• Credit Acceptance Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2020 Results

    المصدر: Nasdaq GlobeNewswire / 01 فبراير 2021 16:01:01   America/New_York

    Southfield, Michigan, Feb. 01, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Credit Acceptance Corporation (Nasdaq: CACC) (referred to as the “Company”, “Credit Acceptance”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) today announced consolidated net income of $166.3 million, or $9.43 per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2020 compared to consolidated net income of $161.9 million, or $8.60 per diluted share, for the same period in 2019. For the year ended December 31, 2020, consolidated net income was $421.0 million, or $23.47 per diluted share, compared to consolidated net income of $656.1 million, or $34.57 per diluted share, for the same period in 2019.

    Adjusted net income, a non-GAAP financial measure, for the three months ended December 31, 2020 was $189.5 million, or $10.75 per diluted share, compared to $173.5 million, or $9.22 per diluted share, for the same period in 2019. For the year ended December 31, 2020, adjusted net income was $686.3 million, or $38.26 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net income of $658.4 million, or $34.70 per diluted share, for the same period in 2019.

    COVID-19 Pandemic

    COVID-19 continues to be widespread in the United States. In an effort to contain the virus, authorities have implemented various measures, including travel bans, stay-at-home orders and shutdowns of non-essential businesses. These measures have caused a significant decline in economic activity and a dramatic increase in unemployment. While the prevalence, severity and impact of such restrictions have lessened and unemployment rates have improved, uncertainty remains as to when economic conditions will return to normalcy and whether further restrictions may be required. Starting in mid-March, we experienced a substantial reduction in demand for our product and a significant decline in cash flows from our loan portfolio that lasted through mid-April, after which collections and new loan volumes improved significantly. Starting in late July and continuing through the end of the year, we experienced another substantial reduction in demand for our product. As the virus is not yet fully contained, the ultimate impact of the pandemic on our business is not yet known. The impact will depend on future developments, including, but not limited to, the duration of the pandemic, its severity, the actions to contain the disease or mitigate its impact, additional federal stimulus measures and enhanced unemployment benefits, if any, and the duration, timing and severity of the impact on consumer behavior and economic activity.


    GAAP Results

    GAAP results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020 include a provision for credit losses of $92.6 million and $556.9 million, respectively, reflecting the adoption of the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) accounting standard on January 1, 2020 and the impact of changes in the amount and timing of forecasted future net cash flows from our loan portfolio. Under CECL, we are required to record a provision for credit losses for every new loan at the time that loan is originated equal to the difference between the amount we paid to acquire the loan and the present value of forecasted net cash flows using an effective interest rate prescribed under CECL. The effective interest rate under CECL is calculated assuming 100% of the contractually scheduled payments of each loan is received. Since we do not expect to receive this amount, the effective rate under CECL is higher than the rate we expect to earn. Using the higher effective rate prescribed by CECL to record the loan results in a value for each loan that is less than the amount we paid to acquire the loan. This difference is recorded as an allowance for credit losses along with a corresponding provision for credit losses. For the three months and year ended December 31, 2020, we recorded provision for credit losses of $92.4 million and $518.6 million, respectively, related to new Consumer Loan assignments. Over the life of the loan, we expect to record an amount equivalent to this provision for credit losses as finance charge revenue, which will be recognized using the same effective interest rate used to record the loan.

    The remaining provision for credit losses of $0.2 million and $38.3 million for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020, respectively, reflected changes in our estimates of the amount and timing of future net cash flows from our loan portfolio discussed below. Under CECL, the net present value of the change in our net cash flow forecast is recorded as a provision for credit losses or reversal of provision for credit losses.

    Consumer Loan Metrics

    Dealers assign retail installment contracts (referred to as “Consumer Loans”) to Credit Acceptance. At the time a Consumer Loan is submitted to us for assignment, we forecast future expected cash flows from the Consumer Loan. Based on the amount and timing of these forecasts and expected expense levels, an advance or one-time purchase payment is made to the related dealer at a price designed to maximize economic profit, a non-GAAP financial measure that considers our return on capital, our cost of capital and the amount of capital invested. 

    We use a statistical model to estimate the expected collection rate for each Consumer Loan at the time of assignment. We continue to evaluate the expected collection rate of each Consumer Loan subsequent to assignment. Our evaluation becomes more accurate as the Consumer Loans age, as we use actual performance data in our forecast. By comparing our current expected collection rate for each Consumer Loan with the rate we projected at the time of assignment, we are able to assess the accuracy of our initial forecast. The following table compares our forecast of Consumer Loan collection rates as of December 31, 2020 with the forecasts as of September 30, 2020, as of December 31, 2019 and at the time of assignment, segmented by year of assignment:

      Forecasted Collection Percentage as of (1) Current Forecast Variance from
     Consumer Loan Assignment Year December 31, 2020 September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Initial
    Forecast    		 September 30, 2020 December 31, 2019 Initial
    Forecast
    2011 74.8 % 74.8 % 74.8 % 72.5 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 2.3 %
    2012 73.8 % 73.8 % 73.9 % 71.4 % 0.0 % -0.1 % 2.4 %
    2013 73.4 % 73.5 % 73.5 % 72.0 % -0.1 % -0.1 % 1.4 %
    2014 71.6 % 71.7 % 71.7 % 71.8 % -0.1 % -0.1 % -0.2 %
    2015 65.2 % 65.2 % 65.4 % 67.7 % 0.0 % -0.2 % -2.5 %
    2016 63.6 % 63.7 % 64.1 % 65.4 % -0.1 % -0.5 % -1.8 %
    2017 64.1 % 64.1 % 64.8 % 64.0 % 0.0 % -0.7 % 0.1 %
    2018 64.0 % 64.1 % 65.1 % 63.6 % -0.1 % -1.1 % 0.4 %
    2019 64.4 % 64.5 % 64.6 % 64.0 % -0.1 % -0.2 % 0.4 %
         2020 (2) 64.8 % 64.4 % —   63.4 % 0.4 % —   1.4 %

    (1)   Represents the total forecasted collections we expect to collect on the Consumer Loans as a percentage of the repayments that we were contractually owed on the Consumer Loans at the time of assignment.  Contractual repayments include both principal and interest. Forecasted collection rates are negatively impacted by canceled Consumer Loans as the contractual amount owed is not removed from the denominator for purposes of computing forecasted collection rates in the table.
    (2)   The forecasted collection rate for 2020 Consumer Loans as of December 31, 2020 includes both Consumer Loans that were in our portfolio as of September 30, 2020 and Consumer Loans assigned during the most recent quarter. The following table provides forecasted collection rates for each of these segments:

               
      Forecasted Collection Percentage as of Current Forecast Variance from
    2020 Consumer Loan Assignment Period December 31, 2020 September 30, 2020 Initial
    Forecast    		 September 30, 2020 Initial
    Forecast
    January 1, 2020 through September 30, 2020 64.9 % 64.4 % 63.0 % 0.5 % 1.9 %
    October 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 64.8 % —   65.1 % —   -0.3 %

    Consumer Loans assigned in 2011 through 2013 and 2020 have yielded forecasted collection results materially better than our initial estimates, while Consumer Loans assigned in 2015 and 2016 have yielded forecasted collection results materially worse than our initial estimates. For all other assignment years presented, actual results have been close to our initial estimates. For the three months ended December 31, 2020, forecasted collection rates improved for Consumer Loans assigned in 2020 and were generally consistent with expectations at the start of the period for all other assignment years presented. For the year ended December 31, 2020, forecasted collection rates improved for Consumer Loans assigned in 2020, declined for Consumer Loans assigned in 2015 through 2019 and were generally consistent with expectations at the start of the period for all other assignment years presented.

    The changes in forecasted collection rates for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 impacted forecasted net cash flows (forecasted collections less forecasted dealer holdback payments) as follows:

    (In millions) For the Three Months Ended December 31, For the Years Ended December 31,
    Increase (Decrease) in Forecasted Net Cash Flows 2020 2019 2020 2019
    Dealer loans $(4.6)  $(7.6)  $(41.1)  $(7.9) 
    Purchased loans 1.9    (10.1)  (5.2)  22.5   
    Total $(2.7)  $(17.7)  $(46.3)  $14.6   

    During the first quarter of 2020, we reduced our estimate of future net cash flows from our loan portfolio by $206.5 million, or 2.3% of the forecasted net cash flows at the start of the period, primarily due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. The reduction was comprised of: (1) $44.3 million calculated by our forecasting model, which reflected lower realized collections during the first quarter of 2020 and (2) an additional $162.2 million, which represented our best estimate of the future impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on future net cash flows. Under CECL, changes in the amount and timing of forecasted net cash flows are recorded as a provision for credit losses in the current period. While the adjustment to our forecast, which we continued to apply throughout 2020, represents our best estimate at this time, the COVID-19 pandemic has created conditions that increase the level of uncertainty associated with our estimate of the amount and timing of future net cash flows from our loan portfolio.

    The following table summarizes changes in realized collections in each of the last four quarters as compared to the same period in the previous year:

      Year over Year Percent Change
    Three Months Ended Front End Collections (1) Total Collections
    March 31, 2020 8.8 % 9.1 %
    June 30, 2020 11.4 % 6.5 %
    September 30, 2020 15.6 % 11.3 %
    December 31, 2020 12.4 % 9.9 %

    (1)   Represents collections realized on Consumer Loans that are either current or in the early stages of delinquency.

    Starting in mid-March, we experienced a reduction in realized collections at the same time government authorities began to implement restrictions that limited economic activity. The reduction in front end collections reflected a lower volume of payments from customers while the reduction in total collections also included lower realized collections from repossessions, which were temporarily suspended as the COVID-19 crisis began to unfold. Starting in mid-April, front end collections improved as federal stimulus and enhanced unemployment benefit payments were distributed. Starting in August and continuing through the end of the year, the improvement in front end collections declined as federal stimulus and enhanced unemployment benefit payments lapsed, and unemployment rates, while improving, remain above pre-pandemic levels. Front end collections and total collections for the month ended January 31, 2021 increased 17.0% and 15.7%, respectively, as compared to the same period in 2020, as additional federal stimulus payments were distributed.


    The following table presents information on the average Consumer Loan assignment for each of the last 10 years:

      Average
     Consumer Loan Assignment Year Consumer Loan (1) Advance (2) Initial Loan Term (in months)
    2011 $15,686   $7,137   46
    2012 15,468 7,165 47
    2013 15,445 7,344 47
    2014 15,692 7,492 47
    2015 16,354 7,272 50
    2016 18,218 7,976 53
    2017 20,230 8,746 55
    2018 22,158 9,635 57
    2019 23,139 10,174 57
          2020 (3) 24,262 10,656 59

    (1)     Represents the repayments that we were contractually owed on Consumer Loans at the time of assignment, which include both principal and interest.
    (2)     Represents advances paid to dealers on Consumer Loans assigned under our portfolio program and one-time payments made to dealers to purchase Consumer Loans assigned under our purchase program. Payments of dealer holdback and accelerated dealer holdback are not included.
    (3)     The averages for 2020 Consumer Loans include both Consumer Loans that were in our portfolio as of September 30, 2020 and Consumer Loans assigned during the most recent quarter. The following table provides averages for each of these segments:

           
      Average
    2020 Consumer Loan Assignment Period Consumer Loan Advance Initial Loan Term         (in months)
    January 1, 2020 through September 30, 2020 $24,007   $10,483   59  
    October 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 25,376   11,411   60  

    Forecasting collection rates accurately at loan inception is difficult. With this in mind, we establish advance rates that are intended to allow us to achieve acceptable levels of profitability, even if collection rates are less than we initially forecast.

    The following table presents forecasted Consumer Loan collection rates, advance rates, the spread (the forecasted collection rate less the advance rate), and the percentage of the forecasted collections that had been realized as of December 31, 2020. All amounts, unless otherwise noted, are presented as a percentage of the initial balance of the Consumer Loan (principal + interest). The table includes both dealer loans and purchased loans.

      As of December 31, 2020
     Consumer Loan Assignment Year Forecasted
    Collection %    		 Advance % (1) Spread % % of Forecast
    Realized (2)
    2011 74.8 % 45.5 % 29.3 % 99.8 %
    2012 73.8 % 46.3 % 27.5 % 99.7 %
    2013 73.4 % 47.6 % 25.8 % 99.4 %
    2014 71.6 % 47.7 % 23.9 % 98.9 %
    2015 65.2 % 44.5 % 20.7 % 97.8 %
    2016 63.6 % 43.8 % 19.8 % 93.8 %
    2017 64.1 % 43.2 % 20.9 % 84.3 %
    2018 64.0 % 43.5 % 20.5 % 67.8 %
    2019 64.4 % 44.0 % 20.4 % 44.6 %
         2020 (3) 64.8 % 43.9 % 20.9 % 15.7 %

    (1)   Represents advances paid to dealers on Consumer Loans assigned under our portfolio program and one-time payments made to dealers to purchase Consumer Loans assigned under our purchase program as a percentage of the initial balance of the Consumer Loans.  Payments of dealer holdback and accelerated dealer holdback are not included.
    (2)   Presented as a percentage of total forecasted collections.
    (3)   The forecasted collection rate, advance rate and spread for 2020 Consumer Loans as of December 31, 2020 include both Consumer Loans that were in our portfolio as of September 30, 2020 and Consumer Loans assigned during the most recent quarter. The following table provides forecasted collection rates, advance rates and spreads for each of these segments:

           
      As of December 31, 2020
    2020 Consumer Loan Assignment Period Forecasted
    Collection %    		 Advance % Spread %
    January 1, 2020 through September 30, 2020 64.9 % 43.7 % 21.2 %
    October 1, 2020 through December 31, 2020 64.8 % 45.0 % 19.8 %

    The risk of a material change in our forecasted collection rate declines as the Consumer Loans age. For 2016 and prior Consumer Loan assignments, the risk of a material forecast variance is modest, as we have currently realized in excess of 90% of the expected collections. Conversely, the forecasted collection rates for more recent Consumer Loan assignments are less certain as a significant portion of our forecast has not been realized.

    The spread between the forecasted collection rate and the advance rate has ranged from 19.8% to 29.3%, on an annual basis, over the last 10 years. The spread was at the high end of this range in 2011, when the competitive environment was unusually favorable, and much lower during other years (2015 through 2020) when competition was more intense. The increase in the spread from 2019 to 2020 was primarily the result of the performance of 2020 Consumer Loans, which has exceeded our initial estimates by a greater margin than those assigned to us in 2019, partially offset by a lower initial forecast on 2020 Consumer Loans.


    The following table compares our forecast of Consumer Loan collection rates as of December 31, 2020 with the forecasts at the time of assignment, for dealer loans and purchased loans separately:

      Dealer Loans Purchased Loans
      Forecasted Collection Percentage   as of (1)   Forecasted Collection Percentage   as of (1)  
     Consumer Loan Assignment Year December 31,
    2020    		 Initial
    Forecast    		 Variance December 31,
    2020    		 Initial
    Forecast    		 Variance
    2011 74.6 % 72.4 % 2.2 % 76.4 % 72.7 % 3.7 %
    2012 73.6 % 71.3 % 2.3 % 75.9 % 71.4 % 4.5 %
    2013 73.4 % 72.1 % 1.3 % 74.3 % 71.6 % 2.7 %
    2014 71.5 % 71.9 % -0.4 % 72.4 % 70.9 % 1.5 %
    2015 64.5 % 67.5 % -3.0 % 68.8 % 68.5 % 0.3 %
    2016 62.8 % 65.1 % -2.3 % 65.8 % 66.5 % -0.7 %
    2017 63.4 % 63.8 % -0.4 % 65.6 % 64.6 % 1.0 %
    2018 63.5 % 63.6 % -0.1 % 65.1 % 63.5 % 1.6 %
    2019 64.1 % 63.9 % 0.2 % 65.1 % 64.2 % 0.9 %
    2020 64.5 % 63.3 % 1.2 % 65.4 % 63.6 % 1.8 %

    (1)   The forecasted collection rates presented for dealer loans and purchased loans reflect the Consumer Loan classification at the time of assignment.

    The following table presents forecasted Consumer Loan collection rates, advance rates, and the spread (the forecasted collection rate less the advance rate) as of December 31, 2020 for dealer loans and purchased loans separately.  All amounts are presented as a percentage of the initial balance of the Consumer Loan (principal + interest).

      Dealer Loans Purchased Loans
     Consumer Loan Assignment Year Forecasted Collection % (1) Advance %     (1)(2) Spread % Forecasted Collection % (1) Advance %     (1)(2) Spread %
    2011 74.6 % 45.1 % 29.5 % 76.4 % 49.3 % 27.1 %
    2012 73.6 % 46.0 % 27.6 % 75.9 % 50.0 % 25.9 %
    2013 73.4 % 47.2 % 26.2 % 74.3 % 51.5 % 22.8 %
    2014 71.5 % 47.2 % 24.3 % 72.4 % 51.8 % 20.6 %
    2015 64.5 % 43.4 % 21.1 % 68.8 % 50.2 % 18.6 %
    2016 62.8 % 42.1 % 20.7 % 65.8 % 48.6 % 17.2 %
    2017 63.4 % 42.1 % 21.3 % 65.6 % 45.8 % 19.8 %
    2018 63.5 % 42.7 % 20.8 % 65.1 % 45.2 % 19.9 %
    2019 64.1 % 43.1 % 21.0 % 65.1 % 45.6 % 19.5 %
    2020 64.5 % 43.0 % 21.5 % 65.4 % 45.5 % 19.9 %

    (1)   The forecasted collection rates and advance rates presented for dealer loans and purchased loans reflect the Consumer Loan classification at the time of assignment.
    (2)   Represents advances paid to dealers on Consumer Loans assigned under our portfolio program and one-time payments made to dealers to purchase Consumer Loans assigned under our purchase program as a percentage of the initial balance of the Consumer Loans.  Payments of dealer holdback and accelerated dealer holdback are not included.

    Although the advance rate on purchased loans is higher as compared to the advance rate on dealer loans, purchased loans do not require us to pay dealer holdback.

    The spread on dealer loans increased from 21.0% in 2019 to 21.5% in 2020 primarily as a result of the performance of the 2020 Consumer Loans in our dealer loan portfolio, which has exceeded our initial estimates by a greater margin than those assigned to us in 2019, partially offset by a lower initial forecast on 2020 Consumer Loans in our dealer loan portfolio. The spread on purchased loans increased from 19.5% in 2019 to 19.9% in 2020 primarily as a result of the performance of the 2020 Consumer Loans in our purchased loan portfolio, which has exceeded our initial estimates by a greater margin than those assigned to us in 2019, partially offset by a lower initial forecast on 2020 Consumer Loans in our purchased loan portfolio.


    Consumer Loan Volume

    The following table summarizes changes in Consumer Loan assignment volume in each of the last eight quarters as compared to the same period in the previous year:

      Year over Year Percent Change
    Three Months Ended Unit Volume Dollar Volume (1)
    March 31, 2019 0.4 % 5.1 %
    June 30, 2019 0.0 % 5.6 %
    September 30, 2019 0.4 % 7.6 %
    December 31, 2019 -5.3 % 1.1 %
    March 31, 2020 -10.1 % -4.5 %
    June 30, 2020 5.7 % 5.2 %
    September 30, 2020 -8.8 % -4.7 %
    December 31, 2020 -18.1 % -10.8 %

    (1)   Represents advances paid to dealers on Consumer Loans assigned under our portfolio program and one-time payments made to dealers to purchase Consumer Loans assigned under our purchase program.  Payments of dealer holdback and accelerated dealer holdback are not included.

    Consumer Loan assignment volumes depend on a number of factors including (1) the overall demand for our financing programs, (2) the amount of capital available to fund new loans, and (3) our assessment of the volume that our infrastructure can support. Our pricing strategy is intended to maximize the amount of economic profit we generate, within the confines of capital and infrastructure constraints.

    Unit and dollar volumes declined 18.1% and 10.8%, respectively, during the fourth quarter of 2020 as the number of active dealers declined 8.6% while average unit volume per active dealer declined 9.5%. Dollar volume declined less than unit volume during the fourth quarter of 2020 due to an increase in the average advance paid per unit. This increase was the result of an increase in the average size of the Consumer Loans assigned, primarily due to increases in the average vehicle selling price and average initial loan term and an increase in purchased loans as a percentage of total unit volume.

    Starting in mid-March, we experienced a significant decline in unit volume that we believe was primarily due to the impact of COVID-19, which resulted in many dealers temporarily closing or restricting their operations and a deterioration in consumer demand for dealers that remained open. During the latter part of April and continuing into July, unit volumes improved. We believe the improvement resulted from a combination of dealers gradually reopening their operations and the distribution of federal stimulus and enhanced unemployment benefit payments. Starting in late July and continuing through the end of the year, we experienced another significant decline in unit volume as federal stimulus and enhanced unemployment benefit payments lapsed, dealer inventories declined and used vehicle prices increased. Unit volume for the month ended January 31, 2021 declined 6.1% as compared to the same period in 2020, as additional federal stimulus payments were distributed. January 2021 was negatively impacted as it had one less business day as compared to the same period in 2020 (25 business days in January 2021 compared to 26 business days in January 2020).

    The following table summarizes the changes in Consumer Loan unit volume and active dealers:

     For the Three Months Ended December 31, For the Years Ended December 31,
     2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
    Consumer Loan unit volume63,899   78,017   -18.1 % 341,967   369,805   -7.5 %
    Active dealers (1)8,461   9,255   -8.6 % 12,690   13,399   -5.3 %
    Average volume per active dealer7.6   8.4   -9.5 % 26.9   27.6   -2.5 %
                
    Consumer Loan unit volume from dealers active both periods52,042   63,168   -17.6 % 309,179   338,939   -8.8 %
    Dealers active both periods5,972   5,972   —   9,795   9,795   —  
    Average volume per dealer active both periods8.7   10.6   -17.6 % 31.6   34.6   -8.8 %
                
    Consumer loan unit volume from dealers not active both periods11,857   14,849   -20.1 % 32,788   30,866   6.2 %
    Dealers not active both periods2,489   3,283   -24.2 % 2,895   3,604   -19.7 %
    Average volume per dealer not active both periods4.8   4.5   6.7 % 11.3   8.6   31.4 %

    (1)   Active dealers are dealers who have received funding for at least one Consumer Loan during the period.

    The following table provides additional information on the changes in Consumer Loan unit volume and active dealers: 

     For the Three Months Ended December 31, For the Years Ended December 31,
     2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
    Consumer Loan unit volume from new active dealers2,100   2,720   -22.8 % 30,968   44,938   -31.1 %
    New active dealers (1)608   753   -19.3 % 2,730   3,936   -30.6 %
    Average volume per new active dealer3.5   3.6   -2.8 % 11.3   11.4   -0.9 %
                
    Attrition (2)-19.0 % -17.1 %   -8.3 % -8.1 %  

    (1)   New active dealers are dealers who enrolled in our program and have received funding for their first dealer loan or purchased loan from us during the period.
    (2)   Attrition is measured according to the following formula:  decrease in Consumer Loan unit volume from dealers who have received funding for at least one dealer loan or purchased loan during the comparable period of the prior year but did not receive funding for any dealer loans or purchased loans during the current period divided by prior year comparable period Consumer Loan unit volume.

    The following table shows the percentage of Consumer Loans assigned to us as dealer loans and purchased loans for each of the last eight quarters:

      Unit Volume Dollar Volume (1)
    Three Months Ended Dealer Loans Purchased Loans Dealer Loans Purchased Loans
    March 31, 2019 67.4 % 32.6 % 65.0 % 35.0 %
    June 30, 2019 66.7 % 33.3 % 63.7 % 36.3 %
    September 30, 2019 67.2 % 32.8 % 64.1 % 35.9 %
    December 31, 2019 67.4 % 32.6 % 64.0 % 36.0 %
    March 31, 2020 64.9 % 35.1 % 60.5 % 39.5 %
    June 30, 2020 62.5 % 37.5 % 59.1 % 40.9 %
    September 30, 2020 64.1 % 35.9 % 60.9 % 39.1 %
    December 31, 2020 65.3 % 34.7 % 62.7 % 37.3 %

    (1)   Represents advances paid to dealers on Consumer Loans assigned under our portfolio program and one-time payments made to dealers to purchase Consumer Loans assigned under our purchase program.  Payments of dealer holdback and accelerated dealer holdback are not included.

    As of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the net dealer loans receivable balance was 61.4% and 62.8%, respectively, of the total net loans receivable balance.


    Financial Results

    (Dollars in millions, except per share data)For the Three Months Ended December 31, For the Years Ended December 31,
     2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
    GAAP average debt$4,624.8   $4,320.2   7.1 % $4,686.1   $4,198.0   11.6 %
    GAAP average shareholders' equity2,320.4   2,392.7   -3.0 % 2,188.6   2,201.2   -0.6 %
    Average capital$6,945.2   $6,712.9   3.5 % $6,874.7   $6,399.2   7.4 %
    GAAP net income$166.3   $161.9   2.7 % $421.0   $656.1   -35.8 %
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding17,633,553 18,827,222 -6.3 % 17,935,779 18,976,560 -5.5 %
    GAAP net income per diluted share$9.43   $8.60   9.7 % $23.47   $34.57   -32.1 %

    The Financial Accounting Standards Board issued a new accounting standard (known as CECL) that changed how we account for our loans under GAAP effective January 1, 2020. The net loan income (finance charge revenue less provision for credit losses expense) that we recognize over the life of a loan equals the cash we collect from the underlying Consumer Loan less the cash we pay to the dealer. While the total amount of net loan income we will recognize over the life of the loan is not impacted by CECL, the timing of when we will recognize this income has changed significantly from our prior accounting method. We believe that recognizing net loan income on a level-yield basis over the life of the loan based on expected future net cash flows matches the economics of our business. We believe CECL diverges from economic reality by requiring us to recognize a significant provision for credit losses expense at the time of assignment for amounts we never expected to realize and finance charge revenue in subsequent periods that is significantly in excess of our expected yields. Given the significant change in timing of net loan income recognition, net income for the year ending December 31, 2020 was significantly lower under CECL than what would have been reported under our prior accounting method, with the greatest impact occurring in the quarter of adoption. The financial statement impact of CECL in any period will depend on Consumer Loan assignment volume and the percentage of Consumer Loans assigned to us as purchased loans, the size and composition of our loan portfolio, the loan portfolio’s credit quality and economic conditions.

    The increase in GAAP net income for the three months ended December 31, 2020, as compared to the same period in 2019, was primarily the result of the following:

    • An increase in finance charges of 17.4% ($61.8 million) due to growth in our loan portfolio and an increase in the yields on new Consumer Loan assignments following the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020.
    • A decrease in interest expense of 11.6% ($5.9 million), primarily due to a decrease in our average cost of debt. The decrease in our average cost of debt was primarily the result of a change in the mix of our outstanding debt.
    • An increase in provision for credit losses of 240.4% ($65.4 million), primarily due to:
      • An increase of $92.4 million in provision for credit losses on new Consumer Loan assignments related to the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, partially offset by
      • A decrease in provision for credit losses on forecast changes of $27.0 million due to forecast changes in the amount and timing of expected future net cash flows and the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, which changed how these forecast changes are recognized.
    • A decrease in provision for income taxes of 6.6% ($3.5 million), primarily due to a decrease in our effective tax rate from 24.8% in 2019 to 23.0% in 2020. The decrease in our effective tax rate was primarily due to the settlement of an uncertain tax position for state income taxes during 2020.

    The decrease in GAAP net income for the year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to the same period in 2019, was primarily the result of the following:

    • An increase in provision for credit losses of 628.9% ($480.5 million), primarily due to:
      • An increase of $518.6 million in provision for credit losses on new Consumer Loan assignments related to the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, partially offset by
      • A decrease in provision for credit losses on forecast changes of $38.1 million due to forecast changes in the amount and timing of expected future net cash flows and the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020, which changed how these forecast changes are recognized.
    • A decrease in other income of 27.7% ($19.0 million), primarily due to a decrease in interest income earned on restricted cash and cash equivalents primarily due to a decline in benchmark interest rates, a decrease in remarketing fees due to a decrease in involuntary repossessions due to COVID-19 and a decrease in ancillary product profit sharing income due to an increase in average vehicle service contract claim rates.
    • A decrease in provision for income taxes of 35.7% ($71.3 million), primarily due to a decrease in pre-tax income.
    • An increase in finance charges of 14.1% ($193.0 million) due to growth in our loan portfolio and an increase in the yields on new Consumer Loan assignments following the adoption of CECL on January 1, 2020.


    Adjusted financial results are provided to help shareholders understand our financial performance. The financial data below is non-GAAP, unless labeled otherwise. We use adjusted financial information internally to measure financial performance and to determine incentive compensation. In addition, effective January 1, 2020, certain debt facilities utilize adjusted financial information for the determination of loan collateral values. The table below shows our results following adjustments to reflect non-GAAP accounting methods. Material adjustments are explained in the table footnotes and the subsequent “Floating Yield Adjustment” and “Senior Notes Adjustment” sections. Measures such as adjusted average capital, adjusted net income, adjusted net income per diluted share, adjusted interest expense (after-tax), adjusted net income plus interest expense (after-tax), adjusted return on capital, adjusted revenue, operating expenses, adjusted loans receivable and economic profit are all non-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, our reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

    Adjusted financial results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020, compared to the same periods in 2019, include the following:

    (Dollars in millions, except per share data)For the Three Months Ended December 31, For the Years Ended December 31,
     2020 2019 % Change 2020 2019 % Change
    Adjusted average capital$7,174.1   $6,663.9   7.7 % $7,076.0   $6,372.2   11.0 %
    Adjusted net income$189.5   $173.5   9.2 % $686.3   $658.4   4.2 %
    Adjusted interest expense (after-tax)$35.2   $39.5   -10.9 % $149.5   $153.2   -2.4 %
    Adjusted net income plus interest expense (after-tax)$224.7   $213.0   5.5 % $835.8   $811.6   3.0 %
    Adjusted return on capital12.5 % 12.8 % -2.3 % 11.8 % 12.7 % -7.1 %
    Cost of capital5.2 % 5.8 % -10.3 % 5.2 % 6.0 % -13.3 %
    Economic profit$131.6   $116.9   12.6 % $471.3   $432.7   8.9 %
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding17,633,553 18,827,222 -6.3 % 17,935,779 18,976,560 -5.5 %
    Adjusted net income per diluted share$10.75   $9.22   16.6 % $38.26   $34.70   10.3 %

    Economic profit increased 12.6% and 8.9% for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to the same periods in 2019. Economic profit is a function of the return on capital in excess of the cost of capital and the amount of capital invested in the business. The following table summarizes the impact each of these components had on the changes in economic profit for the three months and year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to the same periods in 2019:

    (In millions)Year over Year Change in Economic Profit
     For the Three Months Ended December 31, 2020 For the Year Ended December 31, 2020
    Decrease in cost of capital$10.3    $56.3   
    Increase in adjusted average capital9.1    47.8   
    Decrease in adjusted return on capital(4.7)  (65.5) 
    Increase in economic profit$14.7    $38.6   

    The increase in economic profit for the three months ended December 31, 2020, as compared to the same period in 2019, was primarily the result of the following:

    • A decrease in our cost of capital of 60 basis points, primarily due to a decline in the average cost of debt and a decrease in the 30-year Treasury rate, which is used in the average cost of equity calculation.
    • An increase in our adjusted average capital of 7.7%, primarily due to growth in our loan portfolio.
    • A decrease in our adjusted return on capital of 30 basis points, due to:
      • A reduction in forecasted collection rates during the first quarter of 2020 to reflect the estimated long-term impact of COVID-19 on Consumer Loan performance, which is being recorded over time as an adjustment to the yield used to recognize adjusted finance charges, decreased our adjusted return on capital by 30 basis points.
      • A decrease in other income decreased our adjusted return on capital by 20 basis points as other income decreased by 15.3% while adjusted average capital grew by 7.7%.
      • Slower growth in operating expenses increased our adjusted return on capital by 20 basis points as operating expenses increased by 1.0% while adjusted average capital grew by 7.7%. The increase in operating expenses was due to increases in legal and information technology expenses, offset by a decrease in cash-based incentive compensation expense due to a deterioration in Company performance measures.

    The increase in economic profit for the year ended December 31, 2020, as compared to the same period in 2019, was primarily the result of the following:

    • A decrease in our cost of capital of 80 basis points, primarily due to a decrease in the 30-year Treasury rate, which is used in the average cost of equity calculation, and a decline in the average cost of debt.
    • An increase in our adjusted average capital of 11.0%, primarily due to growth in our loan portfolio.
    • A decrease in our adjusted return on capital of 90 basis points, due to:
      • A reduction in forecasted collection rates during the first quarter of 2020 to reflect the estimated long-term impact of COVID-19 on Consumer Loan performance, which is being recorded over time as an adjustment to the yield used to recognize adjusted finance charges, decreased our adjusted return on capital by 100 basis points.
      • A decrease in other income decreased our adjusted return on capital by 30 basis points as other income decreased by 27.7% while adjusted average capital grew by 11.0%.
      • A decrease in operating expenses increased our adjusted return on capital by 40 basis points as operating expenses decreased by 0.9% while adjusted average capital grew by 11.0%. The decrease in operating expenses was primarily due to a decrease in cash-based incentive compensation expense due to a deterioration in Company performance measures.

    The following table shows adjusted revenue and operating expenses as a percentage of adjusted average capital, the adjusted return on capital, and the percentage change in adjusted average capital for each of the last eight quarters, compared to the same period in the prior year:

      For the Three Months Ended
      Dec. 31, 2020 Sept. 30, 2020 Jun. 30, 2020 Mar. 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2019 Sept. 30, 2019 Jun. 30, 2019 Mar. 31, 2019 
    Adjusted revenue as a percentage of adjusted average capital (1) 21.0 % 19.2 % 18.7 % 20.9 % 21.6 % 21.6 % 21.6 % 21.9 % 
    Operating expenses as a percentage of adjusted average capital (1) 4.7 % 4.5 % 4.6 % 4.6 % 5.0 % 5.0 % 5.1 % 5.5 % 
    Adjusted return on capital (1) 12.5 % 11.3 % 10.8 % 12.6 % 12.8 % 12.8 % 12.7 % 12.7 % 
    Percentage change in adjusted average capital compared to the same period in the prior year 7.7 % 10.4 % 11.4 % 15.1 % 14.9 % 15.0 % 19.0 % 22.1 % 

    (1)   Annualized.

    The increases in adjusted revenue as a percentage of adjusted average capital and adjusted return on capital were primarily due to an increase in finance charges due to an improvement in forecasted collection rates during the second and third quarters of 2020. Under our adjusted methodology, changes in the amount and timing of forecasted net cash flows are recorded over time as an adjustment to the yield used to recognize adjusted finance charge revenue. While adjusted finance charge revenue during the second quarter reflected the March 2020 reduction in our forecast due to COVID-19, adjusted finance charge revenue during the third and fourth quarters reflected the subsequent improvement in forecasted collection rates during the second and third quarters.


    The following tables provide a reconciliation of non-GAAP measures to GAAP measures.  Certain amounts do not recalculate due to rounding.

    (Dollars in millions, except per share data) For the Three Months Ended
      Dec. 31, 2020 Sept. 30, 2020 Jun. 30, 2020 Mar. 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2019 Sept. 30, 2019 Jun. 30, 2019 Mar. 31, 2019
    Adjusted net income                
    GAAP net income (loss) $166.3    $242.1    $96.4    $(83.8)  $161.9    $165.4    $164.4    $164.4   
    Floating yield adjustment (after-tax) (47.6)  (54.7)  (51.3)  (16.0)  (14.3)  (14.5)  (14.1)  (15.8) 
    GAAP provision for credit losses (after-tax) 71.3    (23.0)  107.5    273.0    21.0    14.9    11.8    11.2   
    Senior notes adjustment (after-tax) (0.6)  (0.4)  (0.6)  5.6    1.1    (0.6)  (0.7)  (0.6) 
    Income tax adjustment (1) 0.1    3.0    2.1    (3.1)  3.8    3.2    1.5    (5.6) 
    Adjusted net income $189.5    $167.0    $154.1    $175.7    $173.5    $168.4    $162.9    $153.6   
                     
    Adjusted net income per diluted share (2) $10.75    $9.36    $8.63    $9.66    $9.22    $8.89    $8.60    $8.08   
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 17,633,553 17,849,765 17,847,050 18,185,465 18,827,222 18,950,866 18,949,962 19,004,498
                     
    Adjusted revenue                
    GAAP total revenue $447.4    $426.5    $406.3    $389.1    $385.9    $378.7    $370.6    $353.8   
    Floating yield adjustment (61.9)  (71.1)  (66.5)  (20.8)  (18.5)  (18.8)  (18.4)  (20.5) 
    GAAP provision for claims (9.1)  (10.7)  (9.3)  (8.8)  (7.0)  (8.2)  (8.3)  (6.6) 
    Adjusted revenue $376.4    $344.7    $330.5    $359.5    $360.4    $351.7    $343.9    $326.7   
                     
    Adjusted average capital                
    GAAP average debt $4,624.8    $4,735.2    $4,786.9    $4,597.2    $4,320.2    $4,230.2    $4,245.5    $3,996.2   
    GAAP average shareholders' equity 2,320.4    2,188.7    2,015.6    2,229.8    2,392.7    2,297.8    2,131.8    1,982.6   
    Deferred debt issuance adjustment 26.8    25.7    25.9    28.5    25.3    25.3    24.5    23.3   
    Senior notes adjustment 12.1    12.6    13.1    (15.9)  (20.1)  6.9    7.5    8.2   
    Income tax adjustment (3) (118.5)  (118.5)  (118.5)  (118.5)  (118.5)  (118.5)  (118.5)  (118.5) 
    Floating yield adjustment 308.5    341.1    356.4    144.5    64.3    64.9    63.1    72.5   
    Adjusted average capital $7,174.1    $7,184.8    $7,079.4    $6,865.6    $6,663.9    $6,506.6    $6,353.9    $5,964.3   
                     
    Adjusted revenue as a percentage of adjusted average capital (4) 21.0  % 19.2  % 18.7  % 20.9  % 21.6  % 21.6  % 21.6  % 21.9  %
                     
    Adjusted loans receivable                
    GAAP loans receivable, net $6,787.9    $6,865.2    $6,749.8    $6,618.5    $6,685.2    $6,563.7    $6,384.0    $6,143.7   
    Floating yield adjustment 428.5    397.8    498.8    425.8    92.0    83.3    82.8    85.8   
    Adjusted loans receivable $7,216.4    $7,263.0    $7,248.6    $7,044.3    $6,777.2    $6,647.0    $6,466.8    $6,229.5   
                     
    Adjusted interest expense (after-tax)                
    GAAP interest expense $45.1    $46.8    $48.2    $51.9    $51.0    $50.4    $49.8    $45.0   
    Senior notes adjustment 0.7    0.6    0.7    0.2    0.4    0.8    0.8    0.8   
    Adjusted interest expense (pre-tax) 45.8    47.4    48.9    52.1    51.4    51.2    50.6    45.8   
    Adjustment to record tax effect (1) (10.6)  (10.9)  (11.2)  (12.0)  (11.9)  (11.7)  (11.7)  (10.5) 
    Adjusted interest expense (after-tax) $35.2    $36.5    $37.7    $40.1    $39.5    $39.5    $38.9    $35.3   

    (1)   Adjustment to record taxes at our estimated long-term effective income tax rate of 23%. 
    (2)   Net income per share is computed independently for each of the quarters presented. Therefore, the sum of quarterly net income per share information may not equal year-to-date net income per share.
    (3)   The enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December 2017 resulted in the reversal of $118.5 million of provision for income taxes to reflect the new federal statutory income tax rate. This adjustment removes the impact of this reversal from adjusted average capital. We believe the income tax adjustment provides a more accurate reflection of the performance of our business as we are recognizing provision for income taxes at the applicable long-term effective tax rate for the period.
    (4)   Annualized.


    (Dollars in millions) For the Three Months Ended
      Dec. 31, 2020 Sept. 30, 2020 Jun. 30, 2020 Mar. 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2019 Sept. 30, 2019 Jun. 30, 2019 Mar. 31, 2019
    Adjusted return on capital                
    Adjusted net income $189.5   $167.0    $154.1   $175.7    $173.5   $168.4   $162.9    $153.6   
    Adjusted interest expense (after-tax) 35.2   36.5    37.7   40.1    39.5   39.5   38.9    35.3   
    Adjusted net income plus interest expense (after-tax) $224.7   $203.5    $191.8   $215.8    $213.0   $207.9   $201.8    $188.9   
                     
    Reconciliation of GAAP return on equity to adjusted return on capital (4)                
    GAAP return on equity (1) 28.7 % 44.2  % 19.1 % -15.0  % 27.1 % 28.8 % 30.8  % 33.2  %
    Non-GAAP adjustments -16.2 % -32.9  % -8.3 % 27.6  % -14.3 % -16.0 % -18.1  % -20.5  %
    Adjusted return on capital (2) 12.5 % 11.3  % 10.8 % 12.6  % 12.8 % 12.8 % 12.7  % 12.7  %
                     
    Economic profit                
    Adjusted return on capital 12.5 % 11.3  % 10.8 % 12.6  % 12.8 % 12.8 % 12.7  % 12.7  %
    Cost of capital (3) (4) 5.2 % 5.0  % 5.0 % 5.4  % 5.8 % 5.8 % 6.0  % 6.2  %
    Adjusted return on capital in excess of cost of capital 7.3 % 6.3  % 5.8 % 7.2  % 7.0 % 7.0 % 6.7  % 6.5  %
    Adjusted average capital $7,174.1   $7,184.8    $7,079.4   $6,865.6    $6,663.9   $6,506.6   $6,353.9    $5,964.3   
        Economic profit $131.6   $113.1    $103.5   $123.1    $116.9   $113.2   $105.8    $96.8   
                     
    Reconciliation of GAAP net income (loss) to economic profit                
    GAAP net income (loss) $166.3   $242.1    $96.4   $(83.8)  $161.9   $165.4   $164.4    $164.4   
    Non-GAAP adjustments 23.2   (75.1)  57.7   259.5    11.6   3.0   (1.5)  (10.8) 
    Adjusted net income 189.5   167.0    154.1   175.7    173.5   168.4   162.9    153.6   
    Adjusted interest expense (after-tax) 35.2   36.5    37.7   40.1    39.5   39.5   38.9    35.3   
    Adjusted net income plus interest expense (after-tax) 224.7   203.5    191.8   215.8    213.0   207.9   201.8    188.9   
    Less: cost of capital 93.1   90.4    88.3   92.7    96.1   94.7   96.0    92.1   
    Economic profit $131.6   $113.1    $103.5   $123.1    $116.9   $113.2   $105.8    $96.8   
                     
    Operating expenses                
    GAAP salaries and wages $46.1   $46.6    $48.8   $45.0    $49.4   $47.9   $47.3    $48.7   
    GAAP general and administrative 22.8   17.2    14.6   15.0    17.2   17.2   16.8    13.9   
    GAAP sales and marketing 15.6   16.6    18.2   19.1    17.1   16.6   17.7    18.8   
    Operating expenses $84.5   $80.4    $81.6   $79.1    $83.7   $81.7   $81.8    $81.4   
                     
    Operating expenses as a percentage of adjusted average capital (4) 4.7 % 4.5  % 4.6 % 4.6  % 5.0 % 5.0 % 5.1  % 5.5  %
                     
    Percentage change in adjusted average capital compared to the same period in the prior year 7.7 % 10.4  % 11.4 % 15.1  % 14.9 % 15.0 % 19.0  % 22.1  %

    (1)   Calculated by dividing GAAP net income (loss) by GAAP average shareholders' equity.
    (2)   Adjusted return on capital is defined as adjusted net income plus adjusted interest expense (after-tax) divided by adjusted average capital.

    (3)   The cost of capital includes both a cost of equity and a cost of debt.  The cost of equity capital is determined based on a formula that considers the risk of the business and the risk associated with our use of debt.  The formula utilized for determining the cost of equity capital is as follows: (the average 30-year Treasury rate + 5%) + [(1 – tax rate) x (the average 30-year Treasury rate + 5% – pre-tax average cost of debt rate) x average debt/(average equity + average debt x tax rate)].  For the periods presented, the average 30-year Treasury rate and the adjusted pre-tax average cost of debt were as follows:

      For the Three Months Ended
      Dec. 31, 2020 Sept. 30, 2020 Jun. 30, 2020 Mar. 31, 2020 Dec. 31, 2019 Sept. 30, 2019 Jun. 30, 2019 Mar. 31, 2019
    Average 30-year Treasury rate 1.6 % 1.4 % 1.4 % 1.8 % 2.2 % 2.3 % 2.7 % 3.0 %
    Adjusted pre-tax average cost of debt (4) 3.9 % 4.0 % 4.1 % 4.5 % 4.8 % 4.8 % 4.7 % 4.6 %

    (4)   Annualized.


    (In millions, except share and per share data) For the Years Ended December 31,
      2020 2019
    Adjusted net income    
    GAAP net income $421.0    $656.1   
    Floating yield adjustment (after-tax) (169.6)  (58.7) 
    GAAP provision for credit losses (after-tax) 428.8    58.9   
    Senior notes adjustment (after-tax) 4.0    (0.8) 
    Income tax adjustment (1) 2.1    2.9   
    Adjusted net income $686.3    $658.4   
         
    Adjusted net income per diluted share $38.26    $34.70   
    Diluted weighted average shares outstanding 17,935,779 18,976,560
         
    Adjusted average capital    
    GAAP average debt $4,686.1    $4,198.0   
    GAAP average shareholders' equity 2,188.6    2,201.2   
    Deferred debt issuance adjustment 26.7    24.7   
    Senior notes adjustment 5.5    0.6   
    Income tax adjustment (2) (118.5)  (118.5) 
    Floating yield adjustment 287.6    66.2   
        Adjusted average capital $7,076.0    $6,372.2   
         
    Adjusted interest expense (after-tax)    
    GAAP interest expense $192.0    $196.2   
    Senior notes adjustment 2.2    2.8   
    Adjusted interest expense (pre-tax) 194.2    199.0   
    Adjustment to record tax effect (1) (44.7)  (45.8) 
    Adjusted interest expense (after-tax) $149.5    $153.2   
         
    Adjusted return on capital    
    Adjusted net income $686.3    $658.4   
    Adjusted interest expense (after-tax) 149.5    153.2   
        Adjusted net income plus interest expense (after-tax) $835.8    $811.6   
         
    Reconciliation of GAAP return on equity to adjusted return on capital    
    GAAP return on equity (3) 19.2  % 29.8  %
    Non-GAAP adjustments -7.4  % -17.1  %
    Adjusted return on capital (4) 11.8  % 12.7  %
         
    Economic profit    
    Adjusted return on capital 11.8  % 12.7  %
    Cost of capital (5) 5.2  % 6.0  %
    Adjusted return on capital in excess of cost of capital 6.6  % 6.7  %
    Adjusted average capital $7,076.0    $6,372.2   
        Economic profit $471.3    $432.7   
         
    Reconciliation of GAAP net income to economic profit    
    GAAP net income $421.0    $656.1   
    Non-GAAP adjustments 265.3    2.3   
    Adjusted net income 686.3    658.4   
    Adjusted interest expense (after-tax) 149.5    153.2   
    Adjusted net income plus interest expense (after-tax) 835.8    811.6   
    Less: cost of capital 364.5    378.9   
    Economic profit $471.3    $432.7   
         
    Operating expenses    
    GAAP salaries and wages $186.5    $193.3   
    GAAP general and administrative 69.6    65.1   
    GAAP sales and marketing 69.5    70.2   
    Operating expenses $325.6    $328.6   

    (1)   Adjustment to record taxes at our estimated long-term effective income tax rate of 23%.
    (2)   The enactment of the 2017 Tax Act in December 2017 resulted in the reversal of $118.5 million of provision for income taxes to reflect the new federal statutory income tax rate. This adjustment removes the impact of this reversal from adjusted average capital. We believe the income tax adjustment provides a more accurate reflection of the performance of our business as we are recognizing provision for income taxes at the applicable long-term effective tax rate for the period.
    (3)   Calculated by dividing GAAP net income by GAAP average shareholders' equity.
    (4)   Adjusted return on capital is defined as adjusted net income plus adjusted interest expense after-tax divided by adjusted average capital.
    (5)   The cost of capital includes both a cost of equity and a cost of debt.  The cost of equity capital is determined based on a formula that considers the risk of the business and the risk associated with our use of debt.  The formula utilized for determining the cost of equity capital is as follows: (the average 30-year Treasury rate + 5%) + [(1 - tax rate) x (the average 30-year Treasury rate + 5% - pre-tax average cost of debt rate) x average debt/(average equity + average debt x tax rate)].  For the periods presented, the average 30-year Treasury rate and the adjusted pre-tax average cost of debt were as follows:

      For the Years Ended December 31,
      2020 2019
    Average 30-year Treasury rate 1.5 % 2.6 %
    Adjusted pre-tax average cost of debt 4.1 % 4.7 %


    Floating Yield Adjustment

    The net loan income (finance charge revenue less provision for credit losses expense) that we recognize over the life of a loan equals the cash we collect from the underlying Consumer Loan less the cash we pay to the dealer. We believe the economics of our business are best exhibited by recognizing loan revenue on a level-yield basis over the life of the loan based on expected future net cash flows. The purpose of this non-GAAP adjustment is to provide insight into our business by showing this level yield measure of income. Under GAAP, contractual amounts due in excess of the loan receivable balance at the time of assignment will be reflected as interest income, while contractual amounts due that are not expected to be collected are reflected in the provision for credit losses. Our non-GAAP floating yield adjustment recognizes the net effects of contractual interest income and expected credit losses in a single measure of finance charge revenue, consistent with how we manage our business. The floating yield adjustment recognizes revenue on a level-yield basis based upon expected future net cash flows. The floating yield adjustment does not accelerate revenue recognition. Rather, it reduces revenue by taking amounts that are reported under GAAP as provision for credit losses and instead treating them as reductions of revenue over time.

    On January 1, 2020, we adopted CECL, which changed our GAAP methodology. Under the GAAP methodology we employed prior to January 1, 2020, net loan income was based on expected future net cash flows and was recognized on a level-yield basis over the estimated life of the loan. Favorable changes in expected future net cash flows were treated as increases to the yield and were recognized over time, while unfavorable changes were recorded as a current period expense. We do not believe the GAAP methodology we employed prior to January 1, 2020 provided sufficient transparency into the economics of our business due to its asymmetrical treatment of favorable and unfavorable changes to expected future net cash flows. While CECL eliminated that asymmetrical treatment of changes in expected future net cash flows from the GAAP methodology we employ, it introduced a different asymmetry by requiring us to recognize at the time of the loan’s assignment to us a significant provision for credit losses expense for amounts we never expect to realize and to recognize in subsequent periods finance charge revenue that is significantly in excess of our expected yields. Our floating yield adjustment enables us to provide measures of income that are not impacted by GAAP’s asymmetrical treatments of estimates.

    We believe the floating yield adjustment is presented in a manner which reflects both the economic reality of our business and how the business is managed and provides valuable supplemental information to help investors better understand our business, executive compensation, liquidity and capital resources.

    Senior Notes Adjustment

    The purpose of this non-GAAP adjustment is to modify our GAAP financial results to treat the issuance of certain senior notes as a refinancing of certain previously-issued senior notes.

    On December 18, 2019, we issued $400.0 million of 5.125% senior notes due 2024 (the “2024 senior notes”). We used a portion of the net proceeds from the 2024 senior notes to repurchase or redeem all of the $300.0 million outstanding principal amount of our 6.125% senior notes due 2021 (the “2021 senior notes”), of which $148.2 million was repurchased on December 18, 2019 and the remaining $151.8 million was redeemed on January 17, 2020. We used the remaining net proceeds from the 2024 senior notes, together with borrowings under our revolving credit facility, to redeem in full the $250.0 million outstanding principal amount of our 7.375% senior notes due 2023 (the "2023 senior notes") on March 15, 2020. Under GAAP, the fourth quarter of 2019 included (i) a pre-tax loss on extinguishment of debt of $1.8 million related to the repurchase of 2021 senior notes in the fourth quarter of 2019 and the redemption of the remaining 2021 senior notes in the first quarter of 2020 and (ii) additional interest expense of $0.3 million on $160.0 million of additional outstanding debt caused by the one month lag from the issuance of the 2024 senior notes and repurchase of 2021 senior notes in the fourth quarter of 2019 to the redemption of the remaining 2021 senior notes in the first quarter of 2020. Under GAAP, the first quarter of 2020 included (i) a pre-tax loss on extinguishment of debt of $7.4 million related to the redemption of 2023 senior notes in the first quarter of 2020 and (ii) additional interest expense of $0.4 million on $160.0 million of additional outstanding debt caused by the one month lag from the issuance of the 2024 senior notes and repurchase of 2021 senior notes in the fourth quarter of 2019 to the redemption of the remaining 2021 senior notes in the first quarter of 2020.

    On January 22, 2014, we issued the 2021 senior notes. On February 21, 2014, we used the net proceeds from the 2021 senior notes, together with borrowings under our revolving credit facilities, to redeem in full the $350.0 million outstanding principal amount of our 9.125% senior notes due 2017 (the “2017 senior notes”). Under GAAP, the first quarter of 2014 included (i) a pre-tax loss on extinguishment of debt of $21.8 million related to the redemption of the 2017 senior notes in the first quarter of 2014 and (ii) additional interest expense of $1.4 million on $276.0 million of additional outstanding debt caused by the one month lag from the issuance of the 2021 senior notes to the redemption of the 2017 senior notes.

    Under our non-GAAP approach, the loss on extinguishment of debt and additional interest expense that were recognized for GAAP purposes were in each case deferred as debt issuance costs and are being recognized ratably as interest expense over the term of the newly issued notes. In addition, for adjusted average capital purposes, the impact of additional outstanding debt related to the lag from the issuance of the new notes to the redemption of the previously issued notes was in each case deferred and is being recognized ratably over the term of the newly issued notes.  Upon the issuance of the 2024 senior notes in the fourth quarter of 2019, the outstanding unamortized balances of the non-GAAP adjustments related to the 2021 senior notes were deferred and are being recognized ratably over the term of the 2024 senior notes.

    We believe the senior notes adjustment provides a more accurate reflection of the performance of our business, since we are recognizing the costs incurred with these transactions in a manner consistent with how we recognize the costs incurred when we periodically refinance our other debt facilities.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

    We claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for all of our forward-looking statements. Statements in this release that are not historical facts, such as those using terms like “may,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “target” and those regarding our future results, plans and objectives, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements represent our outlook only as of the date of this release. Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements since the statements are based on our current expectations, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, the factors set forth in Item 1A of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 11, 2020, and in Part II – Item 1A of our Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on October 29, 2020, other risk factors discussed herein or listed from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the following:

    Industry, Operational and Macroeconomic Risks

    • The outbreak of COVID-19 has adversely impacted our business, and the continuance of this pandemic, or any future outbreak of any contagious diseases or other public health emergency, could materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations.
    • Our inability to accurately forecast and estimate the amount and timing of future collections could have a material adverse effect on results of operations.
    • Due to competition from traditional financing sources and non-traditional lenders, we may not be able to compete successfully.
    • Reliance on third parties to administer our ancillary product offerings could adversely affect our business and financial results.
    • We are dependent on our senior management and the loss of any of these individuals or an inability to hire additional team members could adversely affect our ability to operate profitably.
    • Our reputation is a key asset to our business, and our business may be affected by how we are perceived in the marketplace.
    • The concentration of our dealers in several states could adversely affect us.
    • Reliance on our outsourced business functions could adversely affect our business.
    • Our ability to hire and retain foreign information technology personnel could be hindered by immigration restrictions.
    • We may be unable to execute our business strategy due to current economic conditions.
    • Adverse changes in economic conditions, the automobile or finance industries, or the non-prime consumer market could adversely affect our financial position, liquidity and results of operations, the ability of key vendors that we depend on to supply us with services, and our ability to enter into future financing transactions.
    • Natural disasters, acts of war, terrorist attacks and threats or the escalation of military activity in response to these attacks or otherwise may negatively affect our business, financial condition and results of operations.
    • A small number of our shareholders have the ability to significantly influence matters requiring shareholder approval and such shareholders have interests which may conflict with the interests of our other security holders.

    Capital and Liquidity Risks

    • We may be unable to continue to access or renew funding sources and obtain capital needed to maintain and grow our business.
    • The terms of our debt limit how we conduct our business.
    • A violation of the terms of our asset-backed secured financing facilities or revolving secured warehouse facilities could have a material adverse impact on our operations.
    • Our substantial debt could negatively impact our business, prevent us from satisfying our debt obligations and adversely affect our financial condition.
    • We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows to service our outstanding debt and fund operations and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under such debt.
    • Interest rate fluctuations may adversely affect our borrowing costs, profitability and liquidity.
    • The phaseout of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”), or the replacement of LIBOR with a different reference rate, could result in a material adverse effect on our business.
    • Reduction in our credit rating could increase the cost of our funding from, and restrict our access to, the capital markets and adversely affect our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.
    • We may incur substantially more debt and other liabilities. This could exacerbate further the risks associated with our current debt levels.
    • The conditions of the U.S. and international capital markets may adversely affect lenders with which we have relationships, causing us to incur additional costs and reducing our sources of liquidity, which may adversely affect our financial position, liquidity and results of operations.

    Information Technology and Cybersecurity Risks

    • Our dependence on technology could have a material adverse effect on our business.
    • Our use of electronic contracts could impact our ability to perfect our ownership or security interest in Consumer Loans.
    • Failure to properly safeguard confidential consumer and team member information could subject us to liability, decrease our profitability and damage our reputation.

    Legal and Regulatory Risks

    • Litigation we are involved in from time to time may adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.
    • Changes in tax laws and the resolution of uncertain income tax matters could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations and cash flows from operations.
    • The regulation to which we are or may become subject could result in a material adverse effect on our business.

    Other factors not currently anticipated by management may also materially and adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. We do not undertake, and expressly disclaim any obligation, to update or alter our statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

    Webcast Details

    We will host a webcast on February 1, 2021 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to answer questions related to our fourth quarter and full year results. The webcast can be accessed live by visiting the “Investor Relations” section of our website at ir.creditacceptance.com or by dialing 877-303-2904. Additionally, a replay and transcript of the webcast will be archived in the “Investor Relations” section of our website.

    Description of Credit Acceptance Corporation

    Since 1972, Credit Acceptance has offered financing programs that enable automobile dealers to sell vehicles to consumers, regardless of their credit history. Our financing programs are offered through a nationwide network of automobile dealers who benefit from sales of vehicles to consumers who otherwise could not obtain financing; from repeat and referral sales generated by these same customers; and from sales to customers responding to advertisements for our financing programs, but who actually end up qualifying for traditional financing.

    Without our financing programs, consumers are often unable to purchase vehicles or they purchase unreliable ones. Further, as we report to the three national credit reporting agencies, an important ancillary benefit of our programs is that we provide consumers with an opportunity to improve their lives by improving their credit score and move on to more traditional sources of financing. Credit Acceptance is publicly traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol CACC. For more information, visit creditacceptance.com.


    CREDIT ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
    CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
    (UNAUDITED)
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

    (Dollars in millions, except per share data)For the Three Months Ended December 31, For the Years Ended December 31,
     2020 2019 2020 2019
    Revenue:       
    Finance charges$417.9   $356.1   $1,562.4   $1,369.4  
    Premiums earned15.1   12.8   57.3   51.0  
    Other income14.4   17.0   49.6   68.6  
    Total revenue447.4   385.9   1,669.3   1,489.0  
    Costs and expenses:       
    Salaries and wages46.1   49.4   186.5   193.3  
    General and administrative22.8   17.2   69.6   65.1  
    Sales and marketing15.6   17.1   69.5   70.2  
    Provision for credit losses92.6   27.2   556.9   76.4  
    Interest45.1   51.0   192.0   196.2  
    Provision for claims9.1   7.0   37.9   30.1  
    Loss on extinguishment of debt—   1.8   7.4   1.8  
    Total costs and expenses231.3   170.7   1,119.8   633.1  
    Income before provision for income taxes216.1   215.2   549.5   855.9  
    Provision for income taxes49.8   53.3   128.5   199.8  
    Net income$166.3   $161.9   $421.0   $656.1  
            
    Net income per share:       
    Basic$9.47   $8.63   $23.57   $34.71  
    Diluted$9.43   $8.60   $23.47   $34.57  
            
    Weighted average shares outstanding:       
    Basic17,564,101   18,758,168   17,858,935   18,900,256  
    Diluted17,633,553   18,827,222   17,935,779   18,976,560  



    CREDIT ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
    CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (UNAUDITED)

    (Dollars in millions, except per share data)As of
     December 31, 2020 December 31, 2019
    ASSETS:   
    Cash and cash equivalents$16.0    $187.4   
    Restricted cash and cash equivalents380.2    330.3   
    Restricted securities available for sale66.1    59.3   
        
    Loans receivable10,124.8    7,221.2   
    Allowance for credit losses(3,336.9)  (536.0) 
    Loans receivable, net6,787.9    6,685.2   
        
    Property and equipment, net59.4    59.7   
    Income taxes receivable147.0    66.2   
    Other assets32.4    35.1   
    Total Assets$7,489.0    $7,423.2   
        
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:   
    Liabilities:   
    Accounts payable and accrued liabilities$186.7    $206.4   
    Revolving secured line of credit95.9    0.0   
    Secured financing3,711.6    3,339.7   
    Senior notes790.6    1,187.8   
    Mortgage note10.5    11.3   
    Deferred income taxes, net391.0    322.5   
    Income taxes payable0.2    0.2   
    Total Liabilities5,186.5    5,067.9   
        
    Shareholders' Equity:   
    Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 1,000,000 shares authorized, none issued—    —   
    Common stock, $.01 par value, 80,000,000 shares authorized, 17,092,432 and 18,352,779 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively0.2    0.2   
    Paid-in capital161.9    157.7   
    Retained earnings2,138.8    2,196.6   
    Accumulated other comprehensive income1.6    0.8   
    Total Shareholders' Equity2,302.5    2,355.3   
    Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity$7,489.0    $7,423.2   


    Investor Relations: Douglas W. Busk
Chief Treasury Officer
(248) 353-2700 Ext. 4432
IR@creditacceptance.com
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