not be a RIC, so it will be subject to corporate tax
on its earnings. Elk Capital does not currently represent more than 25% of
Ameritrans' assets, but it is a non-RIC entity controlled by Ameritrans and
engaged in the same or a related trade or business as Ameritrans. If Elk Capital
subsequently sustains internally generated growth (as opposed to growth via
acquisitions), the diversification requirement discussed above should not be
violated even if Elk Capital represents in excess of 25% of Ameritrans' assets.
However, if the diversification requirement is not complied with, such failure
will cause Ameritrans to fail to qualify for RIC status.
As long as Ameritrans qualifies as a RIC, dividends distributed by
Ameritrans to its stockholders out of current or accumulated earnings and
profits constitute ordinary income to such stockholders to the extent derived
from ordinary income and short-term capital gains of Ameritrans (such as
interest from loans by Ameritrans). Any long-term capital gain dividends
distributed by Ameritrans would constitute capital gain income to Ameritrans
stockholders. To the extent Ameritrans makes distributions in excess of current
and accumulated earnings and profits, these distributions are treated first as a
tax-free return of capital to the stockholder, reducing the tax basis of the
stockholder's stock by the amount of such distribution, but not below zero, with
distributions in excess of the stockholder's basis taxable as capital gains if
the stock is held as a capital asset.
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<PAGE>
TAXATION OF SBICS
As a result of Elk's status as a licensed SBIC under the 1958 Act, Elk
and its stockholders qualify for the following tax benefits:
(i) Under Section 243 of the Internal Revenue Code, Elk may
deduct 100% of the dividends received by it from domestic corporations in which
it has made equity investments, regardless of whether such corporations are
subsidiaries of Elk (in contrast to the generally applicable 70% deduction under
the Code). Because Elk generally makes long-term loans rather than equity
investments, this potential benefit is not likely to be of practical
significance to Elk or its stockholder.
(ii) Under Section 1243 of the Internal Revenue Code, losses
sustained on Elk's investments in the convertible debentures, or stock derived
from convertible debentures, of Small Business Concerns are treated as ordinary
losses rather than capital losses to Elk. Because Elk does not presently intend
to purchase convertible debentures, however, this potential benefit is not
likely to be of practical significance to Elk or its stockholder.
(iii) Under Section 1242 of the Internal Revenue Code, Elk's
stockholders are entitled to take an ordinary rather than a capital loss
deduction on losses resulting from the worthlessness or the sale or exchange of
Elk Common Stock.
STATE AND OTHER TAXES
The foregoing discussion relates only to federal income tax matters.
Ameritrans is also subject to state and local taxation. The state, local and
foreign tax treatment may not conform to the federal tax treatment discussed
above. Stockholders should consult with their own tax advisors with respect to
the state and local tax considerations pertaining to Ameritrans.
64
<PAGE>
DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK
The authorized capital stock of Ameritrans consists of 5,000,000
shares, $.0001 par value, of Common Stock, of which 1,745,600 shares are issued
and outstanding, and 1,000,000 shares of "blank check" preferred stock, none of
which are issued and outstanding. As of December 31, 1999, there were
approximately 274 holders of record of the Ameritrans Common Stock.
COMMON STOCK
The holders of Common Stock are entitled to one (1) vote per share on
all matters submitted to a vote of stockholders. Holders of Common Stock have
neither cumulative voting rights (which means that the holders of a majority of
the outstanding shares of Common Stock may elect all of our directors) nor any
preemptive rights. Holders of Common Stock are entitled to receive ratably such
dividends as may be declared by the Board of Directors out of funds legally
available therefor.
In order to qualify as a "regulated investment company" under the
Internal Revenue Code, we are required to distribute as dividends to our
stockholders, for each fiscal year, at least 90% of our taxable income and 90%
of the excess of our tax-exempt income over certain disallowed deductions. In
addition, in order to avoid a non-deductible 4% excise tax on any undistributed
income, we are required to distribute as dividends, within each calendar year,
at least 98% of our ordinary income for such calendar year and 98% of our
capital gain net income for the one-year period ending on October 31 of such
calendar year. See "Federal Income Tax Considerations." In the event of a
liquidation, dissolution or winding up of Ameritrans, holders of Common Stock
will be entitled to receive a ratable portion of the assets of Ameritrans
remaining after provision for payment of creditors. All of the outstanding
shares of Common Stock are fully paid and non-assessable.
PREFERRED STOCK
Subject to the asset coverage requirements of the 1940 Act, Preferred
Stock may be issued from time to time by the Board of Directors as shares of one
or more classes or series. Subject to the provisions of the our Certificate and
limitations prescribed by law, the Board of Directors is expressly authorized to
adopt resolutions to issue the shares, to fix the number of shares and to change
the number of shares constituting any series, and to provide for or change the
voting powers, designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional
or other special rights, qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof,
including dividend rights (including whether dividends are cumulative), dividend
rates, terms of redemption (including sinking fund provisions), redemption
prices, conversion rights and liquidation preferences of the shares constituting
any class or series of the Preferred Stock, in each case without any further
action or vote by the stockholders. We have no current plans to issue any shares
of Preferred Stock of any class or series.
The Board of Directors could issue classes or series of the
undesignated Preferred Stock to make more difficult or to discourage an
outsider's attempt to obtain control of Ameritrans by means of a tender offer,
proxy contest, merger or otherwise, and thereby to protect the continuity of our
management. The issuance of shares of the Preferred Stock by the Board of
Directors could have a negative effect on the rights of the holders of Common
Stock. For example, holders of Preferred Stock may be entitled to receive
dividends and distributions on liquidation before the holders of the Common
Stock, and the Preferred Stock could have full or limited voting rights and may
be
65
<PAGE>
convertible into shares of Common Stock. As a result, the issuance of shares of
Preferred Stock may discourage bids for the Common Stock or may cause the market
price of the Common Stock to go down.
TRANSFER AGENT
The transfer agent for our Common Stock is Continental Stock Transfer &
Trust Company, 2 Broadway, New York, New York 10004.
BUSINESS COMBINATION PROVISIONS
Delaware Corporation Law Section 203 is entitled "Business Combinations
with Interested Stockholders." Subject to certain exceptions, Section 203
generally prohibits any Delaware corporation covered by Section 203 from
engaging in any "business combination" with a person who is an "interested
stockholder" for a period of three (3) years following the date such person
became an interested stockholder, unless (i) the Board of Directors approved
either the interested stockholder or business combination in question prior to
the date such person became an interested stockholder, (ii) upon consummation of
the transaction which resulted in such person becoming an interested
stockholder, such interested stockholder owned at least 85% of the voting stock
of the corporation, excluding (for purposes of determining the number of shares
outstanding) stock held by persons who are both directors and officers of the
corporation or by certain employee stock plans, or (iii) the business
combination is approved by both the Board of Directors of the corporation and at
a stockholders' meeting, by two-thirds of the outstanding voting stock not owned
by such interested stockholder.
Companies may choose not to be governed by Section 203, and the
Ameritrans Certificate of Incorporation provides that Ameritrans shall not be
governed by Section 203.
SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE
Future sales of substantial amounts of Common Stock in the public
market, or the perception that such sales could occur, could adversely affect
market prices prevailing from time to time. In addition, several of our
principal stockholders and entities affiliated with them hold a significant
portion of our outstanding Common Stock, and a decision by one or more of these
stockholders to sell their shares could adversely affect the market price of the
Common Stock.
Upon completion of the Offering, we will have outstanding 2,845,600
shares of Common Stock. Except for the shares currently owned or subsequently
acquired by our affiliates, in this Offering or otherwise, the outstanding
shares and the 1,100,000 shares to be sold in this Offering, will be freely
tradable without restriction under the Securities Act.
The shares owned by our affiliates may be sold in accordance with the
conditions of Rule 144 of the Securities Act. In general, under Rule 144, an
affiliate would be entitled to sell in brokers'
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<PAGE>
transactions or to market makers within any three-month period a number of
shares that does not exceed the greater of 1% of the then outstanding shares of
the Common Stock (approximately 28,450 shares, based on the number of shares
outstanding after the Offering) or the average weekly trading volume of the
Common Stock on the Nasdaq National Market during the four (4) calendar weeks
preceding the date on which notice of the sale is filed with the SEC. Sales
under Rule 144 are also subject to certain manner of sale provisions, notice
requirements and the availability of current public information about the
company.
We have authorized 125,000 shares of Common Stock under the 1999
Employee Plan, including 100,000 shares issuable upon the exercise of options
that have been granted under the 1999 Employee Plan. A total of 25,000 shares of
Common Stock remains for future grants under the 1999 Employee Plan. In
addition, 75,000 shares of Common Stock have been authorized under the Director
Plan, pursuant to which, options to purchase 22,224 shares have been granted. We
intend to file a registration statement under the Securities Act to register the
shares reserved for issuance under the 1999 Employee Plan and the Director Plan.
Shares issued upon exercise of outstanding stock options after the effective
date of such registration statement generally will be tradable without
restriction under the Securities Act.
DIRECT PARTICIPATION OFFERING
This Offering is a direct participation offering. No underwriter has
been retained by Ameritrans to sell the securities subject to this offering. The
officers of Ameritrans will sell the shares.
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<PAGE>
EXPERTS
The consolidated financial statements of Ameritrans Capital Corporation
and subsidiaries for the years ended June 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997 included in
this Prospectus have been audited by Marcum & Kliegman LLP, independent public
accountants, as indicated in their report dated August 11, 1999 with respect
thereto and are incorporated herein in reliance upon the authority of said firm
as experts in accounting and auditing in giving said report.
LEGAL MATTERS
Certain legal matters in connection with the Offering will be passed
upon for Ameritrans by Stursberg & Veith, New York, New York.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
We have filed with the SEC a Registration Statement on Form N-2 under
the Securities Act with respect to the Common Stock offered by this Prospectus.
This Prospectus, filed as part of the Registration Statement, does not contain
all of the information set forth in the Registration Statement and the exhibits
and schedules thereto. For further information with respect to Ameritrans and
the Common Stock, you should refer to the Registration Statement, including its
exhibits and schedules. Statements contained in this Prospectus as to the
contents of any contract or any other document are not necessarily complete. In
each instance, we refer you to the copy of such contract or document filed as an
exhibit to the Registration Statement, and each such statement is qualified in
all respects by such reference to the complete document.
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<PAGE>
As a BDC, we comply with the informational requirements of the 1934
Act, and, in accordance therewith, we are required to file reports, proxy
statements, and other information with the SEC.
You may inspect the Registration Statement, including all exhibits and
schedules, filed with the SEC, as well as the reports, proxy statements, and
other information we file under the 1934 Act, without charge, at the Public
Reference Room maintained by the SEC at Room 1024, Judiciary Plaza, 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, and at the SEC's Regional Offices located
at Seven World Trade Center, 13th Floor, New York, New York 10048, and 500 West
Madison Street, Suite 1400, Chicago, Illinois 60661. You can obtain information
on the operation of the Public Reference room by calling the SEC at (800)
SEC-0330. The SEC also maintains a web site that contains reports, proxy
statements, and other information. The address of the SEC's web site is
http://www.sec.gov. Copies of such material may also be obtained from the Public
Reference Branch, Office of Consumer Affairs and Information Services of the SEC
at 450 Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, at prescribed rates. Our
Common Stock is listed on the Nasdaq SmallCap Market and, after the Offering,
will be listed on the Nasdaq National Market, and our reports, proxy statements
and other information can also be inspected at the offices of the National
Association of Securities Dealers, Inc., 1735 K Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20006.
69
<PAGE>
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
REPORT OF MARCUM & KLEIGMAN, LLP,
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS REPORT F - 2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 1999, June 30, 1998 and
December 31, 1999 (unaudited) F - 3, 4
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended June 30, 1999,
June 30, 1998 and June 30, 1997 and for the Six Months Ended
December 31, 1999 and December 31, 1998 (unaudited) F - 5
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended
June 30, 1999, June 30, 1998 and June 30, 1997 and for the Six Months
Ended December 31, 1999 (unaudited) F - 6, 7
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended June 30, 1999,
June 30, 1998 and June 30, 1997, and for the Six Months Ended
December 31, 1999 and 1998 (unaudited) F - 8, 9
Schedule of Loans at June 30, 1999 F - 10
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS F - 11 - 20
</TABLE>
F-1
<PAGE>
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' REPORT
To the Board of Directors and Stockholders of
Ameritrans Capital Corporation and Subsidiaries
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Ameritrans
Capital Corporation and Subsidiaries as of June 30, 1999 and 1998, and the
related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, stockholders'
equity and cash flows for the years then ended June 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997 and
the schedule of loans as of June 30, 1999. These consolidated financial
statements and schedule are the responsibility of the Company's management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial
statements and schedule based on our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with generally accepted auditing
standards. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits 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 statements presentation.
We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements and schedule referred to
above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of
Ameritrans Capital Corporation and Subsidiary as of June 30, 1999 and 1998, and
the results of their operations and their cash flows for the years ended June
30, 1999, 1998 and 1997 in conformity with generally accepted accounting
principles.
As explained in Note 1, the consolidated financial statements include loans
valued at $50,723,932 and $41,295,000 as of June 30, 1999 and 1998,
respectively, whose values have been estimated by the Board of Directors in the
absence of readily ascertainable market values. We have reviewed the procedures
used by the Board of Directors in arriving at their estimate of the value of
such loans and have inspected underlying documentation and, in the
circumstances, we believe the procedures are reasonable and the documentation is
appropriate. However, because of the inherent uncertainty of valuation, those
estimated values may differ significantly from the values that would have been
used had a ready market for such loans existed, and the differences could be
material.
/s/ Marcum & Kliegman LLP
New York, New York
August 11, 1999, except for
Note 15 as to which is dated August 31, 1999
F - 2
<PAGE>
AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
ASSETS
------
June 30, June 30, December 31,
1999 1998 1999
------------ ------------ (unaudited)
------------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
Loans receivable $ 51,103,932 $ 41,590,000 $ 58,029,360
Less: allowance for loan losses (380,000) (295,000) (380,000)
------------ ------------ ------------
50,723,932 41,295,000 57,649,360
Cash and cash equivalents 542,290 1,755,429 767,106
Accrued interest receivable 714,626 516,110 858,039
Assets acquired in satisfaction of
loans 612,491 400,470 612,491
Receivables from debtors on sales
of assets acquired in satisfaction
of loans 409,939 451,222 394,752
Equity securities 909,386 629,179 944,146
Furniture, fixtures and leasehold
improvements, net 105,440 102,247 126,668
Prepaid expenses and other assets 492,697 250,081 538,733
------------ ------------ ------------
TOTAL ASSETS $ 54,510,801 $ 45,399,738 $ 61,891,295
============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F - 3
<PAGE>
AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
------------------------------------
December 31,
June 30, June 30, 1999
1999 1998 (Unaudited)
----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C>
LIABILITIES
Debentures payable to SBA $ 8,880,000 $ 8,880,000 $ 8,880,000
Notes payable, banks 31,000,000 22,085,000 38,600,000
Accrued expenses and other liabilities 223,458 204,099 262,129
Accrued interest payable 354,918 221,704 414,548
Dividends payable 314,208 314,208 331,664
----------- ----------- -----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES 40,772,584 31,705,011 48,488,341
----------- ----------- -----------
COMMITMENTS AND
CONTINGENCIES
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Preferred stock, 1,000,000 shares
authorized, none outstanding -0- -0- -0-
Common stock, $.0001 par value: 5,000,000
shares authorized; 1,745,600, 1,745,600
and 1,745,600 (unaudited)
shares issued and outstanding,
respectively 175 175 175
Additional paid-in-capital 13,214,558 12,503,106 13,125,533
Restricted capital 256,916 968,368 0
Retained earnings 4,815 24,289 15,493
Unrealized gain on equity securities 261,753 198,789 261,753
----------- ----------- -----------
TOTAL STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY 13,738,217 13,694,727 13,402,954
----------- ----------- -----------
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY $54,510,801 $45,399,738 $61,891,295
=========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F - 4
<PAGE>
AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the For the For the For the Six For the Six
Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended Months Ended Months Ended
June 30, June 30, June 30, December 31, December 31,
1999 1998 1997 1999 1998
----------- ----------- ----------- (unaudited) (unaudited)
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
INVESTMENT INCOME
Interest on loans receivable $ 5,197,667 $ 4,108,727 $ 3,660,825 $ 2,906,923 $ 2,486,069
Fees and other income 386,227 497,729 362,970 288,316 205,879
Gain on sales of equity securities -- -- -- 76,169 --
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
TOTAL INVESTMENT
INCOME 5,583,894 4,606,456 4,023,795 3,271,408 2,691,948
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
OPERATING EXPENSES
Interest 2,440,051 1,840,731 1,582,700 1,546,047 1,192,115
Salaries and employee benefits 533,352 495,889 469,060 281,128 249,225
Legal fees 303,995 336,700 307,127 237,549 143,576
Miscellaneous administrative
expenses 886,995 739,875 604,347 437,917 435,945
(Gains) losses on assets acquired in
satisfaction of loans, net 11,272 14,649 8,923 1,935 268
Directors' fee 32,375 52,050 27,500 20,250 13,250
Bad debt expense 146,465 227,748 -0- 81,050 48,965
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
TOTAL OPERATING
EXPENSES 4,354,505 3,707,642 2,999,657 2,605,876 2,083,344
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
OPERATING INCOME 1,229,389 898,814 1,024,138 665,532 608,604
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
OTHER INCOME (EXPENSES)
(Write-off) gain of noncash
receivable -- (25,000) 25,000 -- --
Net gain (loss) from rental activities 7,200 6,125 (11,233) 3,000 3,000
Recoveries -- 57,673 11,118 -- --
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
TOTAL OTHER INCOME 7,200 38,798 24,885 -- --
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
NET INCOME BEFORE
INCOME TAXES 1,236,589 937,612 1,049,023 668,532 611,604
INCOME TAXES (769) 3,271 28,676 11,983 (293)
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
NET INCOME $ 1,237,358 $ 934,341 $ 1,020,347 $ 656,549 $ 611,897
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
WEIGHTED AVERAGE SHARES
OUTSTANDING - BASIC 1,745,600 1,518,969 1,283,600 1,745,600 1,745,600
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
NET INCOME PER COMMON
SHARE - BASIC $ 0.71 $ 0.62 $ 0.79 $ .37 $ .35
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F - 5
<PAGE>
AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Shares of Shares of Common
Preferred Common Stock Additional
Stock Preferred Stock $0.0001 Par Paid-In Restricted
Outstanding Stock Outstanding Value Capital Capital
----------- ---------- ----------- ------- ----------- ----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, July 1, 1996 -0- $ -0- 1,283,600 $12,836 $ 8,179,545 $2,391,268
- ---------
Transfer of restricted capital -0- -0- -0- -0- 711,448 (711,448)
Dividends paid -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
Net income -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
Unrealized gain on equity
securities -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
-------- --------- --------- ------- ----------- ----------
BALANCE, June 30, 1997 -0- -0- 1,283,600 12,836 8,890,993 1,679,820
- ---------
Transfer of restricted
capital -0- -0- -0- -0- 711,452 (711,452)
Dividends declared -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
Net income -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
Unrealized gain on equity
securities -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
Proceeds from sale of
common stock, net of
direct costs -0- -0- 462,000 4,620 2,883,380 -0-
Recapitalization -
Exchange of shares -0- -0- -0- (17,281) 17,281 -0-
-------- --------- --------- ------- ----------- ----------
BALANCE, June 30, 1998 -0- $ -0- 1,745,600 $ 175 $12,503,106 $ 968,368
- ---------
Transfer of restricted
capital -0- -0- -0- -0- 711,452 (711,452)
Dividends declared -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
Net income -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
Unrealized gain on equity
securities -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
-------- --------- --------- ------- ----------- ----------
BALANCE, June 30, 1999 -0- $ -0- 1,745,600 $ 175 $13,214,558 $ 256,916
- ---------
Transfer of restricted
capital -0- -0- -0- -0- 256,916 (256,916)
Restructuring costs -0- -0- -0- -0- (345,941) -0-
Dividend declared -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
Net income -0- -0- -0- -0- -0- -0-
-------- --------- --------- ------- ----------- ----------
BALANCE, December 31, 1999
(Unaudited) -0- $ -0- 1,745,600 $ 175 $13,125,533 -0-
======== ========= ========= ======= =========== ===========
</TABLE>
F - 6
<PAGE>
[RESTUB]
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Accumulated
Restricted Other
Retained Retained Comprehensive
Earnings Earnings Income Total
---------- ---------- ---------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
BALANCE, July 1, 1996 $ 317,186 $ -0- $ -0- $10,900,835
- ---------
Transfer of restricted capital -0- -0- -0- -0-
Dividends paid (946,655) -0- -0- (946,655)
Net income 995,347 25,000 -0- 1,020,347
Unrealized gain on equity
securities -0- -0- 58,241 58,241
----------- ------- --------- -----------
BALANCE, June 30, 1997 365,878 25,000 58,241 11,032,768
- ---------
Transfer of restricted
capital -0- -0- -0- -0-
Dividends declared (1,300,930) -0- -0- (1,300,930)
Net income 959,341 (25,000) -0- 934,341
Unrealized gain on equity
securities -0- -0- 140,548 140,548
Proceeds from sale of
common stock, net of
direct costs -0- -0- -0- 2,888,000
Recapitalization -
Exchange of shares -0- -0- -0- -0-
----------- ------- --------- -----------
BALANCE, June 30, 1998 $ 24,289 $ -0- $ 198,789 $13,694,727
- ---------
Transfer of restricted
capital -0- -0- -0- -0-
Dividends declared (1,256,832) -0- -0- (1,256,832)
Net income 1,237,358 -0- -0- 1,237,358
Unrealized gain on equity
securities -0- -0- 62,964 62,964
----------- ------- --------- -----------
BALANCE, June 30, 1999 $ 4,815 $ -0- $ 261,753 $13,738,217
- ---------
Transfer of restricted
capital -0- -0- -0- -0-
Restructuring costs -0- -0- -0- (345,941)
Dividend declared (645,871) -0- -0- (645,871)
Net income 656,549 -0- -0- 656,549
----------- ------- --------- -----------
BALANCE, December 31, 1999
(Unaudited) $ 15,493 $ -0- $ 261,753 $13,402,954
=========== ======= ========= ===========
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F - 7
<PAGE>
AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the For the For the For the Six For the Six
Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended Months Ended Months Ended
June 30, June 30, June 30, December 31, December 31,
1999 1998 1997 1999 1998
------------ ------------ ------------ (unaudited) (unaudited)
------------ ------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING
ACTIVITIES
Net income $ 1,237,358 $ 934,341 $ 1,020,347 $ 656,549 $ 611,897
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
Adjustments to reconcile net income
to net cash provided by operating
activities:
Depreciation and amortization 63,649 49,890 53,546 24,985 30,602
Write-off (gain) on noncash receivable -0- 25,000 (25,000) -0- -0-
Increase in accrued interest receivable (198,516) (107,945) (114,078) (143,413) (82,453)
Increase in prepaid expenses and other
assets (267,071) (30,616) (27,318) (46,036) (156,153)
Increase (decrease) in accrued expenses
and other liabilities 19,358 92,096 (28,893) 38,671 66,479
Increase (decrease) in accrued interest
payable 133,214 40,456 (15,204) 59,630 75,113
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
TOTAL ADJUSTMENTS (249,366) 68,881 (156,947) (66,163) (66,412)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY
OPERATING ACTIVITIES 987,992 1,003,222 863,400 590,386 545,485
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING
ACTIVITIES
Net change in loans receivable, assets
acquired in satisfaction of loans and
receivables from debtors on sales of assets
acquired in satisfaction of loans (9,599,670) (8,177,183) (9,062,902) (6,910,242) (6,286,934)
Payments for building improvements on
assets acquired in satisfaction of loans -0- -0- (13,974) -0- -0-
Purchases of equity securities (217,242) (52,450) (243,040) (34,760) (195,946)
Acquisition of furniture, fixtures and
leasehold improvements (42,387) (37,468) (18,530) (46,211) (11,134)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
NET CASH USED IN INVESTING
ACTIVITIES (9,859,299) (8,267,101) (9,338,446) (6,991,213) (6,494,014)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING
ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from notes payable, banks, net 8,915,000 5,265,000 10,195,000 7,600,000 5,565,000
Payments for loan costs -0- -0- (15,050) -0- -0-
Proceeds from debentures payable to
SBA -0- -0- 430,000 -0- -0-
Repayment of debentures payable to
SBA -0- -0- (408,000) -0- -0-
Net proceeds from sale of common stock -0- 2,888,000 -0- -0- -0-
Restructuring costs -0- -0- -0- (345,941) -0-
Dividends paid (1,256,832) (986,724) (946,655) (628,416) (628,416)
------------ ------------ ------------ ------------ ------------
NET CASH PROVIDED BY
FINANCING ACTIVITIES $ 7,658,168 $ 7,166,276 $ 9,255,295 $ 6,625,643 $ 4,936,584
============ ============ ============ ============ ============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F - 8
<PAGE>
AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS, Continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
For the For the For the For the Six For the Six
Year Ended Year Ended Year Ended Months Ended Months Ended
June 30, June 30, June 30, December 31, December 31,
1999 1998 1997 1999 1998
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
(unaudited) (unaudited)
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Net (decrease) increase in
cash and cash equivalents $(1,213,139) $ (97,603) 780,249 $ 224,816 $(1,011,945)
CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS - Beginning $ 1,755,429 $ 1,853,032 $ 1,072,783 $ 542,290 $ 1,755,429
----------- ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS - Ending $ 542,290 $ 1,755,429 $ 1,853,032 $ 767,106 $ 743,484
=========== =========== =========== =========== ===========
SUPPLEMENTAL DISCLOSURES OF CASH FLOW
INFORMATION:
Cash paid during the years for:
Interest $ 2,306,837 $ 1,840,276 $ 1,597,904
Income taxes $ -0- $ 8,048 $ 31,260
Noncash investing and financing activities:
Conversion of loans to assets
acquired in satisfaction of loans $ 381,500 $ 26,090 $ 140,914
Exchange of preferred stock for
a note resulting in a noncash gain
of $25,000 $ -0- $ -0- $ 125,000
Unrealized gain on equity
securities $ 62,694 $ 140,548 $ 58,241
Transfer of restricted capital $ 711,452 $ 711,452 $ 711,448
Declaration of cash dividend $ 314,208 $ 314,208 $ -0-
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F - 9
<PAGE>
AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
SCHEDULE OF LOANS
June 30, 1999
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Maturity
Number Interest Dates Balance
Type of Loan of Loans Rates (In Months) Outstanding
- -------------- -------- ----------- ----------- -----------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
New York City:
Taxi medallion 123 8.25 - 12% 1 - 240 $ 19,818,871
Radio car service 34 1 - 15% 1 - 59 285,562
Chicago:
Taxi medallion 417 11 - 15% 15 - 84 15,825,539
Boston:
Taxi medallion 25 9.25 - 14% 21 - 60 2,717,995
Miami:
Taxi medallion 38 12 - 18% 100 - 120 1,943,335
Other loans:
Restaurant 2 10 - 12% 1 - 66 243,629
Hairdresser 2 12% 7 97,836
Car wash 1 11.5% 36 214,234
Ambulance service 1 10.5% 6 4,907
Bagel store 1 14% 37 22,123
Dry cleaners 25 9 - 18% 31 - 120 3,657,590
Laundromats 19 10 - 17% 12 - 120 3,951,498
Laundry equipment 1 9.5% 51 170,333
Financial services 1 14% 3 4,980
Black car service (real property) 1 12% 23 196,132
Auto sales 3 10.5 - 13% 1 - 43 477,839
Registered investment advisor 1 14% 3 169,012
Embroidery manufacturer 1 12% 53 84,814
Theater 1 16% 53 166,492
Retirement home 1 15% 78 300,000
Garden center 1 14% 90 431,304
Auto center 1 12% 78 122,536
Construction 1 16% 80 197,371
------------
Total Loans Receivable 51,103,932
Less: Allowance for Loan Losses (380,000)
------------
Loans Receivable, Net $ 50,723,932
============
</TABLE>
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these financial statements.
F - 10
<PAGE>
AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Organization and Principal Business Activity
Ameritrans Capital Corporation ("Ameritrans") was incorporated in
Delaware on February 12, 1998 for the purposes of acquiring Elk
Associates Funding Corporation ("Elk") in a share-for-share exchange.
On December 16, 1999, the exchange was completed; accordingly, Elk
became the wholly owned subsidiary of Ameritrans. The historical
financial statements prior to December 16, 1999 were those of Elk. In
the accompanying financial statements, the capital structure and
earnings per share of Elk have been retroactively restated to reflect
the share exchage as if it occurred at the beginning of the periods.
Elk, a New York corporation, is licensed by the Small Business
Administration ("SBA") to operate as a Small Business Investment
Company ("SBIC") under the Small Business Investment Act of 1958, as
amended. Elk has also registered as an investment company under the
Investment Company Act of 1940 to make business loans.
Ameritrans is a specialty finance company that through its subsidiary,
Elk, makes loans to taxi owners, to finance the acquisition and
operation of the medallion taxi businesses and related assets, and to
other small businesses in the New York City, Chicago, Miami, and Boston
markets.
Basis of Consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of
Ameritrans, Elk and EAF Holding Corporation ("EAF"), a wholly owned
subsidiary of Elk, collectively referred to as the "Company". All
significant inter-company transaction have been eliminated in the
consolidation.
EAF was formed in June 1992 and began operations in December 1993. The
purpose of EAF is to own and operate certain real estate assets
acquired in satisfaction of loans by Elk.
Ameritrans has organized another subsidiary on June 8, 1998, Elk
Capital Corporation ("Elk Capital"), which will engage in similar
lending and investment activitites. Since inception, Elk Capital had no
operations and activities.
Loans and the Allowance for Loans Losses
Loans are stated at cost, net of participation with other lenders, less
an allowance for possible losses. This amount represents the fair value
of such loans as determined in good faith by the Board of Directors.
The allowance for loan losses is maintained at a level that, in the
Board of Directors' judgement, is adequate to absorb losses inherent in
the portfolio. The allowance for loan losses is reviewed and adjusted
periodically by the Board of Directors on the basis of available
information, including the fair value of the collateral held, existing
risk of individual credits, past loss experience, the volume,
composition and growth of the portfolio, and current and projected
economic conditions. Because of the inherent uncertainty in the
estimation process, the estimated fair values of the loans may differ
significantly from the values that would have been used had a ready
market existed for such loans and the differences could be material. As
of June 30, 1999 and 1998, approximately 79% and 85% respectively, of
all loans are collateralized by New York City, Boston, Chicago, and
Miami taxicab medallions.
Accounting Standard for Impairment of Loans
Pursuant to Statement of Financial Accounting Standards ("SFAS") No.
114 as amended by SFAS No. 118, "Accounting by Creditors for Impairment
of a Loan - Income Recognition and Disclosure", a loan is determined to
be impaired if it is probable that the contractual amounts due will not
be collected in accordance with the terms of the loan. The SFAS
generally requires that impaired loans be measured based on the present
value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective
interest rate or, as a practical expedient, at the loan's observable
market price or the fair value of the collateral if the loan is
collateral dependent. As all of the Company's loans are collateral
dependent, impairment is measured based on the fair value of the
collateral. If the fair value of the impaired loan is less than the
recorded investment in the loan (including accrued interest, net of
deferred loan fees or costs, and unamortized premium or discount), the
Company recognized an impairment by creating a valuation allowance with
a corresponding charge to the provision for loan losses. The Company
individually evaluates all loans for impairment. See Note 3 for further
discussion.
F - 11
<PAGE>
AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued
Loans Receivable
Loans are placed on nonaccrual status once they become 180 days past
due as to principal or interest. In addition, loans that are not fully
collateralized and in the process of collection are placed on
nonaccrual status when, in the judgement of management, the ultimate
collectibility of interest and principal is doubtful.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
For the purposes of the statement of cash flows, the Company considers
all short-term investments with an original maturity of three months or
less to be cash equivalents.
The Company has cash balances in banks in excess of the maximum amount
insured by the FDIC as of June 30, 1999 and 1998.
Income Taxes
Ameritans and Elk have elected to be taxed as a Regulated Investment
Company under the Internal Revenue Code. A Regulated Investment Company
will generally not be taxed at the corporate level to the extent its
income is distributed to its stockholders. In order to be taxed as a
Regulated Investment Company, the Company must pay at least 90 percent
of its net investment company taxable income to its stockholders as
well as meet other requirements under the Code. In order to preserve
this election for fiscal 1999, the Company intends to make the required
distributions to its stockholders in accordance with applicable tax
rules.
Depreciation and Amortization
Depreciation and amortization of furniture, fixtures and leasehold
improvements is computed on the straight-line method at rates adequate
to allocate the cost of applicable assets over their expected useful
lives.
Net Income per Share
During the year ended June 30, 1998, the Company adopted the provision
of SFAS No. 128, "Earnings per Share". SFAS No. 128 eliminates the
presentation of primary and fully dilutive earnings per share ("EPS")
and requires presentation of basic and diluted EPS. Basic EPS is
computed by dividing income (loss) available to common stockholders by
the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding for the
period. Diluted EPS is based on the weighted-average number of shares
of common stock and common stock equivalents outstanding at year-end.
Common stock equivalents have been excluded from the weighted average
shares for 1998 and 1997, as inclusion is anti-dilutive. At June 30,
1999, the Company had 100,000 options outstanding, of which 30,000
options are considered antidilutive and the remaining 70,000 options
are dilutive and resulted in common stock equivalents of 5,084 shares.
F - 12
<PAGE>
AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued
Loan Costs
Loan costs are included in prepaid expenses and other assets.
Amortization of loan costs is computed on the straight-line method over
ten (10) years. At June 30, 1999 and 1998, loan costs amounted to
$129,331 and $153,786, respectively, net of accumulated amortization of
$114,650 and $90,195, respectively. Amortization expense for the years
ended June 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997 was $24,455, $24,455 and $23,283,
respectively.
Assets Acquired in Satisfaction of Loans
Assets acquired in satisfaction of loans are carried at estimated fair
value less selling costs. Losses incurred at the time of foreclosure
are charged to the allowance for loan losses. Subsequent reductions in
estimated net realizable value are recorded as losses on assets
acquired in satisfaction of loans.
Use of Estimates in the Financial Statements
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 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. Estimates that are
particularly susceptible to change relate to the determination of the
allowance for loan losses and the fair value of financial instruments.
Comprehensive Income
During the year ended June 30, 1999, the Company adopted SFAS No. 130,
"Reporting Comprehensive Income". SFAS 130 requires the reporting of
comprehensive income in addition to net income from operations.
Comprehensive income is a more inclusive financial reporting
methodology that includes disclosure of certain financial information
that historically has not been recognized in the calculation of net
income.
Stock-Based Compensation
In October 1995, SFAS No. 123, "Accounting for Stock-Based
Compensation" was issued. SFAS 123 prescribes accounting and reporting
standards for all stock-based compensation plans, including employee
stock options, restricted stock, employee stock purchase plans and
stock appreciation rights. SFAS 123 requires compensation expense to be
recorded (i) using the new fair value method or (ii) using the existing
accounting rules prescribed by Accounting
F - 13
<PAGE>
AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued
Stock-Based Compensation, continued
Principles Board Opinion No. 25, "Accounting for Stock Issued to
Employees" ("APB 25") and related interpretations with pro forma
disclosure of what net income and earnings per share would have been
had the Company adopted the new fair value method The Company intends
to continue to account for its stock based compensation plans in
accordance with the provisions of APB 25.
Business Segment
During the year ended June 30, 1999, the Company adopted SEAS No. 131,
"Disclosures About Segments of an Enterprise and Related Information",
which supersedes SEAS No. 14, "Financial Reporting for Segments of A
Business Enterprise". SEAS No. 131 establishes standards for the way
that public enterprises report information about operating segments in
annual financial statements and requires reporting of selected
information about operating segments in interim financial statements
regarding products and services, geographic areas and major customers.
SEAS No. 131 defines operating segments as components of an enterprise
about which separate financial information is available that is
evaluated regularly by the chief operating decision maker in deciding
how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company has
determined that under SEAS No. 131, it operates in one segment of
financing services. The Company's customers and operations are within
the United States.
Loan Sales and Servicing Fee Receivable
SFAS No. 125, "Accounting for Transfers and Servicing of Financial
Assets and Extinguishments of Liabilities" was issued in June 1996.
SEAS 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. SEAS 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 or loss and (b) assessment for asset impairment or
increased obligation based on their fair values. SEAS 125 also requires
the Company's excess servicing rights be measured at fair market value
and reclassified as interest only receivables and accounted for in
accordance with SEAS No. 115, "Accounting for Certain Investments in
Debt and Equity Securities". As required by SEAS 125, the Company
adopted in the new requirements effective January 1, 1997.
Implementation of SEAS 125 did not have any material impact on the
financial statements of the Company.
F - 14
<PAGE>
AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1 - Organization and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, continued
New Accounting Pronouncements
In April 1998, Statement of Position ("SOP") 98-5, "Reporting on the
Costs of Start-Up Activities" was issued. This SOP provides guidance on
the financial reporting of start-up costs and organization costs. It
requires the costs of start-up activities and organization costs to be
expensed as incurred. The SOP is effective for financial statements for
fiscal year beginning after December 15, 1998. The Company does not
expect that the adoption of SOP No. 98-5 will have a material impact on
its financial statements.
In June 1998, SFAS No. 133, "Accounting for Derivative Instruments and
Hedging Activities" was issued and is required to be adopted in years
beginning after June 15, 1999, which has been deferred to June 30,
2000. Management does not anticipate that the adoption of the new
statement will have a significant effect on results of operations or
the financial position of the Company.
NOTE 2 - Assets Acquired in Satisfaction of Loans
Receivables from debtors on sales of assets acquired in satisfaction of
loans represent loans to borrowers arising out of the sales of
defaulted assets. Pursuant to an SBA regulation, these loans are
presented separately in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Assigned
Radio Mortgage
Real Estate Cars Artwork and Note Total
------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance-July l, 1997 $ 487,483 $ 41,077 $ 53,250 $ -- $ 581,810
Additions 26,090 -- -- -- 26,090
Recoup on sale of assets
previously sold -- 43,376 -- -- 43,376
Sales (192,560) (45,168) -- -- (237,728)
Write-offs (8,078) -- (5,000) -- (13,078)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Balance-June 30, 1998 312,935 39,285 48,250 -- 400,470
Additions -- -- -- 381,500 381,500
Sales (122,000) (8,044) -- -- (130,044)
Write-offs and payments -- (10,000) (10,000) (19,435) (39,435)
--------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Balance-June 3O,1999 $ 190,935 $ 21,241 $ 38,250 $ 362,065 $ 612,491
========= ========= ========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
F - 15
<PAGE>
AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 3 - Loans Receivable
All loans on nonaccrual status have been classified as impaired. The
Company recognizes interest income on a cash basis on these loans if
the principal is fully secured. However, where there is doubt regarding
the ultimate collectibility of the loan principal, cash receipts,
whether designated as principal or interest, are applied to reduce the
carrying value of the loan. The Company has loans totaling
approximately $762,000 and $569,000 at June 1999 and 1998 respectively,
which are still accruing interest but are not performing according to
the terms of the contract and accordingly these loans are impaired
under SFAS 114. At June 30, 1999 and 1998 approximately $743,000 and
$546,000 respectively, of these loans were fully collateralized as to
principal and interest. Interest receivable at June 30, 1999 and 1998
totaled approximately $78,000 and $35,000 respectively, for such loans.
The following table sets forth certain information concerning impaired
loans as of June 30, 1999 and 1998:
1999 1998
---------- ----------
Impaired loans with an allowance $ 167,212 $ 174,952
Impaired loans without an allowance 1,512,456 571,896
---------- ----------
Total impaired loans $1,679,668 $ 746,848
========== ==========
Allowance for impaired loans $ 157,886 $ 150,626
========== ==========
Average balance of impaired loans $1,213,258 $ 524,101
========== ==========
Transactions in the allowance for loan losses are summarized as
follows:
Balance - July 1, 1997 $325,000
Recoveries, net (30,000)
--------
Balance - June 30, 1998 295,000
Additions, net 85,000
--------
Balance - June 30, 1999 $380,000
========
F - 16
<PAGE>
AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 4 - Equity Securities
Equity securities consist of the following as of June 30, 1999 and 1998:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
Chicago Miami Investment Dry Telecomm
Taxicab Taxicab Advisory Cleaner -unications
Medallions Medallions Firm Company Company Total
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C> <C>
Balance - July 1, 1997 $ 380,966 $ 21,215 $ 20,000 $ 14,000 $ -- $ 436,181
Purchase of securities 39,100 5,265 50,000 14,000 -- 108,365
Sale of securities (50,936) (4,979) -- -- -- (55,915)
Unrealized gain 75,297 65,251 -- -- -- 140,548
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Balance - June 30, 1998 444,427 86,752 70,000 28,000 -- 629,179
Purchase of securities 128,754 4,102 -- -- 150,000 282,856
Sale of securities (15,613) -- (50,000) -- -- (65,613)
Unrealized gain (loss) 85,897 (22,933) -- -- -- 62,964
--------- --------- --------- --------- --------- ---------
Balance - June 30, 1999 $ 643,465 $ 67,921 $ 20,000 $ 28,000 $ 150,000 $ 909,386
========= ========= ========= ========= ========= =========
</TABLE>
At June 30, 1999, the fair value of the Chicago Taxicab Medallions was
increased resulting in an unrealized gain and the fair value of the
Miami Taxicab Medallions was decreased resulting in a reduction in the
unrealized gain recorded in prior periods. The fair value of the other
equity securities approximated cost. At June 30, 1998, the fair value
of the Chicago Taxicab Medallions and Miami Taxicab Medallions was
increased resulting in an unrealized gain. The fair value of the other
equity securities approximated cost.
NOTE 5 - Debentures Payable to SBA
At June 30, 1999 and 1998 debentures payable to the SBA consist of
subordinated debentures with interest payable semiannually, as follows:
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
Current Effective Principal Principal
Issue Date Due Date Interest Rate Amount Amount
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
September 1993 September 2003 6.12(1) $1,500,000 $1,500,000
September 1993 September 2003 6.12 2,220,000 2,220,000
---------- ----------
(Forward) $3,720,000 $3,720,000
========== ==========
</TABLE>
F - 17
<PAGE>
AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 5 - Debentures Payable to SBA, continued
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
1999 1998
Current Effective Principal Principal
Issue Date Due Date Interest Rate Amount Amount
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S> <C> <C> <C> <C>
(Forward) $3,720,000 $3,720,000
September 1994 September 2004 8.20 2,690,000 2,690,000
December 1995 December 2005 6.54 1,020,000 1,020,000
June 1996 June 2006 7.71 1,020,000 1,020,000
March 1997 March 2007 7.38(2) 430,000 430,000
---------- ----------
$8,880,000 $8,880,000
========== ==========
</TABLE>
(1) Interest Rate was 3.12% from inception through September 1998.
(2) The Company is also required to pay an additional annual user
fee of 1% on this debenture.
Under the terms of the subordinated debentures, the Company may not
repurchase or retire any of its capital stock or make any distributions
to its stockholders other than dividends out of retained earnings (as
computed in accordance with SBA regulations) without the prior written
approval of the SBA.
NOTE 6 - Notes Payable to Banks
At June 30, 1999 and 1998 the Company had loan agreements with three
(3) banks and four (4) banks for lines of credit aggregating
$35,000,000 and $33,500,000 respectively. At June 30, 1999 and 1998,
the Company had $31,000,000 and $22,085,000 respectively, outstanding
under these lines. The loans, which mature through December 31, 1999,
bear interest based on the Company's choice of the lower of either the
reserve adjusted LIBOR rate plus 150 basis points or the banks' prime
rates including certain fees which make the effective rates range from
approximately prime minus 1/4% to prime minus 1/2%. Upon maturity, the
Company anticipates extending the lines of credit for another year, as
has been the practice in previous years.
Pursuant to the terms of the agreements the Company is required to
comply with certain terms, covenants and conditions. The Company
pledged its loans receivable and other assets as collateral for the
above lines of credit and was required to maintain compensating
balances of 5% of loan balance outstanding with each individual bank
for the year ended June 30, 1998. The compensating balance requirements
were eliminated during the year ended June 30, 1999.
F - 18
<PAGE>
AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 7 - Preferred Stock of Subsidiary
Pursuant to a preferred stock repurchase agreement dated November 10,
1994, Elk repurchased all cumulative preferred stock from the SBA for
$3.50 per share, or an aggregate $1,915,449. As a condition precedent
to the repurchase, Elk granted the SBA a liquidating interest in a
newly established restricted capital surplus account. The surplus
account is equal to the amount of the net repurchase discount. The
initial value of the liquidating interest was $3,557,261, which is
being amortized over a 60-month period on a straight-line basis. Should
Elk be in default under the repurchase agreement at any time, the
liquidating interest will become fixed at the level immediately
preceding the event of default and will not decline further until such
time as the default is cured or waived. The liquidating interest shall
expire on (i) sixty months from the date of the repurchase agreement,
or (ii) if any event of default has occurred and such default has been
cured or waived, such later date on which the liquidating interest is
fully amortized. Should Elk voluntarily or involuntarily liquidate
prior to the amortization of the liquidating interest, any assets which
are available, after the payment of all debts of Elk, shall be
distributed first to the SBA until the fair market value of such assets
is equal to the amount of the liquidating interest. Such payment, if
any, would be prior in right to any payments made to Elk's
stockholders. The amount restricted under this agreement at June 30,
1999 and 1998 was approximately $256,000 and $968,000, respectively.
During 1992, Elk authorized the issuance of 752,729 shares of a new
Series B cumulative preferred stock with a 4 percent dividend and a $10
par value. All preferred shares are restricted solely for issuance to
the SBA. No sales of the Series B preferred shares have occurred to
date. On September 30, 1996, Congress passed a law that in effect
prevents the SBA from making any further purchase of 4% preferred stock
from any specialized small business investment company.
In September 1998, the stockholders of Elk approved and in February
1999 the SBA approved an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation
of Elk eliminating all of the authorized Series A and Series B
preferred stock of Elk. This amendment to the Certificate of
Incorporation was filed and became effective on May 21, 1999.
NOTE 8 - Capital Stock
Ameritrans has 5,000,000 authorized common shares, $0.0001 par value,
of which 1,745,600 shares are issued and outstanding after the share
exchange with Elk (see Note 1). Ameritans also has 1,000,000 shares of
"blank check" preferred stock, none of which are issued and
outstanding.
For the year ended June 30, 1998, Elk completed the sale, as
part of a private placement offering, of 462,000 shares of common
stock. Total proceeds from the sale of common stock amounted to
$2,888,000, net of direct related expenses of $115,000.
F - 19
<PAGE>
AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 8 - Capital Stock, continued
In September 1998, the stockholders of Elk approved and in February
1999, the SBA approved an amendment to the Certificate of Incorporation
increasing the total authorized shares of $0.01 par value common stock
to 3,000,000 shares authorized. This amendment to the Certificate of
Incorporation was filed and became effective on May 21, 1999.
On June 28, 1999, Elk declared a cash dividend of $0.18 per common
share, for a total of $314,208 which was paid on July 12, 1999.
NOTE 9- Income Taxes
The provision for income tax expense (benefit) for the years ended June
30, 1999, 1998 and 1997 consists of the following:
1999 1998 1997
----------------------------------
Federal $ 1,689 $(l,014) $ 4,568
State and City (2,458) 4,285 24,108
------- ------- -------
$ (769) $ 3,271 $28,676
======= ======= =======
The above provision represents income taxes incurred on undistributed
income for the respective years.
NOTE 10 - Related Party Transactions/Commitments
Related Party Transactions
The Company paid $62,987, $43,234 and $43,645 to a related law firm for
the years June 30, 1999,1998 and 1997, respectively, for the services
provided. The Company generally charges its borrowers loan origination
fees to generate income to offset expenses incurred by the Company for
legal fees paid by the Company for loan closing services.
The Company rents office space on a month-to-month basis from an
affiliated entity without a formal lease agreement. Rent expense
amounted to $39,600 each for the years ended June 30, 1999, 1998 and
1997, respectively. The Company also shares overhead costs and
reimburses for office and salary expenses from this affiliated entity.
Overhead costs and reimbursed office and salary expenses amounted to
$85,138, $81,308 and $51,513 for the years ended June 30, 1999, 1998
and 1997, respectively.
F - 20
<PAGE>
AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 11 - Commitments and Contingencies
Interest Rate Swap
On June 8, 1998, the Company entered into a $10,000,000 interest rate
Swap transaction with a bank expiring on June 8,2001. On October 13,
1998, the Company entered into an additional interest rate swap
transaction with the same bank for $5,000,000 expiring on October 8,
2001. These Swap transactions were entered into to protect the Company
from an upward movement in interest rates relating to outstanding bank
debt (see Note 6 for terms and effective interest rates). These Swap
transactions call for a fixed rate of 5.86% and 4.95%, respectively for
the Company and if the floating one month LIBOR rate is below the fixed
rate then the Company is obligated to pay the bank for the difference
in rates. When the one-month LIBOR rate is above the fixed rate then
the bank is obligated to pay the Company for the differences in rates.
Interest Rate Cap
At March 20, 1997, the Company was a party to one $5 million notional
interest rate cap. This cap, which expired on March 20, 1999, was
purchased by the Company to protect it from the impact of upward
movements in interest rates related to its outstanding bank debt. The
cap provided interest rate protection in the event that the three-month
LIBOR rate exceeded 6.75 percent. The premium paid for the purchase of
this cap was amortized over its life and recorded as an adjustment to
interest expense. Payments received under this cap would be credited to
interest expense.
Loan commitments
At June 30, 1999 and 1998, the Company had commitments to make loans
totaling approximately $4,058,000 and $2,568,000 respectively, at
interest rates ranging from 8.25% to 18%.
NOTE 12 - Defined Contribution Plan
On April 15, 1996, the Company adopted a simplified employee pension
plan covering all eligible employees of the Company. Contributions to
the plan are at the discretion of the Board of Directors. During the
years ended June 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997, contributions amounted to
$64,137, $63,435 and $58,805, respectively.
F - 21
<PAGE>
AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 13 - Incentive Stock Option Plan
During September 1998, the Company adopted an employee incentive stock
option plan, an aggregate of 125,000 shares of common stock are
authorized for issuance under the plan. The plan provides that options
may be granted to attract and retain key employees of the Company.
Options granted under the plan are exercisable for periods ranging from
five to ten years. In addition, the option price will be at least
market value or at least 110% of market value of the common stock on
the grant date for employees and stockholders who own more than 5% of
the common stock, respectively. In January 1999, the Company granted
100,000 options to certain key employees at an exercise price ranging
from $8.875 to $9.7625 per share.
Pro forma information regarding net income and earnings per share is
required by SFAS 123, and has been determined as if the Company had
accounted for its employee stock options under the fair value method of
SFAS 123. The fair market value for these options was estimated at the
date of grant using a Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the
following weighted-average assumptions for the year ended June 30,
1999.
Assumptions
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Risk-free rate 4.68%
Dividend yield 7.5%
Volatility factor of the expected market price
of the Company's common stock 0.49
Average life 8.5 years
The Black-Scholes option valuation model was developed for use in
estimating the fair value of traded options, which have no vesting
restrictions and are fully transferable. In addition, option valuation
models require the input of highly subjective assumptions including the
expected stock price volatility. Because the Company's employee stock
options have characteristics significantly different from those of
traded options, and because changes in the subjective input assumptions
can materially affect the fair value estimate, in management's opinion,
the existing models do not necessarily provide a reliable single
measure of the fair value of its employee stock options.
For purposes of pro forma disclosures, the estimated fair value of the
options is amortized to expense over the vesting period of the options.
The Company's pro forma information for the year ended June 30, 1999 is
as follows:
Pro forma net income $1,035,958
==========
Pro forma net income per share
- basic $0.59
=====
- diluted $0.59
=====
F - 22
<PAGE>
AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 13 - Incentive Stock Option Plan, continued
The weighted average fair value of options granted during the year
ended June 30, 1999 was $2.01 per shares. The weighted average
remaining contractual life of options exercisable at June 30, 1999 is
7.5 years.
NOTE 14 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments
The following disclosures represent the Company's best estimate of the
fair value of financial instruments, determined on a basis consistent
with requirements of SFAS No. 107, "Disclosure about Fair Value of
Financial Instruments".
The estimated fair values of the Company's financial instruments are
derived using estimation techniques based on various subjective factors
including discount rates. Such estimates may not necessarily be
indicative of the net realizable or liquidation values of these
instruments. Fair values typically fluctuate in response to changes in
market or credit conditions. Additionally, valuations are presented as
of a specific point in time and may not be relevant in relation to the
future earnings potential of the Company. Accordingly, the estimates
presented herein are not necessarily indicative of the amounts the
Company will realize in a current market exchange. The use of different
market assumptions and/or estimation methodologies may have a material
effect on the estimated fair value amounts.
Loans Receivable - The fair value of loans is estimated at cost net of
the allowance for loan losses. The Company believes that the rates of
these loans approximate current market rates (see Note 3).
Equity Securities - The Company's equity securities consist of
investments in corporations who own and operate Chicago taxicab
medallions (71%), an investment advisory firm (2%), a dry cleaner
(3%), Miami taxicab medallions (7%) and a Telecommunications Company
(17%) (see Note 4).
Debentures Payable to Small Business Administration - The fair value of
debentures as of June 30, 1999 and 1998 were approximately $8,989,000
and $9,035,000, respectively, and were estimated by discounting the
expected future cash flows using the current rate at which the SBA has
extended similar debentures to the Company (see Note 5).
The fair value of financial instruments that are short-term or reprice
frequently and have a history of negligible credit losses is considered
to approximate their carrying value. Those instruments include balances
recorded in the following captions:
F - 23
<PAGE>
AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION
AND SUBSIDIARIES
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 14 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments, continued
ASSETS LIABILITIES
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Cash Notes payable, banks
Accrued interest receivable Accrued interest payable
Assets acquired in satisfaction of loans
Receivables from debtors on sales of
assets acquired in satisfaction of loans
NOTE 15 - Subsequent Events
On August 31, 1999, the SEC approved a Non-Employee Directors Stock
Option Plan with an aggregate of 75,000 options authorized for
issuance. On this same date, 20,000 options were granted to
non-employee directors with an exercise price to be determined by the
Board of Directors.
F - 24
<PAGE>
AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION
1,100,000 SHARE OF COMMON STOCK
-------------------
PROSPECTUS
-------------------
WE HAVE NOT AUTHORIZED ANY DEALER, SALESPERSON OR OTHER PERSON TO GIVE YOU
WRITTEN INFORMATION OTHER THAN THIS PROSPECTUS OR TO MAKE REPRESENTATIONS AS TO
MATTERS NOT STATED IN THIS PROSPECTUS. YOU MUST NOT RELY ON UNAUTHORIZED
INFORMATION. THIS PROSPECTUS IS NOT AN OFFER TO SELL THESE SECURITIES OR OUR
SOLICITATION OF YOUR OFFER TO BUY THE SECURITIES IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE THAT
WOULD NOT BE PERMITTED OR LEGAL. NEITHER THE DELIVERY OF THIS PROSPECTUS NOR ANY
SALES MADE HEREUNDER AFTER THE DATE OF THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL CREATE AN
IMPLICATION THAT THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN OR THE AFFAIRS OF THE COMPANY
HAVE NOT CHANGED SINCE THE DATE HEREOF.
<PAGE>
PART C -- OTHER INFORMATION
ITEM 24. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS.
1. Financial Statements.
The following financial statements are included in the Prospectus on
the identified pages.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
PAGE
----
<S> <C>
REPORT OF MARCUM & KLEIGMAN, LLP,
INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS REPORT F - 2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of June 30, 1999, June 30, 1998 and
December 31, 1999 (unaudited) F - 3, 4
Consolidated Statements of Income for the Years Ended June 30, 1999,
June 30, 1998 and June 30, 1997 and for the Six Months Ended
December 31, 1999 and 1998 (unaudited) F - 5
Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity for the Years Ended
June 30, 1999, June 30, 1998 and June 30, 1997 and Six Months Ended
December 31, 1999 (unaudited) F - 6, 7
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended June 30, 1999,
June 30, 1998 and June 30, 1997, and for the Six Months Ended
December 31, 1999 and 1998 (unaudited) F - 8, 9
Schedule of Loans at June 30, 1999 F - 10
NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS F - 11 - 20
</TABLE>
2. Exhibits
a. Certificate of Incorporation*
b. By-laws*
f.1 Form of subordinated debentures issued to the U. S. Small
Business Administration ("SBA") by Elk Associates Funding
Corporation ("Elk") -- Debenture issued March 26, 1997 -
principal amount -- $430,000; Maturity Date -- March 1, 2007;
Stated Interest Rate -- 7.38%, was previously filed.
The following debentures are omitted pursuant to Rule 483:
a. Debenture issued September 22, 1993 - principal
amount -- $1,500,000; Maturity Date -- September 1,
2003; Stated Interest Rate -- 6.12%.
b. Debenture issued September 22, 1993 - principal
amount -- $2,220,000; Maturity Date -- September 1,
2003; Stated Interest Rate -- 6.12%.
c. Debenture issued September 28, 1994 - principal
amount -- $2,690,000; Maturity Date -- September 1,
2004; Stated Interest Rate -- 8.20%.
d. Debenture issued December 14, 1995 - principal amount
-- $1,020,000; Maturity Date -- December 1, 2005;
Stated Interest Rate -- 6.54%.
e. Debenture issued June 26, 1996 - principal amount --
$1,020,000; Maturity Date -- June 1, 2006; Stated
Interest Rate -- 7.71%.
f.2 Security Agreement between Elk and the SBA, dated September
9, 1993, was previously filed.
f.3 Custodian Agreement, Intercreditor Agreement and amendments
thereto -- See Exhibits j.1, k.2, k.3, and k.4, below.
i.1. 1998 Employee Stock Option Plan*
C-1
<PAGE>
i.2. Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan, was previously filed.
j.1 Custodian Agreement among Elk; Bank Leumi Trust Company of New
York ("Leumi"), Israel Discount Bank of New York ("IDB"), Bank
Hapoalim B.M. ("Hapoalim") and Extebank; the SBA, and IDB as
Custodian; dated September 9, 1993 (the "Custodian
Agreement"), was previously filed.
k.1 Agreements between Elk and the SBA.
a. Agreement dated September 9, 1993, was previously
filed.
b. Agreement dated February 7, 1997, was previously
filed.
k.2 Intercreditor Agreement among Elk, Leumi, IDB, Hapoalim,
Extebank and the SBA, dated September 9,1993 (the
"Intercreditor Agreement"), was previously filed.
k.3 Amendments to the Custodian and Intercreditor Agreements.
a. Amendment removing Hapoalim and Extebank and adding
European American Bank ("EAB"), dated September 28,
1994, was previously filed.
b. Form of Amendment adding bank:
i. Amendment adding United Mizrahi Bank and
Trust Company ("UMB"), dated June , 1995,
was previously filed.
ii. Amendment adding Sterling National Bank and
Trust Company of New York ("Sterling"),
dated April , 1996 -- omitted pursuant to
Rule 483.
k.4 Bank Intercreditor Agreement among Elk, Leumi, IDB, Hapoalim
and Extebank, dated September 9,1993 (the "Bank Intercreditor
Agreement"), was previously filed.
k.5 Amendments to the Bank Intercreditor Agreement.
a. Amendment removing Hapoalim and Extebank and adding
European American Bank ("EAB"), dated September 28,
1994, was previously filed.
b. Form of Amendment adding bank:
i. Amendment adding UMB, dated June , 1995,
was previously filed.
ii. Amendment adding Sterling, dated April ,
1996 -- omitted pursuant to Rule 483.
C-2
<PAGE>
k.6 Grid Demand Promissory Note dated August 27, 1999 between
Ameritrans and Israel Discount Bank of New York.**.
k.7 Promissory Note dated January 15, 2000 between Ameritrans and
Bank Leumi USA and Letter Agreement of even date between
aforementioned parties.**
k.8 Master Note dated October 4, 1999 between Ameritrans and
European American Bank.**
k.9 Form of indemnity agreement between Ameritrans and each of
its directors and officers.*
l. Opinion and consent of Stursberg & Veith.**
n.1 Consent of Marcum & Kliegman LLP.
r. Power of attorney authorizing Gary C. Granoff to execute and
file Registration Statement and amendments -- see signature
page of Registration Statement which was previously filed.
- --------------------------------------
* Incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Registration Statement
on Form N-14 (File No. 333-63951), initially filed September 22, 1998.
** Incorporated by reference from the Registrant's 10-Q (File No.
811-08847) filed February 15, 2000.
*** To be filed by amendment.
ITEM 25. MARKETING ARRANGEMENTS
See Section 3 of the Underwriting Agreement, which is attached as
Exhibit h.1. hereto, and Section ____ of the Agreement Among Underwriters, which
is attached as Exhibit h.2. hereof.
In connection with the Offering, the Underwriters may over-allot or
effect transactions that stabilize or maintain the market price of the Common
Stock at a level that might otherwise prevail in the open market. Such
stabilizing, if commenced, may be discontinued at any time.
ITEM 26. OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION
The following table sets forth the estimated expenses to be incurred in
connection with the Offering:
SEC registration fee.........................................$3,869
NASD fees.....................................................1,891
Nasdaq National Market initial listing fee...................48,750
Blue Sky fees and expenses...................................50,000
Accounting fees and expenses.................................50,000
Legal fees and expenses.....................................150,000
Printing and engraving fees..................................60,000
Registrar and transfer agent's fees...........................3,000
Miscellaneous fees and expenses.......................... 32,490
--------
Total.............................................$400,000
C-3
<PAGE>
ITEM 27. PERSONS CONTROLLED BY OR UNDER COMMON CONTROL
Elk Associates Funding Corporation, a New York corporation, is 100%
owned by the Registrant.
Elk Capital Corporation, a New York corporation, is 100% owned by the
Registrant.
EAF Holding Corporation, a New York corporation, is 100% owned by Elk
Associates Funding Corporation.
ITEM 28. NUMBER OF HOLDERS OF SECURITIES
NAME OF CLASS NUMBER OF RECORD HOLDERS
- --------------- ------------------------
Common Stock, par value $.0001 per share ____
ITEM 29. INDEMNIFICATION.
The Certificate of Incorporation of Ameritrans Capital Corporation
("Ameritrans") includes a provision (the "Liability Provision"), authorized
under Section 102(b)(7) of the Delaware General Corporation Law, which
eliminates, to the extent permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law and
the Investment Company Act of 1940 (the "1940 Act"), the personal liability of a
director to Ameritrans or its stockholders for monetary damages resulting from
the breach of his fiduciary duty as a director. Under the Delaware General
Corporation Law, this provision may not be construed to eliminate or limit a
director's liability for any of the following: breaches of the director's duty
of loyalty to the corporation or its stockholders; acts or omissions not in good
faith or which involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law;
payment of a dividend or approval of a stock repurchase which is unlawful under
Section 174 of the Delaware General Corporation Law; and transactions from which
the director derives an improper personal benefit. In addition, under the 1940
Act, this provision may not be construed to protect a director against liability
to the corporation or its stockholders for acts or omissions involving willful
misfeasance, bad faith, gross negligence or reckless disregard of the duties
involved in the conduct of his office.
The Liability Provision precludes actions for monetary damages against
directors of Ameritrans only with respect to certain violations of a director's
duty of care. Under the Delaware General Corporation Law, absent this provision,
directors could be held liable for negligence in the performance of their duty
of care. The Liability Provision absolves directors of Ameritrans of monetary
liability to Ameritrans and its stockholders for negligence in exercising their
business judgment. A stockholder can prosecute an action against a director for
monetary damages only if he can show a breach of the duty of loyalty, gross
negligence or reckless disregard of his duties, a failure to act in good faith,
intentional misconduct or willful misfeasance, a knowing violation of the law,
an unlawful dividend or stock repurchase, or an improper personal benefit. The
Liability Provision does not affect the ability of Ameritrans or its
stockholders to seek equitable remedies (such as an injunction or rescission)
against a director for breach of his fiduciary duty and does not limit the
liability of directors under other laws, such as the federal securities laws.
The Liability Provision also
C-4
<PAGE>
does not limit the liability of officers or employees of Ameritrans or any
director acting in his capacity as an officer or employee of Ameritrans.
In addition, Ameritrans' By-Laws also includes a provision (the
"Indemnification Provision") that requires Ameritrans to indemnify its directors
and officers, to the maximum extent permitted by the Delaware General
Corporation Law and by the 1940 Act, against liabilities and damages incurred in
their capacity as directors or officers of Ameritrans. Under the Delaware
General Corporation Law, a director or officer of a corporation (i) shall be
indemnified by the corporation for all expenses of litigation or other legal
proceedings brought against him by virtue of his position as a director or
officer to the extent he is successful, on the merits or otherwise, in such
litigation or proceeding, (ii) may be indemnified by the corporation for the
expenses, judgments, fines, and amounts paid in settlement of such litigation or
proceedings (other than an action by or in the right of a corporation, which is
hereinafter referred to as a "derivative action"), even if he is not successful,
if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not
opposed to the best interests of the corporation (and, in the case of a criminal
proceeding, had no reason to believe that his conduct was unlawful), (iii) may
be indemnified by the corporation for expenses of a derivative action, even if
he is not successful, if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably
believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation,
provided that indemnification may not be made in the case of a derivative action
if the director or officer is adjudged to be liable to the corporation, unless a
court determines that, despite such adjudication but in view of all the
circumstances, he is entitled to indemnification of such expenses, only upon the
determination, by (a) a majority of directors who are not a party to the action
(even though less than a quorum), (b) by a committee of such directors
designated by a majority of such disinterested directors, (c) under certain
circumstances, independent legal counsel in a written opinion, or (d) the
stockholders, that indemnification is proper because the applicable standard of
conduct has been met. Expenses incurred by a director or officer in defending an
action may be advanced by the corporation prior to the final disposition of such
action upon receipt of an undertaking by such director or officer to repay such
expenses if it is ultimately determined that he is not entitled to be
indemnified in connection with the proceeding to which the expenses relate.
These provisions of the Delaware General Corporation Law, by their terms, are
not exclusive of any other rights to which those seeking indemnification or
advances of expenses may be entitled under any by-law, agreement, vote of
stockholders or disinterested directors, or otherwise.
The 1940 Act prohibits the inclusion in Ameritrans' Certificate of
Incorporation or certain other organizational instruments of Ameritrans of a
provision which purports to protect any director or officer of Ameritrans
against liability to Ameritrans or its stockholders for willful misfeasance, bad
faith, gross negligence, or reckless disregard of the duties involved in the
conduct of his office. Accordingly, the Indemnification Provision specifically
provides that indemnification shall only be made to the extent permitted by the
1940 Act.
Ameritrans has entered into an indemnity agreement (the "Indemnity
Agreement") with each of its directors and officers. The Indemnity Agreement
clarifies or modifies the indemnification provisions of the Delaware General
Corporation Law as follows: (i) the Indemnity Agreement establishes the
presumption that the director or officer has met the applicable standard of
conduct required for indemnification and provides that prompt indemnification
shall be made unless a determination is made by a majority of Ameritrans
disinterested directors, independent counsel, or a majority of Ameritrans'
stockholders that the director or officer has not met the applicable standard of
conduct; (ii) if the disinterested directors determine that the director or
officer has not met the applicable standard of conduct, the Indemnity Agreement
permits the director or officer to petition a
C-5
<PAGE>
court for an independent determination of whether such officer or director is
entitled to indemnification under the Indemnity Agreement; (iii) the Indemnity
Agreement provides that expenses shall be promptly advanced to a director or
officer upon receipt of an undertaking by him to repay amounts so advanced if it
is ultimately determined that indemnification of such expenses is not
permissible, provided that either (a) such director or officer shall have
provided appropriate security for such undertaking, (b) Ameritrans shall be
insured against losses arising from any such advance payments, or (c) either a
majority of the disinterested directors (even though less than a quorum), a
committee of such directors designated by such disinterested directors, or
independent legal counsel in a written opinion shall have determined, based upon
a review of readily available facts, that there is reason to believe that such
director or officer will be found entitled to indemnification; (iv) the
Indemnity Agreement specifically provides that the indemnification provisions
applicable to a derivative suit cover amounts paid in settlement; and (v) the
Indemnity Agreement specifically permits partial indemnification to be made in
the event that the director or officer is not entitled to full indemnification.
Ameritrans may in the future elect to purchase directors' and officers'
liability insurance, as is permitted by the Delaware General Corporation Law.
Insofar as indemnification for liability arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 (the "1933 Act") may be permitted to directors, officers, and
controlling persons of the registrant pursuant to the foregoing provisions or,
otherwise, the registrant has been advised that in the opinion of the Securities
and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim
for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the
registrant of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer, or controlling
person of the registrant in the successful defense of any action, suit, or
proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer, or controlling person in
connection with the securities being registered, the registrant will, unless in
the opinion of its counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent,
submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such
indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the 1933 Act and
will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.
ITEM 30. BUSINESS AND OTHER CONNECTIONS OF INVESTMENT ADVISOR.
Not applicable.
ITEM 31. LOCATION OF ACCOUNTS AND RECORDS
The Registrant maintains at its principal office physical possession of
each account, book or other document required to be maintained by Section 31(a)
of the 1940 Act, as applicable, pursuant to Section 64 of the 1940 Act.
ITEM 32. MANAGEMENT SERVICES
Not applicable.
ITEM 33. UNDERTAKINGS.
C-6
<PAGE>
1. The Registrant hereby undertakes:
(a) to suspend the Offering until the Prospectus is amended if (1)
subsequent to the effective date of this Registration Statement, the
net asset value declines more than ten percent from its net asset value
as of the effective date of the registration statement or (2) the net
asset value increases to an amount greater than its net proceeds as
stated in the Prospectus.
(b) that, for the purpose of determining any liability under the 1933
Act, the information omitted from the form of Prospectus filed as part
of this Registration Statement in reliance upon Rule 430A and contained
in a form of Prospectus filed by the Registrant under Rule 497(h) under
the 1933 Act shall be deemed to be part of this registration statement
as of the time it was declared effective; and
(c) for the purpose of determining any liability under the 1933 Act,
each post-effective amendment that contains a form of prospectus shall
be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities
offered therein, and the offering of the securities at that time shall
be deemed to be the initial BONA FIDE offering thereof.
2. Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities
Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling
persons of the Company pursuant to the provisions of the Certificate of
Incorporation and By-Laws, or otherwise, the Company has been advised
that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such
indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities
Act of 1933 and is, therefore unenforceable. In the event that a claim
for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by
the Company of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or
controlling person of the Company in the successful defense of any
action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person in connection with the securities being registered,
the Company will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has
been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate
jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against
public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be
governed by the final adjudication for such issue.
C-7
<PAGE>
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, the
Registrant has duly caused this Registration Statement has been signed on its
behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized, in the City of New York and
State of New York on the 31st day of March, 2000.
AMERITRANS CAPITAL CORPORATION
By: /s/ GARY C. GRANOFF
-------------------------------------
Gary C. Granoff, President
As required by the Securities Act of 1933, this Registration Statement
has been signed by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates
indicated.
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
SIGNATURE TITLE DATE
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ GARY C. GRANOFF President, Chairman of the March 31, 2000
- ----------------------------------------- Board of Directors
Gary C. Granoff Financial and Accounting Officer)
/s/ ELLEN M. WALKER* Vice President, General Counsel March 31, 2000
- ----------------------------------------- and Director
Ellen M. Walker
/s/ LEE A. FORLENZA* Vice President and Director March 31, 2000
- -----------------------------------------
Lee A. Forlenza
/s/ STEVEN ETRA* Vice President and Director March 31, 2000
- -----------------------------------------
Steven Etra
</TABLE>
<PAGE>
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
<S> <C> <C>
/s/ MARVIN SABESAN* Director March 31, 2000
- -----------------------------------------
Marvin Sabesan
/s/ PAUL CREDITOR* Director March 31, 2000
- -----------------------------------------
Paul Creditor
/s/ ALLEN KAPLAN* Director March 31, 2000
- -----------------------------------------
Allen Kaplan
/s/ JOHN L. ACIERNO* Director March 31, 2000
- -----------------------------------------
John L. Acierno
/s/ HOWARD F. SOMMER* Director March 31, 2000
- -----------------------------------------
Howard F. Sommer
/s/ JOHN R. LAIRD* Director March 31, 2000
- -----------------------------------------
John R. Laird
</TABLE>
By: /s/ GARY C. GRANOFF
-----------------------------------
Gary C. Granoff
Attorney-in-fact*
<PAGE>
EXHIBIT INDEX
Exhibit
Number Exhibit
- --------- -------
a. Certificate of Incorporation*
b. By-laws*
f.1 Form of subordinated debentures issued to the U.S. Small Business
Administration ("SBA") by Elk Associates Funding Corporation ("Elk") -
Debenture issued March 26, 1997 - principal amount - $430,000;
Maturity Date - March 1, 2007; Stated Interest Rate - 7.38%, was
previously filed.
The following debentures are omitted pursuant to Rule 483:
a. Debenture issued September 22, 1993 - principal amount -
$1,500,000; Maturity Date - September 1, 2003;
Stated Interest Rate - 6.12%.
b. Debenture issued September 22, 1993 - principal amount -
$2,220,000; Maturity Date - September 1, 2003;
Stated Interest Rate - 6.12%.
c. Debenture issued September 28, 1994 - principal amount -
$2,690,000; Maturity Date - September 1, 2004;
Stated Interest Rate - 8.20%.
d. Debenture issued December 14, 1995 - principal amount - $1,020,000;
Maturity Date - December 1, 2005; Stated Interest Rate - 6.54%.
e. Debenture issued June 26, 1996 - principal amount - $1,020,000;
Maturity Date - June 1, 2006; Stated Interest Rate - 7.71%.
f.2 Security Agreement between Elk and the SBA, dated September 9, 1993
was previously filed..
f.3 Custodian Agreement, Intercreditor Agreement and amendments thereto -
See Exhibits j.1, k.2, k.3, and k.4, below.
i.1. 1998 Employee Stock Option Plan*
i.2. Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan was previously filed was
previously filed.
j.1 Custodian Agreement among Elk; Bank Leumi Trust Company of New York
("Leumi"), Israel Discount Bank of New York ("IDB"), Bank Hapoalim
B.M. ("Hapoalim") and Extebank; the SBA, and IDB as Custodian; dated
September 9, 1993 (the "Custodian Agreement") were previously filed.
k.1 Agreements between Elk and the SBA.
a. Agreement dated September 9, 1993 was previously filed.
b. Agreement dated February 7, 1997 was previously filed.
k.2 Intercreditor Agreement among Elk, Leumi, IDB, Hapoalim, Extebank and
the SBA, dated September 9,1993 (the "Intercreditor Agreement") was
previously filed.
<PAGE>
k.3 Amendments to the Custodian and Intercreditor Agreements.
a. Amendment removing Hapoalim and Extebank and adding European
American Bank ("EAB"), dated September 28, 1994 was previously
filed.
b. Form of Amendment adding bank:
i. Amendment adding United Mizrahi Bank and Trust Company
("UMB"), dated June __, 1995 was previously filed.
ii. Amendment adding Sterling National Bank and Trust Company of
New York ("Sterling"), dated April __, 1996 - omitted pursuant
to Rule 483.
k.4 Bank Intercreditor Agreement among Elk, Leumi, IDB, Hapoalim and
Extebank, dated September 9, 1993 (the "Bank Intercreditor
Agreement") was previously filed.
k.5 Amendments to the Bank Intercreditor Agreement.
a. Amendment removing Hapoalim and Extebank and adding European
American Bank ("EAB"), dated September 28, 1994.
b. Form of Amendment adding bank:
i. Amendment adding UMB, dated June __, 1995 was previously filed.
ii. Amendment adding Sterling, dated April __, 1996 - omitted
pursuant to Rule 483.
k.6 Grid Demand Promissory Note dated August 27, 1999 between Ameritrans
and Israel Discount Bank of New York. **
k.7 Promissory Note dated January 15, 2000 between Ameritrans and Bank
Leumi USA and Letter Agreement of even date between aforementioned
parties.**
k.8 Master Note dated October 4, 1999 between Ameritrans and European
American Bank.**
k.9 Form of indemnity agreement between Ameritrans and each of its
directors and officers.*
l. Opinion and consent of Stursberg & Veith.***
n.1 Consent of Marcum & Kliegman LLP.
r. Power of attorney authorizing Gary C. Granoff to execute and file
Registration Statement and amendments - see signature page of
Registration Statement which was previously filed.
- -------------------------------------
* Incorporated by reference from the Registrant's Registration Statement
on Form N-14 (File No. 333-63951), initially filed September 22,
1998.
** Incorporated by reference from the Registrant's 10-Q (File No.
811-08847) filed February 15, 2000.
*** To be filed by amendment.
Exhibit n.1
-----------
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS
To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Ameritrans Capital Corporation and
Subsidiaries
We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in
Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form N-2 and the inclusion of
our report dated August 11, 1999, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements for the years ended June 30, 1999, 1998 and 1997.
MARCUM & KLIEGMAN LLP
New York, New York
March 31, 2000
