Mohnish Pabrai: Delta Financial (DFC) Results

"Liquidity has become one of the most important issues facing lending institutions today as the credit disruption widens and rating agencies modify their reserve level requirements," explained Hugh Miller, president and chief executive officer. "This has created a capital intensive environment in which it is increasingly more costly to operate. While our adherence to Delta's proven business model, with a focus on fixed rate loans and a diversified wholesale/retail origination platform, provided some insulation and helped us generate positive earnings during the second quarter, it became apparent this current environment would unduly strain our liquidity."

"Accordingly, I am pleased to announce we have entered into two transactions to help strengthen our Company and provide additional financial flexibility," continued Mr. Miller. "First, we obtained a $60.0 million financing facility from an affiliate of Angelo, Gordon & Co., a leading alternative asset management firm. The financing is collateralized by all of our currently existing securitization cashflow certificates. As part of the transaction, Angelo, Gordon & Co. will receive warrants to purchase 10.0 million shares of our Common Stock with an initial exercise price of $5.00 per share, expiring February 2009, subject to extension if we do not obtain stockholder approval for the warrant issuance within 90 days of the closing date. The fair value of the warrants issued will be amortized to interest expense as a non-cash yield adjustment over the life of the associated financing facility."

"At the same time, we have agreed to issue $10.0 million of convertible notes to funds managed by Mr. Mohnish Pabrai, one of our largest stockholders," Mr. Miller explained. "The notes are convertible into an aggregate of 2.0 million shares of our Common Stock, at a conversion price of $5.00 per share. The exercise of most of the warrants and the issuance of all of the shares upon conversion of the notes are both subject to shareholder approval, which we intend to pursue in the near future."

Mohnish Pabrai stated, "Delta is one of the best companies and management teams in this space. I look for them to emerge from the current market disruption and be well-positioned to take advantage of a less populated competitive landscape."

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