The Company, through its operating subsidiaries, operates in niche
banking markets. WebBank provides commercial and consumer specialty finance
transactions utilizing, in some cases, U.S. Government credit enhancement. The
benefits of WebBank's special charter allow it to "export" Utah's regulatory
environment (interest rates, late charges, and prepayment fees, etc.) to all
fifty states of the U.S. WebBank is a small, business oriented institution
insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ("FDIC") and examined and
regulated by the FDIC and the State of Utah Department of Financial
Institutions. Part of the business plan of WebBank represents a non-traditional
approach to generating growth within the context of the regulatory standards of
safety and soundness. Prudent business goals and protection of WebBank's charter
are the key elements of the Company's business strategy for WebBank. Pursuant to
this strategy, WebBank has focused on several lines of business as described
below:
ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE FACTORING is a form of collateral-based
commercial lending in which companies sell their receivables to a lender,
principally to secure working capital. The receivables are repaid directly to
the lender. WebBank is engaged in accounts receivable factoring utilizing a
sourcing and servicing company. The owner of the sourcing and servicing company
is also an employee of WebBank.
CREDIT CARD processing is a highly competitive product and service
that WebBank provides and continues to actively pursue. WebBank offers
customized service within Utah's favorable banking environment.
PRIVATE LABEL STUDENT LENDING is an alternative to federally
subsidized student loan programs. A third party sourcing company is engaged to
source these loans. WebBank provides funding to the students and sells the loans
to the third party shortly after origination of each loan.
1
ELECTIVE MEDICAL AND DENTAL TREATMENT LENDING is a form of unsecured
consumer lending that allows customers to finance elective surgery or other
treatments not covered under traditional health insurance plans. A third party
company is engaged to source these loans. WebBank provides funding to the
patients and sells the loans to the third party shortly after origination of
each loan.
AUTOMOBILE FINANCING VIA THE INTERNET is a relatively new method for
financing the purchase of new and used vehicles to consumers. A third party
company is engaged to source these loans. WebBank provides funding to the
borrowers and sells the loans to the third party sourcing company shortly after
origination of each loan.
USDA BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY (B&I) LENDING is a commercial loan
product of which 70% to 90% is guaranteed by the full faith and credit of the
Federal government. The loan program is administered by the United States
Department of Agriculture to assist businesses located in rural areas (under
50,000 population) to promote industrial modernization and job creation.
Originations of new B&I loans were discontinued by WebBank in 2001. However,
WebBank continues to service loans in its existing portfolio and for several
other investors.
The Company continues to evaluate its different business lines and
consider various alternatives to maximize the aggregate value of its businesses
and increase stockholder value. Some of these alternatives may include insurance
related deposit gathering programs, consumer e-lending programs, and selective
acquisitions, divestitures or the discontinuance of an existing business line.
COMPETITION
The banking and financial services industry is highly competitive.
The increasingly competitive environment is primarily attributable to changes in
regulation, changes in technology and product delivery systems, and the
accelerating pace of consolidation among financial services providers. The
Company competes for loans, deposits, and customers with other commercial banks,
thrift institutions, securities and brokerage companies, mortgage companies,
insurance companies, finance companies, money market funds, credit unions, and
other nonbank financial service providers. Many of these competitors are much
larger in total assets and capitalization, have greater access to capital
markets and offer a broader range of financial services than the Company.
REGULATION
WebBank is regulated by Federal and state banking agencies including
the FDIC and the State of Utah Department of Financial Institutions. As a
result, WebBank is subject to various regulatory capital requirements
administered by the Federal and state banking agencies. Failure to meet minimum
capital requirements can result in the initiation of certain actions by
regulators that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on WebBank's
and the Company's financial statements. Under capital adequacy guidelines and
the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, WebBank must meet
specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of WebBank's
assets, liabilities, and certain off-balance sheet items as calculated under
regulatory accounting practices. WebBank's capital amounts and classification
are also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about components,
risk weightings, and other factors. Management believes that, as of December 31,
2002, WebBank met all capital adequacy requirements to which it is subject.
EMPLOYMENT
As of March 26, 2003, the Company had 6 employees, all of whom were
full-time employees. The Company believes that its employee relations are
satisfactory. Steel Partners, Ltd., an entity controlled by the Company's
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer, provides certain management,
consulting and advisory services to the Company pursuant to a Management
Agreement with Steel Partners, Ltd. James Henderson, the Company's Vice
President of Operations, provides management, accounting and financial services
to WebBank pursuant to an Employee Allocation Agreement between WebBank and
Steel Partners, Ltd. See "Certain Relationships and Related Transactions."
2
Webfinancial Cp (WEFN) - Description of business
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Research Report
Description
Level 2 quotes
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Cash Flow Statement
Insiders
SEC Filings
Analyst Recommendation
Earnings Report
Historical Prices
Recent Material Events
Key executives
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