Commission File Number 000-20202

CREDIT ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

MICHIGAN (State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		38-1999511 (I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
25505 WEST TWELVE MILE ROAD SOUTHFIELD, MICHIGAN (Address of principal executive offices)		48034-8339 (Zip Code)

Large accelerated filer o		Accelerated filer þ		Non-accelerated filer o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)		Smaller reporting company o

PART I. - FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.   CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

CREDIT ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except per share data)		As of
		March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
		(Unaudited)
ASSETS:
Cash and cash equivalents		$	4,691			$	4,657
Restricted cash and cash equivalents			160,069				104,679
Restricted securities available for sale			819				810
Loans receivable (including $5,291 and $4,949 from affiliates as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively)			1,897,169				1,752,891
Allowance for credit losses			(159,373	)			(154,318	)
Loans receivable, net			1,737,796				1,598,573
Property and equipment, net			21,168				18,472
Income taxes receivable			406				506
Other assets			30,084				30,901
Total Assets		$	1,955,033			$	1,758,598
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Liabilities:
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities		$	107,325			$	95,858
Revolving secured line of credit			173,600				43,900
Secured financing			604,550				599,281
Mortgage note			4,227				4,288
Senior notes			350,354				350,378
Deferred income taxes, net			129,388				123,449
Income taxes payable			13,023				1,493
Total Liabilities			1,382,467				1,218,647
Commitments and Contingencies - See Note 13
Shareholders' Equity:
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 1,000 shares authorized, none issued			–				–
Common stock, $.01 par value, 80,000 shares authorized, 25,628 and 25,624 shares issued and outstanding as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively			256				256
Paid-in capital			40,760				38,801
Retained earnings			531,540				500,888
Accumulated other comprehensive income			10				6
Total Shareholders' Equity			572,566				539,951
Total Liabilities and Shareholders' Equity		$	1,955,033			$	1,758,598

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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CREDIT ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands, except per share data)		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2012			2011
Revenue:
Finance charges		$	126,066		$	106,503
Premiums earned			10,770			8,543
Other income			5,568			8,466
Total revenue			142,404			123,512
Costs and expenses:
Salaries and wages			19,404			16,071
General and administrative			7,409			5,633
Sales and marketing			7,753			6,409
Provision for credit losses			5,247			8,916
Interest			15,212			12,623
Provision for claims			8,552			6,599
Total costs and expenses			63,577			56,251
Income before provision for income taxes			78,827			67,261
Provision for income taxes			28,489			24,070
Net income		$	50,338		$	43,191
Net income per share:
Basic		$	1.92		$	1.59
Diluted		$	1.92		$	1.57
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic			26,158			27,196
Diluted			26,284			27,489

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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CREDIT ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

 

(In thousands)		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2012			2011
Net income		$	50,338		$	43,191
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
Unrealized loss on derivatives qualifying as hedges
Unrealized loss on cash flow hedge, net of tax of $0 and $3 for 2012 and 2011, respectively			–			(5	)
Less: reclassification adjustment for loss on cash flow hedge included in net income, net of tax of $0 and $(25) for 2012 and 2011, respectively			–			44
Unrealized gain on available for sale securities
Unrealized gain on securities, net of tax of $(5) and $0 for 2012 and 2011, respectively			4			3
Less: reclassification adjustment for gain on sale of securities included in net income, net of tax of $0 and $0 for 2012 and 2011, respectively			–			(1	)
Other comprehensive income			4			41
Comprehensive income		$	50,342		$	43,232

 

 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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CREDIT ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

(In thousands)		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2012				2011
Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
Net income		$	50,338			$	43,191
Adjustments to reconcile cash provided by operating activities:
Provision for credit losses			5,247				8,916
Depreciation			1,237				1,025
Amortization			1,605				1,463
Loss on retirement of property and equipment			–				4
Provision for deferred income taxes			5,934				(5,377	)
Stock-based compensation			822				591
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities			11,467				21,959
Decrease in income taxes receivable			100				11,294
Increase in income taxes payable			11,530				10,542
Decrease (increase) in other assets			990				(7,537	)
Net cash provided by operating activities			89,270				86,071
Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
Increase in restricted cash and cash equivalents			(55,390	)			(14,834	)
Purchases of restricted securities available for sale			–				(303	)
Maturities of restricted securities available for sale			–				305
Principal collected on Loans receivable			310,795				253,592
Advances to Dealer-Partners			(374,392	)			(336,408	)
Purchases of Consumer Loans			(34,789	)			(32,726	)
Accelerated payments of Dealer Holdback			(12,914	)			(12,045	)
Payments of Dealer Holdback			(33,205	)			(15,574	)
Net decrease (increase) in other loans			35				(230	)
Purchases of property and equipment			(3,933	)			(1,582	)
Net cash used in investing activities			(203,793	)			(159,805	)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
Borrowings under revolving secured line of credit			607,500				489,000
Repayments under revolving secured line of credit			(477,800	)			(492,900	)
Proceeds from secured financing			492,350				150,000
Repayments of secured financing			(487,081	)			(51,500	)
Principal payments under mortgage note and capital lease obligations			(61	)			(58	)
Proceeds from sale of senior notes			–				106,000
Payments of debt issuance costs			(1,802	)			(3,028	)
Repurchase of common stock			(19,999	)			(126,675	)
Proceeds from stock options exercised			172				1,915
Tax benefits from stock-based compensation plans			1,278				1,773
Net cash provided by financing activities			114,557				74,527
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents			34				793
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period			4,657				3,792
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period		$	4,691			$	4,585
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:
Cash paid during the period for interest		$	13,413			$	10,867
Cash paid during the period for income taxes		$	9,665			$	6,306

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

1.            BASIS OF PRESENTATION

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“generally accepted accounting principles” or “GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of actual results achieved for full fiscal years.  The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date but does not include all the information and footnotes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  For further information, refer to the consolidated financial statements and footnotes thereto included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for Credit Acceptance Corporation (the “Company”, “Credit Acceptance”, “we”, “our” or “us”).

Certain amounts for prior periods have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.  We have changed the presentation of our consolidated statement of cash flows to present depreciation and amortization as separate operating activities.  Under our previous presentation, depreciation and amortization were presented as a combined operating activity.

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and accompanying notes.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.

We have evaluated events and transactions occurring subsequent to the consolidated balance sheet date of March 31, 2012 for items that could potentially be recognized or disclosed in these financial statements.  We did not identify any items which would require disclosure in or adjustment to the financial statements.

 

2.           DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS

Since 1972, Credit Acceptance has provided auto loans to consumers, regardless of their credit history.  Our product is 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 product, but who actually end up qualifying for traditional financing.

We refer to dealers who participate in our programs and who share our commitment to changing consumers’ lives as “Dealer-Partners”.  Upon enrollment in our financing programs, the Dealer-Partner enters into a dealer servicing agreement with us that defines the legal relationship between Credit Acceptance and the Dealer-Partner.  The dealer servicing agreement assigns the responsibilities for administering, servicing, and collecting the amounts due on retail installment contracts (referred to as “Consumer Loans”) from the Dealer-Partners to us.  We are an indirect lender from a legal perspective, meaning the Consumer Loan is originated by the Dealer-Partner and assigned to us.

We have two programs: the Portfolio Program and the Purchase Program.  Under the Portfolio Program, we advance money to Dealer-Partners (referred to as a “Dealer Loan”) in exchange for the right to service the underlying Consumer Loans.  Under the Purchase Program, we buy the Consumer Loans from the Dealer-Partners (referred to as a “Purchased Loan”) and keep all amounts collected from the consumer.  Dealer Loans and Purchased Loans are collectively referred to as “Loans”.  The following table shows the percentage of Consumer Loans assigned to us based on unit volumes under each of the programs for each of the last five quarters:

 

Quarter Ended		Portfolio Program			Purchase Program
March 31, 2011		92.9	%		7.1	%
June 30, 2011		92.1	%		7.9	%
September 30, 2011		92.3	%		7.7	%
December 31, 2011		92.6	%		7.4	%
March 31, 2012		93.3	%		6.7	%

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

2.           DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS – (Continued)

Portfolio Program

As payment for the vehicle, the Dealer-Partner generally receives the following:

·	a down payment from the consumer;

·	a non-recourse cash payment (“advance”) from us; and

·	after the advance has been recovered by us, the cash from payments made on the Consumer Loan, net of certain collection costs and our servicing fee (“Dealer Holdback”).

We record the amount advanced to the Dealer-Partner as a Dealer Loan, which is classified within Loans receivable in our consolidated balance sheets.  Cash advanced to the Dealer-Partner is automatically assigned to the Dealer-Partner’s open pool of advances.  We generally require Dealer-Partners to group advances into pools of at least 100 Consumer Loans.  At the Dealer-Partner’s option, a pool containing at least 100 Consumer Loans can be closed and subsequent advances assigned to a new pool.  All advances within a Dealer-Partner’s pool are secured by the future collections on the related Consumer Loans assigned to the pool.  For Dealer-Partners with more than one pool, the pools are cross-collateralized so the performance of other pools is considered in determining eligibility for Dealer Holdback.  We perfect our security interest in the Dealer Loans by taking possession of the Consumer Loans, which list us as lien holder on the vehicle title.

The dealer servicing agreement provides that collections received by us during a calendar month on Consumer Loans assigned by a Dealer-Partner are applied on a pool-by-pool basis as follows:

·	First, to reimburse us for certain collection costs;

·	Second, to pay us our servicing fee, which generally equals 20% of collections;

·	Third, to reduce the aggregate advance balance and to pay any other amounts due from the Dealer-Partner to us; and

·	Fourth, to the Dealer-Partner as payment of Dealer Holdback.

If the collections on Consumer Loans from a Dealer-Partner’s pool are not sufficient to repay the advance balance and any other amounts due to us, the Dealer-Partner will not receive Dealer Holdback.

Dealer-Partners have an opportunity to receive an accelerated Dealer Holdback payment each time 100 Consumer Loans have been assigned to us.  The amount paid to the Dealer-Partner is calculated using a formula that considers the forecasted collections and the advance balance on the related Consumer Loans.

Since typically the combination of the advance and the consumer’s down payment provides the Dealer-Partner with a cash profit at the time of sale, the Dealer-Partner’s risk in the Consumer Loan is limited.  We cannot demand repayment of the advance from the Dealer-Partner except in the event the Dealer-Partner is in default of the dealer servicing agreement.  Advances are made only after the consumer and Dealer-Partner have signed a Consumer Loan contract, we have received the original Consumer Loan contract and supporting documentation, and we have approved all of the related stipulations for funding.  The Dealer-Partner can also opt to repurchase Consumer Loans that have been assigned to us under the Portfolio Program, at their discretion, for a fee.

For accounting purposes, the transactions described under the Portfolio Program are not considered to be loans to consumers.  Instead, our accounting reflects that of a lender to the Dealer-Partner.  The classification as a Dealer Loan for accounting purposes is primarily a result of (1) the Dealer-Partner’s financial interest in the Consumer Loan and (2) certain elements of our legal relationship with the Dealer-Partner.

Purchase Program

The Purchase Program differs from our Portfolio Program in that the Dealer-Partner receives a one-time payment from us at the time of assignment to purchase the Consumer Loan instead of a cash advance at the time of assignment and future Dealer Holdback payments.  For accounting purposes, the transactions described under the Purchase Program are considered to be originated by the Dealer-Partner and then purchased by us.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

2.           DESCRIPTION OF BUSINESS – (Concluded)

Program Enrollment

Dealer-Partners may enroll in our program by choosing one of our two enrollment options (referred to as “Option A” and “Option B”).  In recent years, the terms of Option A have remained consistent while the terms of Option B have varied.  The following table summarizes the terms of our enrollment options:

 

Effective Period		Option A		Option B
Since June 1, 2011		Upfront, one-time fee of $9,850		Agreement to allow us to retain 50% of their first accelerated Dealer Holdback payment
From September 1, 2009 to May 31, 2011		Upfront, one-time fee of $9,850		Upfront, one-time fee of $1,950 and agreement to allow us to retain 50% of their first accelerated Dealer Holdback payment

For Dealer-Partners enrolling in our program, access to the Purchase Program is typically only granted after the first accelerated Dealer Holdback payment has been received under the Portfolio Program.

3.           SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Business Segment Information

We currently operate in one reportable segment which represents our core business of offering auto loans, and related products and services to consumers through our network of Dealer-Partners.  The consolidated financial statements reflect the financial results of our one reportable operating segment.

Loans Receivable and Allowance for Credit Losses

Consumer Loan Assignment.   For accounting purposes, a Consumer Loan is considered to have been assigned to us after all of the following has occurred:

·	the consumer and Dealer-Partner have signed a Consumer Loan contract;

·	we have received the original Consumer Loan contract and supporting documentation;

·	we have approved all of the related stipulations for funding; and

·	we have provided funding to the Dealer-Partner in the form of either an advance under the Portfolio Program or one-time purchase payment under the Purchase Program.

Portfolio Segments and Classes.  We are considered to be a lender to our Dealer-Partners for Consumer Loans assigned under our Portfolio Program and a purchaser of Consumer Loans assigned under our Purchase Program.  As a result, our Loan portfolio consists of two portfolio segments: Dealer Loans and Purchased Loans.  Each portfolio segment is comprised of one class of Consumer Loan assignments, which is Consumer Loans with deteriorated credit quality that were originated by Dealer-Partners to finance consumer purchases of vehicles and related ancillary products.

Dealer Loans .  Amounts advanced to Dealer-Partners for Consumer Loans assigned under the Portfolio Program are recorded as Dealer Loans and are aggregated by Dealer-Partner for purposes of recognizing revenue and evaluating impairment.  We account for Dealer Loans in a manner consistent with loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality.  The outstanding balance of each Dealer Loan included in Loans receivable is comprised of the following:

·	the aggregate amount of all cash advances paid;

·	finance charges;

·	Dealer Holdback payments;

·	accelerated Dealer Holdback payments; and

·	recoveries.

Less:

·	collections (net of certain collection costs); and

·	write-offs.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

3.           SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – (Continued)

An allowance for credit losses is maintained at an amount that reduces the net asset value (Dealer Loan balance less the allowance) to the value of forecasted future cash flows discounted at the yield established at the time of assignment.  This allowance calculation is completed for each individual Dealer-Partner.  The discounted value of future cash flows is comprised of estimated future collections on the Consumer Loans, less any estimated Dealer Holdback payments.  We write off Dealer Loans once there are no forecasted future cash flows on any of the associated Consumer Loans, which generally occurs 120 months after the last Consumer Loan assignment.

Future collections on Dealer Loans are forecasted based on the historical performance of Consumer Loans with similar characteristics, adjusted for recent trends in payment patterns.  Dealer Holdback is forecasted based on the expected future collections and current advance balance of each Dealer Loan.  Cash flows from any individual Dealer Loan are often different than estimated cash flows at the time of assignment.  If such difference is favorable, the difference is recognized prospectively into income over the remaining life of the Dealer Loan through a yield adjustment.  If such difference is unfavorable, a provision for credit losses is recorded immediately as a current period expense and a corresponding allowance for credit losses is established.  Because differences between estimated cash flows at the time of assignment and actual cash flows occur often, an allowance is required for a significant portion of our Dealer Loan portfolio.  An allowance for credit losses does not necessarily indicate that a Dealer Loan is unprofitable, and during the last several years, very seldom were cash flows from a Dealer Loan insufficient to repay the initial amounts advanced to the Dealer-Partner.

Purchased Loans .  Amounts paid to Dealer-Partners for Consumer Loans assigned under the Purchase Program are recorded as Purchased Loans and are aggregated into pools based on the month of purchase for purposes of recognizing revenue and evaluating impairment.  We account for Purchased Loans as loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality.  The outstanding balance of each Purchased Loan pool included in Loans receivable is comprised of the following:

·	the aggregate amount of all amounts paid during the month of purchase to purchase Consumer Loans from Dealer-Partners;

·	finance charges; and

·	recoveries.

Less:

·	collections (net of certain collection costs); and

·	write-offs.

An allowance for credit losses is maintained at an amount that reduces the net asset value (Purchased Loan pool balance less the allowance) to the value of forecasted future cash flows discounted at the yield established at the time of assignment.  This allowance calculation is completed for each individual monthly pool of Purchased Loans.  The discounted value of future cash flows is comprised of estimated future collections on the pool of Purchased Loans.  We write off pools of Purchased Loans once there are no forecasted future cash flows on any of the Purchased Loans included in the pool, which generally occurs 120 months after the month of purchase.

Future collections on Purchased Loans are forecasted based on the historical performance of Consumer Loans with similar characteristics, adjusted for recent trends in payment patterns.  Cash flows from any individual pool of Purchased Loans are often different than estimated cash flows at the time of assignment.  If such difference is favorable, the difference is recognized prospectively into income over the remaining life of the pool of Purchased Loans through a yield adjustment.  If such difference is unfavorable, a provision for credit losses is recorded immediately as a current period expense and a corresponding allowance for credit losses is established.

Credit Quality.   Substantially all of the Consumer Loans assigned to us are made to individuals with impaired or limited credit histories or higher debt-to-income ratios than are permitted by traditional lenders.  Consumer Loans made to these individuals generally entail a higher risk of delinquency, default and repossession and higher losses than loans made to consumers with better credit.  Since most of our revenue and cash flows are generated from these Consumer Loans, our ability to accurately forecast Consumer Loan performance is critical to our business and financial results.  At the time the Consumer Loan is submitted to us for assignment, we forecast future expected cash flows from the Consumer Loan.  Based on these forecasts, an advance or one-time purchase payment is made to the related Dealer-Partner at a price designed to achieve an acceptable return on capital.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

3.           SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – (Continued)

We monitor and evaluate the credit quality of Consumer Loans on a monthly basis by comparing our current forecasted collection rates to our initial expectations.  We use a statistical model that considers a number of credit quality indicators to estimate the expected collection rate for each Consumer Loan at the time of assignment.  The credit quality indicators considered in our model include attributes contained in the consumer’s credit bureau report, data contained in the consumer’s credit application, the structure of the proposed transaction, vehicle information and other factors.  We continue to evaluate the expected collection rate of each Consumer Loan subsequent to assignment primarily through the monitoring of consumer payment behavior.  Our evaluation becomes more accurate as the Consumer Loans age, as we use actual performance data in our forecast.  Since all known, significant credit quality indicators have already been factored into our forecasts and pricing, we are not able to use any specific credit quality indicators to predict or explain variances in actual performance from our initial expectations.  Any variances in performance from our initial expectations are the result of Consumer Loans performing differently than historical Consumer Loans with similar characteristics.  We periodically adjust our statistical pricing model for new trends that we identify though our evaluation of these forecasted collection rate variances.

When overall forecasted collection rates underperform our initial expectations for certain Consumer Loan assignment periods, the decline in forecasted collections has a more adverse impact on the profitability of the Purchased Loans than on the profitability of the Dealer Loans.  For Purchased Loans, the decline in forecasted collections is absorbed entirely by us.  For Dealer Loans, the decline in the forecasted collections is substantially offset by a decline in forecasted payments of Dealer Holdback.

Forecast Methodology Changes and Modifications .  For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, we did not make any methodology changes or significant modifications to our forecasts of future collections on Consumer Loans that had a material impact on our financial results.

Reinsurance

VSC Re Company (“VSC Re”), our wholly-owned subsidiary, is engaged in the business of reinsuring coverage under vehicle service contracts sold to consumers by Dealer-Partners on vehicles financed by us.  VSC Re currently reinsures vehicle service contracts that are underwritten by one of our third party insurers.  Vehicle service contract premiums, which represent the selling price of the vehicle service contract to the consumer, less fees and certain administrative costs, are contributed to trust accounts controlled by VSC Re.  These premiums are used to fund claims covered under the vehicle service contracts.  VSC Re is a bankruptcy remote entity.  As such, our exposure to fund claims is limited to the trust assets controlled by VSC Re and our net investment in VSC Re.

Premiums from the reinsurance of vehicle service contracts are recognized over the life of the policy in proportion to expected costs of servicing those contracts.  Expected costs are determined based on our historical claims experience.  Claims are expensed through a provision for claims in the period the claim was incurred.  Capitalized acquisition costs are comprised of premium taxes and are amortized as general and administrative expense over the life of the contracts in proportion to premiums earned.  A summary of reinsurance activity is as follows:

 

(In thousands)		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2012			2011
Net assumed written premiums		$	16,290		$	14,386
Net premiums earned			10,770			8,543
Provision for claims			8,552			6,599
Amortization of capitalized acquisition costs			279			213

We are considered the primary beneficiary of the trusts and as a result, the trusts have been consolidated on our balance sheet.  The trust assets and related reinsurance liabilities are as follows:

 

(In thousands)			As of
	Balance Sheet location		March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
Trust assets	Restricted cash and cash equivalents		$	46,423		$	42,026
Unearned premium	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			37,855			32,335
Claims reserve (1)	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities			1,406			1,297

 

(1)

The claims reserve is estimated based on historical claims experience.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

3.           SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – (Continued)

Our determination to consolidate the VSC Re trusts was based on the following:

·	First, we determined that the trusts qualified as variable interest entities.  The trusts have insufficient equity at risk as no parties to the trusts were required to contribute assets that provide them with any ownership interest.

·

Next, we determined that we have variable interests in the trusts.  We have a residual interest in the assets of the trusts, which is variable in nature, given that it increases or decreases based upon the actual loss experience of the related service contracts.  In addition, VSC Re is required to absorb any losses in excess of the trusts’ assets.

·	Next, we evaluated the purpose and design of the trusts.  The primary purpose of the trusts is to provide third party administrators (“TPAs”) with funds to pay claims on vehicle service contracts and to accumulate and provide us with proceeds from investment income and residual funds.

·

Finally, we determined that we are the primary beneficiary of the trusts.  We control the amount of premium written and placed in the trusts through Consumer Loan assignments under our Programs, which is the activity that most significantly impacts the economic performance of the trusts.  We have the right to receive benefits from the trusts that could potentially be significant.  In addition, VSC Re has the obligation to absorb losses of the trusts that could potentially be significant.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash equivalents consist of readily marketable securities with original maturities at the date of acquisition of three months or less.  As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we had $4.1 million in cash and cash equivalents that were not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”).

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

Restricted cash and cash equivalents increased to $160.1 million as of March 31, 2012 from $104.7 million as of December 31, 2011.  The following table summarizes restricted cash and cash equivalents:

 

(In thousands)	As of
	March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
Cash related to secured financings	$	113,526		$	62,536
Cash held in trusts for future vehicle service contract claims (1)		46,543			42,143
Total restricted cash and cash equivalents	$	160,069		$	104,679

(1)

The unearned premium and claims reserve associated with the trusts are included in accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the consolidated balance sheets.  As of March 31, 2012, the outstanding cash balance includes $46,423 related to VSC Re and $120 related to a discontinued profit sharing arrangement.  As of December 31, 2011, the outstanding cash balance includes $42,026 related to VSC Re and $117 related to a discontinued profit sharing arrangement.

As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, we had $101.4 million and $97.5 million, respectively, in restricted cash and cash equivalents that was not insured by the FDIC.

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

3.           SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – (Continued)

Restricted Securities Available for Sale

Restricted securities available for sale consist of amounts held in a trust in accordance with a discontinued vehicle service contract profit sharing arrangement.  We determine the appropriate classification of our investments in debt securities at the time of purchase and reevaluate such determinations at each balance sheet date.  Debt securities for which we do not have the intent or ability to hold to maturity are classified as available for sale, and stated at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of income taxes included in the determination of comprehensive income and reported as a component of shareholders’ equity.

Restricted securities available for sale consisted of the following:

(In thousands)	As of March 31, 2012
	Cost			Gross Unrealized Gains			Gross Unrealized Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Corporate bonds	$	804		$	17		$	(2	)	$	819
(In thousands)	As of December 31, 2011
	Cost			Gross Unrealized Gains			Gross Unrealized Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Corporate bonds	$	804		$	13		$	(7	)	$	810

 

The cost and estimated fair values of debt securities by contractual maturity were as follows (securities with multiple maturity dates are classified in the period of final maturity). Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.

 

(In thousands)	As of
	March 31, 2012						December 31, 2011
	Cost			Estimated Fair Value			Cost			Estimated Fair Value
Contractual Maturity
Within one year	$	45		$	44		$	45		$	44
Over one year to five years		759			775			759			766
Total restricted securities available for sale	$	804		$	819		$	804		$	810

Deferred Debt Issuance Costs

As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, deferred debt issuance costs were $18.2 million and $18.1 million, respectively, and are included in other assets in the consolidated balance sheets. Expenses associated with the issuance of debt instruments are capitalized and amortized as interest expense over the term of the debt instrument using the effective interest method for asset-backed secured financings (“Term ABS”) and 9.125% First Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2017 (“Senior Notes”) and the straight-line method for lines of credit and revolving secured warehouse (“Warehouse”) facilities.

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

3.           SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES – (Concluded)

 

Derivative and Hedging Instruments

We rely on various sources of financing, some of which contain floating rates of interest and expose us to risks associated with increases in interest rates.  We manage such risk primarily by entering into interest rate cap and interest rate swap agreements (“derivative instruments”).

For derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as hedging instruments, we formally document all relationships between the hedging instruments and hedged items, as well as their risk-management objective and strategy for undertaking various hedge transactions.  This process includes linking all derivative instruments that are designated as cash flow hedges to specific assets and liabilities on the balance sheet.  We also formally assess (both at the hedge’s inception and on a quarterly basis) whether the derivative instruments that are used in hedging transactions have been highly effective in offsetting changes in the cash flows of hedged items and whether those derivative instruments may be expected to remain highly effective in the future periods.  The effective portion of changes in the fair value of the derivative instruments is recorded in other comprehensive income, net of income taxes.  If it is determined that a derivative instrument is not (or has ceased to be) highly effective as a hedge, we would discontinue hedge accounting prospectively and the ineffective portion of changes in fair value would be recorded in interest expense.  For derivative instruments not designated as hedges, changes in the fair value of these agreements increase or decrease interest expense.

We recognize derivative instruments as either other assets or accounts payable and accrued liabilities on our consolidated balance sheets.  For additional information regarding our derivative and hedging instruments, see Note 6 to the consolidated financial statements.

New Accounting Updates

Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts .  In October 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) No. 2010-26, which amends Topic 944 (Financial Services – Insurance).  ASU No. 2010-26 is intended to address diversity in practice regarding the interpretation of which costs relating to the acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts qualify for deferral. The amendments specify which costs incurred in the acquisition of new and renewal contracts should be capitalized.  ASU No. 2010-26 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011. While the guidance in this ASU is required to be applied prospectively upon adoption, retrospective application is also permitted (to all prior periods presented). Early adoption is also permitted, but only at the beginning of an entity’s annual reporting period.  The adoption of ASU No. 2010-26 on January 1, 2012 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

 

Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs . In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU No. 2011-04 which amends Topic 820 (Fair Value Measurement). ASU No. 2011-04 is intended to provide a consistent definition of fair value and common requirements for measurement of and disclosure about fair value between U.S. GAAP and IFRS. The amendments in ASU No. 2011-04 include changes regarding how and when the valuation premise of highest and best use applies, the application of premiums and discounts, and new required disclosures. ASU No. 2011-04 is to be applied prospectively upon adoption and is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011 with early adoption prohibited. The adoption of ASU No. 2011-04 on January 1, 2012 did not have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements, but expanded our disclosures related to fair value measurements.

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

4.           LOANS RECEIVABLE

Loans receivable consists of the following:

(In thousands)	As of March 31, 2012
	Dealer Loans				Purchased Loans				Total
Loans receivable	$	1,652,065			$	245,104			$	1,897,169
Allowance for credit losses		(148,225	)			(11,148	)			(159,373	)
Loans receivable, net	$	1,503,840			$	233,956			$	1,737,796
(In thousands)	As of December 31, 2011
	Dealer Loans				Purchased Loans				Total
Loans receivable	$	1,506,539			$	246,352			$	1,752,891
Allowance for credit losses		(141,712	)			(12,606	)			(154,318	)
Loans receivable, net	$	1,364,827			$	233,746			$	1,598,573

A summary of changes in Loans receivable is as follows:

(In thousands)	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Dealer Loans				Purchased Loans				Total
Balance, beginning of period	$	1,506,539			$	246,352			$	1,752,891
New Consumer Loan assignments (1)		374,392				34,789				409,181
Principal collected on Loans receivable		(269,650	)			(41,145	)			(310,795	)
Accelerated Dealer Holdback payments		12,914				–				12,914
Dealer Holdback payments		33,205				–				33,205
Transfers (2)		(5,179	)			5,179				–
Write-offs		(663	)			(98	)			(761	)
Recoveries (3)		542				27				569
Net change in other loans		(35	)			–				(35	)
Balance, end of period	$	1,652,065			$	245,104			$	1,897,169
(In thousands)	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
	Dealer Loans				Purchased Loans				Total
Balance, beginning of period	$	1,082,039			$	262,842			$	1,344,881
New Consumer Loan assignments (1)		336,408				32,726				369,134
Principal collected on Loans receivable		(208,459	)			(45,133	)			(253,592	)
Accelerated Dealer Holdback payments		12,045				–				12,045
Dealer Holdback payments		15,574				–				15,574
Transfers (2)		(4,596	)			4,596				–
Write-offs		(351	)			(78	)			(429	)
Recoveries (3)		497				16				513
Net change in other loans		230				–				230
Balance, end of period	$	1,233,387			$	254,969			$	1,488,356

(1)

The Dealer Loans amount represents advances paid to Dealer-Partners on Consumer Loans assigned under our Portfolio Program.  The Purchased Loans amount represents one-time payments made to Dealer-Partners to purchase Consumer Loans assigned under our Purchase Program.

(2)

Under our Portfolio Program, certain events may result in Dealer-Partners forfeiting their rights to Dealer Holdback.  We transfer the Dealer-Partner’s outstanding Dealer Loan balance to Purchased Loans in the period this forfeiture occurs.

(3)

Represents collections received on previously written off Loans.

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

4.           LOANS RECEIVABLE – (Continued)

Contractual net cash flows are comprised of the contractual repayments of the underlying Consumer Loans for Dealer and Purchased Loans, less the related Dealer Holdback payments for Dealer Loans.  The difference between the contractual net cash flows and the expected net cash flows is referred to as the nonaccretable difference.  This difference is neither accreted into income nor recorded in our balance sheets.  We do not believe that the contractual net cash flows of our Loan portfolio are relevant in assessing our financial position.  We are contractually owed repayments on many Consumer Loans, primarily those older than 120 months, where we are not forecasting any future net cash flows.

The excess of expected net cash flows over the carrying value of the Loans is referred to as the accretable yield and is recognized on a level-yield basis as finance charge income over the remaining lives of the Loans.  A summary of changes in the accretable yield is as follows:

 

(In thousands)	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Dealer Loans				Purchased Loans				Total
Balance, beginning of period	$	508,046			$	120,082			$	628,128
New Consumer Loan assignments (1)		157,636				16,112				173,748
Finance charge income		(105,652	)			(20,414	)			(126,066	)
Forecast changes		3,504				670				4,174
Transfers (2)		(2,430	)			3,908				1,478
Balance, end of period	$	561,104			$	120,358			$	681,462
(In thousands)	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
	Dealer Loans				Purchased Loans				Total
Balance, beginning of period	$	351,569			$	124,520			$	476,089
New Consumer Loan assignments (1)		151,360				17,717				169,077
Finance charge income		(84,568	)			(21,935	)			(106,503	)
Forecast changes		6,889				326				7,215
Transfers (2)		(2,113	)			3,607				1,494
Balance, end of period	$	423,137			$	124,235			$	547,372

(1)

The Dealer Loans amount represents the net cash flows expected at the time of assignment on Consumer Loans assigned under our Portfolio Program, less the related advances paid to Dealer-Partners.  The Purchased Loans amount represents the net cash flows expected at the time of assignment on Consumer Loans assigned under our Purchase Program, less the related one-time payments made to Dealer-Partners.

(2)

Under our Portfolio Program, certain events may result in Dealer-Partners forfeiting their rights to Dealer Holdback.  We transfer the Dealer-Partner’s outstanding Dealer Loan balance and related expected future net cash flows to Purchased Loans in the period this forfeiture occurs.

Additional information related to new Consumer Loan assignments is as follows:

 

(In thousands)	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Dealer Loans			Purchased Loans			Total
Contractual net cash flows at the time of assignment (1)	$	575,982		$	71,185		$	647,167
Expected net cash flows at the time of assignment (2)		532,028			50,901			582,929
Fair value at the time of assignment (3)		374,392			34,789			409,181
(In thousands)	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
	Dealer Loans			Purchased Loans			Total
Contractual net cash flows at the time of assignment (1)	$	522,980		$	68,487		$	591,467
Expected net cash flows at the time of assignment (2)		487,768			50,443			538,211
Fair value at the time of assignment (3)		336,408			32,726			369,134

 

(1)

The Dealer Loans amount represents the repayments that we were contractually owed at the time of assignment on Consumer Loans assigned under our Portfolio Program, less the related Dealer Holdback payments that we would be required to make if we collected all of the contractual repayments.  The Purchased Loans amount represents the repayments that we were contractually owed at the time of assignment on Consumer Loans assigned under our Purchase Program.

(2)

The Dealer Loans amount represents the repayments that we expected to collect at the time of assignment on Consumer Loans assigned under our Portfolio Program, less the related Dealer Holdback payments that we expected to make.  The Purchased Loans amount represents the repayments that we expected to collect at the time of assignment on Consumer Loans assigned under our Purchase Program.

(3)

The Dealer Loans amount represents advances paid to Dealer-Partners on Consumer Loans assigned under our Portfolio Program.  The Purchased Loans amount represents one-time payments made to Dealer-Partners to purchase Consumer Loans assigned under our Purchase Program.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

4.           LOANS RECEIVABLE – (Continued)

 

Credit Quality

We monitor and evaluate the credit quality of Consumer Loans assigned under our Portfolio and Purchase Programs on a monthly basis by comparing our current forecasted collection rates to our initial expectations.  For additional information regarding credit quality, see Note 3 to the consolidated financial statements.  The following table compares our forecast of Consumer Loan collection rates as of March 31, 2012, with the forecasts as of December 31, 2011, and at the time of assignment, segmented by year of assignment:

		Forecasted Collection Percentage as of (1)									Variance in Forecasted Collection Percentage from
Consumer Loan Assignment Year		March 31,  2012			December 31,  2011			Initial Forecast			December 31,  2011			Initial  Forecast
2003		73.7	%		73.7	%		72.0	%		0.0	%		1.7	%
2004		73.0	%		73.0	%		73.0	%		0.0	%		0.0	%
2005		73.6	%		73.6	%		74.0	%		0.0	%		-0.4	%
2006		70.0	%		70.0	%		71.4	%		0.0	%		-1.4	%
2007		68.1	%		68.1	%		70.7	%		0.0	%		-2.6	%
2008		70.1	%		70.0	%		69.7	%		0.1	%		0.4	%
2009		79.5	%		79.4	%		71.9	%		0.1	%		7.6	%
2010		76.9	%		76.8	%		73.6	%		0.1	%		3.3	%
2011		73.0	%		73.2	%		72.5	%		-0.2	%		0.5	%

(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.

Advances paid to Dealer-Partners on Consumer Loans assigned under our Portfolio Program and one-time payments made to Dealer-Partners to purchase Consumer Loans assigned under our Purchase Program are aggregated into pools for purposes of recognizing revenue and evaluating impairment.  As a result of this aggregation, we are not able to segment the carrying value of the majority of our Loan portfolio by year of assignment.  The following table summarizes Loan pools based on the performance of the underlying pool of Consumer Loans:

 

(In thousands)	As of March 31, 2012
	Loan Pool Performance Meets or Exceeds Initial Estimates									Loan Pool Performance Less than Initial Estimates
	Dealer  Loans			Purchased  Loans			Total			Dealer  Loans				Purchased  Loans				Total
Loans receivable	$	529,085		$	189,572		$	718,657		$	1,122,980			$	55,532			$	1,178,512
Allowance for credit losses		–			–			–			(148,225	)			(11,148	)			(159,373	)
Loans receivable, net	$	529,085		$	189,572		$	718,657		$	974,755			$	44,384			$	1,019,139
(In thousands)	As of December 31, 2011
	Loan Pool Performance Meets or Exceeds Initial Estimates									Loan Pool Performance Less than Initial Estimates
	Dealer Loans			Purchased  Loans			Total			Dealer  Loans				Purchased  Loans				Total
Loans receivable	$	511,926		$	192,502		$	704,428		$	994,613			$	53,850			$	1,048,463
Allowance for credit losses		–			–			–			(141,712	)			(12,606	)			(154,318	)
Loans receivable, net	$	511,926		$	192,502		$	704,428		$	852,901			$	41,244			$	894,145

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

4.           LOANS RECEIVABLE – (Concluded)

 

A summary of changes in the allowance for credit losses is as follows:

(In thousands)	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
	Dealer Loans				Purchased Loans				Total
Balance, beginning of period	$	141,712			$	12,606			$	154,318
Provision for credit losses		6,634				(1,387	)			5,247
Write-offs		(663	)			(98	)			(761	)
Recoveries (1)		542				27				569
Balance, end of period	$	148,225			$	11,148			$	159,373
(In thousands)	For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2011
	Dealer Loans				Purchased Loans				Total
Balance, beginning of period	$	113,227			$	13,641			$	126,868
Provision for credit losses		9,428				(512	)			8,916
Write-offs		(351	)			(78	)			(429	)
Recoveries (1)		497				16				513
Balance, end of period	$	122,801			$	13,067			$	135,868

(1)

Represents collections received on previously written off Loans.

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

5.           DEBT

We currently utilize the following primary forms of debt financing: (1) a revolving secured line of credit; (2) Warehouse facilities; (3) Term ABS financings and (4) Senior Notes.  General information for each of our financing transactions in place as of March 31, 2012 is as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)

Financings

Wholly-owned Subsidiary

Close Date

Maturity Date

Financing Amount

Interest Rate as of March 31, 2012

Revolving Secured Line of Credit

n/a

06/17/2011

06/22/2014

$

205,000

At our option, either LIBOR plus 225 basis points or the prime rate plus 125 basis points

Warehouse Facility II (1)

CAC Warehouse Funding Corp. II

06/17/2011

06/17/2014

(2)

$

325,000

Commercial paper rate plus 275 basis points or LIBOR plus 375 basis points (3) (4)

Warehouse Facility III (1)

CAC Warehouse Funding III, LLC

09/10/2010

09/10/2013

(5)

$

75,000

Commercial paper rate plus 160 basis points or LIBOR plus 160 basis points (3) (4)

Warehouse Facility IV (1)

CAC Warehouse Funding LLC IV

08/19/2011

02/19/2014

(2)

$

75,000

LIBOR plus 275 basis points (4)

Term ABS 2010-1 (1)

Credit Acceptance Funding LLC 2010-1

11/04/2010

10/15/2012

(2)

$

100,500

Fixed rate

Term ABS 2011-1 (1)

Credit Acceptance Funding LLC 2011-1

10/06/2011

09/16/2013

(2)

$

200,500

Fixed rate

Term ABS 2012-1 (1)

Credit Acceptance Funding LLC 2012-1

03/29/2012

03/17/2014

(2)

$

201,250

Fixed rate

Senior Notes

n/a

(6)

02/01/2017

$

350,000

Fixed rate

(1)

Financing made available only to a specified subsidiary of the Company.

(2)

Represents the revolving maturity date.  The outstanding balance will amortize after the maturity date based on the cash flows of the pledged assets.

(3)

The LIBOR rate is used if funding is not available from the commercial paper market.

(4)

Interest rate cap agreements are in place to limit the exposure to increasing interest rates.

(5)

Represents the revolving maturity date.  The outstanding balance will amortize after the revolving maturity date and any amounts remaining on September 10, 2014 will be due.

(6)

The close dates associated with the issuance of $250.0 million and $100.0 million of the Senior Notes were on February 1, 2010 and March 3, 2011, respectively.

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

5.           DEBT – (Continued)

Additional information related to the amounts outstanding on each facility is as follows:

 

(In thousands)		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2012			2011
Revolving Secured Line of Credit
Maximum outstanding balance		$	185,500		$	149,700
Average outstanding balance			102,681			86,538
Warehouse Facility II
Maximum outstanding balance		$	177,200		$	180,600
Average outstanding balance			158,870			124,633
Warehouse Facility III
Maximum outstanding balance		$	73,000		$	40,000
Average outstanding balance			67,301			35,489
Warehouse Facility IV
Maximum outstanding balance		$	39,600		$	–
Average outstanding balance			37,905			–

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

5.           DEBT – (Continued)

(Dollars in thousands)		As of
		March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011
Revolving Secured Line of Credit
Balance outstanding		$	173,600			$	43,900
Amount available for borrowing (1)			31,400				161,100
Interest rate			2.50	%			2.55	%
Warehouse Facility II
Balance outstanding		$	7,000			$	163,200
Amount available for borrowing  (1)			318,000				161,800
Loans pledged as collateral			119,667				242,119
Restricted cash and cash equivalents pledged as collateral			7,513				6,117
Interest rate			2.93	%			2.99	%
Warehouse Facility III
Balance outstanding		$	57,700			$	70,000
Amount available for borrowing (1)			17,300				5,000
Loans pledged as collateral			86,019				91,601
Restricted cash and cash equivalents pledged as collateral			5,004				3,321
Interest rate			1.84	%			1.89	%
Warehouse Facility IV
Balance outstanding		$	37,600			$	37,500
Amount available for borrowing (1)			37,400				37,500
Loans pledged as collateral			60,296				62,260
Restricted cash and cash equivalents pledged as collateral			3,254				2,188
Interest rate			2.99	%			3.05	%
Term ABS 2009-1
Balance outstanding		$	–			$	27,581
Loans pledged as collateral			–				105,209
Restricted cash and cash equivalents pledged as collateral			410				13,526
Interest rate			–				5.68	%
Term ABS 2010-1
Balance outstanding		$	100,500			$	100,500
Loans pledged as collateral			125,609				125,541
Restricted cash and cash equivalents pledged as collateral			17,493				14,116
Interest rate			2.36	%			2.36	%
Term ABS 2011-1
Balance outstanding		$	200,500			$	200,500
Loans pledged as collateral			250,186				248,167
Restricted cash and cash equivalents pledged as collateral			29,028				23,268
Interest rate			2.90	%			2.90	%
Term ABS 2012-1
Balance outstanding		$	201,250			$	–
Loans pledged as collateral			248,752				–
Restricted cash and cash equivalents pledged as collateral			50,824				–
Interest rate			2.38	%			–
Senior Notes
Balance outstanding (2)		$	350,354			$	350,378
Interest rate			9.13	%			9.13	%

 

(1)	Availability may be limited by the amount of assets pledged as collateral.

(2)	As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the outstanding balance presented for the Senior Notes includes a net unamortized debt premium of $0.4 million.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

5.           DEBT – (Continued)

Revolving Secured Line of Credit Facility

We have a $205.0 million revolving secured line of credit facility with a commercial bank syndicate.

Borrowings under the revolving secured line of credit facility, including any letters of credit issued under the facility, are subject to a borrowing-base limitation.  This limitation equals 80% of the net book value of Loans, less a hedging reserve (not exceeding $1.0 million), and the amount of other debt secured by the collateral which secures the revolving secured line of credit facility.  Borrowings under the revolving secured line of credit facility agreement are secured by a lien on most of our assets.

Warehouse Facilities

We have three Warehouse facilities with total borrowing capacity of $475.0 million.  Each of the facilities are with different institutional investors, and the facility limit is $325.0 million for Warehouse Facility II and $75.0 million for both Warehouse Facility III and IV.

Under each Warehouse facility, we can contribute Loans to our wholly-owned subsidiaries in return for cash and equity in each subsidiary.  In turn, each subsidiary pledges the Loans as collateral to institutional investors to secure financing that will fund the cash portion of the purchase price of the Loans.  The financing provided to each subsidiary under the applicable facility is limited to the lesser of 80% of the net book value of the contributed Loans plus the cash collected on such Loans or the facility limit.

The financings create indebtedness for which the subsidiaries are liable and which is secured by all the assets of each subsidiary.  Such indebtedness is non-recourse to us, even though we are consolidated for financial reporting purposes with the subsidiaries.  Because the subsidiaries are organized as legal entities separate from us, their assets (including the contributed Loans) are not available to our creditors.

Interest on borrowings under Warehouse Facility II has been limited through interest rate cap agreements to a maximum rate of 6.75% plus the spread over the LIBOR rate or the commercial paper rate, as applicable.  Interest on borrowings for a portion of Warehouse Facility III has been limited through an interest rate cap agreement to a maximum rate of 6.75% plus the spread over the LIBOR rate or the commercial paper rate, as applicable.  Interest on borrowings for Warehouse Facility IV has also been limited through an interest rate cap agreement to a maximum rate of 5.50% plus the spread over the LIBOR rate.  For additional information, see Note 6 of these consolidated financial statements.

The subsidiaries pay us a monthly servicing fee equal to 6% of the collections received with respect to the contributed Loans.  The fee is paid out of the collections.  Except for the servicing fee and holdback payments due to Dealer-Partners, if a facility is amortizing, we do not have any rights in any portion of such collections until all outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest, fees and other related costs have been paid in full.  If a facility is not amortizing, the applicable subsidiary may be entitled to retain a portion of such collections provided that the borrowing base requirements of the facility are satisfied.

Term ABS Financings

In 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012, four of our wholly-owned subsidiaries (the “Funding LLCs”), completed secured financing transactions with qualified institutional investors.  In connection with these transactions, we contributed Loans on an arms-length basis to each Funding LLC for cash and the sole membership interest in that Funding LLC.  In turn, each Funding LLC contributed the Loans to a respective trust that issued notes to qualified institutional investors.  The Term ABS 2009-1, 2010-1, 2011-1 and 2012-1 transactions each consist of three classes of notes.  The Class A and Class B Notes for each Term ABS financing bear interest.  The Class C Notes for each Term ABS financing do not bear interest and have been retained by us.

Each financing at the time of issuance has a specified revolving period during which we may be required, and are likely, to contribute additional Loans to each Funding LLC.  Each Funding LLC will then contribute the Loans to their respective trust.  At the end of the revolving period, the debt outstanding under each financing will begin to amortize.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

5.           DEBT – (Continued)

The financings create indebtedness for which the trusts are liable and which is secured by all the assets of each trust.  Such indebtedness is non-recourse to us, even though we are consolidated for financial reporting purposes with the trusts and the Funding LLCs.  Because the Funding LLCs are organized as legal entities separate from us, their assets (including the contributed Loans) are not available to our creditors.  We receive a monthly servicing fee on each financing equal to 6% of the collections received with respect to the contributed Loans.  The fee is paid out of the collections.  Except for the servicing fee and Dealer Holdback payments due to Dealer-Partners, if a facility is amortizing, we do not have any rights in any portion of such collections until all outstanding principal, accrued and unpaid interest, fees and other related costs have been paid in full.  If a facility is not amortizing, the applicable subsidiary may be entitled to retain a portion of such collections provided that the borrowing base requirements of the facility are satisfied.  However, in our capacity as servicer of the  Loans, we do have a limited right to exercise a “clean-up call” option to purchase Loans from the Funding LLCs and/or the trusts under certain specified circumstances.  Alternatively, when a trust’s underlying indebtedness is paid in full, either through collections or through a prepayment of the indebtedness, the trust is to pay any remaining collections over to its Funding LLC as the sole beneficiary of the trust.  The collections will then be available to be distributed to us as the sole member of the respective Funding LLC.

The table below sets forth certain additional details regarding the outstanding Term ABS Financings:

 

(Dollars in thousands)
Term ABS Financings		Close Date		Net Book Value of Dealer Loans Contributed at Closing			Revolving Period
Term ABS 2010-1		November 4, 2010		$	126,751		24 months (Through October 15, 2012)
Term ABS 2011-1		October 6, 2011		$	250,827		24 months (Through September 16, 2013)
Term ABS 2012-1		March 29, 2012		$	251,681		24 months (Through March 17, 2014)

Senior Notes

We have outstanding $350.0 million aggregate principal amount of our 9.125% First Priority Senior Secured Notes due 2017, $100.0 million of which we issued on March 3, 2011 and $250.0 million of which we issued on February 1, 2010.  The Senior Notes are governed by an indenture, dated as of February 1, 2010, as amended and supplemented (the “Indenture”), among us, as the issuer; our subsidiaries Buyers Vehicle Protection Plan, Inc. and Vehicle Remarketing Services, Inc., as guarantors (the “Guarantors”); and U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee.  The Senior Notes issued on March 3, 2011 have the same terms as the previously issued Senior Notes, other than issue price and issue date, and all of the Senior Notes are treated as a single class under the Indenture.

The Senior Notes mature on February 1, 2017 and bear interest at a rate of 9.125% per annum, computed on the basis of a 360-day year comprised of twelve 30-day months and payable semi-annually on February 1 and August 1 of each year.  The Senior Notes issued on March 3, 2011 were issued at a price of 106.0% of their aggregate principal amount, resulting in gross proceeds of $106.0 million, and a yield to maturity of 7.83% per annum.  The Senior Notes issued on February 1, 2010 were issued at a price of 97.495% of their aggregate principal amount, resulting in gross proceeds of $243.7 million, and a yield to maturity of 9.625% per annum.  The premium with respect to the Senior Notes issued on March 3, 2011 and the discount with respect to the Senior Notes issued on February 1, 2010 are being amortized over the life of the Senior Notes using the effective interest method.

The Senior Notes are guaranteed on a senior secured basis by the Guarantors, which are also guarantors of obligations under our revolving secured line of credit facility.  Other existing and future subsidiaries of ours may become guarantors of the Senior Notes.  The Senior Notes and the Guarantors’ Senior Note guarantees are secured on a first-priority basis (subject to specified exceptions and permitted liens), together with all indebtedness outstanding from time to time under the revolving secured line of credit facility and, under certain circumstances, certain future indebtedness, by a security interest in substantially all of our assets and those of the Guarantors, subject to certain exceptions such as real property, cash (except to the extent it is deposited with the collateral agent), certain leases, and equity interests of our subsidiaries (other than those of specified subsidiaries including the Guarantors).  Our assets and those of the Guarantors securing the Senior Notes and the Senior Note guarantees will not include our assets transferred to special purpose subsidiaries in connection with Warehouse facilities and Term ABS financings and will generally be the same as the collateral securing indebtedness under the revolving secured line of credit facility and, under certain circumstances, certain future indebtedness, subject to certain limited exceptions as provided in the security and intercreditor agreements related to the revolving secured line of credit facility.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

5.           DEBT – (Concluded)

Debt Covenants

As of March 31, 2012, we were in compliance with all our debt covenants relating to the revolving secured line of credit facility, including those that require the maintenance of certain financial ratios and other financial conditions.  These covenants require a minimum ratio of our earnings before interest, taxes and non-cash expenses to fixed charges.  These covenants also limit the maximum ratio of our funded debt to tangible net worth.  Additionally, we must maintain consolidated net income of not less than $1 for the two most recently ended fiscal quarters.  Some of these debt covenants may indirectly limit the repurchase of common stock or payment of dividends on common stock.

Our Warehouse facilities and Term ABS financings also contain covenants that measure the performance of the contributed assets.  As of March 31, 2012, we were in compliance with all such covenants.  As of the end of the quarter, we were also in compliance with our covenants under the Indenture.  The Indenture includes covenants that limit the maximum ratio of our funded debt to tangible net worth and also require a minimum collateral coverage ratio.

6.           DERIVATIVE AND HEDGING INSTRUMENTS

Interest Rate Caps.   We utilize interest rate cap agreements to manage the interest rate risk on our Warehouse facilities.  The following table provides the terms of our interest   rate cap agreements that were in effect as of both March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

Facility (in millions)			Facility Name		Purpose		Start		End		Notional (in millions)			Cap Interest Rate (1)
$	325.0		Warehouse Facility II		Cap Floating Rate		09/2010		06/2013		$	325.0		6.75	%
	75.0		Warehouse Facility III		Cap Floating Rate		09/2010		09/2013			37.5		6.75	%
	75.0		Warehouse Facility IV		Cap Floating Rate		08/2011		03/2014			75.0		5.50	%

(1)

Rate excludes the spread over the LIBOR rate or the commercial paper rate, as applicable.

The interest rate caps have not been designated as hedging instruments.

Information related to the fair values of derivative instruments in our consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 is as follows:

 

(In thousands)			Fair Value as of
	Balance Sheet location		March 31, 2012			December 31, 2011
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments
Asset Derivatives
Interest rate caps	Other assets		$	2		$	16

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

6.           DERIVATIVE AND HEDGING INSTRUMENTS – (Concluded)

Information related to the effect of derivative instruments designated as hedging instruments in our consolidated financial statements for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:

 

(In thousands)
Derivatives in Cash Flow Hedging Relationships		(Loss) / Gain Recognized in OCI on Derivative (Effective Portion)						(Loss) / Gain Reclassified from Accumulated OCI into Income (Effective Portion)
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,								For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2012			2011			Location		2012			2011
Interest rate swap		$	–		$	(8	)	Interest expense		$	–		$	(69	)

 

Information related to the effect of derivative instruments not designated as hedging instruments on our consolidated statements of income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 is as follows:

 

(In thousands)
Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments			Amount of (Loss) / Gain Recognized in Income on Derivatives
			For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	Location		2012				2011
Interest rate caps	Interest expense		$	(14	)		$	(20	)

  7.           FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate their value.

 

Cash and Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents.   The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents approximate their fair value due to the short maturity of these instruments.

Restricted Securities Available for Sale.   Restricted securities consist of amounts held in trusts by TPAs to pay claims on vehicle service contracts.  Securities for which we do not have the intent or ability to hold to maturity are classified as available for sale and stated at fair value.  The fair value of restricted securities are based on quoted market values.

Net Investment in Loans Receivable.   Loans receivable, net represents our net investment in Loans.  The fair value is determined by calculating the present value of future Loan payment inflows and Dealer Holdback outflows estimated by us utilizing a discount rate comparable with the rate used to calculate our allowance for credit losses.

Derivative Instruments.   The fair value of interest rate caps and interest rate swaps are based on quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, which are influenced by a number of factors, including interest rates, notional amount of the derivative, and number of months until maturity.

Liabilities.   The fair values of our Term ABS financings and our Senior Notes are determined using quoted market prices.  For our Revolving Secured Line of Credit, our Warehouse Facilities and our mortgage note, the fair values are calculated using the estimated value of each debt instrument based on current rates for debt with similar risk profiles and maturities.

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

7.           FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – (Continued)

A comparison of the carrying value and estimated fair value of these financial instruments is as follows:

 

(In thousands)
		As of March 31, 2012						As of December 31, 2011
		Carrying Amount			Estimated Fair Value			Carrying Amount			Estimated Fair Value
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents		$	4,691		$	4,691		$	4,657		$	4,657
Restricted cash and cash equivalents			160,069			160,069			104,679			104,679
Restricted securities available for sale			819			819			810			810
Net investment in Loans receivable			1,737,796			1,754,610			1,598,573			1,615,009
Derivative instruments			2			2			16			16
Liabilities
Revolving secured line of credit		$	173,600		$	173,600		$	43,900		$	43,900
Secured financing			604,550			608,006			599,281			598,622
Mortgage note			4,227			4,227			4,288			4,288
Senior notes			350,354			378,000			350,378			365,500

 

Fair value is an exit price, representing the amount that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants.  As such, fair value is a market-based measurement that should be determined based on assumptions that market participants would use in pricing an asset or liability.  We group assets and liabilities at fair value in three levels, based on the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability of the assumptions used to determine fair value.  These levels are:

Level 1

Valuation is based upon quoted prices for identical instruments traded in active markets.

Level 2

Valuation is based upon quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.

Level 3

Valuation is generated from model-based techniques that use at least one significant assumption not observable in the market.  These unobservable assumptions reflect estimates or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

7.           FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS – (Concluded)

The following table provides the level of measurement used to determine the fair value for each of our financial instruments on a recurring basis, as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011:

 

(In thousands)
	As of March 31, 2012
	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total Fair Value
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	4,691		$	–		$	–		$	4,691
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		160,069			–			–			160,069
Restricted securities available for sale		819			–			–			819
Net investment in Loans receivable		–			–			1,754,610			1,754,610
Derivative instruments		–			2			–			2
Liabilities
Revolving secured line of credit	$	–		$	173,600		$	–		$	173,600
Secured financing		–			608,006			–			608,006
Mortgage note		–			4,227			–			4,227
Senior notes		378,000			–			–			378,000
(In thousands)
	As of December 31, 2011
	Level 1			Level 2			Level 3			Total Fair Value
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	4,657		$	–		$	–		$	4,657
Restricted cash and cash equivalents		104,679			–			–			104,679
Restricted securities available for sale		810			–			–			810
Net investment in Loans receivable		–			–			1,615,009			1,615,009
Derivative instruments		–			16			–			16
Liabilities
Revolving secured line of credit	$	–		$	43,900		$	–		$	43,900
Secured financing		–			598,622			–			598,622
Mortgage note		–			4,288			–			4,288
Senior notes		365,500			–			–			365,500

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

8.           RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In the normal course of our business, affiliated Dealer-Partners assign Consumer Loans to us under the Portfolio and Purchase Programs.  Dealer Loans and Purchased Loans with affiliated Dealer-Partners are on the same terms as those with non-affiliated Dealer-Partners.  Affiliated Dealer-Partners are comprised of Dealer-Partners owned or controlled by: (1) our Chairman and significant shareholder; and (2) a member of the Chairman’s immediate family.

Affiliated Dealer Loan balances were $5.3 million and $4.9 million as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively.  As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, affiliated Dealer Loan balances were 0.3% of total consolidated Dealer Loan balances.  A summary of related party Loan activity is as follows:

 

(In thousands)	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012						2011
	Affiliated Dealer-Partner  activity			% of  consolidated			Affiliated Dealer-Partner  activity			% of consolidated
Dealer Loan revenue	$	277		0.3	%		$	545		0.6	%
New Consumer Loan assignments (1)		1,166		0.3	%			347		0.1	%
Accelerated Dealer Holdback payments		70		0.5	%			24		0.2	%
Dealer Holdback payments		991		3.0	%			465		3.0	%

(1)

Represents advances paid to Dealer-Partners on Consumer Loans assigned under our Portfolio Program and one-time payments made to Dealer-Partners to purchase Consumer Loans assigned under our Purchase Program.

Our Chairman and significant shareholder has indirect control over entities that, in the past, offered secured lines of credit to automobile dealers, and has the right or obligation to reacquire these entities under certain circumstances until December 31, 2014 or the repayment of the related purchase money note.

9.           INCOME TAXES

A reconciliation of the U.S. federal statutory rate to our effective tax rate is as follows:

 

		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2012			2011
U.S. federal statutory rate		35.0	%		35.0	%
State income taxes		1.4	%		1.7	%
Changes in reserve for uncertain tax positions as a result of settlements and lapsed statutes and related interest		-0.4	%		-1.0	%
Other		0.1	%		0.1	%
Effective tax rate		36.1	%		35.8	%

The differences between the U.S. federal statutory rate and our effective tax rate are primarily due to state income taxes and reserves for uncertain tax positions and related interest that are included in the provision for income taxes.

    The increase in the effective tax rate for the three months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to 2011, is primarily due to a $0.5 million refund we received in the first quarter of 2011 as part of a resolution of a dispute with the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”), partially offset by changes in the reserve for uncertain tax positions.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

10.         NET INCOME PER SHARE

Basic net income per share has been computed by dividing net income by the basic number of weighted average shares outstanding.  Diluted net income per share has been computed by dividing net income by the diluted number of weighted average shares outstanding using the treasury stock method.  The share effect is as follows:

 

(In thousands)	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Common shares	25,636		26,833
Vested restricted stock units	522		363
Basic number of weighted average shares outstanding	26,158		27,196
Dilutive effect of stock options	57		174
Dilutive effect of restricted stock and restricted stock units	69		119
Dilutive number of weighted average shares outstanding	26,284		27,489

For the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011, there were 9,558 and 8,842 shares of restricted stock outstanding, respectively, excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share because the impact would have been anti-dilutive.

11.         STOCK REPURCHASES

On August 5, 1999, our board of directors approved a stock repurchase program which authorizes us to repurchase common shares in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions at price levels we deem attractive.  On March 26, 2012, the board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to one million shares of our common stock in addition to the board’s prior authorizations.  As of March 31, 2012, we had authorization to repurchase up to $6.2 million of our common stock in addition to the one million shares recently approved by the board.

During the first quarter of 2012, we repurchased 190,843 shares of our common stock in the open market at a cost of $18.7 million.

During the first quarter of 2011, we commenced a tender offer to repurchase 1.9 million shares of our common stock at a price of $65.625 per share.  Upon expiration of the tender offer during the first quarter of 2011, we repurchased 1.9 million common shares at a cost of $125.0 million, which included 1.3 million shares beneficially owned by Donald A. Foss, our Chairman of the Board, and 0.5 million shares beneficially owned by the trustee of certain grantor retained annuity trusts created by Mr. Foss.  We financed the repurchase of our common stock in the tender offer using the proceeds from the issuance of $100.0 million of Senior Notes and by borrowing under our revolving secured line of credit facility.

 

12.         STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS

On March 26, 2012, our board of directors approved, subject to shareholder approval at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders, an amendment to our Amended and Restated Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Incentive Plan”) increasing the number of shares authorized for issuance by 500,000 shares, to 2 million shares.  Pursuant to the Incentive Plan, we can grant restricted stock, restricted stock units, stock options, and performance awards to team members, officers, directors, and contractors at any time prior to March 26, 2022.  The shares available for future grants under the Incentive Plan totaled 331,206 as of March 31, 2012.

On March 26, 2012, the compensation committee of our board of directors approved an award of 310,000 restricted stock units and 190,000 shares of restricted stock to our Chief Executive Officer.  The grant of the restricted stock units is subject to shareholder approval of the increase in the number of shares available for issuance under the Incentive Plan.  The 310,000 restricted stock units and 90,000 shares of restricted stock are eligible to vest over a ten year period beginning in 2012 based on the cumulative improvement in our annual adjusted economic profit, a non-GAAP financial measure.  The remaining 100,000 shares of restricted stock are eligible to vest in equal annual installments over a five year period beginning in 2022 based on the attainment of annual adjusted economic profit targets.

 

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONTINUED)

(UNAUDITED)

 

12.         STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS – (Continued)

A summary of the restricted stock activity under the Incentive Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 is presented below:

 

(In thousands)		Number of Shares
		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
Restricted Stock		2012			2011
Outstanding Beginning Balance		48			112
Granted		199			9
Vested		(37	)		(63	)
Forfeited		(1	)		(3	)
Outstanding Ending Balance		209			55

The grant-date fair value per share is estimated to equal the market price of our common stock on the date of grant.  In addition to the 190,000 shares of restricted stock granted to our Chief Executive Officer in 2012, we grant time-based shares of restricted stock annually to team members based on attaining certain individual and company performance criteria as a part of our annual incentive compensation program.  Based on the terms of individual restricted stock grant agreements, these time-based shares generally vest over a period of three to five years, based on continuous employment.

A summary of the restricted stock unit activity under the Incentive Plan for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011 is presented below:

 

(In thousands, except per share data)		Nonvested					Vested					Total
Restricted Stock Units		Number of Restricted Stock Units		Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share			Number of Restricted Stock Units		Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share			Number of Restricted Stock Units
Outstanding as of December 31, 2011		348		$	24.06		428		$	22.14		776
Granted		313			106.32		–			–		313	(1)
Vested		(143)			21.48		143			21.48		–	(2)
Outstanding as of March 31, 2012		518		$	74.45		571		$	21.97		1,089
(In thousands, except per share data)		Nonvested					Vested					Total
Restricted Stock Units		Number of Restricted Stock Units		Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share			Number of Restricted Stock Units		Weighted Average Grant-Date Fair Value Per Share			Number of Restricted Stock Units
Outstanding as of December 31, 2010		521		$	19.99		270		$	22.94		791
Granted		5			62.20		–			–		5	(3)
Vested		(158)			20.99		158			20.99		–	(4)
Outstanding as of March 31, 2011		368		$	20.13		428		$	22.22		796

(1)	The distribution date of vested restricted stock units is February 18, 2019 for 3 restricted stock units.  For 310 restricted stock units, the vested restricted stock units will be distributed in equal installments on December 31, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025 and 2026.

(2)	The distribution date of vested restricted stock units is February 22, 2014 for 60 restricted stock units, February 22, 2016 for 77 restricted stock units and February 22, 2017 for 6 restricted stock units.

(3)	The distribution date of vested restricted stock units is February 22, 2018.

(4)	The distribution date of vested restricted stock units is February 22, 2014 for 60 restricted stock units, February 22, 2016 for 90 restricted stock units and February 22, 2017 for 8 restricted stock units.

     Each restricted stock unit represents and has a value equal to one share of common stock.  The grant-date fair value per share is estimated to equal the market price of our common stock on the date of grant.  In addition to the 310,000 restricted stock units granted to our Chief Executive Officer in 2012, we grant performance-based restricted stock units to team members as part of our long-term incentive compensation program.  These restricted stock units will be earned over a five-year period based upon the compounded annual growth rate in our adjusted economic profit, a non-GAAP financial measure.

 

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NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS – (CONCLUDED)

(UNAUDITED)

12.         STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS – (Concluded)

Stock compensation expense consists of the following:

 

(In thousands)	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012			2011
Restricted stock	$	221		$	216
Restricted stock units		601			375
Total	$	822		$	591

While the restricted stock units and shares of restricted stock are generally expected to vest in equal, annual installments over the corresponding requisite service periods of the grants, the related stock-based compensation expense is not recognized on a straight-line basis over the same periods.  Each installment is accounted for as a separate award and as a result, the fair value of each installment is recognized as stock-based compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the related vesting period.  The following table details how the expenses associated with restricted stock and restricted stock units, which are expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 3.4 years, will be recorded assuming performance targets are achieved in the periods currently estimated:

 

(In thousands)
Year		Restricted Stock Units			Restricted Stock			Total Projected Expense (pre-tax)
Remainder of 2012		$	7,557		$	2,993		$	10,550
2013			8,036			3,258			11,294
2014			5,881			2,549			8,430
2015			4,615			2,125			6,740
2016			3,415			1,797			5,212
Thereafter			6,439			8,552			14,991
Total		$	35,943		$	21,274		$	57,217

 

13.        LITIGATION AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

In the normal course of business and as a result of the customer-oriented nature of the industry in which we operate, industry participants are frequently subject to various customer claims and litigation seeking damages and statutory penalties.  The claims allege, among other theories of liability, violations of state, federal and foreign truth-in-lending, credit availability, credit reporting, customer protection, warranty, debt collection, insurance and other customer-oriented laws and regulations, including claims seeking damages for physical and mental damages relating to our repossession and sale of the customer’s vehicle and other debt collection activities.  As the assignee of Consumer Loans originated by Dealer-Partners, we may also be named as a co-defendant in lawsuits filed by customers principally against Dealer-Partners.  We may also have disputes and litigation with Dealer-Partners. The claims may allege, among other theories of liability, that we breached our dealer servicing agreement.  Many of these cases are filed as purported class actions and seek damages in large dollar amounts.  Current actions to which we are a party include the following matters.

On December 3, 2010, we received a civil investigative demand from the Missouri Attorney General Office relating to our practices regarding collections from Missouri consumers who claim to have not received title from the Dealer-Partner at the time of their purchase.  On January 24, 2011, we provided an initial response and on May 16, 2011, we filed a supplemental response.  We are in continued discussions with the Attorney General with respect to the demand for information.  We are cooperating with the inquiry.

On November 22, 2011, an arbitration proceeding against us was commenced before the American Arbitration Association ("AAA") in Southfield, Michigan.  The arbitration demand was brought by a Dealer-Partner and seeks unspecified money damages for alleged breach of the dealer servicing agreement.  The claimant purports to proceed on behalf of a putative class of similarly situated Dealer-Partners.  On or about January 3, 2012, we filed an answer, denying the allegations in the demand and opposing claimant’s attempt to proceed on a class-wide basis based on the terms of the parties’ arbitration agreement, which does not authorize classwide arbitration, and recent controlling Supreme Court authority. The arbitration panel has not yet been appointed and various procedural matters relating to the arbitration, including whether the matter will proceed as a class action, have not yet been adjudicated.  We intend to vigorously defend ourselves against the allegations made in this proceeding.

An adverse ultimate disposition in any action to which we are a party or otherwise subject could have a material adverse impact on our financial position, liquidity and results of operations.

 

 

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ITEM 2.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes included in Item 8 - Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, of our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K, as well as Item 1- Consolidated Financial Statements, of this Form 10-Q, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Overview

We provide auto loans to consumers regardless of their credit history.  Our product is 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 product, but who actually end up qualifying for traditional financing.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, consolidated net income was $50.3 million, or $1.92 per diluted share, compared to $43.2 million, or $1.57 per diluted share, for the same period in 2011.  The increase in consolidated net income for the three months ended March 31, 2012 was primarily due to an increase in the size of our Loan portfolio.

Critical Success Factors

Critical success factors include our ability to access capital on acceptable terms, accurately forecast Consumer Loan performance, and maintain or grow Consumer Loan volume at the level and on the terms that we anticipate, with an objective to maximize economic profit.  Economic profit is a financial metric we use to evaluate our financial results and determine incentive compensation.  Economic profit measures how efficiently we utilize our total capital, both debt and equity, and is a function of the return on capital in excess of the cost of capital and the amount of capital invested in the business.

Access to Capital

Our strategy for accessing capital on acceptable terms needed to maintain and grow the business is to: (1) maintain consistent financial performance; (2) maintain modest financial leverage; and (3) maintain multiple funding sources.  Our funded debt to equity ratio is 2.0:1 as of March 31, 2012.  We currently utilize the following primary forms of debt financing: (1) a revolving secured line of credit; (2) Warehouse facilities; (3) Term ABS financings; and (4) Senior Notes.

Consumer Loan Performance

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-Partner at a price designed to achieve an acceptable return on capital.  If Consumer Loan performance equals or exceeds our initial expectation, it is likely our target return on capital will be achieved.

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 March 31, 2012, with the forecasts as of December 31, 2011, and at the time of assignment, segmented by year of assignment:

		Forecasted Collection Percentage as of												Variance in Forecasted Collection Percentage from
Consumer Loan  Assignment Year		March 31, 2012				December 31, 2011				Initial Forecast				December 31, 2011				Initial Forecast
2003			73.7	%			73.7	%			72.0	%			0.0	%			1.7	%
2004			73.0	%			73.0	%			73.0	%			0.0	%			0.0	%
2005			73.6	%			73.6	%			74.0	%			0.0	%			-0.4	%
2006			70.0	%			70.0	%			71.4	%			0.0	%			-1.4	%
2007			68.1	%			68.1	%			70.7	%			0.0	%			-2.6	%
2008			70.1	%			70.0	%			69.7	%			0.1	%			0.4	%
2009			79.5	%			79.4	%			71.9	%			0.1	%			7.6	%
2010			76.9	%			76.8	%			73.6	%			0.1	%			3.3	%
2011			73.0	%			73.2	%			72.5	%			-0.2	%			0.5	%

 

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Consumer Loans assigned in 2003, 2009 and 2010 have yielded forecasted collection results materially better than our initial estimates, while Consumer Loans assigned in 2006 and 2007 have yielded forecasted collection results materially worse than our initial estimates.  For all other assignment years presented, actual results have been very close to our initial estimates.  For the three months ended March 31, 2012, forecasted collection rates declined for Consumer Loans assigned during 2011 and were generally consistent with expectations at the start of the period for all other assignment years presented.  

Forecasting collection rates precisely 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 currently 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 March 31, 2012.  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 March 31, 2012
Consumer Loan Assignment Year		Forecasted Collection %			Advance % (1)			Spread %			% of Forecast Realized (2)
2003		73.7	%		43.4	%		30.3	%		99.5	%
2004		73.0	%		44.0	%		29.0	%		99.4	%
2005		73.6	%		46.9	%		26.7	%		99.3	%
2006		70.0	%		46.6	%		23.4	%		98.5	%
2007		68.1	%		46.5	%		21.6	%		97.1	%
2008		70.1	%		44.6	%		25.5	%		94.1	%
2009		79.5	%		43.9	%		35.6	%		87.4	%
2010		76.9	%		44.7	%		32.2	%		61.5	%
2011		73.0	%		45.5	%		27.5	%		27.6	%
2012		70.5	%		45.0	%		25.5	%		3.5	%

(1)

Represents advances paid to Dealer-Partners on Consumer Loans assigned under our Portfolio Program and one-time payments made to Dealer-Partners 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.

The risk of a material change in our forecasted collection rate declines as the Consumer Loans age.  For 2008 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 declined during the 2004 through 2007 period as we increased advance rates during this period in response to a more difficult competitive environment.  During 2008 and 2009, the spread increased as the competitive environment improved, and we reduced advance rates.  In addition, during 2009, the spread was positively impacted by better than expected Consumer Loan performance.  During the 2010 through 2012 period, the spread decreased as we increased advance rates during this period in an attempt to maximize the amount of economic profit we generate in response to an increase in the amount of capital available to fund new Loans.

 

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The following table presents forecasted Consumer Loan collection rates, advance rates, and the spread (the forecasted collection rate less the advance rate) as of March 31, 2012 for Dealer Loans and Purchased Loans separately.  All amounts are presented as a percentage of the initial balance of the Consumer Loan (principal + interest).

 

	Consumer Loan Assignment Year		Forecasted Collection %			Advance % (1)			Spread %
Dealer Loans	2007		68.0	%		45.8	%		22.2	%
	2008		70.6	%		43.3	%		27.3	%
	2009		79.5	%		43.5	%		36.0	%
	2010		76.9	%		44.4	%		32.5	%
	2011		72.9	%		45.2	%		27.7	%
	2012		70.5	%		44.7	%		25.8	%
Purchased Loans	2007		68.3	%		49.1	%		19.2	%
	2008		69.3	%		46.7	%		22.6	%
	2009		79.4	%		45.3	%		34.1	%
	2010		76.9	%		46.5	%		30.4	%
	2011		74.0	%		48.3	%		25.7	%
	2012		70.9	%		49.1	%		21.8	%

(1)

Represents advances paid to Dealer-Partners on Consumer Loans assigned under our Portfolio Program and one-time payments made to Dealer-Partners 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.

The advance rates presented for each Consumer Loan assignment year change over time due to the impact of transfers between Dealer and Purchased Loans.  Under our Portfolio Program, certain events may result in Dealer-Partners forfeiting their rights to Dealer Holdback.  We transfer the Dealer-Partner’s Consumer Loans from the Dealer Loan portfolio to the Purchased Loan portfolio in the period this forfeiture occurs.

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.

Consumer Loan Volume

The following table summarizes changes in Consumer Loan assignment volume in each of the last five 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, 2011		36.7	%		59.3	%
June 30, 2011		28.7	%		41.3	%
September 30, 2011		28.6	%		40.5	%
December 31, 2011		25.3	%		32.1	%
March 31, 2012		10.6	%		10.7	%

(1)

Represents advances paid to Dealer-Partners on Consumer Loans assigned under our Portfolio Program and one-time payments made to Dealer-Partners 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 product, (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 grew 10.6% and 10.7%, respectively, during the first quarter of 2012 as the number of active Dealer-Partners grew 29.5% and average volume per active Dealer-Partner declined 14.6%.  We believe the decline in volume per Dealer-Partner is the result of increased competition.  Unit volume for the one month ended April 30, 2012 increased by 0.3% as compared to the same period in 2011.

 

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The following table summarizes the changes in Consumer Loan unit volume and active Dealer-Partners:

 

	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012		2011		% Change
Consumer Loan unit volume	58,796		53,183		10.6	%
Active Dealer-Partners (1)	3,594		2,775		29.5	%
Average volume per active Dealer-Partner	16.4		19.2		-14.6	%

         (1)        Active Dealer-Partners are Dealer-Partners who have received funding for at least one Loan during the period.

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

 

		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2012			2011			% Change
Consumer Loan unit volume from Dealer-Partners active both periods		44,369			48,303			-8.1	%
Dealer-Partners active both periods		2,146			2,146			–
Average volume per Dealer-Partners active both periods		20.7			22.5			-8.1	%
Consumer Loan unit volume from new Dealer-Partners		4,089			2,177			87.8	%
New active Dealer-Partners (1)		554			321			72.6	%
Average volume per new active Dealer-Partners		7.4			6.8			8.8	%
Attrition (2)		-9.2	%		-10.9	%

 

(1)

New active Dealer-Partners are Dealer-Partners who enrolled in our program and have received funding for their first Loan from us during the period.

(2)

Attrition is measured according to the following formula:  decrease in Consumer Loan unit volume from Dealer-Partners who have received funding for at least one Loan during the comparable period of the prior year but did not receive funding for any Loans during the current period divided by prior year comparable period Consumer Loan unit volume.

Consumer Loans are assigned to us as either Dealer Loans through our Portfolio Program or Purchased Loans through our Purchase Program.  The following table summarizes the portion of our Consumer Loan volume that was assigned to us as Dealer Loans:

 

		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2012			2011
Dealer Loan unit volume as a percentage of total unit volume		93.3	%		92.9	%
Dealer Loan dollar volume as a percentage of total dollar volume (1)		91.5	%		91.1	%

(1)

Represents advances paid to Dealer-Partners on Consumer Loans assigned under our Portfolio Program and one-time payments made to Dealer-Partners to purchase Consumer Loans assigned under our Purchase Program.  Payments of Dealer Holdback and accelerated Dealer Holdback are not included.

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, new Dealer Loan unit and dollar volume as a percentage of total unit and dollar volume were generally consistent with the same period in 2011.

As of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the net Dealer Loans receivable balance was 86.5% and 85.4%, respectively, of the total net Loans receivable balance.

 

 

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Results of Operations

Three Months Ended March 31, 2012 Compared to Three Months Ended March 31, 2011

The following is a discussion of our results of operations and income statement data on a consolidated basis.

 

(In thousands, except per share data)		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2012			2011			% Change
Revenue:
Finance charges		$	126,066		$	106,503		18.4	%
Premiums earned			10,770			8,543		26.1	%
Other income			5,568			8,466		-34.2	%
Total revenue			142,404			123,512		15.3	%
Costs and expenses:
Salaries and wages			19,404			16,071		20.7	%
General and administrative			7,409			5,633		31.5	%
Sales and marketing			7,753			6,409		21.0	%
Provision for credit losses			5,247			8,916		-41.2	%
Interest			15,212			12,623		20.5	%
Provision for claims			8,552			6,599		29.6	%
Total costs and expenses			63,577			56,251		13.0	%
Income before provision for income taxes			78,827			67,261		17.2	%
Provision for income taxes			28,489			24,070		18.4	%
Net income			50,338			43,191		16.5	%
Net income per share:
Basic		$	1.92		$	1.59
Diluted		$	1.92		$	1.57
Weighted average shares outstanding:
Basic			26,158			27,196
Diluted			26,284			27,489

 

 

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The following table highlights changes in net income for the three months ended March 31, 2012, as compared to 2011:

 

(In thousands)		Change
Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2011		$	43,191
Increase in finance charges			19,563
Increase in premiums earned			2,227
Decrease in other income			(2,898	)
Increase in operating expenses (1)			(6,453	)
Decrease in provision for credit losses			3,669
Increase in interest			(2,589	)
Increase in provision for claims			(1,953	)
Increase in provision for income taxes			(4,419	)
Net income for the three months ended March 31, 2012		$	50,338

 

(1)

Operating expenses consist of salaries and wages, general and administrative, and sales and marketing expenses.

Finance Charges.   For the three months ended March 31, 2012, finance charges increased $19.6 million, or 18.4%, as compared to the same period in 2011.  The increase was primarily the result of an increase in the average net Loans receivable balance partially offset by a decrease in the average yield on our Loan portfolio, as follows:

 

(Dollars in thousands)		For the Three Months Ended March 31,
		2012				2011				Change
Average net Loans receivable balance		$	1,649,743			$	1,258,789			$	390,954
Average yield on our Loan portfolio			30.6	%			33.8	%			-3.2	%

The following table summarizes the impact each component had on the overall increase in finance charges for the three months ended March 31, 2012:

 

(In thousands)		Year over Year Change
Impact on finance charges:		For the Three Months Ended March 31, 2012
Due to an increase in the average net Loans receivable balance		$	33,078
Due to a decrease in the average yield			(13,515	)
Total increase in finance charges		$	19,563

The increase in the average net Loans receivable balance was primarily due to growth in new Loan volume throughout 2011 and the first quarter of 2012, which was primarily a result of increases in active Dealer-Partners, the size of the average Consumer Loan assignment and advance rates.  The average yield on our Loan portfolio for the three months ended March 31, 2012 decreased as compared to the same period in 2011 due to lower yields on new Loans, partially offset by improvements in forecasted collection rates throughout 2011.

Premiums Earned.   For the three months ended March 31, 2012, premiums earned increased $2.2 million, or 26.1%, as compared to the same period in 2011.  The increase is primarily due to growth in the size of our reinsurance portfolio which resulted from growth in new Consumer Loan assignments throughout 2011 and the first quarter of 2012.

Other Income.   For the three months ended March 31, 2012, other income decreased $2.9 million, or 34.2%, as compared to the same period in 2011.  The decrease in other income is primarily due to the change in the timing of the recognition of our annual profit sharing payments received from our third party Guaranteed Asset Protection (“GAP”) provider based on the performance of our GAP program.  Prior to the second quarter of 2011, we received and recognized GAP profit sharing payments annually in the first quarter of each year.  Beginning with the second quarter of 2011, we modified our revenue recognition to begin recognizing this income as earned over the life of the GAP contracts.  In addition, profit sharing income for the first quarter of 2012 was reduced by a $0.5 million reversal of previously recognized income as a result of a change in our profit sharing arrangement.  For the three months ended March 31, 2012, we recognized $3.5 million less GAP profit sharing than in the same quarter in 2011.  The decrease in GAP profit sharing was partially offset by a $0.9 million increase in GDP/SID fee income primarily due to increases in the fee earned per unit and the number of units sold.

 

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Operating Expenses.   For the three months ended March 31, 2012, operating expenses increased $6.5 million, or 23.0%, as compared to the same period in 2011.  The change in operating expenses is due to the following:

·

An increase in salaries and wages expense of $3.3 million, or 20.7%, primarily due to a $1.5 million and a $0.8 million increase in hourly wages and salaries, respectively, to support the growth of our Loan portfolio and an increase of $0.9 million in fringe benefits primarily due to an increase in team members and an increase in medical expenses incurred per team member.

·

An increase in general and administrative expense of $1.8 million, or 31.5%, was due to the reversal of previously recognized property taxes during the first quarter of 2011 as a result of the successful appeal of our property tax assessment, increased legal costs, and increased information technology costs.

·	An increase in sales and marketing expense of $1.4 million, or 21.0%, primarily due to a 57% expansion of our field sales force.

Provision for Credit Losses .  For the three months ended March 31, 2012, the provision for credit losses decreased $3.7 million, or 41.2%, as compared to the same period in 2011.  Under GAAP, when the present value of forecasted future cash flows decline relative to our expectations at the time of assignment, a provision for credit losses is recorded immediately as a current period expense and a corresponding allowance for credit losses is established.  For purposes of calculating the required allowance, Dealer Loans are grouped by Dealer-Partner and Purchased Loans are grouped by month of purchase.  As a result, regardless of the overall performance of the portfolio of Consumer Loans, a provision can be required if any individual Loan pool performs worse than expected.  Conversely, a previously recorded provision can be reversed if any previously impaired individual Loan pool experiences an improvement in performance.

During the three months ended March 31, 2012, overall Consumer Loan performance was generally consistent with our expectations at the start of the period.  However, the performance of certain Loan pools declined from our expectations during the period, resulting in a provision for credit losses of $5.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2012, of which $6.6 million related to Dealer Loans partially offset by a reversal of a provision of $1.4 million related to Purchased Loans.  During the three months ended March 31, 2011, overall Consumer Loan performance was generally consistent with our expectations at the start of the period.  However, the performance of certain Loan pools declined from our expectations during the period, resulting in a provision for credit losses of $8.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2011, of which $9.4 million related to Dealer Loans offset by a reversal of provision of $0.5 million related to Purchased Loans.

Interest.   For the three months ended March 31, 2012, interest expense increased $2.6 million, or 20.5%, as compared to the same period in 2011.  The following table shows interest expense, the average outstanding debt balance, and the pre-tax average cost of debt for the three months ended March 31, 2012 and 2011:

 

(Dollars in thousands)	For the Three Months Ended March 31,
	2012				2011
Interest expense	$	15,212			$	12,623
Average outstanding debt balance		1,031,160				723,781
Pre-tax average cost of debt		5.9	%			7.0	%

For the three months ended March 31, 2012, the increase in interest expense is primarily due to the increase in the average outstanding debt balance, partially offset by a decline in our pre-tax average cost of debt.  The average outstanding debt balance increased compared to the same period in 2011 due to the use of the debt proceeds to fund the growth in new Consumer Loan assignments and stock repurchases.  The decline in our pre-tax average cost of debt was primarily a result of a change in the mix of our outstanding debt.

Provision for Claims.   For the three months ended March 31, 2012, provision for claims increased $2.0 million, or 29.6%, as compared to the same period in 2011.  The increase was due to an increase in the size of our reinsurance portfolio partially offset by a decrease in claims paid per reinsured vehicle service contract.

Provision for Income Taxes.   For the three months ended March 31, 2012, the effective tax rate increased to 36.1%, from 35.8% in the same period in 2011.  The increase was partially due to a $0.5 million refund the company received in the first quarter of 2011 as part of a resolution of a dispute with the IRS.

 

 

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Liquidity and Capital Resources

We need capital to maintain and grow our business.  Our primary sources of capital are cash flows from operating activities, collections of Consumer Loans and borrowings under: (1) a revolving secured line of credit; (2) Warehouse facilities; (3) Term ABS financings; and (4) Senior Notes.  There are various restrictive debt covenants for each financing arrangement and we are in compliance with those covenants as of March 31, 2012.  For information regarding these financings and the covenants included in the related documents, see Note 5 to the consolidated financial statements contained in Item 1 of this Form 10-Q, which is incorporated herein by reference.

During the first quarter of 2012, we completed a $201.3 million Term ABS financing which was used to repay outstanding indebtedness.  The financing has an expected annualized cost of approximately 2.8% (including the initial purchaser’s fees and other costs) and it will revolve for 24 months after which it will amortize based upon the cash flows on the contributed loans.

Cash and cash equivalents as of March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011 was $4.7 million.  Our total balance sheet indebtedness increased $134.9 million to $1,132.7 million as of March 31, 2012 from $997.8 million as of December 31, 2011 due to the growth in new Consumer Loan assignments and stock repurchases.

Contractual Obligations

A summary of our scheduled principal debt maturities as of March 31, 2012 is as follows:

 

(In thousands)
Year		Scheduled Principal Debt Maturities (1)
Remainder of 2012		$	24,033
2013			172,803
2014			565,338
2015			20,202
2016			-
Thereafter			350,000
Total		$	1,132,376

 

(1)

The principal maturities of certain financings are estimated based on forecasted collections.

The amounts presented exclude the net unamortized debt premium of $0.4 million.

Based upon anticipated cash flows, management believes that cash flows from operations and its various financing alternatives will provide sufficient financing for debt maturities and for future operations.  Our ability to borrow funds may be impacted by economic and financial market conditions.  If the various financing alternatives were to become limited or unavailable to us, our operations and liquidity could be materially and adversely affected.

Critical Accounting Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance with GAAP.  The preparation of these financial statements requires management to make estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  On an ongoing basis, we review our accounting policies, assumptions, estimates and judgments to ensure that our financial statements are presented fairly and in accordance with GAAP.  Item 7 of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 discusses several critical accounting estimates, which we believe involve a high degree of judgment and complexity.  There have been no material changes to the estimates and assumptions associated with these accounting estimates from those discussed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements that have or are reasonably likely to have a material current or future effect on our financial condition, revenues or expenses, results of operations, liquidity, capital expenditures or capital resources.

 

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Forward-Looking Statements

We make forward-looking statements in this report and may make such statements in future filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).  We may also make forward-looking statements in our press releases or other public or shareholder communications.  Our forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties and include information about our expectations and possible or assumed future results of operations.  When we use any of the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “forecast,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “target” or similar expressions, we are making forward-looking statements.

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.  These forward-looking statements represent our outlook only as of the date of this report.  While we believe that our forward-looking statements are reasonable, actual results could differ materially 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, 2011, other risk factors discussed herein or listed from time to time in our reports filed with the SEC and the following:

 

·	Our inability to accurately forecast and estimate the amount and timing of future collections could have a material adverse effect on results of operations.

 

·	We may be unable to execute our business strategy due to current economic conditions.

 

·	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 Term ABS facilities or Warehouse facilities could have a materially adverse impact on our operations.

 

·	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.

 

·	Our substantial debt could negatively impact our business, prevent us from satisfying our debt obligations and adversely affect our financial condition.

 

·	Due to competition from traditional financing sources and non-traditional lenders, we may not be able to compete successfully.

 

·	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.

 

·	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 regulation to which we are or may become subject could result in a material adverse effect on our business.

 

·

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.

 

·	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.

 

·	Our operations are dependent on technology.

 

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·	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 Dealer-Partners in several states could adversely affect us.

 

·	Failure to properly safeguard confidential consumer information could subject us to liability, decrease our profitability and damage our reputation.

 

·	Our Chairman and founder controls a significant percentage of our common stock, has the ability to significantly influence matters requiring shareholder approval and has interests which may conflict with the interests of our other security holders.

 

·	Reliance on our outsourced business functions could adversely affect our business.

 

·	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.

Other factors not currently anticipated by management may also materially and adversely affect our 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.

ITEM 3.           QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK.

Refer to our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011 for a complete discussion of our market risk.  There have been no material changes to the market risk information included in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K.

 

ITEM 4 .          CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES.

Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures.

(a) Disclosure Controls and Procedures. Our management, with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act")) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that, as of the end of such period, our disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting, on a timely basis, information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act and are effective in ensuring that information required to be disclosed by us in the reports that we file or submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

(b) Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. There have not been any changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Exchange Act) during the fiscal quarter to which this report relates that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

 

 

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PART II. - OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 2 .          UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

Stock Repurchases

On August 5, 1999, our board of directors approved a stock repurchase program which authorizes us to repurchase common shares in the open market or in privately negotiated transactions at price levels we deem attractive.  On March 26, 2012, the board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to one million shares of our common stock in addition to the board’s prior authorizations.  As of March 31, 2012, we have authorization to repurchase up to $6.2 million of our common stock in addition to the one million shares recently approved by the board.

The following table summarizes stock repurchases for the three months ended March 31, 2012:

Period		Total Number of Shares Purchased			Average Price Paid per Share			Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs		Maximum Dollar Value that May Yet Be Used to Purchase Shares Under the Plans or Programs			Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
January 1 to January 31, 2012		-			$	-		-		$	24,909,622
February 1 to February 29, 2012		65,372	*			94.68		52,319			19,963,854
March 1 to March 31, 2012		138,524				99.64		138,524			6,161,954		1,000,000
		203,896			$	98.05		190,843

*Amount includes 13,053 shares of common stock released to us by team members as payment of tax withholdings due to us upon the vesting of restricted stock.

ITEM 6.          EXHIBITS

See Index of Exhibits following the signature page, which is incorporated herein by reference.

 

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SIGNATURE

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

	CREDIT ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
	(Registrant)
	By:	/s/ Kenneth S. Booth
		Kenneth S. Booth
		Chief Financial Officer
		(Principal Financial Officer and Principal Accounting Officer)
	Date: May 2, 2012

 

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INDEX OF EXHIBITS

The following documents are filed as part of this report.  Those exhibits previously filed and incorporated herein by reference are identified below.  Exhibits not required for this report have been omitted.  Unless otherwise noted, the Company’s commission file number for all exhibits incorporated by reference herein is 000-20202.

Exhibit No.			Description
	4.66		Indenture dated as of March 29, 2012, between Credit Acceptance Auto Loan Trust 2012-1 and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 4, 2012)
	4.67		Sale and Servicing Agreement dated as of March 29, 2012, among the Company, Credit Acceptance Auto Loan Trust 2012-1, Credit Acceptance Funding LLC 2012-1, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 4, 2012)
	4.68		Backup Servicing Agreement dated as of March 29, 2012, among the Company, Credit Acceptance Funding LLC 2012-1, Credit Acceptance Auto Loan Trust 2012-1, and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (incorporated by reference to an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 4, 2012)
	4.69		Amended and Restated Trust Agreement dated as of March 29, 2012, between Credit Acceptance Funding LLC 2012-1 and U.S. Bank Trust National Association (incorporated by reference to an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 4, 2012)
	4.70		Sale and Contribution Agreement dated as of March 29, 2012, between the Company and Credit Acceptance Funding LLC 2012-1 (incorporated by reference to an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 4, 2012)
	4.71		Amended and Restated Intercreditor Agreement dated March 29, 2012, among the Company, CAC Warehouse Funding Corporation II, CAC Warehouse Funding III, LLC, CAC Warehouse Funding LLC IV, Credit Acceptance Funding LLC 2012-1, Credit Acceptance Funding LLC 2011-1, Credit Acceptance Funding LLC 2010-1, Credit Acceptance Auto Loan Trust 2012-1, Credit Acceptance Auto Loan Trust 2011-1, Credit Acceptance Auto Loan Trust 2010-1, Fifth Third Bank, as agent, Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as agent, Bank of Montreal, as agent and Comerica Bank, as agent (incorporated by reference to an exhibit to the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K, dated April 4, 2012)
	10.16		Credit Acceptance Corporation Restricted Stock Unit Award Agreement, dated March 26, 2012. *
	10.17		Credit Acceptance Corporation Restricted Stock Award Agreement, dated March 26, 2012. *
	10.18		Credit Acceptance Corporation Amended and Restated Incentive Compensation Plan, as amended, March 26, 2012 (incorporated by reference to Annex A to the Company’s Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, dated April 5, 2012) *
	31.1		Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
	31.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
	32.1		Certification of Chief Executive Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
	32.2		Certification of Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
101(INS)			XBRL Instance Document. **
101(SCH)			XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document. **
101(CAL)			XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document. **
101(LAB)			XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document. **
101(PRE)			XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document. **

*	Management compensatory contracts and arrangements.

**

Users of this data are advised pursuant to Rule 406T of Regulation S-T that this interactive data file is deemed not filed or part of a registration statement or prospectus for purposes of sections 11 or 12 of the Securities Act of 1933, is deemed not filed for purposes of section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and otherwise is not subject to liability under these sections.

 

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