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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

For

Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 20162020

of

atlanticus.jpg
of

ATLANTICUS HOLDINGS CORPORATION

a Georgia Corporation

IRS Employer Identification No. 58-2336689

SEC File Number 0-53717

Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 300

Atlanta, Georgia 30328

(770) 828-2000

Atlanticus’ common stock, no par value per share, is registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Act”) and is listedtrades on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

Market under the ticker symbol "ATLC".

Atlanticus is not a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933.

Atlanticus (1) is required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 of the Act, (2) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 of the Act during the preceding 12 months and (3) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Atlanticus has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months.


Atlanticus believes that its executive officers, directors and 10% beneficial owners subject to Section 16(a) of the Act complied with all applicable filing requirements during 2016.

Atlanticus is a smaller reporting company and a non-accelerated filer. Atlanticus is not a shell company or an emerging growth company.


This Annual Report on Form 10-K includes Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting under Part II, Item 9A "Controls and Procedures." As a non-accelerated filer, this report is not subject to attestation by Atlanticus' independent public accounting firm, and this Annual Report on Form 10-K does not include such an attestation report. 

The aggregate market value of Atlanticus’ common stock (based upon the closing sales price quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market) held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 20162020 was $15.2$68.9 million. (For(For this purpose, directors, officers and 10% shareholders have been assumed to be affiliates, and we also have excludedincluded 1,459,233 loaned shares at June 30, 2016.2020.)


As of March 15, 2017, 13,945,85318, 2021, 16,419,886 shares of common stock, no par value, of Atlanticus were outstanding. This excludesoutstanding, including 1,459,233 loaned shares to be returned.


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of Atlanticus’Atlanticus' Proxy Statement for its 20172021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III.

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In this Report, except as the context suggests otherwise, the words “Company,” “Atlanticus Holdings Corporation,” “Atlanticus,” “we,” “our,” “ours” and “us” refer to Atlanticus Holdings Corporation and its subsidiaries and predecessors. Atlanticus owns Aspire®, Emerge®, Fortiva®, Imagine®, Salute®, Tribute® and other trademarks and service marks in the United States (“U.S.”) and the United Kingdom (“U.K.”).

Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

We make forward-looking statements in this Report and in other materials we file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or otherwise make public. In this Report, both Item 1, “Business,” and Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” contain forward-looking statements. In addition, our senior management might make forward-looking statements to analysts, investors, the media and others. Statements with respect to expected revenue; income; receivables; income ratios; net interest margins; long-term shareholder returns; acquisitions of financial assets and other growth opportunities; divestitures and discontinuations of businesses; loss exposure and loss provisions; delinquency and charge-off rates; the effectsextent and duration of account actions we may take or have taken;the COVID-19 pandemic and its impact on the Company, our bank partners, merchant network, financing sources, borrowers, loan demand, legal and regulatory matters, information security and consumer privacy, the capital markets, the economy in general and changes in collection programsthe U.S. economy that could materially impact consumer spending behavior, unemployment and practices;demand for our products; changes in the credit quality and fair value of our credit card loans, interest and fees receivable and the fair value of their underlying structured financing facilities; the impact of actions by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), Federal Reserve Board, Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) and other regulators on both us, banks that issue credit cards and other credit products on our behalf, and merchants that participate in our retail and healthcare point-of-sale (collectively "point-of-sale") finance operations; account growth; the performance of investments that we have made; operating expenses; the impact of bankruptcy law changes; marketing plans and expenses; the performance of our Auto Finance segment; our plans in the U.K.; the impact of our credit card receivables on our financial performance; the sufficiency of available capital; the prospect for improvements in the capital and finance markets; future interest costs; sources of funding operations and acquisitions; growth and profitability of our point-of-sale finance operations; our entry into international markets; our ability to raise funds or renew financing facilities; share repurchases or issuances; debt retirement; the results associated with our equity-method investee; our servicing income levels; gains and losses from investments in securities; experimentation with new products and other statements of our plans, beliefs or expectations are forward-looking statements. These and other statements using words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “target,” “can,” “could,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions also are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of the particular statement. The forward-looking statements we make are not guarantees of future performance, and we have based these statements on our assumptions and analyses in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. Forward-looking statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results, and actual future results could differ materially from those described in such statements. Management cautions against putting undue reliance on forward-looking statements or projecting any future results based on such statements or present or historical earnings levels.

Although it is not possible to identify all factors, we continue to face many risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual future results to differ materially from our expectations are the risks and uncertainties described under “Risk Factors” set forth in Part I, Item 1A, and the risk factors and other cautionary statements in other documents we file with the SEC, including the following:

the availability of adequate financing to support growth;

the extent to which federal, state, local and foreign governmental regulation of our various business lines and the products we service for others limits or prohibits the operation of our businesses;

current and future litigation and regulatory proceedings against us;

the effect of adverse economic conditions on our revenues, loss rates and cash flows;

competition from various sources providing similar financial products, or other alternative sources of credit, to consumers;

impacts due to delays or interruptions associated with ongoing system conversions; 

the adequacy of our allowances for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable and estimates of loan losses used within our risk management and analyses;

the adequacy of our allowances for uncollectible loans and fees receivable and estimates of loan losses used within our risk management and analyses;

the possible impairment of assets;

the duration and magnitude of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on credit usage, payments and the capital markets;

our ability to manage costs in line with the expansion or contraction of our various business lines;

our ability to manage costs in line with the expansion or contraction of our various business lines;

our relationship with (i) the merchants that participate in point-of-sale finance operations and (ii) the banks that issue credit cards and provide certain other credit products utilizing our technology platform and related services; and

theft and employee errors.


Most of these factors are beyond our ability to predict or control. Any of these factors, or a combination of these factors, could materially affect our future financial condition or results of operations and the ultimate accuracy of our forward-


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lookingforward-looking statements. There also are other factors that we may not describe (because we currently do not perceive them to be material) that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations.

We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.


ITEM 1.

BUSINESS

This Report contains information that we obtained from industry and general publications and research, surveys and studies conducted by third parties. This information involves many assumptions and limitations, and you are cautioned not to give undue weight to any of this data. We have obtained this information from sources that we believe are reliable. However, we have not independently verified market or industry data from third party sources.

General

A general discussion of our business follows. For additional information about our business, please visit our website at www.Atlanticus.com. Information contained on or available through our website is not incorporated by reference in this Report.

Market Overview

According to data published by Experian, 41% of Americans had FICO® scores of less than 700 as of the second quarter of 2019. A recent survey conducted by Highland Solutions found that 63% of Americans lived “paycheck to paycheck” and 82% of people do not have access to an emergency fund. We believe this equates to a population of over 100 million everyday Americans in need of additional access to credit. These consumers often have financial needs that are not effectively met by larger financial institutions. By facilitating fairly priced consumer credit and financial service alternatives with value added features and benefits specifically curated for the unique needs of these consumers, we endeavor to empower everyday Americans on a path to improved financial well-being.

Company History

We are a Georgia corporation formed in 2009, as successor to an entity that commenced operations in 1996. We provide various credit and related financial services and products primarily to or associated with the financially underserved consumer credit market.1996. We utilize proprietary analytics and a flexible technology platform to enable financial institutions to provide various credit and related financial services and products to or associated with the financially underserved consumer credit market. everyday Americans.

Credit and Other Investments Segment

Currently, within our Credit and Other Investments segment, we are applying the experiences gained and infrastructure built from servicing over $25$26 billion in consumer loans over our 20-year24-year operating history to support lenders who originate a range of consumer loan products. These products include retail credit, personal loans,private label and general purpose credit cards marketedoriginated by lenders through multiple channels, including retail and healthcare point-of-sale (collectively "point-of-sale"), direct mail solicitation, Internet-based marketingonline and partnerships with third parties. In the point-of-sale channel, we partner with retailers and service providers in various industries across the U.S. to allow them to provide credit to their customers for the purchase of a variety of goods and services including consumer electronics, furniture, elective medical procedures, healthcare, educational services and home-improvements. The services of our bank partners are often extended to consumers who may not have access to financing options with larger financial institutions. We specialize in supporting this “second-look” credit service.

Our flexible technology platform allows our lendingbank partners to integrate our paperless process and instant decision-makingdecisioning platform with the technology infrastructure of participating retailers and service providers. These servicesBuilt on more than 20 years of our lending partners are often extended to consumers who may have been declined under traditional financing options. We specializeinvestment in supporting this “second-look” credit service. Additionally, we support lenders who market general purpose personal loansdata, people and credit cards directly to consumers (our “direct-to-consumer” products) through additional channels, which enables them to reach consumers through a diverse origination platform that includes direct mail, Internet-based marketing andtechnology, our retail partnerships. Our technology platform and proprietary analytics enable lenders to make instant credit decisions utilizing hundreds of inputs from multiple sources and thereby offer credit to consumers overlooked by traditionalmany providers of credit.financing who focus exclusively on consumers with higher FICO scores. By offeringsupporting a range of products through a multitude of channels, we enable lenders to provide the right type of credit, whenever and wherever the consumer has a need. In

We are principally engaged in providing products and services to lenders in the U.S. and, in most cases, we invest in the receivables originated by lenders who utilize our technology platform and other related services.


From time to time, we also purchase receivables portfolios from third parties. In this Report, “receivables” or “loans” typically refer to receivables we have purchased from our bank partners or from third parties.

Using our infrastructure and technology platform, we also provide loan servicing, including risk management and customer service outsourcing, for third parties. Also through our Credit and Other Investments segment, we engage in testing and limited investment in consumer finance technology platforms as we seek to capitalize on our expertise and infrastructure.


Beyond these activities within our Credit and Other Investments segment, we invest in and service portfolios of credit card receivables. One of our portfolios of credit card receivables is encumbered by non-recourse structured financing, and for this portfolio our principal remaining economic interest is the servicing compensation we receive as an offset against our servicing costs given that the likely future collections on the portfolio are insufficient to allow for full repayment of the financing.

Additionally, we report within our Credit and Other Investments segmentsegment:

(1)  the income earned from an investment in an equity-method investee that holds credit card receivables for which we are the servicer.


Lastly, we report within our Creditservicer; and Other Investments segment

(2)  gains or losses associated with investments previously made in consumer finance technology platforms. These include investments in companies engaged in mobile technologies, marketplace lending and other financial technologies. These investments are carried at the lower of cost or market valuation. Some of these investees have raised capital at valuations in excess of our associated book value. However, noneNone of these companies are publicly-traded and there are no material pending liquidity events,events. During the year ended December 31, 2020, one of the companies we invested in underwent a recapitalization which resulted in our receipt of $2.0 million in distributions. We retained our minority ownership stake in this company and ascribing valuewill continue to these investmentscarry the investment on our books at this time would be speculative.

cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes.

The recurring cash flows we receive within our Credit and Other Investments segment principally include those associated with (1) point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables, (2) servicing compensation and (3) credit card receivables portfolios that are unencumbered or where we own a portion of the underlying structured financing facility.


We historically financed most offacility (such as those associated with our investments in thelegacy credit card receivables originated throughoperations).

Subject to potential disruptions caused by COVID-19, we believe that our platform through the asset-backed securitization markets. These markets deteriorated significantly in 2008, and the level of “advance rates,” or leverage against credit card receivable assets, in the current asset-backed securitization markets is below pre-2008 levels. We do believe, however, that point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables are generating, and will continue to generate,


attractive returns on assets, thereby facilitating debt financing under terms and conditions (including advance rates and pricing) that will support attractive returns on equity, and we continue to pursue growth in this area.

Auto Finance Segment

Within our Auto Finance segment, our CAR subsidiary operations principally purchase and/or service loans secured by automobiles from or for, and also provide floor plan financing for, a pre-qualified network of independent automotive dealers and automotive finance companies in the buy-here, pay-here, used car business. We purchase auto loans at a discount and with dealer retentions or holdbacks that provide risk protection. Also within our Auto Finance segment, we are providing certain installment lending products in addition to our traditional loans secured by automobiles.
We closely monitor and manage our expenses based on current product offerings (and in recent years have significantly reduced our overhead infrastructure which was built to accommodate higher managed receivables levels and a much greater number
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Subject to the availability of capital at attractive terms and pricing, we plan to continue to evaluate and pursue a variety of activities, including: (1) investments in additional financial assets associated with point-of-sale, direct-to-consumer and direct-to-consumeronline finance and credit activities as well as the acquisition of interests in receivables portfolios; (2) investments in other financial products or services; (3) investments in assets or businesses that are not necessarily financial services assets or businesses;businesses and (3)(4) the repurchase or redemption of our convertible senior notes and other debt orand our outstanding common stock.

We elected the fair value option to account for certain loans receivable associated with our point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer platform that are acquired on or after January 1, 2020. We believe the use of fair value for these receivables more closely approximates the true economics of these receivables, better matching the yields and corresponding charge-offs. We believe the fair value option also enables us to report GAAP net income that provides increased transparency into our profitability and asset quality. Receivables arising in accounts originated prior to January 1, 2020 will continue to be accounted for in our 2020 and subsequent financial statements at amortized cost, net. We estimate the fair value of those receivables for which we elected the fair value option on January 1, 2020 (the "Fair Value Receivables") using a discounted cash flow model, which considers various factors such as expected yields on consumer receivables, the timing of expected payments, customer default rates, estimated costs to service the portfolio, interest rates, and valuations of comparable portfolios. As a result of this fair value adoption, our loans, interest and fees receivable arising in accounts originated subsequent to January 1, 2020 will be carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized directly in earnings, and certain fee billings (such as annual membership fees and merchant fees) and origination costs associated with these receivables will no longer be deferred. We reevaluate the fair value of our Fair Value Receivables at the end of each quarter.

Beyond these activities within our Credit and Other Investments Segment.segment, we invest in and service portfolios of credit card receivables.

Credit and Other Investments Segment

Our Credit and Other Investments segment includes our activities relating to our servicing of and our investments in receivables from point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer financecredit card operations, investments in and servicing of our various credit card receivables portfolios, andas well as other product developmenttesting and limited investment in consumer finance technology platformsinvestments that generally capitalize onutilize much of the same infrastructure. The types of revenues we earn from our credit infrastructure.

investments in receivables portfolios and services primarily include fees and finance charges, and merchant fees or annual fees associated with the point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables.

As previously discussed, we support lenders who originate a range of consumer loan products over multiple channels. Through our point-of-sale operations, we leverage our flexible technology platform that allows retail partners and service providers to offer loan options to their customers who may have been declined by a primary lender. The same proprietary analytics and infrastructure also allows lenders to offer general purpose loan products directly to consumers with our direct-to-consumer products. We help lenders reach these consumers through a diverse origination platform that includes direct mail, Internet-baseddigital marketing and partnerships.

Our growing portfolio of receivables assets are generatingpartnerships, and we believe will continue to generate attractive returns on assets, thereby allowing us to secure debt financing under terms and conditions (including advance rates and pricing) that will allow us to achieveare currently expanding our desired returns on equity, and we continue to pursue growth in this area.
In the past several quarters, we have recommenced the acquisitionacquisitions of new receivables associated with both our point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer credit card accounts. With respect to the credit card accounts underlying our historical credit card receivables and portfolios, substantially all of the related credit card accounts have been closed to new cardholder purchases since 2009. We continue to service these credit card portfolios as they liquidate.

Our credit and other operations are heavily regulated, which may cause us to change how we conduct our operations either in response to regulation or in keeping with our goal of leading the industry in adherence to consumer-friendly practices. We have made several significantmeaningful changes to our practices over the past several years, and because our account management practices are evolutionary and dynamic, it is possible that we may make further changes to these practices, some of which may produce positive, and others of which may produce adverse, effects on our operating results and financial position. Customers at the lower end of the credit score range intrinsically have higher loss rates than do customers at the higher end of the credit score range. As a result, we price our products to reflect this higherexpected loss rate. As such,rates for our products are subject to greater regulatory scrutiny than the products of prime only lenders who are able to price their credit products at much lower levels than we can.various risk categories. See “Consumer and Debtor Protection Laws and Regulations—Credit and Other Investments Segment” and Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”

Auto Finance Segment.Segment

The operations of our Auto Finance segment are conducted through our CAR platform, which we acquired in April 2005. CAR primarily purchases and/or services loans secured by automobiles from or for, and also provides floor-plan financing for, a pre-qualified network of independent automotive dealers and automotive finance companies in the buy-here, pay-here used car business. In 2010, we started offering floor-plan financingWe have expanded these operations to this same group of dealers and finance companies. In 2013 we also started offeringinclude certain installment lending products in addition to our traditional loans secured by automobiles.  While this product represented less than 10% of CAR’s net outstanding receivables as of December 31, 2016, we seek to modestly grow the volume of these loansautomobiles both in the coming quarters.


U.S. and U.S. territories. 

Through our CAR operations, we generate revenues on purchased loans through interest earned on the face value of the installment agreements combined with the accretion of discounts on loans purchased. We generally earn discount income over the life of the applicable loan. Additionally, we generate revenues from servicing loans on behalf of dealers for a portion of actual collections and by providing back-up servicing for similar quality assets owned by unrelated third parties. We offer a number of other products to our network of buy-here, pay-here dealers (including our floor-plan financing offering), but the majority of our activities are represented by our purchases of auto loans at discounts and our servicing of auto loans for a fee. As of December 31, 2016,2020, our CAR operations served more than 560590 dealers in 3233 states, the District of Columbia and two U.S. territories. These operations continue to perform well in the current environment (achieving consistent profitability and generating positive cash flows and growth).

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Atlanticus and our Markets

On March 13, 2020, a national emergency was declared under the National Emergencies Act due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of the date of filing this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the duration and severity of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic remain unknown. Likewise, we do not know the duration and severity of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on all members of the Company’s ecosystem – our bank partner, merchants and consumers – as well as our employees. In addition to instituting a Company-wide remote-work program to ensure the safety of all employees and their families, we are communicating to employees on a regular basis regarding such efforts as planning for contingencies related to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing updated information and policies related to the safety and health of employees, and monitoring the ongoing pandemic for new developments that may impact the Company, our work locations or our employees and are taking reasonable measures. 

The following are anticipated key impacts on our business and response initiatives taken by the Company, in coordination with modest growth).

How Do We Manageour partners, to mitigate such impacts:

Consumer spending behavior has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, principally due to restrictions on “non-essential” businesses, issuances of stay-at-home orders, and uncertainties about the extent and duration of the pandemic. Additionally, government stimulus programs have decreased consumer need for credit products and generally led to an increase in customer payments. While we have seen some improvements in this area, to the extent this change in consumer spending behavior continues, receivables purchases could decline relative to the prior year. The extent to which our merchants have remained open for business has varied across merchant category and geographic location within the U.S. 

Borrowers impacted by COVID-19 requesting hardship assistance have been receiving temporary relief from payments. While we expect these measures to mitigate credit losses, we anticipate that the elevated unemployment rate, while partially mitigated by the effects of government stimulus and relief measures, such as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the American Rescue Plan, may result in increased portfolio credit losses in the future.

As the impact of COVID-19 continues to evolve, the Company remains committed to serving our bank partner, merchants and consumers, while caring for the safety of our employees and their families. The potential impact that COVID-19 and related government stimulus and relief measures could have on our financial condition and results of operations remains highly uncertain. For more information, refer to Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” and, in particular, “– The global outbreak of COVID-19 has caused severe disruptions in the U.S. economy, and may have an adverse impact on our performance, results of operations and access to capital.

Receivables Management and Mitigate Our Risks?

Risk Mitigation

Credit and Other Investments Segment. We manage our investments in receivables using credit behavioral scoring, credit file data, non-credit-bureau attributes, and our proprietary risk evaluation systems.systems developed and refined over our 24-year operating history. These strategies include the management of transaction authorizations, account renewals, over-limit accounts, credit line modifications and collection programs. We use an adaptive control system to translate our strategies into account management processes. The system enables us to develop and test multiple strategies simultaneously, which allowsallowing us to continually refine our account management activities. We have incorporated our proprietary risk scores into the control system, in addition to standard credit behavior scores used widely in the industry, in order to segment, evaluate and manage the receivables. We believe that by combining external credit file data along with historical and current customer activity, we are able to better predict the true risk associated with current and delinquent receivables.

For our point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer finance activities as well as the accounts that are open to purchases, we generally seek to manageassist our lending partners with managing credit lines to reward financially underserved customers who are performing well and to mitigate losses from delinquent customer segments. We also employassist our lending partners with employing strategies to reduce otherwise open credit lines for customers demonstrating indicators of increased credit or bankruptcy risk. Data relating to account performance are captured and loaded into our proprietary database for ongoing analysis. We adjust account management strategies as necessary, based on the results of such analyses. Additionally, we use industry-standard fraud detection software to manage the portfolio. We route accounts to manual work queues and suspend charging privileges if the transaction-based fraud models indicate a probability of fraudulent use.

Auto Finance Segment. Our CAR operations manage credit quality and loss mitigation at the dealer portfolio level through the implementation of dealer-specific loss reserve accounts. In most instances, the reserve accounts are cross-collateralized across all accounts presented by any single dealer. CAR monitors performance at the dealer portfolio level (by product type) to adjust pricing or the reserve account or to determine whether to terminate future account purchases from such dealer.

CAR provides dealers with specific purchase guidelines based upon each product offering and delegates approval authority to assist in the monitoring of transactions during the loan acquisition process. Dealers are subject to specific approval criteria, and individual accounts typically are verified for accuracy before, during and after the acquisition process. Dealer portfolios across the business segment are monitored and compared against expected collections and peer dealer performance. Monitoring of dealer pool vintages, delinquencies and loss ratios helps determine past performance and expected future results, which are used to adjust pricing and reserve requirements. Our CAR operations also manage risk through diversifying their receivables among multiple dealers.

How Do We Collect?

Collection Strategy

Credit and Other Investments Segment. The goal of the collections process is to collect as much of the moneyaccount balance that is owed to us in the most cost-effectivecustomer-friendly and customer-friendlycost-effective manner possible. To this end, weThis collection process has continued to evolve over the course of our 24 year operating history, with the utilization of digital and mobile processes helping to both aid in collections and facilitate better communication throughout the collection process.

We oversee and manage third-party collectors, who employ these digital and mobile processes along with the traditional cross-section of letters, emails and telephone calls to encourage payment. WeCollectors also sometimes offer flexibility with respect to the application of payments in order to encourage larger or prompter payments. For instance, in certain cases wecollectors may vary from ourthe general payment application priority (i.e., of applying payments first to finance charges, then to fees, and then to principal) by agreeing to apply payments first to principal and then to finance charges and fees or by agreeing to provide payments or credits of finance charges and principal to induce or in exchange for an appropriate payment. Application of payments in this manner also permits our collectors to assess real time the degree to which payments over the life of an account have covered the principal credit extensions on that account. This allows our collectors to readily identify ourthe potential economic loss associated with the charge off of a particular receivable (i.e., the excess of principal loanedpurchases and cash advances funded over payments received throughout the life of the account). OurThe selection of collection techniques, including, for example, the order in which we apply payments are applied or the provision of payments or credits to induce or in exchange for a payment, impacts the statistical performance of ourthe portfolios that we


provide present under the “Credit“Consolidated Results of Operations—Credit and Other Investments Segment” caption within Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

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Our collectors

Collectors employ various and evolving tools when collecting on the receivables, and they routinely test and evaluate new tools in their effort toward improving our collections with a greater degree of efficiency and service. These tools include programs under which we may reduce or eliminate the annual percentage rate (“APR”)contractual interest associated with a receivable may be reduced or waiveeliminated, or a certain amount of accrued fees is waived, provided a minimum number or amount of payments have been made. In some instances, wecollectors may agree to match the payment on a receivable, for example, with commensurate payments or reductions of finance charges or waivers of fees. In other situations, wecollectors may actually settle and adjust finance charges and fees on a receivable, for example, based on a commitment and follow through on a commitment to pay certain portions of the balances owed. Our collectorsCollectors may also decrease minimum payments owed under certain collection programs. Additionally, wecollectors employ re-aging techniques in compliance with Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council ("FFIEC") guidelines, as discussed below. We also may occasionally use our marketing group to assistMoreover, collections are managed in determining various programs to assist inaccordance with the collection process. Moreover, we voluntarily participate in thevoluntary Consumer Credit Counseling Service (“CCCS”) program by waiving a certain percentage of a receivable that is considered our “fair share” under the CCCS program.certain circumstances. All of ourthese programs are utilized based on the degree of economic success and customer service they achieve.

We

Collectors regularly monitor and adapt our collection strategies, techniques, technology and training to optimize our efforts to reduce delinquencies and charge offs. We use our operations systems to developThe output from these proprietary collection strategies and techniques and we analyze the output from these systemsis analyzed to identify the strategies and techniques that we believe are most likely to result in curing a delinquent accountreceivable in the most cost-effective manner, rather than treating all accountsdelinquent receivables the same based on the mere passage of time.

As in all aspects of our risk management, strategies, we compare the results of each of the above strategies is compared with other collection strategies and devote resources are devoted to those strategies that yield the best results. Results are measured based on, among other things, delinquency rates, expected losses and costs to collect. Existing strategies are then adjusted based on these results. We believe that routinely testing, measuring and adjusting collection strategies results in lower bad debt losses and operating expenses.

We discontinue charging interest

Interest and fees for most of our credit products are discontinued when loans, interest and fees receivable become contractually 90 or more days past due and we charge off loans, interest and fees receivable are charged off when they become contractually more than 180 days past due or 120 days past due for the direct-to-consumer personal loan product. However, if a payment is made that is greater than or equal to two minimum payments within a month of the charge-off date, we may reconsider whether charge-off status remains appropriate.due. For all of our products, we chargereceivables are charged off receivables within 30 days of notification and confirmation of bankruptcy or death of the obligor. However, in some cases of death, we doreceivables are not chargecharged off receivables if there is a surviving, contractually liable individual or an estate large enough to pay the debt in full.

Our

The determination of whether an account is contractually past due is relevant to ourthe delinquency and charge-off data includedprovided under the “Credit“Consolidated Results of Operations—Credit and Other Investments Segment” caption within Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Various factors are relevant in analyzing whether an account is contractually past due (e.g., whether an account has not satisfied its minimum payment due requirement), which for us is the trigger for moving receivables through our various delinquency stages and ultimately to charge-off status. For our point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer finance accounts, we consider ana cardholder's account is considered to be delinquent if the customercardholder has not made anythe required payment as of the payment due date. For credit card accounts, we consider a cardholder’s receivable to be delinquent if the cardholder has failed to pay a minimum amount, computed as the greater of a stated minimum payment or a fixed percentage of the statement balance (for example 3% to 10% of the outstanding balance in some cases or in other cases 1% of the outstanding balance plus any finance charges and late fees billed in the current cycle).

Additionally, wecollectors may re-age customer accounts that meet our qualifications for re-aging.re-aging consistent with FFIEC guidelines. Re-aging involves changing the delinquency status of an account. It is our policy toCollectors work cooperatively with customers demonstrating a willingness and ability to repay their indebtedness and who satisfy other criteria, but are unable to pay the entire past due amount. Generally, to qualify for re-aging, an account must have been opened for at least nine months and may not be re-aged more than once in a twelve-month period or twice in a five-year period. In addition, an account on a workout program may qualify for one additional re-age in a five-year period. The customer also must have made three consecutive minimum monthly payments or the equivalent cumulative amount in the last three billing cycles. If a re-aged account subsequently experiences payment defaults, it will again become contractually delinquent and will be charged off according to ourthe regular charge-off policy. The practice of re-aging an account may affect delinquencies and charge offs, potentially delaying or reducing such delinquencies and charge offs.offs; however, this impact generally changes such delinquencies and charge offs by less than 10% and 5%, respectively.

As discussed above, typically, once an account is 90 days or more past due, the account is placed on a non-accrual status. Placement on a non-accrual status results in the use of programs under which the contractual interest associated with a receivable may be reduced or eliminated, or a certain amount of accrued fees is waived, provided a minimum number or amount of payments have been made. Following this adjustment, if a customer demonstrates a willingness and ability to resume making monthly payments and meets the additional criteria discussed above, collectors will re-age the customer’s account. When an account is re-aged, collectors adjust the status of the account to bring a delinquent account current, but generally do not make any further modifications to the payment terms or amount owed. Thus we do not recognize an impairment or write-down solely due to the re-aging process. Once an account is placed on a non-accrual status, it is closed for further purchases. We believe that re-ages help customers to manage difficult repayment periods, return to good standing and avoid further deterioration to their credit scores. Accounts that are placed on a non-accrual status and thereafter make at least one payment qualify as troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). See Note 2, “Significant Accounting Policies and Consolidated Financial Statement Components-Loans, Interest and Fees Receivable-Troubled Debt Restructurings” to our consolidated financial statements included herein for further discussion of TDRs as well as accounts that were impacted by COVID-19.

Auto Finance Segment. Accounts that CAR purchases from approved dealers initially are collected by the originating branch or service center location using a combination of traditional collection practices. The collection process includes


contacting the customer by phone or mail, skip tracing and using starter interrupt devices to minimize delinquencies. Uncollectible accounts in our CAR operation generally are returned to the dealer under an agreement with the dealer to charge the balance on the account against the dealer’s reserve account. WeAutos are generally do not repossess autosrepossessed in our CAR operation as a result of the agreements that we have with the dealers unless there are insufficient dealer reserves to offset the loss or if a dealer instructs us to do so.
requests repossession.

Consumer and Debtor Protection Laws and Regulations

Credit and Other Investments Segment. Our U.S. business is regulated directly and indirectly under various federal and state consumer protection, collection and other laws, rules and regulations, including the federal Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (the “CARD Act”), the federal Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank”), the federal Truth In Lending Act (“TILA”), the federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) Act, the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and the federal Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act. These laws, rules and regulations, among other things, impose disclosure requirements when consumer products are advertised, when an account is opened, when monthly billing statements are sent and when consumer obligations are collected. In addition, various statutes limit the liability of consumers for unauthorized use, prohibit discriminatory practices in consumer transactions, impose limitations on the types of charges that may be assessed and restrict the use of consumer credit reports and other account-related information. Many of our lending partners' products are designed for customers of our lending partners at the lower end of the credit score range. We price ourThese products are priced to reflect the higher credit risk of these customers. Because of the inherently greater credit risks of these customers and the resulting higher interest and fees, we and our financelending partners aremay be subject to significantgreater regulatory scrutiny. If regulators, including the FDIC (which regulates bank lenders), the CFPB and the FTC, object to the terms of these products, or to ourthe marketing or collection practices used, we and our lending partners could be required to modify or discontinue certain products or practices.

In the U.K., our operations are subject to U.K. regulations that provide similar consumer protections to those provided under the U.S. regulatory framework. We are licensed and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), and we are governed by an extensive legislative and regulatory framework that includes the Consumer Credit Act, the Data Protection Act, Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations, Consumer Protection and Unfair Trading regulations, Financial Services (Distance Marketing) Regulations, the Enterprise Act, Money Laundering Regulations, Financial Ombudsman Service and Advertising Standards Authority adjudications. The aforementioned legislation and regulations impose strict rules on the form and content of consumer contracts, the calculation and presentation of annual percentage rates (“APRs”), advertising in all forms, parties who can be contacted and disclosures to consumers, among others. The regulators, such as the FCA, provide guidance on consumer credit practices including collections. The FCA requires a comprehensive licensing process.

Auto Finance Segment. This segment is regulated directly and indirectly under various federal and state consumer protection and other laws, rules and regulations, including the federal TILA, the federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Dodd-Frank, the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and the federal Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act. In addition, various state statutes limit the interest rates and fees that may be charged, limit the types of interest computations (e.g., interest bearing or pre-computed) and refunding processes, prohibit discriminatory practices in extending credit, impose limitations on fees and other ancillary products and restrict the use of consumer credit reports and other account-related information. Many of the states in which this segment operates have various licensing requirements and impose certain financial or other conditions in connection with these licensing requirements.

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Privacy and Data Security Laws and Regulations. We are required to manage, use, and store large amounts of personally identifiable information, principally the confidential personal and financial data of our lending partners’ customers, in the course of our business. We depend on our IT networks and systems, and those of third parties, to process, store, and transmit that information. In the past, financial service companies have been targeted for sophisticated cyber attacks. A security breach involving our files and infrastructure could lead to unauthorized disclosure of confidential information. We take numerous measures to ensure the security of our hardware and software systems as well as customer information.


We are subject to various U.S. federal and state laws and regulations designed to protect confidential personal and financial data. For example, we must comply with guidelines under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act that require each financial institution to develop, implement and maintain a written, comprehensive information security program containing safeguards that are appropriate to the financial institution’s size and complexity, the nature and scope of the financial institution’s activities and the sensitivity of any customer information at issue. Additionally, various federal banking regulatory agencies, and at least 48all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, have enacted data security regulations and laws requiring customer notification in the event of a security breach.

Competition

Credit and Other Investments Segment. We face substantial competition from financial service companies, the intensity of which varies depending upon economic and liquidity cycles. Our financial performance is, in part, a function of the performance of our investments in receivables and the aggregate outstanding amount of such receivables. The point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer finance activities of our lending partners compete with national, regional and local bankcard and consumer credit issuers, other general-purpose credit card issuers and retail credit card and merchant credit issuers. Many of these competitors are substantially larger than we are, have significantly greater financial resources than we do and have significantly lower costs of funds than we have.

Auto Finance Segment. Competition within the auto finance sector is widespread and fragmented. Our auto finance operations target automobile dealers that oftentimes are not capable of accessingable to access indirect lending from major financial institutions or captive finance companies. We compete mainly with a handful of national and regional companies focused on this credit segment (e.g., Credit Acceptance Corporation, Westlake Financial, Mid-Atlantic Finance, Santander Auto Finance, Western Funding Inc., and America’s Car-Mart) and a large number of smaller, regional private companies with a narrow geographic focus. Individual dealers with access to capital may also compete in this segment through the purchase of receivables from peer dealers in their markets.

Employees

Human Capital

As of December 31, 2016,2020, we had 292327 employees, including 75 part-time employees, mostall of whom are principally employed within the U.S. We also engage temporary employees and consultants as needed to support our operations. None of our employees are represented by a labor union, and we consider our relationsrelationships with our employees to be good. None

We believe that our success and future growth depends greatly on our ability to attract, develop and retain top talent while integrating diversity, equity and inclusion principles and practices into our core values. We strive to ensure that we are a diverse, inclusive and safe environment that fosters creativity and innovation. To succeed in a competitive labor market, we seek to provide our employees with opportunities to grow and develop in their careers, supported by fair compensation, benefits and health and wellness programs. Below is additional information about our human capital management.

Health and Safety. The health and safety of our employees and their families is a top priority. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we successfully instituted a company‑wide remote work program in March 2020 to ensure the safety of all of our employees and their families. We communicate regularly with employees and provide resources for health, wellness and engagement, and have established safety protocols for employees continuing critical on-site work. We continue to monitor the ongoing pandemic for new developments that may impact the Company, our work locations or our employees and are coveredtaking reasonable measures. 

Diversity and Inclusion. The Company believes that an inclusive and diverse work environment serves the interests of all of our stakeholders, encourages employee acceptance, development and retention, and helps us to exceed customer expectations and meet our growth objectives. We are committed to building a culture that fosters diversity, values inclusion and promotes individuality. Current key initiatives include having established an employee led Social Equality Team to provide employees with ongoing interactive opportunities as well as learning and development to help educate employees in matters of diversity and sensitivity for use in talent acquisition, internal relationships, and external relationships.

Compensation and Benefits. We have demonstrated a history of investing in our workforce by offering a collective-bargaining agreement,comprehensive compensation and benefits program to our employees. Salaries and wages paid to our employees are competitive based on position, skill and experience level, knowledge, and geographic location. In addition, we maintain an employee stock purchase plan, an equity incentive plan and a 401(k) plan (that provides for a matching contribution by us) for eligible employees. We also provide, among other benefits, healthcare and insurance benefits, health savings and flexible spending accounts, a healthcare advocacy service, employer paid disability leave, employer paid life insurance, paid time off, paid parental leave, employer paid telehealth and employee assistance programs.

Training and Talent Development. Our ability to grow and succeed in a highly competitive industry depends on the continued engagement, training and development of our employees. The Company’s talent development programs are designed to provide employees with the resources to help them achieve their career goals, build management skills and lead their organizations. We have never experienced any organized work stoppage, strike or labor dispute.

a strong value proposition that leverages our unique culture, collaborative working environment and shared sense of purpose to attract talent. We provide a wide variety of opportunities for professional growth for all employees with classroom and online training and on‑the‑job experience and counseling.

Trademarks, Trade Names and Service Marks

We have registered and continue to register, when appropriate, various trademarks, trade names and service marks used in connection with our businesses and for private-label marketing of certain of our products. We consider these trademarks, trade names and service marks to be readily identifiable with, and valuable to, our business. This Annual Report on Form 10-K also contains trade names and trademarks of other companies that are the property of their respective owners.

Corporate Headquarters and Where to Access Additional Information

We are headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and our principal executive offices are located at Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 300, Atlanta, Georgia 30328. Our headquarters telephone number is (770) 828-2000, and our website is www.Atlanticus.com. We make available free of charge on our website certain of our recent SEC filings, including our annual reportreports on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and amendments to those filings as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.

 These reports are also available on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov.

Certain corporate governance materials, including our Board of Directors committee charters and our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, are posted on our website under the heading “For Investors.”“Investors” and then "Corporate Information—Governance Documents." From time to time, the corporate governance materials on our website may be updated as necessary to comply with rules issued by the SEC or NASDAQ, or as desirable to further the continued effective and efficient governance of our company.



ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

An investment in our common stock or other securities involves a number of risks. You should carefully consider each of the risks described below before deciding to invest in our common stock or other securities. If any of the following risks develops into actual events, our business, financial condition or results of operations could be negatively affected, the market price of our common stock or other securities could decline and you may lose all or part of your investment.

Investors should be particularly cautious regarding investments

The impact of COVID-19 on global commercial activity and the corresponding volatility in our common stock or other securities atfinancial markets is evolving. The global impact of the present timeoutbreak has led to many countries instituting quarantines and restrictions on travel. Such actions are creating disruption in lightglobal supply chains, and adversely impacting a number of uncertaintiesindustries, such as transportation, hospitality and entertainment. The outbreak could have a continued adverse impact on economic and market conditions and trigger a period of global economic slowdown. The rapid development and fluidity of this situation precludes any prediction as to the profitabilityultimate adverse impact of COVID-19. Nevertheless, COVID-19 presents material uncertainty and risk with respect to our business model going forwardperformance and financial results.

For additional information, see "—Other Risks to Our Business—The global outbreak of COVID-19 has caused severe disruptions in the U.S. economy, and may have an adverse impact on our inabilityperformance, results of operations and access to achieve consistent earnings from our operations in recent years.

capital".

Our Cash Flows and Net Income Are Dependent Upon Payments from Our Investments in Receivables

The collectibilitycollectability of our investments in receivables is a function of many factors including the criteria used to select who is issued credit, the pricing of the credit products, the lengths of the relationships, general economic conditions, the rate at which consumers repay their accounts or become delinquent, and the rate at which consumers borrow funds. Deterioration in these factors would adversely impact our business. In addition, to the extent we have over-estimated collectibility,collectability, in all likelihood we have over-estimated our financial performance. Some of these concerns are discussed more fully below.

Our portfolio of receivables is not diversified and primarily originates from consumers whose creditworthiness is considered sub-prime.less than prime. Historically, we have invested in receivables in one of two ways—we have either (i) invested in receivables originated by lenders who utilize our services or (ii) invested in or purchased pools of receivables from other issuers. In either case, substantially all of our receivables are from financially underserved borrowers—borrowers represented by credit risks that regulators classify as “sub-prime.”less than prime. Our reliance on sub-primethese receivables has negatively impacted and may in the future negatively impact our performance. Our various past and current losses might have been mitigated had our portfolios consisted of higher-grade receivables in addition to our sub-prime receivables.

Economic slowdowns increase our credit losses. During periods of economic slowdown or recession, we generally experience an increase in rates of delinquencies and frequency and severity of credit losses. Our actual rates of delinquencies and frequency and severity of credit losses may be comparatively higher during periods of economic slowdown or recession than those experienced by more traditional providers of consumer credit because of our focus on the financially underserved consumer market, which may be disproportionately impacted.


We are subject to foreign economic and exchange risks. Because of our operations in the U.K.,we have exposure to fluctuations in the U.K. economy. We also have exposure to fluctuations in the relative values of the U.S. dollar and the British pound. Because the British pound has experienced a net decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar since we commenced our most significant operations in the U.K., we have experienced significant transaction and translation losses within our financial statements.
recession.

Because a significant portion of our reported income is based on management’s estimates of the future performance of receivables, differences between actual and expected performance of the receivables may cause fluctuations in net income. Significant portions of our reported income (or losses) are based on management’s estimates of cash flows we expect to receive on receivables, particularly for such assets that we report based on fair value. The expected cash flows are based on management’s estimates of interest rates, default rates, payment rates, cardholder purchases, servicing costs, and discount rates. These estimates are based on a variety of factors, many of which are not within our control. Substantial differences between actual and expected performance of the receivables will occur and cause fluctuations in our net income. For instance, higher than expected rates of delinquencies and losses could cause our net income to be lower than expected. Similarly, levels of loss and delinquency can result in our being required to repay lenders earlier than expected, thereby reducing funds available to us for future growth. Because all of the credit card receivables structured financing facilities are now in amortization status—which for us generally means that the only meaningful cash flows that we are receiving with respect to the credit card receivables that are encumbered by such structured financing facilities are those associated with our contractually specified fee for servicing the receivables—recent payment and default trends have substantially reduced the cash flows that we receive from these receivables.

Due to our relative lack of historicalsignificant experience with Internet consumers, we may not be able to evaluate their creditworthiness. We do not have less historicalsignificant experience with respect to the credit risk and performance of receivables owed by consumers acquired over the Internet.Internet and other digital channels. As a result, we may not be able to target and evaluate successfully the creditworthiness of these potential consumers. Therefore, we may encounter difficulties managing the expected delinquencies and losses and appropriately pricing products.


losses.

We Are Substantially Dependent Upon Borrowed Funds to Fund Receivables We Purchase

We finance receivables that we acquire in large part through financing facilities. All of our financing facilities are of finite duration (and ultimately will need to be extended or replaced) and contain financial covenants and other conditions that must be fulfilled in order for funding to be available. Moreover, some of our facilities currently are in amortization stages (and are not allowing for the funding of any new loans) based on their original terms. The cost and availability of equity and borrowed funds is dependent upon our financial performance, the performance of our industry generallyoverall and general economic and market conditions, and at times equity and borrowed funds have been both expensive and difficult to obtain.

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If additional financing facilities are not available in the future on terms we consider acceptable—an issue that has been made even more acute in the U.S. given regulatory changes that reduced asset-level returns on credit card lending—acceptable, we will not be able to purchase additional receivables and those receivables may contract in size.

Capital markets may experience periods of disruption and instability, which could limit our ability to grow our receivables. From time-to-time, capital markets may experience periods of disruption and instability. For example, from 2008 to 2009, the global capital markets were unstable as evidenced by the lack of liquidity in the debt capital markets, significant write-offs in the financial services sector, the re-pricing of credit risk in the broadly syndicated credit market and the failure of major financial institutions. Despite actions of the U.S. federal government and various foreign governments, these events contributed to worsening general economic conditions that materially and adversely impacted the broader financial and credit markets and reduced the availability of debt and equity capital for the market as a whole and financial services firms in particular. If similar adverse and volatile market conditions repeat in the future, we and other companies in the financial services sector may have to access, if available, alternative markets for debt and equity capital in order to grow our receivables.

Moreover, the re-appearance of market conditions similar to those experienced from 2008 through 2009 for any substantial length of time or worsened market conditions could make it difficult for us to borrow money or to extend the maturity of or refinance any indebtedness we may have under similar terms and any failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business. Unfavorable economic and political conditions, including future recessions, political instability, geopolitical turmoil and foreign hostilities, and disease, pandemics and other serious health events, also could increase our funding costs, limit our access to the capital markets or result in a decision by lenders not to extend credit to us.

The outbreak of COVID-19 in many countries continues to adversely impact global commercial activity and has contributed to significant volatility in financial markets. The global impact of the outbreak has been rapidly evolving, and many national, state and local governments have instituted quarantines, restrictions on travel and closures or limitations on non-essential businesses. Such actions are creating disruption in global supply chains, and adversely impacting a number of industries, such as transportation, hospitality and entertainment. The outbreak could have a continued adverse impact on economic and market conditions and trigger a period of global economic slowdown. The rapid development and fluidity of this situation precludes any accurate prediction as to the ultimate adverse impact of the coronavirus. Nevertheless, the coronavirus presents material uncertainty and risk with respect to our performance and financial results.

We may in the future have difficulty accessing debt and equity capital on attractive terms, or at all, and a severe disruption and instability in the global financial markets or deteriorations in credit and financing conditions may cause us to reduce the volume of receivables we purchase or otherwise have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Our Financial Performance Is, in Part, a Function of the Aggregate Amount of Receivables That Are Outstanding

The aggregate amount of outstanding receivables is a function of many factors including purchase rates, payment rates, interest rates, seasonality, general economic conditions, competition from credit card issuers and other sources of consumer financing, access to funding, and the timing and extent of our receivable purchases.


Despite

The recent growth of our recent purchasesinvestments in point-of-sale finance and direct-to-consumer receivables may not be indicative of credit cardour ability to grow such receivables our aggregate credit cardin the future. Our period-end managed receivables contracted overbalance for point-of-sale finance and direct-to-consumer receivables grew to $1,085.9 million for the last several years.year ended December 31, 2020 from $908.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The amount of our credit cardsuch receivables is a product of a combination of factors, many of which are not in our control. Factors include:

has fluctuated significantly over the availability of funding on favorable terms;
our relationships with the banks that issue credit cards;
the degree to which we lose business to competitors;
the level of usagecourse of our credit card products by consumers;
operating history. Furthermore, even if such receivables continue to increase, the availabilityrate of portfolios for purchasesuch growth could decline. If we cannot manage the growth in receivables effectively, it could have a material adverse effect on attractive terms;
levelsour business, prospects, results of delinquencies and charge offs;
the level of costs of acquiring new receivables;
our ability to employ and train new personnel;
our ability to maintain adequate management systems, collection procedures, internal controls and automated systems; and
general economic and other factors beyond our control.

operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Reliance upon relationships with a few large retailers in the point-of-sale finance operations may adversely affect our revenues and operating results from these operations.Our five largest retail partners accounted for over 50%60% of our outstanding point-of-sale receivables as of December 31, 2016.2020. Although we are adding new retail partners on a regular basis, it is likely that we will continue to derive a significant portion of this operations’ receivables base and corresponding revenue from a relatively small number of partners in the future. If a significant partner reduces or terminates its relationship with us, these operations’ revenue could decline significantly and our operating results and financial condition could be harmed.


We Operate in a Heavily Regulated Industry

Changes in bankruptcy, privacy or other consumer protection laws, or to the prevailing interpretation thereof, may expose us to litigation, adversely affect our ability to collect receivables, or otherwise adversely affect our operations. Similarly, regulatory changes could adversely affect the ability or willingness of lenders who utilize our technology platform and related services to market credit products and services to consumers. While the new Presidential Administration and the congressional majorities in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives support reducing regulatory burdens, the prospects for significant modifications are uncertain. Also, the accounting rules that apply to our business are exceedingly complex, difficult to apply and in a state of flux. As a result, how we value our receivables and otherwise account for our business is subject to change depending upon the changes in, and, interpretation of, those rules. Some of these issues are discussed more fully below.


Reviews and enforcement actions by regulatory authorities under banking and consumer protection laws and regulations may result in changes to our business practices, may make collection of receivables more difficult or may expose us to the risk of fines, restitution and litigation. Our operations and the operations of the issuing banks through which the credit products we service are originated are subject to the jurisdiction of federal, state and local government authorities,


including the CFPB, the SEC, the FDIC, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, the FTC, U.K. banking and licensing authorities, state regulators having jurisdiction over financial institutions and debt origination and collection and state attorneys general. Our business practices and the practices of issuing banks, including the terms of products, servicing and collection practices, are subject to both periodic and special reviews by these regulatory and enforcement authorities. These reviews can range from investigations of specific consumer complaints or concerns to broader inquiries. If as part of these reviews the regulatory authorities conclude that we or issuing banks are not complying with applicable law, they could request or impose a wide range of remedies including requiring changes in advertising and collection practices, changes in the terms of products (such as decreases in interest rates or fees), the imposition of fines or penalties, or the paying of restitution or the taking of other remedial action with respect to affected consumers. They also could require us or issuing banks to stop offering some credit products or obtain licenses to do so, either nationally or in selectedselect states. To the extent that these remedies are imposed on the issuing banks that originate credit products using our platform, under certain circumstances we are responsible for the remedies as a result of our indemnification obligations with those banks. We or our issuing banks also may elect to change practices that we believe are compliant with law in order to respond to regulatory concerns. Furthermore, negative publicity relating to any specific inquiry or investigation could hurt our ability to conduct business with various industry participants or to generate new receivables and could negatively affect our stock price, which would adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital and would raise our costs of doing business.

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If any deficiencies or violations of law or regulations are identified by us or asserted by any regulator, or if the CFPB, the FDIC, the FTC or any other regulator requires us or issuing banks to change any practices, the correction of such deficiencies or violations, or the making of such changes, could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or business. In addition, whether or not these practices are modified when a regulatory or enforcement authority requests or requires, there is a risk that we or other industry participants may be named as defendants in litigation involving alleged violations of federal and state laws and regulations, including consumer protection laws. Any failure to comply with legal requirements by us or the banks that originate credit products utilizing our platform in connection with the issuance of those products, or by us or our agents as the servicer of our accounts, could significantly impair our ability to collect the full amount of the account balances. The institution of any litigation of this nature, or any judgment against us or any other industry participant in any litigation of this nature, could adversely affect our business and financial condition in a variety of ways.

The regulatory landscape in which we operate is continually changing due to new rules, regulations and interpretations, as well as various legal actions that have been brought against others that have sought to re-characterize certain loans made by federally insured banks as loans made by third parties. If litigation on similar theories were brought against us when we work with a federally insured bank that makes loans and were such an action successful, we could be subject to state usury limits and/or state licensing requirements, loans in such states could be deemed void and unenforceable, and we could be subject to substantial penalties in connection with such loans.

The case law involving whether an originating lender, on the one hand, or third-parties, on the other hand, are the “true lenders” of a loan is still developing and courts have come to different conclusions and applied different analyses. The determination of whether a third-party service provider is the “true lender” is significant because third-parties risk having the loans they service becoming subject to a consumer’s state usury limits. A number of federal courts that have opined on the “true lender” issue have looked to who is the lender identified on the borrower’s loan documents. A number of state courts and at least one federal district court have considered a number of other factors when analyzing whether the originating lender or a third party is the “true lender,” including looking at the economics of the transaction to determine, among other things, who has the predominant economic interest in the loan being made. If we were re-characterized as a “true lender” with respect to the receivables originated by the bank that utilizes our technology platform and other services, such receivables could be deemed to be void and unenforceable in some states, the right to collect finance charges could be affected, and we could be subject to fines and penalties from state and federal regulatory agencies as well as claims by borrowers, including class actions by private plaintiffs. Even if we were not required to change our business practices to comply with applicable state laws and regulations or cease doing business in some states, we could be required to register or obtain lending licenses or other regulatory approvals that could impose a substantial cost on us. If the bank that originates loans utilizing our technology platform were subject to such a lawsuit, it may elect to terminate its relationship with us voluntarily or at the direction of its regulators, and if it lost the lawsuit, it could be forced to modify or terminate such relationship.

In addition to true lender challenges, a question regarding the applicability of state usury rates may arise when a loan is sold from a bank to a non-bank entity. In Madden v. Midland Funding, LLC, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit held that the federal preemption of state usury laws did not extend to the purchaser of a loan issued by a national bank. In its brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to deny certiorari, the U.S. Solicitor General, joined by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (“OCC”), noted that the Second Circuit (Connecticut, New York and Vermont) analysis was incorrect. On remand, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York concluded on February 27, 2017 that New York’s state usury law, not Delaware’s state usury law, was applicable and that the plaintiff’s claims under the FDCPA and state unfair and deceptive acts and practices could proceed. To that end, the court granted Madden’s motion for class certification. At this time, it is unknown whether Madden will be applied outside of the defaulted debt context in which it arose. The facts in Madden are not directly applicable to our business, as we do not engage in practices similar to those at issue in Madden. However, to the extent that the holding in Madden was broadened to cover circumstances applicable to our business, or if other litigation on related theories were brought against us and were successful, or we were otherwise found to be the “true lender,” we could become subject to state usury limits and state licensing laws, in addition to the state consumer protection laws to which we are already subject, in a greater number of states, loans in such states could be deemed void and unenforceable, and we could be subject to substantial penalties in connection with such loans.

In response to the uncertainty Madden created as to the validity of interest rates of bank-originated loans sold in the secondary market, in May 2020 and June 2020, the OCC and the FDIC, respectively, issued final rules that reaffirmed the “valid when made” doctrine and clarified that when a bank sells, assigns, or otherwise transfers a loan, the interest rates permissible prior to the transfer continue to be permissible following the transfer. In the summer of 2020, a number of states filed suits against the OCC and the FDIC, challenging these "valid when made" rules. 

We are dependent upon bankssupport a single bank that markets general purpose credit cards and certain other credit products directly to consumers. We acquire interests in and service the receivables originated by that bank. The bank could determine not to continue the relationship for various business reasons, or its regulators could limit its ability to issue credit cards and provide certain other credit products utilizing our technology platform and related services. We acquire receivables generated by banks from credit cards that they have issued and other products, and their regulators could at any time limit their abilityor to issueoriginate some or all of thesethe other products that we service or require the bank to modify those products significantly.significantly and could do either with little or no notice. Any significant interruption or change of those relationshipsour bank relationship would result in our being unable to acquire new receivables or help develop certain other credit products. It is possible that a regulatory position or action taken with respectUnless we were able to any of the issuing banks might result in the bank’s inability or unwillingness to originate futuretimely replace our bank relationship, such an interruption would prevent us from acquiring newly originated credit products in collaboration with us. In the current state, such a disruption of our issuing bank relationships principally would adversely affect our ability to growcard receivables and growing our investments in the point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables. In turn, it would materially adversely impact our business.

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The FDIC has issued examination guidance affecting the bank that utilizes our technology platform to market general purpose credit cards and certain other credit products and these or subsequent new rules and regulations could have a significant impact on such credit products. The bank that utilizes our technology platform and other services to market general purpose credit cards and certain other credit products is supervised and examined by both the state that charters it and the FDIC. If the FDIC or a state supervisory body considers any aspect of the products originated utilizing our technology platform to be inconsistent with its guidance, the bank may be required to alter or terminate some or all of these products.

On July 29, 2016, the board of directors of the FDIC released examination guidance relating to third-party lending as part of a package of materials designed to “improve the transparency and clarity of the FDIC’s supervisory policies and practices” and consumer compliance measures that FDIC-supervised institutions should follow when lending through a business relationship with a third party. The proposed guidance, if finalized, would apply to all FDIC-supervised institutions that engage in third-party lending programs, including the bank that utilizes our technology platform and other services to market general purpose credit cards and certain other credit products.

The proposed guidance elaborates on previously issued agency guidance on managing third-party risks and specifically addresses third-party lending arrangements where an FDIC-supervised institution relies on a third party to perform a significant aspect of the lending process. The types of relationships that would be covered by the guidance include (but are not limited to) relationships for originating loans on behalf of, through or jointly with third parties, or using platforms developed by third parties. If adopted as proposed, the guidance would result in increased supervisory attention of institutions that engage in significant lending activities through third parties, including at least one examination every 12 months, as well as supervisory expectations for a third-party lending risk management program and third-party lending policies that contain certain minimum requirements, such as self-imposed limits as a percentage of total capital for each third-party lending relationship and for the overall loan program, relative to origination volumes, credit exposures (including pipeline risk), growth, loan types, and acceptable credit quality. While the guidance has never formally been adopted, it is our understanding that the FDIC has relied upon it in its examination of third-party lending arrangements.

Changes to consumer protection laws or changes in their interpretation may impede collection efforts or otherwise adversely impact our business practices. Federal and state consumer protection laws regulate the creation and enforcement of consumer credit card receivables and other loans. Many of these laws (and the related regulations) are focused on sub-primenon-prime lenders and are intended to prohibit or curtail industry-standard practices as well as non-standard practices. For instance, Congress enacted legislation that regulates loans to military personnel through imposing interest rate and other limitations and requiring new disclosures, all as regulated by the Department of Defense. Similarly, in 2009 Congress enacted legislation that required changes to a variety of marketing, billing and collection practices, and the Federal Reserve recently adopted significant changes to a number of practices through its issuance of regulations. While our practices are in compliance with these changes, some of the changes (e.g., limitations on the ability to assess up-front fees) have significantly affected the viability of certain credit products within the U.S. Changes in the consumer protection laws could result in the following:

receivables not originated in compliance with law (or revised interpretations) could become unenforceable and uncollectible under their terms against the obligors;

we may be required to credit or refund previously collected amounts;

certain fees and finance charges could be limited, prohibited or restricted, which would reducereducing the profitability of certain investments in receivables;

certain collection methods could be prohibited, forcing us to revise our practices or adopt more costly or less effective practices;

limitations on our ability to recover on charged-off receivables regardless of any act or omission on our part;

some credit products and services could be banned in certain states or at the federal level;


federal or state bankruptcy or debtor relief laws could offer additional protections to consumers seeking bankruptcy protection, providing a court greater leeway to reduce or discharge amounts owed to us; and

a reduction in our ability or willingness to invest in receivables arising under loans to certain consumers, such as military personnel.


Material regulatory developments may adversely impact our business and results from operations.

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Our Automobile Lending Activities Involve Risks in Addition to Others Described Herein

Automobile lending exposes us not only to most of the risks described above but also to additional risks, including the regulatory scheme that governs installment loans and those attendant to relying upon automobiles and their repossession and liquidation value as collateral. In addition, our Auto Finance segment operation acquires loans on a wholesale basis from used car dealers, for which we rely upon the legal compliance and credit determinations by those dealers.

Funding for automobile lending may become difficult to obtain and expensive. In the event we are unable to renew or replace any Auto Finance segment facilities that bear refunding or refinancing risks when they become due, our Auto Finance segment could experience significant

constraints and diminution in reported asset values as lenders retain significant cash flows within underlying structured financings or otherwise under security arrangements for repayment of their loans. If we cannot renew or replace future facilities or otherwise are unduly constrained from a liquidity perspective, we may choose to sell part or all of our auto loan portfolios, possibly at less than favorable prices.

Our automobile lending business is dependent upon referrals from dealers. Currently we provide substantially all of our automobile loans only to or through used car dealers. Providers of automobile financing have traditionally competed based on the interest rate charged, the quality of credit accepted and the flexibility of loan terms offered. In order to be successful, we not only need to be competitive in these areas, but also need to establish and maintain good relations with dealers and provide them with a level of service greater than what they can obtain from our competitors.

The financial performance of our automobile loan portfolio is in part dependent upon the liquidation of repossessed automobiles. In the event of certain defaults, we may repossess automobiles and sell repossessed automobiles at wholesale auction markets located throughout the U.S. Auction proceeds from these types of sales and other recoveries rarely are sufficient to cover the outstanding balances of the contracts; where we experience these shortfalls, we will experience credit losses. Decreased auction proceeds resulting from depressed prices at which used automobiles may be sold would result in higher credit losses for us.

Repossession of automobiles entails the risk of litigation and other claims. Although we have contracted with reputable repossession firms to repossess automobiles on defaulted loans, it is not uncommon for consumers to assert that we were not entitled to repossess an automobile or that the repossession was not conducted in accordance with applicable law. These claims increase the cost of our collection efforts and, if correct,successful, can result in awards against us.

We Routinely Explore Various Opportunities to Grow Our Business, to Make Investments and to Purchase and Sell Assets

We routinely consider acquisitions of, or investments in, portfolios and other assets as well as the sale of portfolios and portions of our business. There are a number of risks attendant to any acquisition, including the possibility that we will overvalue the assets to be purchased and that we will not be able to produce the expected level of profitability from the acquired business or assets. Similarly, there are a number of risks attendant to sales, including the possibility that we will undervalue the assets to be sold. As a result, the impact of any acquisition or sale on our future performance may not be as favorable as expected and actually may be adverse.

Portfolio purchases may cause fluctuations in our reported Credit and Other Investments segment’s managed receivables data, which may reduce the usefulness of this data in evaluating our business. Our reported Credit and Other Investments segment managed receivables data may fluctuate substantially from quarter to quarter as a result of recent and future credit card portfolio acquisitions.


Receivables included in purchased portfolios are likely to have been originated using credit criteria different from the criteria of issuing bank partners that have originated accounts utilizing our technology platform. Receivables included in any particular purchased portfolio may have significantly different delinquency rates and charge-off rates than the receivables previously originated and purchased by us. These receivables also may earn different interest rates and fees as compared to


other similar receivables in our receivables portfolio. These variables could cause our reported managed receivables data to fluctuate substantially in future periods making the evaluation of our business more difficult.

Any acquisition or investment that we make will involve risks different from and in addition to the risks to which our business is currently exposed. These include the risks that we will not be able to integrate and operate successfully new businesses, that we will have to incur substantial indebtedness and increase our leverage in order to pay for the acquisitions, that we will be exposed to, and have to comply with, different regulatory regimes and that we will not be able to apply our traditional analytical framework (which is what we expect to be able to do) in a successful and value-enhancing manner.

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Other Risks of Our Business

The global outbreak of COVID-19, has caused severe disruptions in the U.S. economy, and may have an adverse impact on our performance, results of operations and access to capital. On March 13, 2020, a national emergency was declared under the National Emergencies Act due to a new strain of coronavirus ("COVID-19"). Measures taken across the U.S. and worldwide to mitigate the spread of the virus have significantly impacted the macroeconomic environment, including consumer confidence, unemployment and other economic indicators that contribute to consumer spending behavior and demand for credit. Our results of operations are impacted by the relative strength of the overall economy. As general economic conditions improve or deteriorate, the amount of consumer disposable income tends to fluctuate, which, in turn, impacts consumer spending levels and the willingness of consumers to finance purchases.

The extent to which COVID-19 will impact our business, results of operations and financial condition is dependent on many factors, which are highly uncertain, including, but not limited to, the duration and severity of the outbreak, the actions to contain the virus or mitigate its impact, and how quickly and to what extent normal economic and operating conditions will resume. If we experience a prolonged decline in purchases of receivables or increase in delinquencies, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially adversely affected.

We routinely engage in discussions with customers, some of whom have indicated that they have experienced economic hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic and have requested payment deferral or forbearance or other modifications of their accounts. While we are addressing requests for relief, we may still experience higher instances of default. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic could adversely affect our liquidity position and could limit our ability to grow our business or fully execute on our business strategy. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic could negatively impact our access to capital.

The COVID-19 pandemic also resulted in us modifying certain business practices, such as minimizing employee travel and executing on a company-wide remote work program. We may take further actions as required by government authorities or as we determine to be in the best interests of our employees and consumers. We may experience disruptions due to a number of operational factors, including, but not limited to:

increased cyber and payment fraud risk related to COVID-19, as cybercriminals attempt to profit from the disruption, given increased e-commerce and other online activity;

challenges to the security, availability and reliability of our information technology platform due to changes to normal operations, including the possibility of one or more clusters of COVID-19 cases affecting our employees or affecting the systems or employees of our partners; and

an increased volume of borrower and regulatory requests for information and support, or new regulatory requirements, which could require additional resources and costs to address.

Even after the COVID-19 pandemic has subsided, our business may continue to be unfavorably impacted by the economic turmoil caused by the pandemic. There are no recent comparable events that could serve to indicate the ultimate effect the COVID-19 pandemic may have and, as such, we do not at this time know what the extent of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic will be on our business. To the extent the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affects our business and financial results, it also may heighten other risks described in this Part I, Item 1A.

For additional discussion of the impact of COVID-19 on our business, see additional risk factors included in this Part I, Item 1A, as well as Part II, Item 7 “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”

We are a holding company with no operations of our ownAs a result, our cash flow and ability to service our debt is dependent upon distributions from our subsidiaries. The distribution of subsidiary earnings, or advances or other distributions of funds by subsidiaries to us, all of which are subject to statutory and could be subject to contractual restrictions, are contingent upon the subsidiaries’ cash flows and earnings and are subject to various business and debt covenant considerations.

Unless we obtain a bank charter, we cannot issue credit cards other than through agreements with banks. Because we do not have a bank charter, we currently cannot issue credit cards ourselves. Unless we obtain a bank or credit card bank charter, we will continue to rely upon banking relationships to provide for the issuance of credit cards to consumers. Even if we obtain a bank charter, there may be restrictions on the types of credit that the bank may extend. Our various issuing bank agreements have scheduled expiration dates. If we are unable to extend or execute new agreements with our issuing banks at the expirations of our current agreements with them, or if our existing or new agreements with our issuing banks were terminated or otherwise disrupted, there is a risk that we would not be able to enter into agreements with an alternate issuer on terms that we consider favorable or in a timely manner without disruption of our business.

We are party to litigation. We are defendants inparty to certain legal proceedings which include litigation customary for a business of our nature. In each case we believe that we have meritorious defenses or that the positions we are asserting otherwise are correct. However, adverse outcomes are possible in these matters, and we could decide to settle one or more of our litigation matters in order to avoid the ongoing cost of litigation or to obtain certainty of outcome. Adverse outcomes or settlements of these matters could require us to pay damages, make restitution, change our business practices or take other actions at a level, or in a manner, that would adversely impact our business.

We face heightened levels of economic risk associated with new investment activities.  We have made a number of investments in businesses that are not directly relatedmay be unable to our traditional servicing and receivables financing activities to, or associated with, the underserved consumer credit market.  In addition,use some of these investments that we have made and may make in the future are or will be in debt or equity securities of businesses over which we exert little or no control, which likely exposes us to greater risks of loss than investments in activities and operations that we control.  We make only those investments we believe have the potential to provide a favorable return. However, because some of the investments are outside of our core areas of expertise, they entail risks beyond those described elsewhere in this Report.  As occurred with respect to certain such investments in 2012 and 2011, these risks could result in the loss of part or all of our investments.


net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforwards. At December 31, 2020, we had U.S. federal NOL carryforwards of $51.0 million the deferred tax assets on which were not offset by valuation allowances. Our NOLs have resulted from prior period losses and are available to offset future taxable income. If not used, $1.3 million of the NOLs will expire in 2030, $24.8 million will expire in 2033, and $24.9 million will expire in 2037. Additionally, we had $2.5 million of U.S. state and local and foreign deferred tax assets which were not offset by valuation allowances. Such NOLs exist in a variety of jurisdictions with a variety of expiration dates. Under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code, our ability to use NOLs in any taxable year may be limited if we experience an "ownership change." A section 382 "ownership change" generally occurs if one or more shareholders or groups of shareholders, who own at least 5% of our stock, increase their ownership by more than 50 percentage points over their lowest ownership percentage within a rolling three-year period. We have not completed a Section 382 analysis through December 31, 2020. If we have previously had, or have in the future, one or more Section 382 “ownership changes,” or if we do not generate sufficient taxable income, we may not be able to use a material portion of the NOLs. If we are limited in our ability to use the NOLs in future years in which we have taxable income, we will pay more taxes than if we were able to fully use our NOLs. This could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.

Because we outsource account-processing functions that are integral to our business, any disruption or termination of thatthese outsourcing relationshiprelationships could harm our business. We generally outsource account and payment processing, and in 2016, we paid Total System Services, Inc. $3.8 million for these services.processing. If these agreementsoutsourcing relationships were not renewed or were terminated or the services provided to us were otherwise disrupted, we would have to obtain these services from an alternative provider.providers. There is a risk that we would not be able to enter into a similar agreementoutsourcing arrangements with an alternate providerproviders on terms that we consider favorable or in a timely manner without disruption of our business. Furthermore, we are currently transitioning to a new system provider. This conversion could cause service disruptions or other operational challenges.

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Failure to keep up with the rapid technological changes in financial services and e-commerce could harm our business. The financial services industry is undergoing rapid technological changes, with frequent introductions of new technology-driven products and services. The effective use of technology increases efficiency and enables financial and lending institutions to better serve customers and reduce costs. Our future success will depend, in part, upon our ability to address the needs of consumers by using technology to support products and services that will satisfy consumer demands for convenience, as well as to create additional efficiencies in our operations. We may not be able to effectively implement new technology-driven products and services as quickly as some of our competitors. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry could harm our ability to compete with our competitors. Any such failure to adapt to changes could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

If we are unable to protect our information systems against service interruption, our operations could be disrupted and our reputation may be damaged. We rely heavily on networks and information systems and other technology, that are largely hosted by third-parties to support our business processes and activities, including processes integral to the origination and collection of loans and other financial products, and information systems to process financial information and results of operations for internal reporting purposes and to comply with regulatory financial reporting and legal and tax requirements. Because information systems are critical to many of our operating activities, our business may be impacted by hosted system shutdowns, service disruptions or security breaches. These incidents may be caused by failures during routine operations such as system upgrades or user errors, as well as network or hardware failures, malicious or disruptive software, computer hackers, rogue employees or contractors, cyber-attacks by criminal groups, geopolitical events, natural disasters, pandemics, failures or impairments of telecommunications networks, or other catastrophic events. If our information systems suffer severe damage, disruption or


shutdown and our business continuity plans do not effectively resolve the issues in a timely manner, we could experience delays in reporting our financial results, and we may lose revenue and profits as a result of our inability to collect payments in a timely manner. We also could be required to spend significant financial and other resources to repair or replace networks and information systems. 

Unauthorized or unintentional disclosure of sensitive or confidential customer data could expose us to protracted and costly litigation, and civil and criminal penalties. To conduct our business, we are required to manage, use, and store large amounts of personally identifiable information, consisting primarily of confidential personal and financial data regarding consumers across all operations areas. We also depend on our IT networks and systems, and those of third parties, to process, store, and transmit this information. As a result, we are subject to numerous U.S. federal and state laws designed to protect this information. Security breaches involving our files and infrastructure could lead to unauthorized disclosure of confidential information.

We take a number of measures to ensure the security of our hardware and software systems and customer information. Advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries in the field of cryptography or other developments may result in the technology used by us to protect data being breached or compromised. In the past, banks and other financial service providers have been the subject of sophisticated and highly targeted attacks on their information technology. An increasing number of websites have reported breaches of their security.

If any person, including our employees or those of third-party vendors, negligently disregards or intentionally breaches our established controls with respect to such data or otherwise mismanages or misappropriates that data, we could be subject to costly litigation, monetary damages, fines, and/or criminal prosecution. Any unauthorized disclosure of personally identifiable information could subject us to liability under data privacy laws. Further, under credit card rules and our contracts with our card processors, if there is a breach of credit card information that we store, we could be liable to the credit card issuing banks for their cost of issuing new cards and related expenses. In addition, if we fail to follow credit card industry security standards, even if there is no compromise of customer information, we could incur significant fines. Security breaches also could harm our reputation, which could potentially cause decreased revenues, the loss of existing merchant credit partners, or difficulty in adding new merchant credit partners.

Internet and data security breaches also could impede our bank partners from originating loans over the Internet, cause us to lose consumers or otherwise damage our reputation or business.Consumers generally are concerned with security and privacy, particularly on the Internet. As part of our growth strategy, we have enabled lenders to originate loans over the Internet. The secure transmission of confidential information over the Internet is essential to maintaining customer confidence in such products and services offered online.


Advances in computer capabilities, new discoveries or other developments could result in a compromise or breach of the technology used by us to protect our client or consumer application and transaction data transmitted over the Internet. In addition to the potential for litigation and civil penalties described above, security breaches could damage our reputation and cause consumers to become unwilling to do business with our clients or us, particularly over the Internet. Any publicized security problems could inhibit the growth of the Internet as a means of conducting commercial transactions. Our ability to service our clients’ needs over the Internet would be severely impeded if consumers become unwilling to transmit confidential information online.


Also, a party that is able to circumvent our security measures could misappropriate proprietary information, cause interruption in our operations, damage our computers or those of our users, or otherwise damage our reputation and business.

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Regulation in the areas of privacy and data security could increase our costs. We are subject to various regulations related to privacy and data security/breach, and we could be negatively impacted by these regulations. For example, we are subject to the safeguardsSafeguards guidelines under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. The safeguardsSafeguards guidelines require that each financial institution develop, implement and maintain a written, comprehensive information security program containing safeguards that are appropriate to the financial institution’s size and complexity, the nature and scope of the financial institution’s activities and the sensitivity of any customer information at issue. Broad-ranging data security laws that affect our business also have been adopted by various states.

The California Consumer Privacy Act (the “CCPA”) became effective on January 1, 2020. The CCPA requires, among other things, covered companies to provide new disclosures to California consumers and afford such consumers with expanded protections and control over the collection, maintenance, use and sharing of personal information. The CCPA continues to be subject to new regulations and legislative amendments. Although we have implemented a compliance program designed to address obligations under the CCPA, it remains unclear what future modifications will be made or how the CCPA will be interpreted in the future. The CCPA provides for civil penalties for violations and a private right of action for data breaches.

In addition, on November 3, 2020, California voters approved the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020 (the “CPRA”) ballot initiative. Although the CPRA will not take effect until January 1, 2023, it will establish a privacy regulator before that date. We anticipate that CPRA will apply to our business and we will work to ensure compliance with the CPRA by its effective date.

Compliance with these laws regarding the protection of consumer and employee data could result in higher compliance and technology costs for us, as well as potentially significant fines and penalties for non-compliance. Further, there are various other statutes and regulations relevant to the direct email marketing, debt collection and text-messaging industries including the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. The interpretation of many of these statutes and regulations is evolving in the courts and administrative agencies and an inability to comply with them may have an adverse impact on our business.



In addition to the foregoing enhanced data security requirements, various federal banking regulatory agencies, and at least 48all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, have enacted data security regulations and laws requiring varying levels of consumer notification in the event of a security breach.


Also, federal legislators and regulators are increasingly pursuing new guidelines, laws and regulations that, if adopted, could further restrict how we collect, use, share and secure consumer information, which could impact some of our current or planned business initiatives.


Unplanned system interruptions or system failures could harm our business and reputation. Any interruption in the availability of our transactional processing services due to hardware, and operating system failures, or system conversion will reduce our revenues and profits. Any unscheduled interruption in our services results in an immediate, and possibly substantial, reduction in our ability to serve our customers, thereby resulting in a loss of revenues. Frequent or persistent interruptions in our services could cause current or potential consumers to believe that our systems are unreliable, leading them to switch to our competitors or to avoid our websites or services, and could permanently harm our reputation.

Although our systems have been designed around industry-standard architectures to reduce downtime in the event of outages or catastrophic occurrences, they remain vulnerable to damage or interruption from earthquakes, floods, fires, power loss, telecommunication failures, computer viruses, computer denial-of-service attacks, and similar events or disruptions. Some of our systems are not fully redundant, and our disaster recovery planning may not be sufficient for all eventualities. Our systems also are subject to break-ins, sabotage, and intentional acts of vandalism. Despite any precautions we may take, the occurrence of a natural disaster, pandemic, a decision by any of our third-party hosting providers to close a facility we use without adequate notice for financial or other reasons or other unanticipated problems at our hosting facilities could cause system interruptions, delays, and loss of critical data, and result in lengthy interruptions in our services. Our business interruption insurance may not be sufficient to compensate us for losses that may result from interruptions in our service as a result of system failures.


 Furthermore, we are currently transitioning to a new system provider. This conversion could cause service disruptions or other operational challenges.

Climate change and related regulatory responses may impact our business. Climate change as a result of emissions of greenhouse gases is a significant topic of discussion and may generate federal and other regulatory responses. It is impracticable to predict with any certaintyWe are uncertain of the ultimate impact, on our businesseither directionally or quantitatively, of climate change or theand related regulatory responses to it, although we recognize that they could be significant.on our business. The most direct impact is likely to be an increase in energy costs, which would adversely impact consumers and their ability to incur and repay indebtedness. However,

We elected the fair value option effective as of January 1, 2020, and we are uncertainuse estimates in determining the fair value of our loans. If our estimates prove incorrect, we may be required to write down the value of these assets, adversely affecting our results of operations. Our ability to measure and report our financial position and results of operations is influenced by the need to estimate the impact or outcome of future events on the basis of information available at the time of the ultimateissuance of the financial statements. Further, most of these estimates are determined using Level 3 inputs for which changes could significantly impact either directionallyour fair value measurements. A variety of factors including, but not limited to, estimated yields on consumer receivables, customer default rates, the timing of expected payments, estimated costs to service the portfolio, interest rates, and valuations of comparable portfolios may ultimately affect the fair values of our loans and finance receivables. If actual results differ from our judgments and assumptions, then it may have an adverse impact on the results of operations and cash flows. Management has processes in place to monitor these judgments and assumptions, but these processes may not ensure that our judgments and assumptions are correct.

Our allowance for uncollectible loans is determined based upon both objective and subjective factors and may not be adequate to absorb loan losses.We face the risk that customers will fail to repay their loans in full. Through our analysis of loan performance, delinquency data, charge-off data, economic trends and the potential effects of those economic trends on consumers, we establish an allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable as an estimate of the probable losses inherent within those loans, interest and fees receivable that we do not report at fair value. We determine the necessary allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable by analyzing some or quantitatively,all of climate changethe following unique to each type of receivable pool: historical loss rates; current delinquency and related regulatory responsesroll-rate trends; vintage analyses based on the number of months an account has been in existence; the effects of changes in the economy on consumers; changes in underwriting criteria; and estimated recoveries. These inputs are considered in conjunction with (and potentially reduced by) any unearned fees and discounts that may be applicable for an outstanding loan receivable. Actual losses are difficult to forecast, especially if such losses are due to factors beyond our historical experience or control. As a result, our allowance for uncollectible loans may not be adequate to absorb incurred losses or prevent a material adverse effect on our business.business, financial condition and results of operations. Losses are the largest cost as a percentage of revenues across all of our products. Fraud and customers not being able to repay their loans are both significant drivers of loss rates. If we experienced rising credit or fraud losses this would significantly reduce our earnings and profit margins and could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.

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Risks Relating to an Investment in Our Securities

The price of our common stock may fluctuate significantly, and this may make it difficult for you to resell your shares of our common stock when you want or at prices you find attractive. The price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market constantly changes. We expect that the market price of our common stock will continue to fluctuate. The market price of our common stock may fluctuate in response to numerous factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include the following:

actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results;

changes in expectations as to our future financial performance, including financial estimates and projections by Atlanticus, securities analysts and investors;

the overall financing environment, which is critical to our value;

the operating and stock performance of our competitors;

announcements by us or our competitors of new products or services or significant contracts, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments;

changes in interest rates;

the announcement of enforcement actions or investigations against us or our competitors or other negative publicity relating to us or our industry;

changes in GAAP,generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. ("GAAP"), laws, regulations or the interpretations thereof that affect our various business activities and segments;

general domestic or international economic, market and political conditions;

changes in ownership by executive officers, directors and parties related to them who control a majority of our common stock;

additions or departures of key personnel; and

future sales of our common stock and the transfer or cancellation of shares of common stock pursuant to a share lending agreement.


In addition, the stock markets from time to time experience extreme price and volume fluctuations that may be unrelated or disproportionate to the operating performance of companies. These broad fluctuations may adversely affect the trading price of our common stock, regardless of our actual operating performance.


Future sales of our common stock or equity-related securities in the public market, including sales of our common stock pursuant to share lending agreements or short sale transactions by purchasersholders of convertible senior notes, could adversely affect the trading price of our common stock and our ability to raise funds in new stock offerings. Sales of significant amounts of our common stock or equity-related securities in the public market, including sales pursuant to share lending agreements, or the perception that such sales will occur, could adversely affect prevailing trading prices of our common stock and could impair our ability to raise capital through future offerings of equity or equity-related securities. Future sales of shares of common stock or the availability of shares of common stock for future sale, including sales of our common stock in short sale transactions by purchasersholders of our convertible senior notes, may have a material adverse effect on the trading price of our common stock.

The shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock are senior obligations, rank prior to our common stock with respect to dividends, distributions and payments upon liquidation and have other terms, such as a redemption right, that could negatively impact the value of shares of our common stock. In December 2019, we issued 400,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. The rights of the holders of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock with respect to dividends, distributions and payments upon liquidation rank senior to similar obligations to our holders of common stock. Holders of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled to receive dividends on each share of such stock equal to 6% per annum on the liquidation preference of $100. The dividends on the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock are cumulative and non-compounding and must be paid before we pay any dividends on the common stock.

In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or the winding up of our affairs, the holders of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock have the right to receive a liquidation preference entitling them to be paid out of our assets generally available for distribution to our equity holders and before any payment may be made to holders of our common stock in an amount equal to $100 per share of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock plus any accrued but unpaid dividends.

Further, on and after January 1, 2024, the holders of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock will have the right to require us to purchase outstanding shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock for an amount equal to $100 per share plus any accrued but unpaid dividends. This redemption right could expose us to a liquidity risk if we do not have sufficient cash resources at hand or are not able to find financing on sufficiently attractive terms to comply with our obligations to repurchase the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock upon exercise of such redemption right.

Our obligations to the holders of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock also could limit our ability to obtain additional financing or increase our borrowing costs, which could have an adverse effect on our financial condition and the value of our common stock.

Our outstanding Series A Convertible Preferred Stock has anti-dilution protection that, if triggered, could cause substantial dilution to our then-existing holders of common stock, which could adversely affect our stock price. The document governing the terms of our outstanding Series A Convertible Preferred Stock contains anti-dilution provisions to benefit the holders of such stock. As a result, if we, in the future, issue common stock or other derivative securities, subject to specified exceptions, for a per share price less than the then existing conversion price of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, an adjustment to the then current conversion price would occur. This reduction in the conversion price could result in substantial dilution to our then-existing holders of common stock, which could adversely affect the price of our common stock.

15

We have no current plans to pay cash dividends on our common stock for the foreseeable future, and an increase in the market price of our common stock, if any, may be the sole source of gain on your investment. With the exception of dividends payable on our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, we currently intend to retain any future earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business and do not expect to pay any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. The declaration and payment of all future dividends on our common stock, if any, will be at the sole discretion of our board of directors, which retains the right to change our dividend policy at any time. Any decision by our board of directors to declare and pay dividends in the future will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, contractual restrictions, restrictions on dividends imposed by the document governing the terms of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. Consequently, appreciation in the market price of our common stock, if any, may be the sole source of gain on your investment for the foreseeable future.

Holders of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock are entitled to receive dividends on each share of such stock equal to 6% per annum on the liquidation preference of $100. The dividends on the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock are cumulative and non-compounding and must be paid before we pay any dividends on the common stock.

We have the ability to issue additional preferred stock, warrants, convertible debt and other securities without shareholder approval. Our common stock may be subordinate to additional classes of preferred stock issued in the future in the payment of dividends and other distributions made with respect to common stock, including distributions upon liquidation or dissolution. Our articles of incorporation permit our Board of Directors to issue preferred stock without first obtaining shareholder approval.approval, which we did in December 2019 when we issued the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock. If we issuedissue additional classes of preferred stock, these additional securities may have dividend or liquidation preferences senior to the common stock. If we issue additional classes of convertible preferred stock, a subsequent conversion may dilute the current common shareholders’ interest. We have similar abilities to issue convertible debt, warrants and other equity securities.

Our executive officers, directors and parties related to them, in the aggregate, control a majority of our common stock and may have the ability to control matters requiring shareholder approval. Our executive officers, directors and parties related to them own a large enough share of our common stock to have an influence on, if not control of, the matters presented to shareholders. As a result, these shareholders may have the ability to control matters requiring shareholder approval, including the election and removal of directors, the approval of significant corporate transactions, such as any reclassification, reorganization, merger, consolidation or sale of all or substantially all of our assets and the control of our management and affairs. Accordingly, this concentration of ownership may have the effect of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of us, impede a merger, consolidation, takeover or other business combination involving us or discourage a potential acquirer from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control of us, which in turn could have an adverse effect on the market price of our common stock.


The right to receive payments on our convertible senior notes is subordinatedsubordinate to the rights of our existing and future secured creditors. Our convertible senior notes are unsecured and are subordinate to existing and future secured obligations to the extent of the value of the assets securing such obligations. As a result, in the event of a bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution, reorganization or similar proceeding of our company, our assets generally would be available to satisfy obligations of our secured debt before any payment may be made on the convertible senior notes. To the extent that such assets cannot satisfy in full our secured debt, the holders of such debt would have a claim for any shortfall that would rank equally in right of payment (or effectively senior if the debt were issued by a subsidiary) with the convertible senior notes. In such an event, we may not have sufficient assets remaining to pay amounts on any or all of the convertible senior notes.

As of December 31, 2016,2020, Atlanticus Holdings Corporation had outstanding: $152.3$874.8 million of secured indebtedness, which would rank senior in right of payment to the convertible senior notes; $42.3$55.0 million of senior unsecured indebtedness in addition to the convertible senior notes that would rank equal in right of payment to the convertible senior notes; and no subordinated indebtedness. Included in senior secured indebtedness are certain guarantees we have executed in favor of our subsidiaries. For more information on our outstanding indebtedness, See Note 9,10, “Notes Payable,” to our consolidated financial statements included herein.

Our convertible senior notes are junior to the indebtedness of our subsidiaries. Our convertible senior notes are structurally subordinated to the existing and future claims of our subsidiaries’ creditors. Holders of the convertible senior notes are not creditors of our subsidiaries. Any claims of holders of the convertible senior notes to the assets of our subsidiaries derive from our own equity interests in those subsidiaries. Claims of our subsidiaries’ creditors will generally have priority as to the assets of our subsidiaries over our own equity interest claims and will therefore have priority over the holders of the convertible senior notes. Consequently, the convertible senior notes are effectively subordinate to all liabilities, whether or not secured, of any of our subsidiaries and any subsidiaries that we may in the future acquire or establish. Our subsidiaries’ creditors also may include general creditors and taxing authorities. As of December 31, 2016,2020, our subsidiaries had total


liabilities of approximately $206.7$921.4 million (including the $152.3$874.8 million of senior secured indebtedness mentioned above), excluding intercompany indebtedness. In addition, in the future, we may decide to increase the portion of our activities that we conduct through subsidiaries.

Note Regarding Risk Factors

The risk factors presented above are all of the ones that we currently consider material. However, they are not the only ones facing our company. Additional risks not presently known to us, or which we currently consider immaterial, also may adversely affect us. There may be risks that a particular investor views differently from us, and our analysis might be wrong. If any of the risks that we face actually occurs, our business, financial condition and operating results could be materially adversely affected and could differ materially from any possible results suggested by any forward-looking statements that we have made or might make. In such case, the trading price of our common stock or other securities could decline, and you could lose part or all of your investment. We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.

16


ITEM 1B.

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS

None.


ITEM 2.

PROPERTIES

We lease 335,372 square feet of office space in Atlanta, Georgia for our executive offices and the primary operations of our Credit and Other Investments segment. We have sub-leased 255,110254,710 square feet of this office space. Our Auto Finance segment principally operates from 12,807 square feet of leased office space in Lake Mary, Florida, with additional offices and branch locations in various states and territories. Our operations in the U.K., which are within our Credit and Other Investments segment, include leased space in Crawley.We believe that our facilities are suitable to our business and that we will be able to lease or purchase additional facilities as our needs, if any, require.


ITEM 3.

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

We are involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to the conduct of our business. There are currently no pending legal proceedings that are expected to be material to us.


ITEM 4.

MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

None.

17

None.

ITEM 5.

MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “ATLC.” The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per share of our common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. As of March 15, 2016,20, 2020, there were 5144 record holders of our common stock, which does not include persons whose stock is held in nominee or “street name” accounts through brokers, banks and intermediaries.

   
2015HighLow
1st Quarter 2015$3.10$2.08
2nd Quarter 2015$3.86$2.03
3rd Quarter 2015$4.02$3.40
4th Quarter 2015$3.64$2.88
   
2016HighLow
1st Quarter 2016$3.48$2.90
2nd Quarter 2016$3.23$2.64
3rd Quarter 2016$3.15$2.72
4th Quarter 2016$3.50$2.71

The closing price of our common stock on the NASDAQ Global Select Market on March 15, 2017 was $2.54.

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES


The following table sets forth information with respect to our repurchases of common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2016.


2020.

  

Total Number of Shares Purchased

  

Average Price Paid per Share

  

Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs (1)

  

Maximum Number of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased under the Plans or Programs (2)

 

October 1 - October 31

  4,633  $11.86   4,633   4,948,598 

November 1 - November 30

  19,236  $15.03   19,057   4,929,541 

December 1 - December 31

  87,667  $21.05   9,714   4,919,827 

Total

  111,536  $19.63   33,404   4,919,827 

(1)Because withholding tax-related stock repurchases are permitted outside the scope of our 5,000,000 share Board-authorized repurchase plan, these amounts exclude shares of stock returned to us by employees in satisfaction of withholding tax requirements on vested stock grants. There were 24,79978,132 such shares returned to us during the three months ended December 31, 2016.
2020.
(2)

(2)

Pursuant to a share repurchase plan authorized by our Board of Directors on May 12, 2016,7, 2020, we are authorized to repurchase 5,000,000 shares of our common stock through June 30, 2018.2022.


We will continue to evaluate our stock price relative to other investment opportunities and, to the extent we believe that the repurchase of our stock represents an appropriate return of capital, we will repurchase shares of our stock.


Dividends

We have no current plans to pay dividends to holders of our common stock.

ITEM 6.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

As a “smaller reporting company,” as defined by Item 10 of Regulation S-K, we are not required to provide this information.

18




ITEM 7.

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

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included therein, where certain terms (including trust, subsidiary and other entity names and financial, operating and statistical measures) have been defined.

This Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations includes forward-looking statements. We base these forward-looking statements on our current plans, expectations and beliefs about future events. There are risks, including the factors discussed in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A and elsewhere in this Report, that our actual experience will differ materially from these expectations. For more information, see “Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements” at the beginning of this Report.


In this Report, except as the context suggests otherwise, the words “Company,” “Atlanticus Holdings Corporation,” “Atlanticus,” “we,” “our,” “ours,” and “us” refer to Atlanticus Holdings Corporation and its subsidiaries and predecessors.

OVERVIEW

We utilize proprietary analytics and a flexible technology platform to enable financial institutions to provide various credit and related financial services and products to or associated witheveryday Americans. According to data published by Experian, 41% of Americans had FICO® scores of less than 700 as of the financially underservedsecond quarter of 2019. A recent survey conducted by Highland Solutions found that 63% of Americans lived “paycheck to paycheck” and 82% of people do not have access to an emergency fund. We believe this equates to a population of over 100 million everyday Americans in need of additional access to credit. These consumers often have financial needs that are not effectively met by larger financial institutions. By facilitating fairly priced consumer credit market. and financial service alternatives with value added features and benefits specifically curated for the unique needs of these consumers, we endeavor to empower everyday Americans on a path to improved financial well-being.

Currently, within our Credit and Other Investments segment, we are applying the experiences gained and infrastructure built from servicing over $25$26 billion in consumer loans over our 20-year24-year operating history to support lenders who originate a range of consumer loan products. These products include retail credit, personal loans,private label and general purpose credit cards marketedoriginated by lenders through multiple channels, including retail and healthcare point-of-sale (collectively "point-of-sale"), direct mail solicitation, Internet-based marketingonline and partnerships with third parties. In the point-of-sale channel, we partner with retailers and service providers in various industries across the U.S. to allow them to provide credit to their customers for the purchase of a variety of goods and services including consumer electronics, furniture, elective medical procedures, healthcare, educational services and home-improvements. The services of our bank partners are often extended to consumers who may not have access to financing options with larger financial institutions. We specialize in supporting this “second-look” credit service. Our flexible technology platform allows our lendingbank partners to integrate our paperless process and instant decision-makingdecisioning platform with the technology infrastructure of participating retailers and service providers. These services of our lending partners are often extended to consumers who may have been declined under traditional financing options. We specialize in supporting this “second-look” credit service. Additionally, we support lenders who market general purpose personal loans and credit cards directly to consumers through additional channels, which enables them to reach consumers through a diverse origination platform that includes direct mail, Internet-based marketing and our retail partnerships. Our technology platform and proprietary analytics enable lenders to make instant credit decisions utilizing hundreds of inputs from multiple sources and thereby offer credit to consumers overlooked by traditionalmany providers of credit.financing who focus exclusively on consumers with higher FICO scores. By offeringsupporting a range of products through a multitude of channels, we enable lenders to provide the right type of credit, whenever and wherever the consumer has a need. In

We are principally engaged in providing products and services to lenders in the U.S. and, in most cases, we invest in the receivables originated by such lenders who utilize our technology platform and other related services.


From time to time, we also purchase receivables portfolios from third parties. In this Report, “receivables” or “loans” typically refer to receivables we have purchased from our bank partners or from third parties.

Using our infrastructure and technology platform, we also provide loan servicing, including risk management and customer service outsourcing, for third parties. Also through our Credit and Other Investments segment, we engage in testing and limited investment in consumer finance technology platforms as we seek to capitalize on our expertise and infrastructure.


Beyond these activities within our Credit and Other Investments segment, we invest in and service portfolios of credit card receivables. One of our portfolios of credit card receivables is encumbered by non-recourse structured financing, and for this portfolio our principal remaining economic interest is the servicing compensation we receive as an offset against our servicing costs given that the likely future collections on the portfolio are insufficient to allow for full repayment of the financing.

Additionally, we report within our Credit and Other Investments segmentsegment: (1) the income earned from an investment in an equity-method investee that holds credit card receivables for which we are the servicer.


Lastly, we report within our Creditservicer; and Other Investments segment(2) gains or losses associated with investments previously made in consumer finance technology platforms. These include investments in companies engaged in mobile technologies, marketplace lending and other financial technologies. These investments are carried at the lower of cost or market valuation. Some of these investees have raised capital at valuations in excess of our associated book value. However, noneNone of these companies are publicly-traded and there are no material pending liquidity events,events. During the year ended December 31, 2020, one of the companies we invested in underwent a recapitalization which resulted in our receipt of $2.0 million in distributions. We retained our minority ownership stake in this company and ascribing valuewill continue to these investmentscarry the investment on our books at this time would be speculative.
cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes.

The recurring cash flows we receive within our Credit and Other Investments segment principally include those associated with (1) point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables, (2) servicing compensation and (3) credit card receivables portfolios that are unencumbered or where we own a portion of the underlying structured financing facility.



We historically financed most offacility (such as those associated with our investments in thelegacy credit card receivables originated throughoperations).

Subject to potential disruptions caused by COVID-19, we believe that our platform through the asset-backed securitization markets. These markets deteriorated significantly in 2008, and the level of “advance rates,” or leverage against credit card receivable assets, in the current asset-backed securitization markets is below pre-2008 levels. We do believe, however, that point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables are generating, and will continue to generate, attractive returns on assets, thereby facilitating debt financing under terms and conditions (including advance rates and pricing) that will support attractive returns on equity, and we continue to pursue growth in this area.


Within our Auto Finance segment, our CAR subsidiary operations principally purchase and/or service loans secured by automobiles from or for, and also provide floor plan financing for, a pre-qualified network of independent automotive dealers and automotive finance companies in the buy-here, pay-here, used car business. We purchase auto loans at a discount and with dealer retentions or holdbacks that provide risk protection. Also within our Auto Finance segment, we are providing certain installment lending products in addition to our traditional loans secured by automobiles.

We closely monitor
19

Beyond these activities within our Credit and manage our expenses based on current product offerings (andOther Investments segment, we invest in recent years have significantly reduced our overhead infrastructure which was built to accommodate higher managed receivables levels and a much greater numberservice portfolios of accounts serviced). As such, we are maintaining our infrastructure and incurring increased overhead and other costs in order to expand point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer finance and credit solutions and new product offerings that we believe have the potential to grow into our existing infrastructure and allow for long-term shareholder returns.


card receivables.

Subject to the availability of capital at attractive terms and pricing, we plan to continue to evaluate and pursue a variety of activities, including: (1) investments in additional financial assets associated with point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer finance and credit activities as well as the acquisition of interests in receivables portfolios; (2) investments in other assets or businesses that are not necessarily financial services assets or businesses;businesses and (3) the repurchase of our convertible senior notes and other debt orand our outstanding common stock.



We elected the fair value option to account for certain loans receivable associated with our point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer platform that are acquired on or after January 1, 2020. We believe the use of fair value for these receivables more closely approximates the true economics of these receivables, better matching the yields and corresponding charge-offs. We believe the fair value option also enables us to report GAAP net income that provides increased transparency into our profitability and asset quality. Receivables arising in accounts originated prior to January 1, 2020 will continue to be accounted for in our 2020 and subsequent financial statements at amortized cost, net. We estimate the Fair Value Receivables using a discounted cash flow model, which considers various factors such as expected yields on consumer receivables, the timing of expected payments, customer default rates, estimated costs to service the portfolio, interest rates, and valuations of comparable portfolios. As a result of this fair value adoption, our loans, interest and fees receivable arising in accounts originated subsequent to January 1, 2020 will be carried at fair value with changes in fair value recognized directly in earnings, and certain fee billings (such as annual membership fees and merchant fees) and origination costs associated with these receivables will no longer be deferred. We reevaluate the fair value of our Fair Value Receivables at the end of each quarter.

COVID-19 Pandemic 

On March 13, 2020, a national emergency was declared under the National Emergencies Act due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As of the date of filing this Annual Report on Form 10-K, the duration and severity of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic remain unknown. Likewise, we do not know the duration and severity of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on all members of the Company’s ecosystem – our bank partner, merchants and consumers – as well as our employees. In addition to instituting a Company-wide remote work program to ensure the safety of all employees and their families, we are communicating to employees on a regular basis regarding such efforts as planning for contingencies related to the COVID-19 pandemic, providing updated information and policies related to the safety and health of employees, and monitoring the ongoing pandemic for new developments that may impact the Company, our work locations or our employees and are taking reasonable measures. 

The following are anticipated key impacts on our business and response initiatives taken by the Company, in coordination with our partners, to mitigate such impacts:

Consumer spending behavior has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, principally due to restrictions on “non-essential” businesses, issuances of stay-at-home orders, and uncertainties about the extent and duration of the pandemic. Additionally, government stimulus programs have decreased consumer need for credit products and generally led to an increase in customer payments. While we have seen some improvements in this area, to the extent this change in consumer spending behavior continues, receivables purchases could decline relative to the prior year. The extent to which our merchants have remained open for business has varied across merchant category and geographic location within the U.S. 

Borrowers impacted by COVID-19 requesting hardship assistance have been receiving temporary relief from payments. While we expect these measures to mitigate credit losses, we anticipate that the elevated unemployment rate, while partially mitigated by the effects of government stimulus and relief measures, such as the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and the American Rescue Plan, may result in increased portfolio credit losses in the future.

As the impact of COVID-19 continues to evolve, the Company remains committed to serving our bank partner, merchants and consumers, while caring for the safety of our employees and their families. The potential impact that COVID-19 and related government stimulus and relief measures could have on our financial condition and results of operations remains highly uncertain. For more information, refer to Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” and, in particular, “– The global outbreak of COVID-19 has caused severe disruptions in the U.S. economy, and may have an adverse impact on our performance, results of operations and access to capital.

CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS


          

Income

 
  

For the Year Ended December 31,

  

Increases (Decreases)

 

(In Thousands)

 

2020

  

2019

  

from 2019 to 2020

 
Total operating revenue $560,007  $343,611  $216,396 
Other non-operating revenue  3,403   111,589   (108,186)

Interest expense

  (51,548)  (50,730)  (818)

Provision for losses on loans, interest and fees receivable recorded at net realizable value

  (142,719)  (248,383)  105,664 

Changes in fair value of loans, interest and fees receivable and notes payable associated with structured financings recorded at fair value

  (108,548)  2,085   (110,633)

Net margin

  260,595   158,172   102,423 

Operating expenses:

            

Salaries and benefits

  29,079   26,229   (2,850)

Card and loan servicing

  63,047   49,459   (13,588)

Marketing and solicitation

  35,012   36,388   1,376 

Depreciation

  1,247   1,137   (110)

Other

  17,819   13,196   (4,623)

Net income

  93,917   26,210   67,707 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests  203   233   (30)
Net income attributable to controlling interests  94,120   26,443   67,677 
Net income attributable to controlling interests to common shareholders  77,050   25,290   51,760 

20

     Income
 For the Year Ended December 31, Increases (Decreases)
(In Thousands)2016 2015 from 2015 to 2016
Total interest income$88,622
 $69,917
 $18,705
Interest expense(20,207) (18,330) (1,877)
Fees and related income on earning assets:     
Fees on credit products3,526
 6,907
 (3,381)
Changes in fair value of loans and fees receivable recorded at fair value1,587
 6,265
 (4,678)
Changes in fair value of notes payable associated with structured financings recorded at fair value3,773
 1,262
 2,511
Rental revenue8,235
 36,032
 (27,797)
Other195
 2,716
 (2,521)
Other operating income:     
Servicing income4,087
 5,004
 (917)
Other income320
 553
 (233)
Gain on repurchase of convertible senior notes1,151
 
 1,151
Equity in income equity-method investee2,150
 2,780
 (630)
Total$93,439
 $113,106
 $(19,667)
Net recovery of losses upon charge off of loans and fees receivable recorded at fair value(22,096) (38,878) (16,782)
Provision for losses on loans and fees receivable recorded at net realizable value53,721
 26,608
 (27,113)
Other operating expenses:     
Salaries and benefits24,026
 19,825
 (4,201)
Card and loan servicing30,662
 37,071
 6,409
Marketing and solicitation3,171
 2,235
 (936)
Depreciation, primarily related to rental merchandise7,477
 40,778
 33,301
Other8,834
 21,932
 13,098
Net (loss) income(6,341) 1,706
 (8,047)
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests6
 7
 (1)
Net (loss) income attributable to controlling interests(6,335) 1,713
 (8,048)

Year EndedDecember 31, 2016,2020 Compared to Year EndedDecember 31, 2015

2019

Total interest income.operating revenue. Total operating revenue consists of: 1) interest income, consists primarily of finance charges and late fees earned on point-of-saleconsumer loans, 2) other fees on credit products including annual and direct-to-consumer receivables, credit cardmerchant fees and auto finance receivables. 3) ancillary, interchange and servicing income on loan portfolios.

Period-over-period results reflect continued growth in our auto finance receivables, but primarily relate to growth in point-of-sale finance and direct-to-consumer products, the receivables of which increased from $105.3$908.4 million as of December 31, 20152019 to $214.9$1,085.9 million as of December 31, 2016. These increases were offset, however, by continued net liquidations of our historical credit card receivable portfolios over the past year.2020. We are currently experiencing continued period-over-period growth in point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables and to a lesser extent in our CAR receivables—growth which we expect to result in net period over periodperiod-over-period growth in our total interest income and related fees for these operations throughout 2017.2021. Future periods’ growth is also dependent on the addition of new retail partners to expand the reach of point-of-sale operations as well as continued growth within existing partnerships and continued growth and marketing within the direct-to-consumer receivables. Despite anticipated increasesAs discussed elsewhere in this Report, we have elected the fair value option to account for certain loan receivables associated with our point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables, continued net liquidations of our


historical credit card receivables will continue to offset someplatform that are originated on or after January 1, 2020. As a result, annual fees and merchant fees that are charged upon the acquisition of the expected increasesreceivable will no longer be deferred and will be recognized in the loan acquisition period. This difference in recognition also served to increase our other fees on credit products (included as a component of "Fees and related income on earning assets" on our Consolidated Statements of Operations). Other revenue on our Consolidated Statements of Operations consists of ancillary, interchange and servicing income. Ancillary and interchange revenues are largely impacted by growth in our receivables as discussed above. These fees are earned when our customer's cards are used over established card networks. We earn a portion of the interchange fee the card networks charge merchants for the transaction. We earn servicing income by servicing loan portfolios for third parties (including our equity-method investee). Unless and/or until we grow the number of contractual servicing relationships we have with third parties or our current relationships grow their loan portfolios, we will not experience significant growth and income within this category, and we currently expect to experience continued declines in this category of revenue relative to revenue earned in prior periods. The above discussions on expectations for finance, fee and other income are based on our current expectations. The unknown impacts COVID-19 and related government stimulus and relief measures may have on our ability to acquire new receivables or the impact they may have on consumers' ability to make payments on outstanding loans and fees receivable could result in overall net declineschanges in interestthese assumptions in the near term.

Other non-operating revenue. Included within our Other non-operating income period over period if ourcategory is income (or loss) associated with investments in new receivable originations decline.

non-core businesses or other items not directly associated with our ongoing operations. For the year ended December 31, 2019, this included $105.9 million associated with reductions in accruals related to one of our portfolios. The accrual was based upon our estimate of an amount that might have been claimed by customers and was based upon several factors including customer claims volume, average claim amount and a determination of the amount, if any, which might have been offered to resolve such claims. The assumptions used in the accrual estimate were subjective, mainly due to uncertainty associated with claims volumes and the resolution costs, if any, per claim. For the year ended December 31, 2020, other non-operating revenue included $2.0 million in distributions received from an investment in a consumer finance technology company. 

Interest expense. Variations in interest expense are due to new borrowings associated with growth in point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables and CAR operations as evidenced within Note 10, “Notes Payable,” to our consolidated financial statements offset by our debt facilities being repaid commensurate with net liquidations of the underlying credit card, auto finance and installment loan receivables that serve as collateral for the facilities offset by new borrowingsfacilities. Outstanding notes payable, net of unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts, associated with growth inour point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables and CAR operationsplatform increased from $691.5 million as evidenced within Note 9, “Notes Payable,”of December 31, 2019 to our consolidated financial statements.$827.1 million as of December 31, 2020. We anticipate additional debt financing over the next few quarters as we continue to grow, and as such, we expect our quarterly interest expense to be above that experienced in the prior periods for these operations.

Fees

Provision for losses on loans, interest and relatedfees receivable recorded at net realizable value. Our provision for losses on loans, interest and fees receivable recorded at net realizable value covers, with respect to such receivables, changes in estimates regarding our aggregate loss exposures on (1) principal receivable balances, (2) finance charges and late fees receivable underlying income on earning assets.  The significant factors affectingamounts included within our differing levelstotal interest income category, and (3) other fees receivable.  Recoveries of feescharged off receivables, consist of amounts received from the efforts of third-party collectors we employ and related income on earning assets include:


    declines in rental revenue as we significantly reduced rent-to-own operations inthrough the fourth quartersale of 2015 and for which we discontinued new acquisitions in 2016. We expect minimal future revenuescharged-off accounts to unrelated third-parties. All proceeds received associated with charged-off accounts, are credited to the allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable and effectively offset our provision for losses on loans, interest and fees receivable recorded at net realizable value.

We have experienced a period-over-period decrease in this product offering as existing rent-to-own contracts culminate with no new acquisitions expected;

reductions in fees on receivables, associated with general net declines in historical credit card receivables, offset slightly by new acquisitions of credit card receivables under our direct-to-consumer product offerings;
category between the years ended December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020 primarily reflecting: 1) the effects of changesour adoption of the fair value option to account for certain loans receivable that are acquired on or after January 1, 2020 which has resulted in a decline in the outstanding receivables subject to this provision and 2) the overall reduction in delinquencies associated with these receivables in part due to recent government stimulus programs, which have served to increase payments on outstanding receivables. This reduction in provision has been offset somewhat due to additional reserves associated with accounts that have been impacted due to COVID-19. See Note 2, “Significant Accounting Policies and Consolidated Financial Statement Components,” to our consolidated financial statements and the discussions of our Credit and Other Investments and Auto Finance segments for further credit quality statistics and analysis. Given our adoption of fair values of credit cardvalue accounting for certain receivables acquired on or after January 1, 2020, and absent the unknown impacts COVID-19 and related government stimulus and relief measures may have on our ability to acquire new receivables or the impact they may have on our customers' ability to make payments on outstanding loans and fees receivable, we expect that our provision for losses on loans will continue to diminish as the underlying receivables that continue to be recorded at net realizable value liquidate.

Changes in fair value of loans, interest and fees receivable and notes payable associated with structured financings recorded at fair value as described below; and

a reduction in other fees for 2016 as the 2015 results were positively impacted by the resolution of an outstanding dispute that resulted in the recovery of approximately $2.0 million associated with a receivable that was fully reserved in a prior period.

We expect a diminishing level of fee income for 2017 absent significant newvalue. For credit card receivable acquisitions. Additionally, for credit card accountsreceivables for which we use fair value accounting (including those that we elected the fair value option for on January 1, 2020), we expect our change in fair value of credit card receivables recorded at fair value andto increase throughout 2021 commensurate with growth in these receivables. Inversely (and to a lesser degree), we expect our change in fair value of notes payable associated with structured financings for our legacy credit card receivables recorded at fair value amounts to gradually diminish (absent significant changes in the assumptions used to determine these fair values) in the future. These amounts, however, are subject to potentially high levels of volatility if we experience changes in the quality of our credit card receivables or if there are significant changes in market valuation factors (e.g., interest rates and spreads) in the future. Such volatility will be muted somewhat, however, by the offsetting nature

21


Servicing income.  We earn servicing income by servicing loan portfolios for third parties (including our equity-method investee). Unless and/or until we grow the number of contractual servicing relationships we have with third parties or our current relationships grow their loan portfolios, we will not experience significant growth and income within this category, and we currently expect to experience limited to no growth in this category of revenue relative to revenue earned in prior periods.
Other income.  Historically included within our other income category are ancillary and interchange revenues, which are now relatively insignificant for us due to credit card account closures and net credit card receivables portfolio liquidations. Absent portfolio acquisitions or continued growth with new credit card offerings and related receivables, we do not expect significant ancillary and interchange revenues in the future. Also included within our other income category are certain reimbursements we receive in respect of one of our portfolios.

Gain on repurchase of convertible senior notes. In 2016 we repurchased $5.0 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding 5.875% convertible senior notes for $2.3 million plus accrued interest from unrelated third parties. The purchase resulted in a gain of $1.2 million (net of the notes’ applicable share of deferred costs, which were written off in connection with the repurchases). Upon acquisition, the notes were retired.

Equity in income of equity-method investee.  Because our equity-method investee uses the fair value option to account for its financial assets and liabilities, changes in fair value estimates can cause some volatility in the earnings of this investee. Because of continued liquidations in the credit card receivables portfolio of our equity-method investee, absent

additional investments in our existing or in new equity-method investees in the future, we expect gradually declining effects from our equity-method investment on our

Total operating results.

Net recovery of losses upon charge off of loans and fees receivable recorded at fair value. This account reflects charge offs (net of recoveries) of the face amount of credit card receivables we record at fair value on our consolidated balance sheet. We have experienced a general trending decline in, and we expect future trending declines in, these charge offs as we continue to liquidate our historical credit card receivables. Additionally, net recovery in both periods reflects the effects of reimbursements received in respect of one of our portfolios. In the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, these reimbursements exceeded the charge-offs experienced within the portfolio during the periods presented as the reimbursements are not directly associated with the timing of actual charge offs. The timing of these reimbursements cannot be reliably determined and as such we may not continue to experience similar positive impacts on future quarters.

Provision for losses on loans and fees receivable recorded at net realizable value.  Our provision for losses on loans and fees receivable recorded at net realizable value covers, with respect to such receivables, changes in estimates regarding our aggregate loss exposures on (1) principal receivable balances, (2) finance charges and late fees receivable underlying income amounts included within our total interest income category, and (3) other fees receivable. We have experienced a period-over-period increase in this category between the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 primarily reflecting the effects of volume associated with point-of-sale, direct-to-consumer and credit card finance receivables (i.e., growth of new product receivables and their subsequent maturation), rather than specific credit quality changes or deterioration which also impacted our provision for losses on loans and fees receivable recorded at net realizable value to a lesser degree. See Note 2, “Significant Accounting Policies and Consolidated Financial Statement Components,” to our consolidated financial statements and the discussions of our Credit and Other Investments and Auto Finance segments for further credit quality statistics and analysis.

expense.Total other operating expense. Total other operating expense variances for the year endedDecember 31, 20162019, relative to the year endedDecember 31, 20152020, reflect the following:
reductions in card and loan servicing expenses in the year ended December 31, 2016 when compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 based on lower acquisitions of our rent-to-own products as well as continued net liquidations in our historical credit card portfolios, the receivables of which declined from $51.2 million outstanding to $32.1 million outstanding at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016, respectively, as well as declines associated with our rental program. Further, as our relative level and mix of receivables have changed we have been better able to negotiate certain third party fixed costs as existing contracts expired. These declines have been offset somewhat by expenses related to growth in point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer products, the receivables of which grew from $105.3 million outstanding to $214.9 million outstanding at December 31, 2015 and December 31, 2016, respectively;
decreases in depreciation primarily associated with declines in acquisitions under our rent-to-own program which declined to $5.3 million from $38.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively; and
decreases in other expenses due to the reversal of a £3.4 million ($5.0 million) reserve in the year ended December 31, 2016. This reserve related to a review in the U.K. by HM Revenue and Customs (“HMRC”) associated with filings by one of our U.K. subsidiaries to reclaim VAT that it paid on its inputs and that it believed were and are eligible to be reclaimed. In February of 2016, we received correspondence from HMRC stating that it (1) had chosen to discontinue its review of our U.K. subsidiary’s VAT filings with no changes to the returns as filed by our U.K. subsidiary, and (2) would pay VAT refund claims made by our U.K. subsidiary that had been suspended during the HMRC review. We subsequently received substantially all of such refunds, and as such we reversed the £3.4 million ($5.0 million) of VAT review-related liabilities in the first quarter of 2016. Additionally, lower occupancy costs

increases in salaries reflecting marginal growth in both the number of employees and increases in related benefit costs. We expect some marginal increase in this cost for 2021 when compared to 2020 as we shut down our data center in late 2015 and a more favorable exchange rate helped to further reduce other expenses in 2016 relative to 2015.


Offsetting these declines are:

increases in salaries and benefit costs for the year ended December 31, 2016 when compared to the year ended December 31, 2015 resulting from growth in our new credit receivables and related activities as well as increased costs associated with employee benefits;
increases in marketing and solicitation costs for the year ended December 31, 2016 as brand marketing expanded in late 2015 and throughout 2016, as well as volume related increases in costs attributable to the growth in our retail point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer portfolios. We expect that increased origination and brand marketing support will result in overall increases in year over year costs during 2017 although the frequency and timing of marketing efforts could result in reductions in quarter over quarter marketing costs; and

general increases in other expenses related to receivables acquisition, risk management costs and third party costs associated with ongoing information technology upgrades.

A portion of our receivables to continue to grow and as a result we expect to modestly increase our number of employees;

increases in card and loan servicing expenses in the year ended December 31, 2020 when compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 due to growth in receivables associated with our investments in point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables, which grew from $908.4 million outstanding to $1,085.9 million outstanding at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020, respectively, offset by the continued net liquidations in our legacy credit card portfolios, the receivables of which declined from $6.4 million outstanding to $4.4 million outstanding at December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020, respectively. As many of the expenses associated with our card and loan servicing efforts are now variable based on the amount of underlying receivables, we would expect this number to continue to grow throughout 2021. As our receivables have grown, we have significantly reduced our servicing costs per account, realizing greater economies of scale.

slight decreases in marketing and solicitation costs for the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to decreases in the pace of receivables growth associated with our direct-to-consumer and retail point-of-sale portfolios. Despite this decrease, we expect that increased origination and brand marketing support will result in overall increases in year-over-year costs during 2021 although the frequency and timing of marketing efforts could result in reductions in quarter-over-quarter marketing costs; and
increases in other expenses primarily related to realized translation gains recognized during the prior period. Expenses in this category primarily relate to fixed costs associated with occupancy or other third party expenses that are largely fixed in nature. While we expect some increase in these costs as we continue to grow our receivable portfolios, we do not anticipate the increases to be meaningful.

Certain operating costs are variable based on the levels of accounts and receivables we service (both for our own account and for others) and the pace and breadth of our search for, acquisition of and introduction of new business lines, products and services.growth in receivables. However, a number of our operating costs are fixed and until recently have comprised a larger percentage of our total costs based on the ongoing contraction of our historical credit card receivables.costs. This trend is gradually reversing however, as we continue to grow our earning assets (including loans, interest and fees receivable) based principally on growth of point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables and to a lesser extent, growth within our CAR operations. This is evidenced by the growth we experienced in our managed receivables levels over the past two years with no effectiveminimal growth in the fixed portion of our card and loan servicing expenses (and overall expenses)as well as our salaries and benefits costs as we were able to better utilize our fixed costs to grow our asset base. We continue to perform extensive reviews

22

Notwithstanding our cost-controlcost-management efforts, and focus, we expect increased levels of expenditures associated with anticipated growth in point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer personal loan and credit card relatedcard-related operations. These expenses will primarily be relatedrelate to the variable costs of marketing efforts and card and loan servicing expenses associated with new receivable acquisitions. While we have greater control over our variableThe above referenced unknown potential impacts related to COVID-19 could result in more variability in these expenses it is difficult (as explained above) for us to appreciably reduce our fixed and other costs associated with an infrastructure (particularly within our Credit and Other Investments segment) that was built to support levels of managed receivables that are significantly higher than both our current levels and the levels that we expect to see in the near future. At this point, our Credit and Other Investments segment cash inflows are sufficient to cover its direct variable costs and a portion, but not all, of its share of overhead costs (including, for example, corporate-level executive and administrative costs and our convertible senior notes interest costs). As such, if we are unable to contain overhead costs or expand revenue-earning activities to levels commensurate with such costs, then, depending upon the earnings generated from our Auto Finance segment and our liquidating credit card portfolios, we may experience continuing pressure oncould impair our ability to achieve consistent profitability.

acquire new receivables, resulting in increased costs despite our efforts to manage costs effectively.

Noncontrolling interests. We reflect the ownership interests of noncontrolling holders of equity in our majority-owned subsidiaries as noncontrolling interests in our consolidated statements of operations. Unless we enter into significant new majority-owned subsidiary ventures with noncontrolling interest holders in the future, we expect to have negligible noncontrolling interests in our majority-owned subsidiaries and negligible allocations of income or loss to noncontrolling interest holders in future quarters.

Income Taxes. We experienced

On November 14, 2019, a wholly-owned subsidiary issued 50.5 million Class B preferred units at a purchase price of $1.00 per unit to an effective income tax benefit rateunrelated third party. The units carry a 16% preferred return to be paid quarterly, with up to 6 percentage points of 48.7%the preferred return to be paid through the issuance of additional units or cash, at our election. The units have both call and put rights and are also subject to various covenants including a minimum book value, which if not satisfied, could allow for the year ended December 31, 2016, comparedsecurities to be put back to the subsidiary. On March 30, 2020, the subsidiary issued an additional 50.0 million Class B preferred units under the same terms. The proceeds from the transaction are being used for general corporate purposes. We have included the issuance of these Class B preferred units as temporary noncontrolling interests on the consolidated balance sheets and the associated dividends are included as a reduction of our net income attributable to common shareholders on the consolidated statements of operations.

Income Taxes. We experienced an effective income tax expense rate of 51.7%17.9% and 17.5% for the yearyears ended December 31, 2015.2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. Our effective income tax benefitexpense rate for the year ended December 31, 2016 is above2020 was below the statutory rate principally due to the(1) our deduction for income tax purposes of amounts characterized in our U.K. subsidiary (1) that is not subject toconsolidated financial statements as dividends on a preferred stock issuance, such amounts constituting deductible interest expense on a debt issuance for tax in the U.S.,purposes and (2) the U.K. taxreversal in 2020 of our prior year accruals of interest and penalties on which was fully offsetliabilities for unpaid taxes, such reversal arising from the complete abatement by the releaseIRS of U.K. valuation allowances.failure-to-pay penalties (and accrued interest thereon) related to a now-completed audit by the IRS of our 2008 tax returns. Our effective income tax expense rate for the year ended December 31, 2015 reflects in part,2019 was below the establishmentstatutory rate principally as a result of the release of a federal valuation allowance against our U.K.-related deferred tax assets.


in that year.

We report potential accruedincome tax-related interest and penalties related to(including those associated with both our accrued liabilities for uncertain tax positions and unpaid tax liabilities, as well as any net payments of income tax-related interest and penalties,liabilities) within our income tax benefit or expense line item on our consolidated statements of operations. We likewise report the reversal of such accruedincome tax-related interest and penalties within the income tax benefit or expensesuch line item to the extent that we resolve our liabilities for uncertain tax positions or unpaid tax liabilities in a manner favorable to our accruals therefor. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively,For 2020, we reported a net reversal of net income tax-related interest and penalties are includedof $1.0 million within those years’ respectiveour income tax benefitline item, and expense line items.


In December 2014,for 2019, we reachedreported a settlement with the IRS concerning the tax treatmentnet accrual of net operating losses that we incurred in 2007 and 2008 and carried back to obtain refunds of federal income taxes paid in earlier years dating back to 2003. Our net unpaid income tax assessment associated with that settlement was $7.3 million at December 31, 2016; this amount excludes unpaidtax-related interest and penalties on the$0.1 million within our income tax assessment, the accruals for which aggregated $3.4 million at December 31, 2016. An IRS examination team denied amended return claims we filed that would have eliminated the $7.3 million assessment (and corresponding interest and penalties), and we filed a protest with IRS Appeals. Pending the resolutionline item.

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Credit and Other Investments Segment

Our Credit and Other Investments segment includes our activities relating to our servicing of and our investments in the point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer personal finance and credit card operations, our various credit card receivables portfolios, as well as other product testing and investments that generally utilize much of the same infrastructure. The types of revenues we earn from our investments in receivables portfolios and services primarily include fees and finance charges, merchant fees and the accretion of discountsor annual fees associated with the point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables.


We record (i) the finance charges, discount accretionmerchant fees and late fees assessed on our Credit and Other Investments segment receivables in the interest incomeRevenue - consumerConsumer loans, including past due fees category on our consolidated statements of operations, (ii) the rental revenue, over-limit, annual, activation, monthly maintenance, returned-check, cash advance and other fees in the feesRevenue - Fees and related income on earning assets category on our consolidated statements of operations, and (iii) the charge offs (and recoveries thereof) within our provisionProvision for losses on loans, interest and fees receivable recorded at net realizable value on our consolidated statements of operations (for all credit product receivables other than those for which we have elected the fair value option) and within losses upon charge offChanges in fair value of loans, interest and fees receivable recorded at fair valueand notes payable on our consolidated statements of operations (for all of our other receivables for which we have elected the fair value option). Additionally, we show the effects of fair value changes for those credit card receivables for which we have elected the fair value option as a component of Changes in fair value of loans, interest and fees receivable and related income on earning assetsnotes payable associated with structured financings recorded at fair value in our consolidated statements of operations.

Depreciation expense associated with rental merchandise (totaling $5.3 million and $38.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively) for which we receive rental revenue is included as a component of our overall depreciation in our consolidated statements of operations. We expect continued reductions in our depreciation of rental merchandise as existing rent-to-own contracts culminate with no new acquisitions expected.

We historically have invested in receivables portfolios through subsidiary entities. If we control through direct ownership or exert a controlling interest in the entity, we consolidate it and reflect its operations as noted above. If we exert significant influence but do not control the entity, we record our share of its net operating results in the equity in income of equity-method investee category on our consolidated statements of operations.

Managed Receivables
We make various references within our discussion of the Credit and Other Investments segment

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

In addition to our managed receivables. In calculatingfinancial measures presented in accordance with GAAP, we present managed receivables, data, we include withintotal managed yield, total managed yield ratio, combined net charge-off ratio, percent of managed receivables those receivables we manage for our consolidated subsidiaries, but we exclude from30 or more days past due, percent of managed receivables any noncontrolling interest holders’ shares60 or more days past due and percent of the receivables. Additionally, we include within managed receivables only our economic share90 or more days past due, all of the receivables that we manage for our equity-method investee.

Financial, operating and statistical data based on aggregate managed receivableswhich are important to anynon-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures aid in the evaluation of the performance of our credit portfolios, including our risk management, servicing and collection activities and our valuingvaluation of purchased receivables. In allocating our resources and managing our business, management relies heavily upon financial data and results prepared on this “managed basis.” Analysts, investors and others also consider it important that we provide selected financial, operating and statistical data on a managed basis because this allows a comparison of us to others within the specialty finance industry. Moreover, our management, analysts, investors and others believe it is critical that they understand theThe credit performance of the entire portfolio of our managed receivables because it revealsprovides information concerning the quality of loan originations and the related credit risks inherent withinwith the portfolios.

Reconciliation Management relies heavily upon financial data and results prepared on the “managed basis” in order to manage our business, make planning decisions, evaluate our performance and allocate resources.

These non-GAAP financial measures are presented for supplemental informational purposes only. These non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the non-GAAP financial measures used by other companies. A reconciliation of each of these non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure is provided below for each of the fiscal periods indicated. 

These non-GAAP financial measures include only the performance of those receivables underlying consolidated subsidiaries (for receivables carried at amortized cost basis and fair value) and exclude the performance of receivables held by our equity method investee. As the receivables underlying our equity method investee reflect a small and diminishing portion of our overall receivables base, we do not believe their inclusion or exclusion in the overall results is material. Additionally, we calculate average managed receivables databased on the quarter-end balances. 

The comparison of non-GAAP managed receivables to our GAAP financial statements requires: (1)requires an understanding that managed receivables reflect the face value of loans, interest and fees receivable without any consideration for potential loan losses or other adjustments to reflect fair value.

Below are (i) the reconciliation of Loans, interest and fees receivable, at fair value to Loans, interest and fees receivable, at face value and (ii) the calculation of managed receivables:

  

At or for the Three Months Ended

 
  

2020

  

2019

 

(in thousands)

 

Dec. 31 (1)

  

Sept. 30 (1)

  

Jun. 30 (1)

  

Mar. 31 (1)

  

Dec. 31

  

Sept. 30

  

Jun. 30

  

Mar. 31

 

Loans, interest and fees receivable, at fair value

 $417,098  $310,784  $177,886  $89,394  $4,386  $4,525  $4,904  $5,394 

Fair value mark against receivable (2)

  98,966   71,796   42,717   17,505   2,018   2,545   2,901   3,269 

Loans, interest and fees receivable, at face value

 $516,064  $382,580  $220,603  $106,899  $6,404  $7,070  $7,805  $8,663 

(1)  As discussed in more detail above in "—Overview," we elected the fair value option to account for certain loans receivable associated with our point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer platform that are acquired on or after January 1, 2020.

(2)  The fair value mark against receivables reflects the difference between the face value of a receivable and the net present value of the expected cash flows associated with that receivable. See Note 6, “Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities” to our consolidated financial statements included herein for further discussion on assumptions underlying this calculation.

  

At or for the Three Months Ended

 
  

2020

  

2019

 

(in millions)

 

Dec. 31

  

Sept. 30

  

Jun. 30

  

Mar. 31

  

Dec. 31

  

Sept. 30

  

Jun. 30

  

Mar. 31

 

Loans, interest and fees receivable, gross

 $574.3  $604.8  $679.6  $810.6  $908.4  $769.0  $602.3  $472.3 

Loans, interest and fees receivable, gross from fair value reconciliation above

  516.1   382.6   220.6   106.9   6.4   7.1   7.8   8.7 

Total managed receivables

 $1,090.4  $987.4  $900.2  $917.5  $914.8  $776.1  $610.1  $481.0 

As discussed above, our managed receivables data differ in certain aspects from our GAAP data in certain areas. First, managed receivables data are based on billings and actual charge offs as they occur without regard to any changes in our allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable or any changes in the fair value of loans and fees receivable and their associated structured financing notes; (2) inclusion of our economic share of (or equity interest in) the receivables we managereceivable. Second, for our equity-method investee; (3) removal of any noncontrolling interest holders’ shares of the managed receivables underlyingdata, we amortize certain fees (such as annual and merchant fees) associated with our GAAP consolidated results; (4) treatment of the transaction in which our 50%-owned equity-method investee acquired our structured financing trust notes (a) as a deemed sale of the trust receivables at their face amount, (b) followed by the 50%-owned equity-method investee’s deemed repurchase of such receivables for consideration equal to the discounted purchase price that it paid for the notes, and (c) as though the difference between the deemed face amount and the deemed discounted repurchase price of the receivables is to be treated as credit quality discount to be accreted into managed earnings as a reduction of net charge offsFair Value Receivables over the remainingexpected life of the receivables;corresponding receivable and (5) the exclusion from ourrecognize certain costs, such as claims made under credit deferral programs, when paid. Under fair value accounting, these fees are recognized when billed or upon receivable acquisition. Third, managed receivables data excludes the impacts of certain reimbursements received in respect of one of our portfolios which resulted in pre-tax income benefits within our total interest income, fees and related income on earning assets, losses upon charge off of loans and fees receivable recorded at fair value, net of recoveries, other income, servicing income, and equity in income of equity-method investee line items onequity method investees. A reconciliation of our


consolidated statements operating revenues to comparable amounts used in our calculation of operations totaling approximately $10.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2016, $2.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, $7.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016, $5.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, $10.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015, $11.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, $10.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, and $12.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. This last categoryTotal managed yield ratios are as follows (in millions):

  

At or for the Three Months Ended

 
  

2020

  

2019

 
  

Dec. 31

  

Sept. 30

  

Jun. 30

  

Mar. 31

  

Dec. 31

  

Sept. 30

  

Jun. 30

  

Mar. 31

 

Consumer loans, including past due fees

 $95.7  $95.6  $92.2  $95.3  $77.1  $62.7  $47.3  $42.7 

Fees and related income on earning assets

  31.4   35.5   32.4   34.6   24.2   19.7   14.3   10.3 

Other revenue

  4.8   4.5   2.6   2.5   4.4   3.9   2.7   1.8 

Adjustments due to acceleration of merchant fee discount amortization under fair value accounting

  (19.2)  (19.2)  (16.7)  (10.5)            

Adjustments due to acceleration of annual fees recognition under fair value accounting

  (1.1)  (7.8)  (6.2)  (8.6)            

Removal of expense accruals under GAAP

  (0.1)  (0.7)  (0.1)  1.4             

Total managed yield

 $111.5  $107.9  $104.2  $114.7  $105.7  $86.3  $64.3  $54.8 

The calculation of reconciling items aboveCombined net charge offs used in our Combined net charge-off ratio, annualized is excluded because it does not bear on our performance in managing our credit card portfolios, including our risk management, servicing and collection activities and our valuing of purchased receivables; moreover, it is difficult to determine the future effects of any such reimbursements that may be received.

Asset quality. as follows (in millions):

  

At or for the Three Months Ended

 
  

2020

  

2019

 
  

Dec. 31

  

Sept. 30

  

Jun. 30

  

Mar. 31

  

Dec. 31

  

Sept. 30

  

Jun. 30

  

Mar. 31

 

Net losses on impairment of loans, interest and fees receivable recorded at fair value

 $8.6  $3.3  $0.4  $0.3  $0.2  $0.2  $0.2  $0.3 

Gross charge offs on non fair value accounts

  30.6   54.3   71.8   70.5   49.9   34.8   34.2   29.4 

Recoveries on non fair value accounts

  (4.3)  (5.4)  (11.0)  (4.4)  (2.6)  (4.3)  (1.8)  (1.5)

Combined net charge-offs

 $34.9  $52.2  $61.2  $66.4  $47.5  $30.7  $32.6  $28.2 

Our delinquency and charge-off data at any point in time reflect the credit performance of our managed receivables. The average age of the accounts underlying our receivables, the timing and size of portfolio purchases, the success of our collection and recovery efforts and general economic conditions all affect our delinquency and charge-off rates. The average age of the accounts underlying our receivables portfolio also affects the stability of our delinquency and loss rates. We consider this delinquency and charge-off data in our determination of the fair value of our credit card receivables underlying formerly off-balance-sheet securitization structures, as well as our allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable in the case offor our other credit product receivables that we report at net realizable value. Our strategy for managing delinquency and receivables losses consists of account management throughout the life of the receivable. This strategy includes credit line management and pricing based on the risks. See also our discussion of collection strategies under the “How Do We Collect?”“Collection Strategy” in Item 1, “Business”.

25

The following table presents the delinquency trends of the receivables we manage within our Credit and Other Investments segment, as well as charge-off data and other non-GAAP managed receivables statistics (in thousands; percentages of total):

  

At or for the Three Months Ended - 2020

 
  

Dec. 31

  

Sept. 30

  

Jun. 30

  

Mar. 31

 
  

Fair Value Receivables

  

Amortized Cost Receivables

  

Total

  

% of Period-end managed receivables

  

Fair Value Receivables

  

Amortized Cost Receivables

  

Total

  

% of Period-end managed receivables

  

Fair Value Receivables

  

Amortized Cost Receivables

  

Total

  

% of Period-end managed receivables

  

Fair Value Receivables

  

Amortized Cost Receivables

  

Total

  

% of Period-end managed receivables

 

Period-end managed receivables

 $516,064  $574,309  $1,090,373      $382,580  $604,805  $987,385      $220,603  $679,593  $900,196      $106,899  $810,582  $917,481     

30 or more days past due

 $43,881  $58,744  $102,625   9.4% $20,238  $55,393  $75,631   7.7% $8,974  $87,214  $96,188   10.7% $1,322  $145,260  $146,582   16.0%

60 or more days past due

 $29,794  $41,214  $71,008   6.5% $12,844  $42,096  $54,940   5.6% $5,913  $74,443  $80,356   8.9% $221  $113,536  $113,757   12.4%

90 or more days past due

 $19,498  $29,382  $48,880   4.5% $8,355  $30,718  $39,073   4.0% $3,029  $58,821  $61,850   6.9% $155  $82,501  $82,656   9.0%

Averaged managed receivables

         $1,038,879              $943,791              $908,839              $916,155     

Total managed yield ratio, annualized (1)

          42.9%              45.7%              45.9%              50.1%    

Combined net charge-off ratio, annualized (2)

          13.4%              22.1%              26.9%              29.0%    

  

At or for the Three Months Ended - 2019

 
  

Dec. 31

  

Sept. 30

  

Jun. 30

  

Mar. 31

 
  

Fair Value Receivables

  

Amortized Cost Receivables

  

Total

  

% of Period-end managed receivables

  

Fair Value Receivables

  

Amortized Cost Receivables

  

Total

  

% of Period-end managed receivables

  

Fair Value Receivables

  

Amortized Cost Receivables

  

Total

  

% of Period-end managed receivables

  

Fair Value Receivables

  

Amortized Cost Receivables

  

Total

  

% of Period-end managed receivables

 

Period-end managed receivables

 $6,404  $908,424  $914,828      $7,070  $769,032  $776,102      $7,805  $602,326  $610,131      $8,663  $472,264  $480,927     

30 or more days past due

 $427  $139,661  $140,088   15.3% $419  $99,524  $99,943   12.9% $380  $69,686  $70,066   11.5% $522  $65,236  $65,758   13.7%

60 or more days past due

 $314  $103,870  $104,184   11.4% $281  $71,374  $71,655   9.2% $260  $49,649  $49,909   8.2% $387  $49,205  $49,592   10.3%

90 or more days past due

 $221  $73,868  $74,089   8.1% $185  $47,358  $47,543   6.1% $186  $35,147  $35,333   5.8% $292  $35,544  $35,836   7.5%

Averaged managed receivables

         $845,465              $693,117              $545,529              $471,895     

Total managed yield ratio, annualized (1)

          50.0%              49.8%              47.1%              46.5%    

Combined net charge-off ratio, annualized (2)

          22.5%              17.7%              23.9%              23.9%    

(1) The Total managed yield ratio, annualized is calculated using the annualized total managed yield as the numerator and period-end average managed receivables as the denominator.

(2) The Combined net charge-off ratio, annualized is calculated using the annualized combined net chargeoffs as the numerator and period-end average managed receivables as the denominator.

The following table presents additional trends and data with respect to our point-of-sale (“Retail”) and direct-to-consumer (“Direct”) receivables (dollars in thousands). Results of our legacy credit card receivables portfolios are excluded:

  

Retail - At or for the Three Months Ended - 2020

 
  

Dec. 31

  

Sept. 30

  

Jun. 30

  

Mar. 31

 
  

Fair Value Receivables

  

Amortized Cost Receivables

  

Total

  

% of Period-end managed receivables

  

Fair Value Receivables

  

Amortized Cost Receivables

  

Total

  

% of Period-end managed receivables

  

Fair Value Receivables

  

Amortized Cost Receivables

  

Total

  

% of Period-end managed receivables

  

Fair Value Receivables

  

Amortized Cost Receivables

  

Total

  

% of Period-end managed receivables

 

Period-end managed receivables

 $334,342  $209,878  $544,220      $260,338  $233,605  $493,943      $156,466  $274,652  $431,118      $72,803  $333,299  $406,102     

30 or more days past due

 $24,151  $18,400  $42,551   7.8% $12,339  $18,282  $30,621   6.2% $5,394  $26,795  $32,189   7.5% $962  $48,395  $49,357   12.2%

60 or more days past due

 $16,102  $13,290  $29,392   5.4% $7,299  $13,312  $20,611   4.2% $3,705  $21,918  $25,623   5.9% $-  $37,657  $37,657   9.3%

90 or more days past due

 $10,807  $9,490  $20,297   3.7% $4,517  $9,478  $13,995   2.8% $2,014  $17,176  $19,190   4.5% $-  $27,674  $27,674   6.8%

Average APR

          19.7%              19.0%              19.8%              21.3%    

Receivables purchased during period

         $152,855              $170,232              $141,094              $110,479     

  

Retail - At or for the Three Months Ended - 2019

 
  

Dec. 31

  

Sept. 30

  

Jun. 30

  

Mar. 31

 
  

Fair Value Receivables

  

Amortized Cost Receivables

  

Total

  

% of Period-end managed receivables

  

Fair Value Receivables

  

Amortized Cost Receivables

  

Total

  

% of Period-end managed receivables

  

Fair Value Receivables

  

Amortized Cost Receivables

  

Total

  

% of Period-end managed receivables

  

Fair Value Receivables

  

Amortized Cost Receivables

  

Total

  

% of Period-end managed receivables

 

Period-end managed receivables

 $  $397,691  $397,691      $  $365,652  $365,652      $  $308,382  $308,382      $  $255,922  $255,922     

30 or more days past due

 $  $52,777  $52,777   13.3% $  $42,318  $42,318   11.6% $  $31,988  $31,988   10.4% $  $32,626  $32,626   12.7%

60 or more days past due

 $  $38,728  $38,728   9.7% $  $29,980  $29,980   8.2% $  $22,375  $22,375   7.3% $  $25,040  $25,040   9.8%

90 or more days past due

 $  $27,225  $27,225   6.8% $  $20,307  $20,307   5.6% $  $15,444  $15,444   5.0% $  $18,322  $18,322   7.2%

Average APR

          22.1%              22.5%              24.0%              24.8%    

Receivables purchased during period

         $116,327              $133,528              $123,533              $69,120     

  

Direct - At or for the Three Months Ended - 2020

 
  

Dec. 31

  

Sept. 30

  

Jun. 30

  

Mar. 31

 
  

Fair Value Receivables

  

Amortized Cost Receivables

  

Total

  

% of Period-end managed receivables

  

Fair Value Receivables

  

Amortized Cost Receivables

  

Total

  

% of Period-end managed receivables

  

Fair Value Receivables

  

Amortized Cost Receivables

  

Total

  

% of Period-end managed receivables

  

Fair Value Receivables

  

Amortized Cost Receivables

  

Total

  

% of Period-end managed receivables

 

Period-end managed receivables

 $177,281  $364,431  $541,712      $117,379  $371,200  $488,579      $59,026  $404,941  $463,967      $28,332  $477,283  $505,615     

30 or more days past due

 $19,556  $40,344  $59,900   11.1% $7,730  $37,111  $44,841   9.2% $3,351  $60,419  $63,770   13.7% $31  $96,865  $96,896   19.2%

60 or more days past due

 $13,571  $27,924  $41,495   7.7% $5,429  $28,784  $34,213   7.0% $2,023  $52,525  $54,548   11.8% $  $75,879  $75,879   15.0%

90 or more days past due

 $8,616  $19,892  $28,508   5.3% $3,756  $21,240  $24,996   5.1% $889  $41,645  $42,534   9.2% $  $54,827  $54,827   10.8%

Average APR

          26.6%              26.1%              24.6%              26.1%    

Receivables purchased during period

         $190,596              $174,768              $117,367              $127,825     

  

Direct - At or for the Three Months Ended - 2019

 
  

Dec. 31

  

Sept. 30

  

Jun. 30

  

Mar. 31

 
  

Fair Value Receivables

  

Amortized Cost Receivables

  

Total

  

% of Period-end managed receivables

  

Fair Value Receivables

  

Amortized Cost Receivables

  

Total

  

% of Period-end managed receivables

  

Fair Value Receivables

  

Amortized Cost Receivables

  

Total

  

% of Period-end managed receivables

  

Fair Value Receivables

  

Amortized Cost Receivables

  

Total

  

% of Period-end managed receivables

 

Period-end managed receivables

 $  $510,733  $510,733      $  $403,380  $403,380      $  $293,944  $293,944      $  $216,342  $216,342     

30 or more days past due

 $  $86,884  $86,884   17.0% $  $57,206  $57,206   14.2% $  $37,698  $37,698   12.8% $  $32,610  $32,610   15.1%

60 or more days past due

 $  $65,142  $65,142   12.8% $  $41,394  $41,394   10.3% $  $27,274  $27,274   9.3% $  $24,165  $24,165   11.2%

90 or more days past due

 $  $46,643  $46,643   9.1% $  $27,051  $27,051   6.7% $  $19,703  $19,703   6.7% $  $17,222  $17,222   8.0%

Average APR

          27.0%              28.2%              28.5%              27.9%    

Receivables purchased during period

         $195,243              $174,026              $123,776              $60,733     

The following discussion relates to the tables above.
 At or for the Three Months Ended
 2016 2015
 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 Jun. 30 Mar. 31 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 Jun. 30 Mar. 31
Period-end managed receivables$245,007 $221,683 $201,406 $155,425 $152,528 $151,055 $142,338 $140,660
Percent 30 or more days past due11.8% 10.9% 8.2% 9.7% 11.5% 10.5% 11.8% 10.1%
Percent 60 or more days past due8.1% 7.3% 5.3% 7.1% 7.9% 7.2% 8.8% 7.5%
Percent 90 or more days past due5.2% 4.7% 3.4% 5.1% 5.4% 5.0% 4.9% 5.4%
Average managed receivables$236,103 $216,951 $188,128 $152,831 $152,983 $143,946 $139,401 $146,792
Total yield ratio32.6% 33.5% 36.8% 35.4% 35.2% 41.3% 38.1% 38.3%
Combined gross charge-off ratio21.1% 13.3% 14.9% 18.2% 16.8% 21.5% 17.4% 23.8%
Adjusted charge-off ratio17.8% 10.7% 11.7% 14.1% 12.9% 16.5% 13.2% 19.2%

Managed receivables levels.We experiencedhave continued to experience overall period-over-period quarterly receivables growth throughout 2015 and 2016 related to our current product offerings with over $109$177.5 million in net receivables growth associated with ourthe point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer products.products offered by our bank partners during 2020. The addition of several large point-of-sale retail partners and ongoing purchases of receivables arising in 2016 contributedaccounts issued by our bank partners to over $45 millioncustomers of our total $68existing retail partners helped grow our point-of-sale receivables by $146.5 million and $139.9 million in retail net receivable growth. Additionally, our personal loanthe years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Our direct-to-consumer acquisitions grew by over $36$31.0 million and $315.2 million, net during the yearyears ended December 31, 2016. Offsetting this growth2020 and 2019, respectively. We have noted recent recoveries in ourconsumer spending behavior that have helped to increase the overall combined managed receivables are declines inlevels, and we currently expect this trend to continue through the remainder of the year (absent further unknown impacts COVID-19 and related government stimulus and relief measures may have on our historical credit cardability to acquire new receivables portfolios givenor the closure of substantially all credit card accounts underlying the portfolios. While we expect continued quarterly growth in our managed receivables balances for all of our products throughout 2017, this growthimpact they may have on consumers' ability to make payments on outstanding loans and fees receivable). Growth in future periods largely is dependent on the addition of new retail partners to the point-of-sale operations as well asorigination platform, the timing and size of solicitations within the direct-to-consumer operations.platform by our bank partner, as well as purchase activity of consumers. Further, the loss of existing retail partner relationships could adversely affect new loan acquisition levels. Our top five retail partnerships accounted for over 60% of the above referenced Retail period-end managed receivables outstanding as of December 31, 2020

28

Delinquencies. Delinquencies have the potential to impact net income in the form of net credit losses. Delinquencies also are costly in terms of the personnel and resources dedicated to resolving them. We intend for the receivables management strategies we use on our portfolios to manage and, to the extent possible, reduce the higher delinquency rates that can be expected inwith the more mature portionyounger average age of the newer receivables in our managed portfolio. These account management strategies include conservative credit line management purging of inactive accounts and collection strategies intended to optimize the effective account-to-


collectoraccount-to-collector ratio across delinquency categories. We measure the success of these efforts by measuringreviewing delinquency rates. These rates exclude receivables that have been charged off.

Given that the vast majority of credit card accounts related

As we continue to acquire newer point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables, we expect our historical credit card receivables have been closed and there has been no significant new activity for these accounts, we generally have noted declines in delinquency statistics of our managed credit card receivables (whenrates to increase when compared to the same quartersperiods in prior period).


As our investments in point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables have become a larger component of our managed receivables base, our delinquency rates have increased (when compared to periods during which seasoned credit cards made up a larger portion of our managed receivables). This is largely a result of the risk profiles (and corresponding expected returns) for these receivables being higher than that experienced under our mature credit card receivables underlying closed credit card accounts as discussed above.years. Our delinquency rates have continued to be somewhat lower than what we ultimately expect for our new point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables given the continued growth and age of the related accounts.accounts as well as recent government stimulus efforts. The aforementioned positive impacts related to recent government stimulus programs have served to increase consumer payment rates beyond expectations. The impact due to growth in the receivable base can be seen in periods of large growth in the charts above which result in lower delinquency rates. If and when growth for these product lines moderates, as occurred with our personal loan product offering in the last two quarters of 2016,no further government stimulus programs or other interventions, we expect increased overall delinquency rates when compared to prior periods. This increase would be similar to those noted in the first quarter of 2020 when compared to the first quarter of 2019, as the existing receivables mature through their peak charge-off periods. Additionally, in accordance with prescribed guidance discussed elsewhere in this Report, certain consumers negatively impacted by COVID-19 have been offered short-term payment deferrals and fee waivers (generally on a month-to-month basis). Receivables enrolled in these short-term payment deferrals continue to accrue interest and their delinquency status will not change through the deferment period. Through December 31, 2020, approximately 5.6% of accounts had received some form of short-term deferral related to COVID-19. Approximately 1.7% of accounts and their associated receivables were actively enrolled in short-term payment deferrals (representing $28.3 million of gross receivables outstanding) as of December 31, 2020. Nearly all of these customers are considered current and thus not included as delinquent receivables. The exclusion of these accounts has resulted in lower delinquency rates than we would otherwise expect. Given this, and absent the unknown impacts COVID-19 and related government stimulus and relief measures may have on our ability to acquire new receivables or the impact they may have on consumers' ability to make payments on outstanding loans and fees receivable and the corresponding impact on our delinquency rates, we expect to continue to see seasonal payment patterns on these receivables are similar to those experiencedthat impact our delinquencies in line with our historical credit card receivables and we expect those patterns to continue.prior periods. For example, delinquency rates historically are lower in the first quarter of each year as seen above due to the benefits of seasonally strong payment patterns associated with year-end tax refunds for most consumers.

Total managed yield ratio, annualized. As noted previously, In the mix of our managed receivables has shifted away from certain higher-yielding credit card receivables. Those particular receivables traditionally had higher delinquency rates and late and over-limit fee assessments than do our other portfolios, and thus have higher total yield ratios as well. Additionally, our total yield ratio has been adversely affected in past quarters by our Non-U.S. Acquired Portfolio acquisition. Its total yields are below average compared to our other portfolios although the impacts of this portfolio are declining as its receivables continue to liquidate and are relatively immaterial at this time.

Offsetting the historical impacts noted above isyear ended December 31, 2020, we experienced growth in our newer, higher yielding receivables, including point-of-saledirect-to-consumer receivables and direct-to-consumer loans.our point-of-sale receivables. While this growth has contributed to increases in ourhigher total managed yield ratio,ratios, we expect this growth also will slow or even modestly reversecontinue to (absent the trendbeneficial impacts of recent government stimulus programs discussed elsewhere) result in higher charge-off and delinquency rates than those experienced historically. Direct-to-consumer receivables tend to have higher total yields than point-of-sale receivables, so declines in the portion of our declining charge-off rates as discussed abovemanaged receivables that includes direct-to-consumer receivables contributed to slightly lower total managed yield ratios for the second and asthird quarters of 2020 when compared to comparable periods in 2019. Additionally, lower delinquencies (and thus associated fee billings) noted during the second and third quarters of 2020, in addition to reductions in the fourth quarter of 2016, because we expect these receivablesprime rate that corresponds to season, mature, and charge off at higher rates than we currently experiencelower yields charged on our liquidating pool of credit card receivables, contributed to an overall lower total managed yield ratio. Our fourth, third, second and first quarter 2019 total managed yield ratios exclude the impacts of $37.8 million, $26.7 million, $26.0 million and $15.4 million, respectively, associated with closed credit card accounts.  We anticipate continued growthour aforementioned reduction in reserves associated with one of our higher yielding point-of-saleportfolios.

Absent the unknown impacts COVID-19 may have on our ability to acquire new receivables or the impact it may have on consumers' ability to make payments on outstanding loans and direct-to-consumer receivables over the next few quarters which shouldfees receivable, we expect total managed yield ratios to continue to stabilize our yield consistent with what we experienced in the past several quarters. However, the timing of receivable acquisitions as well asfluctuate somewhat based on the relative mix of growth in point-of-sale receivables acquired within a given quarter may contribute to some continued minor variability in our total yield ratio.

Although we have seen generally improving total yield ratio trend-lines, our third quarter 2015 total yield ratio was positively impacted by the recovery of approximately $2.0 million associated with a receivable that was fully reserved in a prior period. Absent this item, our total yield ratio would have been 35.8% in the third quarter of 2015.
and higher yielding direct-to-consumer credit card receivables. 

Combined grossnet charge-off ratio, and Adjusted charge-off ratio.annualized. We charge off our Credit and Other Investments segment receivables when they become contractually more than 180 days past due or 120 days past due for the direct-to-consumer personal loan receivables. We charge off rent-to-own receivables and impair associated rental merchandise if a payment has not been made within the previous 90 days. However, if a payment is made greater than or equal to two minimum payments within a monthdue. For all of the charge-off date, we may reconsider whether charge-off status remains appropriate. Typically,our products, we charge off receivables within 30 days of notification and confirmation of a consumer’scustomer’s bankruptcy or death. However, in some cases of death, we do not charge off receivables if there is a surviving, contractually liable individual or an estate large enough to pay the debt in full.

Given that

Growth within our historical credit card portfolios now account for less than 15% of our total managed receivables, the impacts of these historical portfolios are no longer key drivers in the performance of our managed receivables. Instead, growth within point-of-sale finance and direct-to-consumer receivables that have higher charge-off rates than the liquidating credit card portfolios that have historically comprised(as a larger portionpercent of our managed receivablesoutstanding receivables) has resulted in increases in our charge-off rates over time. Combined net charge-off rates for the first quarter of 2019 reflect the expected higher charge-off rates associated with a mix shift to higher yielding products and ongoing testing of new products throughout 2018. The declines we experiencedcombined net charge-off ratio in the third quarter of 2019 further reflects the positive impacts of a bulk sale of charged off receivables. Absent this sale, the combined net charge-off ratio would have been 18.6%. The first and second quarters 2020 combined net charge-off ratios reflect receivable growth during 2019 reaching peak charge-off during those periods. The combined net charge-off ratio in the second quarter of 2015 and 20162020 further reflects the positive impacts of a bulk sale of charged off receivables in boththat period. Absent this sale, the combined net charge-off ratio would have been 29.1%. Improvements in our combined and adjusted gross charge-off ratiosdelinquency rates during 2020 as a result of the increases in customer payments noted during 2020 were largely due to the seasonal beneficial impacts associated with payments experiencedfully realized in the firstfourth quarter of each of those years. Additionally, negatively impacting the2020. We expect these delinquency improvements to result in lower combined net charge-off ratios in the first quarter of 2015 (and thus magnifying the decline in charge-off ratios noted in the second quarter of 2015) were higher than anticipated charge-offs associated with one of the retail channels we support. Our recent combined gross charge-off and adjusted charge-off ratios


benefited inrates, when compared to comparable prior periods for the first few quarters of 2016 from growth2021.

Notwithstanding the improvements we experienced in our point-of-sale operations and more directly from growth in our direct-to-consumer receivables, many of which reached peak charge off periodswill see in the fourth quarter of 2016. We made substantial investmentsnext few quarters due to recent improvements in our personal loan offerings indelinquency rates, we expect the second quarter of 2016 which did not reach their peak-charge off period until the fourth quarter of 2016, thus positively impacting our second and third quarter combined and adjusted gross charge-off ratios and negatively impacting the same ratios in the fourth quarter.

The continued growth in the point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables continuesto continue to result in higher charge-offs than those experienced historically. In the next few quarters, we expect increasing charge off rates on a period-over-period comparison basis. This expectation is based on (1) the age, maturity and stability of our portfolio of generally liquidating receivables associated with closed credit card accounts, (2)following: (1) higher expected charge off rates on the point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables offset by lower charge offs associatedcorresponding with historical credit card receivables in the U.K. due to the continued liquidation ofhigher yields on these receivables, (3) the low charge-off ratios experienced(2) continued testing of receivables with higher risk profiles, which could lead to periodic increases in the second quarter of 2015 and second and third quarters of 2016 as discussed above and (4)combined net charge-offs, (3) recent vintages reaching peak charge-off periods. Offsettingperiods, (4) our current expectation for receivables growth during 2021 and (5) negative impacts on some consumers' ability to make payments on outstanding loans and fees receivable as a result of COVID-19. Further impacting our charge-off rates are the timing and size of solicitations that serve to minimize charge off rates in periods of high receivable acquisitions but also exacerbate charge-off rates in periods of lower receivable acquisitions. The unknown impacts COVID-19 and related government stimulus and relief measures may have on our ability to acquire new receivables or the impact they may have on consumers' ability to make payments on outstanding loans and fees receivable could lead to changes in these expectations.

We previously referred to this financial measure as "combined gross charge-off ratio." We have renamed this financial measure to more accurately describe its content and have not changed the calculation of this measure. 

Average APR. Our average annual percentage rate (“APR”) charged to customers varies by receivable type, credit history and other factors. The APR for receivables originated through our point-of-sale platform range from 0% to 36.0%. For direct-to-consumer receivables, APR ranges from 19.99% to 36.0%. We have experienced minor fluctuations in our average APR based on the relative product mix of receivables purchased during a period. We currently expect our average APRs in 2021 to remain consistent with average APRs over the past several quarters; however, the timing and relative mix of receivables acquired could cause some minor fluctuations.

Receivables purchased during period. Receivables purchased during the period reflect the gross amount of investments we have made in a given period, net of any credits issued to consumers during that same period. For most periods presented, our point-of-sale receivable purchases experienced overall growth throughout the periods presented largely based on the addition of new point-of-sale retail partners, as previously discussed. We may experience periodic declines in these acquisitions due to: the loss of one or more retail partners; seasonal purchase activity by consumers; or the timing of new customer originations by our lending partners. We currently expect to see increases will bein receivable acquisitions when compared to the same period in prior years. Our direct-to-consumer receivable acquisitions tend to have more volatility based on the issuance of new credit card accounts by our lending partner and the availability of capital to fund new purchases. Nonetheless, absent the unknown impacts COVID-19 may have on our ability to acquire new receivables or the impact it may have on consumers' ability to make payments on outstanding loans and fees receivable, we expect continued growth in the underlyingacquisition of these receivables base which will serve to mute to a varying degree, some of the aforementioned impacts as has been seen in recent quarters.


throughout 2021.

Auto Finance Segment

Our Auto Finance segment historically included a variety of

CAR, our auto sales and lending activities.

Our originalfinance platform CAR, acquired in April 2005, principally purchases and/or services loans secured by automobiles from or for, and also provides floor-plan financing for, a pre-qualified network of independent automotive dealers and automotive finance companies in the buy-here, pay-here used car business. We have expanded these operations to also include certain installment lending products in addition to our traditional loans secured by automobiles both in the U.S. and U.S. territories.

Collectively, as of December 31, 2016,2020, we served more than 560590 dealers through our Auto Finance segment in 3233 states, the District of Columbia and two U.S. territories.

Managed Receivables Background

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

For reasons set forth above within our Credit and Other Investments segment discussion, we also provide managed receivables-based financial, operating and statistical data for our Auto Finance segment. Reconciliation of the auto finance managed receivables data to our GAAP financial statementsdata requires an understanding that our managed receivables data are based on billings and actual charge offs as they occur, without regard to any changes in our allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable.



Analysis Similar to the managed calculation above, the average managed receivables used in the ratios below is calculated based on the quarter ending balances of Statistical Dataconsolidated receivables.

A reconciliation of our operating revenues to comparable amounts used in our calculation of Total managed yield ratios follows (in millions):

  

At or for the Three Months Ended

 
  

2020

  

2019

 
  

Dec. 31

  

Sept. 30

  

Jun. 30

  

Mar. 31

  

Dec. 31

  

Sept. 30

  

Jun. 30

  

Mar. 31

 
Consumer loans, including past due fees $8.0  $8.0  $7.9  $7.9  $7.9  $7.9  $7.9  $7.7 

Other revenue

  0.3   0.3   0.3   0.2   0.2   0.2   0.3   0.3 
Total managed yield $8.3  $8.3  $8.2  $8.1  $8.1  $8.1  $8.2  $8.0 

The calculation of Combined net charge offs used in our Combined net charge-off ratio follows (in millions):

  

At or for the Three Months Ended

 
  

2020

  

2019

 
  

Dec. 31

  

Sept. 30

  

Jun. 30

  

Mar. 31

  

Dec. 31

  

Sept. 30

  

Jun. 30

  

Mar. 31

 

Gross charge offs

 $0.7  $0.6  $0.8  $0.9  $1.2  $1.0  $1.5  $0.9 

Recoveries

  (0.3)  (0.3)  (0.2)  (0.3)  (0.3)  (0.4)  (0.4)  (0.3)

Combined net charge-offs

 $0.4  $0.3  $0.6  $0.6  $0.9  $0.6  $1.1  $0.6 

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Financial, operating and statistical metrics for our Auto Finance segment are detailed (in thousands; percentages of total) in the following table:

 At or for the Three Months Ended
 2016 2015
 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 Jun. 30 Mar. 31 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 Jun. 30 Mar. 31
Period-end managed receivables$79,683
 $76,615
 $80,903
 $78,415
 $77,833
 $75,428
 $78,342
 $73,371
Percent 30 or more days past due14.2% 12.7% 12.3% 10.2% 14.0% 13.3% 13.5% 10.7%
Percent 60 or more days past due5.4% 4.5% 3.9% 4.2% 5.5% 5.3% 5.6% 4.4%
Percent 90 or more days past due2.4% 1.8% 1.5% 2.2% 2.5% 2.6% 2.5% 2.1%
Average managed receivables$78,209
 $78,089
 $80,213
 $78,122
 $76,413
 $75,987
 $77,182
 $72,258
Total yield ratio37.8% 39.1% 38.0% 37.3% 38.3% 38.2% 37.6% 39.2%
Combined gross charge-off ratio2.6% 2.8% 3.1% 2.7% 3.3% 3.0% 1.9% 0.5%
Recovery ratio1.6% 1.0% 1.5% 1.3% 1.6% 1.3% 0.6% 1.5%

  

At or for the Three Months Ended

 
  

2020

  

2019

 
  Dec. 31  % of Period-end managed receivables  Sept. 30  % of Period-end managed receivables  Jun. 30  % of Period-end managed receivables  Mar. 31  % of Period-end managed receivables  Dec. 31  % of Period-end managed receivables  Sept. 30  % of Period-end managed receivables  Jun. 30  % of Period-end managed receivables  Mar. 31  % of Period-end managed receivables 

Period-end managed receivables

 $93,247      $90,514      $89,637      $90,226      $89,785      $89,451      $89,490      $90,208     

30 or more days past due

 $12,580   13.5% $10,120   11.2% $9,866   11.0% $11,261   12.5% $13,647   15.2% $12,984   14.5% $11,930   13.3% $10,292   11.4%

60 or more days past due

 $4,942   5.3% $4,101   4.5% $3,959��  4.4% $4,519   5.0% $5,581   6.2% $5,322   5.9% $4,796   5.4% $4,756   5.3%

90 or more days past due

 $2,141   2.3% $1,865   2.1% $2,029   2.3% $2,452   2.7% $2,573   2.9% $2,814   3.1% $2,306   2.6% $2,656   2.9%

Average managed receivables

 $91,881      $90,076      $89,932      $90,006      $89,618      $89,471      $89,849      $89,133     
Total managed yield ratio, annualized (1)  36.1%      36.9%      36.5%      36.0%      36.2%      36.2%      36.5%      35.9%    

Combined net charge-off ratio, annualized (2)

  1.7%      1.3%      2.7%      2.7%      4.0%      2.7%      4.9%      2.7%    

Recovery ratio, annualized (3)

  1.3%      1.3%      0.9%      1.3%      1.3%      1.8%      1.8%      1.3%    

(1)  The total managed yield ratio, annualized is calculated using the annualized Total managed yield as the numerator and Period-end average managed receivables as the denominator.

(2)  The Combined net charge-off ratio, annualized is calculated using the annualized Combined net chargeoffs as the numerator and Period-end average managed receivables as the denominator.

(3)  The Recovery ratio, annualized is calculated using annualized Recoveries as the numerator and Period-end average managed receivables as the denominator.

Managed receivables.  We Absent the unknown impacts COVID-19 and related government stimulus and relief measures may have on our ability to acquire new receivables or the impact they may have on consumers' ability to make payments on outstanding loans and fees receivable, we expect modest growth in the level of our managed receivables.receivables for 2021 when compared to the same periods in prior years in both the U.S. and U.S. territories as CAR expands within its current geographic footprint and continues plans for service area expansion. Although we are expanding our CAR operations, the Auto Finance segment faces strong competition from other specialty finance lenders, as well as the indirect effects on us of our buy-here, pay-here dealership customers’partners’ competition with more traditionalother franchise dealerships for consumers interested in purchasing automobiles. We expect managedIncluded in the fourth quarter of 2020 was an unplanned bulk purchase of receivables that increased our period over period growth. While we continually evaluate bulk purchases of receivables, the timing and size of the purchases are difficult to predict. Although receivable levels in each period of 2020 were roughly equal to continuethose in 2019 (with the exception of the fourth quarter of 2020), this primarily reflects strong customer payments throughout 2020 offsetting receivables growth when compared to grow slightly from current levels during 2017 as we expand our operations in the U.S. and U.S. territories.same periods of 2019. 

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Delinquencies.Current delinquency levels are consistent with our expectations for levels in the near term with some marginal increasesimprovement noted withinin 2020 periods (when compared to the overall buy-here pay-here market.same periods in 2019) due to stronger than anticipated customer payment behavior. Delinquency rates also tend to fluctuate based on seasonal trends and historically are lower in the first quarter of each year as seen above due to the benefits of strong payment patterns associated with year-end tax refunds for most consumers. Second quarter 2016As discussed, elsewhere in this Report, recent delinquency rates were positively impacted by higher than anticipatedhave benefitted from government stimulus programs that have resulted in customer payments experienced in the first quarterexcess of 2016.historical experience. We are not concerned with modest fluctuations in delinquency rates and do not believe they will have a significantly positive or adverse impact on our results of operations;operations; even at slightly elevated rates, we earn significant yields on CAR’s receivables and have significant dealer reserves (i.e., retainages or holdbacks on the amount of funding CAR provides to its dealer customers) to protect against meaningful credit losses.

Total managed yield ratio.ratio, annualized. We have experienced modest fluctuations in our total managed yield ratio largely impacted by the relative mix of receivables in our various products offered by CAR as some shorter term product offerings tend to have higher yields. Slightly depressing the overall total yield ratio in the first and second quarters of 2016 is the growth we experienced in the average managed receivables levels which negatively impacted the ratio ahead of the positive impacts of associated billed yield on this growth. As we experienced slight declines in our managed receivables levels in the third quarter of 2016 we realized this delayed impact. Yields on our CAR products over the last few quarters are consistent with our expectations andexpectations. Further, we expect our total managed yield ratio to remain in line with current experience, with moderate fluctuations based on relative growth or declines in average managed receivables for a given quarter as noted above. Excluded fromquarter. These variations would be based on the relative mix of receivables in our various product offerings. Additionally, our product offerings in the U.S. territories tend to have slightly lower yields than those offered in the U.S. As such, continued growth in that region also will serve to slightly depress our overall total managed yield ratio, yet we expect growth in the third quarter of 2015 is the resolution of an outstanding dispute that resulted in the recovery of approximately $2.0 million associated with a receivable that was fully reserved in a prior period.


region to continue to generate attractive returns on assets.

Combined grossnet charge-off ratio, annualized and recovery ratio.ratio, annualized. We charge off auto finance receivables when they are between 120 and 180 days past due, unless the collateral is repossessed and sold before that point, in which case we will record a charge off when the proceeds are received. Combined grossnet charge-off ratios in 2016the above table reflect the lower delinquency rates we experienced in 2016 relative to the same periods in 2015.have recently experienced. While we anticipate our charge-offs to be incurred ratably across our portfolio of dealers, specific dealer relateddealer-related losses are difficult to predict and can negatively influence our combined grossnet charge-off ratio as was seen inratio. This is evidenced by the fourth quarter of 2015.slightly elevated combined net charge-off rate we experienced during 2019. We continually re-assess our dealers and will take appropriate action if we believe a particular dealer’s risk characteristics adversely change. Significantly all charge offs we experienced in the first


and second quarters of 2015 were offset by available dealer reserves resulting in lower charge-off ratios for those periods. While we have appropriate dealer reserves to mitigate losses across the majority of our pool of receivables, the timing of recognition of these reserves as an offset to charge offs is largely dependent on various factors specific to each of our dealer partners including ongoing purchase volumes, outstanding balances of receivables and current performance of outstanding loans. As such, the timing of charge offcharge-off offsets is difficult to predict,predict; however, we believe that these reserves are adequate to offset any loss exposure we may incur. Additionally, the products we issue in the U.S. territories do not have dealer reserves with which we can offset losses. As our investments in these loans grow, we expect that gross charge-off rates will climb slightly over existing rates. We also expect our recovery rate to fluctuate modestly from quarter to quarter due to the timing of the sale of repossessed autos.

Given the unknown impacts COVID-19 and related government stimulus and relief measures may have on our ability to acquire new receivables or the impact they may have on consumers' ability to make payments on outstanding loans and fees receivable we could experience variation in these expectations.

Definitions of Certain Non-GAAP Financial Operating and Statistical Measures

Total managed yield ratio.ratio, annualized. Represents an annualized fraction, the numerator of which includes all(as appropriate for each applicable disclosed segment) the: 1) finance charge and late fee income billed on all consolidated outstanding receivables and the amortization of merchant fees, collectively included in the consumer loans, including past due fees category on our consolidated statements of income; plus 2) credit card fees (including over-limit fees, cash advance fees, returned check fees and interchange income), plus earned, amortized amounts of annual membership fees and activation fees with respect to certain credit card receivables, collectively included in our fees and related income on earning assets category on our consolidated statements of income; plus ancillary3) servicing, other income plus amortization of the accretable yield component of our acquisition discounts for portfolio purchases, plus gains (or less losses) on debt repurchases and other activities withincollectively included in our Credit and Other Investments segment less any adjustments to finance and fee billings, and theother operating income category on our consolidated statements of income. The denominator of which isused represents our average managed receivables.

Combined grossnet charge-off ratio.ratio, annualized.Represents an annualized fraction, the numerator of which is the aggregate consolidated amounts of finance charge, fee and principal losses from consumers unwilling or unable to pay their receivables balances, as well as from bankrupt and deceased consumers, less current-period recoveries (including recoveries from dealer reserve offsets for our CAR operations) and the related portion of unamortized fees and discounts, as reflected in Note 2 “Significant Accounting Policies and Consolidated Financial Statement Components—Loans, Interest and Fees Receivable”, and the denominator of which is average managed receivables. Recoveries on managed receivables represent all amounts received related to managed receivables that previously have been charged off, including payments received directly from consumers and proceeds received from the sale of those charged-off receivables. Recoveries typically have represented less than 2% of average managed receivables.

Adjusted We previously referred to this financial measure as "combined gross charge-off ratio.Represents an annualized fraction

We have renamed this financial measure to more accurately describe its content and have not changed the numeratorcalculation of which is the principal amountthis measure. 

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As discussed elsewhere in this Report, we incur a significant levelare closely monitoring the impacts of costs associated with a fixed infrastructurethe COVID-19 pandemic across our business, including the resulting uncertainties around consumer spending, credit quality and levels of liquidity. The ultimate impact of COVID-19 on our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations is dependent on future developments, which are highly uncertain.

We believe that had been designedour actions taken to supportdate, future cash provided by operating activities, availability under our significant legacy credit card operations. Our infrastructure costs are still somewhat elevated,debt facilities, and while we had inaccess to the past focused on cost reduction,capital markets will provide adequate resources to fund our operating and financing needs.

Our primary focus now is growing the point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer personal loan and credit card receivables so that our revenues from these investments can cover our infrastructure costs and returnwill help us tomaintain consistent profitability. Increases in new and existing retail partnerships and the expansion of our investments in direct-to-consumer finance products have resulted in quarterlyyear-over-year growth of total managed receivables levels, subsequent to the end of 2014, and we expect this growth to continue in the coming quarters.


Accordingly, we will continue to focus in the coming quarters on (i) containing costs (as opposed to our previous focus on reducing expenses) (ii) obtaining new retail partners to continue growth of the point-of-sale receivables (iii) continuing growth in direct-to-consumer and credit card receivables and (iv) obtaining the funding necessary to meet capital needs required by the growth of our receivables, (ii) adding new retail partners to our platform to continue growth of the point-of-sale receivables, (iii) continuing growth in direct-to-consumer credit card receivables and to cover our infrastructure costs until our receivables investments generate enough revenues and cash flows to cover such(iv) effectively managing costs.


All of our Credit and Other Investments segment’s structured financing facilities are expected to amortize down with collections on the receivables within their underlying trusts and should not represent significant refunding or refinancing risks to our consolidated balance sheet.  Additionally, we do not expect any imminent refunding or financing needs associated with our 5.875% convertible senior notes given their maturity in 2035. In May 2015 we redeemed the remainder of the outstanding 3.625% convertible senior notes. As such, the only facilitiessheets. Facilities that could represent near-term significant refunding or refinancing needs as of December 31, 20162020 are those associated with the following notes payable in the amounts indicated (in millions):

Further details concerning the above debt facilities are provided in Note 9, “Notes Payable,” and Note 10, “Convertible Senior Notes,” to our consolidated financial statements included herein.

Revolving credit facility (expiring October 30, 2022) that is secured by certain receivables and restricted cash $50.0 

Revolving credit facility (expiring February 8, 2022) that is secured by certain receivables and restricted cash

  5.8 
Revolving credit facility (expiring July 15, 2021) that is secured by certain receivables and restricted cash  4.7 

Revolving credit facility (expiring August 15, 2022) that is secured by certain receivables and restricted cash

  2.5 
Revolving credit facility (expiring December 15, 2022) that is secured by certain receivables and restricted cash  200.0 

Revolving credit facility (expiring April 21, 2021) that is secured by certain receivables and restricted cash

  7.8 
Amortizing debt facility (expiring September 30, 2021) that is secured by certain receivables and restricted cash  5.0 
Revolving credit facility (expiring October 15, 2021) that is secured by certain receivables and restricted cash  10.0 

Total

 $285.8 

Based on the state of the debt capital markets, the performance of our assets that serve as security for the above facilities, and our relationships with lenders, we view imminent refunding or refinancing risks with respect to the above facilities as low in the current environment, and we believe that the quality of our new receivables should allow us to raise more capital through increasing the size of our facilities with our existing lenders and attracting new lending relationships.


On  Further details concerning the above debt facilities and our convertible senior notes are provided in Note 10, “Notes Payable,” and Note 11, “Convertible Senior Notes,” to our consolidated financial statements included herein.

In the first quarter of 2021, we repurchased $14.7 million in face amount of convertible senior notes.  The remaining $19.1 million of outstanding convertible senior notes mature on November 30, 2035.  During certain periods and subject to certain conditions, the convertible senior notes are convertible by holders into cash and, if applicable, shares of our common stock.  Upon any conversion of the notes, we will deliver to holders of the notes cash of up to $1,000 per $1,000 aggregate principal amount of notes and, at our option, either cash or shares of our common stock in respect of the remainder of the conversion obligation, if any.

In February 9, 2017, we (through a wholly owned subsidiary) established a program under which we sell certain receivables to a consolidated trust in exchange for notes issued by the trust. The notes are secured by the receivables and other assets of the trust. Simultaneously with the establishment of the program, the trust issued a series of variable funding notes and sold an aggregate amount of up to $90.0$90.0 million (subsequently reduced to $70.0 million) of such notes (of which $5.8 million was outstanding as of December 31, 2020) to an unaffiliated third party pursuant to a facility that can be drawn upon to the extent of outstanding eligible receivables.

The facility matures Interest rates on February 8, 2022the notes are fixed at 14.0%. 

In June 2018 and is subjectagain in November 2018, we (through a wholly owned subsidiary) expanded the above mentioned program to certain affirmative covenantssell up to an additional $100.0 million of notes ($200.0 million in total notes through the June and collateral performance tests,November 2018 expansions - subsequently reduced to $110.0 million in total capacity as of December 31, 2020) which are secured by the failure of which could result in required early repayment of all or a portionreceivables and other assets of the trust (of which $12.5 million was outstanding balanceas of notes. The facility also may be prepaid subject December 31, 2020) to payment of a prepayment fee.


In October 2016, the revolving credit facility underlying our CAR operations was repaid. In connection with this repayment we entered into a new revolving credit facilityseparate unaffiliated third parties pursuant to facilities that provides for $40.0 million in available financing which can be drawn upon to the extent of outstanding eligible principal receivables withinreceivables. Interest rates on the borrower entities’ operationsnotes are based on commercial paper rates plus 3.75% and accrues interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus the applicable margin, ranging from 2.4% to 3.0% based on the ratio4.875%, respectively.

In June 2019, we sold $200.0 million of total liabilities to tangible net worth. The new facility matures November 1, 2018. The facility is subject toABS secured by certain affirmative covenants, including a coverage ratio and a leverage ratio, the failure of which could result in required early repayment of all or acredit card receivables. A portion of the outstanding balance.proceeds from the sale was used to pay-down our existing facilities associated with our credit card receivables. The terms of the ABS allow for a two-year revolving structure with a subsequent 12-month to 18-month amortization period. The weighted average interest rate on the securities is fixed at 5.37%.

In December 2020, we extended the maturity date of the revolving credit facility is secured by the general financial and operating assets of CAR to November 1, 2023, and, in October 2019, we expanded the borrowing capacity to $55.0 million. All other material terms remain unchanged.

In November 2019, we sold $200.0 million of ABS secured by certain credit card receivables. A portion of the proceeds from the sale was used to pay-down our CAR operations.existing facilities associated with our credit card receivables and the remaining proceeds were available to fund the acquisition of future receivables. The terms of the ABS allow for a three-year revolving structure with a subsequent 12-month to 18-month amortization period. The weighted average interest rate on the securities is fixed at 4.91%.

33

In DecemberJuly 2020, we sold $100.0 million of ABS secured by certain retail point-of-sale receivables. A portion of the proceeds from the sale was used to pay-down some of our existing revolving facilities associated with our point-of-sale receivables, and the remaining proceeds were used to fund the acquisition of receivables. The terms of the ABS allow for a three-year revolving structure with a subsequent 18-month amortization period. The weighted average interest rate on the securities is fixed at 5.47%.

In October 2020, we sold $250.0 million of ABS secured by certain retail point-of-sale receivables. A portion of the proceeds from the sale was used to paydown our existing term ABS associated with our point-of-sale receivables, noted above, and the remaining proceeds have been invested in the acquisition of receivables. The terms of the ABS allow for a 41 month revolving structure with an 18-month amortization period and the securities mature between August 2025 and October 2025. The weighted average interest rate on the securities is fixed at 4.1%.

On November 26, 2014, we reachedand certain of our subsidiaries entered into a settlementLoan and Security Agreement with the IRS concerning the tax treatmentDove Ventures, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company (“Dove”). The agreement provided for a senior secured term loan facility in an amount of net operating losses that we incurred in 2007 and 2008 and carried backup to obtain refunds of federal income taxes paid in earlier years dating back to 2003. Our net unpaid income tax assessment associated with that settlement was $7.3$40.0 million at any time outstanding. On December 27, 2019, the Company issued 400,000 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock (10,000,000 shares authorized, 400,000 shares outstanding) with an aggregate initial liquidation preference of $40.0 million, in exchange for full satisfaction of the $40.0 million that the Company owed Dove under the Loan and Security Agreement. Dividends on the preferred stock are 6% per annum (cumulative, non-compounding) and are payable as declared, and in preference to any common stock dividends, in cash. The Series A Preferred Stock is perpetual and has no maturity date. The Company may, at its option, redeem the shares of Series A Preferred Stock on or after January 1, 2025 at a redemption price equal to $100 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends. At the request of a majority of the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, the Company is required to offer to redeem all of the Series A Preferred Stock at a redemption price equal to $100 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends, at the option of the holders thereof, on or after January 1, 2024. Upon the election by the holders of a majority of the Series A Preferred Stock, each share of the Series A Preferred Stock is convertible into the number of shares of the Company’s common stock as is determined by dividing (i) the sum of (a) $100 and (b) any accumulated and unpaid dividends on such share by (ii) an initial conversion price equal to $10 per share, subject to adjustment in certain circumstances to prevent dilution. 

The use of the London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) is expected to be phased out by mid-2023. Currently, LIBOR is used as a reference rate for certain of our financial instruments. In any event, the majority of our revolving credit facilities mature prior to the expected phase out of LIBOR. At this time, there is no definitive information regarding the future utilization of LIBOR or of any particular replacement rate; however, we continue to monitor the efforts of various parties, including government agencies, seeking to identify an alternative rate to replace LIBOR. Going forward, we will work with our lenders to use suitable alternative reference rates for our financial instruments. We will continue to monitor, assess and plan for the phase out of LIBOR; however, we currently do not expect the impact to be material to the Company.

At December 31, 2016; this amount excludes unpaid interest and penalties on the tax assessment, the accruals for which aggregated $3.4 million at December 31, 2016. An IRS examination team denied amended return claims we made which would have eliminated the $7.3 million assessment (and corresponding interest and penalties)2020, and we have filed a protest with IRS Appeals. Pending the resolution of this matter, and as is customary in such cases, the IRS filed a lien in respect of the $7.3 million assessment described herein. To the extent we are unsuccessful in resolving this matter with IRS Appeals to our satisfaction, we plan to litigate this matter.


At December 31, 2016, we had $76.1$178.1 million in unrestricted cash held by our various business subsidiaries. Because the characteristics of our assets and liabilities change, liquidity management has been a dynamic process for us, driven by the pricing and maturity of our assets and liabilities. We historically have financed our business through cash flows from operations, asset-backed structured financings and the issuance of debt and equity. Details concerning our cash flows for the yearyears ended December 31, 20162020 and 2019 are as follows:

During the year ended December 31, 2016, we generated $39.0 million of cash flows from operations compared to the generation of $0.9 million of cash flows from operations during the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was principally related to 1) reductions in purchases of rental merchandise associated with point-of-sale finance operations, 2) cost reductions associated with card and loan servicing, 3) collections associated with reimbursements received in respect of one of our portfolios, and 4) the timing of payments associated with accrued liabilities including those associated with a portion of the reimbursements received in respect of one of our portfolios that are ultimately payable to customers. These increases in cash provided by operating activities were offset by decreases in collections associated with our credit card finance charge receivables and rental payments in the year ended December 31, 2016 relative to the same period in 2015, given diminished receivables levels.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, we used $75.8 million of cash from our investing activities, compared to generating $14.5 million of cash from investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2015.  This decrease is primarily due to increasing levels of investments in the point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables relative to the same period in 2015 and the shrinking size of our historical credit card receivables and corresponding payments from consumers. Offsetting these declines are the subsequent cash returns on our increasing investments in point-of-sale and direct to consumer receivables as well as reductions in our restricted cash levels, both of which contributed positively to our cash generated from investing activities.
During the year ended December 31, 2016, we generated$63.5 million of cash in financing activities, compared to our use of$3.6 million of cash in financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2015. In both periods, the data reflect borrowings associated with point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables offset by net repayments of amortizing debt facilities as payments are made on the underlying receivables that serve as collateral.

During the year ended December 31, 2020, we generated $212.7 million of cash flows from operations compared to our generation of $100.0 million of cash flows from operations during the year ended December 31, 2019. The increase in cash provided by operating activities was principally related to an increases in finance collections associated with growing point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables. 

During the year ended December 31, 2020, we used $292.6 million of cash from our investing activities, compared to use of $433.7 million of cash from investing activities during the year ended December 31, 2019. This decrease in cash used is primarily due to a decreased level of net investments (net of proceeds from earning assets) in point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables for 2020 relative to 2019. The decrease in net investments in receivables during 2020 was largely due to reduced consumer spending patterns as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak coupled with higher than anticipated principal returns on our aforementioned investments in point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables. We have noticed recent improvements in these spending patterns and we expect the level of net investments in receivables to increase for 2021 above levels noted for 2020.

During the year ended December 31, 2020, we generated $162.4 million of cash in financing activities, compared to our generating $368.7 million of cash in financing activities during the year ended December 31, 2019. In both periods, the data reflect borrowings associated with point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables offset by net repayments of amortizing debt facilities as payments are made on the underlying receivables that serve as collateral. Both periods were positively impacted by the issuance of Class B preferred units at a purchase price of $1.00 per unit, by a wholly-owned subsidiary. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2020, 50.5 million and 50.0 million of these Class B preferred units were issued, respectively. We expect our financing activities to continue in 2021 as we obtain additional funding to finance our planned growth in receivable acquisitions. 

Beyond our immediate financing efforts discussed throughout this Report, we will continue to evaluate debt and equity issuances as a means to fund our investment opportunities. We expect to take advantage of any opportunities to raise additional capital if terms and pricing are attractive to us. Any proceeds raised under these efforts or additional liquidity available to us could be used to fund (1) the acquisition of additional financial assets associated with theinvestments in point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer finance and credit card operationsreceivables as well as the acquisition of credit card receivables portfolios and (2) further repurchases of our 5.875% convertible senior notes and common stock, and (3) investments in certain financial and non-financial assets or businesses.stock. Pursuant to a share repurchase plan authorized by our Board of Directors on May 12, 2016,7, 2020, we are authorized as of December 31, 2016 to repurchase an additional 4,912,401up to 5,000,000 shares of our common stock through June 30, 2018.

2022. As of December 31, 2020, we were authorized to repurchase a remaining 4,919,827 shares under this share repurchase plan.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS, COMMITMENTS AND OFF-BALANCE-SHEET ARRANGEMENTS


See Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations”.

Commitments and Contingencies

We do not currently have any off-balance-sheet arrangements; however, we do have certain contractual arrangements that would require us to make payments or provide funding if certain circumstances occur, whichoccur; we refer to these arrangements as contingent commitments. We do not currently expect that these contingent commitments will result in any material amounts being paid by us. See Note 11,12, “Commitments and Contingencies,” to our consolidated financial statements included herein for further discussion of these matters.

RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

See Note 2, “Significant Accounting Policies and Consolidated Financial Statement Components,” to our consolidated financial statements included herein for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.

34

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING ESTIMATES

We have prepared our financial statements in accordance with GAAP. These principles are numerous and complex. We have summarized our significant accounting policies in the notes to our consolidated financial statements. In many instances, the application of GAAP requires management to make estimates or to apply subjective principles to particular facts and circumstances. A variance in the estimates used or a variance in the application or interpretation of GAAP could yield a materially different accounting result. It is impracticable for us to summarize every accounting principle that requires us to use judgment or estimates in our application. Nevertheless, we describe below the areas for which we believe that the estimations, judgments or interpretations that we have made, if different, would have yielded the most significant differences in our consolidated financial statements.


On a quarterly basis, we review our significant accounting policies and the related assumptions, in particular, those mentioned below, with the audit committee of the Board of Directors.

Revenue Recognition

Consumer Loans, Including Past Due Fees

Consumer loans, including past due fees reflect interest income, including finance charges, and late fees on loans in accordance with the terms of the related customer agreements. Premiums, discounts and merchant fees paid or received associated with installment or auto loans that are not included as part of our Fair Value Receivables are deferred and amortized over the average life of the related loans using the effective interest method. Premiums, discounts and merchant fees paid or received associated with Fair Value Receivables are recognized upon receivable acquisition. Finance charges and fees, net of amounts that we consider uncollectible, are included in loans, interest and fees receivable and revenue when the fees are earned based upon the contractual terms of the loans.

Fees and Related Income on Earning Assets

Fees and related income on earning assets primarily include fees associated with the credit products, including the receivables underlying our U.S. point-of-sale finance and direct-to-consumer platform, and our legacy credit card receivables which include the recognition of annual fee billings and cash advance fees among others.

We assess fees on credit card accounts underlying our credit card receivables according to the terms of the related cardholder agreements and, except for annual membership fees, we recognize these fees as income when they are charged to the customers’ accounts. We accrete annual membership fees associated with our credit card receivables into income on a straight-line basis over the cardholder privilege period which is generally 12 months for amortized cost receivables, and when billed for Fair Value Receivables. Similarly, fees on our other credit products are recognized when earned, which coincides with the time they are charged to the customers' accounts. Fees and related income on earning assets, net of amounts that we consider uncollectible, are included in loans, interest and fees receivable and revenue when the fees are earned based upon the contractual terms of the loans.

Measurements for Loans, Interest and Fees Receivable at Fair Value and Notes Payable Associated with Structured Financings at Fair Value

Our valuation of loans, interest and fees receivable, at fair value is based on the present value of future cash flows using a valuation model of expected cash flows and the estimated cost to service and collect those cash flows. We estimate the present value of these future cash flows using a valuation model consisting of internally developedinternally-developed estimates of assumptions third-party market participants would use in determining fair value, including estimates of net collectedgross yield, principal payment rates, expected principal credit loss rates, servicing costs, of funds,and discount rates and servicing costs.rates. Similarly, our valuation of notes payable associated with structured financings, at fair value is based on the present value of future cash flows utilized in repayment of the outstanding principal and interest under the facilities using a valuation model of expected cash flows net of the contractual service expenses within the facilities. We estimate the present value of these future cash flows using a valuation model consisting of internally developedinternally-developed estimates of assumptions third-party market participants would use in determining fair value, including: estimates of net collectedgross yield, principal payment rates, and expected principal credit loss rates, on the credit card receivables that secure the non-recourse notes payable;servicing costs, of funds;and discount rates; and contractual servicing fees.

rates.

The estimates for credit losses, payment rates, servicing costs, contractual servicing fees, costs of funds, discount rates and yields earned on credit card receivables significantly affect the reported amount (and changes thereon) of our loans, interest and fees receivable, at fair value and our notes payable associated with structured financings, at fair value on our consolidated balance sheet,sheets and they likewise affect our changes in fair valueconsolidated statements of loans and fees receivable recorded at fair value and changes in fair value of notes payable associated with structured financings recorded at fair value categories within our fees and related income on earning assets line item on our consolidated statement of operations.

Allowance for Uncollectible Loans, Interest and Fees

Through our analysis of loan performance, delinquency data, charge-off data, economic trends and the potential effects of those economic trends on consumers, we establish an allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable as an estimate of the probable losses inherent within those loans, interest and fees receivable that we do not report at fair value. Our loans, interest and fees receivable consist of smaller-balance, homogeneous loans, divided into two portfolio segments: Credit and Other Investments;Investments; and Auto Finance. Each of these portfolio segments is further divided into pools based on common characteristics such as contract or acquisition channel. For each pool, we determine the necessary allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable by analyzing some or all of the following unique to each type of receivable pool: historical loss rates;rates; current delinquency and roll-rate trends;trends; vintage analyses based on the number of months an account has been in existence;existence; the effects of changes in the economy on our customers;consumers; changes in underwriting criteria;criteria; and estimated recoveries. These inputs are considered in conjunction with (and potentially reduced by) any unearned fees and discounts that may be applicable for an outstanding loan receivable. To the extent that actual results differ from our estimates of uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable, our results of operations and liquidity could be materially affected.



ITEM 7A.

QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

As a “smaller reporting company,” as defined by Item 10 of Regulation S-K, we are not required to provide this information.

ITEM 8.

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

See the Index to Financial Statements in Item 15, “Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.”


ITEM 9.

CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE

None.


ITEM 9A.

CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of December 31, 2016,2020, an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Act) was carried out on behalf of Atlanticus Holdings Corporation and our subsidiaries by our management and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer). Based upon the evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2016.

2020.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting


Management of Atlanticus Holdings Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Act) for Atlanticus Holdings Corporation and our subsidiaries. Our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016,2020, based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013 framework).


Based on our evaluation under the COSO 2013 framework, management has concluded that internal control over financial reporting was effective as of December 31, 2016.


2020.

This Annual Report does not include an attestation report of our independent public accounting firm regarding internal control over financial reporting. Management’s report is not subject to attestation by our independent public accounting firm pursuant to SEC rules that permit us to provide only management’s report in this Annual Report.


Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting


During the quarter ended December 31, 2016,2020, no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Act) occurred that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


Limitations on Controls


Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.


ITEM 9B.

OTHER INFORMATION

None.

36

None.

ITEM 10.

DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The information required by this Item will be set forth in our Proxy Statement for the 20172021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders in the sections entitled “Proposal One: Election of Directors,” “Executive Officers of Atlanticus,” “Section“Delinquent Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance”Reports” and “Corporate Governance” and is incorporated by reference.


ITEM 11.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION


The information required by this Item will be set forth in our Proxy Statement for the 20172021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders in the section entitled “Executive and Director Compensation” and is incorporated by reference.


ITEM 12.

SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS


The information required by this Item will be set forth in our Proxy Statement for the 20172021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders in the sections entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” and is incorporated by reference.


ITEM 13.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE

The information required by this Item will be set forth in our Proxy Statement for the 20172021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders in the sections entitled “Related Party Transactions” and “Corporate Governance” and is incorporated by reference.


ITEM 14.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES

The information required by this Item will be set forth in our Proxy Statement for the 20172021 Annual Meeting of Shareholders in the section entitled “Auditor Fees” and is incorporated by reference.

PART IV

ITEM 15.

EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

The following documents are filed as part of this Report:

1. Financial Statements

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

2. Financial Statement Schedules

None.


3. Exhibits

Exhibit

Number

Exhibit Number

Description of Exhibit

Incorporated by Reference from Atlanticus’ SEC Filings

Unless Otherwise Indicated(1)

3.1

Articles of Incorporation, as amended

June 8, 2009, Proxy Statement/Prospectus, Annex B

May 16, 2017, Form 8-K, exhibit 3.1

3.1(a) Articles of Amendment to Articles of IncorporationEstablishing Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A NovemberDecember 30, 2012,2019, Form 8-K, exhibit 3.1

3.2

Amended and Restated Bylaws (as amended through November 30, 2012)May 12, 2017)

November 30, 2012,

May 16, 2017, Form 8-K, exhibit 3.2

4.1 Description of Common Stock of Atlanticus Holdings CorporationMarch 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 4.1

4.2

Form of common stock certificate

March 30, 2016, Form 10-K, exhibit 4.1

4.2

4.3

Indenture dated November 23, 2005 with U.S. Bank National Association, as successor to Wachovia Bank, National Association

November 28, 2005, Form 8-K, exhibit 4.1

4.3

4.4

Supplemental Indenture dated June 30, 2009 with U.S. Bank National Association, as successor to Wachovia Bank, National Association

July 7, 2009, Form 8-K, exhibit 4.2

10.1

Stockholders Agreement dated as of April 28, 1999

January 18, 2000, Form S-1, exhibit 10.1

10.2†

Fourth Amended and Restated 2014 Equity Incentive Plan

April 15, 2016,11, 2019, Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, Appendix A

10.2(a)†

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement–Directors

May 18, 2016,

August 14, 2019, Form 8-K,10-Q, exhibit 10.2

10.2(b)†

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement–Employees

May 18, 2016,

August 14, 2019, Form 8-K,10-Q, exhibit 10.3

10.2(c)†

Form of Stock Option Agreement–Directors

May 18, 2016,

August 14, 2019, Form 8-K,10-Q, exhibit 10.4

10.2(d)†

Form of Stock Option Agreement–Employees

May 18, 2016,August 14, 2019, Form 8-K,10-Q, exhibit 10.5

10.2(e)†

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement–Directors

May 18, 2016,

August 14, 2019, Form 8-K,10-Q, exhibit 10.6

10.2(f)†

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement–Employees

May 18, 2016,

August 14, 2019, Form 8-K,10-Q, exhibit 10.7

10.3†

Second Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan

April 16, 2008,10, 2018, Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, Appendix BA

10.4†

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement for David G. Hanna

December 29, 2008, Form 8-K, exhibit 10.1

10.5†

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement for Richard W. GilbertDecember 29, 2008, Form 8-K, exhibit 10.3
10.6†

Employment Agreement for Jeffrey A. Howard

March 28, 2014, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.7

10.7†

10.6†

Employment Agreement for William R. McCamey

March 28, 2014, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.8

10.8†     

10.7†

Outside Director Compensation Package

November 14, 2016,13, 2020, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.1
10.9

10.8

Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement, dated March 1, 2010, among Merrill Lynch Mortgage Capital Inc., CCFC Corp. (formerly CompuCredit Funding Corp.), Atlanticus Services Corporation (formerly CompuCredit Corporation), and CompuCredit Credit Card Master Note Business Trust

June 25, 2010, Form 8-K/A, exhibit 10.1

10.10

10.9

Share Lending Agreement

November 22, 2005, Form 8-K, exhibit 10.1

10.10(a)

10.9(a)

Amendment to Share Lending Agreement

March 6, 2012, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.12(a)



10.10

Exhibit NumberDescription of ExhibitIncorporated by Reference from Atlanticus’ SEC Filings Unless Otherwise Indicated(1)
10.11Agreement relating to the Sale and Purchase of Monument Business, dated April 4, 2007August 1, 2007, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.1
10.11(a)Account Ownership Agreement for Partridge Acquired Portfolio Business Trust, dated April 4, 2007, with R Raphael & Sons PLCAugust 1, 2007, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.2
10.11(b)Receivables Purchase Agreement for Partridge Acquired Portfolio Business Trust, dated April 4, 2007, with R Raphael & Sons PLCAugust 1, 2007, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.3
10.11(c)Receivables Purchase Agreement for Partridge Acquired Portfolio Business Trust, dated April 4, 2007, with Partridge Funding CorporationAugust 1, 2007, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.4
10.11(d)Master Indenture for Partridge Acquired Portfolio Business Trust, dated April 4, 2007, among Partridge Acquired Portfolio Business Trust, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch and CIAC Corporation (formerly CompuCredit International Acquisition Corporation)August 1, 2007, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.5
10.11(e)Series 2007-One Indenture Supplement for Partridge Acquired Portfolio Business Trust, dated April 4, 2007August 1, 2007, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.6
10.11(f)Transfer and Servicing Agreement for Partridge Acquired Portfolio Business Trust, dated April 4, 2007, among Partridge Funding Corporation, CIAC Corporation (formerly CompuCredit International Acquisition Corporation), Partridge Acquired Portfolio Business Trust and Deutsche Bank Trust Company AmericasAugust 1, 2007, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.7
10.12

Assumption Agreement dated June 30, 2009 between Atlanticus Holdings Corporation (formerly CompuCredit Holdings Corporation) and Atlanticus Services Corporation (formerly CompuCredit Corporation)

July 7, 2009, Form 8-K, exhibit 10.1

10.13

10.11

Master Indenture for Perimeter Master Note Business Trust, dated February 8, 2017, among Perimeter Master Note Business Trust, U.S. Bank National Association and Atlanticus Services Corporation

May 15, 2017, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.1

10.11(a)*

Amended and Restated Series 2017-One Indenture Supplement for Perimeter Master Note Business Trust, dated June 11, 2018

March 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(a)
10.11(b)* LoanFirst Amendment to the Amended and Security Agreement,Restated Series 2017-One Indenture Supplement for Perimeter Master Note Business Trust, dated October 4, 2011 among CARS Acquisition LLC, et al and Wells Fargo Preferred Capital, Inc.November 16, 2018 March 6, 2012,30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.16(a)10.11(b)
10.13(a)10.11(c)* FirstSecond Amendment to Loanthe Amended and Security AgreementAugust 13, 2013, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.1
10.13(b)Second Amendment and Joinder to Loan and Security AgreementAugust 13, 2013, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.2
10.13(c)Third Amendment to Loan and Security AgreementRestated Series 2017-One Indenture Supplement for Perimeter Master Note Business Trust, dated September 20, 2019 March 28, 2014,30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.15(c)10.11(c)

Exhibit

Number

Description of Exhibit

Incorporated by Reference from Atlanticus’ SEC Filings

Unless Otherwise Indicated(1)

10.13(d)10.11(d) FourthThird Amendment to Loanthe Amended and Security AgreementRestated Series 2017-One Indenture Supplement for Perimeter Master Note Business Trust, dated November 13, 2019 March 28, 2014,30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.15(d)10.11(d)
10.13(e)10.11(e)* FifthFourth Amendment to Loanthe Amended and Security AgreementRestated Series 2017-One Indenture Supplement for Perimeter Master Note Business Trust, dated January 23, 2020 August 14, 2014,March 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(e)
10.11(f)*Series 2018-Three Indenture Supplement for Perimeter Master Note Business Trust, dated November 16, 2018March 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(f)
10.11(g)*First Amendment to the Series 2018-Three Indenture Supplement for Perimeter Master Note Business Trust, dated October 9, 2019March 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(g)
10.11(h)Second Amendment to the Series 2018-Three Indenture Supplement for Perimeter Master Note Business Trust, dated November 13, 2019March 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(h)
10.11(i)*Third Amendment to Series 2018-Three Indenture Supplement for Perimeter Master Note Business Trust, dated January 23, 2020March 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(i)

10.11(j)*

Purchase Agreement, dated February 8, 2017, among TSO-Fortiva Notes Holdco LP, TSO-Fortiva Certificate Holdco LP, Perimeter Funding Corporation, Atlanticus Services Corporation and Perimeter Master Note Business Trust

May 15, 2017, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.110.1(b)

10.13(f)10.11(k)* First Amendment to Purchase Agreement, by Atlanticus Holdingsdated June 11, 2018, among TSO-Fortiva Notes Holdco LP, TSO-Fortiva Certificate Holdco LP, Perimeter Funding Corporation, (formerly CompuCredit Holdings Corporation) in favor of Wells Fargo Preferred Capital, Inc.Access Financing, LLC and Perimeter Master Note Business Trust March 6, 2012,30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.16(a)10.11(k)
10.1410.11(l)* Second Amendment to Purchase Agreement, dated November 16, 2018, among TSO-Fortiva Notes Holdco LP, TSO-Fortiva Certificate Holdco LP, Perimeter Funding Corporation, Access Financing, LLC and Perimeter Master Note Business TrustMarch 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(l)
10.11(m)Third Amendment to Purchase Agreement, dated November 13, 2019, among TSO-Fortiva Notes Holdco LP, TSO-Fortiva Certificate Holdco LP, Perimeter Funding Corporation, Access Financing, LLC and Perimeter Master Note Business TrustMarch 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(m)
10.11(n)*Fourth Amendment to Purchase Agreement, dated January 23, 2020, among TSO-Fortiva Notes Holdco LP, TSO-Fortiva Certificate Holdco LP, Perimeter Funding Corporation, Access Financing, LLC and Perimeter Master Note Business TrustMarch 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(n)
10.11(o)*Purchase Agreement, dated November 16, 2018, among TSO-Fortiva Notes Holdco LP, Perimeter Funding Corporation, Access Financing, LLC and Perimeter Master Note Business TrustMarch 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(o)
10.11(p)First Amendment to Purchase Agreement, dated November 13, 2019, among TSO-Fortiva Notes Holdco LP, Perimeter Funding Corporation, Access Financing, LLC and Perimeter Master Note Business TrustMarch 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(p)
10.11(q)*Second Amendment to Purchase Agreement, dated January 23, 2020, among TSO-Fortiva Notes Holdco LP, Perimeter Funding Corporation, Access Financing, LLC and Perimeter Master Note Business TrustMarch 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(q)
10.11(r)*Series 2019-One Indenture Supplement for Perimeter Master Note Business Trust, dated June 12, 2019March 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(r)
10.11(s)*Series 2019-Two Indenture Supplement for Perimeter Master Note Business Trust, dated November 26, 2019March 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(s)

10.11(t)

Trust Agreement, dated February 8, 2017, between Perimeter Funding Corporation and Wilmington Trust, National Association

May 15, 2017, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.1(c)

10.11(u)First Amendment to Trust Agreement, dated June 11, 2018, between Perimeter Funding Corporation and Wilmington Trust, National AssociationMarch 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(u)
10.12Master Indenture for Fortiva Retail Credit Master Note Business Trust, dated November 9, 2018, among Fortiva Retail Credit Master Note Business Trust, U.S. Bank National Association and Access Financing, LLCMarch 27, 2019, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.12
10.12(a)*Series 2018-One Indenture Supplement for Fortiva Retail Credit Master Note Business Trust, dated November 9, 2018March 27, 2019, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.12(a)
10.12(b)Amended and Restated Trust Agreement, dated November 9, 2018, between FRC Funding Corporation and Wilmington Trust, National AssociationMarch 27, 2019, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.12(b)

10.13

Loan and Security Agreement, dated November 26, 2014, by and among Atlanticus Holdings Corporation, Certain Subsidiaries Named Therein, and Dove Ventures, LLC

March 6, 2015, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.15


10.14(a)

10.13(a)

First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated November 23, 2015

March 30, 2016, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.14(a)


10.14(b)

10.13(b)

Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated November 22, 2016

March 31, 2017, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.14(b)

10.13(c)

Third Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated November 22, 2017

April 2, 2018, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.14(c)
10.13(d) Filed herewithFourth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated June 5, 2018August 14, 2018, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.2
10.13(e)Fifth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated October 22, 2018March 27, 2019, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.13(e)
10.13(f)Sixth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated November 21, 2018March 27, 2019, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.13(f)
10.13(g)Seventh Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated November 5, 2019March 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.13(g)
10.13(h)Eighth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated November 19, 2019March 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.13(h)
10.13(i)Ninth Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated December 20, 2019March 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.13(i)
10.13(j)Payoff Letter, dated December 27, 2019, between Dove Ventures, LLC and Atlanticus Holdings CorporationMarch 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.13(j)

Exhibit

Number

Description of Exhibit

Incorporated by Reference from Atlanticus’ SEC Filings Unless Otherwise Indicated(1)

10.14Amended and Restated Program Management Agreement, dated April 1, 2020, between The Bank of Missouri and Atlanticus Services Corporation August 14, 2020, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.1
10.14(a)First Amendment to Amended and Restated Program Management Agreement, dated June 30, 2020, between The Bank of Missouri and Atlanticus Services CorporationAugust 14, 2020, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.1(a)
10.14(b)*Amended and Restated Receivable Sales Agreement, dated April 1, 2020, between The Bank of Missouri and Fortiva Funding, LLC August 14, 2020, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.2
10.14(c)First Amendment to Amended and Restated Receivable Sales Agreement, dated June 30, 2020, between The Bank of Missouri and Fortiva Funding, LLCAugust 14, 2020, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.2(a)
10.14(d)Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated March 24, 2018, among Mid America Bank & Trust Company, Atlanticus Services Corporation and The Bank of MissouriMay 14, 2019, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.2(b)
10.14(e)Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated March 24, 2018, among Mid America Bank & Trust Company, Fortiva Funding, LLC and The Bank of MissouriMay 14, 2019, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.2(c)
10.15*Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Access Financial Holdings, LLC, dated November 14, 2019March 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.15
21.1 Subsidiaries of the Registrant Filed herewith
23.1 Consent of BDO USA, LLP Filed herewith
31.1 Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) Filed herewith
31.2 Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) Filed herewith

32.1

Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

Filed herewith


101.INS

Exhibit NumberDescription of ExhibitIncorporated by Reference from Atlanticus’ SEC Filings Unless Otherwise Indicated(1)
101.INS

XBRL Instance Document

Filed herewith

101.SCH

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

Filed herewith

101.CAL

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

Filed herewith

101.LAB

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

Filed herewith

101.PRE

XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document

Filed herewith

101.DEF

XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

Filed herewith

Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.

(1)

(1)

Documents incorporated by reference from SEC filings made prior to June 2009 were filed under CompuCredit Corporation (now Atlanticus Services Corporation) (File No. 000-25751), our predecessor issuer.


*

Certain portions of this document have been excluded because they are both not material and would likely cause competitive harm to the Company if publicly disclosed.

ITEM 16.

FORM 10-K SUMMARY

None.

40

None.

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on March 31, 2017.


2021.

 

Atlanticus Holdings Corporation

  
By:/s/ David G. Hanna
 
David G. Hanna

By:

/s/ Jeffrey A. Howard

Jeffrey A. Howard

President and Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board


Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, this Report has been signed below by the following persons in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

Title

Date

/s/Jeffrey A. Howard

Jeffrey A. Howard

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director (Principal Executive Officer)March 31, 2021

/s/William R. McCamey

William R. McCamey

Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)

March 31, 2021

/s/Mitchell C. Saunders

Mitchell C. Saunders

Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)

March 31, 2021

/s/David G. Hanna

David G. Hanna

Executive Chairman of the Board

March 31, 2021

/s/Denise M. Harrod

Denise M. Harrod

DirectorMarch 31, 2021
   
Signature

/s/Deal W. Hudson

Deal W. Hudson

Title

Director

Date

March 31, 2021

/s/Joann G. Jones

Joann G. Jones

DirectorMarch 31, 2021
   

/s/David G. Hanna

David G. Hanna
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board (Principal Executive Officer)March 31, 2017

/s/   William R. McCamey
William R. McCamey
Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer)March 31, 2017

/s/   Mitchell C. Saunders
Mitchell C. Saunders
Chief Accounting Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)March 31, 2017
/s/    Jeffrey A. Howard
Jeffrey A. Howard
DirectorMarch 31, 2017
/s/    Deal W. Hudson
Deal W. Hudson
DirectorMarch 31, 2017
/s/    Mack F. Mattingly

Mack F. Mattingly

Director

March 31, 20172021

/s/Thomas G. Rosencrants

Thomas G. Rosencrants

Director

March 31, 20172021

41







Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The

Shareholders and Board of Directors

Atlanticus Holdings Corporation

Atlanta, Georgia

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Atlanticus Holdings Corporation (the “Company”) and subsidiaries as of December 31, 20162020 and 2015 and2019, the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for the two years then ended. in the period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company and subsidiaries at December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the two years in the period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on thesethe Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States).PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement.misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. OurAs part of our audits included considerationwe are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit also includes

Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supportingregarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial statements, assessingstatements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statement presentation.statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion,

Critical Audit Matters

The critical audit matters communicated below are matters arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements referredthat were communicated or required to above present fairly,be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matters does not alter in all material respects,any way our opinion on the consolidated financial positionstatements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matters below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matters or on the accounts or disclosures to which they relate.

F-1

Allowance for Loan Losses

As described in Note 2 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements, the Company has outstanding loans of Atlanticus Holdings Corporation$574.4 million at gross amortized cost within its Credit and Other Investments Segment and a related allowance for loan losses of $123.3 million at December 31, 20162020. The loans are revolving credit facilities (credit cards) or installment loans. The allowance represents management’s best estimate of the incurred losses inherent in the portfolio as of the balance sheet date. Management considers both observable and 2015,unobservable inputs in its determination of the adequacy of the allowance. The calculation of the allowance uses methods and assumptions based upon historical loss rate; current delinquency and roll-rate trends; vintage analyses based on the number of months an account has been in existence; effects of changes in the economy on consumers; changes in underwriting criteria; and estimated recoveries. Changes in the assumptions can have a material effect on the Company’s financial results.

We identified the significant judgmental assumptions by management in determining the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses to be a critical audit matter. The judgmental assumptions impacting the recorded allowance are the effects of changes in the economy on consumers and the changes in underwriting criteria. Auditing these complex judgments involved especially challenging auditor judgment due to the nature and extent of audit evidence and effort required to address these matters.

The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included: 

Evaluating the judgmental assumptions used by management by comparing to historical results, current economic data, and changes to underwriting criteria to determine if such assumptions were relevant, reliable, and reasonable for the purpose used.

Testing the relevance and reliability of the data used in determining the judgmental assumptions by testing the completeness and accuracy of data used including internal and external third-party sources.
Evaluating any evidence (e.g. external economic data, peer data, internal company data) that is contradictory to the conclusions reached by management in establishing the judgmental assumptions supporting the allowance for loan losses.

Loans, Interest and Fees Receivable, at Fair Value

As described in Note 2 and Note 6 to the Company’s consolidated financial statements, the Company has outstanding loans of $417.1 million at fair value within the Credit and Other Investments Segment at December 31, 2020. The loans are revolving credit facilities (credit cards) or installment loans. The Company elected to report accounts originating on and after January 1, 2020 at fair value on a recurring basis in the financial statements. The assets are recorded at fair value based upon performance expectations of the underlying loans. The discounted cash flow model assumptions used to determine the performance expectation include yield, timing of expected payments, servicing costs and discount rate. The impact of changes in the fair value of loans, interest and fees receivable, at fair value is reflected within the period incurred and can have a material impact on the financial results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally acceptedCompany.

We identified the significant assumptions by management used in the United Statesdiscounted cash flow model to be a critical audit matter. The assumptions impacting the fair value calculation included timing of America.


expected cashflows and discount rates. Auditing these complex assumptions involved especially challenging auditor judgment due to the nature and extent of audit evidence and effort required to address these matters including the extent of specialized skill or knowledge needed.

The primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter included: 

Testing the relevance and reliability of data related to the assumptions by agreeing data to internal and external third-party sources.
Evaluating the assumptions used for the timing of expected cash flows by comparing to historical performance to determine if such assumptions were relevant, reliable and reasonable for the purpose used, including consideration of evidence (e.g. external economic data and peer data) that may be contradictory to the conclusions reached by management.
Evaluating the discount rates used by comparing to market-based discount rates to determine if such assumption were relevant, reliable and reasonable for the purpose used, including consideration of evidence (e.g. external economic data, peer data, internal company data) that may be contradictory to the conclusion reached by management.
Involving professionals with specialized skills and knowledge to evaluate the reasonableness of the timing of cash flows and discount rate assumptions used by management to determine the fair value.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2002.

Atlanta, Georgia

March 31, 20172021


Atlanticus Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Dollars in thousands)

  

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
  

2020

  

2019

 
         

Assets

        
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents (including $96.6 million and $78.7 million associated with variable interest entities at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively) $178,102  $135,379 

Restricted cash and cash equivalents (including $70.2 million and $25.9 million associated with variable interest entities at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively)

  80,859   41,015 

Loans, interest and fees receivable:

        

Loans, interest and fees receivable, at fair value (including $374.2 million and $3.9 million associated with variable interest entities at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively)

  417,098   4,386 

Loans, interest and fees receivable, gross (including $560.2 million and $857.2 million associated with variable interest entities at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively)

  667,556   998,209 

Allowances for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable (including $120.9 million and $168.8 million associated with variable interest entities at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively)

  (124,961)  (186,329)

Deferred revenue (including $10.3 million and $40.7 million associated with variable interest entities at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively)

  (39,456)  (90,307)

Net loans, interest and fees receivable

  920,237   725,959 

Property at cost, net of depreciation

  2,240   2,738 

Investments in equity-method investee

  1,415   1,957 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

  9,181   14,091 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

  15,180   15,127 

Total assets

 $1,207,214  $936,266 

Liabilities

        

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 $41,731  $41,617 
Operating lease liabilities  13,776   22,259 

Notes payable, net (including $827.1 million and $691.5 million associated with variable interest entities at December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively)

  882,610   749,209 

Notes payable associated with structured financings, at fair value (associated with variable interest entities)

  2,919   3,920 

Convertible senior notes

  24,386   24,091 

Income tax liability

  25,932   5,785 

Total liabilities

  991,354   846,881 
         

Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)

        
         
Preferred stock, no par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized:        
Series A preferred stock, 400,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 (liquidation preference - $40.0 million); 400,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 (Note 4)  40,000   40,000 
Class B preferred units issued to noncontrolling interests (Note 4)  99,350   49,050 
         

Shareholders' Equity

        

Common stock, no par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized: 16,115,353 shares issued and outstanding (including 1,459,233 loaned shares to be returned) at December 31, 2020; and 15,885,314 shares issued and outstanding (including 1,459,233 loaned shares to be returned) at December 31, 2019

      

Paid-in capital

  194,950   212,692 

Accumulated other comprehensive income

      

Retained deficit

  (117,666)  (211,786)

Total shareholders’ equity

  77,284   906 

Noncontrolling interests

  (774)  (571)

Total equity

  76,510   335 

Total liabilities, preferred stock and shareholders' equity

 $1,207,214  $936,266 
 December 31,
2016
 December 31,
2015
Assets   
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents$76,052
 $51,033
Restricted cash and cash equivalents16,589
 20,547
Loans and fees receivable: 
  
Loans and fees receivable, at fair value15,648
 26,706
Loans and fees receivable, gross290,697
 180,144
Allowances for uncollectible loans and fees receivable(43,275) (21,474)
Deferred revenue(23,639) (16,721)
Net loans and fees receivable239,431
 168,655
Rental merchandise, net of depreciation27
 4,666
Property at cost, net of depreciation3,829
 5,686
Investment in equity-method investee6,725
 10,123
Deposits505
 825
Prepaid expenses and other assets20,831
 19,194
Total assets$363,989
 $280,729
Liabilities 
  
Accounts payable and accrued expenses$86,768
 $51,722
Notes payable, at face value141,589
 90,000
Notes payable to related parties40,000
 20,000
Notes payable associated with structured financings, at fair value12,276
 20,970
Convertible senior notes61,810
 64,783
Income tax liability15,769
 22,303
Total liabilities358,212
 269,778
Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)

 

Equity 
  
Common stock, no par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized: 15,348,086 shares issued and outstanding (including 1,459,233 loaned shares to be returned) at December 31, 2016; and 15,332,041 shares issued and outstanding (including 1,459,233 loaned shares to be returned) at December 31, 2015
 
Additional paid-in capital211,646
 211,083
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 (600)
Retained deficit(205,859) (199,524)
Total shareholders’ equity5,787
 10,959
Noncontrolling interests(10) (8)
Total equity5,777
 10,951
Total liabilities and equity$363,989
 $280,729

See accompanying notes.

Atlanticus Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Operations

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

  

For the Year Ended

 
  

2020

  

2019

 

Revenue:

        

Consumer loans, including past due fees

 $410,616  $261,218 

Fees and related income on earning assets

  133,960   68,639 
Other revenue  15,431   13,754 
Total operating revenue  560,007   343,611 

Other non-operating revenue

  3,403   111,589 

Total revenue

  563,410   455,200 
         

Interest expense

  (51,548)  (50,730)

Provision for losses on loans, interest and fees receivable recorded at net realizable value

  (142,719)  (248,383)

Changes in fair value of loans, interest and fees receivable and notes payable associated with structured financings recorded at fair value

  (108,548)  2,085 

Net margin

  260,595   158,172 
         

Operating expense:

        

Salaries and benefits

  29,079   26,229 

Card and loan servicing

  63,047   49,459 

Marketing and solicitation

  35,012   36,388 

Depreciation

  1,247   1,137 

Other

  17,819   13,196 

Total operating expense

  146,204   126,409 

Income before income taxes

  114,391   31,763 

Income tax expense

  (20,474)  (5,553)

Net income

  93,917   26,210 
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests  203   233 

Net income attributable to controlling interests

  94,120   26,443 

Preferred dividends and discount accretion

  (17,070)  (1,153)
Net income attributable to common shareholders $77,050  $25,290 
Net income attributable to common shareholders per common share—basic $5.32  $1.74 
Net income attributable to common shareholders per common share—diluted $3.95  $1.66 
 For the Year Ended December 31,
 2016 2015
Interest income:   
Consumer loans, including past due fees$88,389
 $69,830
Other233
 87
Total interest income88,622
 69,917
Interest expense(20,207) (18,330)
Net interest income before fees and related income on earning assets and provision for losses on loans and fees receivable68,415
 51,587
Fees and related income on earning assets17,316
 53,182
Net recovery of charge off of loans and fees receivable recorded at fair value22,096
 38,878
Provision for losses on loans and fees receivable recorded at net realizable value(53,721) (26,608)
Net interest income, fees and related income on earning assets54,106
 117,039
Other operating income:   
Servicing income4,087
 5,004
Other income320
 553
Gain on repurchase of convertible senior notes1,151
 
Equity in income of equity-method investee2,150
 2,780
Total other operating income7,708
 8,337
Other operating expense:   
Salaries and benefits24,026
 19,825
Card and loan servicing30,662
 37,071
Marketing and solicitation3,171
 2,235
Depreciation, primarily related to rental merchandise7,477
 40,778
Other8,834
 21,932
Total other operating expense74,170
 121,841
(Loss) income before income taxes(12,356) 3,535
Income tax benefit (expense)6,015
 (1,829)
Net (loss) income(6,341) 1,706
Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests6
 7
Net (loss) income attributable to controlling interests$(6,335) $1,713
Net (loss) income attributable to controlling interests per common share—basic$(0.46) $0.12
Net (loss) income attributable to controlling interests per common share—diluted$(0.46) $0.12

See accompanying notes.

Atlanticus Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income

(Dollars in thousands)

  

For the Year Ended

 
  

2020

  

2019

 

Net income

 $93,917  $26,210 

Other comprehensive income (loss):

        

Foreign currency translation adjustment

     2,282 
Reclassifications of foreign currency translation gains to Operating expense on the consolidated statements of operations     (5,840)

Comprehensive income

  93,917   22,652 
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests  203   233 

Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interests

 $94,120  $22,885 
Comprehensive income attributable to controlling interests to common shareholders $77,050  $21,732 

 For the Year Ended December 31,
 2016 2015
Net (loss) income$(6,341) $1,706
Other comprehensive (loss) income:   
Foreign currency translation adjustment
 (50)
Reclassifications of foreign currency translation adjustment to consolidated statements of operations600
 1,849
Income tax expense related to other comprehensive income
 (558)
Comprehensive (loss) income(5,741) 2,947
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests6
 7
Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to controlling interests$(5,735) $2,954













See accompanying notes.

Atlanticus Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

(Deficit)

For the Years Ended December 31, 20162020 and 2015

2019

(Dollars in thousands)

  

Common Stock

                             
  

Shares Issued

  

Amount

  

Paid-In Capital

  

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

  

Retained Deficit

  

Noncontrolling Interests

  

Total Equity (Deficit)

  

Temporary Equity Associated with Noncontrolling Interests

  

Series A Preferred Stock

 

Balance at December 31, 2018

  15,563,574  $  $213,435  $3,558  $(238,784) $(338) $(22,129) $  $ 

Cumulative effects from adoption of new lease standard (Note 2)

              555      555       

Accretion of discount associated with issuance of subsidiary equity

        (50)           (50)  50    

Preferred dividends

        (1,103)           (1,103)      

Stock option exercises and proceeds related thereto

  469,701      1,215            1,215       

Compensatory stock issuances, net of forfeitures

  209,500                         

Contributions by preferred shareholders

                       50,500   40,000 

Costs associated with contributions by preferred shareholders

                       (1,500)   

Deferred stock-based compensation costs

        1,712            1,712       

Redemption and retirement of shares

  (357,461)     (2,517)           (2,517)      

Comprehensive income (loss)

           (3,558)  26,443   (233)  22,652        

Balance at December 31, 2019

  15,885,314  $  $212,692  $  $(211,786) $(571) $335  $49,050  $40,000 
Accretion of discount associated with issuance of subsidiary equity        (300)           (300)  300    
Preferred dividends        (16,770)           (16,770)      

Stock option exercises and proceeds related thereto

  407,533      1,326            1,326       

Compensatory stock issuances, net of forfeitures

  68,040                         
Contributions by preferred shareholders                       50,000    

Deferred stock-based compensation costs

        1,355            1,355       

Redemption and retirement of shares

  (245,534)     (3,353)           (3,353)      
Comprehensive income              94,120   (203)  93,917       
Balance at December 31, 2020  16,115,353  $  $194,950  $  $(117,666) $(774) $76,510  $99,350  $40,000 
 Common Stock          
 Shares Issued Amount Additional Paid-In Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Retained Deficit Noncontrolling Interests Total Equity
Balance at December 31, 201415,308,971
 $
 $210,519
 $(1,841) $(201,237) $1
 $7,442
Stock options exercises and proceeds related thereto3,334
   8
 
 
 
 8
Compensatory stock issuances, net of forfeitures106,334
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distributions to owners of noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 (2) (2)
Amortization of deferred stock-based compensation costs
 
 846
 
 
 
 846
Redemption and retirement of shares(86,598) 
 (259) 
 
 
 (259)
Tax effects of stock-based compensation costs
 
 (31) 
 
 
 (31)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 1,241
 1,713
 (7) 2,947
Balance at December 31, 201515,332,041
 $
 $211,083
 $(600) $(199,524) $(8) $10,951
Stock options exercises and proceeds related thereto5,999
 
 14
 
 
 
 14
Compensatory stock issuances, net of forfeitures321,068
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contributions from owners of noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 4
 4
Amortization of deferred stock-based compensation costs
 
 1,416
 
 
 
 1,416
Redemption and retirement of shares(311,022) 
 (949) 
 
 
 (949)
Tax effects of stock-based compensation plans
 
 82
 
 
 
 82
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 600
 (6,335) (6) (5,741)
Balance at December 31, 201615,348,086
 $
 $211,646
 $
 $(205,859) $(10) $5,777


See accompanying notes.

Atlanticus Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Dollars in thousands)

  

For the Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2020

  

2019

 

Operating activities

        

Net income

 $93,917  $26,210 

Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

        

Depreciation, amortization and accretion, net

  7,952   7,693 
Provision for losses on loans, interest and fees receivable  142,719   248,383 

Interest expense from accretion of discount on notes

  585   818 

Income from accretion of merchant fees and discount associated with receivables purchases

  (110,402)  (116,252)

Unrealized losses (gains) on loans, interest and fees receivable and underlying notes payable held at fair value

  108,548   (2,085)

Amortization of deferred loan costs

  5,137   3,518 
Income from equity-method investments  (456)  (1,001)

Gain on repurchase of convertible senior notes

     (5,127)
Deferred stock-based compensation costs  1,355   1,712 
Lease liability payments  (10,278)  (10,080)

Changes in assets and liabilities:

        

(Increase) decrease in uncollected fees on earning assets

  (43,319)  1,765 

Increase in income tax liability

  20,147   5,533 

Decrease in deposits

     20 

Decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses

  (3,096)  (52,720)

Other

  (75)  (8,424)

Net cash provided by operating activities

  212,734   99,963 
         

Investing activities

        

Proceeds from equity-method investee

  998   1,520 
Proceeds from recoveries on charged off receivables  13,781   3,019 

Investments in earning assets

  (1,330,980)  (1,098,764)

Proceeds from earning assets

  1,024,375   660,786 

Purchases and development of property, net of disposals

  (749)  (250)

Net cash used in investing activities

  (292,575)  (433,689)
         

Financing activities

        
Noncontrolling interests contributions  50,000   50,500 
Issuance costs for nonontrolling interests     (1,500)
Proceeds from issuance of preferred units     40,000 
Preferred dividends  (13,561)   
Proceeds from exercise of stock options  1,326   1,215 

Purchase and retirement of outstanding stock

  (3,353)  (2,517)

Proceeds from borrowings

  588,229   873,340 

Repayment of borrowings

  (460,256)  (592,318)

Net cash provided by financing activities

  162,385   368,720 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

  23   (354)

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents

  82,567   34,640 

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

  176,394   141,754 
Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period $258,961  $176,394 

Supplemental cash flow information

        

Cash paid for interest

 $46,526  $46,302 

Net cash income tax payments

 $327  $20 
Change in accrued and unpaid preferred dividends $3,209  $1,103 
 For the Year Ended December 31,
 2016 2015
Operating activities   
Net (loss) income$(6,341) $1,706
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities: 
  
Depreciation of rental merchandise5,273
 38,565
Depreciation, amortization and accretion, net2,204
 2,000
Losses upon charge off of loans and fees receivable recorded at fair value6,110
 7,440
Provision for losses on loans and fees receivable53,721
 26,608
Interest expense from accretion of discount on convertible senior notes515
 481
Income from accretion of discount associated with receivables purchases(41,953) (40,777)
Unrealized gain on loans and fees receivable and underlying notes payable held at fair value(5,360) (7,527)
Income from equity-method investments(2,150) (2,780)
Gain on repurchase of convertible senior notes(1,151) 
Changes in assets and liabilities: 
  
Increase in uncollected fees on earning assets(4,687) (2,962)
(Decrease) increase in income tax liability(6,452) 719
Decrease in deposits320
 764
Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses41,436
 12,752
Additions to rental merchandise(634) (29,053)
Other(1,836) (7,072)
Net cash provided by operating activities39,015
 864
Investing activities 
  
Decrease in restricted cash3,869
 2,167
Proceeds from equity-method investee5,548
 8,490
Investments in earning assets(381,212) (271,061)
Proceeds from earning assets296,304
 275,825
Purchases and development of property, net of disposals(349) (884)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities(75,840) 14,537
Financing activities 
  
Noncontrolling interests contributions (distributions), net4
 (2)
Purchase and retirement of outstanding stock(949) (259)
Proceeds from borrowings242,388
 164,897
Repayment of borrowings(177,984) (168,208)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities63,459
 (3,572)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash(1,615) (721)
Net increase in unrestricted cash25,019
 11,108
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period51,033
 39,925
Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents at end of period$76,052
 $51,033
Supplemental cash flow information 
  
Cash paid for interest$19,481
 $17,922
Net cash income tax payments$437
 $1,117
Supplemental non-cash information 
  
Issuance of stock options and restricted stock$2,310
 $532

See accompanying notes.

F-7

Atlanticus Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2019

 

1.

1.

Description of Our Business

Our accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Atlanticus Holdings Corporation (the “Company”) and those entities we control. We are primarily focused on providingfacilitating consumer credit through the use of our financial technology and related services. Through our subsidiaries, we provide technology and other support services to lenders who offer an array of financial products and services to consumers who may have been declined under traditional financing options. by other providers of credit.

In most cases, we invest in the receivables originated by lenders who utilize our technology platform and other related services. From time to time, we also purchase receivables portfolios from third parties. References to "receivables" include receivables purchased from our bank partners and from third parties. As discussed further below, we reflect our business lines within two reportable segments: Credit and Other Investments;Investments; and Auto Finance. See also Note 3, “Segment Reporting,” for further details.


Within our Credit and Other Investments segment, we facilitate consumer finance programs offered by our bank partnerspartner to originate consumer loans through multiple channels, including retail and healthcare point-of-sale (collectively "point-of-sale"), direct mail solicitation, on-linedigital marketing and partnerships.through partner relationships. In the retail credit (the “point-of-sale” operations)point-of-sale channel, we partner with retailers and service providers in various industries across the United States (“U.S.”) to enable them to provide credit to their customers for the purchase of goods and services. These services of our lending partners,bank partner are often extended to consumers who may have been declined under traditional financing options.by other providers of credit. We specialize in supporting this “second look” credit service in various industriesmarket segments across the U.S. Additionally, we support lenders who market general purpose personal loans and credit cards directly to consumers (collectively, the “direct-to-consumer” operations) through additional channels enabling them to reach consumers through a diverse origination platform which includes direct mail, Internet-based marketing and through partnerships.platform. Using our infrastructure and technology platform, we also provide loan servicing, activities, including risk management and customer service outsourcing, for third parties.

Beyond these activities within our Credit and Other Investments segment, we continue to service portfolios of credit card receivables. One of our portfolios of credit card receivables is encumbered by non-recourse structured financing, and for this portfolio our principal remaining economic interest is the servicing compensation we receive as an offset against our servicing costs given that the likely future collections on the portfolio are insufficient to allow for full repayment of the financing.

Additionally, we report within our Credit and Other Investments segmentsegment: 1) the servicing income from our legacy credit card receivables, 2) the income earned from an investment in an equity-method investee that holds credit card receivables for which we are the servicer.


Lastly, we report within our Creditservicer; and Other Investments segment3) gains or losses associated with investments previously made in consumer finance technology platforms. These include investments in companies engaged in mobile technologies, marketplace lending and other financial technologies. These investments are carried at the lower of cost or market valuation as of December 31, 2016. Some of these investees have raised capital at valuations substantially in excess of our associated book value. However, nonecost. None of these companies are publicly-traded and there are no material pending liquidity events, and ascribing value to these investments at this time would be speculative.

events.

Within our Auto Finance segment, our CAR subsidiary operations principally purchase andand/or service loans secured by automobiles from or for, and also provide floor plan financing for, a pre-qualified network of independent automotive dealers and automotive finance companies in the buy-here, pay-here, used car business. We purchase auto loans at a discount and with dealer retentions or holdbacks that provide risk protection. Also within our Auto Finance segment, we are providing certain installment lending products in addition to our traditional loans secured by automobiles.

On March 13, 2020, a national emergency was declared under the National Emergencies Act due to a new strain of coronavirus ("COVID-19"). Nationwide responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have included restrictions on “non-essential” businesses imposed by state and local governments. Consumer spending behavior has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, principally due to the restrictions on “non-essential” businesses, issuances of stay-at-home orders, increased unemployment and uncertainties about the extent and duration of the pandemic.

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act was signed into law, which provides relief to taxpayers affected by COVID-19. The CARES Act provides direct benefits to certain consumers in the form of one-time stimulus payments, supplemental unemployment assistance and rent relief among others. The CARES Act also provides tax relief, access to short term capital and deferrals of certain tax payments to assist companies with meeting obligations in the near term. On December 27, 2020, the Bipartisan-Bicameral Omnibus COVID Relief Deal was signed into law which extended many of the benefits under the CARES Act. The Company has accounted for immediately applicable benefits under both Acts.

The duration and severity of the effects of COVID-19 on our financial condition, results of operations and liquidity remain highly uncertain. Likewise, we do not know the duration and severity of the impact of COVID-19 on all members of the Company’s ecosystem – our bank partner, merchants and consumers – as well as our employees. We continue to monitor the ongoing pandemic and have modified certain business practices including minimizing employee travel and executing on a company-wide remote work program. These practices have also been adopted by certain of our third party service partners.


2.

2.

Significant Accounting Policies and Consolidated Financial Statement Components

The following is a summary of significant accounting policies we follow in preparing our consolidated financial statements, as well as a description of significant components of our consolidated financial statements.

Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the U.S. (“GAAP”). The preparation of financial statements in accordance with GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities as of the date of our consolidated financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during each reporting period. We base these estimates on information available to us as of the date of the financial statements. Actual results could


differ materially from these estimates. Certain estimates, such as credit losses, payment rates, costs of funds, discount rates and the yields earned on credit card receivables, significantly affect the reported amount (and changes thereon) of credit cardour Loans, interest and fees receivables, that we report at fair value and our notesNotes payable associated with structured financings recorded at fair value; these estimates likewise affect the changes in these amounts reflected withinvalue on our feesconsolidated balance sheets and related income on earning assets line item on our consolidated statements of operations. Additionally, estimates of future credit losses have a significant effect on loans, interest and fees receivable, net, as shown on our consolidated balance sheets, as well as on the provision for losses on loans, interest and fees receivable within our consolidated statements of operations.
 Certain prior year amounts on our consolidated statements of operations have been reclassified for consistency with the current year presentation. These reclassifications had no effect on the reported results of operations. 

We have eliminated all significant intercompany balances and transactions for financial reporting purposes.

F-8

Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents consist of cash, money market investments and overnight deposits. We consider all highly liquid cash investments with low interest rate risk and original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents are carried at cost, which approximates market. We maintain unrestricted cash and cash equivalents for general operating purposes and to meet our longer term debt obligations. The majority of these cash balances are not insured.

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash as of December 31, 20162020 and 20152019 includes certain collections on loans, interest and fees receivable, the cash balances of which are required to be distributed to noteholders under our debt facilities. Our restricted cash balances also include minimum cash balances held in accounts at the request of certain of our business partners.


Loans, Interest and Fees Receivable

Our loans

We maintain two categories of Loans, Interest and fees receivable include loansFees Receivable on our consolidated balance sheets: those that are carried at fair value (Loans, interest and fees receivable, at fair valuevalue) and loansthose that are carried at net amortized cost (Loans, interest and fees receivable, gross.


gross). For both categories of loans, interest and fees receivable, other than our Auto Finance receivables, interest and fees are discontinued when loans, interest and fees receivable become contractually 90 or more days past due. We charge off our Credit and Other Investments and Auto Finance segment receivables when they become contractually more than 180 days past due. For all of our products, we charge off receivables within 30 days of notification and confirmation of a customer’s bankruptcy or death. However, in some cases of death, we do not charge off receivables if there is a surviving, contractually liable individual or estate large enough to pay the debt in full.

Loans, Interest and Fees Receivable, at Fair Value. Loans, interest and fees receivable held at fair value represent both the receivables underlying credit card securitization trusts (the "Securitized Receivables") and those receivables for which we elected the fair value option on January 1, 2020 (the "Fair Value Receivables"). Both the Securitized Receivables and the Fair Value Receivables are held by entities that qualify as variable interest entities ("VIE"), and are consolidated onto our consolidated balance sheet,sheets, some portfolios of which are unencumbered and some of which are still encumbered under structured or other financing facilities. Loans and finance receivables include accrued and unpaid interest and fees.

Under the fair value option for both our Securitized Receivables and our Fair Value Receivables, direct loan origination fees (such as annual and merchant fees) are taken into income when billed to the consumer or upon loan acquisition and direct loan origination costs are expensed in the period incurred. The Company estimates the fair value of the loans using a discounted cash flow model, which considers various unobservable inputs such as remaining cumulative charge-offs, remaining cumulative prepayments, average life and discount rate. The Company re-evaluates the fair value of loans receivable at the close of each measurement period. Changes in the fair value of loans, interest and fees receivable are recorded as a component of "Changes infair value of loans, interest and fees receivable and notes payable associated with structured financings recorded at fair value" in the consolidated statements of operations in the period of the fair value changes. Changes in the fair value of loans, interest and fees receivable recorded at fair value include the impact of current period charge offs associated with these receivables. 

Further details concerning our loans, interest and fees receivable held at fair value are presented within Note 6, “Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities.”


Loans, Interest and Fees Receivable, Gross.Gross. Our loans, interest and fees receivable, gross, currently consist of receivables associated with (a) United Kingdom (“U.K.”) credit cards anda portion (those which are not part of our Fair Value Receivables) of our U.S. point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer financing and other credit products currently being marketedplatform within our Credit and Other Investments segment and (b) our Auto Finance segment’s operations. Our Credit and Other Investments segment loans, interest and fees receivable generally are unsecured, while our Auto Finance segment loans, interest and fees receivable generally are secured by the underlying automobiles infor which we hold the vehicle title.

We purchased auto loans with outstanding principal of $185.0 million and $182.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively, through our pre-qualified network of independent automotive dealers and automotive finance companies.

We show both an allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable and unearned fees (or “deferred revenue”) for our loans, interest and fees receivable gross (i.e., as opposed to thosethat are not carried at fair value).value. Our loans, interest and fees receivable consist of smaller-balance, homogeneous loans, divided into two portfolio segments: Credit and Other Investments;Investments; and Auto Finance. EachWhile each of these categories has unique features, they share many of the same credit risk characteristics and thus share a similar approach to the establishment of an allowance for loan losses. Each portfolio segmentssegment is further divided into pools based on common characteristics such as contract or acquisition channel. For each pool, we determine the necessary allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable by analyzing some or all of the following unique toattributes for each type of receivable pool: historical loss rates;rates; current delinquency and roll-rate trends;trends; vintage analyses based on the number of months an account has been in existence;existence; the effects of changes in the economy on our customers;consumers; changes in underwriting criteria;criteria; and estimated recoveries. For our Auto Finance segment we may further reduce the expected charge-off, taking into consideration specific dealer level reserves which may allow us to offset our losses and, in the case of secured loans, the impact of collateral available to offset a potential loss. Conversely, for receivables in our Credit and Other Investments segment, which generally do not have a secured interest in collateral, we look to reserve for the gross expected exposure to charge-offs. These reserves are considered in conjunction with (and potentially reduced by) any unearned fees and discounts that may be applicable for an outstanding loan receivable.

A considerable amount of judgment is required to assess the ultimate amount of uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable, and we continuously evaluate and update our methodologies to determine the most appropriate allowance necessary. We may individually evaluate a receivable or pool of receivables for impairment (as indicated in the table below) if circumstances indicate that the receivable or pool of receivables may be at higher risk for non-performance than other receivables. This may occurreceivables (e.g., if a particular retail or auto-finance partner has indications of non-performance (such as a bankruptcy) that could impact the underlying pool of receivables we purchased from the partner.


partner).

Certain of our loans, interest and fees receivable also contain components of deferred revenue. For example,revenue including merchant fees on the purchases of receivables for our point-of-sale receivables and annual fee billings for our direct-to-consumer credit card receivables. Our point-of-sale and auto finance loans, interest and fees receivable include principal balances and associated fees and interest due from customers which are earned each period a loan is outstanding, net of the unearned portion of merchant fees and loan discounts which we recognize overdiscounts. Additionally, many of our direct-to-consumer credit card receivables have an annual membership fee that is billed to the lifeconsumer on card activation and on each anniversary of each loan using the effective interest method.that date thereafter. As of December 31, 20162020 and December 31, 2015,2019, the weighted average


remaining accretion period for the $23.6$39.5 million and $16.7$90.3 million respectively, of deferred revenue reflected in the consolidated balance sheets was 1114 months and 11 months, respectively. Included within deferred revenue, are merchant fees and discounts on purchased loans of $28.2 million and $48.1 million as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

As a result of the recent COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent declaration of a national emergency by the President on March 13, 2020 under the National Emergencies Act, certain consumers have been offered the ability to defer their payment without penalty during the national emergency period. On March 22, 2020, the federal bank regulatory agencies issued an “Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customers Affected by the Coronavirus”, ("COVID-19 Guidance"). The COVID-19 Guidance encourages financial institutions to work prudently with borrowers that may be unable to meet their contractual obligations because of the effects of COVID-19. In accordance with the COVID-19 guidance, certain consumers negatively impacted by COVID-19 have been offered short-term payment deferrals and fee waivers. Receivables enrolled in these short-term payment deferrals continue to accrue interest and their delinquency status will not change through the deferment period. Through December 31, 2020, approximately 5.6% of our accounts had received some form of short-term deferral related to COVID-19 (generally on a month-to-month basis). While most participants in these short-term deferral programs have now exited the program, as of December 31, 2020, approximately 1.7% of accounts and their associated receivables were actively enrolled in a short-term payment deferral (representing $28.3 million of gross receivables outstanding). Nearly all of these customers are considered current and thus excluded from the delinquency data in the below tables. In order to establish appropriate reserves for this population we considered various factors such as subsequent payment behavior and additional requests by the consumer for further deferrals or hardship claims.

A roll-forward (in millions) of our allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable by class of receivable is as follows: 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2020

 

Credit Cards

  

Auto Finance

  

Other Unsecured Lending Products

  

Total

 

Allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable:

                

Balance at beginning of period

 $(121.3) $(1.6) $(63.4) $(186.3)

Provision for loan losses

  (112.1)  (2.0)  (28.6)  (142.7)

Charge offs

  155.1   3.0   72.1   230.2 

Recoveries

  (9.9)  (1.1)  (15.2)  (26.2)

Balance at end of period

 $(88.2) $(1.7) $(35.1) $(125.0)

As of December 31, 2020

 

Credit Cards

  

Auto Finance

  

Other Unsecured Lending Products

  

Total

 

Allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable:

                

Balance at end of period individually evaluated for impairment

 $  $(0.3) $  $(0.3)

Balance at end of period collectively evaluated for impairment

 $(88.2) $(1.4) $(35.1) $(124.7)

Loans, interest and fees receivable:

                

Loans, interest and fees receivable, gross

 $364.2  $93.2  $210.2  $667.6 

Loans, interest and fees receivable individually evaluated for impairment

 $  $2.3  $  $2.3 

Loans, interest and fees receivable collectively evaluated for impairment

 $364.2  $90.9  $210.2  $665.3 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2016
Credit Cards
Auto Finance
Other Unsecured Lending Products
Total
Allowance for uncollectible loans and fees receivable:
 
 
 
 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2019

 

Credit Cards

  

Auto Finance

  

Other Unsecured Lending Products

  

Total

 

Allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable:

                
Balance at beginning of period
$(1.2)
$(1.7)
$(18.6)
$(21.5) $(35.4) $(1.3) $(42.5) $(79.2)
Provision for loan losses
0.7

(2.6)
(51.8)
(53.7)  (161.5)  (3.5)  (83.4)  (248.4)
Charge offs
1.8

3.3

32.6

37.7
  80.2   4.6   68.1   152.9 
Recoveries
(2.7)
(1.1)
(2.0)
(5.8)  (4.6)  (1.4)  (5.6)  (11.6)
Balance at end of period
$(1.4)
$(2.1)
$(39.8)
$(43.3) $(121.3) $(1.6) $(63.4) $(186.3)

As of December 31, 2019

 

Credit Cards

  

Auto Finance

  

Other Unsecured Lending Products

  

Total

 

Allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable:

                

Balance at end of period individually evaluated for impairment

 $  $(0.4) $(0.1) $(0.5)
Balance at end of period collectively evaluated for impairment $(121.3) $(1.2) $(63.3) $(185.8)

Loans, interest and fees receivable:

                

Loans, interest and fees receivable, gross

 $509.2  $89.8  $399.2  $998.2 

Loans, interest and fees receivable individually evaluated for impairment

 $  $2.1  $0.1  $2.2 

Loans, interest and fees receivable collectively evaluated for impairment

 $509.2  $87.7  $399.1  $996.0 
As of December 31, 2016 Credit Cards Auto Finance Other Unsecured Lending Products Total
Allowance for uncollectible loans and fees receivable:        
Balance at end of period individually evaluated for impairment $
 $(0.3) $(0.3) $(0.6)
Balance at end of period collectively evaluated for impairment $(1.4) $(1.8) $(39.5) $(42.7)
Loans and fees receivable:  
  
  
  
Loans and fees receivable, gross $11.0
 $77.1
 $202.6
 $290.7
Loans and fees receivable individually evaluated for impairment $
 $0.7
 $0.3
 $1.0
Loans and fees receivable collectively evaluated for impairment $11.0
 $76.4
 $202.3
 $289.7

For the Year Ended December 31, 2015
Credit Cards
Auto Finance
Other Unsecured Lending Products
Total
Allowance for uncollectible loans and fees receivable:
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$(2.7)
$(1.2)
$(16.1)
$(20.0)
Provision for loan losses
(1.7)
(2.2)
(22.7)
(26.6)
Charge offs
3.7

2.6

21.5

27.8
Recoveries
(0.5)
(0.9)
(1.3)
(2.7)
Balance at end of period
$(1.2)
$(1.7)
$(18.6)
$(21.5)


As of December 31, 2015 Credit Cards Auto Finance Other Unsecured Lending Products Total
Allowance for uncollectible loans and fees receivable:        
Balance at end of period individually evaluated for impairment $
 $(0.1) $(1.3) $(1.4)
Balance at end of period collectively evaluated for impairment $(1.2) $(1.6) $(17.3) $(20.1)
Loans and fees receivable:  
  
  
  
Loans and fees receivable, gross $5.2
 $76.0
 $98.9
 $180.1
Loans and fees receivable individually evaluated for impairment $
 $0.2
 $1.5
 $1.7
Loans and fees receivable collectively evaluated for impairment $5.2
 $75.8
 $97.4
 $178.4

Delinquent loans, interest and fees receivable reflect the principal, fee and interest components of loans we did not collect on or prior to the contractual due date. Amounts we believe we will not ultimately collect are included as a component in our overall allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable. We discontinue charging interest

Recoveries, noted above, consist of amounts received from the efforts of third-party collectors we employ and fees for mostthrough the sale of our credit products when loans and fees receivable become contractually 90 or more days past due. We charge off our Credit and Other Investments and Auto Finance segment receivables when they become contractually more than 180 days past due or 120 days past due for the direct-to-consumer personal loan product. For all of our products, we charge off receivables within 30 days of notification and confirmation of a customer’s bankruptcy or death. However, in some cases of death, we do not charge off receivables if there is a surviving, contractually liable individual or an estate large enoughcharged-off accounts to pay the debt in full.


 Recoveries onunrelated third-parties.  All proceeds received, associated with charged-off accounts, previously charged off are credited to the allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable and effectively offset our provision for losses on loans, interest and fees receivable recorded at net realizable value on our consolidated statements of operations. (AllFor the year ended December 31, 2020, $12.4 million and $13.8 million of the above discussion relates onlyour recoveries related to our loanscollections from third-party collectors we employ and fees receivable for which we use net realizable value i.e., as opposedsales of charged-off accounts to fair value accounting. For loans and fees receivable recorded at fair value, recoveries offset losses upon charge off of loans and fees receivable recorded at fair value, net of recoveries on our consolidated statements of operations.)
unrelated third-parties, respectively.

We consider loan delinquencies a key indicator of credit quality because this measure provides the best ongoing estimate of how a particular class of receivables is performing. An aging of our delinquent loans, interest and fees receivable, gross (in millions) by class of receivable as of December 31, 20162020 and December 31, 20152019 is as follows:

As of December 31, 2020

 

Credit Cards

  

Auto Finance

  

Other Unsecured Lending Products

  

Total

 

30-59 days past due

 $12.4  $7.6  $5.1  $25.1 

60-89 days past due

  8.0   2.8   3.8   14.6 

90 or more days past due

  19.9   2.1   9.5   31.5 

Delinquent loans, interest and fees receivable, gross

  40.3   12.5   18.4   71.2 

Current loans, interest and fees receivable, gross

  323.9   80.7   191.8   596.4 

Total loans, interest and fees receivable, gross

 $364.2  $93.2  $210.2  $667.6 

Balance of loans greater than 90-days delinquent still accruing interest and fees

 $  $1.5  $  $1.5 

As of December 31, 2019

 

Credit Cards

  

Auto Finance

  

Other Unsecured Lending Products

  

Total

 

30-59 days past due

 $21.7  $8.1  $14.0  $43.8 

60-89 days past due

  18.5   3.0   11.5   33.0 

90 or more days past due

  46.6   2.6   27.2   76.4 

Delinquent loans, interest and fees receivable, gross

  86.8   13.7   52.7   153.2 

Current loans, interest and fees receivable, gross

  422.4   76.1   346.5   845.0 

Total loans, interest and fees receivable, gross

 $509.2  $89.8  $399.2  $998.2 

Balance of loans greater than 90-days delinquent still accruing interest and fees

 $  $1.9  $  $1.9 
Balance at December 31, 2016 Credit Cards Auto Finance Other Unsecured Lending Products Total
30-59 days past due $0.2
 $7.0
 $8.2
 $15.4
60-89 days past due 0.2
 2.4
 6.7
 9.3
90 or more days past due 0.4
 1.9
 11.4
 13.7
Delinquent loans and fees receivable, gross 0.8
 11.3
 26.3
 38.4
Current loans and fees receivable, gross 10.2
 65.8
 176.3
 252.3
Total loans and fees receivable, gross $11.0
 $77.1
 $202.6
 $290.7
Balance of loans 90 or more days past due and still accruing interest and fees $
 $1.5
 $
 $1.5


Balance at December 31, 2015Credit Cards Auto Finance Other Unsecured Lending Products Total
30-59 days past due$0.2
 $6.9
 $4.4
 $11.5
60-89 days past due0.1
 2.2
 3.1
 5.4
90 or more days past due0.4
 1.8
 6.5
 8.7
Delinquent loans and fees receivable, gross0.7
 10.9
 14.0
 25.6
Current loans and fees receivable, gross4.5
 65.1
 84.9
 154.5
Total loans and fees receivable, gross$5.2
 $76.0
 $98.9
 $180.1
Balance of loans 90 or more days past due and still accruing interest and fees$
 $1.5
 $
 $1.5

Rental Merchandise, Net

Troubled Debt Restructurings.As part of Depreciation


Our rental merchandise includes consumer electronics, furniture, jewelryongoing collection efforts, once an account, the receivable of which is included in our Credit and other consumer goods thatOther Investments segment, becomes 90 days or more past due, the related receivable is placed on a non-accrual status. Placement on a non-accrual status results in the use of programs under which the contractual interest associated with a receivable may be reduced or eliminated, or a certain amount of accrued fees is waived, provided a minimum number or amount of payments have been made. Following this adjustment, if a customer demonstrates a willingness and ability to resume making monthly payments and meets certain additional criteria, we initially record on our consolidated balance sheets at our cost. After our initial recordingwill re-age the customer’s account. When we re-age an account, we adjust the status of the rental merchandiseaccount to bring a delinquent account current, but generally do not make any further modifications to the payment terms or amount owed. Once an account is placed on a non-accrual status, it is closed for further purchases. Accounts that are placed on a non-accrual status and thereafter make at cost, we reduce its carrying value for depreciation thereof. We depreciate our rental merchandise over contract rental periods underleast one payment qualify as troubled debt restructurings (“TDR”)s. The above referenced COVID-19 Guidance issued by federal bank regulatory agencies, in consultation with the FASB staff, concluded that short-term modifications (e.g. six months) made on a $-0- salvage value assumption. These assumptions are periodically adjusted based on actual resultsgood faith basis to borrowers who were impacted by COVID-19 and impairmentswho were less than 30 days past due as they occur. We follow this method to match, as closely as practicable, the recognition of depreciation expense with revenues associated with our customers’ use of the rental merchandise. Currently,implementation date of a relief program are not TDRs. Although we doare not maintain any levelsa financial institution and therefore not directly subject to the COVID-19 Guidance, we believe this constitutes an interpretation of rental merchandise beyond what actually has been rentedGAAP and therefore should be applied to our customersaccounting circumstances. As a result, the below tables exclude accounts that are included under that guidance.

The following table details by class of receivable, the number and amount of modified loans, including TDRs that have been re-aged, as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019:

  

As of

 
  

December 31, 2020

  

December 31, 2019

 
  

Point-of-sale

  

Direct-to-consumer

  

Point-of-sale

  

Direct-to-consumer

 

Number of TDRs

  12,394   37,784   10,682   14,553 

Number of TDRs that have been re-aged

  2,788   7,846   2,788   2,854 

Amount of TDRs on non-accrual status (in thousands)

 $14,537  $26,989  $14,468  $13,037 

Amount of TDRs on non-accrual status above that have been re-aged (in thousands)

 $4,662  $6,890  $5,118  $3,104 

Carrying value of TDRs (in thousands)

 $9,583  $14,287  $8,864  $7,312 

TDRs - Performing (carrying value, in thousands)*

 $7,420  $11,855  $6,754  $6,106 

TDRs - Nonperforming (carrying value, in thousands)*

 $2,163  $2,432  $2,110  $1,206 

*“TDRs - Performing” include accounts that are current on all amounts owed, while “TDRs - Nonperforming” include all accounts with past due amounts owed.

We do not separately reserve or impair these receivables outside of our contracts with them.  We includegeneral reserve process.

The Company modified 60,908 and 31,409 accounts in the amount of $70.3 million and $43.3 million during the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively, that qualified as TDRs. The following table details by class of receivable, the number of accounts and balance of loans that completed a “Rental revenue” line itemmodification (including those that were classified as TDRs) within our table below detailing our feesthe prior twelve months and related income on earning assets category on our consolidated statements of operations.subsequently defaulted.

  

Twelve Months Ended

 
  

December 31, 2020

  

December 31, 2019

 
  

Point-of-sale

  

Direct-to-consumer

  

Point-of-sale

  

Direct-to-consumer

 

Number of accounts

  3,065   7,665   2,835   3,339 

Loan balance at time of charge off (in thousands)

 $4,352  $6,745  $4,397  $3,545 

Property at Cost, Net of Depreciation

We capitalize costs related to internal development and implementation of software used in our operating activities in accordance with applicable accounting literature. These capitalized costs consist almost exclusively of fees paid to third-party consultants to develop code and install and test software specific to our needs and to customize purchased software to maximize its benefit to us.

We record our property at cost less accumulated depreciation or amortization. We compute depreciation expense using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of our assets, which are approximately five5 years for furniture, fixtures and equipment, and three3 years for computers and software. We amortize leasehold improvements over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the terms of their respective underlying leases.

We periodically review our property to determine if it is impaired. We incurred $0.6 million ofno impairment costs in 20162020 and no such impairment costs in 2015.


2019.

Investment in Equity-Method Investee

We account for an investment using the equity method of accounting if we have the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the investee. Significant influence is generally deemed to exist based on ownership interest, although other factors, such as representation on an investee’s board of managers, specific voting and veto rights held by each investor and the effects of commercial arrangements, are considered in determining whether equity method accounting is appropriate. We record our interests in the income of our equity-method investee within the equity in income of equity-method investee category on our consolidated statements of operations.


We use the equity method for our 66.7% investment in a limited liability company formed in 2004 to acquire a portfolio of credit card receivables. We account for this investment using the equity method of accounting due to specific voting and veto rights held by each investor, which do not allow us to control this investee.


We evaluate our investments in the equity-method investee for impairment each quarter by comparing the carrying amount of the investment to its fair value. Because no active market exists for the investee’s limited liability company membership interest,interests, we evaluate our investment for impairment based on our evaluation of the fair value of the equity-method investee’s net assets relative to its carrying value. If we ever were to determine that the carrying value of our investment in the equity-method investee was greater than its fair value, we would write the investment down to its fair value.

F-12

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets

Prepaid expenses and other assets include amounts paid to third parties for marketing and other services. These prepaidservices as well as amounts owed to us by third parties. Prepaid amounts are expensed as the underlying related services are performed. Also included are (1) commissions paid associated with our various office leases which we amortize into expense over the lease terms, (2) amounts due associated with reimbursements in respect of one of our portfolios and (3) ongoing deferred costs associated with service contracts.


contracts and (3) investments in consumer finance technology platforms carried at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes.

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

Accounts payable and accrued expenses reflect both the billed and unbilled amounts owed at the end of a period for services rendered. Also included withinCommencing in July 2019, accounts payable and accrued expenses are amounts ultimatelyincludes payments owed under a deferred payment program started with an unrelated third-party for a portion of our marketing expenditures. As a result of this agreement, we were able to consumersextend the payment terms associated with reimbursements in respect of one of our portfolios.


growing marketing spend between 10-37 months.

Revenue Recognition


and Revenue from Contracts with Customers

Consumer Loans, Including Past Due Fees


Consumer loans, including past due fees reflect interest income, including finance charges, and late fees on loans in accordance with the terms of the related cardholdercustomer agreements. Premiums, discounts and discountsmerchant fees paid or received associated with a loaninstallment or auto loans that are generallynot included as part of our Fair Value Receivables are deferred and amortized over the average life of the related loans using the effective interest method. Premiums, discounts and merchant fees paid or received associated with Fair Value Receivables are recognized upon receivable acquisition. Finance charges and fees, net of amounts that we consider uncollectible, are included in loans, interest and fees receivable and revenue when the fees are earned.


earned based upon the contractual terms of the loans.

Fees and Related Income on Earning Assets


Fees and related income on earning assets primarily include:  (1)include fees associated with ourthe credit products, including the receivables underlying our U.S. point-of-sale finance and direct-to-consumer activities,platform, and our historicallegacy credit card receivables; (2) changes inreceivables which include the fair valuerecognition of loansannual fee billings and cash advance fees receivable recorded at fair value; (3) changes in fair value of notes payable associated with structured financings recorded at fair value; (4) revenues associated with rent payments on rental merchandise; and (5) gains or losses associated with our investments in securities. 


among others.

We assess fees on credit card accounts underlying our credit card receivables according to the terms of the related cardholder agreements and, except for annual membership fees, we recognize these fees as income when they are charged to the cardholders’customers’ accounts. We accrete annual membership fees associated with our credit card receivables into income on a straight-line basis over the cardholder privilege period.period which is generally 12 months for our amortized cost receivables, and when billed for those receivables that are included as part of our Fair Value Receivables. Similarly, fees on our other credit products are recognized when earned, which coincides with the time they are charged to the customer’s account.customers' accounts. Fees and related income on earning assets, net of amounts that we consider uncollectible, are included in loans, interest and fees receivable and revenue when the fees are earned.

The following summarizes our revenue recognition policies forearned based upon the revenue from our rent-to-own program. We accrue periodic billed rental amounts (net of allowances for uncollectible billings) into revenues over the rental period to which the billed amounts relate, and we defer recognition in revenues of any advanced customer rental payments until the rental period in which they are properly recognizable under thecontractual terms of the contract. Additionally, we do not recognize a receivable for future periods’ rental obligations due to us from our customers; our customers can terminate their rental agreements at any time with no further obligation to us, other than the returnloans. The election of rental merchandise. We include billed rental receivable amounts (net of allowances for uncollectible billings) within our loans and fees receivable, net consolidated balance sheet category.


The components (in thousands) of our fees and related income on earning assets are as follows:
 Year ended December 31,
 2016 2015
Fees on credit products$3,526
 $6,907
Changes in fair value of loans and fees receivable recorded at fair value1,587
 6,265
Changes in fair value of notes payable associated with structured financings recorded at fair value3,773
 1,262
Rental revenue8,235
 36,032
Other195
 2,716
Total fees and related income on earning assets$17,316
 $53,182

The above changes in the fair value option to account for certain loans receivable that are acquired on or after January 1, 2020 resulted in increased fees recognized on credit products throughout 2020.

Other revenue

Other revenue includes revenues associated with ancillary product offerings, interchange revenues and servicing income. We recognize these fees as income in the period earned.

Other non-operating revenue

Other non-operating revenue includes revenues associated with investments in equity method investees and other revenues not associated with our ongoing business operations. Included in Other non-operating revenue for 2019 is $105.9 million associated with reductions in accruals related to one of our portfolios. The accrual was based upon our estimate of an amount that might have been claimed by customers and was based upon several factors including customer claims volume, average claim amount and a determination of the amount, if any, which might have been offered to resolve such claims. The assumptions used in the accrual estimate were subjective, mainly due to uncertainty associated with future claims volumes and the resolution costs, if any, per claim. During the year ended December 31, 2020, we received $2.0 million in distributions from an investment in a consumer finance technology company. We retained our minority ownership stake in this company and will continue to carry the investment on our books at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulting from observable price changes.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

The majority of our revenue is earned from financial instruments and is not included within the scope of ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers". We have determined that revenue from contracts with customers would primarily consist of interchange revenues in our Credit and Other Investments segment and servicing revenue and other customer-related fees in both our Credit and Other Investments segment and our Auto Finance segment. Interchange fees are earned when our customer's cards are used over established card networks. We earn a portion of the interchange fee the card networks charge merchants for the transaction. Servicing revenue is generated by meeting contractual performance obligations related to the collection of amounts due on receivables, whichand is settled with the customer net of our fee. Service charges and other customer related fees are separately statedearned from customers based on the occurrence of specific services. None of these revenue streams result in Net recoveryan ongoing obligation beyond what has already been rendered. Revenue from these contracts with customers is included as a component of (losses upon) charge off of loans and fees receivable recorded at fair valueOther revenue on our consolidated statements of operations. See Note 6, “Fair ValuesComponents (in thousands) of Assets and Liabilities,” for further discussionour revenue from contracts with customers is as follows:

  

Credit and

         

For the Year Ended December 31, 2020

 

Other Investments

  

Auto Finance

  

Total

 

Interchange revenues, net (1)

 $9,500  $  $9,500 

Servicing income

  1,187   994   2,181 

Service charges and other customer related fees

  3,685   65   3,750 

Total revenue from contracts with customers

 $14,372  $1,059  $15,431 

(1) Interchange revenue is presented net of these receivables and their effects on our consolidated statementscustomer reward expense.

  

Credit and

         

For the Year Ended December 31, 2019

 

Other Investments

  

Auto Finance

  

Total

 

Interchange revenues, net (1)

 $8,495  $  $8,495 

Servicing income

  857   929   1,786 

Service charges and other customer related fees

  3,407   66   3,473 

Total revenue from contracts with customers

 $12,759  $995  $13,754 

(1) Interchange revenue is presented net of operations.


customer reward expense.

Card and Loan Servicing Expenses

Card and loan servicing costs primarily include collections and customer service expenses. Within this category of expenses are personnel, service bureau, cardholder correspondence and other direct costs associated with our collections and customer service efforts. Card and loan servicing costs also include outsourced collections and customer service expenses. We expense card and loan servicing costs as we incur them, with the exception of prepaid costs, which we expense over respective service periods.

Marketing and Solicitation Expenses

We expense product solicitation costs, including printing, credit bureaus, list processing, telemarketing, postage, and Internetinternet marketing fees, as we incur these costs or expend resources.

F-14

Recent Accounting Pronouncements


In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”("ASU") 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The guidance requires an assessment of credit losses based on expected rather than incurred losses.losses (known as the current expected credit loss model). This generally will result in the recognition of allowances for losses earlier than under current accounting guidance for trade and other receivables, held to maturity debt securities and other instruments. The FASB has added several technical amendments (ASU 2018-19, 2019-04, 2019-10 and 2019-11) to clarify technical aspects of the guidance and applicability to specific financial instruments or transactions. In May 2019 the FASB issued ASU 2019-05 which allows entities to measure assets in the scope of ASC 326-20, except held to maturity securities, using the fair value option when they adopt the new credit impairment standard. The election can be made on an instrument by instrument basis. The standard will be adopted on a prospective basis with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. ASU 2016-13 is(and ASU 2019-05) was initially effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. While weThe FASB recently delayed the effective date of this standard until annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2022 for non-accelerated and smaller reporting company filers, with early adoption permitted for smaller reporting companies (among others). We are continuingcurrently in the process of reviewing accounting interpretations, including the recently added fair value option, expected data requirements and necessary changes to evaluate the effect that ASU 2016-13 will have on our consolidated financial statementsloss estimation methods, processes and related disclosures, thissystems. This standard is expected to result in an increase to our allowance for loan losses for our amortized cost receivables given the change to expected losses for the estimated life of the financial asset. If the fair value option is elected for some or all of our eligible receivables, we would expect more potential volatility in the recorded value of the assets as these receivables are remeasured each period. The extent of the increasefinancial statement impact will depend on the asset quality of the portfolio, and economic conditions and forecasts at adoption.


In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07, Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting. The ASU eliminates the requirement that when an investment qualifies for use of the equity method as a result of an increase in the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations, and retained earnings retroactively, as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods that the investment had been held. The ASU requires that the cost of acquiring the additional interest in the investee should be combined with the current basis of the investor’s previously held interest and the equity method of accounting should be adopted as of the date the investment becomes qualified for equity method accounting. No retroactive adjustment of the investment is required. The ASU also requires that an entity that has an available-for-sale equity security that becomes qualified for the equity method of accounting recognize through earnings, the unrealized holding gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive income at the date the investment becomes qualified for use of the equity method. The ASU is effective January 1, 2017. The impact of adoption of this authoritative guidance is not expected to result in a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.



In February 2016,August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases,2018-13, Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement, which would require lessees to recognize assets and liabilitiesamends ASC 820, Fair Value Measurement. This ASU modified the disclosure requirements for most leases, changingfair value measurements by removing, modifying, or adding certain aspects of current lessor accounting, among other things.disclosures. The ASU 2016-02 iswas effective for annual and interim periodsall entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted.2019. The amendments address changes in unrealized gains and losses, the range and weighted average of significant unobservable inputs used to develop Level 3 fair value measurements, and the narrative description of measurement uncertainty and is applied prospectively for only the most recent interim or annual period presented in the initial fiscal year of adoption. All other amendments are applied retrospectively to all periods presented upon their effective date. The adoption of this ASU 2016-02 will result in the Company recognizing a right-of-use asset and lease liability on the consolidated balance sheet based on the present value of remaining operating lease payments (see Note 8 for the undiscounted future annual minimum rental commitments for operating leases). We dodid not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-02 to have a material impacteffect on ourthe Company’s consolidated financial statements due to the limited lease activity we are involved in.

In April 2015, the FASB issued updated authoritative guidance related to debt issuance costs. The amendment modifies the presentation of unamortized debt issuance costs to present such amounts as a direct deduction from the face amount of the debt, similar to unamortized debt discounts and premiums, rather than as an asset. Amortization of the debt issuance costs continues to be reported as interest expense. The guidance was effective for us beginning January 1, 2016. The impact of adoption of this authoritative guidance did not result in a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” ASU 2014-09 establishes a principles-based model under which revenue from a contract is allocated to the distinct performance obligations within the contract and recognized in income as each performance obligation is satisfied. Additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract is also required. In August 2015, the FASB delayed the effective date by one year and the guidance will now be effective for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. We do not plan to early adopt the guidance. The scope of ASU 2014-09 excludes interest and fee income on loans and as a result, the majority of our revenue will not be affected; however, our review is ongoing. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.

Subsequent Events

We evaluate subsequent events that occur after our consolidated balance sheet date but before our consolidated financial statements are issued. There are two types of subsequent events: (1)(1) recognized, or those that provide additional evidence with respect to conditions that existed at the date of the balance sheet, including the estimates inherent in the process of preparing financial statements; and (2)(2) nonrecognized, or those that provide evidence with respect to conditions that did not exist at the date of the balance sheet but arose subsequent to that date. We have evaluated subsequent events occurring after December 31, 2016, 2020, and based on our evaluation we did not identify any recognized or nonrecognized subsequent events that would have required further adjustments to our consolidated financial statements other than disclosure related to the completiondevelopment described below.

On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan, which is a $1.9 trillion stimulus package that extended and expanded benefits previously provided under the CARES Act and subsequent Bipartisan-Bicameral Omnibus COVID Relief Deal, was signed into law. The impacts of athe new funding agreement as described in Note 9 “Notes Payable.”law on the economy and our consumers is currently unknown.

F-15


3.Segment Reporting

 

3.

Segment Reporting

We operate primarily within one industry consisting of two reportable segments by which we manage our business. Our two reportable segments are: Credit and Other Investments, and Auto Finance.


As of both December 31, 20162020and December 31, 20152019, we did not have a material amount of long-lived assets located outside of the U.S., and only a negligible portion of our revenues for the years ended December 31, 2016 2020and 20152019 were generated outside of the U.S.


We measure the profitability of our reportable segments based on their income after allocation of specific costs and corporate overhead; however, our segment results do not reflect any charges for internal capital allocations among our segments. Overhead costs are allocated based on headcounts and other applicable measures to better align costs with the associated revenues.



Summary operating segment information (in thousands) is as follows:

Year ended December 31, 2016 Credit and Other Investments Auto Finance Total
Interest income:      
Consumer loans, including past due fees $59,614
 $28,775
 $88,389
Other 233
 
 233
Total interest income 59,847
 28,775
 88,622
Interest expense (19,011) (1,196) (20,207)
Net interest income before fees and related income on earning assets and provision for losses on loans and fees receivable $40,836
 $27,579
 $68,415
Fees and related income on earning assets $17,214
 $102
 $17,316
Servicing income $3,115
 $972
 $4,087
Gain on repurchase of convertible senior notes $1,151
 $
 $1,151
Depreciation of rental merchandise $(5,273) $
 $(5,273)
Equity in income of equity-method investee $2,150
 $
 $2,150
(Loss) income before income taxes $(18,915) $6,559
 $(12,356)
Income tax benefit (expense) $8,390
 $(2,375) $6,015
Total assets $295,018
 $68,971
 $363,989

Year Ended December 31, 2020

 

Credit and Other Investments

  

Auto Finance

  

Total

 

Revenue:

            

Consumer loans, including past due fees

 $378,817  $31,799  $410,616 

Fees and related income on earning assets

  133,891   69   133,960 

Other revenue

  14,372   1,059   15,431 

Other non-operating revenue

  3,360   43   3,403 

Total revenue

  530,440   32,970   563,410 

Interest expense

  (50,387)  (1,161)  (51,548)

Provision for losses on loans, interest and fees receivable recorded at net realizable value

  (140,683)  (2,036)  (142,719)
Changes in fair value of loans, interest and fees receivable and notes payable associated with structured financings recorded at fair value  (108,548)     (108,548)

Net margin

 $230,822  $29,773  $260,595 

Income before income taxes

 $105,429  $8,962  $114,391 

Income tax expense

 $(18,257) $(2,217) $(20,474)

Total assets

 $1,124,618  $82,596  $1,207,214 

Year Ended December 31, 2019

 

Credit and Other Investments

  

Auto Finance

  

Total

 

Revenue:

            

Consumer loans, including past due fees

 $229,774  $31,444  $261,218 

Fees and related income on earning assets

  68,558   81   68,639 

Other revenue

  12,759   995   13,754 
Other non-operating revenue  111,507   82   111,589 

Total revenue

  422,598   32,602   455,200 

Interest expense

  (49,065)  (1,665)  (50,730)

Provision for losses on loans, interest and fees receivable recorded at net realizable value

  (244,922)  (3,461)  (248,383)
Changes in fair value of loans, interest and fees receivable and notes payable associated with structured financings recorded at fair value  2,085      2,085 

Net margin

 $130,696  $27,476  $158,172 

Income before income taxes

 $25,005  $6,758  $31,763 

Income tax expense

 $(3,830) $(1,723) $(5,553)

Total assets

 $856,354  $79,912  $936,266 

Year ended December 31, 2015 Credit and Other Investments Auto Finance Total
Interest income:      
Consumer loans, including past due fees $42,140
 $27,690
 $69,830
Other 87
 
 87
Total interest income 42,227
 27,690
 69,917
Interest expense (17,130) (1,200) (18,330)
Net interest income before fees and related income on earning assets and provision for losses on loans and fees receivable $25,097
 $26,490
 $51,587
Fees and related income on earning assets $50,817
 $2,365
 $53,182
Servicing income $4,136
 $868
 $5,004
Depreciation of rental merchandise $(38,565) $
 $(38,565)
Equity in income of equity-method investee $2,780
 $
 $2,780
(Loss) income before income taxes $(4,689) $8,224
 $3,535
Income tax benefit (expense) $500
 $(2,329) $(1,829)
Total assets $211,227
 $69,502
 $280,729

4.

4.

Shareholders’ Equity and Preferred Stock


On November 26, 2014, we and certain of our subsidiaries entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with Dove Ventures, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company (“Dove”). The agreement provided for a senior secured term loan facility in an amount of up to $40.0 million at any time outstanding. On December 27, 2019, the Company issued 400,000 shares (10,000,000 shares authorized, 400,000 shares outstanding) of its Series A Preferred Stock with an aggregate initial liquidation preference of $40.0 million, in exchange for full satisfaction of the $40.0 million that the Company owed Dove under the Loan and Security Agreement. Dividends on the preferred stock are 6% per annum (cumulative, non-compounding) and are payable as declared, and in preference to any common stock dividends, in cash. The Series A Preferred Stock is perpetual and has no maturity date. The Company may, at its option, redeem the shares of Series A Preferred Stock on or after January 1, 2025 at a redemption price equal to $100 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends. At the request of a majority of the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, the Company shall offer to redeem all of the Series A Preferred Stock at a redemption price equal to $100 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends, at the option of the holders thereof, on or after January 1, 2024. Upon the election by the holders of a majority of the Series A Preferred Stock, each share of the Series A Preferred Stock is convertible into the number of shares of the Company’s common stock as is determined by dividing (i) the sum of (a) $100 and (b) any accumulated and unpaid dividends on such share by (ii) an initial conversion price equal to $10 per share, subject to certain adjustment in certain circumstances to prevent dilution. Given the redemption rights contained within the Series A Preferred Stock, we account for the outstanding preferred stock as temporary equity in the consolidated balance sheets. Dividends paid on the Series A Preferred Stock are deducted from Net income attributable to controlling interests to derive Net income attributable to common shareholders. The common stock issuable upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock is included in our calculation of Net income attributable to common shareholders per share—diluted. See Note 14, “Net Income Attributable to Controlling Interests Per Common Share” for more information.

Dove is a limited liability company owned by three trusts. David G. Hanna is the sole shareholder and the President of the corporation that serves as the sole trustee of one of the trusts, and David G. Hanna and members of his immediate family are the beneficiaries of this trust. Frank J. Hanna, III is the sole shareholder and the President of the corporation that serves as the sole trustee of the other two trusts, and Frank J. Hanna, III and members of his immediate family are the beneficiaries of these other two trusts.

During the years ended December 31, 20162020 and 2015,2019, we repurchased and contemporaneously retired 311,022245,534 and 86,598357,461 shares of our common stock at an aggregate cost of $949,0003,353,000 and $259,000,$2,517,000, respectively, pursuant to both open market and private purchases and the return of stock by holders of equity incentive awards to pay tax withholding obligations.


We had 1,459,233 loaned shares outstanding at December 31, 20162020and December 31, 2015,2019, which were originally lent in connection with our November 2005 issuance of convertible senior notes. We retire lent shares as they are returned to us.

On November 14, 2019, a wholly-owned subsidiary issued 50.5 million Class B preferred units at a purchase price of $1.00 per unit to an unrelated third party. The units carry a 16% preferred return to be paid quarterly, with up to 6 percentage points of the preferred return to be paid through the issuance of additional units or cash, at our election. The units have both call and put rights and are also subject to various covenants including a minimum book value, which if not satisfied, could allow for the securities to be put back to the subsidiary. On March 30, 2020, the subsidiary issued an additional 50.0 million Class B preferred units under the same terms. The proceeds from the transaction are being used for general corporate purposes. We have included the issuance of these Class B preferred units as temporary noncontrolling interest on the consolidated balance sheets. Dividends paid on the Class B preferred units are deducted from Net income attributable to controlling interests to derive Net income attributable to common shareholders. See Note 14, “Net Income Attributable to Controlling Interests Per Common Share” for more information.


5.

5.

Investment in Equity-Method Investee

Our equity-method investment outstanding at December 31, 2016 2020consists of our 66.7% interest in a joint venture formed to purchase a credit card receivable portfolio.


In the following tables, we summarize (in thousands) balance sheet and results of operations data for our equity-method investee:

  

As of

 
  

December 31, 2020

  December 31, 2019 

Loans, interest and fees receivables, at fair value

 $1,994  $2,757 

Total assets

 $2,105  $2,922 

Total liabilities

 $10  $13 

Members’ capital

 $2,095  $2,909 

  

Year ended December 31,

 
  

2020

  

2019

 
Net margin $819  $1,505 

Net income

 $684  $1,318 

Net income attributable to investee

 $456  $1,001 

F-17
 As of
 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015
Loans and fees receivable, at fair value$9,650
 $14,470
Total assets$10,291
 $15,237
Total liabilities$204
 $54
Members’ capital$10,087
 $15,183


 Year ended December 31,
 2016 2015
Net interest income, fees and related income on earning assets$3,249
 $4,200
Net income$2,714
 $3,447
Net income attributable to our equity investment in investee$2,150
 $2,780

 

6.

6.

Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities

As previously discussed, as of January 1, 2020, we elected the fair value option to account for certain loans receivable associated with our point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer platform that are acquired on or after January 1, 2020. We estimate the fair value of these receivables using a discounted cash flow model, and reevaluate the fair value of our Fair Value Receivables at the end of each quarter. Additionally, we may adjust our models to reflect macro events that we believe market participants would consider relevant. With the aforementioned market impacts of COVID-19 and related government stimulus and relief measures, we have included some expected market degradation in our model to reflect the possibility of delinquency rates increasing in the near term (and the corresponding increase in chargeoffs and decrease in payments) above the level that historical trends would suggest.

We previously elected the fair value option with respect to our investments in equity securities as well as our credit card loans, interest and fees receivable portfolios, the retained interests in which we historically recorded at fair value under securitization structures that were off balance sheet prior to accounting rules changes requiring their consolidation into our financial statements. With respect to our equity securities, we decided to carry these assets at fair

Fair value due to our intent to invest and redeem these investments with expected frequency. For our credit card loans and fees receivable portfolios underlying our formerly off-balance-sheet securitization structures, we electeddiffers from amortized cost accounting in various ways. Under the fair value option because,credit losses are recognized through income as they are incurred rather than through the establishment of an allowance and provision for losses. We update our fair value analysis each quarter, with changes since the prior reporting period reflected as a component of "Changes in contrastfair value of loans, interest and fees receivable and notes payable associated with structured financings recorded at fair value" in the consolidated statements of operations. Changes in interest rates, credit spreads, realized and projected credit losses and cash flow timing will lead to substantially all of our other assets, we had significant experienceschanges in determining the fair value of these assets in connectionloans, interest and fees receivable and notes payable associated with our historical fair value accounting for our retained interests in their associated securitization structures. Because we elected to account for the credit card receivables underlying our formerly off-balance-sheet securitization structuresstructured financings recorded at fair value and therefore impact earnings.

Fair value differs from amortized cost accounting rules require that we accountin the following ways:

Receivables and notes are recorded at their fair value, not their principal and fee balance or cost basis;
The fair value of the loans takes into consideration net charge-offs for the remaining life of the loans with no separate allowance for loan loss calculation;
Certain fee billings (such as annual or merchant fees) and expenses of loans and notes payable issued by such securitization structures at fair value as well. For our other credit card receivables that have never been owned by our formerly off-balance-sheet securitization structures, we have not electedare no longer deferred but recognized (when billed or incurred) in income or expense, respectively;
Changes in the fair value option, and we record such receivables at net realizable value withinof loans and fees receivable, net on our consolidated balance sheets.notes impact recorded revenues; and
Net charge-offs are recognized as they occur.

For all of our other receivables and debt other(other than the notes payable underlying our formerly off-balance sheet credit card securitization structures,structures), we have not elected the fair value option. Nevertheless, pursuant to applicable requirements, we include disclosures of the fair value of thisthese other debtitems to the extent practicable within the disclosures below. Additionally, we have other liabilities, associated with consolidated legacy credit card securitization trusts, that we are required to carry at fair value in our consolidated financial statements, and they also are addressed within the disclosures below.

Where applicable as noted above, we account for our financial assets and liabilities at fair value based upon a three-tiered valuation system. In general, fair values determined by Level 1 inputs use quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that we have the ability to access. Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs use inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. Where inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety has been determined is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.


Valuations and Techniques for Assets

Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability. The table below summarizes (in thousands) by fair value hierarchy the


December 31, 20162020 and December 31, 20152019 fair values and carrying amounts of (1)(1) our assets that are required to be carried at fair value in our consolidated financial statements and (2)(2) our assets not carried at fair value, but for which fair value disclosures are required:

Assets – As of December 31, 2020 (1)

 

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

  

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

  

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

  

Carrying Amount of Assets

 

Loans, interest and fees receivable, net for which it is practicable to estimate fair value

 $  $  $586,908  $503,139 

Loans, interest and fees receivable, at fair value

 $  $  $417,098  $417,098 

Assets – As of December 31, 2019 (1)

 

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

  

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

  

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

  

Carrying Amount of Assets

 

Loans, interest and fees receivable, net for which it is practicable to estimate fair value

 $  $  $781,208  $721,573 

Loans, interest and fees receivable, at fair value

 $  $  $4,386  $4,386 
Assets – As of December 31, 2016 (1) Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
 Significant Other
Observable Inputs (Level 2)
 Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 Carrying Amount of Assets
Loans and fees receivable, net for which it is practicable to estimate fair value $
 $
 $248,171
 $223,783
Loans and fees receivable, at fair value $
 $
 $15,648
 $15,648

Assets – As of December 31, 2015 (1) Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
 Significant Other
Observable Inputs (Level 2)
 Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 Carrying Amount of Assets
Loans and fees receivable, net for which it is practicable to estimate fair value $
 $
 $161,199
 $141,949
Loans and fees receivable, at fair value $
 $
 $26,706
 $26,706

(1)

(1)

For cash, deposits and other short-term investments (including our investments in rental merchandise),equity securities, the carrying amount is a reasonable estimate of fair value.


For those asset classes above that are required to be carried at fair value in our consolidated financial statements, gains and losses associated with fair value changes are detailed on our consolidated statements of operations as a component of "Changes in fair value of loans, interest and fees receivable and related income on earning assets table within Note 2, “Significant Accounting Policies and Consolidated Financial Statement Components.”notes payable associated with structured financings recorded at fair value". For our loans, interest and fees receivable included in the above tables, we assess the fair value of these assets based on our estimate of future cash flows net of servicing costs, and to the extent that such cash flow estimates change from period to period, any such changes are considered to be attributable to changes in instrument-specific credit risk.

F-18

For Level 3 assets carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs, the following table presents (in thousands) a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the years ended December 31, 20162020 and 2015:2019:

  

Loans, Interest and Fees Receivables, at Fair Value

 
  

2020

  

2019

 

Balance at January 1,

 $4,386  $6,306 

Total gains—realized/unrealized:

        

Net revaluations of loans, interest and fees receivable, at fair value

  (96,948)  1,251 
Chargeoffs  (12,601)  (897)
Purchases  713,579    

Settlements

  (295,301)  (2,274)

Finance and fees

  103,983    

Balance at December 31,

 $417,098  $4,386 
 Loans and Fees Receivable, at
Fair Value
 2016 2015
Balance at January 1,$26,706
 $53,160
Total gains—realized/unrealized:  

Net revaluations of loans and fees receivable, at fair value1,587
 6,265
Settlements, net(12,335) (32,440)
Impact of foreign currency translation(310) (279)
Balance at December 31,$15,648
 $26,706

The unrealized gains and losses for assets within the Level 3 category presented in the tables above include changes in fair value that are attributable to both observable and unobservable inputs. Impacts related to foreign currency translation are included as a component of other operating expense on the consolidated statements of operations.

Net Revaluation of Loans, Interest and Fees Receivable. We record the net revaluation of loans, interest and fees receivable (including those pledged as collateral) in the Changes in fair value of loans, interest and fees receivable and related income on earning assetsnotes payable associated with structured financings recorded at fair value category in our consolidated statements of operations, specifically as changes in fair value of loans and fees receivable recorded at fair value.operations. The net revaluation of loans, interest and fees receivable is based on the present value of future cash flows using a valuation model of expected cash flows and the estimated cost to service and collect those cash flows. We estimate the present value of these future cash flows using a valuation model consisting of internally developedinternally-developed estimates of assumptions third-partythird-party market participants would use in


determining fair value, including estimates of net collected yield, principal payment rates, expected principal credit loss rates, costs of funds, discount rates and servicing costs.

Interest income on receivables underlying our asset classes that are carried at fair value in our consolidated financial statements is recorded in Revenue - Consumer loans, including past due fees in our consolidated statements of operations.

For Level 3 assets carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs, the following table presents (in thousands) quantitative information about the valuation techniques and the inputs used in the fair value measurement as of December 31, 20162020 and December 31, 2015:2019:

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement

 Fair Value at December 31, 2020 (in thousands) 

Valuation Technique

 

Unobservable Input

 

Range (Weighted Average)

 

Loans, interest and fees receivable, at fair value

 $417,098 

Discounted cash flows

 

Gross yield, net of finance charge charge-offs

  22.7% to 56.5% (43.3%) 
       

Payment rate

  3.9% to 11.4% (8.5%) 
       

Expected principal credit loss rate

  6.9% to 31.4% (24.8%) 
       

Servicing rate

  2.9% to 14.2% (4.3%) 
       

Discount rate

  12.8% to 13.5% (13.3%) 

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement

 

Fair Value at December 31, 2019 (in thousands)

 

Valuation Technique

 

Unobservable Input

 

Range (Weighted Average)

 

Loans, interest and fees receivable, at fair value

 $4,386 

Discounted cash flows

 

Gross yield, net of finance charge charge-offs

  25.5% to 53.7% (28.6%) 
       

Payment rate

  4.0% to 9.5% (4.6%) 
       

Expected principal credit loss rate

  10.5% to 41.7% (14.0%) 
       

Servicing rate

  11.3% to 16.9% (11.9%) 
       

Discount rate

  14.3% to 14.3% (14.3%) 

F-19
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements Fair Value at December 31, 2016 Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average)(1)
Loans and fees receivable, at fair value $15,648
 Discounted cash flows Gross yield 24.2% to 35.8% (26.1%)
   
   Principal payment rate 2.2% to 3.5% (2.4%)
   
   Expected credit loss rate 11.8% to 18.0% (12.9%)
   
   Servicing rate 8.6% to 9.6% (8.8%)
   
   Discount rate 5.8% to 13.6% (12.5%)


Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements Fair Value at December 31, 2015 Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Range (Weighted Average)(1)
Loans and fees receivable, at fair value $26,706
 Discounted cash flows Gross yield 15.8% to 28.5% (26.3%)
   
   Principal payment rate 2.1% to 3.1% (2.9%)
   
   Expected credit loss rate 12.5% to 22.7% (13.6%)
   
   Servicing rate 8.4% to 12.9% (12.4%)
   
   Discount rate 16.0% to 16.2% (16.0%)

(1) Our loans and fees receivable, pledged as collateral under structured financings, at fair value consist of a single portfolio with one set of assumptions. As such, no range is given.


Valuations and Techniques for Liabilities

Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the liability. The table below summarizes (in thousands) by fair value hierarchy the December 31, 20162020 and December 31, 20152019 fair values and carrying amounts of (1)(1) our liabilities that are required to be carried at fair value in our consolidated financial statements and (2)(2) our liabilities not carried at fair value, but for which fair value disclosures are required:

Liabilities – As of December 31, 2020

 

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

  

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

  

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

  

Carrying Amount of Liabilities

 
Liabilities not carried at fair value                

Revolving credit facilities

 $  $  $857,068  $857,068 

Amortizing debt facilities

 $  $  $25,542  $25,542 

Convertible senior notes

 $  $41,284  $  $24,386 

Liabilities carried at fair value

                

Notes payable associated with structured financings, at fair value

 $  $  $2,919  $2,919 

Liabilities – As of December 31, 2019

 

Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)

  

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

  

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

  

Carrying Amount of Liabilities

 

Liabilities not carried at fair value

                

Revolving credit facilities

 $  $  $720,687  $720,687 

Amortizing debt facilities

 $  $  $28,522  $28,522 

Convertible senior notes

 $  $16,920  $  $24,091 

Liabilities carried at fair value

                

Notes payable associated with structured financings, at fair value

 $  $  $3,920  $3,920 

F-20
Liabilities – As of December 31, 2016 Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
 Significant Other
Observable Inputs (Level 2)
 Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 Carrying Amount of Liabilities
Liabilities not carried at fair value        
Revolving credit facilities $
 $
 $83,399
 $83,399
Amortizing debt facilities $
 $
 $58,190
 $58,190
Senior secured term loan $
 $
 $40,000
 $40,000
5.875% convertible senior notes $
 $40,609
 $
 $61,810
Liabilities carried at fair value  
  
  
  
Notes payable associated with structured financings, at fair value $
 $
 $12,276
 $12,276


Liabilities - As of December 31, 2015 Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
  Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) Carrying Amount of Liabilities
Liabilities not carried at fair value  
  
  
  
Revolving credit facilities $
 $
 $53,800
 $53,800
Amortizing debt facilities $
 $
 $36,200
 $36,200
Senior secured term loan $
 $
 $20,000
 $20,000
5.875% convertible senior notes $
 $42,734
 $
 $64,783
Liabilities carried at fair value  
  
  
  
Notes payable associated with structured financings, at fair value $
 $
 $20,970
 $20,970

For our material notes payable, we assess the fair value of these liabilities based on our estimate of future cash flows generated from their underlying credit card receivables collateral, net of servicing compensation required under the note facilities, and to the extent that such cash flow estimates change from period to period, any such changes are considered to be attributable to changes in instrument-specific credit risk. Gains and losses associated with fair value changes for our notes payable associated with structured financing liabilities that are carried at fair value are detailed on our consolidated statements of operations as a component of "Changes in fair value of loans, interest and fees receivable and related income on earning assets table within Note 2, “Significant Accounting Policies and Consolidated Financial Statement Components.”notes payable associated with structured financings recorded at fair value". For our 5.875% convertible senior notes due 2035 (“5.875% convertible senior notes”), we assess fair value based upon the most recent trade data available from third-party providers. We have seen no data that would suggest thatevaluated the fair value of our other Creditthird party debt by analyzing the expected repayment terms and Other Investments segment debt is materially different from its carrying amount as evidencedcredit spreads included in our recent financing arrangements obtained with similar terms. These recent financing arrangements provide positive evidence that the underlying data used in our assessment of fair value has not changed relative to the general market and therefore the fair value of our debt continues to be the same as the carrying value. See Note 9,10, “Notes Payable,” for further discussion on our other notes payable.


For our material Level 3 liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs, the following table presents (in thousands) a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the years ended December 31, 20162020 and 2015.2019.

  Notes Payable Associated with Structured Financings, at Fair Value 
  

2020

  

2019

 

Balance at January 1,

 $3,920  $5,651 

Total (gains) losses—realized/unrealized:

        

Net revaluations of notes payable associated with structured financings, at fair value

  (1,001)  (1,731)

Repayments on outstanding notes payable, net

      

Balance at December 31,

 $2,919  $3,920 

 Notes Payable Associated with
Structured Financings, at Fair Value
 2016 2015
Beginning balance, January 1$20,970
 $36,511
Total (gains) losses—realized/unrealized: 
  
Net revaluations of notes payable associated with structured financings, at fair value(3,773) (1,262)
Repayments on outstanding notes payable, net(4,921) (14,279)
Ending balance, December 31$12,276
 $20,970

The unrealized gains and losses for liabilities within the Level 3 category presented in the table above include changes in fair value that are attributable to both observable and unobservable inputs. We provide below a brief description of the valuation techniques used for Level 3 liabilities.


Net Revaluation of Notes Payable Associated with Structured Financings, at Fair Value. We record the net revaluations of notes payable associated with structured financings, at fair value, in the changesChanges in fair value of loans, interest and fees receivable and notes payable associated with structured financings line item within the fees and related incomerecorded at fair value on earning assets category of our consolidated statements of operations. The legal entity associated with the securitization transaction is consolidated as a VIE as the Company is deemed the primary beneficiary of the entity. The Company is not liable for the full face value of the liability in the VIE so it is carried at fair value based upon amounts the borrower will receive from the legal entity. The net revaluation of these notes is based on the present value of future cash flows utilized in repayment of the outstanding principal and interest under the facilities using a valuation model of expected cash flows net of the contractual service expenses within the facilities. We estimate the present value of these future cash flows using a valuation model consisting of internally developedinternally-developed estimates of assumptions third-party market participants would use in determining fair value, including: estimates of net collectedgross yield, principal payment rates, and expected principal credit loss rates, servicing costs, and discount rates on the credit card receivables that secure the non-recourse notes payable;payable; costs of funds;funds; discount rates;rates; and contractual servicing fees.


Accrued interest expense on notes payable underlying our notes payable associated with structured financings, at fair value is recorded in Interest expense in our consolidated statements of operations.

For material Level 3 liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs, the following table presents (in thousands) quantitative information about the valuation techniques and the inputs used in the fair value measurement as of December 31, 20162020 and December 31, 2015:2019:

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement

 Fair Value at December 31, 2020 (in thousands) 

Valuation Technique

 

Unobservable Input

 

Weighted Average

 

Notes payable associated with structured financings, at fair value

 $2,919 

Discounted cash flows

 

Gross yield, net of finance charge charge-offs

  23.7%
       

Payment rate

  3.9%
       

Expected principal credit loss rate

  7.9%
       

Discount rate

  13.2%

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement

 Fair Value at December 31, 2019 (in thousands) 

Valuation Technique

 

Unobservable Input

 

Weighted Average

 

Notes payable associated with structured financings, at fair value

 $3,920 

Discounted cash flows

 

Gross yield, net of finance charge charge-offs

  25.5%
       

Payment rate

  4.0%
       

Expected principal credit loss rate

  10.5%
       

Discount rate

  14.3%

F-21
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements Fair Value at December 31, 2016 (in Thousands) Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Weighted Average
Notes payable associated with structured financings, at fair value $12,276
 Discounted cash flows Gross yield 24.6%
   
   Principal payment rate 2.2%
   
   Expected credit loss rate 11.8%
   
   Discount rate 13.6%


Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements Fair Value at December 31, 2015 (in Thousands) Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Weighted Average
Notes payable associated with structured financings, at fair value $20,970
 Discounted cash flows Gross yield 28.5%
   
   Principal payment rate 2.9%
   
   Expected credit loss rate 12.5%
   
   Discount rate 16.0%


Other Relevant Data

Other relevant data (in thousands) as of December 31, 20162020and December 31, 20152019 concerning certain assets and liabilities we carry at fair value are as follows:

As of December 31, 2020

 Loans, Interest and Fees Receivable at Fair Value  Loans, Interest and Fees Receivable Pledged as Collateral under Structured Financings at Fair Value 
Aggregate unpaid gross balance of loans, interest and fees receivable that are reported at fair value $630  $515,434 

Aggregate unpaid principal balance included within loans, interest and fees receivable that are reported at fair value

 $589  $487,779 

Aggregate fair value of loans, interest and fees receivable that are reported at fair value

 $540  $416,558 

Aggregate fair value of receivables carried at fair value that are 90 days or more past due (which also coincides with finance charge and fee non-accrual policies)

 $1  $1,847 

Unpaid principal balance of receivables within loans, interest and fees receivable that are reported at fair value and are 90 days or more past due (which also coincides with finance charge and fee non-accrual policies) over the fair value of such loans, interest and fees receivable

 $4  $12,972 

As of December 31, 2019

 Loans, Interest and Fees Receivable at Fair Value  Loans, Interest and Fees Receivable Pledged as Collateral under Structured Financings at Fair Value 
Aggregate unpaid gross balance of loans, interest and fees receivable that are reported at fair value $713  $5,691 

Aggregate unpaid principal balance included within loans, interest and fees receivable that are reported at fair value

 $644  $5,280 

Aggregate fair value of loans, interest and fees receivable that are reported at fair value

 $466  $3,920 

Aggregate fair value of receivables carried at fair value that are 90 days or more past due (which also coincides with finance charge and fee non-accrual policies)

 $1  $8 

Unpaid principal balance of receivables within loans, interest and fees receivable that are reported at fair value and are 90 days or more past due (which also coincides with finance charge and fee non-accrual policies) over the fair value of such loans, interest and fees receivable

 $28  $185 

Notes Payable

 

Notes Payable Associated with Structured Financings, at Fair Value as of December 31, 2020

  

Notes Payable Associated with Structured Financings, at Fair Value as of December 31, 2019

 

Aggregate unpaid principal balance of notes payable

 $101,314  $101,314 

Aggregate fair value of notes payable

 $2,919  $3,920 

F-22

As of December 31, 2016 Loans and Fees
Receivable at
Fair Value
 Loans and Fees Receivable Pledged as Collateral under Structured Financings at Fair Value
Aggregate unpaid principal balance within loans and fees receivable that are reported at fair value $6,251
 $16,614
Aggregate fair value of loans and fees receivable that are reported at fair value $3,484
 $12,164
Aggregate fair value of receivables carried at fair value that are 90 days or more past due (which also coincides with finance charge and fee non-accrual policies) $6
 $22
Aggregate excess of balance of unpaid principal receivables within loans and fees receivable that are reported at fair value and are 90 days or more past due (which also coincides with finance charge and fee non-accrual policies) over the fair value of such loans and fees receivable $204
 $562

 
As of December 31, 2015 Loans and Fees
Receivable at
Fair Value
 Loans and Fees
Receivable Pledged as Collateral under Structured Financings at Fair Value
Aggregate unpaid principal balance within loans and fees receivable that are reported at fair value $8,560
 $25,837
Aggregate fair value of loans and fees receivable that are reported at fair value $6,353
 $20,353
Aggregate fair value of receivables carried at fair value that are 90 days or more past due (which also coincides with finance charge and fee non-accrual policies) $12
 $31
Aggregate excess of balance of unpaid principal receivables within loans and fees receivable that are reported at fair value and are 90 days or more past due (which also coincides with finance charge and fee non-accrual policies) over the fair value of such loans and fees receivable $374
 $889

Notes Payable Notes Payable Associated with Structured Financings, at Fair Value as of December 31, 2016 Notes Payable Associated with Structured Financings, at Fair Value as of December 31, 2015
Aggregate unpaid principal balance of notes payable $102,035
 $106,956
Aggregate fair value of notes payable $12,276
 $20,970

7.

7.

Property

Details (in thousands) of our property on our consolidated balance sheets are as follows: 

  

As of December 31,

 
  

2020

  

2019

 

Software

 $4,122  $3,543 

Furniture and fixtures

  6,548   6,431 

Data processing and telephone equipment

  7,728   7,675 

Leasehold improvements

  10,570   10,570 

Other

  1,156   1,156 

Total cost

  30,124   29,375 

Less accumulated depreciation

  (27,884)  (26,637)

Property, net

 $2,240  $2,738 

  As of December 31,
  2016 2015
Software $5,194
 $10,665
Furniture and fixtures 6,191
 6,037
Data processing and telephone equipment 11,008
 11,064
Leasehold improvements 10,638
 10,649
Total cost 33,031
 38,415
Less accumulated depreciation (29,202) (32,729)
Property, net $3,829
 $5,686

Depreciation expense totaled $2.2$1.2 million and $2.2$1.1 million for the years ended December 31, 20162020 and 2015,2019, respectively.


8.Leases
 

8.

Leases

We have operating leases primarily associated with our corporate offices and regional service centers as well as for certain equipment. Our leases have remaining lease premises and certain equipment under cancelable and non-cancelable leases,terms of 1 to 5 years, some of which contain renewalinclude options, under various terms. Total rentalat our discretion, to extend the leases for additional periods generally on one-year revolving
periods. Other leases allow for us to terminate the lease based on appropriate notification periods. For certain of our leased offices, we sublease a portion of the unoccupied space. The terms of the sublease arrangement generally coincide with the underlying lease. The components of lease expense for continuing operations associated with these operatingour lease
liabilities and supplemental cash flow information related to those leases was $1.5 millionwere as follows (dollar amounts in 2016 and $2.9 million in 2015. During the fourth quarter of 2006, we entered into a 15-year lease in Atlanta, Georgia for 335,372 square feet (net of space which was surrendered to the landlord through our exercise of a termination option), 255,110 square feet of which we have subleased, and the remainder of which houses our corporate offices.  In connection with this lease, we received a $21.2 million construction allowance for the build-out of our new corporate offices. We are amortizing the construction allowance as a reduction of rent expense over the term of the lease. thousands):

  

For the Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2020

  

2019

 

Operating lease cost, gross

 $6,879  $6,875 

Sublease income

  (5,133)  (5,133)

Net Operating lease cost

 $1,746  $1,742 

Cash paid under operating leases, gross

 $10,278  $10,080 
         

Weighted average remaining lease term - months

  19     

Weighted average discount rate

  6.8%    

As of December 31, 2016, the future minimum rental commitments2020, maturities of lease liabilities were as follows (in thousands) for all non-cancelable operating leases with initial or remaining terms of more than one year (both gross and net of any sublease income) are as follows::

  

Gross Lease Payment

  

Payments received from Sublease

  

Net Lease Payment

 

2021

 $10,380  $(7,315) $3,065 

2022

  4,568   (3,112)  1,456 

2023

  285      285 

2024

  100      100 

2025

  34      34 

Thereafter

         

Total lease payments

  15,367   (10,427)  4,940 
Less imputed interest  (1,591)        
Total $13,776         
  Gross 
Sublease
Income
 Net
2017 $8,493
 $(6,643) $1,850
2018 9,756
 (6,441) 3,315
2019 9,734
 (6,324) 3,410
2020 9,778
 (6,499) 3,279
2021 9,832
 (6,678) 3,154
Thereafter 4,157
 (2,838) 1,319
Total $51,750
 $(35,423) $16,327

In addition, we occasionally lease certain equipment under cancelable and non-cancelable leases, which are accounted for as capital leases in our consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2016,2020, we had no material non-cancelable capital leases with initial or remaining terms of more than one year.



9.Notes Payable

Variable Interest Entities

The Company contributes certain receivables to VIEs. These entities are sometimes established to facilitate third party financing. When assets are contributed to the VIE, they serve as collateral for the debt securities issued by the VIE. The evaluation of whether the entity qualifies as a VIE is based upon the sufficiency of the equity at risk in the legal entity. This evaluation is generally a function of the level of excess collateral in the legal entity. We consolidate VIEs when we hold a variable interest and are the primary beneficiary. We are the primary beneficiary when we have the power to direct activities that most significantly affect the economic performance and have the obligation to absorb the majority of the losses or benefits. In certain circumstances we guarantee the performance of the underlying debt or agree to contribute additional collateral when necessary. When collateral is pledged it is not available for the general use of the Company and can only be used to satisfy the related debt obligation. The results of operations and financial position of consolidated VIEs are included in our consolidated financial statements.

The following table presents a summary of VIEs in which we had continuing involvement or held a variable interest (in millions):

  

As of

 
  

December 31, 2020

  

December 31, 2019

 

Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents

 $96.6  $78.7 

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

  70.2   25.9 

Loans, interest and fees receivable, at fair value

  374.2   3.9 

Loans, interest and fees receivable, gross

  560.2   857.2 

Allowances for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable

  (120.9)  (168.8)

Deferred revenue

  (10.3)  (40.7)

Total Assets held by VIEs

 $970.0  $756.2 

Notes Payable, net held by VIEs

 $827.1  $691.5 

Notes Payable, at fair value held by VIEs

 $2.9  $3.9 

Maximum exposure to loss due to involvement with VIEs

 $864.4  $653.2 

 
10.

Notes Payable

Notes Payable Associated with Structured Financings, at Fair Value

Scheduled (in millions) in the table below are (1)(1) the carrying amount of our structured financing note secured by certain credit card receivables and reported at fair value as of December 31, 20162020 and December 31, 20152019, (2) (2) the outstanding face amount of our structured financing note secured by certain credit card receivables and reported at fair value as of December 31, 2016,2020 and (3)December 31, 2019, and (3) the carrying amount of the credit card receivables and restricted cash that provide the exclusive means of repayment for the note (i.e., lenders have recourse only to the specific credit card receivables and restricted cash underlying each respective facility and cannot look to our general credit for repayment) as of December 31, 20162020and December 31, 20152019.

  

Carrying Amounts at Fair Value as of

 
  

December 31, 2020

  

December 31, 2019

 

Securitization facility (stated maturity of December 2021), outstanding face amount of $101.3 million as of December 31, 2020 ($101.3 million as of December 31, 2019) bearing interest at a weighted average 5.7% interest rate, based upon LIBOR, at December 31, 2020 (6.9% at December 31, 2019), which is secured by credit card receivables and restricted cash aggregating $2.9 million as of December 31, 2020 ($3.9 million as of December 31, 2019) in carrying amount

 $2.9  $3.9 
 Carrying Amounts at Fair Value as of
 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015
Amortizing securitization facility issued out of our upper-tier portfolio master trust (stated maturity of December 2021), outstanding face amount of $102.0 million ($107.0 million as of December 31, 2015) bearing interest at a weighted average 6.1% interest rate (5.6% as of December 31, 2015), which is secured by credit card receivables and restricted cash aggregating $12.3 million ($21.0 million as of December 31, 2015) in carrying amount$12.3
 $21.0

Contractual payment allocations within thesethis credit cards receivablecard receivables structured financingsfinancing provide for a priority distribution of cash flows to us to service the credit card receivables, a distribution of cash flows to pay interest and principal due on the notes, and a distribution of all excess cash flows (if any) to us. The structured financing facility included in the above table is amortizing down along with collections of the underlying receivables and there are no provisions within the debt agreement that allow for acceleration or bullet repayment of the facility prior to its scheduled expiration date. The aggregate carrying amount of the credit card receivables and restricted cash that provide security for the $12.3$2.9 million in fair value of the structured financing notefacility indicated in the above table is $12.32.9 million,, which means that we have no aggregate exposure to pre-tax equity loss associated with the above structured financing arrangement at December 31, 20162020.

As discussed elsewhere, the legal entity holding the securitization facility discussed in the table above, is a VIE. Beyond our role as servicer of the underlying assets within the credit cards receivablereceivables structured financings,financing, we have provided no other financial or other support to the structures,structure, and we have no explicit or implicit arrangements that could require us to provide financial support to the structures.structure.

F-24


Notes Payable, at Face Value and Notes Payable to Related Parties

Other notes payable outstanding as of December 31, 20162020 and December 31, 20152019 that are secured by the financial and operating assets of either the borrower, another of our subsidiaries or both, include the following, scheduled (in millions); except as otherwise noted, the assets of our holding company (Atlanticus Holdings Corporation) are subject to creditor claims under these scheduled facilities:

  

As of

 
  

December 31, 2020

  

December 31, 2019

 

Revolving credit facilities at a weighted average interest rate equal to 4.8% as of December 31, 2020 (6.0% as of December 31, 2019) secured by the financial and operating assets of CAR and/or certain receivables and restricted cash with a combined aggregate carrying amount of $943.6 million as of December 31, 2020 ($740.4 million as of December 31, 2019)

        

Revolving credit facility, not to exceed $55.0 million (expiring November 1, 2023) (1) (2) (3)

 $34.9  $39.1 

Revolving credit facility, not to exceed $50.0 million (expiring October 30, 2022) (2) (3) (4) (5)

  50.0   40.5 

Revolving credit facility, not to exceed $70.0 million (expiring February 8, 2022) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

  5.8   25.8 

Revolving credit facility, not to exceed $10.0 million (expiring October 15, 2021) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

  10.0    

Revolving credit facility, not to exceed $15.0 million (expiring July 15, 2021) (2) (3) (4) (5)

  4.7   14.6 

Revolving credit facility, not to exceed $100.0 million (expiring August 15, 2022) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

  2.5    
Revolving credit facility, not to exceed $167.3 million (repaid in October 2020) (3) (4) (5) (6)     167.3 

Revolving credit facility, not to exceed $200.0 million (expiring December 15, 2022) (3) (4) (5) (6)

  200.0   200.0 

Revolving credit facility, not to exceed $200.0 million (expiring May 15, 2024) (3) (4) (5) (6)

  200.0   200.0 

Revolving credit facility, not to exceed $15.0 million (expiring April 21, 2021) (2) (3) (4) (5)

  7.8   8.6 

Revolving credit facility, not to exceed $50.0 million (repaid in July 2020) (2) (3) (4) (5)

     15.0 

Revolving credit facility, not to exceed $100.0 million (expiring January 15, 2025) (3) (4) (5) (6)

 

100.0

    

Revolving credit facility, not to exceed $250.0 million (expiring October 15, 2025) (3) (4) (5) (6)

  250.0    
Other facilities        

Other debt with a weighted average interest rate equal to 2.7%

  3.2   1.2 

Unsecured term debt (expiring August 26, 2024) with a weighted average interest rate equal to 8.0% (3)

  17.4   17.4 

Amortizing debt facility (repaid in July 2020) (2) (3) (4) (5)

     19.4 

Amortizing debt facility (expiring September 30, 2021) with a weighted average interest rate equal to 4.7% (2) (3) (4) (5)

  5.0   10.0 
Total notes payable before unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts  891.3   758.9 

Unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts

  (8.7)  (9.7)
Total notes payable outstanding, net $882.6  $749.2 
 As of
 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015
Revolving credit facilities at a weighted average interest rate equal to 4.8% (4.4% at December 31, 2015) secured by the financial and operating assets of CAR and/or certain receivables and restricted cash with a combined aggregate carrying amount of $127.9 million ($97.4 million at December 31, 2015)   
Revolving credit facility (repaid in October 2016) (1)$
 $28.9
Revolving credit facility (expiring December 31, 2019) (2) (3)19.5
 
Revolving credit facility (expiring November 1, 2018) (1)29.2


Revolving credit facility (expiring October 29, 2017) (2) (3)34.7
 24.9
Amortizing facilities at a weighted average interest rate equal to 5.4% (5.4% at December 31, 2015) secured by certain receivables and restricted cash with a combined aggregate carrying amount of $69.9 million ($41.6 million as of December 31, 2015)   
Amortizing debt facility (expiring March 31, 2018) (2) (3) (4)14.6
 
Amortizing debt facility (expiring July 15, 2017) (2) (3) (4)20.4

23.0
Amortizing debt facility (repaid in June 2016)
 9.2
Amortizing debt facility (expiring August 17, 2018) (2) (3)6.0
 4.0
Amortizing debt facility (expiring August 24, 2018) (2) (3)9.7
 
Amortizing debt facility (expiring September 1, 2017) (2) (3)7.5
 
Other facilities   
Senior secured term loan from related parties (expiring November 22, 2017) that is secured by certain assets of the Company with an annual interest rate equal to 9.0% (5)40.0
 20.0
Total notes payable outstanding$181.6
 $110.0

(1)

(1)

Loan is subject to certain affirmative covenants, including a coverage ratio, a leverage ratio and a collateral performance test, the failure of which could result in required early repayment of all or a portion of the outstanding balance by our CAR Auto Finance operations.

(2)

These notes reflect modifications to either extend the maturity date, increase the loan amount or both, and are treated as accounting modifications.

(3)

See below for additional information.
(2)(4)Loans are subject to certain affirmative covenants tied to default rates and other performance metrics the failure of which could result in required early repayment of the remaining unamortized balances of the notes.

(5)

(3)These notes reflect modifications to either extend the maturity date, increase the loaned amount or both.Loans are associated with variable interest entities.

(6)

Creditors do not have recourse against the general assets of the Company but only to the collateral within the VIEs.
(4)*Loans are comprisedAs of two tranches withDecember 31, 2020, the same lender. TermsLIBOR rate was 0.15% and conditions are substantially identical with the exception of maturity date as indicated in the table above.prime rate was 3.25%.
(5)See below for additional information.
On November 26, 2014,

In October 2015, we (through a wholly owned subsidiary) entered a revolving credit facility with a (as subsequently amended) $50.0 million revolving borrowing limit that can be drawn to the extent of outstanding eligible principal receivables (of which $50.0 million was drawn as of December 31, 2020). This facility is secured by the loans, interest and fees receivable and related restricted cash and accrues interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.0%. The facility matures on October 30, 2022 and is subject to certain affirmative covenants, including a liquidity test and an eligibility test, the failure of which could result in required early repayment of all or a portion of the outstanding balance. The facility is guaranteed by Atlanticus, which is required to maintain certain minimum liquidity levels.

In October 2016, we (through a wholly owned subsidiary) entered a revolving credit facility with an initial $40.0 million borrowing limit available to the extent of outstanding eligible principal receivables of our subsidiaries entered intoCAR subsidiary (of which $34.9 million was drawn as of December 31, 2020). This facility is secured by the financial and operating assets of CAR and accrues interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus a Loanrange between 2.4% and Security Agreement with Dove Ventures, LLC,3.0% based on certain ratios. The loan is subject to certain affirmative covenants, including a Nevada limited liability company (“Dove”). The agreement provides forcoverage ratio, a senior secured term loan facilityleverage ratio and a collateral performance test, the failure of which could result in an amount of up to $40.0 million at any time outstanding, consisting of (i) an initial term loan of $20.0 million, and (ii) additional term loans available in the sole discretion of Dove and upon our request, provided that the aggregate amountrequired early repayment of all or a portion of the outstanding term loans does not exceed $40.0 million. On November 26, 2014, Dove funded the initial term loan of $20.0 million. Additionally, on July 28,balance. In periods subsequent to October 2016, we obtained an additional term loan underamended the Loan and Security Agreement. As a result, the Loan and Security Agreement is fully drawn with $40.0 million outstanding as of December 31, 2016. In November 2016, theoriginal agreement was amended to either extend the maturity date and/or expand the capacity of this revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2020, the term loanborrowing limit was $55.0 million and the maturity is November 1, 2023. There were no other material changes to November 22, 2017. All otherthe existing terms remain unchanged.



Our obligations underor conditions as a result of these amendments and the new maturity date and borrowing limit are reflected in the table above.

In December 2016, we (through a wholly owned subsidiary) entered a revolving credit facility with a $20.0 million revolving borrowing limit available to the extent of outstanding eligible principal receivables (of which $0.0 million was drawn as of December 31, 2020). In periods subsequent to December 2016, we amended the original agreement are guaranteed by certain subsidiary guarantorsto either extend the maturity date and/or reduce the capacity of this credit facility. This facility was repaid in July 2020 and is not available for subsequent draws. The facility was secured by a pledge of certain assets of oursthe loans, interest and the subsidiary guarantors. The loans bearfees receivable and related restricted cash and accrued interest at thean annual rate of 9.0% per annum, payable monthly in arrears. The principal amount of these loans is payable in a single installment on November 22, 2017 (as amended). The agreement includes customary affirmative and negative covenants, as well as customary representations, warranties and events of default. Subjectequal to certain conditions, we can prepay the principal amounts of these loans without premium or penalty.


Dove is a limited liability company owned by three trusts. David G. Hanna is the sole shareholder and the President of the corporation that serves as the sole trustee of one of the trusts, and David G. Hanna and members of his immediate family are the beneficiaries of this trust. Frank J. Hanna, III is the sole shareholder and the President of the corporation that serves as the sole trustee of the other two trusts, and Frank J. Hanna, III and members of his immediate family are the beneficiaries of these other two trusts.

OnLIBOR plus 5.0%.

In February 9, 2017, we (through a wholly owned subsidiary) established a program under which we sell certain receivables to a consolidated trust in exchange for notes issued by the trust. The notes are secured by the receivables and other assets of the trust. Simultaneously with the establishment of the program, the trust issued a series of variable funding notes and sold an aggregate amount of up to $90.0 million (subsequently reduced to $70.0 million) of such notes (of which $5.8 million was outstanding as of December 31, 2020) to an unaffiliated third party pursuant to a facility that can be drawn upon to the extent of outstanding eligible receivables.

The interest rate on the notes is fixed at 14.0%. The facility matures on February 8, 2022 and is subject to certain affirmative covenants and collateral performance tests, the failure of which could result in required early repayment of all or a portion of the outstanding balance of notes. The facility also may be prepaid subject to payment of a prepayment or other fee.

In December 2017, we (through a wholly owned subsidiary) entered a revolving credit facility with a (as subsequently amended) $15.0 million revolving borrowing limit that is available to the extent of outstanding eligible principal receivables (of which $7.8 million was drawn as of December 31, 2020). This facility is secured by the loans, interest and fees receivable and related restricted cash and accrues interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus 3.5%. The facility matures on April 21, 2021 and is subject to certain affirmative covenants, including payment, delinquency and charge-off tests, the failure of which could result in required early repayment of all or a portion of the outstanding balance. The note is guaranteed by Atlanticus.

In 2018, we (through a wholly owned subsidiary) entered into two separate facilities associated with the above mentioned program to sell up to an aggregate $200.0 million (subsequently reduced to $110.00 million) of notes which are secured by the receivables and other assets of the trust (of which $12.5 million was outstanding as of December 31, 2020) to separate unaffiliated third parties pursuant to facilities that can be drawn upon to the extent of outstanding eligible receivables. Interest rates on the notes are based on commercial paper rates plus 3.75% and LIBOR plus 4.875%, respectively. The facilities mature on October 15, 2021 and August 15, 2022, respectively, and are subject to certain affirmative covenants and collateral performance tests, the failure of which could result in required early repayment of all or a portion of the outstanding balance of notes. The facilities also may be prepaid subject to payment of a prepayment or other fee.

In September 2018, we (through a wholly owned subsidiary) entered a revolving credit facility with a (as subsequently amended) $50.0 million revolving borrowing limit that was available to the extent of outstanding eligible principal receivables (of which $0.0 million was drawn as of December 31, 2020). This facility was secured by the loans, interest and fees receivable and related restricted cash and accrues interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus 6.5%. The loan was subject to certain affirmative covenants, including a charge-off and delinquency test, the failure of which could result in required early repayment of all or a portion of the outstanding balance. The note was guaranteed by Atlanticus. This facility was repaid in July 2020 and is not available for subsequent draws.

In November 2018, we sold $167.3 million of asset backed securities (“ABS”) secured by certain retail point-of-sale receivables. A portion of the proceeds from the sale were used to pay-down our existing term and revolving facilities associated with our point-of-sale receivables, noted in the table above, and the remaining proceeds were available to fund the acquisition of future receivables. The terms of the ABS allowed for a two-year revolving structure with a subsequent 18-month amortization period. The weighted average interest rate on the securities was fixed at 5.76%. This facility was repaid in October 2020 and is not available for subsequent draws.

In June 2019, we (through a wholly owned subsidiary) entered a revolving credit facility with a $15.0 million revolving borrowing limit that is available to the extent of outstanding eligible principal receivables (of which $4.7 million was drawn as of December 31, 2020). This facility is secured by the loans, interest and fees receivable and related restricted cash and accrues interest at an annual rate equal to the prime rate. The note is guaranteed by Atlanticus.

In June 2019, we sold $200.0 million of ABS secured by certain credit card receivables (expiring December 15, 2022). A portion of the proceeds from the sale was used to pay-down our existing facilities associated with our credit card receivables. The terms of the ABS allow for a two-year revolving structure with a subsequent 12-month to 18-month amortization period. The weighted average interest rate on the securities is fixed at 5.37%.

In August 2019, we repurchased $54.4 million in face amount of our outstanding convertible senior notes for $16.3 million in cash (including accrued interest) and the issuance of a $17.4 million term note, which bears interest at a fixed rate of 8.0% and is due in August 2024. See Note 11, "Convertible Senior Notes" for additional information.

In September 2019, we (through a wholly owned subsidiary) entered a term facility with a $30.0 million revolving borrowing limit (of which $5.0 million was drawn as of December 31, 2020) that is available to the extent of outstanding eligible principal receivables. This facility is secured by the loans, interest and fees receivable and related restricted cash and accrues interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus 4.5%. The facility matures on September 30, 2021 and is subject to certain affirmative covenants, including a liquidity test and an eligibility test, the failure of which could result in required early repayment of all or a portion of the outstanding balance. The note is guaranteed by Atlanticus, which is required to maintain certain minimum liquidity levels.

In November 2019, we sold $200.0 million of ABS secured by certain credit card receivables (expiring May 15, 2024). A portion of the proceeds from the sale was used to pay-down our existing facilities associated with our credit card receivables and the remaining proceeds were available to fund the acquisition of future receivables. The terms of the ABS allow for a three-year revolving structure with a subsequent 12-month to 18-month amortization period. The weighted average interest rate on the securities is fixed at 4.91%.

In July 2020, we sold $100.0 million of ABS secured by certain retail point-of-sale receivables. A portion of the proceeds from the sale were used to pay-down some of our existing revolving facilities associated with our point-of-sale receivables, and the remaining proceeds were used to fund the acquisition of receivables. The terms of the ABS allow for a three-year revolving structure with a subsequent 18-month amortization period. The weighted average interest rate on the securities is fixed at 5.47%.

In October 2020, we sold $250.0 million of ABS secured by certain retail point-of-sale receivables. A portion of the proceeds from the sale were used to pay-down our existing term ABS associated with our point-of-sale receivables, noted above, and the remaining proceeds have been invested in the acquisition of receivables. The terms of the ABS allow for a 41 month revolving structure with an 18-month amortization period and the securities mature between August 2025 and October 2025. The weighted average interest rate on the securities is fixed at 4.1%.

As of December 31, 2020, we are in compliance with the covenants underlying our various notes payable.

 

11.

10.

Convertible Senior Notes

In May November 2005, we issued $250.0$300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.625%5.875% convertible senior notes due 2025 (“3.625% convertible senior notes”), and in November 2005, we issued $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.875%30,2035. The convertible senior notes due November 30, 2035 (“5.875% convertible senior notes”). The 5.875% convertible senior notes are (and, prior to redemption, the 3.625% convertible senior notes were) unsecured, subordinate to existing and future secured obligations and structurally subordinate to existing and future claims of our subsidiaries’ creditors. These notes (net of repurchases since the issuance dates) are reflected within convertible senior notes on our consolidated balance sheets. No put rights exist under our 5.875% convertible senior notes.


In 2016

On August 26, 2019, we repurchased $5.0$54.4 million aggregate principalin face amount of our outstanding 5.875% convertible senior notes for $2.3$16.3 million plusin cash (including accrued interest) and the issuance of a $17.4 million term note, which bears interest from unrelated third parties.at a fixed rate of 8.0% and is due in August 2024. The purchaserepurchase resulted in a gain of $1.2approximately $5.1 million (net of the convertible senior notes’ applicable share of deferred costs, which were written off in connection with the repurchases)repurchase). Upon acquisition, the notes were retired.


In May 2015 we redeemed See Note 10, "Notes Payable" for further information regarding the remainder of the outstanding 3.625% convertible senior notes. Subsequent to this redemption, only our 5.875% convertible senior notes remain outstanding.

note issuance.

The following summarizes (in thousands) components of our consolidated balance sheets associated with our convertible senior notes:

  

As of

 
  

December 31, 2020

  

December 31, 2019

 

Face amount of convertible senior notes

 $33,839  $33,839 

Discount

  (9,453)  (9,748)

Net carrying value

 $24,386  $24,091 

Carrying amount of equity component included in paid-in capital

 $108,714  $108,714 

Excess of instruments’ if-converted values over face principal amounts

 $  $ 
 As of
 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015
Face amount of 5.875% convertible senior notes$88,280

$93,280
Discount(26,470)
(28,497)
Net carrying value$61,810

$64,783
Carrying amount of equity component included in additional paid-in capital$108,714

$108,714
Excess of instruments’ if-converted values over face principal amounts$

$

During certain periods and subject to certain conditions, the remaining $88.3$33.8 million of outstanding 5.875% convertible senior notes as of December 31, 20162020 (as referenced in the table above) are convertible by holders into cash and, if applicable, shares of our common stock at an adjusted effective conversion rate of 40.63 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, subject to further adjustment; the conversion rate is based on an adjusted conversion price of $24.61 per share of common stock. Upon any conversion of the notes, we will deliver to holders of the notes cash of up to $1,000 per


$1,000 $1,000 aggregate principal amount of notes and, at our option, either cash or shares of our common stock in respect of the remainder of the conversion obligation, if any. The maximum number of shares of common stock that any note holder may receive upon conversion is fixed at 40.63 shares per $1,000 aggregate principal amount of notes, and we have a sufficient number of authorized shares of our common stock to satisfy this conversion obligation. Beginning with the six-month period commencing on January 30, 2009, we couldWe are required to pay contingent interest on the notes during a six-month6-month period if the average trading price of the notes is above a specified level. Thus far we have not paid any contingent interest on these notes. In addition, holders of the notes may require us to repurchase the notes for cash upon certain specified events.

In conjunction with the offering of the 5.875% convertible senior notes, we entered into a 30-year share lending agreement with Bear, Stearns International Limited (“BSIL”) and Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc, as agent for BSIL, pursuant to which we lent BSIL 5,677,950 shares of our common stock that we exclude from all earnings per share computations and for which we received a fee of $0.001 per loaned share upon consummation of the agreement.stock. The obligations of Bear Stearns were assumed by JP Morgan in 2008. JP Morgan (as the guarantor of the obligation) is required to return the loaned shares to us at the end of the 30-year term of the share lending agreement or earlier upon the occurrence of specified events. Such events include the bankruptcy of JP Morgan, its failure to make payments when due, its failure to post collateral when required or return loaned shares when due, notice of its inability to perform obligations, or its untrue representations. If an event of default occurs, then the borrower (JP Morgan) may settle the obligation in cash. Further, in the event that JP Morgan’s credit rating dropsfalls below A/A2, it would be required to post collateral for the market value of the lent shares ($4.135.9 million based on the 1,459,233 of shares remaining outstanding under the share lending arrangement as of December 31, 2016)2020). JP Morgan has agreed to use the loaned shares for the purpose of directly or indirectly facilitating the hedging of our convertible senior notes by the holders thereof or for such other purpose as reasonably determined by us. We deem it highly remote that any event of default will occur and therefore cash settlement, while an option, is an unlikely scenario. We exclude the loaned shares from earnings per share computations.

F-27

We analogize the share lending agreement to a prepaid forward contract, which we have evaluated under applicable accounting guidance. We determined that the instrument was not a derivative in its entirety and that the embedded derivative would not require separate accounting. The net effect on shareholders’ equity of the shares lent pursuant to the share lending agreement, which includes our requirement to lend the shares and the counterparties’ requirement to return the shares, is the fee received upon our lending of the shares.

Accounting for Convertible Senior Notes

Under applicable accounting literature, the accounting for the issuance of the notes includes (1) allocation of the issuance proceeds between the notes and additional paid-in capital, (2) establishment of a discount to the face amount of the notes equal to the portion of the issuance proceeds that are allocable to additional paid-in capital, (3) creation of a deferred tax liability related to the discount on the notes, and (4) an allocation of issuance costs between the portion of such costs considered to be associated with the notes and the portion of such costs considered to be associated with the equity component of the notes’ issuances (i.e., additional paid-in capital). We are amortizing the discount to the remaining face amount of the notes into interest expense over the expected life of the notes, which resultsresulting in a corresponding release of associated deferred tax liability (and which ended May 2012 for our 3.625% convertible senior notes).liability. Amortization for the years ended December 31, 20162020 and 20152019 totaled $0.5$0.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively. Actual incurred interest (based on the contractual interest rates within the two convertible senior notes series)rate) totaled $5.3$2.0 million and $5.5$3.9 million for the years ended December 31, 20162020 and 2015,2019, respectively. We will amortize the discount remaining at December 31, 20162020 into interest expense over the expected term of the 5.875% convertible senior notes (currently expected to be October 2035). The weighted average effective interest rate for the 5.875% convertible senior notes was 9.2% for all periods presented.


12.

11.

Commitments and Contingencies

General

Under finance products available in the point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer channels, consumers have the ability to borrow up to the maximum credit limit assigned to each individual’s account. Unfunded commitments under these products aggregated $221.1 million$1.6 billion at December 31, 20162020. We have never experienced a situation in which all borrowers have exercised their entire available linelines of credit at any given point in time, nor do we anticipate this will ever occur in the future. Moreover, there would be a concurrent increase in assets should there be any exercise of these lines of credit. We also have the effective right to reduce or cancel these available lines of credit at any time.

Additionally, our CAR operations provide floor-plan financing for a pre-qualified network of independent automotive dealers and automotive finance companies in the buy-here, pay-here used car business. The financings allowfloor plan financing allows dealers and finance companies to borrow up to the maximum pre-approved credit limit allowed in order to finance ongoing inventory


needs. These loans are secured by the underlying auto inventory and, in certain cases where we have other lending products outstanding with the dealer, are secured by the collateral under those lending arrangements as well, including any outstanding dealer reserves. As of December 31, 20162020, CAR had unfunded outstanding floor-plan financing commitments totaling $8.6 million.9.9 million. Each draw against unused commitments is reviewed for conformity to pre-established guidelines.

Under agreements with third-partythird-party originating and other financial institutions, we have pledged security (collateral) related to their issuance of consumer credit and purchases thereunder, of which $9.3$10.6 million remains pledged as of December 31, 2016 2020to support various ongoing contractual obligations. Those obligations include, among other things, compliance with one of the European payment system’s operating regulations and by-laws.


Under agreements with third-party originating and other financial institutions, we have agreed to indemnify the financial institutions for certain liabilities associated with the services we provide on behalf of the financial institutions—such indemnification obligations generally being limited to instances in which we either (a) have been afforded the opportunity to defend against any potentially indemnifiable claims or (b) have reached agreement with the financial institutions regarding settlement of potentially indemnifiable claims. As of December 31, 2016,2020, we have assessed the likelihood of any potential payments related to the aforementioned contingencies as remote. We will accrue liabilities related to these contingencies in any future period if and in which we assess the likelihood of an estimable payment as probable.


Total System Services, Inc. provides certain services

Under the account terms, consumers have the option of enrolling in a credit protection program with our lending partner which would make the minimum payments owed on their accounts for a period of up to Atlanticus Services Corporation in bothsix months upon the U.S. and the U.K. as a systemoccurrence of record provideran eligible event. Eligible events typically include loss of life, job loss, disability, or hospitalization. As an acquirer of receivables, our potential exposure under agreements that extend through October 2022 and April 2017, respectively. If Atlanticus Services Corporation were to terminate its U.S. or U.K. relationship with Total System Services, Inc. prior to the contractual termination period, it would incur significant penalties ($1.5 million and $1.0this program was $27.5 million as of December 31, 2016, respectively).


At2020 (of which we have accrued $0.5 million as of December 31, 2015,2020 based on current claims). We have never experienced a situation in which all eligible participants have applied for this benefit at any given point in time, nor do we had an accrued liability of £3.4 million ($5.0 million) within our consolidated financial statements associated with a then-ongoing review by U.K. taxing authorities (HM Revenue and Customs or “HMRC”) of value-added tax (“VAT”) filings made by one of our U.K. subsidiaries. In February of 2016, we received correspondence from HMRC stating that it (1) had chosen to discontinue its review of our U.K. subsidiary’s VAT filings with no changes to the returns as filed by our U.K. subsidiary, and (2) would pay VAT refund claims made by our U.K. subsidiary that had been suspended during the HMRC review. We subsequently received all of such refunds, and as such we reversed the £3.4 million ($5.0 million) of VAT review-related liabilitiesanticipate this will ever occur in the first quarter of 2016.
future.

We also are subject to certain minimum payments under cancelable and non-cancelable lease arrangements. For further information regarding these commitments, see Note 8, “Leases”.


Litigation

We are involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to the conduct of our business, none of whichbusiness. There are currently no pending legal proceedings that are expected to be material to us.

 

13.

12.

Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the effects of tax losses, credits, and the future income tax effects of temporary differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and are measured using enacted tax rates that apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.



The current and deferred portions (in thousands) of federal, foreign and state income tax benefit or expense are as follows:

  

For the Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2020

  

2019

 

Federal income tax (expense) benefit:

        

Current tax benefit

 $1,351  $279 

Deferred tax (expense)

  (21,752)  (5,395)

Total federal income tax (expense)

 $(20,401) $(5,116)
Foreign income tax (expense) benefit:        

Current tax (expense) benefit

 $(143) $25 

Deferred tax (expense)

  (5)  (15)

Total foreign income tax (expense) benefit

 $(148) $10 
State and other income tax benefit (expense):        

Current tax (expense)

 $(1,228) $(709)

Deferred tax benefit

  1,303   262 

Total state and other income tax benefit (expense)

 $75  $(447)

Total income tax (expense)

 $(20,474) $(5,553)
  For the Year Ended December 31,
  2016 2015
Federal income tax benefit (expense):    
Current tax benefit (expense) $59
 $3,421
Deferred tax benefit (expense) 5,884
 (3,824)
Total federal income tax benefit (expense) $5,943
 $(403)
Foreign income tax benefit (expense):    
Current tax expense $(41) $(53)
Deferred tax benefit (expense) 3
 (1,775)
Total foreign income tax expense $(38) $(1,828)
State and other income tax benefit (expense):    
Current tax benefit (expense) $(116) $28
Deferred tax benefit 226
 374
Total state and other income tax benefit $110
 $402
Total income tax benefit (expense) $6,015
 $(1,829)

We experienced an effective income tax benefit rate of 48.7% for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to an effective income tax expense rate of 51.7%17.9% and 17.5% for the yearyears ended December 31, 2015.  Our effective income tax benefit rate for the year ended2020 and December 31, 2016 is above the statutory rate principally due to the income of our U.K. subsidiary (1) that is not subject to tax in the U.S., and (2) the U.K. tax on which was fully offset by the release of U.K. valuation allowances.2019, respectively. Our effective income tax expense rate for the year ended December 31, 2015 reflects2020 was below the statutory rate principally due to (1) our deduction for income tax purposes of amounts characterized in part,our consolidated financial statements as dividends on a preferred stock issuance, such amounts constituting deductible interest expense on a debt issuance for tax purposes and (2) the establishmentreversal in 2020 of a valuation allowance against our U.K.-related deferred tax assets.


                We report potential accruedprior year accruals of interest and penalties on liabilities for unpaid taxes, such reversal arising from the complete abatement by the IRS of failure -to-pay penalties (and accrued interest thereon) related to a now-completed audit by the IRS of our 2008 tax returns. Our effective income tax expense rate for the year ended December 31, 2019 was below the statutory rate principally as a result of the release of a federal valuation allowance in that year.

We report income tax-related interest and penalties (including those associated with both our accrued liabilities for uncertain tax positions and unpaid tax liabilities, as well as any net payments of income tax-related interest and penalties,liabilities) within our income tax benefit or expense line item on our consolidated statements of operations. We likewise report the reversal of such accruedincome tax-related interest and penalties within the income tax benefit or expensesuch line item to the extent that we resolve our liabilities for uncertain tax positions or unpaid tax liabilities in a manner favorable to our accruals therefor. During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively,For 2020, we reported a net reversal of net income tax-related interest and penalties are includedof $1.0 million within those years’ respectiveour income tax benefitline item, and expense line items.


In December 2014,for 2019, we reachedreported a settlement with the IRS concerning the tax treatmentnet accrual of net operating losses that we incurred in 2007 and 2008 and carried back to obtain refunds of federal income taxes paid in earlier years dating back to 2003. Our net unpaid income tax assessment associated with that settlement was $7.3 million at December 31, 2016; this amount excludes unpaidtax-related interest and penalties on the$0.1 million within our income tax assessment, the accruals for which aggregated $3.4 million at December 31, 2016. An IRS examination team denied amended return claims we filed that would have eliminated the $7.3 million assessment (and corresponding interest and penalties), and we filed a protest with IRS Appeals. Pending the resolution of this matter, and as is customary in such cases, the IRS filed a lien in respect of the $7.3 million assessment described herein. To the extent we are unsuccessful in resolving this matter with IRS Appeals to our satisfaction, we plan to litigate this matter.

line item.

The following table reconciles our effective income tax expense or benefit raterates for 20162020 and our effective income tax expense rate for 2015 to the federal statutory rate:2019:

  

For the Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2020

  

2019

 

Statutory federal expense rate

  21.0

%

  21.0

%

Increase (decrease) in statutory tax expense rate resulting from:

        

Federal valuation allowance

     (4.4)
Global intangible low-taxed income  0.2   0.8 

Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions and IRS settlement adjustment

  (0.6)  0.6 
Interest expense on preferred stock as debt treatment  (2.6)   

Foreign taxes, net of valuation allowance

  (0.2)  (0.5)

Permanent and other prior year true ups and tax effect of non-controlling interest

  0.2   (1.1)

State taxes, net of valuation allowance

  (0.1)  1.1 

Effective expense rate

  17.9

%

  17.5

%


F-29

  For the Year Ended December 31,
  2016 2015
Statutory benefit (expense) rate 35.0 % (35.0)%
(Increase) decrease in statutory tax rate and increase (decrease) in statutory tax benefit rate resulting from:    
Changes in valuation allowances 6.2
 (46.8)
Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions (0.1) 21.2
Foreign income taxes 7.5
 (1.5)
Permanent and other differences (0.5) 3.1
State and other income taxes, net 0.6
 7.3
Effective benefit (expense) rate 48.7 % (51.7)%

As of December 31, 20162020 and December 31, 2015,2019, the respective significant components (in thousands) of our deferred tax assets and liabilities were:

  

As of December 31,

 
  

2020

  

2019

 

Deferred tax assets:

        

Software development costs/fixed assets

 $75  $ 

Goodwill and intangible assets

     113 

Provision for loan loss

  30,080   36,172 

Credit card fair value election differences

  173    

Equity-based compensation

  715   792 

Accrued expenses

  466   386 

Accruals for state taxes and interest associated with unrecognized tax benefits

  121   108 

Federal net operating loss and capital loss carry-forwards

  11,279   18,643 

Federal tax credits and minimum tax credit carry-forward

  25   520 

Foreign net operating loss carry-forward

  306   537 
Interest expense on preferred stock with debt treatment for tax purposes  631    
Other  202   40 

State tax benefits, primarily from net operating losses

  36,052   40,937 

Deferred tax assets, gross

 $80,125  $98,248 

Valuation allowances

  (31,701)  (39,161)

Deferred tax assets net of valuation allowance

 $48,424  $59,087 

Deferred tax (liabilities):

        

Prepaid expenses and other

 $(225) $(1,217)
Software development costs/fixed assets     (176)

Equity in income of equity-method investee

  (1,457)  (1,154)

Credit card fair value election differences

     (21,513)

Market discount on loans

  (61,255)  (29,834)

Deferred costs

  (545)  (542)

Convertible senior notes

  (10,057)  (9,309)

Deferred tax (liabilities), gross

 $(73,539) $(63,745)

Deferred tax (liabilities), net

 $(25,115) $(4,658)
  As of December 31,
  2016 2015
Deferred tax assets:    
Software development costs/fixed assets $
 $345
Goodwill and intangible assets 3,798
 3,455
Provision for loan loss 18,353
 16,107
Equity-based compensation 670
 287
Accrued expenses 1,678
 1,249
Other 
 288
Accruals for state taxes and interest associated with unrecognized tax benefits 286
 610
Federal net operating loss carry-forward 70,778
 75,687
Federal credit carry-forward 2,145
 2,381
Foreign net operating loss carry-forward 374
 637
State tax benefits 35,409
 36,384
Deferred tax assets, gross $133,491
 $137,430
Valuation allowances (33,924) (35,971)
Deferred tax assets net of valuation allowance $99,567
 $101,459
Deferred tax liabilities:    
Prepaid expenses and other $(184) $(267)
Software development costs/fixed assets (157) 
Equity in income of equity-method investee (1,455) (1,347)
Other (58) 
Credit card fair value election differences (42,939) (38,717)
Deferred costs (696) (681)
Convertible senior notes (28,921) (28,154)
Cancellation of indebtedness income (29,491) (42,822)
Deferred tax liabilities, gross $(103,901) $(111,988)
Deferred tax liabilities, net $(4,334) $(10,529)

We undertook a detailed review of our deferred taxes and determined that a valuation allowance was required for certain deferred tax assets in state tax jurisdictions within the U.S. and in the U.K. We reduce our deferred tax assets by valuation allowances if it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which temporary differences are deductible. In making our valuation allowance determinations, we consider all available positive and negative evidence affecting specific deferred tax assets, including our past and anticipated future performance, the reversal of deferred tax liabilities, the length of carry-back and carry-forward periods, and the implementation of tax planning strategies. Because our valuation allowance evaluations require consideration of future events, significant judgment is required in making the evaluations, and our conclusions could be materially different should certain of our expectations not be met. Our valuation allowances totaled $31.7 million and $39.2 million as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively; a release of approximately $2.0 million of state valuation allowances accounted for part of the decline in valuation allowance balances between December 31, 2019 and December 31, 2020.

Certain of our deferred tax assets relate to federal, foreign and state net operating losses, as noted in the above table,capital losses, and credits, and we have no other net operating losses, capital losses, or credit carry-forwardscarryforwards other than those noted herein. We have recorded a federal deferred tax asset of $70.8$10.7 million reflecting the tax benefit of(based on federal net operating loss carryforwards of $51.0 million, which expire in varying amounts between 20292030 and 2033. Our $33.9 million of2037). We have also recorded a federal deferred tax asset valuation allowances are primarily the result of uncertainties


regarding the future realization$0.6 million (based on federal capital loss carryovers of recorded tax benefits, principally net operating losses and credits from operations$2.4 million, which expire in various states and foreign jurisdictions (including U.S. territories), and it is more likely than not that these recorded tax benefits will not be utilized to reduce future state and foreign tax liabilities in these jurisdictions.2021).

F-30


We conduct business globally, and as a result, our

Our subsidiaries file federal, state and/or foreign income tax returns. In the normal course of our business, we are subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world, including such major jurisdictions as the U.S., the U.K., and various U.S. states and territories. With a few exceptions of a non-material nature, and with the exception of our 2008 tax-settlement-related claims discussed previously, we are no longer subject to federal, state, local, or foreign income tax examinations for years prior to 2012.


2016.

Reconciliations (in thousands) of our unrecognized tax benefits from the beginning to the end of 20162020 and 2015,2019, respectively, are as follows:

  

2020

  

2019

 

Balance at January 1,

 $(513) $(414)

Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years

     13 
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years  48    

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

  (82)  (83)

Interest and penalties accrued

  (30)  (29)

Balance at December 31,

 $(577) $(513)
  2016 2015
Balance at January 1, $(1,798) $(5,245)
Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years 1,167
 2,658
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years 
 (160)
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year (82) (70)
Interest and penalties accrued (105) (197)
Settlement 
 1,216
Balance at December 31, $(818) $(1,798)
Unrecognized

Further, our unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate totaled $0.8are not material at only $0.6 million and $1.8$0.5 million at as of December 31, 20162020, and 2015,2019, respectively.


Absent the effects of potential agreements to extend statutes of limitations periods, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits with respect to certain of our unrecognized tax positions will significantly change as a result of the lapse of applicable limitations periods in the next 12 months. However, it is not reasonably possible to determine which (if any) limitations periods will lapse in the next 12 months due to the effect of existing and new tax audits and tax agency determinations.  Moreover, the net amount of such change cannot be reasonably estimated because our operations over the next 12 months may cause other changes to the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits. Due to the complexity of the tax rules underlying our uncertain tax position liabilities, and the unclear timing of tax audits, tax agency determinations, and other events (such as the outcomes of tax controversies involving related issues with unrelated taxpayers), we cannot establish reasonably reliable estimates for the periods in which the cash settlement of our uncertain tax position liabilities will occur.

14.

13.

Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Controlling Interests Per Common Share

We compute net income (loss) attributable to controlling interests per common share by dividing net income (loss) attributable to controlling interests by the weighted-average number of shares of common sharesstock (including participating securities) outstanding during the period, as discussed below. Diluted computations applicable in financial reporting periods in which we report income reflect the potential dilution to the basic income per share of common sharestock computations that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised, were converted into common stock or were to result in the issuance of common stock that would share in our results of operations. In performing our net income (loss) attributable to controlling interests per share of common sharestock computations, we apply accounting rules that require us to include all unvested stock awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, in the number of shares outstanding in our basic and diluted calculations. Common stock and certain unvested share-based payment awards earn dividends equally, and we have included all outstanding restricted stock awards in our basic and diluted calculations for current and prior periods.


The following table sets forth the computations of net income attributable to controlling interests per share of common sharestock (in thousands, except per share data): 

    
  

December 31,

 
  

2020

  

2019

 

Numerator:

        
Net income attributable to controlling interests $94,120  $26,443 
Preferred stock and preferred unit dividends and accretion  (17,070)  (1,153)
Net income attributable to common shareholders—basic  77,050   25,290 
Effect of dilutive preferred stock dividends and accretion  2,400   26 
Net income attributable to common shareholders—diluted $79,450  $25,316 

Denominator:

        

Basic (including unvested share-based payment awards) (1)

  14,486   14,499 

Effect of dilutive stock compensation arrangements and exchange of preferred stock

  5,616   774 

Diluted (including unvested share-based payment awards) (1)

  20,102   15,273 
Net income attributable to common shareholders per share—basic $5.32  $1.74 
Net income attributable to common shareholders per share—diluted $3.95  $1.66 

��For the Year Ended December 31,
 2016 2015
Numerator:   
Net (loss) income attributable to controlling interests$(6,335) $1,713
Denominator: 
  
Basic (including unvested share-based payment awards) (1)13,867
 13,906
Effect of dilutive stock compensation arrangements (2)70
 55
Diluted (including unvested share-based payment awards) (1)13,937
 13,961
Net (loss) income attributable to controlling interests per common share—basic$(0.46) $0.12
Net (loss) income attributable to controlling interests per common share—diluted$(0.46) $0.12

(1)

(1)

Shares related to unvested share-based payment awards included in our basic and diluted share counts were 300,478431,262 for the year endedDecember 31, 20162020, compared to 385,193512,636 for the year endedDecember 31, 20152019.

(2)The effect of dilutive stock compensation arrangements is shown only for informational purposes where we are in a net loss position.  In such situations, the effect of including outstanding options and restricted stock would be anti-dilutive, and they are thus excluded from all loss period calculations.

As their effects were anti-dilutive, we excluded stock options to purchase 0.1 million and 0.5 million shares from our net income attributable to controlling interests per share of common stock calculations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. 

For the year ended  December 31, 2020, we included 3,793,869 shares in our outstanding diluted share counts associated with our Series A Preferred Stock. No such shares were included for the year ended December 31, 2019. See Note 4, "Shareholders' Equity and Preferred Stock", for a further discussion of these convertible securities.  

For the years ended December 31, 20162020and 20152019, there were no dilutive shares potentially issuable and thus includible in the diluted net income attributable to controlling interests per share of common sharestock calculations pursuant to our5.875% convertible senior notes. However, in future reporting periods during which our closing stock price is above the $24.61conversion price for the5.875% convertible senior notes, and depending on the closing stock price at conversion, the maximum potential dilution under the conversion provisions of such notes is 3.61.4 million shares, which could be included in diluted share counts in net income per share of common sharestock calculations. See Note 10,11, “Convertible Senior Notes,” for a further discussion of these convertible securities.

F-31


14.Stock-Based Compensation

 

15.

Stock-Based Compensation

We currently have two stock-based compensation plans, the Second Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”) and the Fourth Amended and Restated 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014“Fourth Amended 2014 Plan”). As of December 31, 2016, 26,046 shares remained available for issuance under the ESPP and 338,933 shares remained available for issuance under the 2014 Plan.


Exercises and vestings under our stock-based compensation plans resulted in $(82,000) in income tax-related charges to additional paid-in capital during the year ended December 31, 2016 with $31,000 in such charges for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit Awards
During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we granted 321,068 and 106,334 shares of restricted stock (net of any forfeitures), respectively, with aggregate grant date fair values of $1.0 million and $0.3 million, respectively. We incurred expenses of $1.4 million and $0.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, related to restricted stock, restricted stock unit and stock option awards. When we grant restricted stock, we defer the grant date value of the restricted stock and amortize that value (net of the value of anticipated forfeitures) as compensation expense with an offsetting entry to the additional paid-in capital component of our consolidated shareholders’ equity. Our restricted stock awards typically vest over a range of 12 to 60 months (or other term as specified in the grant) and is amortized to salaries and benefits expense ratably over applicable vesting periods. As of December 31, 2016, our unamortized deferred compensation costs associated with non-vested restricted stock awards were $0.5 million with a weighted-average remaining amortization period of 0.8 years.

Stock Options
Our Fourth Amended 2014 Plan provides that we may grant options on or shares of our common stock (and other types of equity awards) to members of our Board of Directors, employees, consultants and advisors. The Fourth Amended 2014 Plan was approved by our shareholders in May 2019. Among other things, the Fourth Amended 2014 Plan (i) increased the number of shares of Common Stock available for issuance under the plan by 2,000,000 shares and (ii) extended the term of the plan by approximately two years. As of December 31, 2020, 56,562 shares remained available for issuance under the ESPP and 1,670,226 shares remained available for issuance under the Fourth Amended 2014 Plan.

Exercises and vestings under our stock-based compensation plans resulted in no income tax-related charges to paid-in capital during the years ended December 31, 2020and 2019.

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

During the years ended December 31, 2020and 2019, we granted 61,373 and 229,500 shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units (net of any forfeitures), respectively, with aggregate grant date fair values of $0.6 million and $0.9 million, respectively. We incurred expenses of $0.8 million and $1.0 million during the years ended December 31, 2020and 2019, respectively, related to restricted stock awards. When we grant restricted stock and restricted stock units, we defer the grant date value of the restricted stock and restricted stock unit and amortize that value (net of the value of anticipated forfeitures) as compensation expense with an offsetting entry to the paid-in capital component of our consolidated shareholders’ equity. Our restricted stock awards typically vest over a range of 12 to 60 months (or other term as specified in the grant which may include the achievement of performance measures) and are amortized to salaries and benefits expense ratably over applicable vesting periods. As of December 31, 2020, our unamortized deferred compensation costs associated with non-vested restricted stock awards were $0.5 million with a weighted-average remaining amortization period of 1.1 years. No forfeitures have been included in our compensation cost estimates based on historical forfeiture rates.

Stock Options

The exercise price per share of the options


may awarded under the Fourth Amended 2014 Plan must be less than, equal to or greater than the market price on the date the option is granted. The option period may not exceed 510 years from the date of grant. The vesting requirements for options could range from 0Options granted during 2020 were valued using the Black-Scholes-Merton option pricing model with the following assumptions: a dividend yield of zero, years to maturity of years.years (which equals the expected term), volatility of 77.7% (based on the average of daily historical volatility using the expected term), and a risk-free rate of 0.46% (based on 5 year US Treasury securities). We had expense of $777 thousand$0.5 million and $247 thousand$0.7 million related to stock option-related compensation costs during the years ended December 31, 2016 2020and 2015,2019, respectively. When applicable, we recognize stock option-related compensation expense for any awards with graded vesting on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for the entire award. The table below includes additional information about outstanding options:

  

Number of Shares

  

Weighted-Average Exercise Price

  

Weighted-Average of Remaining Contractual Life (in years)

  

Aggregate Intrinsic Value

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2019

  2,687,499  $3.66         
Issued  143,500  $15.30         
Exercised  (407,533) $3.25         

Expired/Forfeited

    $         
Outstanding at December 31, 2020  2,423,466  $4.41   1.6  $48,992,890 

Exercisable at December 31, 2020

  1,835,467  $3.20   1.1  $39,325,783 

Information related toon stock options outstandinggranted, exercised and vested is as follows:follows (in thousands, except per share data):

  

Year ended December 31,

 
   2020   2019 

Weighted average fair value per share of options granted

 $9.47  $1.90 

Cash received from options exercised, net

 $1,326  $1,215 

Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised

 $5,726  $671 
Grant date fair value of shares vested $944  $618 
 December 31, 2016
 Number of
Shares
 Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
 Weighted-
Average of Remaining
Contractual Life (in years)
 Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2015551,666
 $2.80
    
Issued886,000
 $3.26
 
  
Exercised(5,999) $2.27
 
 

Cancelled/Forfeited(20,000) $3.04
 
 

Outstanding at December 31, 20161,411,667
 $3.09
 3.5 $135,905
Exercisable at December 31, 2016428,164
 $2.67
 2.5 $111,677

Options issued during the year ended December 31, 2020 had an aggregate grant-date fair value of $1.4 million. We had $0.7$1.4 million and $0.2$0.5 million of unamortized deferred compensation costs associated with non-vested stock options as of December 31, 2016 2020and 2015, December 31, 2019, respectively.


16.

15.

Employee Benefit Plans


We maintain a defined contribution retirement plan (“401(k) plan”) for our U.S. employees that provides for a matching contribution by us. All full time U.S. employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan. Our U.K. credit card subsidiary offersoffered eligible employees membership in a Group Personal Pension Plan which iswas set up with Friends Provident. This plan iswas a defined contribution plan in which all permanent employees who havehad completed three3 months of continuous service arewere eligible to join the plan. Company matching contributions arewere available to U.K. employees who contributecontributed a minimum of 3% of their salaries under our Group Personal Pension Plan and to U.S. employees who participate in our 401(k) plan.Plan. We made matching contributions under our U.S. plan and former U.K. plansplan of $307,361$197,214 and $317,300$285,618 in 20162020 and 2015,2019, respectively.

Also, all employees, excluding executive officers, are eligible to participate in the ESPP to which we referred above.ESPP. Under the ESPP, employees can elect to have up to 10% of their annual wages withheld to purchase our common stock up to a fair market value of $10,000. The amounts deducted and accumulated by each participant are used to purchase shares of common stock on or as promptly as practicable after the last business day of each month. The price of stock purchased under the ESPP is approximately 85% of the fair market value per share of our common stock on the purchase date. Employees contributed $28,541$106,775 to purchase 11,0539,209 shares of common stock in 20162020 and $15,305$108,466 to purchase 5,76319,641 shares of common stock in 20152019 under the ESPP. The ESPP covers up to 150,000100,000 shares of common stock. Our charge to expense associated with the ESPP was $16,930$31,748 and $17,948$31,954 in 20162020 and 2015,2019, respectively.


17.

16.

Related Party Transactions


Under a shareholders’ agreement into which we entered into with certain shareholders, including David G. Hanna, Frank J. Hanna, III Richard R. House, Jr., Richard W. Gilbert and certain trusts that were Hanna affiliates, following our initial public offering (1) if one or more of the shareholders accepts a bona fide offer from a third party to purchase more than 50% of the outstanding common stock, each of the other shareholders that is a party to the agreement may elect to sell his shares to the purchaser on the same terms and conditions, and (2) if shareholders that are a party to the agreement owning more than 50% of the common stock propose to transfer all of their shares to a third party, then such transferring shareholders may require the other shareholders that are a party to the agreement to sell all of the shares owned by them to the proposed transferee on the same terms and conditions.


In June 2007, we entered into a sublease for 1,000 square feet (as later adjusted to 600 square feet) of excess office space at our Atlanta headquarters with HBR Capital, Ltd. (“HBR”), a company co-owned by David G. Hanna and his brother Frank J. Hanna, III. The sublease rate per square foot is the same as the rate that we pay under the prime lease. Under the sublease, HBR paid us $26,103$16,960 and $25,588$16,627 for 20162020 and 2015,2019, respectively. The aggregate amount of payments required under the sublease from January 1, 20172021 to the expiration of the sublease in May 2022 is $150,717.


$24,567.

In January 2013, HBR began leasing the services of four employees from us. HBR reimburses us for the full cost of the employees, based on the amount of time devoted to HBR. In the years ended December 31, 20162020 and 2015,2019, we received $260,586$334,526 and $200,234,$269,072, respectively, of reimbursed costs from HBR associated with these leased employees.

On November 26, 2014, we and certain of our subsidiaries entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with Dove Ventures, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company (“Dove”).Dove. The agreement providesprovided for a senior secured term loan facility in an amount of up to $40.0 million at any time outstanding, consistingoutstanding. On December 27, 2019, the Company issued 400,000 shares (aggregate initial liquidation preference of (i) an initial term loan$40 million) of $20.0its Series A Preferred Stock in exchange for full satisfaction of the $40.0 million and (ii) additional term loans available in the sole discretion of Dove and upon our request, provided that the aggregate amount of all outstanding term loans does not exceed $40.0 million. On November 26, 2014,Company owed Dove funded the initial term loan of $20.0 million. In November 2016, the agreement was amended to extend the maturity date of the term loan to November 22, 2017. All other terms remain unchanged. Additionally, on July 28, 2016, we obtained an additional term loan under the Loan and Security Agreement. AsDividends on the preferred stock are 6% per annum (cumulative, non-compounding) and are payable in preference to any common stock dividends, in cash. The Series A Preferred Stock is perpetual and has no maturity date. The Company may, at its option, redeem the shares of Series A Preferred Stock on or after January 1, 2025 at a result,redemption price equal to $100 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends. At the Loanrequest of a majority of the holders of the Series A Preferred Stock, the Company shall offer to redeem all of the Series A Preferred Stock at a redemption price equal to $100 per share, plus any accumulated and Security Agreement is fully drawn with $40.0 million outstanding as of December 31, 2016.


Our obligations under the agreement are guaranteed by certain subsidiary guarantors and secured by a pledge of certain assets of ours and the subsidiary guarantors. The loans bear interestunpaid dividends, at the rateoption of 9.0%the holders thereof, on or after January 1, 2024. Upon the election by the holders of a majority of the Series A Preferred Stock, each share of the Series A Preferred Stock is convertible into the number of shares of the Company’s common stock as is determined by dividing (i) the sum of (a) $100 and (b) any accumulated and unpaid dividends on such share by (ii) an initial conversion price equal to $10 per annum, payable monthly in arrears. The principal amount of these loans is payable in a single installment on November 22, 2017 (as amended). The agreement includes customary affirmative and negative covenants, as well as customary representations, warranties and events of default. Subjectshare, subject to certain conditions,adjustment in certain circumstances to prevent dilution. Given the redemption rights contained within the Series A Preferred Stock, we can prepayaccount for the principal amounts of these loans without premium or penalty.

outstanding preferred stock as temporary equity in the consolidated balance sheets. Dove is a limited liability company owned by three trusts. David G. Hanna is the sole shareholder and the President of the corporation that serves as the sole trustee of one of the trusts, and David G. Hanna and members of his immediate family are the beneficiaries of this trust. Frank J. Hanna, III is the sole shareholder and the President of the corporation that serves as the sole trustee of the other two trusts, and Frank J. Hanna, III and members of his immediate family are the beneficiaries of these other two trusts.



F-33