SEC Company Response from AMERICAN CHURCH MORTGAGE CO (CIK 0000934543) — Oct 11, 2005
AMERICAN CHURCH MORTGAGE CO (CIK 0000934543)
Date: Oct. 11, 2005 · CIK: 0000934543 · Accession: 0000934543-05-000017
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October 5, 2005
Mr. Robert Telewicz Staff Accountant
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street N.W.
Washington, DC 20549
RE: American Church Mortgage Company
Form 10-KSB for the year ended December 31, 2004
File No. 33-87570
Dear Mr. Telewicz:
Following up to our telephone conference on October 3, 2005 we have the
following comments and information for you to consider.
As was stated in the conference call, our client treats their investments in
debt securities as available-for-sale securities as defined in SFAS 115. The
securities are not bought and held with the intention of selling them in the
near term, nor is it management's intention to hold - to - maturity, but to sell
them as required to meet their liquidity needs.
As stated in SFAS 115, (Current Text I80.403, and I80.860) the fair value of
such investments is the amount they "...could be bought or sold for in a current
transaction between willing parties..." In their situation, the willing party
has been and is expected to be, a related party which has purchased them at
their cost to the Company. As further discussed below, due to the call feature,
any willing buyer would also purchase them at cost. Secondly, "If a quoted
market price is not available, the estimate of fair value should be based on the
best information available in the circumstances." Further, "The estimate of fair
value should consider prices for similar assets..." Their history of buying and
selling the bonds at par or cost is the best information available in the
circumstances with similar assets. Since the inception of the Company the bonds
have been bought at par and sold at par.
Valuation techniques have been applied by the Company to the portfolio for
consideration; however by their unique nature, there is a very limited secondary
market for such investments. Most importantly, as we discussed, the lack of
marketability and limitations of the valuation of the bonds is further
influenced by the callable feature of these bonds. It is very important to note
that the bonds are callable at par anytime without penalty. Hence, "a willing
buyer" in the marketplace would only pay par for an investment which could be
called at anytime at face value. It is unfortunate that this call feature was
not brought to your attention earlier, as it is a key part of the determination
of fair value.
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As you requested, we did review SFAC Statement #7. However, in view of the fact
that the bonds are callable at their face value, application of a valuation
methodology arriving at a different amount other than face value is
inappropriate. Any computed differences in hypothetical versus stated interest
rates on these bonds would be ignored in the marketplace due to the call
feature.
Please consider this new information and the above discussion of facts in
formulating a conclusion. Call us with any questions you may have.
Sincerely,
/s/ Steven J. Behrns
Steven J. Behrns
Cc: American Church Mortgage Company
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