UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q
[ X ]QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 20172018
OR
[    ]TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
For the transition period from __________ to ___________

Commission file number 001-10960

firstcashlogo.jpgfcfslogo.jpg
FIRSTCASH, INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Delaware75-2237318
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
1600 West 7th Street, Fort Worth, Texas76102
(Address of principal executive offices)(Zip Code)

(817) 335-1100
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

NONE
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.     xYes   o No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).     xYes   o No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.
x  Large accelerated filer
o  Accelerated filer
o  Non-accelerated filer (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
o  Smaller reporting company
 
o  Emerging growth company



  

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.    o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).     oYes   x No

As of October 25, 2017,2018, there were 47,186,68743,832,215 shares of common stock outstanding.





  

FIRSTCASH, INC.
FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 20172018

INDEX

 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
   
   



  

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING RISKS AND UNCERTAINTIES THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS

Forward-Looking Information

This quarterly report contains forward-looking statements about the business, financial condition and prospects of FirstCash, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (together, the “Company”). Forward-looking statements, as that term is defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “believes,” “projects,” “expects,” “may,” “estimates,” “should,” “plans,” “targets,” “intends,” “could,” “would,” “anticipates,” “potential,” “confident,” “optimistic” or the negative thereof, or other variations thereon, or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, objectives, estimates, guidance, expectations and future plans. Forward-looking statements can also be identified by the fact these statements do not relate strictly to historical or current matters. Rather, forward-looking statements relate to anticipated or expected events, activities, trends or results. Because forward-looking statements relate to matters that have not yet occurred, these statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties.

These forward-looking statements are made to provide the public with management’s current assessment of the Company’s business. Although the Company believes the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, there can be no assurances such expectations will prove to be accurate. Security holders are cautioned such forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Certain factors may cause results to differ materially from those anticipated by the forward-looking statements made in this quarterly report. Such factors may include, without limitation, the risks, uncertainties and regulatory developments discussed and described in (i) the Company’s 20162017 annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 1, 2017,February 20, 2018, including the risks described in Part 1, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” thereof, (ii) in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, and (iii) the other reports filed with the SEC. Many of these risks and uncertainties are beyond the ability of the Company to control, nor can the Company predict, in many cases, all of the risks and uncertainties that could cause its actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this quarterly report speak only as of the date of this quarterly report, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to report any updates or revisions to any such statement to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, except as required by law.




  

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FIRSTCASH, INC.CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS(unaudited, in thousands)
        
 September 30, December 31, September 30, December 31,
 2017 2016 2016 2018 2017 2017
ASSETS            
Cash and cash equivalents $93,411
 $83,356
 $89,955
 $57,025
 $93,411
 $114,423
Fees and service charges receivable 45,134
 45,708
 41,013
 49,141
 45,134
 42,736
Pawn loans 371,367
 373,169
 350,506
 387,733
 371,367
 344,748
Consumer loans, net 24,515
 27,792
 29,204
 17,804
 24,515
 23,522
Inventories 308,683
 332,862
 330,683
 277,438
 308,683
 276,771
Income taxes receivable 27,867
 36,449
 25,510
 1,065
 27,867
 19,761
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 23,818
 31,935
 25,264
 18,396
 23,818
 20,236
Investment in common stock of Enova 
 54,786
 
Total current assets 894,795
 986,057
 892,135
 808,602
 894,795
 842,197
            
Property and equipment, net 234,309
 240,749
 236,057
 250,088
 234,309
 230,341
Goodwill 834,883
 865,350
 831,151
 906,322
 834,883
 831,145
Intangible assets, net 95,991
 106,502
 104,474
 88,900
 95,991
 93,819
Other assets 59,054
 69,125
 71,679
 50,635
 59,054
 54,045
Deferred tax assets 12,694
 9,912
 9,707
 11,933
 12,694
 11,237
Total assets $2,131,726
 $2,277,695
 $2,145,203
 $2,116,480
 $2,131,726
 $2,062,784
            
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY            
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $94,769
 $129,997
 $109,354
 $103,223
 $94,769
 $84,331
Customer deposits 37,626
 37,591
 33,536
 35,874
 37,626
 32,019
Income taxes payable 3,763
 910
 738
 279
 3,763
 4,221
Total current liabilities 136,158
 168,498
 143,628
 139,376
 136,158
 120,571
            
Revolving unsecured credit facilities 140,000
 360,000
 260,000
Revolving unsecured credit facility 305,000
 140,000
 107,000
Senior unsecured notes 294,961
 196,373
 196,545
 295,722
 294,961
 295,243
Deferred tax liabilities 73,203
 42,125
 61,275
 52,149
 73,203
 47,037
Other liabilities 19,725
 77,645
 33,769
 12,505
 19,725
 17,600
Total liabilities 664,047
 844,641
 695,217
 804,752
 664,047
 587,451
            
Stockholders’ equity:            
Preferred stock 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock 493
 493
 493
 493
 493
 493
Additional paid-in capital 1,219,589
 1,217,820
 1,217,969
 1,222,947
 1,219,589
 1,220,356
Retained earnings 436,159
 359,926
 387,401
 569,691
 436,159
 494,457
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (88,445) (109,114) (119,806) (97,970) (88,445) (111,877)
Common stock held in treasury, at cost (100,117) (36,071) (36,071) (383,433) (100,117) (128,096)
Total stockholders’ equity 1,467,679
 1,433,054
 1,449,986
 1,311,728
 1,467,679
 1,475,333
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $2,131,726
 $2,277,695
 $2,145,203
 $2,116,480
 $2,131,726
 $2,062,784
            
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
  

FIRSTCASH, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (LOSS)
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOMECONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME
(unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)
        
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
Revenue:                
Retail merchandise sales $246,334
 $152,215
 $750,150
 $386,534
 $256,417
 $246,334
 $782,000
 $750,150
Pawn loan fees 132,545
 79,505
 383,428
 182,816
 134,613
 132,545
 387,418
 383,428
Wholesale scrap jewelry sales 37,528
 18,956
 107,285
 35,906
 24,650
 37,528
 86,850
 107,285
Consumer loan and credit services fees 19,005
 10,477
 58,754
 21,079
 14,198
 19,005
 43,382
 58,754
Total revenue 435,412
 261,153
 1,299,617
 626,335
 429,878
 435,412
 1,299,650
 1,299,617
                
Cost of revenue:                
Cost of retail merchandise sold 161,350
 93,399
 483,458
 239,166
 163,287
 161,350
 501,358
 483,458
Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold 36,831
 16,977
 102,370
 30,701
 23,859
 36,831
 80,430
 102,370
Consumer loan and credit services loss provision 6,185
 3,413
 15,419
 5,780
 5,474
 6,185
 13,095
 15,419
Total cost of revenue 204,366
 113,789
 601,247
 275,647
 192,620
 204,366
 594,883
 601,247
                
Net revenue 231,046
 147,364
 698,370
 350,688
 237,258
 231,046
 704,767
 698,370
                
Expenses and other income:                
Store operating expenses 138,966
 80,574
 412,780
 190,563
 141,755
 138,966
 417,899
 412,780
Administrative expenses 29,999
 24,500
 93,542
 58,277
 29,977
 29,999
 87,699
 93,542
Depreciation and amortization 13,872
 7,281
 42,804
 17,165
 10,850
 13,872
 33,085
 42,804
Interest expense 6,129
 5,073
 17,827
 13,859
 7,866
 6,129
 20,593
 17,827
Interest income (418) (138) (1,138) (636) (495) (418) (2,216) (1,138)
Merger and other acquisition expenses 911
 29,398
 3,164
 33,877
 3,222
 911
 5,574
 3,164
Loss on extinguishment of debt 20
 
 14,114
 
 
 20
 
 14,114
Net loss on sale of common stock of Enova 
 253
 
 253
Total expenses and other income 189,479
 146,941
 583,093
 313,358
 193,175
 189,479
 562,634
 583,093
                
Income before income taxes 41,567
 423
 115,277
 37,330
 44,083
 41,567
 142,133
 115,277
                
Provision for income taxes 13,293
 1,835
 39,119
 13,895
 10,758
 13,293
 37,002
 39,119
                
Net income (loss) $28,274
 $(1,412) $76,158
 $23,435
Net income $33,325
 $28,274
 $105,131
 $76,158
                
Net income (loss) per share:        
Earnings per share:        
Basic $0.59
 $(0.04) $1.58
 $0.77
 $0.76
 $0.59
 $2.33
 $1.58
Diluted $0.59
 $(0.04) $1.58
 $0.77
 $0.76
 $0.59
 $2.33
 $1.58
                
Dividends declared per common share $0.190
 $0.125
 $0.570
 $0.375
 $0.22
 $0.19
 $0.66
 $0.57
                
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
  

FIRSTCASH, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
(unaudited, in thousands)
     
  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
  September 30, September 30,
  2017 2016 2017 2016
Net income (loss) $28,274
 $(1,412) $76,158
 $23,435
Other comprehensive income (loss):        
Currency translation adjustment (4,981) (12,248) 31,361
 (28,951)
Change in fair value of investment in common stock of Enova (1)
 
 (1,753) 
 (1,753)
Comprehensive income (loss) $23,293
 $(15,413) $107,519
 $(7,269)
         
(1) Net of tax benefit of $1,031 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016.
         
 The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
FIRSTCASH, INC.
CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(unaudited, in thousands)
     
  Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
  September 30, September 30,
  2018 2017 2018 2017
Net income $33,325
 $28,274
 $105,131
 $76,158
Other comprehensive income:        
Currency translation adjustment 16,698
 (4,981) 13,907
 31,361
Comprehensive income $50,023
 $23,293
 $119,038
 $107,519
         
 The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated financial statements.

FIRSTCASH, INC.CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY(unaudited, in thousands)
                                        
 
Preferred
Stock
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accum-
ulated
Other
Compre-
hensive
Loss
 
Common Stock
Held in Treasury
 
Total
Stock-
holders’
Equity
 
Preferred
Stock
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accum-
ulated
Other
Compre-
hensive
Loss
 
Common Stock
Held in Treasury
 
Total
Stock-
holders’
Equity
 Shares Amount Shares Amount       Shares Amount   Shares Amount Shares Amount       Shares Amount  
Balance at 12/31/2016 
 $
 49,276
 $493
 $1,217,969
 $387,401
 $(119,806) 769
 $(36,071) $1,449,986
Balance at 12/31/2017 
 $
 49,276
 $493
 $1,220,356
 $494,457
 $(111,877) 2,362
 $(128,096) $1,475,333
Shares issued under share-based com-pensation plan 
 
 
 
 (440) 
 
 (10) 440
 
 
 
 
 
 (1,240) 
 
 (22) 1,240
 
Exercise of stock options 
 
 
 
 (242) 
 
 (13) 549
 307
 
 
 
 
 (294) 
 
 (10) 694
 400
Share-based compensa-tion expense 
 
 
 
 2,302
 
 
 
 
 2,302
 
 
 
 
 4,125
 
 
 
 
 4,125
Net income 
 
 
 
 
 76,158
 
 
 
 76,158
 
 
 
 
 
 105,131
 
 
 
 105,131
Dividends paid 
 
 
 
 
 (27,400) 
 
 
 (27,400) 
 
 
 
 
 (29,897) 
 
 
 (29,897)
Currency translation adjustment 
 
 
 
 
 
 31,361
 
 
 31,361
 
 
 
 
 
 
 13,907
 
 
 13,907
Repurchases of treasury stock 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1,182
 (65,035) (65,035)
Balance at 9/30/2017 
 $
 49,276
 $493
 $1,219,589
 $436,159
 $(88,445) 1,928
 $(100,117) $1,467,679
Purchases of treasury stock 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 3,114
 (257,271) (257,271)
Balance at 9/30/2018 
 $
 49,276
 $493
 $1,222,947
 $569,691
 $(97,970) 5,444
 $(383,433) $1,311,728
                                        
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
  

FIRSTCASH, INC.CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITYCONTINUED(unaudited, in thousands)
                                        
 
Preferred
Stock
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accum-
ulated
Other
Compre-
hensive
Loss
 
Common Stock
Held in Treasury
 
Total
Stock-
holders’
Equity
 
Preferred
Stock
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Retained
Earnings
 
Accum-
ulated
Other
Compre-
hensive
Loss
 
Common Stock
Held in Treasury
 
Total
Stock-
holders’
Equity
 Shares Amount Shares Amount       Shares Amount   Shares Amount Shares Amount       Shares Amount  
Balance at 12/31/2015 
 $
 40,288
 $403
 $202,393
 $643,604
 $(78,410) 12,052
 $(336,608) $431,382
Balance at 12/31/2016 
 $
 49,276
 $493
 $1,217,969
 $387,401
 $(119,806) 769
 $(36,071) $1,449,986
Shares issued under share-based com-pensation plan 
 
 7
 
 (3,903) 
 
 (83) 3,903
 
 
 
 
 
 (440) 
 
 (10) 440
 
Shares issued upon merger with Cash America 
 
 20,181
 202
 1,015,305
 
 
 
 
 1,015,507
Exercise of stock options 
 
 
 
 (242) 
 
 (13) 549
 307
Share-based compensa-tion expense 
 
 
 
 4,025
 
 
 
 
 4,025
 
 
 
 
 2,302
 
 
 
 
 2,302
Net income 
 
 
 
 
 23,435
 
 
 
 23,435
 
 
 
 
 
 76,158
 
 
 
 76,158
Dividends paid 
 
 
 
 
 (10,591) 
 
 
 (10,591) 
 
 
 
 
 (27,400) 
 
 
 (27,400)
Change in fair value of investment in common stock of Enova, net of tax 
 
 
 
 
 
 (1,753) 
 
 (1,753)
Currency translation adjustment 
 
 
 
 
 
 (28,951) 
 
 (28,951) 
 
 
 
 
 
 31,361
 
 
 31,361
Retirement of treasury stock 
 
 (11,200) (112) 
 (296,522) 
 (11,200) 296,634
 
Balance at 9/30/2016 
 $
 49,276
 $493
 $1,217,820
 $359,926
 $(109,114) 769
 $(36,071) $1,433,054
Purchases of treasury stock 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1,182
 (65,035) (65,035)
Balance at 9/30/2017 
 $
 49,276
 $493
 $1,219,589
 $436,159
 $(88,445) 1,928
 $(100,117) $1,467,679
                                        
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
  

FIRSTCASH, INC.CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS(unaudited, in thousands)
 Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 September 30, September 30,
 2017 2016 2018 2017
Cash flow from operating activities:        
Net income $76,158
 $23,435
 $105,131
 $76,158
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by operating activities:        
Non-cash portion of credit loss provision 10,012
 2,368
 7,101
 10,012
Share-based compensation expense 2,302
 4,025
 4,125
 2,302
Net loss on sale of common stock of Enova 
 253
Depreciation and amortization expense 42,804
 17,165
 33,085
 42,804
Amortization of debt issuance costs 1,322
 1,083
 1,448
 1,322
Amortization of favorable/(unfavorable) lease intangibles, net (744) (58) (341) (744)
Loss on extinguishment of debt 14,114
 
 
 14,114
Deferred income taxes, net 11,137
 8,665
 4,953
 11,137
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business combinations:        
Fees and service charges receivable (3,017) (2,630) (3,988) (3,017)
Inventories 5,206
 (4,924) 3,227
 5,206
Prepaid expenses and other assets 7,819
 1,774
 (10) 7,819
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities (21,036) 2,990
 4,857
 (21,036)
Income taxes 2,769
 (13,672) 14,631
 2,769
Net cash flow provided by operating activities 148,846
 40,474
 174,219
 148,846
Cash flow from investing activities:        
Loan receivables, net of cash repayments 5,261
 (31,486) (13,055) 5,261
Purchases of property and equipment (26,595) (23,426) (40,754) (26,595)
Portion of aggregate merger consideration paid in cash, net of cash acquired 
 (8,251)
Acquisitions of pawn stores, net of cash acquired (1,141) (28,756) (88,387) (1,141)
Proceeds from sale of common stock of Enova 
 2,962
Net cash flow used in investing activities (22,475) (88,957) (142,196) (22,475)
Cash flow from financing activities:        
Borrowings from revolving credit facilities 181,000
 396,000
Repayments of revolving credit facilities (301,000) (94,000)
Repayments of debt assumed from acquisitions 
 (238,532)
Borrowings from revolving unsecured credit facility 357,500
 181,000
Repayments of revolving unsecured credit facility (159,500) (301,000)
Issuance of senior unsecured notes 300,000
 
 
 300,000
Repurchase/redemption of senior unsecured notes (200,000) 
 
 (200,000)
Repurchase/redemption premiums paid on senior unsecured notes (10,895) 
 
 (10,895)
Debt issuance costs paid (5,342) (2,340) 
 (5,342)
Purchases of treasury stock (65,035) 
 (258,545) (65,035)
Proceeds from exercise of share-based compensation awards 307
 
 400
 307
Dividends paid (27,400) (10,591) (29,897) (27,400)
Net cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities (128,365) 50,537
Net cash flow used in financing activities (90,042) (128,365)
Effect of exchange rates on cash 5,450
 (5,652) 621
 5,450
Change in cash and cash equivalents 3,456
 (3,598) (57,398) 3,456
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period 89,955
 86,954
 114,423
 89,955
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period $93,411
 $83,356
 $57,025
 $93,411
        
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
The accompanying notes are an integral part
of these condensed consolidated financial statements.
  

FIRSTCASH, INC.
NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (unaudited)
(In thousands except per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated)

Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 20162017, which is derived from audited financial statements, and the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements, including the notes thereto, include the accounts of FirstCash, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (together, the “Company”). The Company regularly makes acquisitions and the results of operations for the acquired stores have been consolidated since the acquisition dates. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.

These unaudited consolidated financial statements are condensed and do not include all disclosures and footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) in the United States of America for complete financial statements. These interim period financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s consolidated financial statements, which are included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016,2017, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on March 1, 2017.February 20, 2018. The condensed consolidated financial statements as of September 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, and for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, are unaudited, but in management’s opinion include all adjustments (consisting of only normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary to present fairly the financial position, results of operations and cash flow for such interim periods. Operating results for the periods ended September 30, 20172018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year.

On September 1, 2016, the Company completed its merger with Cash America International, Inc. (“Cash America”), whereby Cash America merged with and into a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Merger”). The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated results of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 include the results of operations for Cash America, while the comparable prior-year periods include the results of operations for Cash America for the period September 2, 2016 to September 30, 2016, affecting comparability of 2017 and 2016 amounts. The Company has performed a valuation analysis of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed and allocated the aggregate Merger consideration based on the fair values of those identifiable assets and liabilities.

The Company has significant operations in Latin America, where in Mexico, Guatemala and GuatemalaColombia the functional currency is the Mexican peso, and Guatemalan quetzal and Colombian peso, respectively. Accordingly, the assets and liabilities of these subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at the exchange rate in effect at each balance sheet date, and the resulting adjustments are accumulated in other comprehensive income (loss) as a separate component of stockholders’ equity. Revenues and expenses are translated at the average exchange rates occurring during the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016.2017. The Company also has operations in El Salvador where the reporting and functional currency is the U.S. dollar.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)” (“ASU 2014-09”). ASU 2014-09 is a comprehensive revenue recognition model that requires a company to recognize revenue to depict the transfer of goods or services to a customer at an amount that reflects the consideration it expects to receive in exchange for those goods or services. ASU 2014-09 also requires 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. In August 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No. 2015-14, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606),” which delayed the effective date of ASU 2014-09 by one year. In addition, between March 2016 and December 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No. 2016-08, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers - Principal versus Agent Considerations (Reporting revenue gross versus net)” (“ASU 2016-08”), ASU No. 2016-10, “Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing” (“ASU 2016-10”), ASU No. 2016-12, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients” (“ASU 2016-12”), and ASU No. 2016-20, “Technical Corrections and Improvements to Topic 606, Revenue from Contracts with Customers” (“ASU 2016-20”). ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-12 and ASU 2016-20 clarify certain aspects of ASU 2014-09 and provide additional implementation guidance. ASU 2014-09, ASU 2016-08, ASU 2016-10, ASU 2016-12 and ASU 2016-20 (collectively, “ASC 606”) becomebecame effective for annual reporting periods (including interim periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2017 for public companies. Early adoption is permitted but not before annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. Entities are permitted to adopt ASC 606 using one of two methods: (a) full retrospective

adoption, meaning the standard is applied to all periods presented, or (b) modified retrospective adoption, meaning the cumulative effect of applying the new standard is recognized as an adjustment to the opening retained earnings balance.

The Company plans to adoptadopted ASC 606 as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. The Company does not believe the adoption of ASC 606 willdid not impact the Company’s revenue recognition for pawn loan fees, or consumer loan fees or credit services fees, as it believes neithereach of these revenue streams is withinoutside the scope of ASC 606. Further, the Company has not identified any impacts to its consolidated financial statements that it believes will bewere material as a result of the adoption of ASC 606 for other revenue streams (retailits retail merchandise sales credit services fees andor wholesale scrap jewelry sales), although it continues to evaluate the impact of adoption.

In July 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No. 2015-11, “Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory” (“ASU 2015-11”). ASU 2015-11 requires inventory be measured at the lower of cost or net realizable value. ASU 2015-11 defines net realizable value as the estimated selling price in the ordinary course of business, less reasonably predictable costs of completion, disposal, and transportation. Inventory measured using last-in, first-out (“LIFO”) or the retail inventory method are excluded from the scope of this update. ASU 2015-11 requires prospective application and is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within those fiscal years, with early adoption permitted.sales revenue streams. The Company adopted ASU 2015-11has not changed the presentation of its consolidated financial statements for assets, liabilities, or revenues from contracts with customers, nor has the Company recognized any cumulative effect adjustment as a result of January 1, 2017, and the guidance was applied prospectively. There were no changes to the Company’s financial position, resultsadoption of operations, financial statement disclosures or valuation of inventory.ASC 606.

In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No. 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”). ASU 2016-02 requires a lessee to recognize, in the statement of financial position, a liability to make lease payments (the lease liability) and a right-to-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. Leases will be classified as either financing or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. Lessor accounting remains largely unchanged. In July 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No. 2018-10, “Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases” (“ASU 2018-10”) which updates narrow aspects of the guidance issued in ASU 2016-02. In July 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No. 2018-11, “Leases (Topic 842) Targeted Improvements” (“ASU 2018-11”) which provides an optional transition method that allows entities to initially apply the new standard at the adoption date and recognize a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption without restating prior periods. ASU 2016-02, isASU 2018-10 and ASU 2018-11 are effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those annual periods, with early adoption permitted. An entity will be required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact of ASU 2016-02, ASU 2018-10 and ASU 2018-11 on its consolidated financial statements.statements, though the adoption will result in a material increase in the assets and liabilities reflected on its consolidated balance sheets.

In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No. 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 amends the impairment model by requiring entities to use a forward-looking approach based on expected losses to estimate credit losses on certain types of financial instruments, including trade receivables. ASU 2016-13 is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is currently assessing the potential impact of ASU 2016-13 on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No. 2016-15, “Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments” (“ASU 2016-15”). ASU 2016-15 clarifies how companies present and classify certain cash receipts and cash payments in the statement of cash flows. ASU 2016-15 addresses eight specific cash flow issues with the objective of reducing existing diversity in practice. ASU 2016-15 isbecame effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, with early2017. The adoption permitted. The Company does not expectof ASU 2016-15 todid not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or current financial statement disclosures.

In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No. 2017-01, “Business Combinations (Topic 805) - Clarifying the Definition of a Business” (“ASU 2017-01”). ASU 2017-01 provides amendments to clarify the definition of a business and affects all companies and other reporting organizations that must determine whether they have acquired or sold a business. The amendments are intended to help companies and other organizations evaluate whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The guidance isbecame effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years and should be applied prospectively as of the beginning of the period of adoption. EarlyThe adoption is permitted under certain circumstances. The Company does not expectof ASU 2017-01 todid not have a material effect on the Company’s current financial position, results of operations or financial statement disclosures.

In January 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No. 2017-04, “Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) - Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment” (“ASU 2017-04”). These amendments eliminate step 2 from the goodwill impairment test. The amendments also eliminate the requirements for any reporting unit with a zero or negative carrying amount to perform a qualitative assessment and, if it fails that qualitative test, to perform step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. The guidance is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017 and should be adopted on a prospective basis. The Company does not expect ASU 2017-04 to have a material effect on the Company’s current financial position, results of operations or financial statement disclosures.

In March 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No 2018-05, “Income Taxes (Topic 740): Amendments to SEC Paragraphs Pursuant to SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118” (“ASU 2018-05”), which became effective immediately. ASU 2018-05 adds various SEC paragraphs pursuant to the issuance of the December 2017 SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118, Income Tax Accounting Implications of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“SAB 118”). See Note 6 for additional information regarding the adoption of ASU 2018-05.

In June 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No. 2018-07, “Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718) - Improvements to Nonemployee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2018-07”). ASU 2018-07 simplifies the accounting for nonemployee share-based payment transactions. The amendments specify that Topic 718 applies to all share-based payment transactions in which a grantor acquires goods or services to be used or consumed in a grantor’s own operations by issuing share-based payment awards. ASU 2018-07 is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018,
  

2017with early adoption permitted, but no earlier than a company’s adoption of ASC 606. The Company does not expect ASU 2018-07 to have a material effect on the Company’s current financial position, results of operations or financial statement disclosures.

In July 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No. 2018-09, “Codification Improvements” (“ASU 2018-09”). ASU 2018-09 does not prescribe any new accounting guidance, but instead makes minor improvements and shouldclarifications of several different Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification areas based on comments and suggestions made by various stakeholders. Certain updates are applicable immediately while others provide for a transition period to adopt in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company does not expect ASU 2018-09 to have a material effect on the Company’s current financial position, results of operations or financial statement disclosures.

In August 2018, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued ASU No. 2018-13, “Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework-Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement” (“ASU 2018-13”). ASU 2018-13 modifies the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements. ASU 2018-13 is effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for any removed or modified disclosures. The removed and modified disclosures will be adopted on a retrospective basis and the new disclosures will be adopted on a prospective basis. The Company does not expect ASU 2017-042018-13 to have a material effect on the Company’s current financial position, results of operations or financial statement disclosures.

Note 2 - Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:share (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017
Numerator:                
Net income (loss) $28,274
 $(1,412) $76,158
 $23,435
Net income $33,325
 $28,274
 $105,131
 $76,158
                
Denominator (in thousands):        
Denominator:        
Weighted-average common shares for calculating basic earnings per share 47,628
 34,631
 48,090
 30,372
 43,981
 47,628
 45,107
 48,090
Effect of dilutive securities:                
Stock options and nonvested stock awards 40
 
 27
 
Stock options and nonvested common stock awards 135
 40
 97
 27
Weighted-average common shares for calculating diluted earnings per share 47,668
 34,631
 48,117
 30,372
 44,116
 47,668
 45,204
 48,117
                
Net income (loss) per share:        
Earnings per share:        
Basic $0.59
 $(0.04) $1.58
 $0.77
 $0.76
 $0.59
 $2.33
 $1.58
Diluted $0.59
 $(0.04) $1.58
 $0.77
 $0.76
 $0.59
 $2.33
 $1.58


Note 3 - Acquisitions

Consistent with the Company’s strategy to continue its expansion of pawn stores in selected markets, during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the Company acquired 342 pawn stores in Mexico in four separate transactions and 18 pawn stores located in the U.S. in seven separate transactions. The all-cash aggregate purchase price for these acquisitions was $105.0 million, net of cash acquired and subject to future post-closing adjustments. The purchases were composed of $88.4 million in cash paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and remaining payables to the sellers of approximately $16.6 million. The purchase price of each acquisition was allocated to assets and liabilities acquired based upon their estimated fair market values at the date of acquisition. The excess purchase price over the estimated fair market value of the net assets acquired and liabilities assumed has been recorded as goodwill. The goodwill arising from these acquisitions consists largely of the synergies and economies of scale expected from combining the operations of the Company and the pawn stores acquired.

The estimated fair value of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed are preliminary, as the Company is gathering information to finalize the valuation of these assets and liabilities. The preliminary allocation of the aggregate purchase price of the Company’s individually immaterial acquisitions during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 is as follows (in thousands):

Pawn loans$18,714
Pawn loan fees receivable1,866
Inventory9,534
Other current assets863
Property and equipment3,717
Goodwill (1)
70,957
Intangible assets (2)
871
Other non-current assets168
Current liabilities(1,657)
Aggregate purchase price$105,033

(1)
Goodwill associated with the U.S. operations segment and the Latin America operations segment was $5.2 million and $65.8 million, respectively. Substantially all of the goodwill is expected to be deductible for respective U.S. and Mexico income tax purposes.

(2)
Intangible assets primarily consist of customer relationships, which are generally amortized over 5 years.

The results of operations for the acquired stores have been consolidated since the respective acquisition dates. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, revenue from the acquired stores was $21.0 million and the net loss from the combined acquisitions since the acquisition dates (including approximately $3.6 million of transaction and integration costs) was approximately $1.9 million.

Historical pre-acquisition financial statements of the four separate Mexico acquisitions were created in local country GAAP and the Company did not obtain pre-acquisition financial statements prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP. As a result and due to the insignificance of these acquisitions, it is impractical for the Company to adequately present supplemental pro forma information.

Note 34 - Long-Term Debt

The following table details the Company’s long-term debt at the respective principal amounts, net of unamortized debt issuance costs:costs (in thousands):

 September 30, December 31,
 2017 2016 2016
Senior unsecured notes:     
5.375% senior notes due 2024 (1)
$294,961
 $
 $
6.75% senior notes due 2021 (2)

 196,373
 196,545
 $294,961
 $196,373
 $196,545
      
Revolving unsecured credit facility, maturing 2022$140,000
 $360,000
 $260,000
 September 30, December 31,
 2018 2017 2017
5.375% senior unsecured notes due 2024 (1)
$295,722
 $294,961
 $295,243
Revolving unsecured credit facility, maturing 2022305,000
 140,000
 107,000
Total long-term debt$600,722
 $434,961
 $402,243

(1)
As of September 30, 2018, September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2017, deferred debt issuance costs of $5,039$4.3 million, $5.0 million and $4.8 million, respectively, are included as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the senior unsecured notes due 2024 in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

(2)
As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2016, deferred debt issuance costs of $3,627 and $3,455, respectively, are included as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the senior unsecured notes due 2021 in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Senior Unsecured Notes

On May 30, 2017, the Company completed an offering of $300,000issued $300.0 million of 5.375% senior unsecured notes due on June 1, 2024 (the “Notes”)., all of which are currently outstanding. Interest on the Notes will beis payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1, commencing on December 1, 2017. The Notes were sold to the placement agents as initial purchasers for resale only to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and outside the United States in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Company used the proceeds from the offering to repurchase, or otherwise redeem, its outstanding $200,000, 6.75% senior notes due 2021 (the “2021 Notes”), to repay borrowings under the Company’s credit facility and to pay related fees and expenses associated with the Notes offering and the repurchase and redemption of the 2021 Notes. The Company capitalized approximately $5,200 in issuance costs, which consisted primarily of placement agent fees and legal and other professional expenses. The issuance costs are being amortized over the life of the Notes as a component of interest expense and are carried as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the Notes in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

1. The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis jointly and severally by all of the Company's existing and future domestic subsidiaries that guarantee its primary revolving bankunsecured credit facility. The Notes will permit the Company to make share repurchases of up to $100,000 with the net proceeds of the Notes and other available funds and to make restricted payments, such as purchasing shares of its stock and paying cash dividends, in an unlimited amount if, after giving pro forma effect to the incurrence of any indebtedness to make such payment, the Company's consolidated total debt ratio (“Net Debt Ratio”) is less than 2.25 to 1.00.1. The Net Debt Ratio is defined generally in the indenture governing the Notes (the “Indenture”) as the ratio of (1) the total consolidated debt of the Company minus cash and cash equivalents of the Company to (2) the Company’s consolidated trailing twelve months EBITDA, as adjusted to exclude certain non-recurring expenses and giving pro forma effect to operations acquired during the measurement period.

The Company may redeemused the Notes at any time on or after June 1, 2020, atproceeds from the redemption prices set forth in the Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. In addition, prior to June 1, 2020, the Company may redeem some or alloffering of the Notes atto repurchase, or otherwise redeem, its previously outstanding $200.0 million, 6.75% senior unsecured notes due 2021 (the “2021 Notes”). As a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, plus a “make-whole” premium set forth in the Indenture. The Company may redeem up to 35% of the Notes prior to June 1, 2020, with the proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 105.375% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. In addition, upon a change of control, noteholders have the right to require the Company to purchase the Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.

Forresult, during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recognized a $14,114$14.1 million loss on extinguishment of debt related to the repurchase or redemption of the 2021 Notes which includes the tender or redemption premiums paid over the outstanding $200,000 principal amount of the 2021 Notes and other reacquisition costs of $10,895 and the write off of unamortized debt issuance costs of $3,219.Notes.

Revolving Unsecured Credit FacilitiesFacility

At September 30, 2017,2018, the Company maintained aan unsecured line of credit with a group of U.S. based commercial lenders (the “2016 Credit“Credit Facility”) in the amount of $400,000. In May 2017, the term of the 2016 Credit Facility was extended through$400.0 million, which matures on September 2, 2022. The calculation of the fixed charge coverage ratio was also amended to remove share repurchases from the calculation to provide greater flexibility for making future share repurchases and paying cash dividends.

At September 30, 2017,2018, the Company had $140,000$305.0 million in outstanding borrowings and a $4,456$3.2 million in outstanding letterletters of credit under the 2016 Credit Facility, leaving $255,544$91.8 million available for future borrowings. The 2016 Credit Facility bears interest, at the Company’s option, at either (i) the prevailing London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) (with interest periods of 1 week or 1, 2, 3 or 6 months at the Company’s option) plus a fixed spread of 2.5% or (ii) the prevailing prime or base rate plus a fixed spread of 1.5%. The agreement has a LIBOR floor of 0%. Additionally, the Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee of 0.50% on the average daily unused portion of the 2016 Credit Facility commitment. The weighted-average interest rate on amounts outstanding under the 2016 Credit Facility at September 30, 20172018 was 3.75%4.66% based on 1 week LIBOR. Under the terms of the 2016 Credit Facility, the Company is required to maintain certain financial ratios and comply with certain financial covenants. The 2016 Credit Facility also contains customary restrictions on the Company’s ability to incur additional debt, grant liens, make investments, consummate acquisitions and similar negative covenants with customary carve-outs and baskets. The Company was in compliance with the requirements and covenants of the 2016 Credit Facility as of September 30, 2017.2018. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, the Company madereceived net paymentsproceeds of $120,000$198.0 million from borrowings pursuant to the 2016 Credit Facility.

On October 4, 2018, the Company amended and extended the Credit Facility. The total lender commitment under the amended facility increased from $400.0 million to $425.0 million and the term was extended to October 4, 2023. Certain financial covenants in the facility were amended, including an increase in the permitted consolidated leverage ratio from 2.75 to 3.0 times EBITDA adjusted for certain items as defined in the Credit Facility and an increase in the permitted domestic leverage ratio from 3.5 to 4.0 times domestic EBITDA adjusted for certain items as defined in the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility remains unsecured and continues to bear interest, at the Company’s option, at either (i) the prevailing LIBOR (with interest periods of 1 week or 1, 2, 3
  

At September 30, 2017,or 6 months at the Company maintained a U.S. dollar denominated line of credit with a bank in Mexico (the “Mexico Credit Facility”) in the amount of $10,000. The Mexico Credit Facility bears interest at 30-day LIBORCompany’s option) plus a fixed spread of 2.0% and matures in December 2017. Under2.5% or (ii) the termsprevailing prime or base rate plus a fixed spread of the Mexico Credit Facility, the Company is required to maintain certain financial ratios and comply with certain financial covenants. The Company was in compliance with the requirements and covenants of the Mexico Credit Facility as of September 30, 2017. The Company is required to pay a one-time commitment fee of $25 due when the first amount is drawn/borrowed. At September 30, 2017, the Company had no amount outstanding under the Mexico Credit Facility and $10,000 was available for borrowings.1.5%.

Note 45 - Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair value of financial instruments is determined by reference to various market data and other valuation techniques, as appropriate. Financial assets and liabilities are classified based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement requires judgment, and may affect the valuation of the fair value of assets and liabilities and their placement within the fair value hierarchy levels. The three fair value levels are (from highest to lowest):

Level 1: Quoted market prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.
Level 2: Observable market-based inputs or unobservable inputs that are corroborated by market data.
Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are not corroborated by market data.

Recurring Fair Value Measurements

As of September 30, 2018, 2017 and December 31, 2017, the Company did not have any financial assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis. The Company’s financial assets that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2016 were as follows:

  September 30, Fair Value Measurements Using
Financial assets: 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Cash America nonqualified savings plan-related assets $12,229
 $12,229
 $
 $
Investment in common stock of Enova 54,786
 54,786
 
 
  $67,015
 $67,015
 $
 $

  December 31, Fair Value Measurements Using
  2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Financial assets:        
Cash America nonqualified savings plan-related assets $12,663
 $12,663
 $
 $
  $12,663
 $12,663
 $
 $

Prior to the Merger, Cash America had a nonqualified savings plan that was available to certain members of its management. Upon completion of the Merger, the nonqualified savings plan was terminated and during the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company dissolved the plan and distributed the remaining assets to the participants. As of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2016, the assets of the nonqualified savings plan included marketable equity securities, which were classified as Level 1 and the fair values were based on quoted market prices. The nonqualified savings plan assets were included in prepaid expenses and other current assets in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet with an offsetting liability of equal amount, which is included in accounts payable and accrued expenses in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet.

The Company’s investment in common stock of Enova represented the Company’s available-for-sale shares of Enova International, Inc. (“Enova”) common stock. As of September 30, 2016, the equity securities representing Enova common stock were classified as Level 1 and based on the market determined stock price of Enova. During 2016, the Company sold all of the Enova shares in open market transactions.



Fair Value Measurements on a Nonrecurring Basis

The Company measures non-financial assets and liabilities, such as property and equipment and intangible assets, at fair value on a nonrecurring basis or when events or circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the assets may be impaired.

Financial Assets and Liabilities Not Measured at Fair Value

The Company’s financial assets and liabilities as of September 30, 2018, 2017 2016 and December 31, 20162017 that are not measured at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets are as follows:follows (in thousands):

  Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value
  September 30, September 30, Fair Value Measurements Using
  2017 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Financial assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents $93,411
 $93,411
 $93,411
 $
 $
Pawn loans 371,367
 371,367
 
 
 371,367
Consumer loans, net 24,515
 24,515
 
 
 24,515
Fees and service charges receivable 45,134
 45,134
 
 
 45,134
  $534,427
 $534,427
 $93,411
 $
 $441,016
           
Financial liabilities:          
Revolving unsecured credit facilities $140,000
 $140,000
 $
 $140,000
 $
Senior unsecured notes, outstanding principal 300,000
 314,000
 
 314,000
 
  $440,000
 $454,000
 $
 $454,000
 $

 Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value
 September 30, September 30, Fair Value Measurements Using September 30, September 30, Fair Value Measurements Using
 2016 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 2018 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Financial assets:                    
Cash and cash equivalents $83,356
 $83,356
 $83,356
 $
 $
 $57,025
 $57,025
 $57,025
 $
 $
Fees and service charges receivable 49,141
 49,141
 
 
 49,141
Pawn loans 373,169
 373,169
 
 
 373,169
 387,733
 387,733
 
 
 387,733
Consumer loans, net 27,792
 27,792
 
 
 27,792
 17,804
 17,804
 
 
 17,804
Fees and service charges receivable 45,708
 45,708
 
 
 45,708
 $530,025
 $530,025
 $83,356
 $
 $446,669
 $511,703
 $511,703
 $57,025
 $
 $454,678
                    
Financial liabilities:                    
Revolving unsecured credit facilities $360,000
 $360,000
 $
 $360,000
 $
Senior unsecured notes, outstanding principal 200,000
 210,000
 
 210,000
 
Revolving unsecured credit facility $305,000
 $305,000
 $
 $305,000
 $
Senior unsecured notes (outstanding principal) 300,000
 300,000
 
 300,000
 
 $560,000
 $570,000
 $
 $570,000
 $
 $605,000
 $605,000
 $
 $605,000
 $

  

 Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value
 December 31, December 31, Fair Value Measurements Using September 30, September 30, Fair Value Measurements Using
 2016 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 2017 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Financial assets:                    
Cash and cash equivalents $89,955
 $89,955
 $89,955
 $
 $
 $93,411
 $93,411
 $93,411
 $
 $
Fees and service charges receivable 45,134
 45,134
 
 
 45,134
Pawn loans 350,506
 350,506
 
 
 350,506
 371,367
 371,367
 
 
 371,367
Consumer loans, net 29,204
 29,204
 
 
 29,204
 24,515
 24,515
 
 
 24,515
Fees and service charges receivable 41,013
 41,013
 
 
 41,013
 $510,678
 $510,678
 $89,955
 $
 $420,723
 $534,427
 $534,427
 $93,411
 $
 $441,016
                    
Financial liabilities:                    
Revolving unsecured credit facilities $260,000
 $260,000
 $
 $260,000
 $
Senior unsecured notes, outstanding principal 200,000
 208,000
 
 208,000
 
Revolving unsecured credit facility $140,000
 $140,000
 $
 $140,000
 $
Senior unsecured notes (outstanding principal) 300,000
 314,000
 
 314,000
 
 $460,000
 $468,000
 $
 $468,000
 $
 $440,000
 $454,000
 $
 $454,000
 $

  Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value
  December 31, December 31, Fair Value Measurements Using
  2017 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Financial assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents $114,423
 $114,423
 $114,423
 $
 $
Fees and service charges receivable 42,736
 42,736
 
 
 42,736
Pawn loans 344,748
 344,748
 
 
 344,748
Consumer loans, net 23,522
 23,522
 
 
 23,522
  $525,429
 $525,429
 $114,423
 $
 $411,006
           
Financial liabilities:          
Revolving unsecured credit facility $107,000
 $107,000
 $
 $107,000
 $
Senior unsecured notes (outstanding principal) 300,000
 314,000
 
 314,000
 
  $407,000
 $421,000
 $
 $421,000
 $

As cash and cash equivalents have maturities of less than three months, the carrying value of cash and cash equivalents approximates fair value. Due to their short-term maturities, the carrying value of pawn loans and fees and service charges receivable approximate fair value. Short-termConsumer loans, and installment loans, collectively, represent consumer loans, net on the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets and are carried net of the allowance for estimated loan losses, which is calculated by applying historical loss rates combined with recent default trends to the gross consumer loan balance. The unobservable inputs used to calculate the fair value of these loans include historical loss rates, recent default trends and estimated remaining loan terms; therefore,terms. Therefore, the carrying value approximates the fair value.

The carrying value of the Company’s priorrevolving unsecured credit facilitiesfacility approximates fair value as of September 30, 2016. The carrying value of the Company’s current credit facilities (the 2016 Credit Facility and the Mexico Credit Facility) approximates fair value as of September 30,2018, 2017 and December 31, 2016.2017. The fair value of the revolving unsecured credit facility is estimated based on market values for debt issuances with similar characteristics or rates currently available for debt with similar terms. In addition, the revolving unsecured credit facility has a variable interest rate based on a fixed spread over LIBOR and reprices with any changes in LIBOR. The fair value of the senior unsecured notes have beenis estimated based on a discounted cash flow analysis using a discount rate representing the Company’s estimate of the ratequoted prices in markets that would be used by market participants. Changes in assumptions or estimation methodologies may have a material effect on these estimated fair values.are not active.

  

Note 6 - Income Taxes

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”) was enacted into law. The Tax Act significantly changed U.S. corporate income tax law by, among other things, reducing the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% starting in 2018 and creating a territorial tax system with a one-time mandatory tax on previously deferred foreign earnings of U.S. corporations.

The Company’s consolidated effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 was 26.0% compared to 33.9% for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 reflects the reduced U.S. corporate income tax rate as a result of the passage of the Tax Act, blended with the statutory tax rates of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries which are 30%, 25%, 30% and 37% in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Colombia, respectively.

In December 2017, the SEC issued SAB 118 to address concerns about reporting entities’ ability to timely comply with the accounting requirements to recognize all of the effects of the Tax Act in the period of enactment. SAB 118 allows disclosure that timely determination of some or all of the income tax effects from the Tax Act are incomplete by the due date of the financial statements and if possible to provide a reasonable estimate. As a result of the Tax Act, the Company recorded a provisional net income tax benefit of $27.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2017. As of September 30, 2018, no material adjustments to the estimates used to determine the provisional net tax benefit have been made. Any adjustments will be included in the provision for income taxes in the reporting period in which any such adjustments are determined, which will be no later than the fourth quarter of 2018. See Note 11 in the accompanying notes to the consolidated financial statements included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017 for further information on the provisional income tax benefit.


Note 57 - Segment Information

The Company organizes its operations into two reportable segments as follows:

U.S. operations - Includes all pawn and consumer loan operations in the U.S.
Latin America operations - Includes all pawn and consumer loan operations in Latin America, which currently includes operations in Mexico, Guatemala, and El Salvador and Colombia. Effective June 30, 2018, the Company no longer offers an unsecured consumer loan product in Latin America.

The following tables present reportable segment information for the three and nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 and 2016:(in thousands):

  Three Months Ended September 30, 2018
  
U.S.
Operations
 
Latin America
Operations
 Corporate Consolidated
Revenue:        
Retail merchandise sales $162,001
 $94,416
 $
 $256,417
Pawn loan fees 93,344
 41,269
 
 134,613
Wholesale scrap jewelry sales 18,804
 5,846
 
 24,650
Consumer loan and credit services fees 14,082
 116
 
 14,198
Total revenue 288,231
 141,647
 
 429,878
         
Cost of revenue:        
Cost of retail merchandise sold 102,370
 60,917
 
 163,287
Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold 17,595
 6,264
 
 23,859
Consumer loan and credit services loss provision 5,420
 54
 
 5,474
Total cost of revenue 125,385
 67,235
 
 192,620
         
Net revenue 162,846
 74,412
 
 237,258
         
Expenses and other income:        
Store operating expenses 102,955
 38,800
 
 141,755
Administrative expenses 
 
 29,977
 29,977
Depreciation and amortization 5,285
 2,915
 2,650
 10,850
Interest expense 
 
 7,866
 7,866
Interest income 
 
 (495) (495)
Merger and other acquisition expenses 
 
 3,222
 3,222
Total expenses and other income 108,240
 41,715
 43,220
 193,175
         
Income (loss) before income taxes $54,606
 $32,697
 $(43,220) $44,083

  Three Months Ended September 30, 2017
  
U.S.
Operations
 
Latin America
Operations
 Corporate Consolidated
Revenue:        
Retail merchandise sales $160,598
 $85,736
 $
 $246,334
Pawn loan fees 95,266
 37,279
 
 132,545
Wholesale scrap jewelry sales 32,397
 5,131
 
 37,528
Consumer loan and credit services fees 18,525
 480
 
 19,005
Total revenue 306,786
 128,626
 
 435,412
         
Cost of revenue:        
Cost of retail merchandise sold 107,561
 53,789
 
 161,350
Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold 31,518
 5,313
 
 36,831
Consumer loan and credit services loss provision 6,068
 117
 
 6,185
Total cost of revenue 145,147
 59,219
 
 204,366
         
Net revenue 161,639
 69,407
 
 231,046
         
Expenses and other income:        
Store operating expenses 104,555
 34,411
 
 138,966
Administrative expenses 
 
 29,999
 29,999
Depreciation and amortization 5,919
 2,704
 5,249
 13,872
Interest expense 
 
 6,129
 6,129
Interest income 
 
 (418) (418)
Merger and other acquisition expenses 
 
 911
 911
Loss on extinguishment of debt 
 
 20
 20
Total expenses and other income 110,474
 37,115
 41,890
 189,479
         
Income (loss) before income taxes $51,165
 $32,292
 $(41,890) $41,567

  

 Three Months Ended September 30, 2016 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2018
 
U.S.
Operations
 
Latin America
Operations
 Corporate Consolidated 
U.S.
Operations
 
Latin America
Operations
 Corporate Consolidated
Revenue:                
Retail merchandise sales $84,547
 $67,668
 $
 $152,215
 $514,494
 $267,506
 $
 $782,000
Pawn loan fees 48,840
 30,665
 
 79,505
 277,411
 110,007
 
 387,418
Wholesale scrap jewelry sales 15,046
 3,910
 
 18,956
 70,394
 16,456
 
 86,850
Consumer loan and credit services fees 9,991
 486
 
 10,477
 42,522
 860
 
 43,382
Total revenue 158,424
 102,729
 
 261,153
 904,821
 394,829
 
 1,299,650
                
Cost of revenue:                
Cost of retail merchandise sold 51,922
 41,477
 
 93,399
 328,258
 173,100
 
 501,358
Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold 13,955
 3,022
 
 16,977
 64,203
 16,227
 
 80,430
Consumer loan and credit services loss provision 3,275
 138
 
 3,413
 12,874
 221
 
 13,095
Total cost of revenue 69,152
 44,637
 
 113,789
 405,335
 189,548
 
 594,883
                
Net revenue 89,272
 58,092
 
 147,364
 499,486
 205,281
 
 704,767
                
Expenses and other income:                
Store operating expenses 52,480
 28,094
 
 80,574
 310,963
 106,936
 
 417,899
Administrative expenses 
 
 24,500
 24,500
 
 
 87,699
 87,699
Depreciation and amortization 2,906
 2,602
 1,773
 7,281
 15,877
 8,364
 8,844
 33,085
Interest expense 
 
 5,073
 5,073
 
 
 20,593
 20,593
Interest income 
 
 (138) (138) 
 
 (2,216) (2,216)
Merger and other acquisition expenses 
 
 29,398
 29,398
 
 
 5,574
 5,574
Net loss on sale of common stock of Enova 
 
 253
 253
Total expenses and other income 55,386
 30,696
 60,859
 146,941
 326,840
 115,300
 120,494
 562,634
                
Income (loss) before income taxes $33,886
 $27,396
 $(60,859) $423
 $172,646
 $89,981
 $(120,494) $142,133

  

  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
  
U.S.
Operations
 
Latin America
Operations
 Corporate Consolidated
Revenue:        
Retail merchandise sales $519,116
 $231,034
 $
 $750,150
Pawn loan fees 287,338
 96,090
 
 383,428
Wholesale scrap jewelry sales 91,430
 15,855
 
 107,285
Consumer loan and credit services fees 57,425
 1,329
 
 58,754
Total revenue 955,309
 344,308
 
 1,299,617
         
Cost of revenue:        
Cost of retail merchandise sold 337,789
 145,669
 
 483,458
Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold 87,600
 14,770
 
 102,370
Consumer loan and credit services loss provision 15,115
 304
 
 15,419
Total cost of revenue 440,504
 160,743
 
 601,247
         
Net revenue 514,805
 183,565
 
 698,370
         
Expenses and other income:        
Store operating expenses 318,044
 94,736
 
 412,780
Administrative expenses 
 
 93,542
 93,542
Depreciation and amortization 18,759
 7,723
 16,322
 42,804
Interest expense 
 
 17,827
 17,827
Interest income 
 
 (1,138) (1,138)
Merger and other acquisition expenses 
 
 3,164
 3,164
Loss on extinguishment of debt 
 
 14,114
 14,114
Total expenses and other income 336,803
 102,459
 143,831
 583,093
         
Income (loss) before income taxes $178,002
 $81,106
 $(143,831) $115,277


  Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
  
U.S.
Operations
 
Latin America
Operations
 Corporate Consolidated
Revenue:        
Retail merchandise sales $186,673
 $199,861
 $
 $386,534
Pawn loan fees 94,929
 87,887
 
 182,816
Wholesale scrap jewelry sales 25,910
 9,996
 
 35,906
Consumer loan and credit services fees 19,619
 1,460
 
 21,079
Total revenue 327,131
 299,204
 
 626,335
         
Cost of revenue:        
Cost of retail merchandise sold 114,632
 124,534
 
 239,166
Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold 22,914
 7,787
 
 30,701
Consumer loan and credit services loss provision 5,380
 400
 
 5,780
Total cost of revenue 142,926
 132,721
 
 275,647
         
Net revenue 184,205
 166,483
 
 350,688
         
Expenses and other income:        
Store operating expenses 107,196
 83,367
 
 190,563
Administrative expenses 
 
 58,277
 58,277
Depreciation and amortization 5,827
 7,919
 3,419
 17,165
Interest expense 
 
 13,859
 13,859
Interest income 
 
 (636) (636)
Merger and other acquisition expenses 
 
 33,877
 33,877
Net loss on sale of common stock of Enova 
 
 253
 253
Total expenses and other income 113,023
 91,286
 109,049
 313,358
         
Income (loss) before income taxes $71,182
 $75,197
 $(109,049) $37,330

  

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion of financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and capital resources of FirstCash, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (the(together, the “Company”) should be read in conjunction with the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included under Part I, Item 1 of this quarterly report on Form 10-Q, as well as with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes and Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016.2017. References in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q to “year-to-date” refer to the nine-month period from January 1, 20172018 to September 30, 2017.

On September 1, 2016, the Company completed its merger with Cash America International, Inc. (“Cash America”), whereby Cash America merged with and into a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company (the “Merger”). The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated results of operations for the three month and nine month periods ended September 30, 2017 include the results of operations for Cash America, while the comparable prior-year periods include the results of operations for Cash America for the period September 2, 2016 to September 30, 2016, affecting comparability of 2017 and 2016 amounts. The Company has performed a valuation analysis of identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed and allocated the aggregate Merger consideration based on the fair values of those identifiable assets and liabilities.

In thousands except share and per share amounts, unless otherwise indicated.2018.

GENERAL   

The Company is a leading operator of retail-based pawn stores with over 2,100more than 2,400 store locations in the U.S. and Latin America. The Company’s pawn stores generate significant retail sales primarily from the merchandise acquired through collateral forfeitures and over-the-counter purchases from customers. The stores also offer pawn loans to help customers meet small short-term cash needs. Personal property, such as consumer electronics, jewelry, power tools, household appliances, sporting goods and musical instruments, is pledged as collateral for the pawn loans and held by the Company over the lifeterm of the loan.loan plus a stated grace period. In addition, some of the Company’s pawn stores offer consumer loans or credit services products. The Company’s strategy is to focus on growing its retail-based pawn operations in the U.S. and Latin America through new store openings and strategic acquisitionacquisitions as opportunities as they arise. Pawn operations, which include retail merchandise sales, pawn loan fees and wholesale scrap jewelry sales, accounted for 95%approximately 97% and 97%95% of the Company’s consolidated revenue during the nine month periods ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively.

The Company organizes its operations into two reportable segments. The U.S. operations segment consists of all pawn and consumer loan operations in the U.S. and the Latin America operations segment consists of all pawn and consumer loan operations in Latin America, which currently includes operations in Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and El Salvador.Colombia.

The Company recognizes pawn loan fee revenue on a constant-yield basis over the life of the pawn loan for all pawn loans of which the Company deems collection to be probable based on historical redemption statistics. If a pawn loan is not repaid prior to the expiration of the loan term, including any extension or grace period, if applicable, the property is forfeited to the Company and transferred to inventory at a value equal to the principal amount of the loan, exclusive of accrued pawn fee revenue. The Company records merchandise sales revenue at the time of the sale and presents merchandise sales net of any sales or value-added taxes collected. The Company does not provide direct financing to customers for the purchase of its merchandise, but does permit its customers to purchase merchandise on an interest-free layaway plan. Should the customer fail to make a required payment pursuant to a layaway plan, the previous payments are typically forfeited to the Company. Interim payments from customers on layaway sales are recorded as deferred revenue and subsequently recorded as income during the period in which final payment is received or when previous payments are forfeited to the Company. Some jewelry is meltedprocessed at a third-party facilityfacilities and the precious metal and diamond content is sold at either prevailing market commodity prices or a previously agreed upon price with a commodity buyer. The Company records revenue from these wholesale scrap jewelry transactions when a price has been agreed upon and the Company ships the commodity to the buyer.

The Company operates a small number of stand-alone consumer finance stores in the U.S. and Mexico. These stores provide consumer financial services products including credit services and consumer loans and check cashing.loans. In addition, 366302 of the Company’s pawn stores also offer credit services and/or consumer loans as an ancillary product.product, which products have been deemphasized by the Company in recent years due to regulatory constraints and increased internet based competition for such products. Beginning in fiscal 2018, the Company no longer offers fee-based check cashing services in its company-owned, non-franchised stores. In addition, effective June 30, 2018, the Company no longer offers an unsecured consumer loan product in Mexico. Consumer loan and credit services revenue accounted for 5%approximately 3% and 3%5% of consolidated revenue during the nine month periods ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, and 2016, respectively. The increase in consumer loan and credit services revenue as a percentage of consolidated revenue was solely the result of the Merger as the Company continues to de-emphasize its consumer lending operations in light of increasing regulatory constraints on these operations.

The Company recognizes service fee income on consumer loan transactions on a constant-yield basis over the life of the loan and recognizes credit services fees ratably over the life of the extension of credit made by independent third-party lenders. Changes in the valuation reserve on consumer loans and credit services transactions are charged or credited to the consumer loan credit loss provision. The credit loss provision associated with the Company’s credit services organization program and consumer loans is based primarily upon historical credit loss experience, with consideration given to recent credit loss trends, delinquency rates, economic conditions and management’s expectations of future credit losses.

Stores included in the same-store calculations presented in this report are those stores that were opened or acquired prior to the beginning of the prior-year comparative period and remained open through the end of the reporting period. Also included are stores that were relocated during the applicable period within a specified distance serving the same market where there is not a significant change in store size and where there is not a significant overlap or gap in timing between the opening of the new store and the closing of the existing store. Unless otherwise noted, same-store calculations exclude the results of the merged Cash America stores. Legacy Cash America same-store calculations refer to Cash America stores that were opened prior to the beginning of the prior-year comparative period (although not then owned by the Company) and remained open through the end of the reporting period.

Operating expenses consist of all items directly related to the operation of the Company’s stores, including salaries and related payroll costs, rent, utilities, facilities maintenance, advertising, property taxes, licenses, supplies and security. Administrative expenses consist of items relating to the operation of the corporate offices, including the compensation and benefit costs of corporate management, area supervisors and other operations management personnel, collection operations and personnel, accounting and administrative costs, information technology costs, liability and casualty insurance, outside legal and accounting fees and stockholder-related expenses. Merger and other acquisition expenses primarily include incremental costs directly associated with the Mergermerger and integration of Cash America,acquisition activities, including professional fees, legal expenses, severance, retention and other employee-related costs, accelerated vesting of certain equity compensation awards, contract breakage costs and costs related to consolidation of technology systems and corporate facilities.facilities, among others.

The Company’s business is subject to seasonal variations, and operating results for the current quarter and year-to-date periods are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations for the full year. Typically, the Company experiences seasonal growth of service fees in the third and fourth quarter of each year due to loan balance growth. Service fees generally decline in the first and second quarter of each year after the heavy repayment period of pawn and consumer loans associated with statutory bonuses received by customers in the fourth quarter in Mexico and with tax refund proceeds received by customers in the first quarter in the U.S. Retail sales are seasonally higher in the fourth quarter associated with holiday shopping and, to a lesser extent, in the first quarter associated with tax refunds.

Stores included in the same-store calculations presented in this report are those stores that were opened or acquired prior to the beginning of the prior-year comparative period and remained open through the end of the reporting period. Also included are stores that were relocated during the applicable period within a specified distance serving the same market where there is not a significant change in store size and where there is not a significant overlap or gap in timing between the opening of the new store and the closing of the existing store.

  

OPERATIONS AND LOCATIONS

As of September 30, 2017,2018, the Company had 2,1062,446 store locations composed of 1,100 stores in 2625 U.S. states (including the District of Columbia), 1,292 stores in 32 states in Mexico, 37 stores in Guatemala, and13 stores in El Salvador and four stores in Colombia, which represents a net store-count increase of 1%16% over the number of stores at September 30, 2016.2017.
 
The following table details store count activity for the three months ended September 30, 2017:2018:

   Consumer     Consumer  
 Pawn Loan Total Pawn Loan Total
 
Locations (1)
 
Locations (2)
 Locations 
Locations (1), (2)
 
Locations (3)
 Locations
U.S.:      
U.S. operations segment:      
Total locations, beginning of period 1,073
 44
 1,117
 1,074
 33
 1,107
New locations opened 1
 
 1
Locations closed or consolidated (1) 
 (1) (4) (3) (7)
Total locations, end of period 1,073
 44
 1,117
 1,070
 30
 1,100
            
Latin America:      
Latin America operations segment:      
Total locations, beginning of period 952
 28
 980
 1,182
 
 1,182
New locations opened 9
 
 9
 16
 
 16
Locations acquired 154
 
 154
Locations closed or consolidated (6) 
 (6)
Total locations, end of period 961
 28
 989
 1,346
 
 1,346
            
Total:            
Total locations, beginning of period 2,025
 72
 2,097
 2,256
 33
 2,289
New locations opened 10
 
 10
 16
 
 16
Locations acquired 154
 
 154
Locations closed or consolidated (1) 
 (1) (10) (3) (13)
Total locations, end of period 2,034
 72
 2,106
 2,416
 30
 2,446

(1) 
At September 30, 20172018, 317302 of the U.S. pawn stores, which are primarily located in Texas and Ohio, also offered consumer loans and/or credit services products, while 49 Mexico pawn stores offeredas an ancillary product. Effective June 30, 2018, the Company no longer offers an unsecured consumer loan products.product in Latin America.

(2) 
The Company closed 10 pawn stores, four in the U.S. and six in Latin America, during the third quarter of 2018, which were primarily smaller format stores emphasizing payday lending or underperforming locations which were consolidated into existing stores, an opportunity driven by merger and acquisition activity.

(3)
The Company’s U.S. free-standing consumer loan locations offer consumer loans and/or a credit services productproducts and are located in Ohio Texas, California and limited markets in Mexico. The table does not include 63 check cashing locations operated by independent franchisees under franchising agreements with the Company.Texas.


  

The following table details store count activity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017:2018:

   Consumer     Consumer  
 Pawn Loan Total Pawn Loan Total
 
Locations (1)
 
Locations (2)
 Locations 
Locations (1), (2)
 
Locations (3)
 Locations
U.S.:      
U.S. operations segment:      
Total locations, beginning of period 1,085
 45
 1,130
 1,068
 44
 1,112
New locations opened 2
 
 2
Locations acquired 1
 
 1
 18
 
 18
Locations closed or consolidated (15) (1) (16) (16) (14) (30)
Total locations, end of period 1,073
 44
 1,117
 1,070
 30
 1,100
            
Latin America:      
Latin America operations segment:      
Total locations, beginning of period 927
 28
 955
 971
 28
 999
New locations opened 32
 
 32
 43
 
 43
Locations acquired 5
 
 5
 342
 
 342
Locations closed or consolidated (3) 
 (3) (10) (28) (38)
Total locations, end of period 961
 28
 989
 1,346
 
 1,346
            
Total:            
Total locations, beginning of period 2,012
 73
 2,085
 2,039
 72
 2,111
New locations opened 34
 
 34
 43
 
 43
Locations acquired 6
 
 6
 360
 
 360
Locations closed or consolidated (18) (1) (19) (26) (42) (68)
Total locations, end of period 2,034
 72
 2,106
 2,416
 30
 2,446

(1) 
At September 30, 2017, 3172018, 302 of the U.S. pawn stores, which are primarily located in Texas and Ohio, also offered consumer loans and/or credit services products, while 49 Mexico pawn stores offeras an ancillary product. Effective June 30, 2018, the Company no longer offers an unsecured consumer loan products.product in Latin America.

(2)
The Company closed 26 pawn stores, 16 in the U.S. and 10 in Latin America, during the nine months ended September 30, 2018, which were primarily smaller format stores emphasizing payday lending or underperforming locations which were consolidated into existing stores, an opportunity driven by merger and acquisition activity.

(3) 
The Company’s U.S. free-standing consumer loan locations offer consumer loans and/or a credit services productproducts and are located in Ohio Texas, California and limited markets in Mexico. The table does not include 63 check cashing locations operated by independent franchisees under franchising agreements with the Company.Texas.


CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, related revenue and expenses, and disclosure of gain and loss contingencies at the date of the financial statements. Such estimates, assumptions and judgments are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, which may cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s estimates. The significant accounting policies that the Company believes are the most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating its reported financial results have been reported in the Company’s 20162017 annual report on Form 10-K. There have been no changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.2018.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

See Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies of the condensed consolidated financial statements contained in Part I, Item 1 of this report for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements that the Company has adopted or will adopt in future periods.


RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS (unaudited)

Constant Currency Results

The Company’s management reviews and analyzes certain operating results in Latin America on a constant currency basis because the Company believes this better represents the Company’s underlying business trends. Constant currency results are non-GAAP financial measures, which exclude the effects of foreign currency translation and are calculated by translating current yearcurrent-year results at prior yearprior-year average exchange rates. The scrap jewelry generated in Latin America is sold and settled in U.S. dollars and therefore, wholesale scrap jewelry sales revenue is therefore not affected by foreign currency translation. A small percentage of the operating and administrative expenses in Latin America are also billed and paid in U.S. dollars, which are not affected by foreign currency translation.

Business operations in Mexico, Guatemala and GuatemalaColombia are transacted in Mexican pesos, and Guatemalan quetzales and Colombian pesos, respectively. The Company also has operations in El Salvador where the reporting and functional currency is the U.S. dollar. The following table provides exchange rates for the Mexican peso, and Guatemalan quetzal and Colombian peso for the current and prior yearprior-year periods:  

 September 30, Favorable / September 30, Favorable /
 2017 2016 (Unfavorable) 2018 2017 (Unfavorable)
Mexican peso / U.S. dollar exchange rate:              
End-of-period 18.2 19.5 7 %  18.8
 18.2
 (3)% 
Three months ended 17.8 18.7 5 %  19.0
 17.8
 (7)% 
Nine months ended 18.9 18.3 (3)%  19.0
 18.9
 (1)% 
          
Guatemalan quetzal / U.S. dollar exchange rate:          
End-of-period 7.3 7.5 3 %  7.7
 7.3
 (5)% 
Three months ended 7.3 7.6 4 %  7.5
 7.3
 (3)% 
Nine months ended 7.4 7.6 3 %  7.5
 7.4
 (1)% 
       
Colombian peso / U.S. dollar exchange rate:       
End-of-period 2,972
 2,937
 (1)% 
Three months ended 2,959
 2,976
 1 % 
Nine months ended 2,886
 2,939
 2 % 

Amounts presented on a constant currency basis are denoted as such. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Information” for additional discussion of constant currency operating results.

  

Operating Results for the Three Months Ended September 30, 20172018 Compared to the Three Months Ended September 30, 20162017

U.S. Operations Segment

The following table details earning assets, which consist of pawn loans, inventories and consumer loans, net and inventories as well as other earning asset metrics of the U.S. operations segment as of September 30, 20172018 as compared to September 30, 2016:2017 (dollars in thousands, except as otherwise noted):

Balance at September 30, Increase /Balance at September 30, Increase /
2017 2016 (Decrease)2018 2017 (Decrease)
U.S. Operations Segment              
Earning assets:              
Pawn loans$281,217
 $300,646
 (6)% $278,809
 $281,217
 (1)% 
Inventories 200,404
 240,384
 (17)% 
Consumer loans, net (1)
 24,108
 27,381
 (12)%  17,804
  24,108
 (26)% 
Inventories 240,384
 280,429
 (14)% 
$545,709
 $608,456
 (10)% $497,017
 $545,709
 (9)% 
              
Average outstanding pawn loan amount (in ones)$152
 $145
 5 % $163
 $152
 7 % 
              
Composition of pawn collateral:              
General merchandise36% 39%   36% 36%   
Jewelry64% 61%   64% 64%   
100% 100%   100% 100%   
              
Composition of inventories:              
General merchandise43% 48%   42% 43%   
Jewelry57% 52%   58% 57%   
100% 100%   100% 100%   
              
Percentage of inventory aged greater than one year9% 6%   4% 9%   

(1) 
Does not include the off-balance sheet principal portion of active CSO extensions of credit made by independent third-party lenders.lenders, which are guaranteed by the Company through its credit services organization programs. These amounts, net of the Company’s estimated fair value of its liability for guaranteeing the extensions of credit, totaled $9,251$7.4 million and $11,641$9.3 million as of September 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, respectively.

  

The following table presents segment pre-tax operating income of the U.S. operations segment for the three months ended September 30, 20172018 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016.2017 (dollars in thousands). Store operating expenses include salary and benefit expense of store-level employees, occupancy costs, bank charges, security, insurance, utilities, supplies and other costs incurred by the stores.

 Three Months Ended    Three Months Ended   
 September 30,   September 30, Increase /
 2017 2016 Increase 2018 2017 (Decrease)
U.S. Operations Segment              
Revenue:              
Retail merchandise sales $160,598
 $84,547
 90%  $162,001
 $160,598
 1 % 
Pawn loan fees 95,266
 48,840
 95%  93,344
 95,266
 (2)% 
Wholesale scrap jewelry sales 32,397
 15,046
 115%  18,804
 32,397
 (42)% 
Consumer loan and credit services fees 18,525
 9,991
 85%  14,082
 18,525
 (24)% 
Total revenue 306,786
 158,424
 94%  288,231
 306,786
 (6)% 
              
Cost of revenue:              
Cost of retail merchandise sold 107,561
 51,922
 107%  102,370
 107,561
 (5)% 
Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold 31,518
 13,955
 126%  17,595
 31,518
 (44)% 
Consumer loan and credit services loss provision 6,068
 3,275
 85%  5,420
 6,068
 (11)% 
Total cost of revenue 145,147
 69,152
 110%  125,385
 145,147
 (14)% 
              
Net revenue 161,639
 89,272
 81%  162,846
 161,639
 1 % 
              
Segment expenses:              
Store operating expenses 104,555
 52,480
 99%  102,955
 104,555
 (2)% 
Depreciation and amortization 5,919
 2,906
 104%  5,285
 5,919
 (11)% 
Total segment expenses 110,474
 55,386
 99%  108,240
 110,474
 (2)% 
              
Segment pre-tax operating income $51,165
 $33,886
 51%  $54,606
 $51,165
 7 % 

Retail Merchandise Sales Operations

U.S. retail merchandise sales increased 90%1% to $160,598$162.0 million during the third quarter of 20172018 compared to $84,547$160.6 million for the third quarter of 2016. The increase was primarily due to2017. Same-store retail sales were consistent between the third quarter of 2016 only including the results of operations for Cash America for the period September 2, 2016 to September 30, 2016 (“Cash America 2016 Partial Quarter”) as the Merger was completed on September 1, 2016. Same-store retail sales decreased 1% in both legacy First Cash2018 and Cash America stores in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016.2017. During the third quarter of 2017,2018, the gross profit margin on retail merchandise sales in the U.S. was 33%37% compared to a margin of 39%33% during the third quarter of 2016, reflecting2017. The improvements were driven primarily by the impacttransition of historically lowerthe Cash America locations to the FirstPawn IT platform and compensation plans focused on improving key profitability metrics such as retail margins and inventory turns.

U.S. inventories decreased 17% from $240.4 million at September 30, 2017 to $200.4 million at September 30, 2018. The decrease was primarily a result of strategic reductions in inventory levels including targeted liquidation of aged inventories in the Cash America stores and a focus duringover the third quarter of 2017 on clearing aged inventory levels in the Cash America stores.

U.S. inventories decreased 14% from $280,429 at September 30, 2016 to $240,384 at September 30, 2017. The decrease was due to a 19% decline in legacy Cash America store inventories as the Company continues to optimize inventory levels and clear aged inventory in the Cash America stores, partially offset by a 6% increase in legacy First Cash store inventories.past several quarters. Inventories aged greater than one year were 11% and 5% in the legacy Cash America storesU.S. at September 30, 2018 were 4% compared to 9% at September 30, 2017.

Pawn Lending Operations

U.S. pawn loan fees decreased 2% totaling $93.3 million during the third quarter of 2018 compared to $95.3 million for the third quarter of 2017. Same-store pawn fees decreased 3% in the third quarter of 2018 compared to the third quarter of 2017. Pawn loan receivables as of September 30, 2018 decreased 1% both in total and legacy First Cash U.S. stores, respectively.

on a same-store basis compared to September 30, 2017. The decline in total and same-store pawn receivables and pawn loan fees relates primarily to the ongoing adoption of FirstCash’s lending practices and an increased focus on direct purchases of merchandise from customers less likely to redeem a pawn loan.
  

Pawn Lending Operations

U.S. pawn loan fees increased 95% totaling $95,266 during the third quarter of 2017 compared to $48,840 for the third quarter of 2016. The increase was primarily due to the Cash America 2016 Partial Quarter. Legacy First Cash same-store pawn loan fees increased 3%, while legacy Cash America same-store pawn loan fees decreased 11% in the third quarter of 2017 compared to the third quarter of 2016. Pawn loan receivables in the U.S. as of September 30, 2017 decreased 6% compared to September 30, 2016. Legacy First Cash same-store pawn receivables increased 5%, while legacy Cash America same-store pawn receivables decreased 13% as of September 30, 2017 compared to September 30, 2016. The decline in legacy Cash America same-store pawn receivables and pawn loan fees was primarily due to the expected impact of reducing the holding period on delinquent pawn loans, continued optimization of loan-to-value ratios and to a lesser extent, the impact of the hurricane on pawn receivables in coastal Texas markets.

Wholesale Scrap Jewelry Operations

U.S. wholesale scrap jewelry revenue, consisting primarily of gold sales, increased 115%decreased 42% to $32,397$18.8 million during the third quarter of 20172018 compared to $15,046$32.4 million during the third quarter of 2016.2017. The increase in wholesale scrap jewelry revenue was primarily due to the Cash America 2016 Partial Quarter. The scrap gross profit margin in the U.S. was 3%6% compared to the prior-year margin of 7%, primarily as a result of the typically higher cost basis in scrap jewelry sold by the Cash America stores.3%. Scrap jewelry profits accounted for less than 1% of U.S. net revenue (gross profit) for both the third quarter of 2018 and 2017, compared to 1% inand is considered a non-core revenue stream of the third quarter of 2016.Company.

Consumer Lending Operations

Service fees from U.S. consumer loans and credit services transactions (collectively, consumer lending operations) increased 85%decreased 24% to $18,525$14.1 million during the third quarter of 20172018 compared to $9,991$18.5 million for the third quarter of 2016.2017. Net revenue (gross profit) from U.S. consumer lending operations decreased 30% to $8.7 million during the third quarter of 2018 compared to $12.5 million for the third quarter of 2017. The increase in fees was due to the Cash America 2016 Partial Quarter. Excluding the increase due to the Cash America 2016 Partial Quarter, consumer loan and credit services fees decreased 32% as the Company continues to de-emphasize consumer lending operations in light of increasing regulatory constraints. Revenuesconstraints and internet-based competition and plans to further contract the number of U.S. consumer loan stores in the future. During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company expects to close 13 stand-alone consumer lending locations and discontinue unsecured consumer loan products in 38 pawn locations, which offer consumer loans and/or credit services as an ancillary product. Revenue and gross profit from consumer lending operations comprised 6%each accounted for 5% of total U.S. revenue and gross profit, respectively, during the third quarter of 2018 compared to 6% and 8%, respectively, during the third quarter of 2017 and 2016.is considered a non-core revenue stream of the Company.

The Company is currently evaluating regulatory changes in the state of Ohio. A state bill, recently signed into law by the governor, will significantly reduce, if not eliminate entirely, the consumer lending and credit services products and related revenues in Ohio when it becomes effective on or about April 26, 2019. The Company currently operates 119 stores in Ohio, all of which offer consumer loan and credit services products, which will be negatively impacted by the legislation when it becomes effective. See “—Regulatory Developments” for further information about the legislation and the potential impact on the Company’s results of operations.

Segment Expenses and Segment Pre-Tax Operating Income

U.S. store operating expenses increased 99%decreased 2% to $104,555$103.0 million during the third quarter of 2018 compared to $104.6 million during the third quarter of 2017, comparedprimarily due to $52,480 duringcontinued efforts to integrate and optimize domestic store operations and a 1% decrease in the third quarter of 2016, primarily as a result of the Merger.U.S. weighted-average store count. Same-store operating expenses increased 2% and decreased 3% in the legacy First Cash and Cash America stores, respectively,1% compared with the prior-year period.

U.S. store depreciation and amortization increased 104%decreased 11% to $5,919$5.3 million during the third quarter of 2018 compared to $5.9 million during the third quarter of 2017, primarily due to a reduction in capital spending in Cash America stores compared to $2,906 during the third quarter of 2016, primarily as a result of the Merger.pre-merger levels.

The U.S. segment pre-tax operating income for the third quarter of 20172018 was $51,165,$54.6 million, which generated a pre-tax segment operating margin of 17%19% compared to $33,886$51.2 million and 21%17% in the prior year, respectively. The declineincrease in the segment pre-tax operating margin was primarily due to historically lowerincreased retail sales gross profits and reductions in store operating marginsexpenses and store depreciation and amortization, partially offset by expected and continued reductions in the Cash America stores and a focus during the third quarter of 2017 on clearing aged inventory levels in Cash America stores, resulting in lowernon-core consumer lending gross profit margins on retail merchandise sales.profits.

  

Latin America Operations Segment

Latin American results of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2017 were impacted by a 7% unfavorable change in the average value of the Mexican peso compared to the U.S. dollar. The translated value of Latin American earning assets as of September 30, 2018 compared to September 30, 2017 also were impacted by a 3% unfavorable change in the end-of-period value of the Mexican peso compared to the U.S. dollar.

The following table details earning assets, which consist of pawn loans, inventories and consumer loans, net and inventories as well as other earning asset metrics of the Latin America operations segment as of September 30, 20172018 as compared to September 30, 2016:2017 (dollars in thousands, except as otherwise noted):

       Constant Currency Basis        Constant Currency Basis 
       Balance at          Balance at   
       September 30, Increase /       September 30, Increase /
Balance at September 30, Increase / 2017 (Decrease)Balance at September 30, Increase / 2018 (Decrease)
2017 2016 (Decrease) (Non-GAAP) (Non-GAAP)2018 2017 (Decrease) (Non-GAAP) (Non-GAAP)
Latin America Operations Segment                      
Earning assets:                      
Pawn loans$90,150
 $72,523
 24 % $84,378
 16 % $108,924
 $90,150
 21 % $112,594
 25 % 
Inventories 77,034
 68,299
 13 % 79,632
 17 % 
Consumer loans, net 407
 411
 (1)% 380
 (8)%  
  407
 (100)% 
 (100)% 
Inventories 68,299
 52,433
 30 % 63,855
 22 % 
$158,856
 $125,367
 27 % $148,613
 19 % $185,958
 $158,856
 17 % $192,226
 21 % 
                      
Average outstanding pawn loan amount (in ones)$67
 $59
 14 % $63
 7 % $68
 $67
 1 % $70
 4 % 
                      
Composition of pawn collateral:                      
General merchandise82% 82%       77% 82%       
Jewelry18% 18%       23% 18%       
100% 100%       100% 100%       
                      
Composition of inventories:                      
General merchandise75% 80%       73% 75%��       
Jewelry25% 20%       27% 25%       
100% 100%       100% 100%       
                      
Percentage of inventory aged greater than one year1% 1%       0.4% 1.0%       

  

The following table presents segment pre-tax operating income of the Latin America operations segment for the three months ended September 30, 20172018 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016.2017 (dollars in thousands). Store operating expenses include salary and benefit expense of store-level employees, occupancy costs, bank charges, security, insurance, utilities, supplies and other costs incurred by the stores.

       Constant Currency Basis       Constant Currency Basis
       Three Months          Three Months   
     Ended        Ended   
 Three Months Ended   September 30, Increase / Three Months Ended   September 30, Increase /
 September 30, Increase / 2017 (Decrease) September 30, Increase / 2018 (Decrease)
 2017 2016 (Decrease) (Non-GAAP) (Non-GAAP) 2018 2017 (Decrease) (Non-GAAP) (Non-GAAP)
Latin America Operations Segment                      
Revenue:                      
Retail merchandise sales $85,736
 $67,668
 27 % $81,686
 21 %  $94,416
 $85,736
 10 % $100,388
 17 % 
Pawn loan fees 37,279
 30,665
 22 % 35,534
 16 %  41,269
 37,279
 11 % 43,868
 18 % 
Wholesale scrap jewelry sales 5,131
 3,910
 31 % 5,131
 31 %  5,846
 5,131
 14 % 5,846
 14 % 
Consumer loan and credit services fees 480
 486
 (1)% 457
 (6)%  116
 480
 (76)% 123
 (74)% 
Total revenue 128,626
 102,729
 25 % 122,808
 20 %  141,647
 128,626
 10 % 150,225
 17 % 
                      
Cost of revenue:                      
Cost of retail merchandise sold 53,789
 41,477
 30 % 51,252
 24 %  60,917
 53,789
 13 % 64,762
 20 % 
Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold 5,313
 3,022
 76 % 5,068
 68 %  6,264
 5,313
 18 % 6,657
 25 % 
Consumer loan and credit services loss provision 117
 138
 (15)% 111
 (20)%  54
 117
 (54)% 58
 (50)% 
Total cost of revenue 59,219
 44,637
 33 % 56,431
 26 %  67,235
 59,219
 14 % 71,477
 21 % 
                      
Net revenue 69,407
 58,092
 19 % 66,377
 14 %  74,412
 69,407
 7 % 78,748
 13 % 
                      
Segment expenses:                      
Store operating expenses 34,411
 28,094
 22 % 32,920
 17 %  38,800
 34,411
 13 % 40,989
 19 % 
Depreciation and amortization 2,704
 2,602
 4 % 2,587
 (1)%  2,915
 2,704
 8 % 3,080
 14 % 
Total segment expenses 37,115
 30,696
 21 % 35,507
 16 %  41,715
 37,115
 12 % 44,069
 19 % 
                      
Segment pre-tax operating income $32,292
 $27,396
 18 % $30,870
 13 %  $32,697
 $32,292
 1 % $34,679
 7 % 

Retail Merchandise Sales Operations

Latin America retail merchandise sales increased 27% (21%10% (17% on a constant currency basis) to $85,736$94.4 million during the third quarter of 20172018 compared to $67,668$85.7 million for the third quarter of 2016.2017. The increase was primarily due to revenue contributions from recent acquisition activity, new store openings and a 24%1% increase (19%(8% on a constant currency basis) in same-store retail sales, which included a same-store retail sales increase of 59% (52% on a constant currency basis) in the Maxi Prenda stores acquired in the fourth quarter of 2015 and first quarter of 2016. Excluding the Maxi Prenda stores, same-store retail sales increased 19% (14% on a constant currency basis), which was primarily due to strong retail demand trends and the maturation of existing stores.sales. The gross profit margin on retail merchandise sales was 35% during the third quarter of 2018 compared to 37% during the third quarter of 2017 compared2017. The decrease in retail margins was in large part the result of recent acquisitions of smaller format stores that have historically had lower retail margins. The Company expects retail margins to 39% duringincrease over time from current levels as these acquired smaller format stores utilize the third quarter of 2016.FirstPawn IT platform and store associates are trained in Company best practices that focus on general merchandise lending and retail operations.

Inventories in Latin America increased 30% (22%13% (17% on a constant currency basis) from $52,433$68.3 million at September 30, 20162017 to $68,299$77.0 million at September 30, 2017. Increased inventory levels2018. The increase was primarily due to the acquisition of 342 smaller format stores in Mexico over the Maxi Prenda stores, which historically carried lower inventory balances than the typical First Cash store, accounted for 32% of the increase with growth fromprevious three quarters, new store openings and the maturation of existing stores accounting for the remainder of the increase.

stores. Inventories aged greater than one year in Latin America were less than 1% at September 30, 2018 compared to 1% at September 30, 2017.
  

Pawn Lending Operations

Pawn loan fees in Latin America increased 22% (16%11% (18% on a constant currency basis) totaling $37,279$41.3 million during the third quarter of 20172018 compared to $30,665$37.3 million for the third quarter of 2016,2017, primarily as a result of the 24% (16%21% increase (25% on a constant currency basis) increase in pawn loan receivables as of September 30, 20172018 compared to September 30, 2016.2017. The increase in pawn loan receivables reflectswas primarily driven by pawn loans acquired in the recent acquisitions and new store additions, partially offset by a same-store pawn receivable increasedecrease of 22% (14%3% (flat on a constant currency basis) and new store additions. The increase in same-store pawn receivables was primarily due to strong demand for pawn loans and the maturation of existing stores..

Wholesale Scrap Jewelry Operations

Latin America wholesale scrap jewelry revenue, consisting primarily of gold sales, increased 31%14% to $5,131$5.8 million during the third quarter of 20172018 compared to $3,910$5.1 million during the third quarter of 2016.2017. The increase in wholesale scrap jewelry revenue was primarily due to reduced scrapping activities in the Maxi Prenda stores during the third quarter of 2016 as those stores were being converted to the Company’s proprietary point of sale and loan management system. The scrap gross profit margin in Latin America was a loss of 4% (1% profit7% (14% on a constant currency basis) compared to the prior-year gross margin loss of 23%4%. Scrap jewelry profits or losses accounted for less than 1% of Latin America net revenue (gross profit) for the third quarter of 20172018 compared to 2%less than 1% in the third quarter of 2016.2017, and is considered a non-core revenue stream of the Company.

Consumer Lending Operations

The Company continues to strategically focus on its core pawn business and reduce its exposure to non-core unsecured lending products. Effective June 30, 2018, the Company ceased offering its unsecured consumer loan products in Mexico, and the 28 consumer loan stores were closed. As a result, the Company no longer offers an unsecured consumer loan product in Latin America. Consumer loan fees and the related loss provision recognized during the third quarter of 2018 relate to consumer loans made prior to June 30, 2018.

Segment Expenses and Segment Pre-Tax Operating Income

Store operating expenses increased 22% (17%13% (19% on a constant currency basis) to $34,411$38.8 million during the third quarter of 20172018 compared to $28,094$34.4 million during the third quarter of 2016 and same-store2017. Total store operating expenses increased 14% (9%primarily due to the 29% increase in the Latin America weighted-average store count. Same-store operating expenses decreased 2% (increased 3% on a constant currency basis) compared to the prior-year period. The increase in both total and same-store operating expenses was due in large part to increased compensation expense related to incentive pay and entry level wage competition.

The segment pre-tax operating income for the third quarter of 20172018 was $32,292,$32.7 million, which generated a pre-tax segment operating margin of 25%23% compared to $27,396$32.3 million and 27%25% in the prior year, respectively. The decline in the pre-tax operating margin was in part the result of the recent smaller format store acquisitions that experienced lower retail margins during the integration.

  

Consolidated Results of Operations

The following table reconciles pre-tax operating income of the Company’s U.S. operations segment and Latin America operations segment discussed above to consolidated net income for the three months ended September 30, 20172018 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016:2017 (dollars in thousands):

 Three Months Ended    Three Months Ended   
 September 30, Increase / September 30, Increase /
 2017 2016 (Decrease) 2018 2017 (Decrease)
Consolidated Results of Operations              
Segment pre-tax operating income:       
U.S. operations segment pre-tax operating income $51,165
 $33,886
 51 %  $54,606
 $51,165
 7 % 
Latin America operations segment pre-tax operating income 32,292
 27,396
 18 %  32,697
 32,292
 1 % 
Consolidated segment pre-tax operating income 83,457
 61,282
 36 %  87,303
 83,457
 5 % 
              
Corporate expenses and other income:              
Administrative expenses 29,999
 24,500
 22 %  29,977
 29,999
  % 
Depreciation and amortization 5,249
 1,773
 196 %  2,650
 5,249
 (50)% 
Interest expense 6,129
 5,073
 21 %  7,866
 6,129
 28 % 
Interest income (418) (138) 203 %  (495) (418) 18 % 
Merger and other acquisition expenses 911
 29,398
 (97)%  3,222
 911
 254 % 
Loss on extinguishment of debt 20
 
  %  
 20
 (100)% 
Net loss on sale of common stock of Enova 
 253
 (100)% 
Total corporate expenses and other income 41,890
 60,859
 (31)%  43,220
 41,890
 3 % 
              
Income before income taxes 41,567
 423
 9,727 %  44,083
 41,567
 6 % 
              
Provision for income taxes 13,293
 1,835
 624 %  10,758
 13,293
 (19)% 
              
Net income (loss) $28,274
 $(1,412) 2,102 % 
       
Comprehensive income (loss) $23,293
 $(15,413) 251 % 
Net income $33,325
 $28,274
 18 % 

Corporate Expenses and Taxes

Administrative expenses were consistent, totaling $30.0 million during both the third quarter of 2018 and 2017, as administrative synergies realized from the Cash America merger and a 7% unfavorable change in the average value of the Mexican peso, which reduced comparative administrative expenses in Mexico, were offset by a 13% increase in the consolidated weighted-average store count resulting in additional management and supervisory compensation and other support expenses required for such growth. Administrative expenses were 7% of revenue during both the third quarter of 2018 and 2017.

Corporate depreciation and amortization decreased to $2.7 million during the third quarter of 2018 compared to $5.2 million during the third quarter of 2017, primarily due to the realization of depreciation and amortization merger synergies and a reduction in capital spending compared to pre-merger levels.

Interest expense increased to $7.9 million in the third quarter of 2018 compared to $6.1 million for the third quarter of 2017. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Merger and other acquisition expenses increased to $3.2 million during the third quarter of 2018 compared to $0.9 million during the third quarter of 2017 associated with merger and acquisition activity. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Information” for additional details of merger and other acquisition expenses.

  

Corporate Expenses and Taxes

Administrative expenses increased 22% to $29,999 during the third quarter of 2017 compared to $24,500 during the third quarter of 2016, primarily as a result of the Merger, a 37% increase in the weighted-average store count resulting in additional management and supervisory compensation and other support expenses required for such growth and by a 5% favorable change in the average value of the Mexican peso, which increased comparative administrative expenses in Mexico. As a percentage of revenue, administrative expenses decreased from 9% during the third quarter of 2016 to 7% during the third quarter of 2017, primarily due to synergies realized from the Merger and the Maxi Prenda acquisition.

Depreciation and amortization increased to $5,249 during the third quarter of 2017 compared to $1,773 during the third quarter of 2016 primarily due to the assumption of substantial corporate property and equipment from the Merger and $2,313 in amortization expense related to intangible assets acquired as a result of the Merger.

Interest expense increased to $6,129 in the third quarter of 2017 compared to $5,073 for the third quarter of 2016. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Merger and other acquisition expenses decreased to $911 during the third quarter of 2017 compared to $29,398 during the third quarter of 2016, reflecting timing in transaction and integration costs primarily related to the Merger. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Information” for additional details of Merger related expenses.

For the third quarter of 20172018 and 2016,2017, the Company’s consolidated effective federal income tax rates were 32.0%24.4% and 433.8%32.0%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the third quarter of 20162018 was impacted by certain significant Merger related expenses being non-deductible forprimarily as a result of the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“Tax Act”) on December 22, 2017, which reduced the U.S. corporate income tax purposes.rate from 35% in 2017 to 21% in 2018. The 24.4% effective income tax rate for the third quarter included changes inof 2018 was also positively impacted by the refinement of certain 2018 foreign tax estimates made during the third quarter of 2017quarter. The Company expects its full year 2018 blended effective income tax rate, including corporate income taxes on Latin American operations, to be approximately 26% as a result of finalizing the 2016 tax returns.Tax Act.

Net Income, Adjusted Net Income, Net IncomeDiluted Earnings Per Share and Adjusted Net IncomeDiluted Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth revenue, net revenue, net income, net incomediluted earnings per share, adjusted net income and adjusted net incomediluted earnings per share for the third quarter of 20172018 compared to the third quarter of 2016:2017 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

  Three Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016
  As Reported Adjusted As Reported Adjusted
  (GAAP) (Non-GAAP) (GAAP) (Non-GAAP)
Revenue $435,412
 $435,412
 $261,153
 $261,153
Net revenue $231,046
 $231,046
 $147,364
 $147,364
Net income (loss) $28,274
 $28,861
 $(1,412) $20,126
Diluted earnings (loss) per share $0.59
 $0.61
 $(0.04) $0.58
Weighted avg diluted shares 47,668
 47,668
 34,631
 34,631
  Three Months Ended September 30,
  2018 2017
  As Reported Adjusted As Reported Adjusted
  (GAAP) (Non-GAAP) (GAAP) (Non-GAAP)
Revenue $429,878
 $429,878
 $435,412
 $435,412
Net revenue $237,258
 $237,258
 $231,046
 $231,046
Net income $33,325
 $35,587
 $28,274
 $28,861
Diluted earnings per share $0.76
 $0.81
 $0.59
 $0.61
Weighted average diluted shares 44,116
 44,116
 47,668
 47,668

GAAP and adjusted earnings per share for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016 were positively impacted by $0.02 per share due to the year-over-year 5% favorable change in the average value of the Mexican peso. Adjusted net income removes certain items from GAAP net income that the Company does not consider to be representative of its actual operating performance, such as Mergermerger and other acquisition expenses and loss ondebt extinguishment of debt,costs, but does not adjust for the effects of foreign currency rate fluctuations. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Information—Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net IncomeDiluted Earnings Per Share” below.
  

Operating Results for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 20172018 Compared to the Nine Months Ended September 30, 20162017

U.S. Operations Segment

The following table presents segment pre-tax operating income of the U.S. operations segment for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017 (dollars in thousands). Store operating expenses include salary and benefit expense of store-level employees, occupancy costs, bank charges, security, insurance, utilities, supplies and other costs incurred by the stores.

 Nine Months Ended    Nine Months Ended   
 September 30,   September 30,  
 2017 2016 Increase 2018 2017 Decrease
U.S. Operations Segment              
Revenue:              
Retail merchandise sales $519,116
 $186,673
 178%  $514,494
 $519,116
 (1)% 
Pawn loan fees 287,338
 94,929
 203%  277,411
 287,338
 (3)% 
Wholesale scrap jewelry sales 91,430
 25,910
 253%  70,394
 91,430
 (23)% 
Consumer loan and credit services fees 57,425
 19,619
 193%  42,522
 57,425
 (26)% 
Total revenue 955,309
 327,131
 192%  904,821
 955,309
 (5)% 
              
Cost of revenue:              
Cost of retail merchandise sold 337,789
 114,632
 195%  328,258
 337,789
 (3)% 
Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold 87,600
 22,914
 282%  64,203
 87,600
 (27)% 
Consumer loan and credit services loss provision 15,115
 5,380
 181%  12,874
 15,115
 (15)% 
Total cost of revenue 440,504
 142,926
 208%  405,335
 440,504
 (8)% 
              
Net revenue 514,805
 184,205
 179%  499,486
 514,805
 (3)% 
              
Segment expenses:              
Store operating expenses 318,044
 107,196
 197%  310,963
 318,044
 (2)% 
Depreciation and amortization 18,759
 5,827
 222%  15,877
 18,759
 (15)% 
Total segment expenses 336,803
 113,023
 198%  326,840
 336,803
 (3)% 
              
Segment pre-tax operating income $178,002
 $71,182
 150%  $172,646
 $178,002
 (3)% 

Retail Merchandise Sales Operations

U.S. retail merchandise sales increased 178%decreased 1% to $519,116$514.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 compared to $186,673$519.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase was primarily due to the nine months ended September 30, 2016 only including the results of operations for Cash America for the period September 2, 2016 to September 30, 2016 (“Cash America 2016 Partial Period”) as the Merger was completed on September 1, 2016.2017. Same-store retail sales also decreased 1% in legacy First Cash stores and decreased 4% in legacy Cash America stores during the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Gross2017. During the nine months ended September 30, 2018, the gross profit margin on retail merchandise sales in the U.S. was 36% compared to a margin of 35% during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared2017. The decline in retail sales was primarily due to a margin of 39% during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, reflecting the impact of historically lower marginsstrategic reductions in the Cash America stores and a focus during 2017 on clearing aged inventory levels in the Cash America stores.

  

Pawn Lending Operations

U.S. pawn loan fees increased 203%decreased 3% totaling $287,338$277.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 compared to $94,929$287.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase was primarily due to the Cash America 2016 Partial Period. Legacy First Cash same-store2017. Same-store pawn loan fees increased 4%, while legacy Cash America same-store pawn loan fees decreased 8%4% during the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017. Pawn loan receivables in the U.S. as of September 30, 20172018 decreased 6%1% in total and on a same-store basis compared to September 30, 2016. Legacy First Cash same-store pawn receivables increased 5%, while legacy Cash America same-store pawn receivables decreased 13% as of September 30, 2017 compared to September 30, 2016.2017. The decline in legacy Cash America same-store pawn receivables and pawn loan fees wasrelates primarily due to the expected impactongoing adoption of reducing the holding periodFirstCash’s lending practices and an increased focus on delinquentdirect purchases of merchandise from customers less likely to redeem a pawn loans, continued optimization of loan-to-value ratios and to a lesser extent, the impact of the hurricane on pawn receivables in coastal Texas markets.loan.

Wholesale Scrap Jewelry Operations

U.S. wholesale scrap jewelry revenue, consisting primarily of gold sales, increased 253%decreased 23% to $91,430$70.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 compared to $25,910$91.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017. The increase in wholesale scrap jewelry revenue was primarily due to the Cash America 2016 Partial Period. The scrap gross profit margin in the U.S. was 4%9% compared to the prior-year margin of 12%, primarily as a result of the typically higher cost basis in scrap jewelry sold by the Cash America stores.4%. Scrap jewelry profits accounted for 1% of U.S. net revenue (gross profit) for both the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017, compared to 2% inand is considered a non-core revenue stream of the nine months ended September 30, 2016.Company.

Consumer Lending Operations

Service fees from U.S. consumer loans and credit services transactions (collectively, consumer lending operations) increased 193%decreased 26% to $57,425$42.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 compared to $19,619$57.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in fees was due to the Cash America 2016 Partial Period. Excluding the increase due to the Cash America 2016 Partial Period,2017. Net revenue (gross profit) from U.S. consumer loan and credit services feeslending operations decreased 30% asto $29.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $42.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. As previously discussed, the Company continues to de-emphasize consumer lending operations in light of increasing regulatory constraints. Revenuesoperations. Revenue and gross profit from consumer lending operations comprisedaccounted for 5% and 6% of total U.S. revenue and gross profit, respectively, during the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 compared to 6% and 2016.8%, respectively, during the nine months ended September 30, 2017.

In April 2018, the Company sold the remaining assets of its eight California consumer lending stores. As a result, the Company no longer has operations in California. The Company recorded an immaterial loss resulting from the sale and store closures, which includes the cost of terminating the remaining lease liabilities.
Segment Expenses and Segment Pre-Tax Operating Income

U.S. store operating expenses increased 197%decreased 2% to $318,044$311.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $318.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, comparedprimarily due to $107,196 duringcontinued efforts to integrate and optimize domestic store operations and a 1% decrease in the nine months ended September 30, 2016, primarily as a result of the Merger.U.S. weighted-average store count. Same-store operating expenses increaseddecreased 1% and decreased 3% in the legacy First Cash and Cash America stores, respectively, compared with the prior-year period.

U.S. store depreciation and amortization increased 222%decreased 15% to $18,759$15.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $18.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to a reduction in capital spending in Cash America stores compared to $5,827 during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, primarily as a result of the Merger.pre-merger levels.

The U.S. segment pre-tax operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 was $178,002,$172.6 million compared to $178.0 million in the prior year, which generated a pre-tax segment operating margin of 19% compared to $71,182 and 22% in the prior year, respectively.for both periods. The decline in the segment pre-tax operating marginincome was primarily due to historically lowerdeclines in pawn loan fees and non-core consumer lending gross profits, partially offset by increased retail sales gross profits and reductions in store operating margins in the Cash America storesexpenses and a focus during 2017 on clearing aged inventory levels in Cash America stores, resulting in lower gross profit margins on retail merchandise sales.store depreciation and amortization.


  

Latin America Operations Segment

Latin American results of operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017 were impacted by a 1% unfavorable change in the average value of the Mexican peso compared to the U.S. dollar.

The following table presents segment pre-tax operating income of the Latin America operations segment for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017 (dollars in thousands). Store operating expenses include salary and benefit expense of store-level employees, occupancy costs, bank charges, security, insurance, utilities, supplies and other costs incurred by the stores.

          Constant Currency Basis
          Nine Months    
        Ended    
  Nine Months Ended     September 30, Increase /
  September 30, Increase / 2017 (Decrease)
  2017 2016 (Decrease) (Non-GAAP) (Non-GAAP)
Latin America Operations Segment              
Revenue:              
Retail merchandise sales $231,034
 $199,861
  16 %  $238,833
  19 % 
Pawn loan fees 96,090
 87,887
  9 %  99,272
  13 % 
Wholesale scrap jewelry sales 15,855
 9,996
  59 %  15,855
  59 % 
Consumer loan and credit services fees 1,329
 1,460
  (9)%  1,377
  (6)% 
Total revenue 344,308
 299,204
  15 %  355,337
  19 % 
               
Cost of revenue:              
Cost of retail merchandise sold 145,669
 124,534
  17 %  150,536
  21 % 
Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold 14,770
 7,787
  90 %  15,238
  96 % 
Consumer loan and credit services loss provision 304
 400
  (24)%  315
  (21)% 
Total cost of revenue 160,743
 132,721
  21 %  166,089
  25 % 
               
Net revenue 183,565
 166,483
  10 %  189,248
  14 % 
               
Segment expenses:              
Store operating expenses 94,736
 83,367
  14 %  97,565
  17 % 
Depreciation and amortization 7,723
 7,919
  (2)%  7,956
   % 
Total segment expenses 102,459
 91,286
  12 %  105,521
  16 % 
               
Segment pre-tax operating income $81,106
 $75,197
  8 %  $83,727
  11 % 

Retail Merchandise Sales Operations

Latin America retail merchandise sales increased 16% (19% on a constant currency basis) to $231,034 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $199,861 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase was primarily due to a 9% increase (13% on a constant currency basis) in same-store retail sales, which included a same-store retail sales increase of 25% (20% on a constant currency basis) in the Maxi Prenda stores acquired in the fourth quarter of 2015 and first quarter of 2016. Excluding the Maxi Prenda stores, same-store retail sales increased 9% (13% on a constant currency basis), which was primarily due to strong retail demand trends and the maturation of existing stores. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the gross profit margin on retail merchandise sales was 37% compared to 38% during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.
          Constant Currency Basis
          Nine Months    
        Ended    
  Nine Months Ended     September 30, Increase /
  September 30, Increase / 2018 (Decrease)
  2018 2017 (Decrease) (Non-GAAP) (Non-GAAP)
Latin America Operations Segment              
Revenue:              
Retail merchandise sales $267,506
 $231,034
  16 %  $268,988
  16 % 
Pawn loan fees 110,007
 96,090
  14 %  110,615
  15 % 
Wholesale scrap jewelry sales 16,456
 15,855
  4 %  16,456
  4 % 
Consumer loan and credit services fees 860
 1,329
  (35)%  865
  (35)% 
Total revenue 394,829
 344,308
  15 %  396,924
  15 % 
               
Cost of revenue:              
Cost of retail merchandise sold 173,100
 145,669
  19 %  174,061
  19 % 
Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold 16,227
 14,770
  10 %  16,315
  10 % 
Consumer loan and credit services loss provision 221
 304
  (27)%  222
  (27)% 
Total cost of revenue 189,548
 160,743
  18 %  190,598
  19 % 
               
Net revenue 205,281
 183,565
  12 %  206,326
  12 % 
               
Segment expenses:              
Store operating expenses 106,936
 94,736
  13 %  107,472
  13 % 
Depreciation and amortization 8,364
 7,723
  8 %  8,406
  9 % 
Total segment expenses 115,300
 102,459
  13 %  115,878
  13 % 
               
Segment pre-tax operating income $89,981
 $81,106
  11 %  $90,448
  12 % 

  

Retail Merchandise Sales Operations

Latin America retail merchandise sales increased 16% in total and on a constant currency basis to $267.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $231.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The increase was primarily due to revenue contributions from recent acquisition activity, new store openings and a 10% increase in both total and constant currency same-store retail sales. The gross profit margin on retail merchandise sales was 35% during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to 37% during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. The decrease in retail margins was in large part the result of recent acquisitions of smaller format stores that have historically had lower retail margins. The Company expects retail margins to increase over time from current levels as these acquired smaller format stores utilize the FirstPawn IT platform and store associates are trained in Company best practices that focus on general merchandise lending and retail operations.

Pawn Lending Operations

Pawn loan fees in Latin America increased 9% (13%14% (15% on a constant currency basis) totaling $96,090$110.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 compared to $87,887$96.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 20162017, primarily as a result of the 24% (16%21% increase (25% on a constant currency basis) increase in pawn loan receivables as of September 30, 20172018 compared to September 30, 2016.2017. The increase in pawn receivables reflectswas primarily driven by pawn loans acquired in the recent acquisitions and new store additions, partially offset by a same-store pawn receivable increasedecrease of 22% (14%3% (flat on a constant currency basis) and new store additions. The increase in same-store pawn receivables was primarily due to strong demand for pawn loans and the maturation of existing stores..

Wholesale Scrap Jewelry Operations

Latin America wholesale scrap jewelry revenue, consisting primarily of gold sales, increased 59%4% to $15,855$16.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 compared to $9,996$15.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017. The increase in wholesale scrap jewelry revenue was primarily due to reduced scrapping activities in the Maxi Prenda stores during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 as those stores were being converted to the Company’s proprietary point of sale and loan management system. The scrap gross profit margin in Latin America was 7% (4%1% in total and on a constant currency basis)basis compared to the prior-year margin of 22%7%. Scrap jewelry profits accounted for less than 1% of Latin America net revenue (gross profit) for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, which equaled2018 compared to 1% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017, and is considered a non-core revenue stream of the Company.

Consumer Lending Operations

The Company continues to strategically focus on its core pawn business and reduce its exposure to non-core unsecured lending products. Effective June 30, 2018, the Company ceased offering its unsecured consumer loan products in Mexico, and the 28 consumer loan stores were closed. As a result, the Company no longer offers an unsecured consumer loan product in Latin America.

Segment Expenses and Segment Pre-Tax Operating Income

Store operating expenses increased 14% (17%13% in total and on a constant currency basis)basis to $94,736$106.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 compared to $83,367$94.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and same-store2017. Total store operating expenses increased primarily due to the 20% increase in the Latin America weighted-average store count. Same-store operating expenses increased 4% (7%in total and on a constant currency basis)basis compared to the prior-year period. The increase in both total and same-store operating expenses was due in large part to increased compensation expense related to incentive pay and entry level wage competition.

The segment pre-tax operating income for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 was $81,106,$90.0 million, which generated a pre-tax segment operating margin of 24%23% compared to $75,197$81.1 million and 25%24% in the prior year, respectively. The decline in the pre-tax operating margin was in part the result of the recent smaller format store acquisitions that experienced lower retail margins during the integration.

  

Consolidated Results of Operations

The following table reconciles pre-tax operating income of the Company’s U.S. operations segment and Latin America operations segment discussed above to consolidated net income for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 as compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016:2017 (dollars in thousands):

 Nine Months Ended    Nine Months Ended   
 September 30, Increase / September 30, Increase /
 2017 2016 (Decrease) 2018 2017 (Decrease)
Consolidated Results of Operations              
Segment pre-tax operating income:       
U.S. operations segment pre-tax operating income $178,002
 $71,182
 150 %  $172,646
 $178,002
 (3)% 
Latin America operations segment pre-tax operating income 81,106
 75,197
 8 %  89,981
 81,106
 11 % 
Consolidated segment pre-tax operating income 259,108
 146,379
 77 %  262,627
 259,108
 1 % 
              
Corporate expenses and other income:              
Administrative expenses 93,542
 58,277
 61 %  87,699
 93,542
 (6)% 
Depreciation and amortization 16,322
 3,419
 377 %  8,844
 16,322
 (46)% 
Interest expense 17,827
 13,859
 29 %  20,593
 17,827
 16 % 
Interest income (1,138) (636) 79 %  (2,216) (1,138) 95 % 
Merger and other acquisition expenses 3,164
 33,877
 (91)%  5,574
 3,164
 76 % 
Loss on extinguishment of debt 14,114
 
  %  
 14,114
 (100)% 
Net loss on sale of common stock of Enova 
 253
 (100)% 
Total corporate expenses and other income 143,831
 109,049
 32 %  120,494
 143,831
 (16)% 
              
Income before income taxes 115,277
 37,330
 209 %  142,133
 115,277
 23 % 
              
Provision for income taxes 39,119
 13,895
 182 %  37,002
 39,119
 (5)% 
              
Net income $76,158
 $23,435
 225 %  $105,131
 $76,158
 38 % 
       
Comprehensive income (loss) $107,519
 $(7,269) 1,579 % 

Corporate Expenses and Taxes

Administrative expenses increased 61%decreased 6% to $93,542$87.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $93.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $58,277 duringas administrative synergies realized from the nine months ended September 30, 2016, primarily asCash America merger and a result1% unfavorable change in the average value of the Merger andMexican peso, which slightly reduced comparative administrative expenses in Mexico, were partially offset by a 54%9% increase in the consolidated weighted-average store count resulting in additional management and supervisory compensation and other support expenses required for such growth, partially offset by a 3% unfavorable change in the average value of the Mexican peso, which reduced comparative administrativegrowth. Administrative expenses in Mexico. As a percentagewere 7% of revenue administrative expensesduring both the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017.

Corporate depreciation and amortization decreased from 9%to $8.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 20162018 compared to 7%$16.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, primarily due to the realization of depreciation and amortization merger synergies realized from the Merger and the Maxi Prenda acquisition.a reduction in capital spending compared to pre-merger levels.

Depreciation and amortizationInterest expense increased to $16,322$20.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 compared to $3,419 during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 primarily due to the assumption of substantial corporate property and equipment from the Merger and $7,428 in amortization expense related to intangible assets acquired as a result of the Merger.

Interest expense increased to $17,827 during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $13,859$17.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Merger and other acquisition expenses decreasedincreased to $3,164$5.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 compared to $33,877$3.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, reflecting timing in transaction2017 associated with merger and integration costs primarily related to the Merger.acquisition activity. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Information” for additional details of Merger relatedmerger and other acquisition expenses.
  

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company repurchased through a tender offer, or otherwise redeemed, its previously outstanding $200,000,$200 million, 6.75% senior unsecured notes due 2021, incurring a loss on extinguishment of debt of $14,114.$14.1 million.

For the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and 2016,2017, the Company’s consolidated effective federal income tax rates were 33.9%26.0% and 37.2%33.9%, respectively. The decrease in the effective tax rate was primarily due to certain significant Merger related expenses being non-deductible for income tax purposes during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the tax impact of the loss on extinguishment of debt and changes in certain tax estimates made during 20172018 was impacted primarily as a result of finalizing the 2016passage of the Tax Act on December 22, 2017, which reduced the U.S. corporate income tax returns.rate from 35% in 2017 to 21% in 2018. The Company expects its full year 2018 blended effective income tax rate, including corporate income taxes on Latin American operations, to be approximately 26% as a result of the Tax Act.

Net Income, Adjusted Net Income, Net IncomeDiluted Earnings Per Share and Adjusted Net IncomeDiluted Earnings Per Share

The following table sets forth revenue, net revenue, net income, net incomediluted earnings per share, adjusted net income and adjusted net income per share for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016:

  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2017 2016
  As Reported Adjusted As Reported Adjusted
  (GAAP) (Non-GAAP) (GAAP) (Non-GAAP)
Revenue $1,299,617
 $1,299,617
 $626,335
 $626,335
Net revenue $698,370
 $698,370
 $350,688
 $350,688
Net income $76,158
 $87,044
 $23,435
 $47,884
Diluted earnings per share $1.58
 $1.81
 $0.77
 $1.58
Weighted avg diluted shares 48,117
 48,117
 30,372
 30,372

GAAP and adjusteddiluted earnings per share for the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were negatively impacted by $0.032017 (in thousands, except per share due to the year-over-year 3% unfavorable change in the average value of the Mexican peso. amounts):

  Nine Months Ended September 30,
  2018 2017
  As Reported Adjusted As Reported Adjusted
  (GAAP) (Non-GAAP) (GAAP) (Non-GAAP)
Revenue $1,299,650
 $1,299,650
 $1,299,617
 $1,299,617
Net revenue $704,767
 $704,767
 $698,370
 $698,370
Net income $105,131
 $109,089
 $76,158
 $87,044
Diluted earnings per share $2.33
 $2.41
 $1.58
 $1.81
Weighted average diluted shares 45,204
 45,204
 48,117
 48,117

Adjusted net income removes certain items from GAAP net income that the Company does not consider to be representative of its actual operating performance, such as Mergermerger and other acquisition expenses and debt extinguishment costs, but does not adjust for the effects of foreign currency rate fluctuations. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Information—Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net IncomeDiluted Earnings Per Share” below.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

As of September 30, 2017,2018, the Company’s primary sources of liquidity were $93,411$57.0 million in cash and cash equivalents, $265,544$91.8 million of available and unused funds under the Company’s long-term lines ofrevolving unsecured credit with its commercial lenders, $441,016facility, $454.7 million in customer loans and fees and service charges receivable and $308,683$277.4 million in inventories. As of September 30, 2017,2018, the amount of cash associated with indefinitely reinvested foreign earnings was $42,329,$24.1 million, which is primarily held in Mexican pesos. The Company had working capital of $758,637$669.2 million as of September 30, 20172018 and total equity exceeded liabilities by a ratio of 2.21.6 to 1.

On May 30, 2017, the Company completed an offering of $300,000issued $300.0 million of 5.375% senior unsecured notes due on June 1, 2024 (the “Notes”)., all of which are currently outstanding. Interest on the Notes will beis payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 1, commencing on December 1, 2017. The Notes were sold to the placement agents as initial purchasers for resale only to qualified institutional buyers in accordance with Rule 144A under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and outside the United States in accordance with Regulation S under the Securities Act. The Company used the proceeds from the offering to repurchase, or otherwise redeem, its outstanding $200,000, 6.75% senior notes due 2021 (the “2021 Notes”), to repay borrowings under the Company’s credit facility and to pay related fees and expenses associated with the Notes offering and the repurchase and redemption of the 2021 Notes. The Company capitalized approximately $5,200 in issuance costs, which consisted primarily of placement agent fees and legal and other professional expenses. The issuance costs are being amortized over the life of the Notes as a component of interest expense and are carried as a direct deduction from the carrying amount of the Notes in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.

1. The Notes are fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis jointly and severally by all of the Company's existing and future domestic subsidiaries that guarantee its primary revolving bankunsecured credit facility. The Notes will permit the Company to make share repurchases of up to $100,000 with the net proceeds of the Notes and other available funds and to make restricted payments, such as purchasing shares of its stock and paying cash dividends, in an unlimited amount if, after giving pro forma effect to the incurrence of any indebtedness to make such payment, the Company's consolidated total debt ratio (“Net Debt

Ratio”) is less than 2.25 to 1.00.1. The Net Debt Ratio is defined generally in the indenture governing the Notes (the “Indenture”) as the ratio of (1) the total consolidated debt of the Company minus cash and cash equivalents of the Company to (2) the Company’s consolidated trailing twelve months EBITDA, as adjusted to exclude certain non-recurring expenses and giving pro forma effect to operations acquired during the measurement period. As of September 30, 2018, the Net Debt Ratio was 2.0 to 1. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Information” for additional information on the calculation of the Net Debt Ratio.

The Company may redeemused the Notes at any time on or after June 1, 2020, atproceeds from the redemption prices set forth in the Indenture, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. In addition, prior to June 1, 2020, the Company may redeem some or alloffering of the Notes atto repurchase, or otherwise redeem, its previously outstanding $200.0 million, 6.75% senior unsecured notes due 2021 (the “2021 Notes”). As a price equal to 100% of the principal amount thereof, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any, plus a “make-whole” premium set forth in the Indenture. The Company may redeem up to 35% of the Notes prior to June 1, 2020, with the proceeds of certain equity offerings at a redemption price of 105.375% of the principal amount of the Notes redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any. In addition, upon a change of control, noteholders have the right to require the Company to purchase the Notes at a price equal to 101% of the principal amount of the Notes, plus accrued and unpaid interest, if any.

Forresult, during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company recognized a $14,114$14.1 million loss on extinguishment of debt related to the repurchase or redemption of the 2021 Notes which includes the tender or redemption premiums paid over the outstanding $200,000 principal amount of the 2021 Notes and other reacquisition costs of $10,895 and the write off of unamortized debt issuance costs of $3,219.Notes.

At September 30, 2017,2018, the Company maintained aan unsecured line of credit with a group of U.S. based commercial lenders (the “2016 Credit“Credit Facility”) in the amount of $400,000. In May 2017, the term of the 2016 Credit Facility was extended through$400.0 million which matures on September 2, 2022. The calculation of the fixed charge coverage ratio was also amended to remove share repurchases from the calculation to provide greater flexibility for making future share repurchases and paying cash dividends.

At September 30, 2017,2018, the Company had $140,000$305.0 million in outstanding borrowings and a $4,456$3.2 million in outstanding letterletters of credit under the 2016 Credit Facility, leaving $255,544$91.8 million available for future borrowings. The 2016 Credit Facility bears interest, at the Company’s option, at either (i) the prevailing London Interbank Offered Rate (“LIBOR”) (with interest periods of 1 week or 1, 2, 3 or 6 months at the Company’s option) plus a fixed spread of 2.5% or (ii) the prevailing prime or base rate plus a fixed spread of 1.5%. The agreement has a LIBOR floor of 0%. Additionally, the Company is required to pay an annual commitment fee of 0.50% on the average daily unused portion of the 2016 Credit Facility commitment. The weighted-average interest rate on amounts outstanding under the 2016 Credit Facility at September 30, 20172018 was 3.75%4.66% based on 1 week LIBOR. Under the terms of the 2016 Credit Facility, the Company is required to maintain certain financial ratios and comply with certain financial covenants. The 2016 Credit Facility also contains customary restrictions on the Company’s ability to incur additional debt, grant liens, make investments, consummate acquisitions and similar negative covenants with customary carve-outs and baskets. The Company was in compliance with the requirements and covenants of the 2016 Credit Facility as of September 30, 2017,2018, and believes it has the capacity to borrow a substantial portion of the amount available under the 2016 Credit Facility under the most restrictive covenant. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, the Company madereceived net paymentsproceeds of $120,000$198.0 million from borrowings pursuant to the 2016 Credit Facility.

At September 30, 2017,On October 4, 2018, the Company maintained a U.S. dollar denominated line of credit with a bank in Mexico (the “Mexicoamended and extended the Credit Facility”)Facility. The total lender commitment under the amended facility increased from $400.0 million to $425.0 million and the term was extended to October 4, 2023. Certain financial covenants in the amount of $10,000. The Mexicofacility were amended, including an increase in the permitted consolidated leverage ratio from 2.75 to 3.0 times EBITDA adjusted for certain items as defined in the Credit Facility bearsand an increase in the permitted domestic leverage ratio from 3.5 to 4.0 times domestic EBITDA adjusted for certain items as defined in the Credit Facility. The Credit Facility remains unsecured and continues to bear interest, at 30-daythe Company’s option, at either (i) the prevailing LIBOR (with interest periods of 1 week or 1, 2, 3 or 6 months at the Company’s option) plus a fixed spread of 2.0% and matures in December 2017. Under2.5% or (ii) the termsprevailing prime or base rate plus a fixed spread of the Mexico Credit Facility, the Company is required to maintain certain financial ratios and comply with certain financial covenants. The Company was in compliance with the requirements and covenants of the Mexico Credit Facility as of September 30, 2017, and believes it has the capacity to borrow the full amount available under the Mexico Credit Facility under the most restrictive covenant. The Company is required to pay a one-time commitment fee of $25 due when the first amount is drawn/borrowed. At September 30, 2017, the Company had no amount outstanding under the Mexico Credit Facility and $10,000 was available for borrowings.1.5%.

In general, revenue growth is dependent upon the Company’s ability to fund the addition of store locations (both de novo openings and acquisitions) and growth in customer loan balances and inventories. In addition to these factors, changes in loan balances, collection of pawn fees, merchandise sales, inventory levels, seasonality, operating expenses, administrative expenses, expenses related to the Merger,merger and acquisition activities, tax rates, gold prices, foreign currency exchange rates and the pace of new store expansions and acquisitions, affect the Company’s liquidity. Management believes cash on hand, the borrowings available under its revolving unsecured credit facilities,facility, anticipated cash generated from operations (including the normal seasonal increases in operating cash flows occurring in the first and fourth quarters) and other current working capital will be sufficient to meet the Company’s anticipated capital requirements for its business for at least the next twelve months. Where appropriate or desirable, in connection with the Company’s efficient management of its liquidity position, the Company could seek to raise additional funds from a variety of sources, including the sale of assets, reductions in capital spending, the issuance of debt or equity securities and/or changes to its management of current assets. The characteristics of the Company’s current assets, specifically the ability to rapidly liquidate gold jewelry inventory and adjust outflows of cash in its lending practices, gives the Company flexibility to quickly modify its business strategy to increase cash

flow from its business, if necessary. Regulatory developments affecting the Company’s operations may also impact profitability and liquidity. See “—Regulatory Developments.”

The Company regularly evaluates opportunities to optimize its capital structure, including through consideration of the issuance of debt or equity, to refinance existing debt and to fund ongoing cash needs such as general corporate purposes, growth initiatives and its dividend and stock repurchase program.

The following tables set forth certain historical information with respect to the Company’s sources and uses of cash and other key indicators of liquidity:liquidity (dollars in thousands):

 Nine Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 September 30, September 30,
 2017 2016 2018 2017
Cash flow provided by operating activities $148,846
 $40,474
 $174,219
 $148,846
Cash flow used in investing activities $(22,475) $(88,957) $(142,196) $(22,475)
Cash flow provided by (used in) financing activities $(128,365) $50,537
Cash flow used in financing activities $(90,042) $(128,365)


 Balance at September 30, Balance at September 30,
 2017 2016 2018 2017
Working capital $758,637
 $817,559
 $669,226
 $758,637
Current ratio6.57:1 5.85:1 5.8:1 6.6:1 
Liabilities to equity ratio0.45:1 0.59:1 0.6:1 0.5:1 
Net Debt Ratio (1)
1.28:1 3.42:1 2.0:1 1.3:1 

(1)
Pursuant to the covenants of the Notes, the Company may make restricted payments, such as purchasing shares of its stock and paying cash dividends, in an unlimited amount if, after giving pro forma effect to the incurrence of any indebtedness to make such payment, the Company's Net Debt Ratio is less than 2.25 to 1.00. Adjusted EBITDA, a component of the Net Debt Ratio, is a non-GAAP financial measure. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Information” for a calculation of the Net Debt Ratio.

Net cash provided by operating activities increased $108,372,$25.4 million, or 268%17%, from $40,474 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 to $148,846$148.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 to $174.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018, due primarily to an increase in net income of $52,723$29.0 million, net changes in certain non-cash adjustments to reconcile net income to operating cash flow and net changes in certain adjustments and operating assets and liabilities (as detailed in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows).

Net cash used in investing activities decreased $66,482,increased $119.7 million, or 75%533%, from $88,957$22.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 to $22,475$142.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.2018. Cash flows from investing activities are utilized primarily to fund pawn store acquisitions and purchases of property and equipment. In addition, net cash flows related to fundings/repayments of pawn and consumer loans are included in investing activities. The Company paid $1,141$88.4 million in cash related to acquisitions and $40.8 million for property and equipment during the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 compared to $28,756$1.1 million and $26.6 million in the prior-year period. In addition, the portion of the aggregate Merger consideration paid in cash upon closing of the Merger, net of cash acquired, was $8,251 during nine months ended September 30, 2016.period, respectively. The Company receivedfunded a net repayments on loan receivablesincrease in pawn and consumer loans of $5,261$13.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 compared to funds received from a net fundingsdecrease in pawn and consumer loans of $31,486$5.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and received proceeds of $2,962 from the sale of 317,000 shares of common stock of Enova International, Inc. during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017.

Net cash used in financing activities increased $178,902,decreased $38.3 million, or 354%30%, from net cash provided by financing activities of $50,537$128.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 20162017 to net cash used in financing activities of $128,365$90.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017.2018. Net paymentsborrowings on the Company’s credit facilitiesfacility were $120,000$198.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 compared to net proceedspayments of $302,000$120.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company received $300,000$300.0 million in proceeds from the private offering of the Notes and paid $5,342$5.3 million in debt issuance costs.costs related to the Notes and the Credit Facility. Using part of the proceeds from the Notes, the Company repurchased, or otherwise redeemed, the $200,000 2021 Notes and paid tender or redemption premiums over the face value of the 2021 Notes and other reacquisition costs of $10,895$10.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. In addition, theThe Company repaid $6,532 in peso-denominated debt assumed from the Maxi Prenda acquisitionfunded $258.5 million worth of common stock share repurchases and $232,000 in debt assumed in conjunction with the Mergerpaid dividends of $29.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The Company repurchased $65,0352018, compared to funding $65.0 million worth of sharesshare repurchases and dividends paid of its common stock, realized proceeds from the exercise

of stock options of $307 and paid dividends of $27,400$27.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to dividends paid of $10,591 during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.2017.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017,2018, the Company opened 3243 new pawn stores in Latin America, acquired five342 pawn stores in Latin America opened twoand acquired 18 pawn stores in the U.S. and acquired one pawn store in the U.S. The cumulative all-cash purchase price of the 20172018 acquisitions was $1,154,$105.0 million, net of cash acquired and certainsubject to future post-closing adjustments. The purchases were composed of $1,124$88.4 million in cash paid during the nine months ended September 30, 20172018 and $30$16.6 million of deferred purchase price payable in cash to the sellers in 2017. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company also paid $17 of deferred purchase price amounts payable related to prior-year acquisitions.2018 and 2019. The Company funded $26,595$40.8 million in capital expenditures during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, related2018, primarily tofor maintenance capital expenditures, and new store additions.additions and corporate assets, but also included $15.0 million related to the purchase of store real estate primarily at existing stores.

The Company intends to continue expansionexpansion primarily through acquisitions and new store openings. For fiscal 2017,2018, the Company expects to add approximately 50at least 420 locations, which includes the 342 smaller format stores acquired in Mexico and the 61 large format stores acquired or opened during the first nine months of the year. Additionally, as opportunities arise at attractive prices, the Company intends to 60 stores, primarily in Latin America. Thecontinue purchasing the real estate from its landlords at existing stores. Excluding these store real estate purchases, the Company expects that total capital expenditures for 2017,2018, including expenditures for new and remodeled stores and other corporate assets, will total approximately $32,000$30.0 million to $37,000.$35.0 million. Management believes that cash on hand, the amounts available to be drawn under the unsecured credit facilitiesfacility and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to accommodate the Company’s current operations and store expansion plans for the remainder of 2017.2018.

The Company continually looks for, and is presented with, potential acquisition opportunities. The Company currently has no other contractual commitments for materially significant future acquisitions, business combinations or capital commitments. The Company will evaluate potential acquisitions based upon growth potential, purchase price, available liquidity, debt covenant restrictions, strategic fit and quality of management personnel, among other factors. If the Company encounters an attractive

opportunity to acquire new stores in the near future, the Company may seek additional financing, the terms of which will be negotiated on a case-by-case basis.

As of September 30,In May 2017, the Company has contractual commitments to deliver a total of 7,475 gold ounces over the months of October through December 31, 2017. The ounces required to be delivered over this time period are well within historical scrap gold volumes and the Company expects to have the required gold ounces to meet the commitments as they come due.

In January 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a common stock repurchase program forto repurchase up to 2,000,000 shares$100.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock. During the first quarter of 2017,January 2018, the Company repurchased 228,000completed the May 2017 stock repurchase program after repurchasing approximately 239,000 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $10,005$17.3 million. In October 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an additional $100.0 million share repurchase plan that became effective on January 31, 2018, following the completion of the May 2017 share repurchase plan. The Company completed the October 2017 share repurchase program in April 2018 after repurchasing 1,282,000 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $100.0 million and an average cost per share of $43.94.$78.01. In May 2017,April 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a common stock repurchase program to repurchase up to $100.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock, which became effective on April 25, 2018. The Company completed the April 2018 share repurchase program in June 2018 after repurchasing 1,098,000 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $100.0 million and an average cost per share of $91.06.

In July 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new common stock repurchase program forto repurchase up to $100,000$100.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock. The new share repurchase program replaced the Company’s prior share repurchase plan,stock, which was terminated in May 2017.became effective on July 25, 2018. Under the May 2017 stockJuly 2018 share repurchase program, the Company has repurchased 954,000495,000 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $55,030$40.0 million and an average cost per share of $57.65$80.80 and $44,970 remains$60.0 million remained available for repurchases as of September 30, 2017.2018. On October 24, 2018, the Board of Directors authorized an additional $100 million share repurchase program that will become effective upon the completion of the current plan, leaving a total of $160 million available for future repurchases. The Company intends to continue repurchases under itsthe July 2018 repurchase program in 2017 through open market transactions under trading plans in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 and Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, subject to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the level of cash balances, credit availability, debt covenant restrictions, general business conditions, regulatory requirements, the market price of the Company’s stock, dividend policy and the availability of alternative investment opportunities.

Total cash dividends paid during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 were $29.9 million and $27.4 million, respectively. In October 2017, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an additional common stock repurchase program for up to $100,000 of the Company’s outstanding common stock to become effective upon completion of the May 2017 program.

In October 2017,January 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to increase the annual dividend 5%to $0.88 per share, or $0.22 per share quarterly, which began in the first quarter of 2018. In October 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to increase the annual dividend 14% from $0.76$0.88 per share to $0.80$1.00 per share, or $0.20$0.25 per share quarterly, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2017.2018. The $0.20declared $0.25 per share fourth quarter cash dividend on common shares outstanding, or an aggregate of $9,470$11.0 million based on the September 30, 20172018 share counts, declared by the Board of Directorscount, will be paid on November 30, 20172018 to stockholders of record as of November 13, 2017.15, 2018. On an annualized basis, this represents aggregate dividends of $43.8 million based on the September 30, 2018 share count. The declaration and payment of cash dividends in the future (quarterly or otherwise) will be made by the Board of Directors, from time to time, subject to the Company’s financial condition, results of operations, business requirements, compliance with legal requirements and debt covenant restrictions.


NON-GAAP FINANCIAL INFORMATION

The Company uses certain financial calculations such as adjusted net income, adjusted diluted earnings per share, adjusted pre-tax profit margin, adjusted net income per share,margin, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow, adjusted free cash flow and constant currency results (as defined or explained below)(collectively, “Adjusted Financial Measures”) as factors in the measurement and evaluation of the Company’s operating performance and period-over-period growth. The Company derives these financial calculations on the basis of methodologies other than generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”),GAAP, primarily by excluding from a comparable GAAP measure certain items the Company does not consider to be representative of its actual operating performance. These financial calculations are “non-GAAP financial measures” as defined in Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) rules. The Company uses these non-GAAP financial measures in operating its business because management believes they are less susceptible to variances in actual operating performance that can result from the excluded items, other infrequent charges and currency fluctuations. The Company presents these financial measures to investors because management believes they are useful to investors in evaluating the primary factors that drive the Company’s operating performance and because management believes they provide greater transparency into the Company’s results of operations. However, items that are excluded and other adjustments and assumptions that are made in calculating adjusted net income, adjusted net income per share, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow, adjusted free cash flow and constant currency resultsthe Adjusted Financial Measures are significant components in understanding and assessing the Company’s financial performance. These non-GAAP financial measures should be evaluated in conjunction with, and are not a substitute for, the Company’s GAAP financial measures. Further, because these non-GAAP financial measures are not determined in accordance with GAAP and are thus susceptible to varying calculations, adjusted net income, adjusted net income per share, EBITDA, adjusted EBITDA, free cash flow, adjusted free cash flow and constant currency results,the Adjusted Financial Measures, as presented, may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

The Company expects to incur additional expenses in 2017 and 2018 in connection with its Merger and integration of Cash America. The Company has adjusted the applicable financial measures to exclude these items because it generally would not incur such costs and expenses as part of its continuing operations. The Merger related expenses are predominantly incremental costs directly associated with the Merger and integration of Cash America, including professional fees, legal expenses, severance and retention payments, accelerated vesting of certain equity compensation awards, contract breakage costs and costs related to consolidation of technology systems and corporate facilities.

  

The Company has adjusted the applicable financial measures to exclude, among other expenses and benefits, merger and other acquisition expenses because it generally would not incur such costs and expenses as part of its continuing operations. Merger and other acquisition expenses include incremental costs directly associated with merger and acquisition activities, including professional fees, legal expenses, severance, retention and other employee-related costs, contract breakage costs and costs related to the consolidation of technology systems and corporate facilities among others.

Adjusted Net Income and Adjusted Net IncomeDiluted Earnings Per Share

Management believes the presentation of adjusted net income and adjusted net incomediluted earnings per share (“Adjusted Income Measures”) provides investors with greater transparency and provides a more complete understanding of the Company’s financial performance and prospects for the future by excluding items that management believes are non-operating in nature and not representative of the Company’s core operating performance. In addition, management believes the adjustments shown below are useful to investors in order to allow them to compare the Company’s financial results for the current periods presented with the prior periods presented.

The following table provides a reconciliation between the net income and diluted earnings per share calculated in accordance with GAAP to the Adjusted Income Measures, which are shown net of tax:tax (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016
 In Thousands Per Share In Thousands Per Share In Thousands Per Share In Thousands Per Share
Net income (loss), as reported$28,274
 $0.59
 $(1,412) $(0.04) $76,158
 $1.58
 $23,435
 $0.77
Adjustments, net of tax:               
Merger related expenses:               
Transaction
 
 10,915
 0.32
 
 
 13,732
 0.45
Severance and retention56
 
 8,737
 0.25
 857
 0.02
 8,737
 0.29
Other518
 0.02
 1,726
 0.05
 1,137
 0.02
 1,726
 0.06
Total Merger related expenses574
 0.02
 21,378
 0.62
 1,994
 0.04
 24,195
 0.80
Other acquisition expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 94
 
Loss on extinguishment of debt13
 
 
 
 8,892
 0.19
 
 
Net loss on sale of common stock of Enova
 
 160
 
 
 
 160
 0.01
Adjusted net income$28,861
 $0.61
 $20,126
 $0.58
 $87,044
 $1.81
 $47,884
 $1.58
 Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
 In Thousands Per Share In Thousands Per Share In Thousands Per Share In Thousands Per Share
Net income and diluted earnings per share, as reported$33,325
 $0.76
 $28,274
 $0.59
 $105,131
 $2.33
 $76,158
 $1.58
Adjustments, net of tax:               
Merger and other acquisition expenses:               
Transaction2,045
 0.05
 
 
 3,389
 0.07
 
 
Severance and retention
 
 56
 
 43
 
 857
 0.02
Other217
 
 518
 0.02
 526
 0.01
 1,137
 0.02
Total merger and other acquisition expenses2,262
 0.05
 574
 0.02
 3,958
 0.08
 1,994
 0.04
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 
 13
 
 
 
 8,892
 0.19
Adjusted net income and diluted earnings per share$35,587
 $0.81
 $28,861
 $0.61
 $109,089
 $2.41
 $87,044
 $1.81

  

The following tables provide a reconciliation of the gross amounts, the impact of income taxes and the net amounts for each of the adjustments included in the table above:above (in thousands):

Three Months Ended September 30,Three Months Ended September 30,
2017 20162018 2017
Pre-tax Tax After-tax Pre-tax Tax After-taxPre-tax Tax After-tax Pre-tax Tax After-tax
Merger related expenses (1)
$911
 $337
 $574
 $29,398
 $8,020
 $21,378
Merger and other acquisition expenses$3,222
 $960
 $2,262
 $911
 $337
 $574
Loss on extinguishment of debt20
 7
 13
 
 
 

 
 
 20
 7
 13
Net loss on sale of common stock of Enova
 
 
 253
 93
 160
Total adjustments$931
 $344
 $587
 $29,651
 $8,113
 $21,538
$3,222
 $960
 $2,262
 $931
 $344
 $587

 Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2017 2016
 Pre-tax Tax After-tax Pre-tax Tax After-tax
Merger related expenses (1)
$3,164
 $1,170
 $1,994
 $33,727
 $9,532
 $24,195
Other acquisition expenses
 
 
 150
 56
 94
Loss on extinguishment of debt14,114
 5,222
 8,892
 
 
 
Net loss on sale of common stock of Enova
 
 
 253
 93
 160
Total adjustments$17,278
 $6,392
 $10,886
 $34,130
 $9,681
 $24,449
 Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018 2017
 Pre-tax Tax After-tax Pre-tax Tax After-tax
Merger and other acquisition expenses$5,574
 $1,616
 $3,958
 $3,164
 $1,170
 $1,994
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 
 
 14,114
 5,222
 8,892
Total adjustments$5,574
 $1,616
 $3,958
 $17,278
 $6,392
 $10,886

(1)
The following table provides a calculation of the adjusted pre-tax profit margin and the adjusted net income margin (dollars in thousands):

 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 September 30, September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Adjusted pre-tax profit margin calculated as follows:           
Income before income taxes, as reported$44,083
 $41,567
 $142,133
 $115,277
Merger and other acquisition expenses 3,222
  911
  5,574
  3,164
Loss on extinguishment of debt 
  20
  
  14,114
Adjusted income before income taxes$47,305
 $42,498
 $147,707
 $132,555
Total revenue$429,878
 $435,412
 $1,299,650
 $1,299,617
Adjusted pre-tax profit margin11.0% 9.8% 11.4% 10.2%
            
Adjusted net income margin calculated as follows:           
Adjusted net income$35,587
 $28,861
 $109,089
 $87,044
Total revenue$429,878
 $435,412
 $1,299,650
 $1,299,617
Adjusted net income margin8.3% 6.6% 8.4% 6.7%
Resulting tax benefit for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 is less than the statutory rate as a portion of the transaction costs were not deductible for tax purposes.

  

Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization (EBITDA) and Adjusted EBITDA

The Company defines EBITDA as net income before income taxes, depreciation and amortization, interest expense and interest income and adjusted EBITDA as EBITDA adjusted for certain items as listed below that management considers to be non-operating in nature and not representative of its actual operating performance. The Company believes EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA are commonly used by investors to assess a company’s financial performance, and adjusted EBITDA is used in the calculation of the Net Debt Ratio as defined in the Company’s senior notes covenants. The following table provides a reconciliation of net income to EBITDA and adjusted EBITDA:EBITDA (dollars in thousands):
  
         Trailing Twelve         Trailing Twelve
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Months Ended Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Months Ended
 September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
Net income (loss) $28,274
 $(1,412) $76,158
 $23,435
 $112,850
 $42,845
Net income $33,325
 $28,274
 $105,131
 $76,158
 $172,865
 $112,850
Income taxes 13,293
 1,835
 39,119
 13,895
 58,544
 22,112
 10,758
 13,293
 37,002
 39,119
 26,303
 58,544
Depreciation and amortization 13,872
 7,281
 42,804
 17,165
 57,504
 21,453
 10,850
 13,872
 33,085
 42,804
 45,514
 57,504
Interest expense 6,129
 5,073
 17,827
 13,859
 24,288
 18,264
 7,866
 6,129
 20,593
 17,827
 26,801
 24,288
Interest income  (418)  (138)  (1,138)  (636)  (1,253)  (1,059)  (495)  (418)  (2,216)  (1,138)  (2,675)  (1,253)
EBITDA 61,150
 12,639
 174,770
 67,718
 251,933
 103,615
 62,304
 61,150
 193,595
 174,770
 268,808
 251,933
Adjustments:                        
Merger related expenses 911
 29,398
 3,164
 33,727
 5,657
 33,727
Other acquisition expenses 
 
 
 150
 300
 1,850
Merger and other acquisition expenses 3,222
 911
 5,574
 3,164
 11,472
 5,957
Loss on extinguishment of debt 20
 
 14,114
 
 14,114
 
 
 20
 
 14,114
 
 14,114
Net (gain) / loss on sale of common stock of Enova 
 253
 
 253
 (1,552) 253
Net gain on sale of common stock of Enova 
 
 
 
 
 (1,552)
Adjusted EBITDA $62,081
 $42,290
 $192,048
 $101,848
 $270,452
 $139,445
 $65,526
 $62,081
 $199,169
 $192,048
 $280,280
 $270,452
                                
Net Debt Ratio calculated as follows:                        
Total debt (outstanding principal)         $440,000
 $560,000
         $605,000
 $440,000
Less: cash and cash equivalents          (93,411)  (83,356)          (57,025)  (93,411)
Net debt         $346,589
 $476,644
         $547,975
 $346,589
Adjusted EBITDA         $270,452
 $139,445
         $280,280
 $270,452
Net Debt Ratio         1.28:1
3.42:1         2.0:1 1.3:1



  

Free Cash Flow and Adjusted Free Cash Flow

For purposes of its internal liquidity assessments, the Company considers free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow. The Company defines free cash flow as cash flow from operating activities less purchases of property and equipment and net fundings/repayments of pawn and consumer loans, which are considered to be operating in nature by the Company but are included in cash flow from investing activities,activities. Beginning this quarter, the Company modified its definition of adjusted free cash flow and retrospectively applied the definition to prior-period results. The Company now defines adjusted free cash flow as free cash flow adjusted for Merger relatedmerger and other acquisition expenses paid that management considers to be non-operating in nature.nature and adjusted for purchases of store real estate, primarily at existing stores, which are included in purchases of property and equipment. Management considers the store real estate purchases to be discretionary in nature and not required to operate its pawn stores. Free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow are commonly used by investors as an additional measure of cash generated by business operations that may be used to repay scheduled debt maturities and debt service or, following payment of such debt obligations and other non-discretionary items, may be available to invest in future growth through new business development activities or acquisitions, repurchase stock, pay cash dividends or repay debt obligations prior to their maturities. These metrics can also be used to evaluate the Company’s ability to generate cash flow from business operations and the impact that this cash flow has on the Company’s liquidity. However, free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow have limitations as analytical tools and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for cash flow from operating activities or other income statement data prepared in accordance with GAAP. The following table reconciles net cash flow from operating activities to free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow:flow (in thousands):

         Trailing Twelve         Trailing Twelve
 Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Months Ended Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Months Ended
 September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,
 2017 2016 2017 2016 2017 2016 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
Cash flow from operating activities $46,033
 $901
 $148,846
 $40,474
 $205,226
 $68,101
 $54,252
 $46,033
 $174,219
 $148,846
 $245,730
 $205,226
Cash flow from investment activities:            
Cash flow from investing activities:            
Loan receivables, net of cash repayments (28,702) (22,020) 5,261
 (31,486) 20,675
 (12,903) (43,968) (28,702) (13,055) 5,261
 22,419
 20,675
Purchases of property and equipment (9,194) (6,353) (26,595) (23,426) (37,032) (28,971) (17,566) (9,194) (40,754) (26,595) (51,294) (37,032)
Free cash flow 8,137
 (27,472) 127,512
 (14,438) 188,869
 26,227
 (7,282) 8,137
 120,410
 127,512
 216,855
 188,869
Merger related expenses paid, net of tax benefit 898
 18,158
 4,443
 19,715
 5,667
 19,715
Merger and other acquisition expenses paid, net of tax benefit 2,502
 898
 5,601
 4,443
 7,817
 5,667
Discretionary purchases of store real estate 6,266
 2,211
 14,986
 6,857
 19,293
 9,489
Adjusted free cash flow $9,035
 $(9,314) $131,955
 $5,277
 $194,536
 $45,942
 $1,486
 $11,246
 $140,997
 $138,812
 $243,965
 $204,025

Constant Currency Results

The Company’s reporting currency is the U.S. dollar. However, certain performance metrics discussed in this report are presented on a “constant currency” basis, which is considered a non-GAAP measurement of financial performance.measure. The Company’s management uses constant currency results to evaluate operating results of business operations in Latin America, which are primarily transacted in local currencies.

The Company believes constant currency results provide investors with valuable supplemental information regarding the underlying performance of its business operations in Latin America, consistent with how the Company’s management evaluates such performance and operating results. Constant currency results reported herein are calculated by translating certain balance sheet and income statement items denominated in local currencies using the exchange rate from the prior-year comparable period, as opposed to the current comparable period, in order to exclude the effects of foreign currency rate fluctuations for purposes of evaluating period-over-period comparisons. Business operations in Mexico, Guatemala and GuatemalaColombia are transacted in Mexican pesos, and Guatemalan quetzales and Colombian pesos, respectively. The Company also has operations in El Salvador where the reporting and functional currency is the U.S. dollar. See the Latin America operations segment tables in “—Results of Continuing Operations” above for additional reconciliation of certain constant currency amounts to as reported GAAP amounts.

  

REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS   

The Company is subject to significant regulation of its pawn, consumer loan and general business operations in all of the jurisdictions in which it operates. These regulations are implemented through various laws, ordinances and regulatory pronouncements from federal, state and municipal governmental entities in the U.S. and Latin America. These regulatory bodies often have broad discretionary authority over the establishment, interpretation and enforcement of such regulations. These regulations are subject to change, sometimes significantly, as a result of political, economic or social trends, events and media perception.

The Company is subject to specific laws, regulations and ordinances primarily concerning its pawn and consumer lending operations. Many statutes and regulations prescribe, among other things, the general terms of the Company’s pawn and consumer loan agreements, including maximum service fees and/or interest rates that may be charged and collected and mandatory consumer disclosures. In many municipal, state and federal jurisdictions, in both the U.S. and countries in Latin America, the Company must obtain and maintain regulatory operating licenses and comply with regular or frequent regulatory reporting and registration requirements, including reporting and recording of pawn loans, pawned collateral, used merchandise purchased from the general public, retail sales activities, firearm transactions, export, import and transfer of merchandise, and currency transactions, among other things. Existing regulations and regulatory developments are further and more completely described under “Governmental Regulation” in Part I, Item 1 of the Company’s 20162017 annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 1, 2017.February 20, 2018. There have been no material changes toin regulatory developments affecting the Company’s regulatory developmentsCompany since December 31, 2016,2017, except as explained below.

On July 11, 2017, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) issued a final ruleBeginning on consumer arbitration agreements banning waiver of class action in pre-dispute arbitration clauses (the “Arbitration Rule”) with an effective date of March 2019. The rule, as written, would have prohibited financial services companies, includingJanuary 1, 2018, the Company from using arbitration clauses that ban consumers from participatingceased offering fee-based check cashing services in class actions. On July 25, 2017,its non-franchise stores and no longer considers itself a money services business as defined under U.S. federal law. As a result, the House of Representatives votedCompany is no longer subject to repeal the Arbitration Rule using the Congressional Review Act (the “CRA”) and on October 24, 2017, the Senate also votedanti-money laundering requirements under U.S. federal laws pertaining to repeal the Arbitration Rule under the CRA. The repeal measure will now go to the president’s desk, where it is expected to be signed. The congressional repeal prevents the measure from returning to legislative consideration for the next five years. The Arbitration Rule was also legally challenged by various industry trades and groups seeking declaratory and injunctive relief and challenging the constitutionality and legality of the Arbitration Rule and the CFPB, among other things (the “Arbitration Lawsuit”). The CRA repeal likely makes the Arbitration Lawsuit moot unless the plaintiffs pursue additional relief or declaration that the CFPB is unconstitutional.money services businesses.

On October 5, 2017,July 30, 2018, the CFPB released its small-dollargovernor of Ohio signed into law the Ohio Fairness in Lending Act (the “Act”). The Act will significantly impact the consumer loan rule (the “SDL Rule”), which is scheduled to take effectindustry in July 2019. IfOhio as it effectively caps a consumer loan amount at $1,000, substantially limits consumer loans with maturities of less than 90 days by capping monthly payments as a percentage of the SDL Rule takes effect, lenders, likeborrower’s gross income, creates a maximum loan term of one year, caps interest rates at 28% per annum and caps the Company, will be required, amongtotal cost of a consumer loan (including fees) at 60% of the original principal. There are also other things, to determine whether consumers haveprovisions such as disclosure requirements, maximum borrowing levels and collections restrictions. In addition, the ability to repay their loans before issuing certain short-term small dollar, payday and auto title loans. Importantly,Act essentially eliminates the SDL Rule does not apply to non-recourse pawn loans. The SDL Rule applies to all storefront and online small-dollar short-term lenders regardlessuse of state license or tribal affiliation. However, the CFPB provided for an exception for lenders offering accommodationcredit service organizations (each a “CSO”) by prohibiting a CSO from brokering loans that makemeet any of the following conditions: (i) the loan amount is less than 2,500 short-term loans per$5,000, (ii) the term of the loan is less than one year, and derive no more than 10 percent(iii) the APR exceeds 28%. The provisions of their revenue from such loans. Additionally, the CFPB exempted the National Credit Union Administration’s authorized “payday alternative loans” and certain wage advance loans offered to employees by employers. The SDL Rule will likely be subject to legislative challenges, trade association litigation and potentially a new CFPB Director. If the SDL Rule doesAct become effective the small dollar lending industry will experience a significant regulatory change.on or about April 26, 2019.

The Company believescurrently operates 113 Cashland-branded stores in Ohio that primarily offer consumer loan and credit services products and six Cash America-branded pawn stores in Ohio that offer consumer loan and credit services as ancillary products, all of which will be negatively impacted by the Act. It is not expected that the SDL Ruleregulatory changes will not directly impactmaterially affect the vast majorityCompany’s Ohio-based consumer lending and credit services revenues in 2018, which the Company estimates to be approximately $40 million, representing less than 2.5% of consolidated revenue. The Company will continue to analyze the viability of its Cashland operations in Ohio in 2019, which is when the provisions of the law become effective. Most of the Cashland stores currently offer pawn products, which comprise approximately 95%loans and pawn retailing as ancillary products. While many of its total revenues.the Cashland stores will likely be closed, a significant number may continue operating as pawn stores.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risks relating to the Company’s operations result primarily from changes in interest rates, gold prices and foreign currency exchange rates, and are described in detail in the Company’s 20162017 annual report on Form 10-K. The impact of current-year fluctuations in gold prices and foreign currency exchange rates, in particular, are further discussed in Part I, Item 2 herein. The Company does not engage in speculative or leveraged transactions, nor does it hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes. There have been no material changes to the Company’s exposure to market risks since December 31, 2016.2017.

  

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, has evaluated the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) (the “Exchange Act”) as of September 30, 20172018 (the “Evaluation Date”). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There hashave been no changechanges in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended September 30, 20172018 that hashave materially affected, or isare reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

Limitations on Effectiveness of Controls and Procedures

The Company’s management, including its Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures or internal controls will prevent all possible error and fraud. The Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are, however, designed to provide reasonable assurance of achieving their objectives, and the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective at that reasonable assurance level.


PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1. LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

There have been no material changes in the status of legal proceedings previously reported in the Company’s 20162017 annual report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Important risk factors that could causematerially affect the Company’s business, financial condition or results or events to differ from current expectations,of operations in future periods are described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of the Company’s 20162017 annual report on Form 10-K. These factors are supplemented by those discussed under “Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations” and “Regulatory Developments” in Part I, Item 2 of this quarterly report and in “Governmental Regulation” in Part I, Item 1 of the Company’s 20162017 annual report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS
(In thousands except share and per share amounts)

In January 2015,April 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a common stock repurchase program forto repurchase up to 2,000,000 shares$100.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock. Duringstock, which became effective on April 25, 2018 and followed the first quartercompletion of the Company’s $100.0 million October 2017 share repurchase plan. The Company completed the Company repurchased 228,000April 2018 share repurchase program in June 2018 after repurchasing 1,098,000 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $10,005$100.0 million and an average cost per share of $43.94.$91.06. In May 2017,July 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new common stock repurchase program forto repurchase up to $100,000$100.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock. The new share repurchase program replaced the Company’s prior share repurchase plan,stock, which was terminated in May 2017.became effective on July 25, 2018. Under the May 2017 stockJuly 2018 share repurchase program, the Company has repurchased 954,000495,000 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $55,030$40.0 million and an average cost per share of $57.65$80.80 and $44,970 remains$60.0 million remained available for repurchases as of September 30, 2017. The Company intends to continue repurchases under its repurchase program in 2017 through open market transactions under trading plans in accordance with Rule 10b5-1 and Rule 10b-18 under the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, subject to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to, the level of cash balances, credit availability, debt covenant restrictions, general business conditions, regulatory requirements, the market price of the Company’s stock, dividend policy and the availability of alternative investment opportunities.

2018.

The following table provides the information with respect to purchases made by the Company of shares of its common stock during each month the programs were in effect during the ninethree months ended September 30, 2017:2018 (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts):

  
Total
Number
Of Shares
Purchased
 
Average
Price
Paid
Per Share
 
Total Number Of
Shares Purchased
As Part Of Publicly
Announced Plans
 Maximum Number Of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under The Plans Approximate Dollar Value Of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under The Plans
January 1 through January 31, 2017 
 $
 
 1,148,000
 
(2) 
February 1 through February 28, 2017 228,000
 43.94
 228,000
 920,000
 
(2) 
March 1 through March 31, 2017 
 
 
 920,000
 
(2) 
April 1 through April 30, 2017 
 
 
 920,000
 
(2) 
May 1 through May 31, 2017 
 
 
 
(1) 
 $100,000
June 1 through June 30, 2017 290,000
 56.06
 290,000
 
(1) 
 83,731
July 1 through July 31, 2017 292,000
 58.21
 292,000
 
(1) 
 66,733
August 1 through August 31, 2017 269,000
 58.53
 269,000
 
(1) 
 50,989
September 1 through September 30, 2017 103,000
 58.22
 103,000
 
(1) 
 44,970
Total 1,182,000
 $55.01
 1,182,000
    
  
Total
Number
Of Shares
Purchased
 
Average
Price
Paid
Per Share
 
Total Number Of
Shares Purchased
As Part Of Publicly
Announced Plans
 Approximate Dollar Value Of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under The Plans
July 1 through July 31, 2018 
 $
 
 $100,000
August 1 through August 31, 2018 291,000
 $81.12
 291,000
 $76,400
September 1 through September 30, 2018 204,000
 $80.35
 204,000
 $60,016
Total 495,000
 $80.80
 495,000
  

(1)
The 2,000,000 share repurchase program was terminated in May 2017.

(2)
The $100,000 repurchase program was initiated in May 2017.

InOn October 2017,24, 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an additional common stock$100.0 million share repurchase program for up to $100,000 of the Company’s outstanding common stock tothat will become effective upon the completion of the May 2017 program.current plan, leaving a total of $160.0 million available for future repurchases.

ITEM 3. DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES

Not Applicable.

ITEM 4. MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not Applicable.


ITEM 5. OTHER INFORMATION

None.


ITEM 6. EXHIBITS
    Incorporated by Reference  
Exhibit No. Exhibit Description Form File No. Exhibit Filing Date Filed Herewith
3.1  DEF 14A 0-19133 B 04/29/2004  
3.2  8-K 001-10960 3.1 09/02/2016  
3.3  8-K 001-10960 3.2 09/02/2016  
31.1          X
31.2          X
32.1          X
32.2          X
101 (1)
 The following financial information from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter of fiscal 2017, filed with the SEC on November 1, 2017, is formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2017, September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2016, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016, (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and September 30, 2016 and (vi) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.         X
    Incorporated by Reference  
Exhibit No. Exhibit Description Form File No. Exhibit Filing Date Filed Herewith
3.1  DEF 14A 0-19133 B 04/29/2004  
3.2  8-K 001-10960 3.1 09/02/2016  
3.3  8-K 001-10960 3.2 09/02/2016  
31.1          X
31.2          X
32.1          X
32.2          X
101 (1)
 The following financial information from the Company's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the third quarter of fiscal 2018, filed with the SEC on October 31, 2018, is formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at September 30, 2018, September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2017, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017, (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and September 30, 2017 and (vi) Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.         X

(1) 
The XBRL related information in Exhibit 101 to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, or otherwise subject to liability of that section and shall not be incorporated by reference into any filing or other document pursuant to the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, except as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing or document.

SIGNATURES

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

  
Dated: November 1, 2017October 31, 2018FIRSTCASH, INC.
 (Registrant)
  
 /s/ RICK L. WESSEL
 Rick L. Wessel
 Chief Executive Officer
 (On behalf of the Registrant)
  
 /s/ R. DOUGLAS ORR
 R. Douglas Orr
 Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 (As Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

48