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 JuneSeptember 30, 2018
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

fcfslogo.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 JulyOctober 25, 2018, there were 44,327,04243,832,215 shares of common stock outstanding.





  

FIRSTCASH, INC.
FORM 10-Q FOR THE QUARTER ENDED JUNESEPTEMBER 30, 2018

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 2017 annual report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on 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) 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)
        
 June 30, December 31, September 30, December 31,
 2018 2017 2017 2018 2017 2017
ASSETS            
Cash and cash equivalents $83,127
 $91,434
 $114,423
 $57,025
 $93,411
 $114,423
Fees and service charges receivable 42,920
 42,810
 42,736
 49,141
 45,134
 42,736
Pawn loans 348,295
 353,399
 344,748
 387,733
 371,367
 344,748
Consumer loans, net 17,256
 24,192
 23,522
 17,804
 24,515
 23,522
Inventories 249,689
 301,361
 276,771
 277,438
 308,683
 276,771
Income taxes receivable 486
 23,866
 19,761
 1,065
 27,867
 19,761
Prepaid expenses and other current assets 19,913
 19,667
 20,236
 18,396
 23,818
 20,236
Total current assets 761,686
 856,729
 842,197
 808,602
 894,795
 842,197
            
Property and equipment, net 236,434
 237,282
 230,341
 250,088
 234,309
 230,341
Goodwill 857,070
 838,111
 831,145
 906,322
 834,883
 831,145
Intangible assets, net 89,962
 98,664
 93,819
 88,900
 95,991
 93,819
Other assets 52,193
 61,145
 54,045
 50,635
 59,054
 54,045
Deferred tax assets 12,295
 12,388
 11,237
 11,933
 12,694
 11,237
Total assets $2,009,640
 $2,104,319
 $2,062,784
 $2,116,480
 $2,131,726
 $2,062,784
            
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY            
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $79,961
 $85,684
 $84,331
 $103,223
 $94,769
 $84,331
Customer deposits 34,300
 37,601
 32,019
 35,874
 37,626
 32,019
Income taxes payable 3,207
 1,807
 4,221
 279
 3,763
 4,221
Total current liabilities 117,468
 125,092
 120,571
 139,376
 136,158
 120,571
            
Revolving unsecured credit facility 221,500
 97,000
 107,000
 305,000
 140,000
 107,000
Senior unsecured notes 295,560
 294,804
 295,243
 295,722
 294,961
 295,243
Deferred tax liabilities 51,011
 74,298
 47,037
 52,149
 73,203
 47,037
Other liabilities 14,057
 21,693
 17,600
 12,505
 19,725
 17,600
Total liabilities 699,596
 612,887
 587,451
 804,752
 664,047
 587,451
            
Stockholders’ equity:            
Preferred stock 
 
 
 
 
 
Common stock 493
 493
 493
 493
 493
 493
Additional paid-in capital 1,221,572
 1,218,822
 1,220,356
 1,222,947
 1,219,589
 1,220,356
Retained earnings 546,097
 416,937
 494,457
 569,691
 436,159
 494,457
Accumulated other comprehensive loss (114,668) (83,464) (111,877) (97,970) (88,445) (111,877)
Common stock held in treasury, at cost (343,450) (61,356) (128,096) (383,433) (100,117) (128,096)
Total stockholders’ equity 1,310,044
 1,491,432
 1,475,333
 1,311,728
 1,467,679
 1,475,333
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity $2,009,640
 $2,104,319
 $2,062,784
 $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(unaudited, in thousands, except per share amounts)
        
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 June 30, June 30, September 30, September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
Revenue:                
Retail merchandise sales $255,742
 $243,822
 $525,583
 $503,816
 $256,417
 $246,334
 $782,000
 $750,150
Pawn loan fees 123,012
 122,632
 252,805
 250,883
 134,613
 132,545
 387,418
 383,428
Wholesale scrap jewelry sales 27,475
 31,646
 62,200
 69,757
 24,650
 37,528
 86,850
 107,285
Consumer loan and credit services fees 13,743
 18,529
 29,184
 39,749
 14,198
 19,005
 43,382
 58,754
Total revenue 419,972
 416,629
 869,772
 864,205
 429,878
 435,412
 1,299,650
 1,299,617
                
Cost of revenue:                
Cost of retail merchandise sold 163,574
 156,473
 338,071
 322,108
 163,287
 161,350
 501,358
 483,458
Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold 24,076
 30,590
 56,571
 65,539
 23,859
 36,831
 80,430
 102,370
Consumer loan and credit services loss provision 3,894
 5,142
 7,621
 9,234
 5,474
 6,185
 13,095
 15,419
Total cost of revenue 191,544
 192,205
 402,263
 396,881
 192,620
 204,366
 594,883
 601,247
                
Net revenue 228,428
 224,424
 467,509
 467,324
 237,258
 231,046
 704,767
 698,370
                
Expenses and other income:                
Store operating expenses 137,583
 137,070
 276,144
 273,814
 141,755
 138,966
 417,899
 412,780
Administrative expenses 29,720
 30,305
 57,722
 63,543
 29,977
 29,999
 87,699
 93,542
Depreciation and amortization 10,952
 14,689
 22,235
 28,932
 10,850
 13,872
 33,085
 42,804
Interest expense 6,529
 5,585
 12,727
 11,698
 7,866
 6,129
 20,593
 17,827
Interest income (740) (393) (1,721) (720) (495) (418) (2,216) (1,138)
Merger and other acquisition expenses 2,113
 1,606
 2,352
 2,253
 3,222
 911
 5,574
 3,164
Loss on extinguishment of debt 
 14,094
 
 14,094
 
 20
 
 14,114
Total expenses and other income 186,157
 202,956
 369,459
 393,614
 193,175
 189,479
 562,634
 583,093
                
Income before income taxes 42,271
 21,468
 98,050
 73,710
 44,083
 41,567
 142,133
 115,277
                
Provision for income taxes 12,100
 6,229
 26,244
 25,826
 10,758
 13,293
 37,002
 39,119
                
Net income $30,171
 $15,239
 $71,806
 $47,884
 $33,325
 $28,274
 $105,131
 $76,158
                
Net income per share:        
Earnings per share:        
Basic $0.67
 $0.32
 $1.57
 $0.99
 $0.76
 $0.59
 $2.33
 $1.58
Diluted $0.67
 $0.32
 $1.57
 $0.99
 $0.76
 $0.59
 $2.33
 $1.58
                
Dividends declared per common share $0.22
 $0.19
 $0.44
 $0.38
 $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(unaudited, in thousands)
        
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 June 30, June 30, September 30, September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
Net income $30,171
 $15,239
 $71,806
 $47,884
 $33,325
 $28,274
 $105,131
 $76,158
Other comprehensive income:                
Currency translation adjustment (24,625) 13,337
 (2,791) 36,342
 16,698
 (4,981) 13,907
 31,361
Comprehensive income $5,546
 $28,576
 $69,015
 $84,226
 $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 12/31/2017 
 $
 49,276
 $493
 $1,220,356
 $494,457
 $(111,877) 2,362
 $(128,096) $1,475,333
 
 $
 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 
 
 
 
 (1,240) 
 
 (22) 1,240
 
 
 
 
 
 (1,240) 
 
 (22) 1,240
 
Exercise of stock options 
 
 
 
 (294) 
 
 (10) 694
 400
 
 
 
 
 (294) 
 
 (10) 694
 400
Share-based compensa-tion expense 
 
 
 
 2,750
 
 
 
 
 2,750
 
 
 
 
 4,125
 
 
 
 
 4,125
Net income 
 
 
 
 
 71,806
 
 
 
 71,806
 
 
 
 
 
 105,131
 
 
 
 105,131
Dividends paid 
 
 
 
 
 (20,166) 
 
 
 (20,166) 
 
 
 
 
 (29,897) 
 
 
 (29,897)
Currency translation adjustment 
 
 
 
 
 
 (2,791) 
 
 (2,791) 
 
 
 
 
 
 13,907
 
 
 13,907
Purchases of treasury stock 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 2,619
 (217,288) (217,288) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 3,114
 (257,271) (257,271)
Balance at 6/30/2018 
 $
 49,276
 $493
 $1,221,572
 $546,097
 $(114,668) 4,949
 $(343,450) $1,310,044
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 12/31/2016 
 $
 49,276
 $493
 $1,217,969
 $387,401
 $(119,806) 769
 $(36,071) $1,449,986
 
 $
 49,276
 $493
 $1,217,969
 $387,401
 $(119,806) 769
 $(36,071) $1,449,986
Shares issued under share-based com-pensation plan 
 
 
 
 (440) 
 
 (10) 440
 
 
 
 
 
 (440) 
 
 (10) 440
 
Exercise of stock options 
 
 
 
 (242) 
 
 (13) 549
 307
 
 
 
 
 (242) 
 
 (13) 549
 307
Share-based compensa-tion expense 
 
 
 
 1,535
 
 
 
 
 1,535
 
 
 
 
 2,302
 
 
 
 
 2,302
Net income 
 
 
 
 
 47,884
 
 
 
 47,884
 
 
 
 
 
 76,158
 
 
 
 76,158
Dividends paid 
 
 
 
 
 (18,348) 
 
 
 (18,348) 
 
 
 
 
 (27,400) 
 
 
 (27,400)
Currency translation adjustment 
 
 
 
 
 
 36,342
 
 
 36,342
 
 
 
 
 
 
 31,361
 
 
 31,361
Purchases of treasury stock 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 518
 (26,274) (26,274) 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 1,182
 (65,035) (65,035)
Balance at 6/30/2017 
 $
 49,276
 $493
 $1,218,822
 $416,937
 $(83,464) 1,264
 $(61,356) $1,491,432
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)
 Six Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 June 30, September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Cash flow from operating activities:        
Net income $71,806
 $47,884
 $105,131
 $76,158
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flow provided by operating activities:        
Non-cash portion of credit loss provision 4,291
 5,973
 7,101
 10,012
Share-based compensation expense 2,750
 1,535
 4,125
 2,302
Depreciation and amortization expense 22,235
 28,932
 33,085
 42,804
Amortization of debt issuance costs 963
 864
 1,448
 1,322
Amortization of favorable/(unfavorable) lease intangibles, net (356) (487) (341) (744)
Loss on extinguishment of debt 
 14,094
 
 14,114
Deferred income taxes, net 2,801
 11,886
 4,953
 11,137
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of business combinations:        
Fees and service charges receivable 553
 (478) (3,988) (3,017)
Inventories 8,931
 8,588
 3,227
 5,206
Prepaid expenses and other assets (1,824) 12,379
 (10) 7,819
Accounts payable, accrued liabilities and other liabilities (10,327) (30,959) 4,857
 (21,036)
Income taxes 18,144
 2,602
 14,631
 2,769
Net cash flow provided by operating activities 119,967
 102,813
 174,219
 148,846
Cash flow from investing activities:        
Loan receivables, net of cash repayments 30,913
 33,963
 (13,055) 5,261
Purchases of property and equipment (23,188) (17,401) (40,754) (26,595)
Acquisitions of pawn stores, net of cash acquired (36,171) (1,115) (88,387) (1,141)
Net cash flow provided by (used in) investing activities (28,446) 15,447
Net cash flow used in investing activities (142,196) (22,475)
Cash flow from financing activities:        
Borrowings from revolving unsecured credit facility 220,000
 120,000
 357,500
 181,000
Repayments of revolving unsecured credit facility (105,500) (283,000) (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 
 (10,875) 
 (10,895)
Debt issuance costs paid 
 (4,718) 
 (5,342)
Purchases of treasury stock (217,288) (26,274) (258,545) (65,035)
Proceeds from exercise of share-based compensation awards 400
 307
 400
 307
Dividends paid (20,166) (18,348) (29,897) (27,400)
Net cash flow used in financing activities (122,554) (122,908) (90,042) (128,365)
Effect of exchange rates on cash (263) 6,127
 621
 5,450
Change in cash and cash equivalents (31,296) 1,479
 (57,398) 3,456
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period 114,423
 89,955
 114,423
 89,955
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period $83,127
 $91,434
 $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)

Note 1 - Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation

The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2017, 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, 2017, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on February 20, 2018. The condensed consolidated financial statements as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, and for the three month and sixnine month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 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 JuneSeptember 30, 2018 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the full fiscal year.

The Company has significant operations in Latin America, where in Mexico, Guatemala and Colombia the functional currency is the Mexican peso, 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 sixnine month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 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”) became effective for annual reporting periods (including interim periods within those periods) beginning after December 15, 2017 for public companies. 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 adopted ASC 606 as of January 1, 2018 using the modified retrospective method. The adoption of ASC 606 did not impact the Company’s revenue recognition for pawn loan fees, consumer loan fees or credit services fees, as each of these revenue streams is outside the scope of ASC 606. Further, the Company has not identified any impacts to its consolidated financial statements that were material as a result of the adoption of ASC 606 for its retail merchandise sales or wholesale scrap jewelry sales revenue streams. The Company has 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 the adoption of 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, ASU 2018-10 and ASU 2018-102018-11 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 2018-102018-11 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 became effective for public entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017. The adoption of ASU 2016-15 did not have a material effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements or 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 became 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. The adoption of ASU 2017-01 did 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,

with 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 clarifications 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 2018-13 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 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 June 30, June 30, September 30, September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
Numerator:                
Net income $30,171
 $15,239
 $71,806
 $47,884
 $33,325
 $28,274
 $105,131
 $76,158
                
Denominator (in thousands):        
Denominator:        
Weighted-average common shares for calculating basic earnings per share 44,942
 48,261
 45,680
 48,324
 43,981
 47,628
 45,107
 48,090
Effect of dilutive securities:                
Stock options and nonvested common stock awards 101
 28
 77
 21
 135
 40
 97
 27
Weighted-average common shares for calculating diluted earnings per share 45,043
 48,289
 45,757
 48,345
 44,116
 47,668
 45,204
 48,117
                
Net income per share:        
Earnings per share:        
Basic $0.67
 $0.32
 $1.57
 $0.99
 $0.76
 $0.59
 $2.33
 $1.58
Diluted $0.67
 $0.32
 $1.57
 $0.99
 $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 sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, the Company acquired 188342 pawn stores in Mexico in twofour 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 $44.0$105.0 million, net of cash acquired and subject to future post-closing adjustments. The purchases were composed of $36.2$88.4 million in cash paid during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and remaining payables to the sellers of approximately $7.8$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 sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 is as follows:

follows (in thousands):

Pawn loans$9,072
$18,714
Pawn loan fees receivable845
1,866
Inventory6,483
9,534
Other current assets306
863
Property and equipment1,375
3,717
Goodwill (1)
26,355
70,957
Intangible assets (2)
371
871
Other non-current assets168
168
Current liabilities(973)(1,657)
Aggregate purchase price$44,002
$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. orand 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 sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, revenue from the combined acquisitions since the acquisition datesacquired stores was $5.9$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 $0.9 million. Combined transaction and integration costs related to the acquisitions during the six months ended June 30, 2018 were approximately $1.3$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 4 - Long-Term Debt

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

June 30, December 31,September 30, December 31,
2018 2017 20172018 2017 2017
5.375% senior unsecured notes due 2024 (1)
$295,560
 $294,804
 $295,243
$295,722
 $294,961
 $295,243
Revolving unsecured credit facility, maturing 2022221,500
 97,000
 107,000
305,000
 140,000
 107,000
Total long-term debt$517,060
 $391,804
 $402,243
$600,722
 $434,961
 $402,243

(1)
As of JuneSeptember 30, 2018, JuneSeptember 30, 2017 and December 31, 2017, deferred debt issuance costs of $4.4$4.3 million, $5.2$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.

Senior Unsecured Notes

On May 30, 2017, the Company issued $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 is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 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 unsecured credit facility. The Notes will permit the Company 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. The Net Debt Ratio is defined generally in the indenture governing the Notes 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 used the proceeds from the offering of the Notes to repurchase, or otherwise redeem, its previously outstanding $200.0 million, 6.75% senior unsecured notes due 2021 (the “2021 Notes”). As a result, during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017, the Company recognized a $14.1 million loss on extinguishment of debt related to the repurchase or redemption of the 2021 Notes.


Revolving Unsecured Credit Facility

At JuneSeptember 30, 2018, the Company maintained an unsecured line of credit with a group of U.S. based commercial lenders (the “Credit Facility”) in the amount of $400.0 million, which matures on September 2, 2022. At JuneSeptember 30, 2018, the Company had $221.5$305.0 million in outstanding borrowings and $5.1$3.2 million in outstanding letters of credit under the Credit Facility, leaving $173.4$91.8 million available for future borrowings. The 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 Credit Facility commitment. The weighted-average interest rate on amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 was 4.50%4.66% based on 1 week LIBOR. Under the terms of the Credit Facility, the Company is required to maintain certain financial ratios and comply with certain financial covenants. The 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 Credit Facility as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018. During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, the Company received net proceeds of $114.5$198.0 million from borrowings pursuant to the 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

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%.

Note 5 - 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 JuneSeptember 30, 2018, 2017 and December 31, 2017, the Company did not have any financial assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

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 JuneSeptember 30, 2018, 2017 and December 31, 2017 that are not measured at fair value in the condensed consolidated balance sheets are as follows (in thousands):

  Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value
  September 30, September 30, Fair Value Measurements Using
  2018 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Financial assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents $57,025
 $57,025
 $57,025
 $
 $
Fees and service charges receivable 49,141
 49,141
 
 
 49,141
Pawn loans 387,733
 387,733
 
 
 387,733
Consumer loans, net 17,804
 17,804
 
 
 17,804
  $511,703
 $511,703
 $57,025
 $
 $454,678
           
Financial liabilities:          
Revolving unsecured credit facility $305,000
 $305,000
 $
 $305,000
 $
Senior unsecured notes (outstanding principal) 300,000
 300,000
 
 300,000
 
  $605,000
 $605,000
 $
 $605,000
 $

  

 Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value
 June 30, June 30, Fair Value Measurements Using September 30, September 30, Fair Value Measurements Using
 2018 2018 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 2017 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Financial assets:                    
Cash and cash equivalents $83,127
 $83,127
 $83,127
 $
 $
 $93,411
 $93,411
 $93,411
 $
 $
Fees and service charges receivable 45,134
 45,134
 
 
 45,134
Pawn loans 348,295
 348,295
 
 
 348,295
 371,367
 371,367
 
 
 371,367
Consumer loans, net 17,256
 17,256
 
 
 17,256
 24,515
 24,515
 
 
 24,515
Fees and service charges receivable 42,920
 42,920
 
 
 42,920
 $491,598
 $491,598
 $83,127
 $
 $408,471
 $534,427
 $534,427
 $93,411
 $
 $441,016
                    
Financial liabilities:                    
Revolving unsecured credit facility $221,500
 $221,500
 $
 $221,500
 $
 $140,000
 $140,000
 $
 $140,000
 $
Senior unsecured notes (outstanding principal) 300,000
 300,000
 
 300,000
 
 300,000
 314,000
 
 314,000
 
 $521,500
 $521,500
 $
 $521,500
 $
 $440,000
 $454,000
 $
 $454,000
 $

  Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value
  June 30, June 30, Fair Value Measurements Using
  2017 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3
Financial assets:          
Cash and cash equivalents $91,434
 $91,434
 $91,434
 $
 $
Pawn loans 353,399
 353,399
 
 
 353,399
Consumer loans, net 24,192
 24,192
 
 
 24,192
Fees and service charges receivable 42,810
 42,810
 
 
 42,810
  $511,835
 $511,835
 $91,434
 $
 $420,401
           
Financial liabilities:          
Revolving unsecured credit facility $97,000
 $97,000
 $
 $97,000
 $
Senior unsecured notes (outstanding principal) 300,000
 312,000
 
 312,000
 
  $397,000
 $409,000
 $
 $409,000
 $

  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
 $
 $
Pawn loans 344,748
 344,748
 
 
 344,748
Consumer loans, net 23,522
 23,522
 
 
 23,522
Fees and service charges receivable 42,736
 42,736
 
 
 42,736
  $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
 $

  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. Consumer loans, net 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, the carrying value approximates the fair value.

The carrying value of the Company’s revolving unsecured credit facility approximates fair value as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018, 2017 and December 31, 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 sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 was 26.8%26.0% compared to 35.0%,33.9% for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017. The decrease in the effective tax rate for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 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 generally 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 JuneSeptember 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 7 - 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, El Salvador and ColombiaColombia. 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 sixnine month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017 (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 June 30, 2018 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 $166,441
 $89,301
 $
 $255,742
 $514,494
 $267,506
 $
 $782,000
Pawn loan fees 87,825
 35,187
 
 123,012
 277,411
 110,007
 
 387,418
Wholesale scrap jewelry sales 22,133
 5,342
 
 27,475
 70,394
 16,456
 
 86,850
Consumer loan and credit services fees 13,401
 342
 
 13,743
 42,522
 860
 
 43,382
Total revenue 289,800
 130,172
 
 419,972
 904,821
 394,829
 
 1,299,650
                
Cost of revenue:                
Cost of retail merchandise sold 105,272
 58,302
 
 163,574
 328,258
 173,100
 
 501,358
Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold 18,955
 5,121
 
 24,076
 64,203
 16,227
 
 80,430
Consumer loan and credit services loss provision 3,810
 84
 
 3,894
 12,874
 221
 
 13,095
Total cost of revenue 128,037
 63,507
 
 191,544
 405,335
 189,548
 
 594,883
                
Net revenue 161,763
 66,665
 
 228,428
 499,486
 205,281
 
 704,767
                
Expenses and other income:                
Store operating expenses 103,625
 33,958
 
 137,583
 310,963
 106,936
 
 417,899
Administrative expenses 
 
 29,720
 29,720
 
 
 87,699
 87,699
Depreciation and amortization 5,037
 2,740
 3,175
 10,952
 15,877
 8,364
 8,844
 33,085
Interest expense 
 
 6,529
 6,529
 
 
 20,593
 20,593
Interest income 
 
 (740) (740) 
 
 (2,216) (2,216)
Merger and other acquisition expenses 
 
 2,113
 2,113
 
 
 5,574
 5,574
Total expenses and other income 108,662
 36,698
 40,797
 186,157
 326,840
 115,300
 120,494
 562,634
                
Income (loss) before income taxes $53,101
 $29,967
 $(40,797) $42,271
 $172,646
 $89,981
 $(120,494) $142,133

  

  Three Months Ended June 30, 2017
  
U.S.
Operations
 
Latin America
Operations
 Corporate Consolidated
Revenue:        
Retail merchandise sales $164,852
 $78,970
 $
 $243,822
Pawn loan fees 90,254
 32,378
 
 122,632
Wholesale scrap jewelry sales 26,136
 5,510
 
 31,646
Consumer loan and credit services fees 18,085
 444
 
 18,529
Total revenue 299,327
 117,302
 
 416,629
         
Cost of revenue:        
Cost of retail merchandise sold 106,731
 49,742
 
 156,473
Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold 25,400
 5,190
 
 30,590
Consumer loan and credit services loss provision 5,057
 85
 
 5,142
Total cost of revenue 137,188
 55,017
 
 192,205
         
Net revenue 162,139
 62,285
 
 224,424
         
Expenses and other income:        
Store operating expenses 105,521
 31,549
 
 137,070
Administrative expenses 
 
 30,305
 30,305
Depreciation and amortization 6,421
 2,622
 5,646
 14,689
Interest expense 
 
 5,585
 5,585
Interest income 
 
 (393) (393)
Merger and other acquisition expenses 
 
 1,606
 1,606
Loss on extinguishment of debt 
 
 14,094
 14,094
Total expenses and other income 111,942
 34,171
 56,843
 202,956
         
Income (loss) before income taxes $50,197
 $28,114
 $(56,843) $21,468


  Six Months Ended June 30, 2018
  
U.S.
Operations
 
Latin America
Operations
 Corporate Consolidated
Revenue:        
Retail merchandise sales $352,493
 $173,090
 $
 $525,583
Pawn loan fees 184,067
 68,738
 
 252,805
Wholesale scrap jewelry sales 51,590
 10,610
 
 62,200
Consumer loan and credit services fees 28,440
 744
 
 29,184
Total revenue 616,590
 253,182
 
 869,772
         
Cost of revenue:        
Cost of retail merchandise sold 225,888
 112,183
 
 338,071
Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold 46,608
 9,963
 
 56,571
Consumer loan and credit services loss provision 7,454
 167
 
 7,621
Total cost of revenue 279,950
 122,313
 
 402,263
         
Net revenue 336,640
 130,869
 
 467,509
         
Expenses and other income:        
Store operating expenses 208,008
 68,136
 
 276,144
Administrative expenses 
 
 57,722
 57,722
Depreciation and amortization 10,592
 5,449
 6,194
 22,235
Interest expense 
 
 12,727
 12,727
Interest income 
 
 (1,721) (1,721)
Merger and other acquisition expenses 
 
 2,352
 2,352
Total expenses and other income 218,600
 73,585
 77,274
 369,459
         
Income (loss) before income taxes $118,040
 $57,284
 $(77,274) $98,050


 Six Months Ended June 30, 2017 Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
 
U.S.
Operations
 
Latin America
Operations
 Corporate Consolidated 
U.S.
Operations
 
Latin America
Operations
 Corporate Consolidated
Revenue:                
Retail merchandise sales $358,518
 $145,298
 $
 $503,816
 $519,116
 $231,034
 $
 $750,150
Pawn loan fees 192,072
 58,811
 
 250,883
 287,338
 96,090
 
 383,428
Wholesale scrap jewelry sales 59,033
 10,724
 
 69,757
 91,430
 15,855
 
 107,285
Consumer loan and credit services fees 38,900
 849
 
 39,749
 57,425
 1,329
 
 58,754
Total revenue 648,523
 215,682
 
 864,205
 955,309
 344,308
 
 1,299,617
                
Cost of revenue:                
Cost of retail merchandise sold 230,228
 91,880
 
 322,108
 337,789
 145,669
 
 483,458
Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold 56,082
 9,457
 
 65,539
 87,600
 14,770
 
 102,370
Consumer loan and credit services loss provision 9,047
 187
 
 9,234
 15,115
 304
 
 15,419
Total cost of revenue 295,357
 101,524
 
 396,881
 440,504
 160,743
 
 601,247
                
Net revenue 353,166
 114,158
 
 467,324
 514,805
 183,565
 
 698,370
                
Expenses and other income:                
Store operating expenses 213,489
 60,325
 
 273,814
 318,044
 94,736
 
 412,780
Administrative expenses 
 
 63,543
 63,543
 
 
 93,542
 93,542
Depreciation and amortization 12,840
 5,019
 11,073
 28,932
 18,759
 7,723
 16,322
 42,804
Interest expense 
 
 11,698
 11,698
 
 
 17,827
 17,827
Interest income 
 
 (720) (720) 
 
 (1,138) (1,138)
Merger and other acquisition expenses 
 
 2,253
 2,253
 
 
 3,164
 3,164
Loss on extinguishment of debt 
 
 14,094
 14,094
 
 
 14,114
 14,114
Total expenses and other income 226,329
 65,344
 101,941
 393,614
 336,803
 102,459
 143,831
 583,093
                
Income (loss) before income taxes $126,837
 $48,814
 $(101,941) $73,710
 $178,002
 $81,106
 $(143,831) $115,277

  

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 (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, 2017. References in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q to “year-to-date” refer to the six-monthnine-month period from January 1, 2018 to JuneSeptember 30, 2018.

GENERAL   

The Company is a leading operator of retail-based pawn stores with almost 2,300more 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 term of the 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 approximately 97% and 95% of the Company’s consolidated revenue during the sixnine month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 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 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 processed at third-party facilities 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. These stores provide consumer financial services products including credit services and consumer loans. In addition, 307302 of the Company’s pawn stores also offer credit services and/or consumer loans as an ancillary 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 approximately 3% and 5% of consolidated revenue during the sixnine month periods ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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.

  

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 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 consolidation of technology systems and corporate 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 JuneSeptember 30, 2018, the Company had 2,2892,446 store locations composed of 1,100 stores in 25 U.S. states (including the District of Columbia), 1,292 stores in 32 states in Mexico, 37 stores in Guatemala, 13 stores in El Salvador and four stores in Colombia, which represents a net store-count increase of 9%16% over the number of stores at JuneSeptember 30, 2017.
 
The following table details store count activity for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018:

   Consumer     Consumer  
 Pawn Loan Total Pawn Loan Total
 
Locations (1), (2)
 
Locations (3)
 Locations 
Locations (1), (2)
 
Locations (3)
 Locations
U.S.:      
U.S. operations segment:      
Total locations, beginning of period 1,064
 41
 1,105
 1,074
 33
 1,107
Locations acquired 15
 
 15
Locations closed or consolidated (5) (8) (13) (4) (3) (7)
Total locations, end of period 1,074
 33
 1,107
 1,070
 30
 1,100
            
Latin America:      
Latin America operations segment:      
Total locations, beginning of period 1,105
 28
 1,133
 1,182
 
 1,182
New locations opened 16
 
 16
 16
 
 16
Locations acquired 62
 
 62
 154
 
 154
Locations closed or consolidated (1) (28) (29) (6) 
 (6)
Total locations, end of period 1,182
 
 1,182
 1,346
 
 1,346
            
Total:            
Total locations, beginning of period 2,169
 69
 2,238
 2,256
 33
 2,289
New locations opened 16
 
 16
 16
 
 16
Locations acquired 77
 
 77
 154
 
 154
Locations closed or consolidated (6) (36) (42) (10) (3) (13)
Total locations, end of period 2,256
 33
 2,289
 2,416
 30
 2,446

(1) 
At JuneSeptember 30, 2018, 307302 of the U.S. pawn stores, primarily located in Texas and Ohio, also offered consumer loans and/or credit services as an ancillary product. Effective June 30, 2018, the Company no longer offers an unsecured consumer loan product in Latin America.

(2) 
The Company closed six10 pawn stores, fivefour in the U.S. and onesix in Latin America, during the secondthird 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 credit services products and are located in Ohio and Texas.
  

The following table details store count activity for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018:

   Consumer     Consumer  
 Pawn Loan Total Pawn Loan Total
 
Locations (1), (2)
 
Locations (3)
 Locations 
Locations (1), (2)
 
Locations (3)
 Locations
U.S.:      
U.S. operations segment:      
Total locations, beginning of period 1,068
 44
 1,112
 1,068
 44
 1,112
Locations acquired 18
 
 18
 18
 
 18
Locations closed or consolidated (12) (11) (23) (16) (14) (30)
Total locations, end of period 1,074
 33
 1,107
 1,070
 30
 1,100
            
Latin America:      
Latin America operations segment:      
Total locations, beginning of period 971
 28
 999
 971
 28
 999
New locations opened 27
 
 27
 43
 
 43
Locations acquired 188
 
 188
 342
 
 342
Locations closed or consolidated (4) (28) (32) (10) (28) (38)
Total locations, end of period 1,182
 
 1,182
 1,346
 
 1,346
            
Total:            
Total locations, beginning of period 2,039
 72
 2,111
 2,039
 72
 2,111
New locations opened 27
 
 27
 43
 
 43
Locations acquired 206
 
 206
 360
 
 360
Locations closed or consolidated (16) (39) (55) (26) (42) (68)
Total locations, end of period 2,256
 33
 2,289
 2,416
 30
 2,446

(1) 
At JuneSeptember 30, 2018, 307302 of the U.S. pawn stores, primarily located in Texas and Ohio, also offered consumer loans and/or credit services as an ancillary product. Effective June 30, 2018, the Company no longer offers an unsecured consumer loan product in Latin America.

(2) 
The Company closed 1626 pawn stores, 1216 in the U.S. and four10 in Latin America, during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 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 credit services products and are located in Ohio and 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 2017 annual report on Form 10-K. There have been no changes to the Company’s significant accounting policies for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 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 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-year results at prior-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 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 Colombia are transacted in Mexican pesos, 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, Guatemalan quetzal and Colombian peso for the current and prior-year periods:  

 June 30, Favorable / September 30, Favorable /
 2018 2017 (Unfavorable) 2018 2017 (Unfavorable)
Mexican peso / U.S. dollar exchange rate:              
End-of-period 19.9
 17.9
 (11)%  18.8
 18.2
 (3)% 
Three months ended 19.4
 18.6
 (4)%  19.0
 17.8
 (7)% 
Six months ended 19.1
 19.5
 2 % 
Nine months ended 19.0
 18.9
 (1)% 
              
Guatemalan quetzal / U.S. dollar exchange rate:              
End-of-period 7.5
 7.3
 (3)%  7.7
 7.3
 (5)% 
Three months ended 7.4
 7.3
 (1)%  7.5
 7.3
 (3)% 
Six months ended 7.4
 7.4
  % 
Nine months ended 7.5
 7.4
 (1)% 
              
Colombian peso / U.S. dollar exchange rate:              
End-of-period 2,931
 3,038
 4 %  2,972
 2,937
 (1)% 
Three months ended 2,839
 2,920
 3 %  2,959
 2,976
 1 % 
Six months ended 2,849
 2,920
 2 % 
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 JuneSeptember 30, 2018 Compared to the Three Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017

U.S. Operations Segment

The following table details earning assets, which consist of pawn loans, inventories and consumer loans, net as well as other earning asset metrics of the U.S. operations segment as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 as compared to JuneSeptember 30, 2017 (dollars in thousands, except as otherwise noted):

Balance at June 30, Increase /Balance at September 30, Increase /
2018 2017 (Decrease)2018 2017 (Decrease)
U.S. Operations Segment              
Earning assets:              
Pawn loans$267,586
 $273,823
 (2)% $278,809
 $281,217
 (1)% 
Inventories 184,531
 243,991
 (24)%  200,404
 240,384
 (17)% 
Consumer loans, net (1)
 17,109
  23,801
 (28)%  17,804
  24,108
 (26)% 
$469,226
 $541,615
 (13)% $497,017
 $545,709
 (9)% 
              
Average outstanding pawn loan amount (in ones)$160
 $148
 8 % $163
 $152
 7 % 
              
Composition of pawn collateral:              
General merchandise37% 38%   36% 36%   
Jewelry63% 62%   64% 64%   
100% 100%   100% 100%   
              
Composition of inventories:              
General merchandise41% 44%   42% 43%   
Jewelry59% 56%   58% 57%   
100% 100%   100% 100%   
              
Percentage of inventory aged greater than one year4% 12%   4% 9%   

(1) 
Does not include the off-balance sheet principal portion of active extensions of credit made by independent third-party 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 $7.5$7.4 million and $9.1$9.3 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

  

The following table presents segment pre-tax operating income of the U.S. operations segment for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 as compared to the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 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   
 June 30, Increase / September 30, Increase /
 2018 2017 (Decrease) 2018 2017 (Decrease)
U.S. Operations Segment              
Revenue:              
Retail merchandise sales $166,441
 $164,852
 1 %  $162,001
 $160,598
 1 % 
Pawn loan fees 87,825
 90,254
 (3)%  93,344
 95,266
 (2)% 
Wholesale scrap jewelry sales 22,133
 26,136
 (15)%  18,804
 32,397
 (42)% 
Consumer loan and credit services fees 13,401
 18,085
 (26)%  14,082
 18,525
 (24)% 
Total revenue 289,800
 299,327
 (3)%  288,231
 306,786
 (6)% 
              
Cost of revenue:              
Cost of retail merchandise sold 105,272
 106,731
 (1)%  102,370
 107,561
 (5)% 
Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold 18,955
 25,400
 (25)%  17,595
 31,518
 (44)% 
Consumer loan and credit services loss provision 3,810
 5,057
 (25)%  5,420
 6,068
 (11)% 
Total cost of revenue 128,037
 137,188
 (7)%  125,385
 145,147
 (14)% 
              
Net revenue 161,763
 162,139
  %  162,846
 161,639
 1 % 
              
Segment expenses:              
Store operating expenses 103,625
 105,521
 (2)%  102,955
 104,555
 (2)% 
Depreciation and amortization 5,037
 6,421
 (22)%  5,285
 5,919
 (11)% 
Total segment expenses 108,662
 111,942
 (3)%  108,240
 110,474
 (2)% 
              
Segment pre-tax operating income $53,101
 $50,197
 6 %  $54,606
 $51,165
 7 % 

Retail Merchandise Sales Operations

U.S. retail merchandise sales increased 1% to $166.4$162.0 million during the secondthird quarter of 2018 compared to $164.9$160.6 million for the secondthird quarter of 2017. Same-store retail sales were consistent between the secondthird quarter of 2018 and the secondthird quarter of 2017. During the secondthird quarter of 2018, the gross profit margin on retail merchandise sales in the U.S. was 37% compared to a margin of 35%33% during the secondthird quarter of 2017. The improvements were driven primarily by the transition of the Cash America locations to the FirstPawn IT platform and compensation plans focused on improving key profitability metrics such as retail margins.margins and inventory turns.

U.S. inventories decreased 24%17% from $244.0$240.4 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2017 to $184.5$200.4 million at JuneSeptember 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 over the past several quarters. Inventories aged greater than one year in the U.S. at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 were 4% compared to 12%9% at JuneSeptember 30, 2017.

Pawn Lending Operations

U.S. pawn loan fees decreased 3%2% totaling $87.8$93.3 million during the secondthird quarter of 2018 compared to $90.3$95.3 million for the secondthird quarter of 2017. Same-store pawn fees decreased 3% in the secondthird quarter of 2018 compared to the secondthird quarter of 2017. Pawn loan receivables as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 decreased 2%1% both in total and 3% on a same-store basis compared to JuneSeptember 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 the FirstPawn IT platform in the Cash America stores during 2017.

an increased focus on direct purchases of merchandise from customers less likely to redeem a pawn loan.
  

Wholesale Scrap Jewelry Operations

U.S. wholesale scrap jewelry revenue, consisting primarily of gold sales, decreased 15%42% to $22.1$18.8 million during the secondthird quarter of 2018 compared to $26.1$32.4 million during the secondthird quarter of 2017. The scrap jewelry gross profit margin in the U.S. was 14%6% compared to the prior-year margin of 3%. Scrap jewelry profits accounted for 2%1% of U.S. net revenue (gross profit) for both the secondthird quarter of 2018 and less than 1% for the second quarter of 2017, and is considered a non-core revenue stream of the Company.

Consumer Lending Operations

Service fees from U.S. consumer loans and credit services transactions (collectively, consumer lending operations) decreased 26%24% to $13.4$14.1 million during the secondthird quarter of 2018 compared to $18.1$18.5 million for the secondthird quarter of 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 Company continues to de-emphasize consumer lending operations in light of increasing regulatory constraints 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 continue to strategically close underperforming13 stand-alone consumer lending locations and discontinue unsecured consumer loan andproducts in 38 pawn locations, which offer consumer loans and/or credit services stores in 2018as an ancillary product. Revenue and beyond. Revenuesgross profit from consumer lending operations comprisedeach accounted for 5% of total U.S. revenue and gross profit, respectively, during the secondthird quarter of 2018 compared to 6% of U.S. revenueand 8%, respectively, during the secondthird quarter of 2017 and is considered a non-core revenue stream of the Company.

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.
The Company is currently evaluatingevaluating 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 effectiveeffective on or about April 26, 2019. TheThe 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 decreased 2% to $103.6$103.0 million during the secondthird quarter of 2018 compared to $105.5$104.6 million during the secondthird quarter of 2017, primarily due to continued efforts to integrate and optimize domestic store operations and a 1% decrease in the Cash America stores.U.S. weighted-average store count. Same-store operating expenses decreased less than 1% compared with the prior-year period.

U.S. store depreciation and amortization decreased 22%11% to $5.0$5.3 million during the secondthird quarter of 2018 compared to $6.4$5.9 million during the secondthird quarter of 2017, primarily due to a reduction in capital spending in Cash America stores compared to pre-merger levels.

The U.S. segment pre-tax operating income for the secondthird quarter of 2018 was $53.1$54.6 million, which generated a pre-tax segment operating margin of 18%19% compared to $50.2$51.2 million and 17% in the prior year, respectively. The increase in the segment pre-tax operating margin was primarily due to increased retail sales gross profits and reductions in store operating expenses and store depreciation and amortization, partially offset by expected and continued reductions in non-core consumer lending gross profits.

  

Latin America Operations Segment

Latin American results of operations for the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 compared to the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 were hinderedimpacted by a 4%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 JuneSeptember 30, 2018 compared to JuneSeptember 30, 2017 also were hinderedimpacted by an 11%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 as well as other earning asset metrics of the Latin America operations segment as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 as compared to JuneSeptember 30, 2017 (dollars in thousands, except as otherwise noted):

       Constant Currency Basis        Constant Currency Basis 
       Balance at          Balance at   
       June 30, Increase /       September 30, Increase /
Balance at June 30, Increase / 2018 (Decrease)Balance at September 30, Increase / 2018 (Decrease)
2018 2017 (Decrease) (Non-GAAP) (Non-GAAP)2018 2017 (Decrease) (Non-GAAP) (Non-GAAP)
Latin America Operations Segment                      
Earning assets:                      
Pawn loans$80,709
 $79,576
 1 % $89,138
 12 % $108,924
 $90,150
 21 % $112,594
 25 % 
Inventories 65,158
 57,370
 14 % 72,046
 26 %  77,034
 68,299
 13 % 79,632
 17 % 
Consumer loans, net 147
  391
 (62)% 163
 (58)%  
  407
 (100)% 
 (100)% 
$146,014
 $137,337
 6 % $161,347
 17 % $185,958
 $158,856
 17 % $192,226
 21 % 
                      
Average outstanding pawn loan amount (in ones)$62
 $66
 (6)% $69
 5 % $68
 $67
 1 % $70
 4 % 
                      
Composition of pawn collateral:                      
General merchandise79% 81%       77% 82%       
Jewelry21% 19%       23% 18%       
100% 100%       100% 100%       
                      
Composition of inventories:                      
General merchandise75% 74%       73% 75%��       
Jewelry25% 26%       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 JuneSeptember 30, 2018 as compared to the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 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   June 30, Increase / Three Months Ended   September 30, Increase /
 June 30, Increase / 2018 (Decrease) September 30, Increase / 2018 (Decrease)
 2018 2017 (Decrease) (Non-GAAP) (Non-GAAP) 2018 2017 (Decrease) (Non-GAAP) (Non-GAAP)
Latin America Operations Segment                      
Revenue:                      
Retail merchandise sales $89,301
 $78,970
 13 % $92,898
 18 %  $94,416
 $85,736
 10 % $100,388
 17 % 
Pawn loan fees 35,187
 32,378
 9 % 36,591
 13 %  41,269
 37,279
 11 % 43,868
 18 % 
Wholesale scrap jewelry sales 5,342
 5,510
 (3)% 5,342
 (3)%  5,846
 5,131
 14 % 5,846
 14 % 
Consumer loan and credit services fees 342
 444
 (23)% 356
 (20)%  116
 480
 (76)% 123
 (74)% 
Total revenue 130,172
 117,302
 11 % 135,187
 15 %  141,647
 128,626
 10 % 150,225
 17 % 
                      
Cost of revenue:                      
Cost of retail merchandise sold 58,302
 49,742
 17 % 60,641
 22 %  60,917
 53,789
 13 % 64,762
 20 % 
Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold 5,121
 5,190
 (1)% 5,324
 3 %  6,264
 5,313
 18 % 6,657
 25 % 
Consumer loan and credit services loss provision 84
 85
 (1)% 88
 4 %  54
 117
 (54)% 58
 (50)% 
Total cost of revenue 63,507
 55,017
 15 % 66,053
 20 %  67,235
 59,219
 14 % 71,477
 21 % 
                      
Net revenue 66,665
 62,285
 7 % 69,134
 11 %  74,412
 69,407
 7 % 78,748
 13 % 
                      
Segment expenses:                      
Store operating expenses 33,958
 31,549
 8 % 35,185
 12 %  38,800
 34,411
 13 % 40,989
 19 % 
Depreciation and amortization 2,740
 2,622
 5 % 2,840
 8 %  2,915
 2,704
 8 % 3,080
 14 % 
Total segment expenses 36,698
 34,171
 7 % 38,025
 11 %  41,715
 37,115
 12 % 44,069
 19 % 
                      
Segment pre-tax operating income $29,967
 $28,114
 7 % $31,109
 11 %  $32,697
 $32,292
 1 % $34,679
 7 % 

Retail Merchandise Sales Operations

Latin America retail merchandise sales increased 13% (18%10% (17% on a constant currency basis) to $89.3$94.4 million during the secondthird quarter of 2018 compared to $79.0$85.7 million for the secondthird quarter of 2017. The increase was primarily due to revenue contributions from recent acquisition activity, new store openings and a 9%1% increase (13%(8% on a constant currency basis) in same-store retail sales driven by strong retail demand trends, revenue contributions from recent acquisition activity and new store openings.sales. The gross profit margin on retail merchandise sales was 35% during the secondthird quarter of 2018 compared to 37% during the secondthird quarter of 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.

Inventories in Latin America increased 14% (26%13% (17% on a constant currency basis) from $57.4$68.3 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2017 to $65.2$77.0 million at JuneSeptember 30, 2018. The increase was primarily due to the acquisition of 188342 smaller format stores in Mexico over the previous twothree quarters, new store openings and the maturation of existing stores. Inventories aged greater than one year in Latin America were less than 1% at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 andcompared to 1% at September 30, 2017.

  

Pawn Lending Operations

Pawn loan fees in Latin America increased 9% (13%11% (18% on a constant currency basis) totaling $35.2$41.3 million during the secondthird quarter of 2018 compared to $32.4$37.3 million for the secondthird quarter of 2017, primarily as a result of the 1% (12%21% increase (25% on a constant currency basis) increase in pawn loan receivables as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 compared to JuneSeptember 30, 2017. The increase in pawn loan receivables was primarily driven by pawn loans acquired in the recent acquisitions and new store additions, partially offset by a same-store pawn receivable decrease of 8% (2% increase3% (flat on a constant currency basis).

Wholesale Scrap Jewelry Operations

Latin America wholesale scrap jewelry revenue, consisting primarily of gold sales, decreased 3%increased 14% to $5.3$5.8 million during the secondthird quarter of 2018 compared to $5.5$5.1 million during the secondthird quarter of 2017. The scrap jewelry gross profit margin in Latin America was 4% (less than 1%a loss of 7% (14% on a constant currency basis) compared to the prior-year gross margin loss of 6%4%. Scrap jewelry profitslosses accounted for less than 1% of net revenue (gross profit) for the secondthird quarter of 2018 compared to less than 1% in the secondthird quarter of 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 8% (12%13% (19% on a constant currency basis) to $34.0$38.8 million during the secondthird quarter of 2018 compared to $31.5$34.4 million during the secondthird quarter of 2017 and same-store2017. Total store operating expenses increased primarily due to the 29% increase in the Latin America weighted-average store count. Same-store operating expenses decreased less than 1%2% (increased 3% on a constant currency basis) compared to the prior-year period. Total store operating expenses increased primarily due to the 8% increase in the weighted-average store count.

The segment pre-tax operating income for the secondthird quarter of 2018 was $30.0$32.7 million, which generated a pre-tax segment operating margin of 23% compared to $28.1$32.3 million and 24%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 JuneSeptember 30, 2018 as compared to the three months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 (dollars in thousands):

 Three Months Ended    Three Months Ended   
 June 30, Increase / September 30, Increase /
 2018 2017 (Decrease) 2018 2017 (Decrease)
Consolidated Results of Operations              
Segment pre-tax operating income:              
U.S. operations segment pre-tax operating income $53,101
 $50,197
 6 %  $54,606
 $51,165
 7 % 
Latin America operations segment pre-tax operating income 29,967
 28,114
 7 %  32,697
 32,292
 1 % 
Consolidated segment pre-tax operating income 83,068
 78,311
 6 %  87,303
 83,457
 5 % 
              
Corporate expenses and other income:              
Administrative expenses 29,720
 30,305
 (2)%  29,977
 29,999
  % 
Depreciation and amortization 3,175
 5,646
 (44)%  2,650
 5,249
 (50)% 
Interest expense 6,529
 5,585
 17 %  7,866
 6,129
 28 % 
Interest income (740) (393) 88 %  (495) (418) 18 % 
Merger and other acquisition expenses 2,113
 1,606
 32 %  3,222
 911
 254 % 
Loss on extinguishment of debt 
 14,094
 (100)%  
 20
 (100)% 
Total corporate expenses and other income 40,797
 56,843
 (28)%  43,220
 41,890
 3 % 
              
Income before income taxes 42,271
 21,468
 97 %  44,083
 41,567
 6 % 
              
Provision for income taxes 12,100
 6,229
 94 %  10,758
 13,293
 (19)% 
              
Net income $30,171
 $15,239
 98 %  $33,325
 $28,274
 18 % 

Corporate Expenses and Taxes

Administrative expenses decreased 2% to $29.7were consistent, totaling $30.0 million during both the secondthird quarter of 2018 compared to $30.3 million during the second quarter ofand 2017, primarily due toas administrative synergies realized from the Cash America merger partiallyand a 7% unfavorable change in the average value of the Mexican peso, which reduced comparative administrative expenses in Mexico, were offset by an 8%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. In addition, there was a 4% unfavorable change in the average value of the Mexican peso for the three months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the three months ended June 30, 2017, which reduced comparative administrative expenses in Mexico. As a percentage of revenue, administrativeAdministrative expenses were 7% of revenue during both the secondthird quarter of both 2018 and 2017.

Corporate depreciation and amortization decreased to $3.2$2.7 million during the secondthird quarter of 2018 compared to $5.6$5.2 million during the secondthird 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 $6.5$7.9 million in the secondthird quarter of 2018 compared to $5.6$6.1 million for the secondthird 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.

  

Merger and other acquisition expenses increased to $2.1 million during the second quarter of 2018 compared to $1.6 million during the second quarter of 2017, reflecting timing in acquisition and integration costs associated with the Cash America merger and the recent Latin America acquisitions. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Information” for additional details of merger and other acquisition expenses.

During the second quarter of 2017, the Company repurchased through a tender offer, or otherwise redeemed, its previously outstanding $200 million, 6.75% senior unsecured notes due 2021, incurring a loss on extinguishment of debt of $14.1 million.

For the secondthird quarter of 2018 and 2017, the Company’s consolidated effective income tax rates were 28.6%24.4% and 29.0%32.0%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the secondthird quarter of 2018 was impacted primarily 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 rate from 35% in 2017 to 21% in 2018. The 28.6%24.4% effective income tax rate for the secondthird quarter of 2018 was negativelyalso positively impacted by the refinement of certain 2018 U.S.foreign tax estimates during the quarter. The Company expects its full year 2018 blended effective income tax rate, including corporate income taxes on Latin American operations, to be betweenapproximately 26% and 27% for fiscal 2018 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 incomediluted earnings per share for the secondthird quarter of 2018 compared to the secondthird quarter of 2017 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 Three Months Ended June 30, Three Months Ended September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
 As Reported Adjusted As Reported Adjusted As Reported Adjusted As Reported Adjusted
 (GAAP) (Non-GAAP) (GAAP) (Non-GAAP) (GAAP) (Non-GAAP) (GAAP) (Non-GAAP)
Revenue $419,972
 $419,972
 $416,629
 $416,629
 $429,878
 $429,878
 $435,412
 $435,412
Net revenue $228,428
 $228,428
 $224,424
 $224,424
 $237,258
 $237,258
 $231,046
 $231,046
Net income $30,171
 $31,683
 $15,239
 $25,130
 $33,325
 $35,587
 $28,274
 $28,861
Diluted earnings per share $0.67
 $0.70
 $0.32
 $0.52
 $0.76
 $0.81
 $0.59
 $0.61
Weighted average diluted shares 45,043
 45,043
 48,289
 48,289
 44,116
 44,116
 47,668
 47,668

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 merger 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.
  

Operating Results for the SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 Compared to the SixNine Months Ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017

U.S. Operations Segment

The following table presents segment pre-tax operating income of the U.S. operations segment for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 as compared to the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 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.

 Six Months Ended    Nine Months Ended   
 June 30,   September 30,  
 2018 2017 Decrease 2018 2017 Decrease
U.S. Operations Segment              
Revenue:              
Retail merchandise sales $352,493
 $358,518
 (2)%  $514,494
 $519,116
 (1)% 
Pawn loan fees 184,067
 192,072
 (4)%  277,411
 287,338
 (3)% 
Wholesale scrap jewelry sales 51,590
 59,033
 (13)%  70,394
 91,430
 (23)% 
Consumer loan and credit services fees 28,440
 38,900
 (27)%  42,522
 57,425
 (26)% 
Total revenue 616,590
 648,523
 (5)%  904,821
 955,309
 (5)% 
              
Cost of revenue:              
Cost of retail merchandise sold 225,888
 230,228
 (2)%  328,258
 337,789
 (3)% 
Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold 46,608
 56,082
 (17)%  64,203
 87,600
 (27)% 
Consumer loan and credit services loss provision 7,454
 9,047
 (18)%  12,874
 15,115
 (15)% 
Total cost of revenue 279,950
 295,357
 (5)%  405,335
 440,504
 (8)% 
              
Net revenue 336,640
 353,166
 (5)%  499,486
 514,805
 (3)% 
              
Segment expenses:              
Store operating expenses 208,008
 213,489
 (3)%  310,963
 318,044
 (2)% 
Depreciation and amortization 10,592
 12,840
 (18)%  15,877
 18,759
 (15)% 
Total segment expenses 218,600
 226,329
 (3)%  326,840
 336,803
 (3)% 
              
Segment pre-tax operating income $118,040
 $126,837
 (7)%  $172,646
 $178,002
 (3)% 

Retail Merchandise Sales Operations

U.S. retail merchandise sales decreased 2%1% to $352.5$514.5 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 compared to $358.5$519.1 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017. Same-store retail sales also decreased 2%1% during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 compared to the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017. During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, the gross profit margin on retail merchandise sales in the U.S. was 36% which equaled the gross profitcompared to a margin of 35% during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017. The decline in retail sales was primarily due to strategic reductions in inventory levels in the Cash America stores.

Pawn Lending Operations

U.S. pawn loan fees decreased 4% totaling $184.1 million during the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $192.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017. Same-store pawn fees also decreased 4% during the six months ended June 30, 2018 compared to the six months ended June 30, 2017. Pawn loan receivables as of June 30, 2018 decreased 2% in total and 3% on a same-store basis compared to June 30, 2017. The decline in same-store pawn receivables and pawn loan fees relates primarily to the adoption of FirstCash’s lending practices and the FirstPawn IT platform during 2017.

  

Pawn Lending Operations

U.S. pawn loan fees decreased 3% totaling $277.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to $287.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Same-store pawn fees decreased 4% during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Pawn loan receivables as of September 30, 2018 decreased 1% in total and on a same-store basis compared to September 30, 2017. The decline in 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.

Wholesale Scrap Jewelry Operations

U.S. wholesale scrap jewelry revenue, consisting primarily of gold sales, decreased 13%23% to $51.6$70.4 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 compared to $59.0$91.4 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017. The scrap jewelry gross profit margin in the U.S. was 10%9% compared to the prior-year margin of 5%4%. Scrap jewelry profits accounted for 1% of U.S. net revenue (gross profit) for both the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, and is considered a non-core revenue stream of the Company.

Consumer Lending Operations

Service fees from U.S. consumer loans and credit services transactions (collectively, consumer lending operations) decreased 27%26% to $28.4$42.5 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 compared to $38.9$57.4 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017. TheNet revenue (gross profit) from U.S. consumer lending operations decreased 30% to $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 constraintsoperations. Revenue and internet-based competition and expects to continue to strategically close underperforming stand-alone consumer loan and credit services stores in 2018 and beyond. Revenuesgross profit from consumer lending operations comprisedaccounted for 5% and 6% of total U.S. revenue and gross profit, respectively, during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 compared to 6% of U.S. revenueand 8%, respectively, during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 and is considered a non-core revenue stream of the Company.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.
 
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 decreased 3%2% to $208.0$311.0 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 compared to $213.5$318.0 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017, primarily due to continued efforts to integrate and optimize domestic store operations and a 1% decrease in the Cash America stores.U.S. weighted-average store count. Same-store operating expenses decreased 1% compared with the prior-year period.

U.S. store depreciation and amortization decreased 18%15% to $10.6$15.9 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 compared to $12.8$18.8 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017, primarily due to a reduction in capital spending in Cash America stores compared to pre-merger levels.

The U.S. segment pre-tax operating income for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 was $118.0$172.6 million compared to $178.0 million in the prior year, which generated a pre-tax segment operating margin of 19% compared to $126.8 million and 20% in the prior year, respectively.for both periods. The decline in the segment pre-tax operating marginincome was primarily due to net revenue pressure during the six months ended June 30, 2018 primarily a result of declines in pawn loan fees and non-core consumer lending gross profits, and Cash America store integration efforts, partially offset by a reductionincreased retail sales gross profits and reductions in store operating expenses and store depreciation and amortization.


  

Latin America Operations Segment

Latin American results of operations for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 compared to the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 benefited fromwere impacted by a 2% favorable1% 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 sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 as compared to the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 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
       Six Months          Nine Months   
     Ended        Ended   
 Six Months Ended   June 30, Increase / Nine Months Ended   September 30, Increase /
 June 30, Increase / 2018 (Decrease) September 30, Increase / 2018 (Decrease)
 2018 2017 (Decrease) (Non-GAAP) (Non-GAAP) 2018 2017 (Decrease) (Non-GAAP) (Non-GAAP)
Latin America Operations Segment                      
Revenue:                      
Retail merchandise sales $173,090
 $145,298
 19 % $169,483
 17 %  $267,506
 $231,034
 16 % $268,988
 16 % 
Pawn loan fees 68,738
 58,811
 17 % 67,324
 14 %  110,007
 96,090
 14 % 110,615
 15 % 
Wholesale scrap jewelry sales 10,610
 10,724
 (1)% 10,610
 (1)%  16,456
 15,855
 4 % 16,456
 4 % 
Consumer loan and credit services fees 744
 849
 (12)% 728
 (14)%  860
 1,329
 (35)% 865
 (35)% 
Total revenue 253,182
 215,682
 17 % 248,145
 15 %  394,829
 344,308
 15 % 396,924
 15 % 
                      
Cost of revenue:                      
Cost of retail merchandise sold 112,183
 91,880
 22 % 109,857
 20 %  173,100
 145,669
 19 % 174,061
 19 % 
Cost of wholesale scrap jewelry sold 9,963
 9,457
 5 % 9,752
 3 %  16,227
 14,770
 10 % 16,315
 10 % 
Consumer loan and credit services loss provision 167
 187
 (11)% 163
 (13)%  221
 304
 (27)% 222
 (27)% 
Total cost of revenue 122,313
 101,524
 20 % 119,772
 18 %  189,548
 160,743
 18 % 190,598
 19 % 
                      
Net revenue 130,869
 114,158
 15 % 128,373
 12 %  205,281
 183,565
 12 % 206,326
 12 % 
                      
Segment expenses:                      
Store operating expenses 68,136
 60,325
 13 % 66,856
 11 %  106,936
 94,736
 13 % 107,472
 13 % 
Depreciation and amortization 5,449
 5,019
 9 % 5,347
 7 %  8,364
 7,723
 8 % 8,406
 9 % 
Total segment expenses 73,585
 65,344
 ��13 % 72,203
 10 %  115,300
 102,459
 13 % 115,878
 13 % 
                      
Segment pre-tax operating income $57,284
 $48,814
 17 % $56,170
 15 %  $89,981
 $81,106
 11 % $90,448
 12 % 

  

Retail Merchandise Sales Operations

Latin America retail merchandise sales increased 19% (17%16% in total and on a constant currency basis)basis to $173.1$267.5 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 compared to $145.3$231.0 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017. The increase was primarily due to a 15% increase (13% on a constant currency basis) in same-store retail sales driven by strong retail demand trends, revenue contributions from recent acquisition activity, and new store openings.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 sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 compared to 37% during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 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 17% (14%14% (15% on a constant currency basis) totaling $68.7$110.0 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 compared to $58.8$96.1 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017, primarily as a result of the 1% (12%21% increase (25% on a constant currency basis) increase in pawn loan receivables as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 compared to JuneSeptember 30, 2017. The increase in pawn receivables was primarily driven by pawn loans acquired in the recent acquisitions and new store additions, partially offset by a same-store pawn receivable decrease of 8% (2% increase3% (flat on a constant currency basis).

Wholesale Scrap Jewelry Operations

Latin America wholesale scrap jewelry revenue, consisting primarily of gold sales, decreased 1%increased 4% to $10.6$16.5 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 compared to $10.7$15.9 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017. The scrap jewelry gross profit margin in Latin America was 6% (8%1% in total and on a constant currency basis)basis compared to the prior-year margin of 12%7%. Scrap jewelry profits accounted for less than 1% of Latin America net revenue (gross profit) for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 compared to 1% for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 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 13% (11%in total and on a constant currency basis)basis to $68.1$106.9 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 compared to $60.3$94.7 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 and same-store2017. Total store operating expenses increased 7% (5%primarily due to the 20% increase in the Latin America weighted-average store count. Same-store operating expenses increased 4% 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 partially due to increased compensation expense related to wage inflation beginning during the second quarter of 2017. Additionally, total store operating expenses increased due to the 7% increase in the weighted-average store count.

The segment pre-tax operating income for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 was $57.3$90.0 million, which generated a pre-tax segment operating margin of 23% compared to $48.8$81.1 million and 23%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 sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 as compared to the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 (dollars in thousands):

 Six Months Ended    Nine Months Ended   
 June 30, Increase / September 30, Increase /
 2018 2017 (Decrease) 2018 2017 (Decrease)
Consolidated Results of Operations              
Segment pre-tax operating income:              
U.S. operations segment pre-tax operating income $118,040
 $126,837
 (7)%  $172,646
 $178,002
 (3)% 
Latin America operations segment pre-tax operating income 57,284
 48,814
 17 %  89,981
 81,106
 11 % 
Consolidated segment pre-tax operating income 175,324
 175,651
  %  262,627
 259,108
 1 % 
              
Corporate expenses and other income:              
Administrative expenses 57,722
 63,543
 (9)%  87,699
 93,542
 (6)% 
Depreciation and amortization 6,194
 11,073
 (44)%  8,844
 16,322
 (46)% 
Interest expense 12,727
 11,698
 9 %  20,593
 17,827
 16 % 
Interest income (1,721) (720) 139 %  (2,216) (1,138) 95 % 
Merger and other acquisition expenses 2,352
 2,253
 4 %  5,574
 3,164
 76 % 
Loss on extinguishment of debt 
 14,094
 (100)%  
 14,114
 (100)% 
Total corporate expenses and other income 77,274
 101,941
 (24)%  120,494
 143,831
 (16)% 
              
Income before income taxes 98,050
 73,710
 33 %  142,133
 115,277
 23 % 
              
Provision for income taxes 26,244
 25,826
 2 %  37,002
 39,119
 (5)% 
              
Net income $71,806
 $47,884
 50 %  $105,131
 $76,158
 38 % 

Corporate Expenses and Taxes

Administrative expenses decreased 9%6% to $57.7$87.7 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 compared to $63.5$93.5 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017, primarily due toas administrative synergies realized from the Cash America merger and a 1% unfavorable change in the average value of the Mexican peso, which slightly reduced comparative administrative expenses in Mexico, were partially offset by a 7%9% increase in the consolidated weighted-average store count resulting in additional management and supervisory compensation and other support expenses required for such growth and a 2% favorable change in the average value of the Mexican peso, which increased comparative administrative expenses in Mexico. As a percentage of revenue, administrativegrowth. Administrative expenses were 7% of revenue during both the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017.

Corporate depreciation and amortization decreased to $6.2$8.8 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 compared to $11.1$16.3 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 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 $12.7$20.6 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 compared to $11.7$17.8 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources.”

Merger and other acquisition expenses increased to $2.4$5.6 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 compared to $2.3$3.2 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 reflecting timing in acquisition and integration costs associated with the Cash America merger and the recent Latin America acquisitions.acquisition activity. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Information” for additional details of merger and other acquisition expenses.
  

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

For the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017, the Company’s consolidated effective income tax rates were 26.8%26.0% and 35.0%33.9%, respectively. The effective tax rate for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 was impacted primarily as a result of the passage of the Tax Act on December 22, 2017, which reduced the U.S. corporate income tax 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 betweenapproximately 26% and 27% for fiscal 2018 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 incomediluted earnings per share for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 compared to the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 (in thousands, except per share amounts):

 Six Months Ended June 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
 As Reported Adjusted As Reported Adjusted As Reported Adjusted As Reported Adjusted
 (GAAP) (Non-GAAP) (GAAP) (Non-GAAP) (GAAP) (Non-GAAP) (GAAP) (Non-GAAP)
Revenue $869,772
 $869,772
 $864,205
 $864,205
 $1,299,650
 $1,299,650
 $1,299,617
 $1,299,617
Net revenue $467,509
 $467,509
 $467,324
 $467,324
 $704,767
 $704,767
 $698,370
 $698,370
Net income $71,806
 $73,502
 $47,884
 $58,183
 $105,131
 $109,089
 $76,158
 $87,044
Diluted earnings per share $1.57
 $1.61
 $0.99
 $1.20
 $2.33
 $2.41
 $1.58
 $1.81
Weighted average diluted shares 45,757
 45,757
 48,345
 48,345
 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 merger 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 JuneSeptember 30, 2018, the Company’s primary sources of liquidity were $83.1$57.0 million in cash and cash equivalents, $173.4$91.8 million of available and unused funds under the Company’s revolving unsecured credit facility, $408.5$454.7 million in customer loans and fees and service charges receivable and $249.7$277.4 million in inventories. As of JuneSeptember 30, 2018, the amount of cash associated with indefinitely reinvested foreign earnings was $49.5$24.1 million, which is primarily held in Mexican pesos. The Company had working capital of $644.2$669.2 million as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and total equity exceeded liabilities by a ratio of 1.91.6 to 1.

On May 30, 2017, the Company issued $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 is payable semi-annually in arrears on June 1 and December 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 unsecured credit facility. The Notes will permit the Company 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. 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 JuneSeptember 30, 2018, the Net Debt Ratio was 1.62.0 to 1. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Information” for additional information on the calculation of the Net Debt Ratio.

The Company used the proceeds from the offering of the Notes to repurchase, or otherwise redeem, its previously outstanding $200.0 million, 6.75% senior unsecured notes due 2021 (the “2021 Notes”). As a result, during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017, the Company recognized a $14.1 million loss on extinguishment of debt related to the repurchase or redemption of the 2021 Notes.

  

At JuneSeptember 30, 2018, the Company maintained an unsecured line of credit with a group of U.S. based commercial lenders (the “Credit Facility”) in the amount of $400.0 million which matures on September 2, 2022. At JuneSeptember 30, 2018, the Company had $221.5$305.0 million in outstanding borrowings and $5.1$3.2 million in outstanding letters of credit under the Credit Facility, leaving $173.4$91.8 million available for future borrowings. The 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 Credit Facility commitment. The weighted-average interest rate on amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility at JuneSeptember 30, 2018 was 4.50%4.66% based on 1 week LIBOR. Under the terms of the Credit Facility, the Company is required to maintain certain financial ratios and comply with certain financial covenants. The 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 Credit Facility as of JuneSeptember 30, 2018, and believes it has the capacity to borrow a substantial portion of the amount available under the Credit Facility under the most restrictive covenant. During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, the Company received net proceeds of $114.5$198.0 million from borrowings pursuant to the 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 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%.

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 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 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 (dollars in thousands):

 Six Months Ended Nine Months Ended
 June 30, September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Cash flow provided by operating activities $119,967
 $102,813
 $174,219
 $148,846
Cash flow provided by (used in) investing activities $(28,446) $15,447
Cash flow used in investing activities $(142,196) $(22,475)
Cash flow used in financing activities $(122,554) $(122,908) $(90,042) $(128,365)


 Balance at June 30, Balance at September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017
Working capital $644,218
 $731,637
 $669,226
 $758,637
Current ratio6.5:1 6.8:1 5.8:1 6.6:1 
Liabilities to equity ratio0.5:1 0.4:1 0.6:1 0.5:1 
Net Debt Ratio (1)
1.6:1 1.2:1 2.0:1 1.3:1 

(1)
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 $17.2$25.4 million, or 17%, from $102.8$148.8 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 to $120.0$174.2 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, due to an increase in net income of $23.9$29.0 million, and net changes in certain non-cash adjustments to reconcile net income to operating cash flow and net changes in operating assets and liabilities (as detailed in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows).

Net cash provided by investing activities decreased $43.9 million, or 284%, from $15.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2017 to net cash used in investing activities of $28.4increased $119.7 million, or 533%, from $22.5 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 to $142.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 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 $36.2$88.4 million in cash related to acquisitions and $23.2$40.8 million for property and equipment during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 compared to $1.1 million and $17.4$26.6 million in the prior-year period, respectively. The Company funded a net increase in pawn and consumer loans of $13.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 compared to funds received funds from a net decrease in pawn and consumer loans of $30.9$5.3 million during the sixnine months ended June 30, 2018 compared to $34.0 million during the six months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017.

Net cash used in financing activities decreased $0.4$38.3 million, or 0%30%, from $122.9$128.4 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017 to $122.6$90.0 million for the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018. Net borrowings on the Company’s credit facility were $114.5$198.0 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 compared to net payments of $163.0$120.0 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017. During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017, the Company received $300.0 million in proceeds from the private offering of the Notes and paid $4.7$5.3 million in debt issuance costs related to the Notes and the Credit Facility. Using part of the proceeds from the Notes, the Company repurchased, or otherwise redeemed, the 2021 Notes and paid tender or redemption premiums over the face value of the 2021 Notes and other reacquisition costs of $10.9 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017. The Company funded $217.3$258.5 million worth of common stock share repurchases and paid dividends of $20.2$29.9 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, compared to funding $26.3$65.0 million worth of share repurchases and dividends paid of $18.3$27.4 million during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2017.

During the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, the Company opened 2743 new pawn stores in Latin America, acquired 188342 pawn stores in Latin America and acquired 18 pawn stores in the U.S. The cumulative all-cash purchase price of the 2018 acquisitions was $44.0$105.0 million, net of cash acquired and subject to future post-closing adjustments. The purchases were composed of $36.2$88.4 million in cash paid during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and $7.8$16.6 million of deferred purchase price payable in cash to the sellers in 2018 and 2019. The Company funded $23.2$40.8 million in capital expenditures during the sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018, primarily for maintenance capital expenditures, new store additions and corporate assets, but also included $8.7$15.0 million related to the purchase of store real estate primarily at existing stores.

The Company intends to continue expansion primarily through acquisitions and new store openings. For fiscal 2018, the Company expects to add 265 to 270at least 420 locations, which includes the 188342 smaller format stores acquired in Mexico and the 4561 large format stores acquired or opened during the first half of the year. The Company anticipates opening an additional 32 to 37 large format stores over the remaindernine months of the year. Additionally, as opportunities arise at attractive prices, the Company intends to continue purchasing the real estate from its landlords at existing stores. Excluding these store real estate purchases, the Company expects total capital expenditures for 2018,, including expenditures for new and remodeled stores and other corporate assets, will total approximately $27.5$30.0 million to $32.5$35.0 million. Management believes cash on hand, the amounts available to be drawn under the unsecured credit facility and cash generated from operations will be sufficient to accommodate the Company’s current operations and store expansion plans for the remainder of 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.

In May 2017, 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. During January 2018, the Company completed the May 2017 stock repurchase program after repurchasing approximately 239,000 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $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 $78.01. In April 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an additionala 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 to repurchase up to $100.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock, which became effective on July 25, 2018. Under the July 2018 share repurchase program, the Company repurchased 495,000 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $40.0 million and an average cost per share of $80.80 and $60.0 million remained available for repurchases as of September 30, 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 the July 2018 repurchase program 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 sixnine months ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 and 2017 were $20.2$29.9 million and $18.3$27.4 million, respectively. In January 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a plan to increase the annual dividend to $0.88 per share, or $0.22 per share quarterly, beginningwhich 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 $0.88 per share to $1.00 per share, or $0.25 per share quarterly, beginning in the fourth quarter of 2018. The declared $0.22$0.25 per share thirdfourth quarter cash dividend on common shares outstanding, or an aggregate of $9.8$11.0 million based on Junethe September 30, 2018 share counts,count, will be paid on August 31,November 30, 2018 to stockholders of record as of AugustNovember 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 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 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 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
Three Months Ended June 30, Six Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30, Nine Months Ended September 30,
2018 2017 2018 20172018 2017 2018 2017
In Thousands Per Share In Thousands Per Share In Thousands Per Share In Thousands Per ShareIn Thousands Per Share In Thousands Per Share In Thousands Per Share In Thousands Per Share
Net income, as reported$30,171
 $0.67
 $15,239
 $0.32
 $71,806
 $1.57
 $47,884
 $0.99
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:                              
Transaction1,344
 0.03
 
 
 1,344
 0.03
 
 
2,045
 0.05
 
 
 3,389
 0.07
 
 
Severance and retention1
 
 447
 0.01
 43
 
 801
 0.02

 
 56
 
 43
 
 857
 0.02
Other167
 
 565
 0.01
 309
 0.01
 619
 0.01
217
 
 518
 0.02
 526
 0.01
 1,137
 0.02
Total merger and other acquisition expenses1,512
 0.03
 1,012
 0.02
 1,696
 0.04
 1,420
 0.03
2,262
 0.05
 574
 0.02
 3,958
 0.08
 1,994
 0.04
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 
 8,879
 0.18
 
 
 8,879
 0.18

 
 13
 
 
 
 8,892
 0.19
Adjusted net income$31,683
 $0.70
 $25,130
 $0.52
 $73,502
 $1.61
 $58,183
 $1.20
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 the adjustments included in the table above (in thousands):

Three Months Ended June 30,Three Months Ended September 30,
2018 20172018 2017
Pre-tax Tax After-tax Pre-tax Tax After-taxPre-tax Tax After-tax Pre-tax Tax After-tax
Merger and other acquisition expenses$2,113
 $601
 $1,512
 $1,606
 $594
 $1,012
$3,222
 $960
 $2,262
 $911
 $337
 $574
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 
 
 14,094
 5,215
 8,879

 
 
 20
 7
 13
Total adjustments$2,113
 $601
 $1,512
 $15,700
 $5,809
 $9,891
$3,222
 $960
 $2,262
 $931
 $344
 $587

Six Months Ended June 30,Nine Months Ended September 30,
2018 20172018 2017
Pre-tax Tax After-tax Pre-tax Tax After-taxPre-tax Tax After-tax Pre-tax Tax After-tax
Merger and other acquisition expenses$2,352
 $656
 $1,696
 $2,253
 $833
 $1,420
$5,574
 $1,616
 $3,958
 $3,164
 $1,170
 $1,994
Loss on extinguishment of debt
 
 
 14,094
 5,215
 8,879

 
 
 14,114
 5,222
 8,892
Total adjustments$2,352
 $656
 $1,696
 $16,347
 $6,048
 $10,299
$5,574
 $1,616
 $3,958
 $17,278
 $6,392
 $10,886

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%

  

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 (dollars in thousands):
  
         Trailing Twelve         Trailing Twelve
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Months Ended Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Months Ended
 June 30, June 30, June 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
Net income $30,171
 $15,239
 $71,806
 $47,884
 $167,814
 $83,164
 $33,325
 $28,274
 $105,131
 $76,158
 $172,865
 $112,850
Income taxes 12,100
 6,229
 26,244
 25,826
 28,838
 47,086
 10,758
 13,293
 37,002
 39,119
 26,303
 58,544
Depreciation and amortization 10,952
 14,689
 22,235
 28,932
 48,536
 50,913
 10,850
 13,872
 33,085
 42,804
 45,514
 57,504
Interest expense 6,529
 5,585
 12,727
 11,698
 25,064
 23,232
 7,866
 6,129
 20,593
 17,827
 26,801
 24,288
Interest income  (740)  (393)  (1,721)  (720)  (2,598)  (973)  (495)  (418)  (2,216)  (1,138)  (2,675)  (1,253)
EBITDA 59,012
 41,349
 131,291
 113,620
 267,654
 203,422
 62,304
 61,150
 193,595
 174,770
 268,808
 251,933
Adjustments:                        
Merger and other acquisition expenses 2,113
 1,606
 2,352
 2,253
 9,161
 34,444
 3,222
 911
 5,574
 3,164
 11,472
 5,957
Loss on extinguishment of debt 
 14,094
 
 14,094
 20
 14,094
 
 20
 
 14,114
 
 14,114
Net gain on sale of common stock of Enova 
 
 
 
 
 (1,299) 
 
 
 
 
 (1,552)
Adjusted EBITDA $61,125
 $57,049
 $133,643
 $129,967
 $276,835
 $250,661
 $65,526
 $62,081
 $199,169
 $192,048
 $280,280
 $270,452
                                
Net Debt Ratio calculated as follows:                        
Total debt (outstanding principal)         $521,500
 $397,000
         $605,000
 $440,000
Less: cash and cash equivalents          (83,127)  (91,434)          (57,025)  (93,411)
Net debt         $438,373
 $305,566
         $547,975
 $346,589
Adjusted EBITDA         $276,835
 $250,661
         $280,280
 $270,452
Net Debt Ratio         1.6:1 1.2:1         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 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 cash flow from operating activities to free cash flow and adjusted free cash flow (in thousands):

         Trailing Twelve         Trailing Twelve
 Three Months Ended Six Months Ended Months Ended Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended Months Ended
 June 30, June 30, June 30, September 30, September 30, September 30,
 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
Cash flow from operating activities $28,651
 $38,948
 $119,967
 $102,813
 $237,511
 $160,094
 $54,252
 $46,033
 $174,219
 $148,846
 $245,730
 $205,226
Cash flow from investing activities:                        
Loan receivables, net of cash repayments (25,307) (33,226) 30,913
 33,963
 37,685
 27,357
 (43,968) (28,702) (13,055) 5,261
 22,419
 20,675
Purchases of property and equipment (1)
 (14,351) (9,325) (23,188) (17,401) (42,922) (34,191) (17,566) (9,194) (40,754) (26,595) (51,294) (37,032)
Free cash flow (11,007) (3,603) 127,692
 119,375
 232,274
 153,260
 (7,282) 8,137
 120,410
 127,512
 216,855
 188,869
Merger and other acquisition expenses paid, net of tax benefit 1,531
 1,743
 3,099
 3,545
 6,213
 22,929
 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 $(9,476) $(1,860) $130,791
 $122,920
 $238,487
 $176,189
 $1,486
 $11,246
 $140,997
 $138,812
 $243,965
 $204,025

(1)
Includes $5.3 million and $2.7 million of real estate expenditures, primarily at existing stores, for the three months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, $8.7 million and $4.6 millionfor the six months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and $15.2 million and $8.8 million for the trailing twelve months ended June 30, 2018 and 2017, respectively.

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 financial 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 Colombia are transacted in Mexican pesos, 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. Existing regulations and regulatory developments are further and more completely described under “Governmental Regulation” in Part I, Item 1 of the Company’s 2017 annual report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 20, 2018. There have been no material changes in regulatory developments affecting the Company since December 31, 2017, except as explained below.

Beginning on January 1, 2018, the Company ceased offering fee-based check cashing services in its non-franchise stores and no longer considers itself a money services business as defined under U.S. federal law. As a result, the Company is no longer subject to anti-money laundering requirements under U.S. federal laws pertaining to money services businesses.

On July 30, 2018, the governor of Ohio signed into law the Ohio Fairness in Lending Act (the “Act”). The Act will significantly impact the consumer loan industry in Ohio. The ActOhio 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 borrower’s gross income, creates a maximum loan term of one year, caps interest rates at 28% per annum and caps the total cost of a consumer loan (including fees) at 60% of the original principal. There are also other provisions such as disclosure requirements, maximum borrowing levels and collections restrictions. In addition, the Act essentially eliminates the use of credit service organizations (each a “CSO”) by prohibiting a CSO from brokering loans that meet any of the following conditions: (i) the loan amount is less than $5,000, (ii) the term of the loan is less than one year, and (iii) the APR exceeds 28%. The provisions of the Act become effective on or about April 26, 2019.

The Company currently 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 regulatory changes will materially affect the Company’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 loans and pawn retailing as ancillary products. While many of 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 2017 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, 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 JuneSeptember 30, 2018 (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 have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the quarter ended JuneSeptember 30, 2018 that have materially affected, or are 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 2017 annual report on Form 10-K.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORS

Important risk factors that could materially affect the Company’s business, financial condition or results of operations in future periods are described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of the Company’s 2017 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 2017 annual report on Form 10-K.

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

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. During January 2018, the Company completed the May 2017 stock repurchase program after repurchasing approximately 239,000 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $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 $78.01. In April 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized an additional common stock repurchase program to repurchase up to $100.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock, which became effective on April 25, 2018.2018 and followed the completion of the Company’s $100.0 million October 2017 share repurchase plan. 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.

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 six months ended June 30, 2018 (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
 Approximate Dollar Value Of Shares That May Yet Be Purchased Under The Plans
January 1 through January 31, 2018 239,000
 $72.29
 239,000
 $100,000
February 1 through February 28, 2018 405,000
 74.15
 405,000
 $69,971
March 1 through March 31, 2018 734,000
 79.43
 734,000
 $11,645
April 1 through April 30, 2018 178,000
 82.73
 178,000
 $96,955
May 1 through May 31, 2018 770,000
 90.23
 770,000
 $27,478
June 1 through June 30, 2018 293,000
 93.71
 293,000
 
Total 2,619,000
 $82.96
 2,619,000
  

In July 2018, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a new common stock repurchase program to repurchase up to $100.0 million of the Company’s outstanding common stock, which became effective on July 25, 2018. The Company intends to continue repurchases underUnder the July 2018 share repurchase program, through open market transactions under trading plansthe Company repurchased 495,000 shares of its common stock at an aggregate cost of $40.0 million and an average cost per share of $80.80 and $60.0 million remained available for repurchases as of September 30, 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 accordance with Rule 10b5-1 and Rule 10b-18 undereffect during the Exchange Actthree months ended September 30, 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
 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
  

On October 24, 2018, the Board of 1934, as amended, subject to a variety of factors, including, but not limited to,Directors authorized an additional $100.0 million share repurchase program that will become effective upon the level of cash balances, credit availability, debt covenant restrictions, general business conditions, regulatory requirements, the market pricecompletion of the Company’s stock, dividend policy and the availabilitycurrent plan, leaving a total of alternative investment opportunities.$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

On July 30, 2018, the Company entered into new employment agreements with Raul R. Ramos, the Company’s SVP Latin American Operations and Anna M. Alvarado, the Company’s General Counsel, which were approved by the Compensation Committee (the “Committee”) of the Board of Directors of the Company on July 25, 2018. The employment agreements became effective upon signing and terms of the employment agreements run through December 31, 2021, subject to automatic one-year extensions thereafter, unless either the Company or the executive gives at least 90 days’ written notice to the other party that the employment agreement shall not be extended.None.

The employment agreements provide for annual base salaries of $420,000 for Mr. Ramos and $500,000 for Ms. Alvarado, in each case subject to annual review and increases in the discretion of the Committee. The executives will also be eligible to earn an annual bonus based on satisfaction of performance criteria established by the Committee for each fiscal year during the term of the agreement, with a target bonus opportunity equal to not less than 50% of the executive’s then current base salary. In addition, the executives will be eligible to participate in any of the Company’s incentive, savings, retirement and welfare benefit plans available to other senior officers of the Company.

The employment agreements provide that if an executive’s employment with the Company is terminated during the term by the Company without “cause” or by the executive for “good reason” (as such terms are defined in the employment agreements), the executive would be entitled to a lump sum cash severance payment equal to 75% (or 150%, if such termination occurs within twelve months following a change in control of the Company) of the sum of (i) the executive’s base salary in effect as of the termination, and (ii) the average of the annual bonuses earned by the executive for each of the three fiscal years immediately preceding the year in which the termination occurs. The executive would also be entitled to continue to participate in the Company’s health and welfare benefit plans at active employee rates for a period of twelve months (the “COBRA subsidy”). In addition, if such termination occurs within twelve months following a change in control of the Company, the executive would be entitled to a pro rata annual bonus for the year in which the termination occurs, and accelerated vesting and full payout under of all outstanding time-vesting and performance-based equity incentive awards (based on an assumed achievement of all relevant performance goals at “target” level, or based on a higher actual or deemed level of achievement of performance goals, in the sole discretion of the Committee). Furthermore, if such termination occurs within twelve months following a change in control of the Company, the Company will pay to the executive, in lieu of the COBRA subsidy described above, a lump sum in cash in an amount equal to the full monthly cost of the executive’s health and welfare benefit coverage multiplied by 18.

The employment agreements prohibit the executives from competing with the Company during the employment term and for a period of 24 months following termination of employment. The executives would also be prohibited from soliciting Company customers and recruiting Company employees during this period.

The employment agreements of Mr. Ramos and Ms. Alvarado are filed as Exhibits 10.1 and 10.2, respectively, to this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and each is incorporated herein by reference and the foregoing descriptions of these employment agreement are qualified in their entirety by these exhibits.




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  
10.1          X
10.2          X
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 second quarter of fiscal 2018, filed with the SEC on August 1, 2018, is formatted in Extensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL): (i) Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets at June 30, 2018, June 30, 2017 and December 31, 2017, (ii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017, (iii) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the three and six months ended June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders’ Equity for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017, (v) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the six months ended June 30, 2018 and June 30, 2017 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

**Indicates management contract or compensatory plan, contract or agreement.

(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: August 1,October 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)

4748