CLEARWATER, Fla., May 5, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nicholas Financial, Inc. (Nasdaq:NICK) announced that for the three months ended March 31, 2011 net earnings increased 46% to $4,772,000 as compared to $3,260,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Per share diluted net earnings increased 43% to $0.40 as compared to $0.28 for the three months ended March 31, 2010. Revenue increased 13% to $16,095,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2011 as compared to $14,256,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2010.
For the year ended March 31, 2011, net earnings increased 55% to $16,805,000 as compared to $10,865,000 for the year ended March 31, 2010. Per share diluted net earnings increased 52% to $1.41 as compared to $0.93 for the year ended March 31, 2010. Revenue increased 11% to $62,774,000 for the year ended March 31, 2011 as compared to $56,472,000 for the year ended March 31, 2010.
"Our strong growth in earnings per share for the fourth quarter and year ended March 31, 2011 were favorably impacted by the revenue contribution from new branches and a reduction in the net charge-off rate," stated Peter L. Vosotas, Chairman and CEO. "We reported record revenues and earnings every quarter this year. In addition, we opened six new branch offices in the past year. We entered two new states with a branch in Chicago, Illinois and one in St. Louis, Missouri. We expect to add four to eight new branches during the upcoming year and will also continue to pursue buy-side opportunities as they arise."
Nicholas Financial, Inc. is one of the largest publicly traded specialty consumer finance companies based in the Southeastern states. The Company presently operates 56 branch locations in both the Southeastern and the Midwestern states. The Company has approximately 11,800,000 shares of common stock outstanding. For an index of Nicholas Financial, Inc.'s news releases or to obtain a specific release, visit our web site at .
The Nicholas Financial, Inc. logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=6776.
Except for the historical information contained herein, the matters discussed in this news release include forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties including general economic conditions, access to bank financing, and other risks detailed from time to time in the Company's filings and reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission including the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended March 31, 2010. Such statements are based on the beliefs of the Company's management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to Company management. Actual events or results may differ materially. All forward looking statements and cautionary statements included in this document are made as of the date hereby based on information available to the Company as of the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement or cautionary statement.
The following tables present certain information regarding the delinquency rates experienced by the Company with respect to Contracts and under its direct loan program:
The following table presents selected information on Contracts purchased by the Company, net of unearned interest:
CONTACT: Ralph Finkenbrink Sr. Vice President, CFO Ph # - 727-726-0763 www.nicholasfinancial.com
