Table of Contents

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K

10-K/A

(Amendment No. 1)

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20162022

TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from _______  to _______            

of

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of

ATLANTICUSHOLDINGS CORPORATION

a Georgia Corporation

IRS Employer Identification No.58-2336689

SEC File Number 0-53717

Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 300

Atlanta, Georgia 30328

(770)828-2000

Atlanticus’ common stock, no par value per share, is

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Act”"Act") and is listed:

Title of Each Class

Trading Symbol(s)

Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered

Common stock, no par value per share

ATLC

NASDAQ Global Select Market

Series B Preferred Stock, no par value per share

ATLCP

NASDAQ Global Select Market

Senior Notes due 2026

ATLCL

NASDAQ Global Select Market

Indicate by check mark if the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

Atlanticusregistrant is not a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act of 1933.
Atlanticus (1)Act. Yes  ☐    No  ☒

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act, (2)Act. Yes  ☐    No  ☒ 

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 (3)(2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Atlanticus Yes  ☒    No  ☐

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


Atlanticus believesmonths (or for such shorter period that its executive officers, directors and 10% beneficial owners subjectthe registrant was required to Section 16(a) ofsubmit such files). Yes  ☒    No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the Act complied with all applicable filing requirements during 2016.

Atlanticusregistrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

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. ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting under Section 404(b) of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act (15 U.S.C. 7262(b)) by the registered public accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report. ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the financial statements of the registrant included in the filing reflect the correction of an error to previously issued financial statements.  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether any of those error corrections are restatements that required a recovery analysis of incentive-based compensation received by any of the registrant’s executive officers during the relevant recovery period pursuant to §240.10D-1(b).  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is not a shell company.


company (as defined in Exchange Act Rule 12b- 2). ☐  Yes    ☒  No

The aggregate market value of Atlanticus’ common stock (based upon the closing sales price quoted on the NASDAQ Global Select Market) held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 20162022, was $15.2$163.9 million. (For this purpose, directors, officers and 10% shareholders have been assumed to be affiliates, and we also have excluded 1,459,233 loaned shares at June 30, 2016.affiliates.)


As of March 15, 2017, 13,945,853February 28, 2023, 14,449,712 shares of common stock, no par value, of Atlanticus were outstanding. This excludes 1,459,233 loaned shares to be returned.


DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of Atlanticus’Atlanticus' Proxy Statement for its 20172023 Annual Meeting of Shareholders filed on April 17, 2023 are incorporated by reference into Part III.





Table of Contents

Page
Part I
Item 1.Business
Item 1A.Risk Factors
Item 1B.Unresolved Staff Comments
Item 2.Properties
Item 3.Legal Proceedings
Item 4.Mine Safety Disclosures
Part II
Item 5.Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Item 6.Selected Financial Data
Item 7.Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Item 7A.Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Item 9.Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure
Item 9A.Controls and Procedures
Item 9B.Other Information
Part III
Item 10.Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance
Item 11.Executive Compensation
Item 12.Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters
Item 13.Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence
Item 14.Principal Accountant Fees and Services
Part IV
Item 15.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules
Item 16.Form 10-K Summary




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In this

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This Amendment No. 1 on Form 10-K/A (this “Amendment”) amends the original Annual Report except ason Form 10-K for the context suggests otherwise, the words “Company,” “Atlanticus Holdings Corporation,” “Atlanticus,” “we,” “our,” “ours” and “us” refer toyear ended December 31, 2022 filed by Atlanticus Holdings Corporation (the “Company”, “Atlanticus Holdings Corporation”, “Atlanticus”, “we”, “our”, “ours” and its subsidiaries and predecessors. Atlanticus owns Aspire®, Emerge®, Fortiva®, Imagine®, Salute®, Tribute® and other trademarks and service marks in the United States (“U.S.”“us”) and the United Kingdom (“U.K.”).

Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
We make forward-looking statements in this Report and in other materials we file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”(the “SEC”) or otherwise make public. In this Report, both Item 1, “Business,” and Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” contain forward-looking statements. In addition,on March 15, 2023 (the “Original Form 10-K”). This Amendment does not change our senior management might make forward-lookingconsolidated financial statements to analysts, investors, the media and others. Statements with respect to expected revenue; income; receivables; income ratios; net interest margins; long-term shareholder returns; acquisitions of financial assets and other growth opportunities; divestitures and discontinuations of businesses; loss exposure and loss provisions; delinquency and charge-off rates; the effects of account actions we may take or have taken; changes in collection programs and practices; changesas set forth in the credit qualityOriginal Form 10-K.

The purpose of this Amendment is to amend and fair valuerestate (i) the Risk Factors disclosure included in Part I, Item 1A “Risk Factors” to describe risks related to a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting that was identified subsequent to the filing of the Original Form 10-K; (ii) the “Report of Independent Registered Certified Public Accounting Firm” of BDO USA, P.C. (“BDO”) appearing in the Index to Financial Statements regarding the effectiveness of our credit card loansinternal control over financial reporting; and fees receivable(iii) the disclosure on our internal control over financial reporting in Part II, Item 9A “Controls and Procedures” to reflect management’s conclusion that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at December 31, 2022 due to a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting identified subsequent to the filing of the Original Form 10-K. This material weakness did not result in any change to our consolidated financial statements as set forth in the Original Form 10-K. Part IV, Item 15, “Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules,” also has been amended and restated to include currently-dated certifications from the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer as required by Sections 302 and 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”). The certifications are attached to this Amendment as Exhibits 31.1, 31.2 and 32.1.

Other than the changes as outlined above and the fair valueinclusion within this Amendment of their underlying structured financing facilities; the impact of actionsnew certifications by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”), Federal Reserve Board, Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”)management and other regulators on both us, banks that issue credit cards and other credit products on our behalf, and merchants that participate in our point-of-sale finance operations; account growth; the performance of investments that we have made; operating expenses; the impact of bankruptcy law changes; marketing plans and expenses; the performancea new consent of our Auto Finance segment; our plans inindependent registered public accounting firm (and related amendment to the U.K.;exhibit index that is incorporated by reference into Item 15 of the impactOriginal Form 10-K to reflect the addition of our credit card receivables on our financial performance;such certifications and consent and related changes to the sufficiency of available capital; the prospect for improvements in the capital and finance markets; future interest costs; sources of funding operations and acquisitions; growth and profitability of our point-of-sale finance operations; our entry into international markets; our abilityfootnotes to raise funds or renew financing facilities; share repurchases or issuances; debt retirement; the results associated with our equity-method investee; our servicing income levels; gains and losses from investments in securities; experimentation with new products and other statements of our plans, beliefs or expectations are forward-looking statements. These and other statements using words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “project,” “target,” “can,” “could,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions also are forward-looking statements. Each forward-looking statementthat exhibit index), this Amendment speaks only as of the date of the particular statement. The forward-lookingOriginal Form 10-K and does not modify or update any other disclosures contained in our Original Form 10-K for other events or information subsequent to the date of the filing of the Original Form 10-K. Specifically, there are no changes to our consolidated financial statements we make are not guarantees of future performance, and we have based these statements on our assumptions and analyses in light of our experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors we believe are appropriate in the circumstances. Forward-looking statements by their nature involve substantial risks and uncertainties that could significantly affect expected results, and actual future results could differ materially from those described in such statements. Management cautions against putting undue reliance on forward-looking statements or projecting any future results based on such statements or present or historical earnings levels.

Although it is not possible to identify all factors, we continue to face many risks and uncertainties. Among the factors that could cause actual future results to differ materially from our expectations are the risks and uncertainties described under “Risk Factors” set forth in Part I, Item 1A,the Original Form 10-K. This Amendment should be read in conjunction with the Original Form 10-K and the risk factors and other cautionary statements in other documents we filereports filed with the SEC includingsubsequent to the following:
the availability of adequate financing to support growth;
the extent to which federal, state, local and foreign governmental regulation of our various business lines and the products we service for others limits or prohibits the operation of our businesses;
current and future litigation and regulatory proceedings against us;
the effect of adverse economic conditions on our revenues, loss rates and cash flows;
competition from various sources providing similar financial products, or other alternative sources of credit, to consumers;
the adequacy of our allowances for uncollectible loans and fees receivable and estimates of loan losses used within our risk management and analyses;
the possible impairment of assets;
our ability to manage costs in line with the expansion or contraction of our various business lines;
our relationship with (i) the merchants that participate in point-of-sale finance operations and (ii) the banks that issue credit cards and provide certain other credit products utilizing our technology platform and related services; and
theft and employee errors.

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

Original Form 10-K.

ii


looking statements. There also are other factors that we may not describe (because we currently do not perceive them to be material) that could cause actual results to differ materially from our expectations.
We expressly disclaim any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result

Table of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by law.


Contents

Page
PART I
Item 1A.Risk Factors1
PART II
Item 8.Financial Statements and Supplementary Data16
Item 9A.Controls and Procedures16
PART IV
Item 15.Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules17
Signatures20

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PART I
ITEM 1.BUSINESS
General
A general discussion of our business follows. For additional information about our business, please visit our website at www.Atlanticus.com. Information contained on or available through our website is not incorporated by reference in this Report.
We are a Georgia corporation formed in 2009, as successor to an entity that commenced operations in 1996. We provide various credit and related financial services and products primarily to or associated with the financially underserved consumer credit market. We utilize proprietary analytics and a flexible technology platform to enable financial institutions to provide various credit and related financial services and products to or associated with the financially underserved consumer credit market. Currently, within our Credit and Other Investments segment, we are applying the experiences gained and infrastructure built from servicing over $25 billion in consumer loans over our 20-year operating history to support lenders who originate a range of consumer loan products. These products include retail credit, personal loans, and credit cards marketed through multiple channels, including retail point-of-sale, direct mail solicitation, Internet-based marketing and partnerships with third parties. In the point-of-sale channel, we partner with retailers and service providers in various industries across the U.S. to allow them to provide credit to their customers for the purchase of a variety of goods and services including consumer electronics, furniture, elective medical procedures, educational services and home-improvements. Our flexible technology platform allows our lending partners to integrate our paperless process and instant decision-making platform with the technology infrastructure of participating retailers and service providers. These services of our lending partners are often extended to consumers who may have been declined under traditional financing options. We specialize in supporting this “second-look” credit service. Additionally, we support lenders who market general purpose personal loans and credit cards directly to consumers (our “direct-to-consumer” products) through additional channels, which enables them to reach consumers through a diverse origination platform that includes direct mail, Internet-based marketing and our retail partnerships. Our technology platform and proprietary analytics enable lenders to make instant credit decisions utilizing hundreds of inputs, from multiple sources and thereby offer credit to consumers overlooked by traditional providers of credit. By offering a range of products through a multitude of channels, we enable lenders to provide the right type of credit, whenever and wherever the consumer has a need. In most cases, we invest in the receivables originated by lenders who utilize our technology platform and other related services.

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

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

Lastly, we report within our Credit and Other Investments segment gains associated with investments previously made in consumer finance technology platforms. These include investments in companies engaged in mobile technologies, marketplace lending and other financial technologies. These investments are carried at the lower of cost or market valuation. Some of these investees have raised capital at valuations in excess of our associated book value. However, none of these companies are publicly-traded, there are no material pending liquidity events, and ascribing value to these investments at this time would be speculative.
 
The recurring cash flows we receive within our Credit and Other Investments segment principally include those associated with (1) point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables, (2) servicing compensation and (3) credit card receivables portfolios that are unencumbered or where we own a portion of the underlying structured financing facility.

We historically financed most of our investments in the credit card receivables originated through our platform through the asset-backed securitization markets. These markets deteriorated significantly in 2008, and the level of “advance rates,” or leverage against credit card receivable assets, in the current asset-backed securitization markets is below pre-2008 levels. We do believe, however, that point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables are generating, and will continue to generate,

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

Within our Auto Finance segment, our CAR subsidiary operations principally purchase and/or service loans secured by automobiles from or for, and also provide floor plan financing for, a pre-qualified network of independent automotive dealers and automotive finance companies in the buy-here, pay-here, used car business. We purchase auto loans at a discount and with dealer retentions or holdbacks that provide risk protection. Also within our Auto Finance segment, we are providing certain installment lending products in addition to our traditional loans secured by automobiles.
We closely monitor and manage our expenses based on current product offerings (and in recent years have significantly reduced our overhead infrastructure which was built to accommodate higher managed receivables levels and a much greater number of accounts serviced). As such, we are maintaining our infrastructure and incurring increased overhead and other costs in order to expand point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer finance and credit solutions and new product offerings that we believe have the potential to grow into our existing infrastructure and allow for long-term shareholder returns.

Subject to the availability of capital at attractive terms and pricing, we plan to continue to evaluate and pursue a variety of activities, including:  (1) investments in additional financial assets associated with point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer finance and credit activities as well as the acquisition of interests in receivables portfolios; (2) investments in other assets or businesses that are not necessarily financial services assets or businesses; and (3) the repurchase of our convertible senior notes and other debt or our outstanding common stock.
Credit and Other Investments Segment. Our Credit and Other Investments segment includes our point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer finance operations, investments in and servicing of our various credit card receivables portfolios and other product development and limited investment in consumer finance technology platforms that generally capitalize on our credit infrastructure.
As previously discussed, we support lenders who originate a range of consumer loan products over multiple channels. Through our point-of-sale operations, we leverage our flexible technology platform that allows retail partners and service providers to offer loan options to their customers who may have been declined by a primary lender. The same proprietary analytics and infrastructure also allows lenders to offer general purpose loan products directly to consumers with our direct-to-consumer products. We reach these consumers through a diverse origination platform that includes direct mail, Internet-based marketing and partnerships.
Our growing portfolio of receivables assets are generating and we believe will continue to generate attractive returns on assets, thereby allowing us to secure debt financing under terms and conditions (including advance rates and pricing) that will allow us to achieve our desired returns on equity, and we continue to pursue growth in this area.
In the past several quarters, we have recommenced the acquisition of new receivables associated with credit card accounts. With respect to the credit card accounts underlying our historical credit card receivables and portfolios, substantially all of the related credit card accounts have been closed to new cardholder purchases since 2009. We continue to service these credit card portfolios as they liquidate.
Our credit and other operations are heavily regulated, which may cause us to change how we conduct our operations either in response to regulation or in keeping with our goal of leading the industry in adherence to consumer-friendly practices. We have made several significant changes to our practices over the past several years, and because our account management practices are evolutionary and dynamic, it is possible that we may make further changes to these practices, some of which may produce positive, and others of which may produce adverse, effects on our operating results and financial position. Customers at the lower end of the credit score range intrinsically have higher loss rates than do customers at the higher end of the credit score range. As a result, we price our products to reflect this higher loss rate. As such, our products are subject to greater regulatory scrutiny than the products of prime only lenders who are able to price their credit products at much lower levels than we can. See “Consumer and Debtor Protection Laws and Regulations—Credit and Other Investments Segment” and Item 1A, “Risk Factors.”
Auto Finance Segment. The operations of our Auto Finance segment are conducted through our CAR platform, which we acquired in April 2005. CAR primarily purchases and/or services loans secured by automobiles from or for a pre-qualified network of independent automotive dealers and automotive finance companies in the buy-here, pay-here used car business.  In 2010, we started offering floor-plan financing to this same group of dealers and finance companies. In 2013 we also started offering certain installment lending products in addition to our traditional loans secured by automobiles.  While this product represented less than 10% of CAR’s net outstanding receivables as of December 31, 2016, we seek to modestly grow the volume of these loans in the coming quarters.

Through our CAR operations, we generate revenues on purchased loans through interest earned on the face value of the installment agreements combined with the accretion of discounts on loans purchased. We generally earn discount income over the life of the applicable loan. Additionally, we generate revenues from servicing loans on behalf of dealers for a portion of actual collections and by providing back-up servicing for similar quality assets owned by unrelated third parties. We offer a number of other products to our network of buy-here, pay-here dealers (including our floor-plan financing offering), but the majority of our activities are represented by our purchases of auto loans at discounts and our servicing of auto loans for a fee. As of December 31, 2016, our CAR operations served more than 560 dealers in 32 states, the District of Columbia and two U.S. territories. These operations continue to perform well in the current environment (achieving consistent profitability and generating positive cash flows with modest growth).
How Do We Manage the Receivables and Mitigate Our Risks?
Credit and Other Investments Segment. We manage our investments in receivables using credit behavioral scoring, credit file data and our proprietary risk evaluation systems. These strategies include the management of transaction authorizations, account renewals, over-limit accounts, credit line modifications and collection programs. We use an adaptive control system to translate our strategies into account management processes. The system enables us to develop and test multiple strategies simultaneously, which allows us to continually refine our account management activities. We have incorporated our proprietary risk scores into the control system, in addition to standard credit behavior scores used widely in the industry, in order to segment, evaluate and manage the receivables. We believe that by combining external credit file data along with historical and current customer activity, we are able to better predict the true risk associated with current and delinquent receivables.
For our point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer finance activities as well as the accounts that are open to purchases, we generally seek to manage credit lines to reward financially underserved customers who are performing well and to mitigate losses from delinquent customer segments. We also employ strategies to reduce otherwise open credit lines for customers demonstrating indicators of increased credit or bankruptcy risk. Data relating to account performance are captured and loaded into our proprietary database for ongoing analysis. We adjust account management strategies as necessary, based on the results of such analyses. Additionally, we use industry-standard fraud detection software to manage the portfolio. We route accounts to manual work queues and suspend charging privileges if the transaction-based fraud models indicate a probability of fraudulent use.
Auto Finance Segment. Our CAR operations manage credit quality and loss mitigation at the dealer portfolio level through the implementation of dealer-specific loss reserve accounts. In most instances, the reserve accounts are cross-collateralized across all accounts presented by any single dealer. CAR monitors performance at the dealer portfolio level (by product type) to adjust pricing or the reserve account or to determine whether to terminate future account purchases from such dealer.
CAR provides dealers with specific purchase guidelines based upon each product offering and delegates approval authority to assist in the monitoring of transactions during the loan acquisition process. Dealers are subject to specific approval criteria, and individual accounts typically are verified for accuracy before, during and after the acquisition process. Dealer portfolios across the business segment are monitored and compared against expected collections and peer dealer performance. Monitoring of dealer pool vintages, delinquencies and loss ratios helps determine past performance and expected future results, which are used to adjust pricing and reserve requirements. Our CAR operations also manage risk through diversifying their receivables among multiple dealers.
How Do We Collect?
Credit and Other Investments Segment. The goal of the collections process is to collect as much of the money that is owed to us in the most cost-effective and customer-friendly manner possible. To this end, we employ the traditional cross-section of letters and telephone calls to encourage payment. We also sometimes offer flexibility with respect to the application of payments in order to encourage larger or prompter payments. For instance, in certain cases we may vary from our general payment application priority (i.e., of applying payments first to finance charges, then to fees, and then to principal) by agreeing to apply payments first to principal and then to finance charges and fees or by agreeing to provide payments or credits of finance charges and principal to induce or in exchange for an appropriate payment. Application of payments in this manner also permits our collectors to assess real time the degree to which payments over the life of an account have covered the principal credit extensions on that account. This allows our collectors to readily identify our potential economic loss associated with the charge off of a particular receivable (i.e., the excess of principal loaned over payments received throughout the life of the account). Our selection of collection techniques, including, for example, the order in which we apply payments or the provision of payments or credits to induce or in exchange for a payment, impacts the statistical performance of our portfolios that we

provide under the “Credit and Other Investments Segment” caption within Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.”
Our collectors employ various and evolving tools when collecting receivables, and they routinely test and evaluate new tools in their effort toward improving our collections with a greater degree of efficiency and service. These tools include programs under which we may reduce or eliminate the annual percentage rate (“APR”) associated with a receivable or waive a certain amount of accrued fees, provided a minimum number or amount of payments have been made. In some instances, we may agree to match the payment on a receivable, for example, with commensurate payments or reductions of finance charges or waivers of fees. In other situations, we may actually settle and adjust finance charges and fees on a receivable, for example, based on a commitment and follow through on a commitment to pay certain portions of the balances owed. Our collectors may also decrease minimum payments owed under certain collection programs. Additionally, we employ re-aging techniques as discussed below. We also may occasionally use our marketing group to assist in determining various programs to assist in the collection process. Moreover, we voluntarily participate in the Consumer Credit Counseling Service (“CCCS”) program by waiving a certain percentage of a receivable that is considered our “fair share” under the CCCS program. All of our programs are utilized based on the degree of economic success and customer service they achieve.
We regularly monitor and adapt our collection strategies, techniques, technology and training to optimize our efforts to reduce delinquencies and charge offs. We use our operations systems to develop these proprietary collection strategies and techniques, and we analyze the output from these systems to identify the strategies and techniques that we believe are most likely to result in curing a delinquent account in the most cost-effective manner, rather than treating all accounts the same based on the mere passage of time.
As in all aspects of our risk management strategies, we compare the results of each of the above strategies with other collection strategies and devote resources to those strategies that yield the best results. Results are measured based on, among other things, delinquency rates, expected losses and costs to collect. Existing strategies are then adjusted based on these results. We believe that routinely testing, measuring and adjusting collection strategies results in lower bad debt losses and operating expenses.
We discontinue charging interest and fees for most of our credit products when loans and fees receivable become contractually 90 or more days past due and we charge off loans and fees receivable when they become contractually more than 180 days past due or 120 days past due for the direct-to-consumer personal loan product. However, if a payment is made that is greater than or equal to two minimum payments within a month of the charge-off date, we may reconsider whether charge-off status remains appropriate. For all of our products, we charge off receivables within 30 days of notification and confirmation of bankruptcy or death of the obligor. However, in some cases of death, we do not charge off receivables if there is a surviving, contractually liable individual or an estate large enough to pay the debt in full.
Our determination of whether an account is contractually past due is relevant to our delinquency and charge-off data included under the “Credit and Other Investments Segment” caption within Item 7, “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.” Various factors are relevant in analyzing whether an account is contractually past due (e.g., whether an account has not satisfied its minimum payment due requirement), which for us is the trigger for moving receivables through our various delinquency stages and ultimately to charge-off status. For our point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer finance accounts, we consider an account to be delinquent if the customer has not made any required payment as of the payment due date. For credit card accounts, we consider a cardholder’s receivable to be delinquent if the cardholder has failed to pay a minimum amount, computed as the greater of a stated minimum payment or a fixed percentage of the statement balance (for example 3% to 10% of the outstanding balance in some cases or in other cases 1% of the outstanding balance plus any finance charges and late fees billed in the current cycle).
Additionally, we may re-age customer accounts that meet our qualifications for re-aging. Re-aging involves changing the delinquency status of an account. It is our policy to work cooperatively with customers demonstrating a willingness and ability to repay their indebtedness and who satisfy other criteria, but are unable to pay the entire past due amount. Generally, to qualify for re-aging, an account must have been opened for at least nine months and may not be re-aged more than once in a twelve-month period or twice in a five-year period. In addition, an account on a workout program may qualify for one additional re-age in a five-year period. The customer also must have made three consecutive minimum monthly payments or the equivalent cumulative amount in the last three billing cycles. If a re-aged account subsequently experiences payment defaults, it will again become contractually delinquent and will be charged off according to our regular charge-off policy. The practice of re-aging an account may affect delinquencies and charge offs, potentially delaying or reducing such delinquencies and charge offs.
Auto Finance Segment. Accounts that CAR purchases from approved dealers initially are collected by the originating branch or service center location using a combination of traditional collection practices. The collection process includes

contacting the customer by phone or mail, skip tracing and using starter interrupt devices to minimize delinquencies. Uncollectible accounts in our CAR operation generally are returned to the dealer under an agreement with the dealer to charge the balance on the account against the dealer’s reserve account. We generally do not repossess autos in our CAR operation as a result of the agreements that we have with the dealers unless there are insufficient dealer reserves to offset the loss or if a dealer instructs us to do so.
Consumer and Debtor Protection Laws and Regulations
Credit and Other Investments Segment. Our U.S. business is regulated directly and indirectly under various federal and state consumer protection, collection and other laws, rules and regulations, including the federal Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (the “CARD Act”), the federal Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank”), the federal Truth In Lending Act (“TILA”), the federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) Act, the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and the federal Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act. These laws, rules and regulations, among other things, impose disclosure requirements when consumer products are advertised, when an account is opened, when monthly billing statements are sent and when consumer obligations are collected. In addition, various statutes limit the liability of consumers for unauthorized use, prohibit discriminatory practices in consumer transactions, impose limitations on the types of charges that may be assessed and restrict the use of consumer credit reports and other account-related information. Many of our products are designed for customers of our lending partners at the lower end of the credit score range. We price our products to reflect the higher credit risk of these customers. Because of the inherently greater credit risks of these customers and the resulting higher interest and fees, we and our finance partners are subject to significant regulatory scrutiny. If regulators, including the FDIC (which regulates bank lenders), the CFPB and the FTC, object to the terms of these products, or to our marketing or collection practices, we could be required to modify or discontinue certain products or practices.
In the U.K., our operations are subject to U.K. regulations that provide similar consumer protections to those provided under the U.S. regulatory framework. We are licensed and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”), and we are governed by an extensive legislative and regulatory framework that includes the Consumer Credit Act, the Data Protection Act, Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations, Consumer Protection and Unfair Trading regulations, Financial Services (Distance Marketing) Regulations, the Enterprise Act, Money Laundering Regulations, Financial Ombudsman Service and Advertising Standards Authority adjudications. The aforementioned legislation and regulations impose strict rules on the form and content of consumer contracts, the calculation and presentation of annual percentage rates (“APRs”), advertising in all forms, parties who can be contacted and disclosures to consumers, among others. The regulators, such as the FCA, provide guidance on consumer credit practices including collections. The FCA requires a comprehensive licensing process.
Auto Finance Segment. This segment is regulated directly and indirectly under various federal and state consumer protection and other laws, rules and regulations, including the federal TILA, the federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, Dodd-Frank, the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and the federal Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act. In addition, various state statutes limit the interest rates and fees that may be charged, limit the types of interest computations (e.g., interest bearing or pre-computed) and refunding processes, prohibit discriminatory practices in extending credit, impose limitations on fees and other ancillary products and restrict the use of consumer credit reports and other account-related information. Many of the states in which this segment operates have various licensing requirements and impose certain financial or other conditions in connection with these licensing requirements.

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

We are subject to various U.S. federal and state laws and regulations designed to protect confidential personal and financial data. For example, we must comply with guidelines under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act that require each financial institution to develop, implement and maintain a written, comprehensive information security program containing safeguards that are appropriate to the financial institution’s size and complexity, the nature and scope of the financial institution’s activities and the sensitivity of any customer information at issue. Additionally, various federal banking regulatory agencies, and at least 48 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, have enacted data security regulations and laws requiring customer notification in the event of a security breach.
Competition
Credit and Other Investments Segment. We face substantial competition from financial service companies, the intensity of which varies depending upon economic and liquidity cycles. Our point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer finance activities compete with national, regional and local bankcard and consumer credit issuers, other general-purpose credit card issuers and retail credit card and merchant credit issuers. Many of these competitors are substantially larger than we are, have significantly greater financial resources than we do and have significantly lower costs of funds than we have.
Auto Finance Segment. Competition within the auto finance sector is widespread and fragmented. Our auto finance operations target automobile dealers that oftentimes are not capable of accessing indirect lending from major financial institutions or captive finance companies. We compete mainly with a handful of national and regional companies focused on this credit segment (e.g., Credit Acceptance Corporation, Westlake Financial, Mid-Atlantic Finance, Santander Auto Finance, Western Funding Inc., and America’s Car-Mart) and a large number of smaller, regional private companies with a narrow geographic focus. Individual dealers with access to capital may also compete in this segment through the purchase of receivables from peer dealers in their markets.
Employees
As of December 31, 2016, we had 292 employees, including 7 part-time employees, most of whom are principally employed within the U.S. We consider our relations with our employees to be good. None of our employees are covered by a collective-bargaining agreement, and we have never experienced any organized work stoppage, strike or labor dispute.
Trademarks, Trade Names and Service Marks
We have registered and continue to register, when appropriate, various trademarks, trade names and service marks used in connection with our businesses and for private-label marketing of certain of our products. We consider these trademarks, trade names and service marks to be readily identifiable with, and valuable to, our business. This Annual Report on Form 10-K also contains trade names and trademarks of other companies that are the property of their respective owners.
Additional Information
We are headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, and our principal executive offices are located at Five Concourse Parkway, Suite 300, Atlanta, Georgia 30328. Our headquarters telephone number is (770) 828-2000, and our website is www.Atlanticus.com. We make available free of charge on our website certain of our recent SEC filings, including our annual report on Form 10-K, quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, current reports on Form 8-K, proxy statements and amendments to those filings as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file such material with, or furnish it to, the SEC.
Certain corporate governance materials, including our Board of Directors committee charters and our Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, are posted on our website under the heading “For Investors.” From time to time, the corporate governance materials on our website may be updated as necessary to comply with rules issued by the SEC or NASDAQ, or as desirable to further the continued effective and efficient governance of our company.


PART I

ITEM 1A.

RISK FACTORS

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

Investors should be particularly cautious regarding investments

The impact of COVID-19 on global commercial activity and the corresponding volatility in our common stockfinancial markets is evolving. Initially, the global impact of the outbreak led to many federal, state and local governments instituting quarantines and restrictions on travel. More recently, there have been disruptions in global supply chains that have adversely impacted a number of industries, such as transportation, hospitality and entertainment. In addition, there have been significant inflation and labor shortages over the past year. The outbreak could have a continued adverse impact on economic and market conditions and trigger a period of global economic slowdown or other securities at the present time in lightrecession. The rapid development and fluidity of uncertaintiesthis situation preclude any accurate prediction as to the profitabilityultimate impact of COVID-19. Nevertheless, COVID-19 presents material uncertainty and risk with respect to our business model going forwardperformance and financial results. For additional information, see "—Other Risks to Our Business—COVID-19 has caused severe disruptions in the U.S. economy, and may have an adverse impact on our inabilityperformance, results of operations and access to achieve consistent earnings from our operations in recent years.

capital."

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

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

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

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


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

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

Due to our relative lack of historicalsignificant experience with Internet consumers, we may not be able to evaluate their creditworthiness. We have less historical experience with respect to the credit risk and performance of receivables owed Receivables owned by consumers and acquired over the Internet.internet present unique risk characteristics and exhibit higher rates of fraud.  As a result, we may not be able to target andsuccessfully evaluate successfully the creditworthiness of these potential consumers. Therefore, we may encounter difficulties managing the expected delinquencies and losses and appropriately pricing products.


losses.

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

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

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

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

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

COVID-19 continues to adversely impact global commercial activity and has contributed to significant volatility in financial markets. The pandemic has, in part, caused disruptions in global supply chains that have adversely impacted a number of industries, such as transportation, hospitality and entertainment. In addition, there have been significant inflation and labor shortages over the past year. The outbreak could have a continued adverse impact on economic and market conditions and trigger a period of global economic slowdown. The rapid development and fluidity of this situation preclude any accurate prediction as to the ultimate adverse impact of the coronavirus response. Nevertheless, the pandemic presents material uncertainty and risk with respect to our performance and financial results.

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

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

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


Despite

The recent growth of our recent purchases ofinvestments in private label credit and general purpose credit card receivables may not be indicative of our aggregateability to grow such receivables in the future. Our period-end managed receivables balance for private label credit and general purpose credit card receivables contracted over the last several years.grew to $2,119.3 million at December 31, 2022, from $1,609.8 million at December 31, 2021. The amount of our credit cardsuch receivables is a product of a combination of factors, many of which are not in our control. Factors include:

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

operations, financial condition or cash flows.

Reliance upon relationships with a few large retailers in the point-of-sale financeprivate label credit operations may adversely affect our revenues and operating results from these operations.Our five largest retail partners accounted for over 50%65% of our outstanding point-of-saleprivate label credit receivables as of December 31, 2016.2022. Although we are adding new retail partners on a regular basis, it is likely that we will continue to derive a significant portion of this operations’ receivables base and corresponding revenue from a relatively small number of partners in the future. If a significant partner reduces or terminates its relationship with us, these operations’ revenue could decline significantly and our operating results and financial condition could be harmed.


We Operate in a Heavily Regulated Industry

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


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


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

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

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

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

In response to the uncertainty Madden created as to the validity of interest rates of bank-originated loans sold in the secondary market, in May 2020 and June 2020, the OCC and the FDIC, respectively, issued final rules that reaffirmed the “valid when made” doctrine and clarified that when a bank sells, assigns, or otherwise transfers a loan, the interest rates permissible prior to the transfer continue to be permissible following the transfer. In the summer of 2020, a number of state attorneys general filed suits against the OCC and the FDIC, challenging these "valid when made" rules. In February 2022, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California entered two orders granting summary judgement in favor of the OCC and the FDIC. The court held that the bank regulators had the power to issue the rules reaffirming the "valid when made" doctrine. Although the practical consequences of Madden have diminished since the initial ruling, uncertainty remains in this area of law.

The bank that we support in connection with its extension of loans and one of our subsidiaries currently are involved in a dispute with the Maryland Commissioner of Financial Regulation with respect to the extent to which federal preemption preempts state regulation of bank activities related to the lending process, such as lender licensing requirements and aspects of those licensing requirements that purport to limit the rate of interest that can be charged. The Commissioner issued a "charge letter" making various assertions regarding the applicability of the licensing requirements and interest rate limitations, with the case to be heard in the Maryland Office of Administrative Hearings where the case is currently pending. The ultimate remedy sought by the Commissioner is the invalidation of loans to Maryland residents. We are dependent upon banksbelieve that preemption should apply and that the licensing requirements should not apply to the bank in its making loans in Maryland, but the ultimate outcome could be unfavorable. In light of the amount of loans involved, we do not believe that an adverse outcome would be material, but it could result in further erosion of federal preemption and our ability to operate as we currently do in Maryland and other states.

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

TheFDIC has issued examination guidance affecting the point-of-salebank that utilizes our technology platform to market general purpose credit cards and direct-to-consumer receivables.

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

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

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

On July 20, 2020, the FDIC announced that it is seeking the public's input on the potential for a public/private standard-setting partnership and voluntary certification program to promote the effective adoption of innovative technologies at FDIC-supervised financial institutions. Released as part of the FDiTech initiative, the request asks whether the proposed program might reduce the regulatory and operational uncertainty that may prevent financial institutions from deploying new technology or entering into partnerships with technology firms, including "fintechs." For financial institutions that choose to use the system, a voluntary certification program could help standardize due diligence practices and reduce associated costs. At this time, it is unclear what impact this request and potential proposal will have on our operations.

On July 13, 2021, the Federal Reserve, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and the FDIC issued proposed guidance on managing risks associated with third-party relationships, including relationships with fintech entities and bank/fintech sponsorship arrangements. The guidance sets forth expectations for managing risk throughout the life cycle of such arrangements, including planning, due diligence and contract negotiation, oversight and accountability, ongoing monitoring, and termination. We will continue to monitor this guidance as it potentially becomes final.

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

receivables not originated in compliance with law (or revised interpretations) could become unenforceable and uncollectible under their terms against the obligors;
we may be required to credit or refund previously collected amounts;
certain fees and finance charges could be limited, prohibited or restricted, which would reduce the profitability of certain investments in receivables;
certain collection methods could be prohibited, forcing us to revise our practices or adopt more costly or less effective practices;
limitations on our ability to recover on charged-off receivables regardless of any act or omission on our part;
some credit products and services could be banned in certain states or at the federal level;

federal or state bankruptcy or debtor relief laws could offer additional protections to consumers seeking bankruptcy protection, providing a court greater leeway to reduce or discharge amounts owed to us; and
a reduction in our ability or willingness to invest in receivables arising under loans to certain consumers, such as military personnel.

receivables not originated in compliance with law (or revised interpretations) could become unenforceable and uncollectible under their terms against the obligors;
we may be required to credit or refund previously collected amounts;
certain fees and finance charges could be limited, prohibited or restricted, reducing the profitability of certain investments in receivables;
certain collection methods could be prohibited, forcing us to revise our practices or adopt more costly or less effective practices;
limitations on our ability to recover on charged-off receivables regardless of any act or omission on our part;
some credit products and services could be banned in certain states or at the federal level;
federal or state bankruptcy or debtor relief laws could offer additional protections to consumers seeking bankruptcy protection, providing a court greater leeway to reduce or discharge amounts owed to us; and
a reduction in our ability or willingness to invest in receivables arising under loans to certain consumers, such as military personnel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The financial performance of our automobile loan portfolio is in part dependent upon the liquidation of repossessed automobiles. In the event of certain defaults, we may repossess automobiles and sell repossessed automobiles at wholesale auction markets located throughout the U.S. Auction proceeds from these types of sales and other recoveries rarelygenerally are not sufficient to cover the outstanding balances of the contracts;contracts; where we experience these shortfalls, we will experience credit losses. Decreased auction proceeds resulting from depressed prices at which used automobiles may be sold would result in higher credit losses for us.

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

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

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

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


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


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

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

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Risks Related to Our Financial Reporting and Accounting

We are remediatinga material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. If we experience additional material weaknesses in the future, our business may be harmed. Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting and for evaluating and reporting on the effectiveness of our system of internal control. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). As a public company, we are required to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other rules that govern public companies. In particular, we are required to certify our compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which requires us to furnish annually a report by management on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.

Management reassessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022 and concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2022 due to a material weakness described under Part II, Item 9A “Controls and Procedures” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K/A. 

Remediation efforts place a significant burden on management and add increased pressure on our financial resources and processes. If we identify material weaknesses in our internal control over financial reporting in the future, our business may be harmed. Such harm may include: (i) failure to accurately report our financial results, to prevent fraud or to meet our SEC reporting obligations in a timely basis or at all; (ii) material misstatements in our consolidated financial statements and harm to our operating results and investor confidence; and (iii) a material adverse effect on the trading prices of our securities. In addition, the foregoing could subject us to sanctions or investigations by the NASDAQ, the SEC or other regulatory authorities, and result in the breach of covenants in our debt agreements, any of which could have a material adverse impact on our operations, financial condition, results of operations, liquidity and our securities’ trading prices.

Further, there are inherent limitations in the effectiveness of any control system, including the potential for human error and the possible circumvention or overriding of controls and procedures. Additionally, judgments in decision-making can be faulty and breakdowns can occur because of a simple error or mistake. An effective control system can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control objectives of the system are adequately met. Finally, projections of any evaluation or assessment of effectiveness of a control system to future periods are subject to the risks that, over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in an entity’s operating environment or deterioration in the degree of compliance with policies or procedures.

Other Risks of Our Business

COVID-19has caused severe disruptions in the U.S. economy and may have an adverse impact on our performance, results of operations and access to capital. In March 2020, a national emergency was declared under the National Emergencies Act due to a new strain of coronavirus ("COVID-19"). Measures initially taken across the U.S. and worldwide to mitigate the spread of the virus significantly impacted the macroeconomic environment, including consumer confidence, unemployment and other economic indicators that contribute to consumer spending behavior and demand for credit. More recently, policy responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have, in part, caused, supply chain disruptions, significant inflation and labor shortages. Our results of operations are impacted by the relative strength of the overall economy. As general economic conditions improve or deteriorate, the amount of consumer disposable income tends to fluctuate, which, in turn, impacts consumer spending levels and the willingness of consumers to finance purchases. Furthermore, to the extent that supply chain disruptions result in deferred purchases, there will be a corresponding decrease in our receivable purchases.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Our business and operations may be negatively affected by rising prices and interest rates. Our financial performance and consumers’ ability to repay indebtedness may be affected by uncertain economic conditions, including inflation and changing interest rates. Higher inflation increases the costs of goods and services, reduces consumer spending power and may negatively affect our ability to purchase receivables. In 2022, inflation reached a four-decade high.

The Federal Reserve has raised, and has indicated that it expects to continue to raise, interest rates to combat inflation. Increased interest rates may adversely impact the spending levels of consumers and their ability and willingness to borrow money. Higher interest rates often lead to higher payment obligations, which may reduce the ability of consumers to remain current on their obligations and, therefore, lead to increased delinquencies, defaults, customer bankruptcies and charge-offs, and decreased recoveries, all of which could have an adverse effect on our business.

Recently, prices for energy and food have been particularly volatile in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the resulting trade restrictions and sanctions imposed on Russia by the U.S. and other countries. These recent events have increased inflationary pressures.

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

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

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

We face heightened levels

The failure of economic risk associatedfinancial institutions or transactional counterparties could adversely affect our current and projected business operations and our financial condition and results of operations. On March 10, 2023, Silicon Valley Bank, or SVB, was closed by the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, which appointed the FDIC as receiver. Similarly, on March 12, 2023, Signature Bank and Silvergate Capital Corp. were each swept into receivership. A statement by the Department of the Treasury, the Federal Reserve and the FDIC stated that all depositors of SVB would have access to all of their money after only one business day of closure, including funds held in uninsured deposit accounts. Although we do not have any funds deposited with new investment activities.  We have madeSVB and Signature Bank, we regularly maintain cash balances with other financial institutions in excess of the FDIC insurance limit. A failure of a number of investments in businesses that are not directly relateddepository institution to return deposits could impact access to our traditional servicinginvested cash or cash equivalents and receivables financing activities to, or associated with, the underserved consumer credit market.  In addition, some of these investments that we have madecould adversely impact our operating liquidity and may make in the future are or will be in debt or equity securities of businesses over which we exert little or no control, which likely exposes us to greater risks of loss than investments in activities and operations that we control.  We make only those investments we believe have the potential to provide a favorable return. However, because some of the investments are outside of our core areas of expertise, they entail risks beyond those described elsewhere in this Report.  As occurred with respect to certain such investments in 2012 and 2011, these risks could result in the loss of part or all of our investments.


financial performance.

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


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

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


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

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

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

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

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


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


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


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

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

In addition, in November 2020, California voters approved the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020 (the “CPRA”) ballot initiative, which became effective on January 1, 2023. The CPRA established the California Privacy Protection Agency to implement and enforce the CCPA and CPRA. We anticipate that the CPRA and certain regulations promulgated by the California Privacy Protection Agency will apply to our business and we will work to ensure compliance with such laws and regulations by their effective dates.

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



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


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

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

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


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

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

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

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Risks Relating to an Investment in Our Securities

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

actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results;
changes in expectations as to our future financial performance, including financial estimates by securities analysts and investors;
the overall financing environment, which is critical to our value;
the operating and stock performance of our competitors;
announcements by us or our competitors of new products or services or significant contracts, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures or capital commitments;
changes in interest rates;
the announcement of enforcement actions or investigations against us or our competitors or other negative publicity relating to us or our industry;
changes in GAAP, laws, regulations or the interpretations thereof that affect our various business activities and segments;
general domestic or international economic, market and political conditions;
changes in ownership by executive officers, directors and parties related to them who control a majority of our common stock;
additions or departures of key personnel; and
future sales of our common stock and the transfer or cancellation of shares of common stock pursuant to a share lending agreement.

actual or anticipated fluctuations in our operating results;
changes in expectations as to our future financial performance, including financial estimates and projections by Atlanticus, securities analysts and
investors;
the overall financing environment, which is critical to our value;
changes in interest rates;
inflation and supply chain disruptions;
the operating and stock performance of our competitors;
announcements by us or our competitors of new products or services or significant contracts, acquisitions, strategic partnerships, joint ventures
or capital commitments;
the announcement of enforcement actions or investigations against us or our competitors or other negative publicity relating to us or our industry;
changes in GAAP, laws, regulations or the interpretations thereof that affect our various
business activities and segments;
general domestic or international economic, market and political conditions;
changes in ownership by executive officers, directors and parties related to them who control a majority of our common stock;
additions or departures of key personnel;
the annual yield from distributions on the Series B Preferred Stock as compared to yields on other financial instruments; and
global pandemics (such as the COVID-19 pandemic).

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


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

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

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

In June and July 2021, we issued 3,188,533 shares of Series B Preferred Stock. The rights of the holders of our Series B Preferred Stock with respect to dividends, distributions and payments upon liquidation rank junior to similar obligations to our holders of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and senior to similar obligations to our holders of common stock. Holders of the Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive dividends on each share of such stock equal to 7.625% per annum on the liquidation preference of $25.00 per share. The dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock are cumulative and non-compounding and must be paid before we pay any dividends on the common stock.

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In the event of our liquidation, dissolution or the winding up of our affairs, the holders of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock have the right to receive a liquidation preference entitling them to be paid out of our assets generally available for distribution to our equity holders and before any payment may be made to holders of our common stock.

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

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

In the past, we have not paid cash dividends on our common stock on a regular basis, and an increase in the market price of our common stock, if any, may be the sole source of gain on an investment in our common stock. With the exception of dividends payable on our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock, we currently plan to retain any future earnings for use in the operation and expansion of our business and may not pay any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. The declaration and payment of all future dividends on our common stock, if any, will be at the sole discretion of our board of directors, which retains the right to change our dividend policy at any time. Any decision by our board of directors to declare and pay dividends in the future will depend on, among other things, our results of operations, financial condition, cash requirements, contractual restrictions, restrictions on dividends imposed by the documents governing the terms of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock and other factors that our board of directors may deem relevant. Consequently, appreciation in the market price of our common stock, if any, may be the sole source of gain on an investment in our common stock for the foreseeable future. Holders of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to receive dividends on such stock that are cumulative and noncompounding and must be paid before we pay any dividends on the common stock.

Wehave the ability to issue additional preferred stock, warrants, convertible debt and other securities without shareholder approval. Our common stock may be subordinate to additional classes of preferred stock issued in the future in the payment of dividends and other distributions made with respect to common stock, including distributions upon liquidation or dissolution. Our articlesAmended and Restated Articles of incorporationIncorporation (the "Articles of Incorporation") permit our Boardboard of Directorsdirectors to issue preferred stock without first obtaining shareholder approval.approval, which we did in December 2019 when we issued the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and in June and July 2021 when we issued the Series B Preferred Stock. If we issuedissue additional classes of preferred stock, these additional securities may have dividend or liquidation preferences senior to the common stock. If we issue additional classes of convertible preferred stock, a subsequent conversion may dilute the current common shareholders’ interest. We have similar abilities to issue convertible debt, warrants and other equity securities.

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


The rightSeries B Preferred Stock rank junior to receiveour Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and all of our indebtedness and other liabilities and are effectively junior to all indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries. In the event of our bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our affairs, our assets will be available to pay obligations on the Series B Preferred Stock only after all of our indebtedness and other liabilities have been paid and the liquidation preference of the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock has been satisfied. The rights of holders of the Series B Preferred Stock to participate in the distribution of our assets will rank junior to the prior claims of our current and future creditors, the Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and any future series or class of preferred stock we may issue that ranks senior to the Series B Preferred Stock. Our Articles of Incorporation authorize us to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series on terms determined by our board of directors, and we currently have outstanding 400,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and 3,255,967 shares of Series B Preferred Stock. We may issue up to 6,344,033 additional shares of preferred stock.

In addition, the Series B Preferred Stock effectively ranks junior to all existing and future indebtedness and other liabilities of (as well as any preferred equity interests held by others in) our existing subsidiaries and any future subsidiaries. Our existing subsidiaries are, and any future subsidiaries would be, separate legal entities and have no legal obligation to pay any amounts to us in respect of dividends due on the Series B Preferred Stock. If we are forced to liquidate our assets to pay our creditors and holders of our Series A Convertible Preferred Stock, we may not have sufficient assets to pay amounts due on any or all of the Series B Preferred Stock then outstanding. We and our subsidiaries have incurred and may in the future incur substantial amounts of debt and other obligations that will rank senior to the Series B Preferred Stock. We may incur additional indebtedness and become more highly leveraged in the future, harming our financial position and potentially limiting our cash available to pay dividends. As a result, we may not have sufficient funds remaining to satisfy our dividend obligations relating to our Series B Preferred Stock if we incur additional indebtedness or issue additional preferred stock that ranks senior to the Series B Preferred Stock.

Future offerings of debt or senior equity securities may adversely affect the market price of the Series B Preferred Stock. If we decide to issue debt or senior equity securities in the future, it is possible that these securities will be governed by an indenture or other instrument containing covenants restricting our operating flexibility. Additionally, any convertible or exchangeable securities that we issue in the future may have rights, preferences and privileges more favorable than those of the Series B Preferred Stock and may result in dilution to holders of the Series B Preferred Stock. We and, indirectly, our shareholders will bear the cost of issuing and servicing such securities. Because our decision to issue debt or equity securities in any future offering will depend on market conditions and other factors beyond our control, we do not know the amount, timing or nature of any future offerings. Thus, holders of the Series B Preferred Stock bear the risk of our future offerings reducing the market price of the Series B Preferred Stock and diluting the value of their holdings in us.

Wemay issue additional shares of the Series B Preferred Stock and additional series of preferred stock that rank on a parity with the Series B Preferred Stock as to dividend rights, rights upon liquidation or voting rights. We are allowed to issue additional shares of Series B Preferred Stock and additional series of  preferred stock that would rank on a parity with the Series B Preferred Stock as to dividend payments and rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs pursuant to our Articles of Incorporation and the Amended and Restated Articles of Amendment Establishing the Series B Preferred Stock without any vote of the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock. Our Articles of Incorporation authorize us to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series on terms determined by our board of directors, and we currently have outstanding 400,000 shares of Series A Convertible Preferred Stock and 3,255,967 shares of Series B Preferred Stock. We may issue up to 6,344,033 additional shares of preferred stock. The issuance of additional shares of Series B Preferred Stock and additional series of parity preferred stock could have the effect of reducing the amounts available to the holders of Series B Preferred Stock upon our liquidation or dissolution or the winding up of our affairs. It also may reduce dividend payments on the Series B Preferred Stock if we do not have sufficient funds to pay dividends on all Series B Preferred Stock outstanding and other classes of stock with equal priority with respect to dividends.

In addition, although holders of the Series B Preferred Stock are entitled to limited voting rights with respect to such matters, the holders of the Series B Preferred Stock will vote separately as a class along with all other outstanding series of our convertible senior notespreferred stock that we may issue upon which like voting rights have been conferred and are exercisable. As a result, the voting rights of holders of the Series B Preferred Stock may be significantly diluted, and the holders of such other series of preferred stock that we may issue may be able to control or significantly influence the outcome of any vote.

Future issuances and sales of parity preferred stock, or the perception that such issuances and sales could occur, may cause prevailing market prices for the Series B Preferred Stock and our common stock to decline and may adversely affect our ability to raise additional capital in the financial markets at times and prices favorable to us. Such issuances may also reduce or eliminate our ability to pay dividends on our common stock.

Holders of Series B Preferred Stock have extremely limited voting rights. Holders of Series B Preferred Stock have limited voting rights. Our common stock is subordinatedthe only class of our securities that carries full voting rights. Voting rights for holders of Series B Preferred Stock exist primarily with respect to the ability to elect (together with the holders of other outstanding series of our preferred stock, or additional series of preferred stock we may issue in the future and upon which similar voting rights have been or are in the future conferred and are exercisable) two additional directors to our board of directors in the event that six quarterly dividends (whether or not declared or consecutive) payable on the Series B Preferred Stock are in arrears, and with respect to voting on amendments to our Articles of Incorporation or Amended and Restated Articles of Amendment Establishing the Series B Preferred Stock (in some cases voting together with the holders of other outstanding series of our preferred stock as a single class) that materially and adversely affect the rights of the holders of Series B Preferred Stock (and other series of preferred stock, as applicable) or create additional classes or series of our existingstock that are senior to the Series B Preferred Stock, provided that in any event adequate provision for redemption has not been made. Other than in limited circumstances, holders of Series B Preferred Stock do not have any voting rights.

The conversion feature of the Series B Preferred Stock may not adequately compensate holders of such stock, and the conversion and redemption features of the Series B Preferred Stock may make it more difficult for a party to take over our company and may discourage a party from taking over the Company. Upon the occurrence of a Delisting Event or Change of Control (as defined in the document governing the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock), holders of the Series B Preferred Stock will have the right (unless, prior to the Delisting Event Conversion Date or Change of Control Conversion Date, as applicable, we have provided or provide notice of our election to redeem the Series B Preferred Stock) to convert some or all of the Series B Preferred Stock into our common stock (or equivalent value of alternative consideration), and under these circumstances we will also have a special optional redemption right to redeem the Series B Preferred Stock. Upon such a conversion, the holders will be limited to a maximum number of shares of our common stock equal to the Share Cap (as defined in the document governing the terms of the Series B Preferred Stock) multiplied by the number of shares of Series B Preferred Stock converted. If the common stock price is less than $19.275, subject to adjustment, the holders will receive a maximum of 1.29702 shares of our common stock per share of Series B Preferred Stock, which may result in a holder receiving value that is less than the liquidation preference of the Series B Preferred Stock. In addition, those features of the Series B Preferred Stock may have the effect of inhibiting a third party from making an acquisition proposal for our Company or of delaying, deferring or preventing a change of control of the Company under circumstances that otherwise could provide the holders of our common stock and Series B Preferred Stock with the opportunity to realize a premium over the then-current market price or that shareholders may otherwise believe is in their best interests.

Holdersof Series B Preferred Stock may be unable to use the dividends-received deduction and may not be eligible for the preferential tax rates applicable to qualified dividend income.” Distributions paid to corporate U.S. holders on the Series B Preferred Stock may be eligible for the dividends-received deduction, and distributions paid to non-corporate U.S. holders on the Series B Preferred Stock may be subject to tax at the preferential tax rates applicable to “qualified dividend income,” if we have current or accumulated earnings and profits, as determined for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Although we presently have accumulated earnings and profits, we may not have sufficient current or accumulated earnings and profits during future secured creditors. fiscal years for the distributions on the Series B Preferred Stock to qualify as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes. If any distributions on the Series B Preferred Stock with respect to any fiscal year fail to be treated as dividends for U.S. federal income tax purposes, corporate U.S. holders would be unable to use the dividends-received deduction and non-corporate U.S. holders may not be eligible for the preferential tax rates applicable to “qualified dividend income” and generally would be required to reduce their tax basis in the Series B Preferred Stock by the extent to which the distribution is not treated as a dividend.

Holders of Series B Preferred Stock may be subject to tax if we make or fail to make certain adjustments to the conversion rate of the Series B Preferred Stock even though such holders do not receive a corresponding cash dividend. The conversion rate for the Series B Preferred Stock is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances. A failure to adjust (or to adjust adequately) the conversion rate after an event that increases the proportionate interest of the Series B Preferred Stock holders in us could be treated as a deemed taxable dividend to you. If a holder is a non-U.S. holder, any deemed dividend may be subject to U.S. federal withholding tax at a 30% rate, or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable treaty, which may be set off against subsequent payments on the Series B Preferred Stock. In April 2016, the U.S. Treasury issued proposed income tax regulations in regard to the taxability of changes in conversion rights that will apply to the Series B Preferred Stock when published in final form and may be applied to us before final publication in certain instances.

The indenture governing the 6.125% Senior Notes due 2026 (the Senior Notes) does not prohibit us from incurring additional indebtedness. If we incur any additional indebtedness that ranks equally with the Senior Notes, the holders of that debt will be entitled to share ratably with holders of the Senior Notes in any proceeds distributed in connection with any insolvency, liquidation, reorganization or dissolution. This may have the effect of reducing the amount of proceeds paid to holders of Senior Notes. Incurrence of additional debt would also further reduce the cash available to invest in operations, as a result of increased debt service obligations. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could intensify.

Our convertible senior noteslevel of indebtedness could have important consequences to holders of the Senior Notes, because:

it could affect our ability to satisfy our financial obligations, including those relating to the Senior Notes;

a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations would have to be dedicated to interest and principal payments and may not be available for operations, capital expenditures, expansion, acquisitions or general corporate or other purposes;

it may impair our ability to obtain additional debt or equity financing in the future;

it may limit our ability to refinance all or a portion of our indebtedness on or before maturity;

it may limit our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and industry; and

it may make us more vulnerable to downturns in our business, our industry or the economy in general.

Our operations may not generate sufficient cash to enable us to service our debt. If we fail to make a payment on the Senior Notes, we could be in default on the Senior Notes, and this default could cause us to be in default on other indebtedness, to the extent outstanding. Conversely, a default under any other indebtedness, if not waived, could result in acceleration of the debt outstanding under the related agreement and entitle the holders thereof to bring suit for the enforcement thereof or exercise other remedies provided thereunder. In addition, such default or acceleration may result in an event of default and acceleration of other indebtedness, entitling the holders thereof to bring suit for the enforcement thereof or exercise other remedies provided thereunder. If a judgment is obtained by any such holders, such holders could seek to collect on such judgment from the assets of Atlanticus. If that should occur, we may not be able to pay all such debt or to borrow sufficient funds to refinance it. Even if new financing were then available, it may not be on terms that are acceptable to us.

However, no event of default under the Senior Notes would result from a default or acceleration of, or suit, other exercise of remedies or collection proceeding by holders of, our other outstanding debt, if any. As a result, all or substantially all of our assets may be used to satisfy claims of holders of our other outstanding debt, if any, without the holders of the Senior Notes having any rights to such assets.

The Senior Notes are unsecured and therefore are subordinateeffectively subordinated to existing andany secured indebtedness that we currently have or that we may incur in the future. The Senior Notes are not secured by any of our assets or any of the assets of our subsidiaries. As a result, the Senior Notes are effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness that we or our subsidiaries have currently outstanding or may incur in the future secured obligations to the extent of the value of the assets securing such obligations. As a result,indebtedness. The indenture governing the Senior Notes does not prohibit us or our subsidiaries from incurring additional secured (or unsecured) indebtedness in the event of a bankruptcy,future. In any liquidation, dissolution, reorganizationbankruptcy or other similar proceeding, of our company, our assets generally would be available to satisfy obligations of our secured debt before any payment may be made on the convertible senior notes. To the extent that such assets cannot satisfy in full our secured debt, the holders of such debt would have a claim for any shortfall that would rank equally in right of payment (or effectively senior if the debt were issued by a subsidiary) with the convertible senior notes. In such an event, we may not have sufficient assets remaining to pay amounts on anyour existing or all of the convertible senior notes.

As of December 31, 2016, Atlanticus Holdings Corporation had outstanding: $152.3 million offuture secured indebtedness which would rank senior in right of payment toand the convertible senior notes; $42.3 million of senior unsecured indebtedness in addition to the convertible senior notes that would rank equal in right of payment to the convertible senior notes; and no subordinated indebtedness. Included in senior secured indebtedness are certain guarantees we have executed in favor of our subsidiaries. For more information on our outstanding indebtedness, See Note 9, “Notes Payable,” to our consolidated financial statements included herein.
Our convertible senior notes are junior to the indebtedness of our subsidiaries. Our convertible senior notessubsidiaries may assert rights against the assets pledged to secure that indebtedness and may consequently receive payment from these assets before they may be used to pay other creditors, including the holders of the Senior Notes.

TheSenior Notes are structurally subordinated to the existingindebtedness and futureother liabilities of our subsidiaries. The Senior Notes are obligations exclusively of Atlanticus and not of any of our subsidiaries. None of our subsidiaries is a guarantor of the Notes, and the Notes are not required to be guaranteed by any subsidiaries we may acquire or create in the future. Therefore, in any bankruptcy, liquidation or similar proceeding, all claims of creditors (including trade creditors) of our subsidiaries will have priority over our equity interests in such subsidiaries (and therefore the claims of our subsidiaries’ creditors. Holders of the convertible senior notes are not creditors, of our subsidiaries. Any claims ofincluding holders of the convertible senior notesSenior Notes) with respect to the assets of such subsidiaries. Even if we are recognized as a creditor of one or more of our subsidiaries, derive from our own equityclaims would still be effectively subordinated to any security interests in those subsidiaries. Claims of our subsidiaries’ creditors will generally have priority as to the assets of any such subsidiary and to any indebtedness or other liabilities of any such subsidiary senior to our subsidiaries over our own equity interest claims and will therefore have priority over the holders of the convertible senior notes.claims. Consequently, the convertible senior notesSenior Notes are effectively subordinatestructurally subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities whether or not secured,(including trade payables) of any of our subsidiaries and any subsidiaries that we may in the future acquire or establish. Our subsidiaries’ creditors also may include general creditors and taxing authorities. As of December 31, 2016,establish as financing vehicles or otherwise. The indenture governing the Senior Notes does not prohibit us or our subsidiaries had total


liabilitiesfrom incurring additional indebtedness in the future or granting liens on our assets or the assets of approximately $206.7 million (including the $152.3 million of senior secured indebtedness mentioned above), excluding intercompanyour subsidiaries to secure any such additional indebtedness. In addition, future debt and security agreements entered into by our subsidiaries may contain various restrictions, including restrictions on payments by our subsidiaries to us and the transfer by our subsidiaries of assets pledged as collateral.

The indenture governing the Senior Notes contains limited protection for holders of the Senior Notes. The indenture under which the Senior Notes were issued offers limited protection to holders of the Senior Notes. The terms of the indenture and the Senior Notes do not restrict our or any of our subsidiaries’ ability  to engage in, or otherwise be a party to, a variety of corporate transactions, circumstances or events that could have an adverse impact on the Senior Notes. In particular, the terms of the indenture and the Senior Notes does not place any restrictions on our or our subsidiaries’ ability to:

issue debt securities or otherwise incur additional indebtedness or other obligations, including (1) any indebtedness or other obligations that would be equal in right of payment to the Senior Notes, (2) any indebtedness or other obligations that would be secured and therefore rank effectively senior in right of payment to the Senior Notes to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness or other obligations, (3) indebtedness of ours that is guaranteed by one or more of our subsidiaries and which therefore would be structurally senior to the Senior Notes and (4) securities, indebtedness or obligations issued or incurred by our subsidiaries that would be senior to our equity interests in our subsidiaries and therefore rank structurally senior to the Senior Notes with respect to the assets of our subsidiaries;
pay dividends on, or purchase or redeem or make any payments in respect of, capital stock or other securities subordinated in right of payment to the Senior Notes;
sell assets (other than certain limited restrictions on our ability to consolidate, merge or sell all or substantially all of our assets);
enter into transactions with affiliates;
create liens (including liens on the shares of our subsidiaries) or enter into sale and leaseback transactions;
make investments; or
create restrictions on the payment of dividends or other amounts to us from our subsidiaries.

In addition, the indenture does not include any protection against certain events, such as a change of control, a leveraged recapitalization or “going private” transaction (which may result in a significant increase of our indebtedness levels), restructuring or similar transactions. Furthermore, the terms of the indenture and the Notes does not protect holders of the Senior Notes in the event that we experience changes (including significant adverse changes) in our financial condition, results of operations or credit ratings, as they do not require that we or our subsidiaries adhere to any financial tests or ratios or specified levels of net worth, revenues, income, cash flow, or liquidity. Also, an event of default or acceleration under our other indebtedness would not necessarily result in an “event of default” under the Senior Notes.

Our ability to recapitalize, incur additional debt and take a number of other actions that are not limited by the terms of the indenture may have important consequences for holders of the Senior Notes, including making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the Senior Notes or negatively affecting the trading value of the Senior Notes.

Other debt we issue or incur in the future could contain more protections for its holders than the indenture and the Senior Notes, including additional covenants and events of default. The issuance or incurrence of any such debt with incremental protections could affect the market for and trading levels and prices of the Senior Notes.

Wemay not be able to generate sufficient cash to service all of our debt, and may be forced to take other actions to satisfy our obligations under such indebtedness, which may not be successful. Our ability to make scheduled payments on, or to refinance our obligations under, our debt will depend on our financial and operating performance and that of our subsidiaries, which, in turn, will be subject to prevailing economic and competitive conditions and to financial and business factors, many of which may be beyond our control.

We may not maintain a level of cash flow from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness. If our cash flow and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may decidebe forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek to obtain additional equity capital or restructure our debt. In the future, our cash flow and capital resources may not be sufficient for payments of interest on, and principal of, our debt, and such alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. We may not be able to refinance any of our indebtedness or obtain additional financing. In the absence of such operating results and resources, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations. We may not be able to consummate those sales, or if we do, at an opportune time, the proceeds that we realize may not be adequate to meet debt service obligations when due. Repayment of our indebtedness, to a certain degree, is also dependent on the generation of cash flows by our subsidiaries (none of which are guarantors of the Senior Notes) and their ability to make such cash available to us, by dividend, loan, debt repayment, or otherwise. Our subsidiaries may not be able to, or be permitted to, make distributions or other payments to enable us to make payments in respect of our indebtedness. Each of our subsidiaries is a distinct legal entity and, under certain circumstances, applicable U.S. and foreign legal and contractual restrictions may limit our ability to obtain cash from our subsidiaries. In the event that we do not receive distributions or other payments from our subsidiaries, we may be unable to make required payments on our indebtedness.

An increase in market interest rates could result in a decrease in the value of the Senior Notes. In general, as market interest rates rise, notes bearing interest at a fixed rate decline in value. Consequently, if market interest rates increase, the portionmarket value of the Senior Notes may decline.

We may issue additional notes. Under the terms of the indenture governing the Senior Notes, we may from time to time without notice to, or the consent of, the holders of the Senior Notes, create and issue additional notes which may rank equally with the Senior Notes. If any such additional notes are not fungible with the Senior Notes initially offered hereby for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such additional notes will have one or more separate CUSIP numbers.

The rating for the Senior Notes could at any time be revised downward or withdrawn entirely at the discretion of the issuing rating agency. Ratings only reflect the views of the issuing rating agency or agencies and such ratings could at any time be revised downward or withdrawn entirely at the discretion of the issuing rating agency. A rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold the Senior Notes. Ratings do not reflect market prices or suitability of a security for a particular investor and the rating of the Senior Notes may not reflect all risks related to us and our activities thatbusiness, or the structure or market value of the Senior Notes. We may elect to issue other securities for which we conduct through subsidiaries.


may seek to obtain a rating in the future. If we issue other securities with a rating, such ratings, if they are lower than market expectations or are subsequently lowered or withdrawn, could adversely affect the market for or the market value of the Senior Notes.

Note Regarding Risk Factors

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

PART II

ITEM 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

The information in response to this item is included in our consolidated financial statements, together with the reports thereon of BDO USA, P.C., beginning on page F-1 of this Annual Report on Form 10-K/A, which follows the signature page hereto.

ITEM 9A.

Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As of December 31, 2022, an evaluation of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Act) was carried out on behalf of Atlanticus Holdings Corporation and our subsidiaries by our management and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer).

At the time we filed the Original Form 10-K, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer had concluded that as of December 31, 2022, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective. As part of the preparation of the Company’s June 30, 2023 interim financial statements, the Company’s management determined that management did not appropriately design and implement management review controls that included sufficient documentary evidence to support the precision of review over the development of cash flow forecasts used in the calculation of the fair value estimate of loans, interest and fees receivable at fair value. Thus, these controls were not operating effectively. As a result, our principal executive officer and our principal financial officer have concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were not effective as of December 31, 2022 because of this material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting.

Notwithstanding this material weakness, the Company has concluded that no material misstatements exist in the consolidated financial statements as filed on the Original Form 10-K, and as included in this Amendment, and such financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Accordingly, there are no changes to the Company’s previously-reported consolidated financial statements.

Restated Managements Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management of Atlanticus Holdings Corporation is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting (as such term is defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Act) for Atlanticus Holdings Corporation and our subsidiaries. Our management conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on the framework in Internal Control-Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) Internal Control-Integrated Framework (2013 framework).

In Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting included in the Original Form 10-K, our management previously concluded that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022. Subsequent to the filing date of the Original Form 10-K, management has concluded that the material weakness described above existed as of December 31, 2022. As a result, management has concluded that the Company did not maintain effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria in the COSO 2013 framework. Accordingly, management has restated its report on internal control over financial reporting.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, has been audited by BDO USA, P.C., an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their accompanying revised report on page F-1 of the attached financial statements.

Remediation Plan

The Company’s management is committed to maintaining a strong internal control environment. In response to the material weakness identified above, management, with the oversight of the Audit Committee of the Board of Directors, evaluated the material weakness described above and designed a remediation plan to enhance the Company’s internal control environment. To remediate the material weakness, the Company’s management performed an evaluation of the relevant controls, and implemented procedures to enhance documentation, and retain incremental evidence that supports the effectiveness of controls related to the development and review of cash flow forecasts used in the calculation of fair value estimate of loans, interest and fees receivable, at fair value. These enhanced procedures were implemented as of June 30, 2023, and will be monitored for effectiveness.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

During the quarter ended December 31, 2022, no change in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Act) occurred that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Inherent limitation on the effectiveness of internal controls

The Company’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, do not expect that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures or the Company’s internal control over financial reporting will prevent all errors and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of a simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with policies or procedures may deteriorate. Due to inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.


PART III

ITEM 15.

EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES

The following documents are filed as part of this Report: 

1. Financial Statements

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Page

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting(BDO USA, P.C.; Atlanta, GA; PCAOB ID#243)

F-1

ITEM 1B.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on the Consolidated Financial Statements(BDO USA, P.C.; Atlanta, GA; PCAOB ID#243)

UNRESOLVED STAFF COMMENTS
None.

We lease 335,372 square feet

2. Financial Statement Schedules

None.

3. Exhibits

Exhibit

Number

Description of Exhibit

Incorporated by Reference from Atlanticus’ SEC Filings

Unless Otherwise Indicated(1)

3.1

Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation

November 8, 2022, Form 10-Q, exhibit 3.1

3.1(a)Articles of Amendment Establishing Cumulative Convertible Preferred Stock, Series A (included as Exhibit B to Exhibit 3.1 hereto)November 8, 2022, Form 10-Q, exhibit 3.1
3.1(b)Amended and Restated Articles of Amendment Establishing the 7.625% Series B Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock (included as Exhibit C to Exhibit 3.1 hereto)November 8, 2022, Form 10-Q, exhibit 3.1

3.2

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

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

4.1Description of Atlanticus Holdings Corporation's Securities Registered Pursuant to Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934March 15, 2022, Form 10-K, exhibit 4.1

4.2

Form of common stock certificate

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

4.3

Indenture, dated as of November 22, 2021, by and between Atlanticus Holdings Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, as trusteeNovember 22, 2021, Form 8-K, exhibit 4.1
4.4First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of November 22, 2021, by and between Atlanticus Holdings Corporation and U.S. Bank National Association, as trusteeNovember 22, 2021, Form 8-K, exhibit 4.2
4.5Form of 6.125% Senior Notes due 2026 (included in Exhibit 4.4)November 22, 2021, Form 8-K, exhibit 4.3

10.1

Stockholders Agreement dated as of April 28, 1999

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

10.2†

Fourth Amended and Restated 2014 Equity Incentive Plan

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

10.2(a)†

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement–Directors

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

10.2(b)†

Form of Restricted Stock Agreement–Employees

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

10.2(c)†

Form of Stock Option Agreement–Directors

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

10.2(d)†

Form of Stock Option Agreement–Employees

August 14, 2019, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.5

10.2(e)†

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement–Directors

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

10.2(f)†

Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement–Employees

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

10.3†

Second Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan

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

10.4†

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated March 18, 2021, between Atlanticus Holdings Corporation and David G. Hanna

May 14, 2021, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.1

10.5†

Amended and Restated Employment Agreement, dated March 18, 2021, between Atlanticus Holdings Corporation and Jeffrey A. Howard

May 14, 2021, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.2

10.6†

Employment Agreement for William R. McCamey

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

10.7†Amended and Restated Consultant Agreement, dated May 1, 2020, between Atlanticus Services Corporation and Denise M. HarrodMay 14, 2021, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.4

10.8†

Outside Director Compensation Package

November 8, 2022, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.1

10.9

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

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

10.10

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

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

10.11

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

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

10.11(a)*Series 2017-One Indenture Supplement for Perimeter Master Note Business Trust, dated February 8, 2017March 15, 2022, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(a)

10.11(b)*

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

March 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(a)

Exhibit

Number

Description of Exhibit

Incorporated by Reference from Atlanticus’ SEC Filings

Unless Otherwise Indicated(1)

10.11(c)*First Amendment to the Amended and Restated Series 2017-One Indenture Supplement for Perimeter Master Note Business Trust, dated November 16, 2018March 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(b)
10.11(d)*Second Amendment to the Amended and Restated Series 2017-One Indenture Supplement for Perimeter Master Note Business Trust, dated September 20, 2019March 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(c)
10.11(e)Third Amendment to the Amended and Restated Series 2017-One Indenture Supplement for Perimeter Master Note Business Trust, dated November 13, 2019March 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(d)
10.11(f)*Fourth Amendment to the Amended and Restated Series 2017-One Indenture Supplement for Perimeter Master Note Business Trust, dated January 23, 2020March 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(e)
10.11(g)*Series 2018-Three Indenture Supplement for Perimeter Master Note Business Trust, dated November 16, 2018March 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(f)
10.11(h)*First Amendment to the Series 2018-Three Indenture Supplement for Perimeter Master Note Business Trust, dated October 9, 2019March 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(g)
10.11(i)Second Amendment to the Series 2018-Three Indenture Supplement for Perimeter Master Note Business Trust, dated November 13, 2019March 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(h)
10.11(j)*Third Amendment to Series 2018-Three Indenture Supplement for Perimeter Master Note Business Trust, dated January 23, 2020March 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(i)

10.11(k)*

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

March 15, 2022, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(k)
10.11(l)*First Amendment to Purchase Agreement, dated June 11, 2018, among TSO-Fortiva Notes Holdco LP, TSO-Fortiva Certificate Holdco LP, Perimeter Funding Corporation, Access Financing, LLC and Perimeter Master Note Business TrustMarch 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(k)
10.11(m)*Second Amendment to Purchase Agreement, dated November 16, 2018, among TSO-Fortiva Notes Holdco LP, TSO-Fortiva Certificate Holdco LP, Perimeter Funding Corporation, Access Financing, LLC and Perimeter Master Note Business TrustMarch 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(l)
10.11(n)Third Amendment to Purchase Agreement, dated November 13, 2019, among TSO-Fortiva Notes Holdco LP, TSO-Fortiva Certificate Holdco LP, Perimeter Funding Corporation, Access Financing, LLC and Perimeter Master Note Business TrustMarch 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(m)
10.11(o)*Fourth Amendment to Purchase Agreement, dated January 23, 2020, among TSO-Fortiva Notes Holdco LP, TSO-Fortiva Certificate Holdco LP, Perimeter Funding Corporation, Access Financing, LLC and Perimeter Master Note Business TrustMarch 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(n)
10.11(p)*Purchase Agreement, dated November 16, 2018, among TSO-Fortiva Notes Holdco LP, Perimeter Funding Corporation, Access Financing, LLC and Perimeter Master Note Business TrustMarch 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(o)
10.11(q)First Amendment to Purchase Agreement, dated November 13, 2019, among TSO-Fortiva Notes Holdco LP, Perimeter Funding Corporation, Access Financing, LLC and Perimeter Master Note Business TrustMarch 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(p)
10.11(r)*Second Amendment to Purchase Agreement, dated January 23, 2020, among TSO-Fortiva Notes Holdco LP, Perimeter Funding Corporation, Access Financing, LLC and Perimeter Master Note Business TrustMarch 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(q)
10.11(s)*Series 2019-One Indenture Supplement for Perimeter Master Note Business Trust, dated June 12, 2019March 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(r)
10.11(t)*Series 2019-Two Indenture Supplement for Perimeter Master Note Business Trust, dated November 26, 2019March 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.11(s)

10.11(u)

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

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

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

Exhibit

Number

Description of Exhibit

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

10.13Amended and Restated Program Management Agreement, dated April 1, 2020, between The Bank of Missouri and Atlanticus Services Corporation August 14, 2020, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.1
10.13(a)First Amendment to Amended and Restated Program Management Agreement, dated June 30, 2020, between The Bank of Missouri and Atlanticus Services CorporationAugust 14, 2020, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.1(a)
10.13(b)*Amended and Restated Receivable Sales Agreement, dated April 1, 2020, between The Bank of Missouri and Fortiva Funding, LLC August 14, 2020, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.2
10.13(c)First Amendment to Amended and Restated Receivable Sales Agreement, dated June 30, 2020, between The Bank of Missouri and Fortiva Funding, LLCAugust 14, 2020, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.2(a)
10.13(d)Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated March 24, 2018, among Mid America Bank & Trust Company, Atlanticus Services Corporation and The Bank of MissouriMay 14, 2019, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.2(b)
10.13(e)Assignment and Assumption Agreement, dated March 24, 2018, among Mid America Bank & Trust Company, Fortiva Funding, LLC and The Bank of MissouriMay 14, 2019, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.2(c)
10.14*Amended and Restated Operating Agreement of Access Financial Holdings, LLC, dated November 14, 2019March 30, 2020, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.15
21.1Subsidiaries of the RegistrantMarch 15, 2023, Form 10-K, exhibit 21.1
23.1Consent of BDO USA, P.C.Filed herewith
31.1Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)Filed herewith
31.2Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)Filed herewith

32.1

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

Filed herewith

101.INS

Inline XBRL Instance Document - the instance document does not appear in the Interactive Data File because its XBRL tags are embedded within the Inline XBRL document.

Filed herewith

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

Filed herewith

101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

Filed herewith

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

Filed herewith

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase Document

Filed herewith

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

Filed herewith

104Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.

(1)

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

*

Certain portions of this document have been omitted because they are both not material and are the type that the Company treats as private or confidential.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, the Registrant has duly caused this Report on Form 10-K/A to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in the City of Atlanta, State of Georgia, on November 8, 2023.

Atlanticus Holdings Corporation

By:

/s/ Jeffrey A. Howard

Jeffrey A. Howard

President and Chief Executive Officer

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Shareholders and Board of Directors 

Atlanticus Holdings Corporation 

Atlanta, Georgia 

Opinion on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited Atlanticus Holdings Corporation’s (the “Company’s”) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework(2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (the “COSO criteria”). In our opinion, the Company did not maintain, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on the COSO criteria. In our report dated March 14, 2023, we expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022. Subsequent to March 14, 2023, Management revised its assessment of internal control over financial reporting due to the identification of a material weakness, as described below. Accordingly, our opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022 expressed herein is different from that expressed in our previous report. 

We do not express an opinion or any other form of assurance on management’s statements referring to any corrective actions taken by the Company after the date of management’s assessment.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and temporary equity and cash flows for our executive officeseach of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, and the primary operationsrelated notes and our report dated March 14, 2023, expressed an unqualified opinion thereon.

Basis for Opinion

The Company’s management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of our Credit and Other Investments segment. We have sub-leased 255,110 square feetthe effectiveness of this office space. Our Auto Finance segment principally operates from 12,807 square feet of leased office space in Lake Mary, Florida, with additional offices and branch locations in various states and territories. Our operationsinternal control over financial reporting, included in the U.K., whichaccompanying Item 9A, Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audit. We are withina public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB. 

We conducted our Creditaudit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and Other Investments segment, include leased spaceperform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in Crawley.all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our facilities are suitableaudit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion. 

A material weakness is a deficiency, or a combination of deficiencies, in internal control over financial reporting, such that there is a reasonable possibility that a material misstatement of the company’s annual or interim financial statements will not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. A material weakness exists regarding management’s failure to design and implement management review controls that included sufficient documentary evidence to support the precision of review over the development of cash flow forecasts used in the calculation of the fair value estimate of loans, interest and fees receivable at fair value. This material weakness was considered in determining the nature, timing, and extent of audit tests applied in our business and that we will be able to lease or purchase additional facilities as our needs, if any, require.


ITEM 3.LEGAL PROCEEDINGS
We are involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental toaudit of the conduct of our business. There are currently no pending legal proceedings that are expected to be material to us.

ITEM 4.MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES
None.


PART II
ITEM 5.MARKET FOR REGISTRANT’S COMMON EQUITY, RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS AND ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES
Our common stock is traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “ATLC.” The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, the high and low sales prices per share of our common stock as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market. As of March 15, 2016, there were 51 record holders of our common stock, which does not include persons whose stock is held in nominee or “street name” accounts through brokers, banks and intermediaries.
   
2015HighLow
1st Quarter 2015$3.10$2.08
2nd Quarter 2015$3.86$2.03
3rd Quarter 2015$4.02$3.40
4th Quarter 2015$3.64$2.88
   
2016HighLow
1st Quarter 2016$3.48$2.90
2nd Quarter 2016$3.23$2.64
3rd Quarter 2016$3.15$2.72
4th Quarter 2016$3.50$2.71

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

ISSUER PURCHASES OF EQUITY SECURITIES

The following table sets forth information with respect to our repurchases of common stock during the three months ended December 31, 2016.
 Total Number of
Shares Purchased
 Average Price
Paid per Share
 Total Number of
Shares Purchased
as Part of Publicly
Announced Plans
or Programs
 Maximum Number
of Shares that May
Yet Be Purchased
under the Plans or
Programs (1)(2)
October 1- October 31
 $
 
 4,912,401
November 1 - November 3024,799
 $3.21
 
 4,912,401
December 1 - December 31
 $
 
 4,912,401
Total24,799
 $3.21
 
 4,912,401

(1)Because withholding tax-related stock repurchases are permitted outside the scope of our 5,000,000 share Board-authorized repurchase plan, these amounts exclude shares of stock returned to us by employees in satisfaction of withholding tax requirements on vested stock grants. There were 24,799 such shares returned to us during the three months ended December 31, 2016.
(2)Pursuant to a share repurchase plan authorized by our Board of Directors on May 12, 2016, we are authorized to repurchase 5,000,000 shares of our common stock through June 30, 2018.

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

ITEM 6.SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA
As a “smaller reporting company,” as defined by Item 10 of Regulation S-K, we are not required to provide this information.



ITEM 7.MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
    The following discussion should be read in conjunction with our2022 consolidated financial statements, and this report does not affect our report dated March 14, 2023 on those consolidated financial statements. 

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control over Financial Reporting

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements. 

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

/s/ BDO USA, P.C.

Atlanta, Georgia 

March 14, 2023, except as to the effect of the material weakness, which is dated November 8, 2023. 

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Shareholders and Board of Directors

Atlanticus Holdings Corporation

Atlanta, Georgia

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Atlanticus Holdings Corporation (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2022 and 2021, the related consolidated statements of income, shareholders’ equity and temporary equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “consolidated financial statements”). In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at December 31, 2022 and 2021, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2022, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”), the Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2022, based on criteria established in Internal Control Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (“COSO”) and our report dated March 14, 2023, and November 8, 2023, as to the effects of the material weakness as described in Management’s Annual Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting, expressed an adverse opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting because of a material weakness.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud.

Our audits included therein, where certain terms (including trust, subsidiaryperforming procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and other entity namesperforming procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial operatingstatements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and statistical measures) have been defined.

This Management’s Discussion and Analysissignificant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of Financial Condition and Results of Operations includes forward-lookingthe consolidated financial statements. We base these forward-looking statements on our current plans, expectations and beliefs about future events. There are risks, including the factors discussed in “Risk Factors” in Item 1A and elsewhere in this Report,believe that our actual experience will differ materiallyaudits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from these expectations.  For more information, see “Cautionary Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements”the current period audit of the consolidated financial statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relate(s) to accounts or disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or complex judgments. The communication of critical audit matter(s) does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing separate opinions on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Loans, Interest and Fees Receivable, at Fair Value.

As described in Note 2 and Note 6 to the beginningCompany’s consolidated financial statements, the Company has outstanding loans, interest, and fees receivable, at fair value of this Report.  


OVERVIEW
We utilize proprietary analytics and a flexible technology platform to enable financial institutions to provide various credit and related financial services and products to or$1,818 million at December 31, 2022. As of January 1, 2022 all receivables associated with the financially underservedCompany’s private label credit and general purpose credit cards are included within loans, interest, and fees receivable, at fair value. The Company estimates the fair value of these receivables using a discounted cash flow model and reevaluates their fair value at the end of each quarter. The discounted cash flow model assumptions used to determine the performance expectation include timing of expected cash flows and discount rates. The impact of changes in the fair value of loans, interest, and fees receivable, at fair value is reflected within the period incurred and can have a material impact on the financial results of the Company.

We identified the significant assumptions used by the Company in the discounted cash flow model used to estimate the fair value of outstanding loans, interest, and fees receivable, at fair value to be a critical audit matter. The significant assumptions impacting the fair value calculation include the timing of expected cash flows and discount rates applied. Auditing these significant assumptions involved especially challenging auditor judgment due to the nature and extent of audit evidence and effort required to address these matters including the involvement of individuals with specialized skill and knowledge.

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

Obtaining an understanding, assessing the design and testing the operating effectiveness of controls over the Company’s estimate of the fair value of loans, interest and fees receivable, including controls over management’s review of the significant assumptions and the completeness and accuracy of data used to develop the fair value calculation.

Testing the relevance and reliability of data related to the assumptions by agreeing data to internal and external third-party sources.

Evaluating the assumptions used for the timing of expected cash flows by comparing to historical performance to determine if such assumptions were relevant, reliable, and reasonable for the purpose used, including consideration of evidence (e.g., external economic data and peer data) that may be contradictory to the conclusions reached by management.

Involving professionals with specialized skills and knowledge in valuation to assist in the evaluation of the reasonableness of discount rates assumptions used by management to determine the fair value by comparing to market-based discount rates to determine if such assumptions were relevant, reliable, and reasonable for the purpose used, including consideration of evidence (e.g., external economic data, peer data, internal company data) that may be contradictory to the conclusion reached by management.

/s/ BDO USA, P.C.

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

Atlanta, Georgia

March 14, 2023

Atlanticus Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(Dollars in thousands)

  

December 31,

  

December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 
         

Assets

        

Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents (including $202.2 million and $209.5 million associated with variable interest entities at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively)

 $384,984  $409,660 

Restricted cash and cash equivalents (including $27.6 million and $75.9 million associated with variable interest entities at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively)

  48,208   96,968 

Loans, interest and fees receivable:

        

Loans, interest and fees receivable, at fair value (including $1,735.9 million and $925.5 million associated with variable interest entities at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively)

  1,817,976   1,026,424 

Loans, interest and fees receivable, gross (including $0 and $369.6 million associated with variable interest entities at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively)

  105,267   470,293 

Allowances for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable (including $0 and $55.1 million associated with variable interest entities at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively)

  (1,643)  (57,201)

Deferred revenue (including $0 and $8.2 million associated with variable interest entities at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively)

  (16,190)  (29,281)

Net loans, interest and fees receivable

  1,905,410   1,410,235 

Property at cost, net of depreciation

  10,013   7,335 

Operating lease right-of-use assets

  11,782   4,016 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

  27,417   15,649 

Total assets

 $2,387,814  $1,943,863 

Liabilities

        

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

 $44,332  $42,287 

Operating lease liabilities

  20,112   4,842 

Notes payable, net (including $1,586.0 million and $1,223.4 million associated with variable interest entities at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively)

  1,653,306   1,278,864 

Senior notes, net

  144,385   142,951 

Income tax liability

  60,689   47,770 

Total liabilities

  1,922,824   1,516,714 
         

Commitments and contingencies (Note 11)

          
         

Preferred stock, no par value, 10,000,000 shares authorized:

        

Series A preferred stock, 400,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2022 (liquidation preference - $40.0 million); 400,000 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021 (Note 4) (1)

  40,000   40,000 

Class B preferred units issued to noncontrolling interests (Note 4)

  99,950   99,650 
         

Shareholders' Equity

        

Series B preferred stock, no par value, 3,204,640 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2022 (liquidation preference - $80.1 million); 3,188,533 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2021 (1)

      

Common stock, no par value, 150,000,000 shares authorized: 14,453,415 and 14,804,408 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2022 and December 31, 2021, respectively

      

Paid-in capital

  121,996   227,763 

Retained earnings

  204,415   60,236 

Total shareholders’ equity

  326,411   287,999 

Noncontrolling interests

  (1,371)  (500)

Total equity

  325,040   287,499 

Total liabilities, preferred stock and equity

 $2,387,814  $1,943,863 

(1) Both the Series A preferred stock and the Series B preferred stock have no par value and are part of the same aggregate 10,000,000 shares authorized.

See accompanying notes.

Atlanticus Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Income

(Dollars in thousands, except per share data)

  

For the Year Ended

 
  

2022

  

2021

  

2020

 

Revenue:

            

Consumer loans, including past due fees

 $786,235  $518,783  $410,616 

Fees and related income on earning assets

  217,071   194,466   133,960 

Other revenue

  42,798   30,606   15,431 

Total operating revenue, net

  1,046,104   743,855   560,007 

Other non-operating revenue

  809   4,201   3,403 

Total revenue

  1,046,913   748,056   563,410 
             

Interest expense

  (81,851)  (54,127)  (51,548)

Provision for losses on loans, interest and fees receivable recorded at amortized cost

  (1,252)  (36,455)  (142,719)

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

  (577,069)  (218,733)  (108,548)

Net margin

  386,741   438,741   260,595 
             

Operating expense:

            

Salaries and benefits

  43,063   34,024   29,079 

Card and loan servicing

  95,428   75,397   63,047 

Marketing and solicitation

  62,403   56,635   35,012 

Depreciation

  2,175   1,493   1,247 

Other

  34,400   22,180   17,819 

Total operating expense

  237,469   189,729   146,204 

Loss on repurchase and redemption of convertible senior notes

     29,439    

Income before income taxes

  149,272   219,573   114,391 

Income tax expense

  (14,660)  (41,784)  (20,474)

Net income

  134,612   177,789   93,917 

Net loss attributable to noncontrolling interests

  985   113   203 

Net income attributable to controlling interests

  135,597   177,902   94,120 

Preferred dividends and discount accretion

  (25,076)  (22,363)  (17,070)

Net income attributable to common shareholders

 $110,521  $155,539  $77,050 

Net income attributable to common shareholders per common share—basic

 $7.55  $10.32  $5.32 

Net income attributable to common shareholders per common share—diluted

 $5.83  $7.56  $3.95 
             

See accompanying notes.

Atlanticus Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity and Temporary Equity

For the Years Ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

(Dollars in thousands)

  

Series B Preferred Stock

  

Common Stock

                  

Temporary Equity

 
  

Shares Issued

  

Amount

  

Shares Issued

  

Amount

  

Paid-In Capital

  

Retained Earnings (Deficit)

  

Noncontrolling Interests

  

Total Equity

  

Class B Preferred Units

  

Series A Preferred Stock

 

Balance at December 31, 2019

    $   15,885,314  $  $212,692  $(211,786) $(571) $335  $49,050  $40,000 

Accretion of discount associated with issuance of subsidiary equity

              (300)        (300)  300    

Preferred dividends

              (16,770)        (16,770)      

Stock option exercises and proceeds related thereto

        407,533      1,326         1,326       

Compensatory stock issuances, net of forfeitures

        68,040                      

Contributions by preferred shareholders

                          50,000     

Stock-based compensation costs

              1,355         1,355       

Redemption and retirement of shares

        (245,534)     (3,353)        (3,353)      

Net income (loss)

                 94,120   (203)  93,917       

Balance at December 31, 2020

    $   16,115,353  $  $194,950  $(117,666) $(774) $76,510  $99,350  $40,000 

Accretion of discount associated with issuance of subsidiary equity

              (300)        (300)  300    

Preferred dividends

              (22,063)        (22,063)      

Stock option exercises and proceeds related thereto

        526,015      1,885         1,885       

Compensatory stock issuances, net of forfeitures

        56,654                      

Issuance of series B preferred stock, net

  3,188,533            75,270         75,270       

Contributions by owners of noncontrolling interests

                    387   387       

Stock-based compensation costs

              3,240         3,240       

Redemption and retirement of shares

        (1,893,614)     (25,219)        (25,219)      

Net income (loss)

                 177,902   (113)  177,789        

Balance at December 31, 2021

  3,188,533  $   14,804,408  $  $227,763  $60,236  $(500) $287,499  $99,650  $40,000 

See accompanying notes.

  

Series B Preferred Stock

  

Common Stock

                  

Temporary Equity

 
  

Shares Issued

  

Amount

  

Shares Issued

  

Amount

  

Paid-In Capital

  

Retained Earnings (Deficit)

  

Noncontrolling Interests

  

Total Equity

  

Class B Preferred Units

  

Series A Preferred Stock

 

Balance at December 31, 2021

  3,188,533  $   14,804,408  $  $227,763  $60,236  $(500) $287,499  $99,650  $40,000 

Cumulative effects from adoption of the CECL standard

                   8,582      8,582       

Accretion of discount associated with issuance of subsidiary equity

              (300)        (300)  300    

Discount associated with repurchase of preferred stock

              18         18       

Preferred dividends

              (24,794)        (24,794)      

Stock option exercises and proceeds related thereto

        1,211,141      3,731         3,731       

Compensatory stock issuances, net of forfeitures

        112,027                      

Issuance of series B preferred stock, net

  19,607            437         437       

Contributions by owners of noncontrolling interests

                    114   114       

Stock-based compensation costs

              4,167         4,167       

Redemption and retirement of preferred shares

  (3,500)           (87)        (87)      

Redemption and retirement of common shares

        (1,674,161)     (88,939)        (88,939)      

Net income (loss)

                 135,597   (985)  134,612       

Balance at December 31, 2022

  3,204,640  $   14,453,415  $  $121,996  $204,415  $(1,371) $325,040  $99,950  $40,000 

See accompanying notes.

Atlanticus Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Dollars in thousands)

  

For the Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

  

2020

 

Operating activities

            

Net income

 $134,612  $177,789  $93,917 

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

            

Depreciation, amortization and accretion, net

  4,848   2,494   7,952 

Provision for losses on loans, interest and fees receivable

  1,252   36,455   142,719 

Interest expense from accretion of discount on notes

     453   585 

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

  (137,179)  (166,266)  (110,402)

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

  577,069   218,733   108,548 

Amortization of deferred loan costs

  5,101   5,114   5,137 

Income from equity-method investments

     (16)  (456)

Loss on repurchase and redemption of convertible senior notes

     29,439    

Stock-based compensation costs

  4,167   3,240   1,355 

Lease liability payments

  (4,053)  (10,470)  (10,278)

Gain on sale of property

     (599)   

Changes in assets and liabilities:

            

Increase in uncollected fees on earning assets

  (252,704)  (111,807)  (43,319)

Increase in income tax liability

  10,412   21,838   20,147 

Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses

  4,260   6,005   (3,096)

Other

  (1,655)  (36)  (75)

Net cash provided by operating activities

  346,130   212,366   212,734 
             

Investing activities

            

Investments in equity-method investee

     (398)   

Proceeds from equity-method investee

     560   998 

Proceeds from recoveries on charged off receivables

  32,361   14,065   13,781 

Investments in earning assets

  (2,544,477)  (2,018,760)  (1,330,980)

Proceeds from earning assets

  1,836,183   1,535,500   1,024,375 

Sale of property

     1,100    

Purchases and development of property, net of disposals

  (4,852)  (7,089)  (749)

Net cash used in investing activities

  (680,785)  (475,022)  (292,575)
             

Financing activities

            

Noncontrolling interests contributions

  114   387   50,000 

Proceeds from issuance of Series B preferred stock, net of issuance costs

  437   75,270    

Preferred dividends

  (24,793)  (21,809)  (13,561)

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

  3,731   1,885   1,326 

Purchase and retirement of outstanding stock

  (89,008)  (25,219)  (3,353)

Proceeds from issuance of Senior notes, net of issuance costs

     142,832    

Proceeds from borrowings

  680,527   923,477   588,229 

Repayment of borrowings

  (309,753)  (586,495)  (460,256)

Net cash provided by financing activities

  261,255   510,328   162,385 

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash

  (36)  (5)  23 

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash

  (73,436)  247,667   82,567 

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at beginning of period

  506,628   258,961   176,394 

Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash at end of period

 $433,192  $506,628  $258,961 

Supplemental cash flow information

            

Cash paid for interest

 $75,357  $47,608  $46,526 

Net cash income tax payments

 $4,248  $19,946  $327 

Increase in accrued and unpaid preferred dividends

 $1  $254  $3,209 
             

See accompanying notes.

Atlanticus Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020

1.

Description of Our Business

Our accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Atlanticus Holdings Corporation (the “Company”) and those entities we control. We are a purpose driven financial technology company. We are primarily focused on facilitating consumer credit market. Currently, withinthrough the use of our financial technology and related services. Through our subsidiaries, we provide technology and other support services to lenders who offer an array of financial products and services to consumers who may have been declined by other providers of credit.

We are principally engaged in providing products and services to lenders in the U.S. and, in most cases, we invest in the receivables originated by lenders who utilize our technology platform and other related services. From time to time, we also purchase receivables portfolios from third parties. In these Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements, “receivables” or “loans” typically refer to receivables we have purchased from our bank partners or from third parties.

Within our Credit and Other Investmentsas a Service (“CaaS”) segment, we are applyingapply our technology solutions, in combination with the experiences gained, and infrastructure built from servicing over $25$30 billion in consumer loans over our 20-yearmore than 25 years of operating history, to support lenders who originate a range of consumer loan products.in offering more inclusive financial services. These products include retailprivate label credit personal loans, and general purpose credit cards marketedoriginated by lenders through multiple channels, including retail point-of-sale,retailers and healthcare providers, direct mail solicitation, Internet-baseddigital marketing and partnerships with third parties. In the point-of-sale channel, we partnerThe services of our bank partners are often extended to consumers who may not have access to financing options with retailers and service providers in various industries across the U.S. to allow them to provide credit to their customers for the purchase of a variety of goods and services including consumer electronics, furniture, elective medical procedures, educational services and home-improvements.larger financial institutions. Our flexible technology platform allowssolutions allow our lendingbank partners to integrate our paperless process and instant decision-makingdecisioning platform with the technologyexisting infrastructure of participating retailers, healthcare providers and other service providers. These services ofUsing our lending partners are often extended to consumers who may have been declined under traditional financing options. We specialize in supporting this “second-look” credit service. Additionally, we support lenders who market general purpose personal loans and credit cards directly to consumers through additional channels, which enables them to reach consumers through a diverse origination platform that includes direct mail, Internet-based marketing and our retail partnerships. Our technology platform and proprietary predictive analytics, enable lenders tocan make instant credit decisions utilizing hundreds of inputs from multiple sources and thereby offer credit to consumers overlooked by traditionalmany providers of credit. By offering a range of products through a multitude of channels, we enable lenders to provide the right type of credit, wheneverfinancing who focus exclusively on consumers with higher FICO scores. Atlanticus’ underwriting process is enhanced by artificial intelligence and wherever the consumer has a need. In most cases, we invest in the receivables originated by lenders who utilize our technology platform and other related services.


Using our infrastructure and technology platform, wemachine learning, enabling fast, sound decision-making when it matters most.

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


Beyond these activities within our Credit and Other Investments segment, we invest in and service portfolios of credit card receivables. One of our portfolios of credit card receivables is encumbered by non-recourse structured financing, and for this portfolio our principal remaining economic interest is the servicing compensation we receive as an offset against our servicing costs given that the likely future collections on the portfolio are insufficient to allow for full repayment of the financing.
Additionally, we report within our CreditCaaS segment: 1) servicing income; and Other Investments segment the income earned from an investment in an equity-method investee that holds credit card receivables for which we are the servicer.

Lastly, we report within our Credit and Other Investments segment2) gains or losses associated with investments previously made in consumer finance technology platforms. These include investments in companies engaged in mobile technologies, marketplace lending and other financial technologies. These investments are carried at the lower of cost or market valuation. Some of these investees have raised capital at valuations in excess of our associated book value. However, noneNone of these companies are publicly-traded there are no material pending liquidity events, and ascribingthe carrying value to these investments at this time would be speculative.
The recurring cash flows we receive within our Credit and Other Investments segment principally include those associated with (1) point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables, (2) servicing compensation and (3) credit card receivables portfolios that are unencumbered or where we own a portion of the underlying structured financing facility.


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

not material.

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

We closely monitor

In March 2020, a national emergency was declared under the National Emergencies Act due to a new strain of coronavirus ("COVID-19"). The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted global supply chains and manage our expenses basedbusiness operations. In addition, rising inflation in 2021 and 2022 resulted in increased costs for many goods and services. As a result of persistently high inflation, interest rates have been on current product offerings (andthe rise and are expected to continue rising in recent years have significantly reduced our overhead infrastructure which was builtthe near term. The combination of rising inoculation rates in the U.S. population and the federal COVID-19 relief package contributed to accommodate higher managed receivables levelsincreased economic recovery in 2021; however, fiscal support of businesses and a much greater numberindividuals has declined. Russia’s invasion of accounts serviced). As such, we are maintaining our infrastructureUkraine has intensified supply chain disruptions and incurring increased overhead and other costs in order to expand point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer finance and credit solutions andheightened uncertainty surrounding the near-term outlook for the broader economy. The impacts of new product offerings that we believe have the potential to grow into our existing infrastructure and allow for long-term shareholder returns.


SubjectCOVID-19 variants, responses to the availabilityCOVID-19 pandemic by both consumers and governments, rising energy costs, inflation, rising interest rates, and the unresolved geopolitical tensions relating to Russia’s invasion of capital at attractive termsUkraine could significantly affect the economic outlook. The duration and pricing, we plan to continue to evaluate and pursue a varietyseverity of activities, including:  (1) investments in additional financial assets associated with point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer finance and credit activities as well as the acquisition of interests in receivables portfolios; (2) investments in other assets or businesses that are not necessarily financial services assets or businesses; and (3) the repurchase of our convertible senior notes and other debt or our outstanding common stock.


CONSOLIDATED RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

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

Year EndedDecember 31, 2016, Compared to Year EndedDecember 31, 2015
Total interest income. Total interest income consists primarily of finance charges and late fees earned on point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables, credit card and auto finance receivables. Period-over-period results reflect continued growth in our auto finance receivables, but primarily relate to growth in point-of-sale finance and direct-to-consumer products, the receivables of which increased from $105.3 million as of December 31, 2015 to $214.9 million as of December 31, 2016. These increases were offset, however, by continued net liquidations of our historical credit card receivable portfolios over the past year. We are currently experiencing continued growth in point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables and our CAR receivables—growth which we expect to result in net period over period growth in our total interest income for these operations throughout 2017. Future periods’ growth is also dependent on the addition of new retail partners to expand the reach of point-of-sale operations as well as continued growth within existing partnerships and continued growth within the direct-to-consumer receivables. Despite anticipated increases in point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables, continued net liquidations of our

historical credit card receivables will continue to offset some of the expected increases and could result in overall net declines in interest income period over period if our investments in new receivable originations decline.
Interest expense. Variations in interest expense are due to our debt facilities being repaid commensurate with net liquidations of the underlying credit card, auto finance and installment loan receivables that serve as collateral for the facilities offset by new borrowings associated with growth in point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables and CAR operations as evidenced within Note 9, “Notes Payable,” to our consolidated financial statements. We anticipate additional debt financing over the next few quarters as we continue to grow, and as such, we expect our quarterly interest expense to be above that experienced in the prior periods for these operations.
Fees and related income on earning assets.  The significant factors affecting our differing levels of fees and related income on earning assets include:

    declines in rental revenue as we significantly reduced rent-to-own operations in the fourth quarter of 2015 and for which we discontinued new acquisitions in 2016. We expect minimal future revenues associated with this product offering as existing rent-to-own contracts culminate with no new acquisitions expected;
reductions in fees on receivables, associated with general net declines in historical credit card receivables, offset slightly by new acquisitions of credit card receivables under our direct-to-consumer product offerings;
the effects of changes in the fair values of credit card receivables recorded at fair value and notes payable associated with structured financings recorded at fair value as described below; and
a reduction in other fees for 2016 as the 2015 results were positively impacted by the resolution of an outstanding dispute that resulted in the recovery of approximately $2.0 million associated with a receivable that was fully reserved in a prior period.

We expect a diminishing level of fee income for 2017 absent significant new credit card receivable acquisitions. Additionally, for credit card accounts for which we use fair value accounting, we expect our change in fair value of credit card receivables recorded at fair value and our change in fair value of notes payable associated with structured financings recorded at fair value amounts to gradually diminish (absent significant changes in the assumptions used to determine these fair values) in the future. These amounts, however, are subject to potentially high levels of volatility if we experience changes in the quality of our credit card receivables or if there are significant changes in market valuation factors (e.g., interest rates and spreads) in the future. Such volatility will be muted somewhat, however, by the offsetting nature of the receivables and underlying debt being recorded at fair value and with the expected reductions in the face amounts of such outstanding receivables and debt as we experience further credit card receivables liquidations and associated debt amortizing repayments. Further, as discussed above, we do not expect meaningful levels of rental revenue in 2017 as existing rent-to-own contracts culminate with no new acquisitions expected. Offsetting declines in fees on credit products, is the aforementioned growth we are currently experiencing associated with point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer finance receivables and which we expect to continue throughout 2017. We do not expect that growth levels impacting our fees and related income on earning assets will be sufficient to offset overall declines in this category of revenue (primarily related to the decline in expected rental revenues) for 2017.

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

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

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

additional investments in our existing or in new equity-method investees in the future, we expect gradually declining effects from our equity-method investmentCOVID-19 on our operating results.
Net recovery of losses upon charge off of loans and fees receivable recorded at fair value. This account reflects charge offs (net of recoveries) of the face amount of credit card receivables we record at fair value on our consolidated balance sheet. We have experienced a general trending decline in, and we expect future trending declines in, these charge offs as we continue to liquidate our historical credit card receivables. Additionally, net recovery in both periods reflects the effects of reimbursements received in respect of one of our portfolios. In the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, these reimbursements exceeded the charge-offs experienced within the portfolio during the periods presented as the reimbursements are not directly associated with the timing of actual charge offs. The timing of these reimbursements cannot be reliably determined and as such we may not continue to experience similar positive impacts on future quarters.

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

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

Offsetting these declines are:

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

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

A portion of our operating costs are variable based on the levels of accounts and receivables we service (both for our own account and for others) and the pace and breadth of our search for, acquisition of and introduction of new business lines, products and services. However, a number of our operating costs are fixed and until recently have comprised a larger percentage of our total costs based on the ongoing contraction of our historical credit card receivables. This trend is gradually reversing, however, as we continue to grow our earning assets (including loans and fees receivable) based principally on growth of point-of-sale receivables and to a lesser extent, growth within our CAR operations. This is evidenced by the growth we experienced in our managed receivables levels with no effective growth in our card and loan servicing expenses (and overall expenses) as we were able to better utilize our fixed costs to grow our asset base. We continue to perform extensive reviews of all areas of our businesses for cost savings opportunities to better align our costs with our portfolio of managed receivables.
Notwithstanding our cost-control efforts and focus, we expect increased levels of expenditures associated with anticipated growth in point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer personal loan and credit card related operations. These expenses will primarily be related to the variable costs of marketing efforts associated with new receivable acquisitions. While we have greater control over our variable expenses, it is difficult (as explained above) for us to appreciably reduce our fixed and other costs associated with an infrastructure (particularly within our Credit and Other Investments segment) that was built to support levels of managed receivables that are significantly higher than both our current levels and the levels that we expect to see in the near future. At this point, our Credit and Other Investments segment cash inflows are sufficient to cover its direct variable costs and a portion, but not all, of its share of overhead costs (including, for example, corporate-level executive and administrative costs and our convertible senior notes interest costs). As such, if we are unable to contain overhead costs or expand revenue-earning activities to levels commensurate with such costs, then, depending upon the earnings generated from our Auto Finance segment and our liquidating credit card portfolios, we may experience continuing pressure on our ability to achieve consistent profitability.
Noncontrolling interests.  We reflect the ownership interests of noncontrolling holders of equity in our majority-owned subsidiaries as noncontrolling interests in our consolidated statements of operations. Unless we enter into significant new majority-owned subsidiary ventures with noncontrolling interest holders in the future, we expect to have negligible noncontrolling interests in our majority-owned subsidiaries and negligible allocations of income or loss to noncontrolling interest holders in future quarters.
Income Taxes. We experienced an effective income tax benefit rate of 48.7% for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to an effective income tax expense rate of 51.7% for the year ended December 31, 2015.  Our effective income tax benefit rate for the year ended December 31, 2016 is above the statutory rate principally due to the income of our U.K. subsidiary (1) that is not subject to tax in the U.S., and (2) the U.K. tax on which was fully offset by the release of U.K. valuation allowances.  Our effective income tax expense rate for the year ended December 31, 2015 reflects in part, the establishment of a valuation allowance against our U.K.-related deferred tax assets.

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

In December 2014, we reached a settlement with the IRS concerning the tax treatment of net operating losses that we incurred in 2007 and 2008 and carried back to obtain refunds of federal income taxes paid in earlier years dating back to 2003. Our net unpaid income tax assessment associated with that settlement was $7.3 million at December 31, 2016; this amount excludes unpaid interest and penalties on the tax assessment, the accruals for which aggregated $3.4 million at December 31, 2016. An IRS examination team denied amended return claims we filed that would have eliminated the $7.3 million assessment (and corresponding interest and penalties), and we filed a protest with IRS Appeals. Pending the resolution of this matter, and as is customary in such cases, the IRS filed a lien in respect of the $7.3 million assessment described herein. To the extent we are unsuccessful in resolving this matter with IRS Appeals to our satisfaction, we plan to litigate this matter.


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

We record (i) the finance charges, discount accretion and late fees assessed on our Credit and Other Investments segment receivables in the interest income - consumer loans, including past due fees category on our consolidated statements of operations, (ii) the rental revenue, over-limit, annual, activation, monthly maintenance, returned-check, cash advance and other fees in the fees and related income on earning assets category on our consolidated statements of operations, and (iii) the charge offs (and recoveries thereof) within our provision for losses on loans and fees receivable on our consolidated statements of operations (for all credit product receivables other than those for which we have elected the fair value option) and within losses upon charge off of loans and fees receivable recorded at fair value on our consolidated statements of operations (for all of our other receivables for which we have elected the fair value option). Additionally, we show the effects of fair value changes for those credit card receivables for which we have elected the fair value option as a component of fees and related income on earning assets in our consolidated statements of operations.
Depreciation expense associated with rental merchandise (totaling $5.3 million and $38.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively) for which we receive rental revenue is included as a component of our overall depreciation in our consolidated statements of operations. We expect continued reductions in our depreciation of rental merchandise as existing rent-to-own contracts culminate with no new acquisitions expected.

We historically have invested in receivables portfolios through subsidiary entities. If we control through direct ownership or exert a controlling interest in the entity, we consolidate it and reflect its operations as noted above. If we exert significant influence but do not control the entity, we record our share of its net operating results in the equity in income of equity-method investee category on our consolidated statements of operations.
Managed Receivables
We make various references within our discussion of the Credit and Other Investments segment to our managed receivables. In calculating managed receivables data, we include within managed receivables those receivables we manage for our consolidated subsidiaries, but we exclude from managed receivables any noncontrolling interest holders’ shares of the receivables. Additionally, we include within managed receivables only our economic share of the receivables that we manage for our equity-method investee.
Financial, operating and statistical data based on aggregate managed receivables are important to any evaluation of the performance of our credit portfolios, including our risk management, servicing and collection activities and our valuing of purchased receivables.  In allocating our resources and managing our business, management relies heavily upon financial data and results prepared on this “managed basis.” Analysts, investors and others also consider it important that we provide selected financial, operating and statistical data on a managed basis because this allows a comparison of us to others within the specialty finance industry. Moreover, our management, analysts, investors and others believe it is critical that they understand the credit performance of the entire portfolio of our managed receivables because it reveals information concerning the quality of loan originations and the related credit risks inherent within the portfolios.

Reconciliation of the managed receivables data to our GAAP financial statements requires: (1) an understanding that our managed receivables data are based on billings and actual charge offs as they occur, without regard to any changes in our allowance for uncollectible loans and fees receivable or any changes in the fair value of loans and fees receivable and their associated structured financing notes; (2) inclusion of our economic share of (or equity interest in) the receivables we manage for our equity-method investee; (3) removal of any noncontrolling interest holders’ shares of the managed receivables underlying our GAAP consolidated results; (4) treatment of the transaction in which our 50%-owned equity-method investee acquired our structured financing trust notes (a) as a deemed sale of the trust receivables at their face amount, (b) followed by the 50%-owned equity-method investee’s deemed repurchase of such receivables for consideration equal to the discounted purchase price that it paid for the notes, and (c) as though the difference between the deemed face amount and the deemed discounted repurchase price of the receivables is to be treated as credit quality discount to be accreted into managed earnings as a reduction of net charge offs over the remaining life of the receivables; and (5) the exclusion from our managed receivables data of certain reimbursements received in respect of one of our portfolios which resulted in pre-tax income benefits within our total interest income, fees and related income on earning assets, losses upon charge off of loans and fees receivable recorded at fair value, net of recoveries, other income, servicing income, and equity in income of equity-method investee line items on our

consolidated statements of operations totaling approximately $10.3 million for the three months ended December 31, 2016, $2.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016, $7.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2016, $5.9 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, $10.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2015, $11.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2015, $10.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2015, and $12.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. This last category of reconciling items above is excluded because it does not bear on our performance in managing our credit card portfolios, including our risk management, servicing and collection activities and our valuing of purchased receivables; moreover, it is difficult to determine the future effects of any such reimbursements that may be received.
Asset quality. Our delinquency and charge-off data at any point in time reflect the credit performance of our managed receivables. The average age of the accounts underlying our receivables, the timing of portfolio purchases, the success of our collection and recovery efforts and general economic conditions all affect our delinquency and charge-off rates. The average age of the accounts underlying our receivables portfolio also affects the stability of our delinquency and loss rates. We consider this delinquency and charge-off data in our determination of the fair value of our credit card receivables underlying formerly off-balance-sheet securitization structures, as well as our allowance for uncollectible loans and fees receivable in the case of our other credit product receivables that we report at net realizable value. Our strategy for managing delinquency and receivables losses consists of account management throughout the life of the receivable. This strategy includes credit line management and pricing based on the risks. See also our discussion of collection strategies under the “How Do We Collect?” in Item 1, “Business”.
The following table presents the delinquency trends of the receivables we manage within our Credit and Other Investments segment, as well as charge-off data and other managed receivables statistics (in thousands; percentages of total):
 At or for the Three Months Ended
 2016 2015
 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 Jun. 30 Mar. 31 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 Jun. 30 Mar. 31
Period-end managed receivables$245,007 $221,683 $201,406 $155,425 $152,528 $151,055 $142,338 $140,660
Percent 30 or more days past due11.8% 10.9% 8.2% 9.7% 11.5% 10.5% 11.8% 10.1%
Percent 60 or more days past due8.1% 7.3% 5.3% 7.1% 7.9% 7.2% 8.8% 7.5%
Percent 90 or more days past due5.2% 4.7% 3.4% 5.1% 5.4% 5.0% 4.9% 5.4%
Average managed receivables$236,103 $216,951 $188,128 $152,831 $152,983 $143,946 $139,401 $146,792
Total yield ratio32.6% 33.5% 36.8% 35.4% 35.2% 41.3% 38.1% 38.3%
Combined gross charge-off ratio21.1% 13.3% 14.9% 18.2% 16.8% 21.5% 17.4% 23.8%
Adjusted charge-off ratio17.8% 10.7% 11.7% 14.1% 12.9% 16.5% 13.2% 19.2%

Managed receivables levels.We experienced overall quarterly growth throughout 2015 and 2016 related to our current product offerings with over $109 million in receivables growth associated with our point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer products. The addition of several large retail partners in 2016 contributed to over $45 million of our total $68 million in retail net receivable growth. Additionally, our personal loan acquisitions grew by over $36 million during the year ended December 31, 2016. Offsetting this growth in our managed receivables are declines in our historical credit card receivables portfolios given the closure of substantially all credit card accounts underlying the portfolios. While we expect continued quarterly growth in our managed receivables balances for all of our products throughout 2017, this growth in future periods largely is dependent on the addition of new retail partners to the point-of-sale operations as well as the timing of solicitations within the direct-to-consumer operations. Further, the loss of existing retail partner relationships could adversely affect new loan acquisition levels.
Delinquencies. Delinquencies have the potential to impact net income in the form of net credit losses. Delinquencies also are costly in terms of the personnel and resources dedicated to resolving them. We intend for the receivables management strategies we use on our portfolios to manage and, to the extent possible, reduce the higher delinquency rates that can be expected in the more mature portion of our managed portfolio. These account management strategies include conservative credit line management, purging of inactive accounts and collection strategies intended to optimize the effective account-to-

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

Given that the vast majority of credit card accounts related to our historical credit card receivables have been closed and there has been no significant new activity for these accounts, we generally have noted declines in delinquency statistics of our managed credit card receivables (when compared to the same quarters in prior period).

As our investments in point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables have become a larger component of our managed receivables base, our delinquency rates have increased (when compared to periods during which seasoned credit cards made up a larger portion of our managed receivables). This is largely a result of the risk profiles (and corresponding expected returns) for these receivables being higher than that experienced under our mature credit card receivables underlying closed credit card accounts as discussed above. Our delinquency rates have continued to be somewhat lower than what we ultimately expect for our new point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables given the continued growth and age of the related accounts. If and when growth for these product lines moderates, as occurred with our personal loan product offering in the last two quarters of 2016, we expect increased overall delinquency rates as the existing receivables mature through their peak charge-off periods. Additionally, seasonal payment patterns on these receivables are similar to those experienced with our historical credit card receivables and we expect those patterns to continue. For example, delinquency rates historically are lower in the first quarter of each year as seen above due to the benefits of seasonally strong payment patterns associated with year-end tax refunds for most consumers.

Total yield ratio. As noted previously, the mix of our managed receivables has shifted away from certain higher-yielding credit card receivables. Those particular receivables traditionally had higher delinquency rates and late and over-limit fee assessments than do our other portfolios, and thus have higher total yield ratios as well. Additionally, our total yield ratio has been adversely affected in past quarters by our Non-U.S. Acquired Portfolio acquisition. Its total yields are below average compared to our other portfolios although the impacts of this portfolio are declining as its receivables continue to liquidate and are relatively immaterial at this time.
Offsetting the historical impacts noted above is growth in our newer, higher yielding receivables, including point-of-sale receivables and direct-to-consumer loans. While this growth has contributed to increases in our total yield ratio, we expect this growth will slow or even modestly reverse the trend of our declining charge-off rates as discussed above and as noted in the fourth quarter of 2016, because we expect these receivables to season, mature, and charge off at higher rates than we currently experience on our liquidating pool of credit card receivables associated with closed credit card accounts.  We anticipate continued growth in our higher yielding point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables over the next few quarters which should continue to stabilize our yield consistent with what we experienced in the past several quarters. However, the timing of receivable acquisitions as well as the relative mix of receivables acquired within a given quarter may contribute to some continued minor variability in our total yield ratio.
Although we have seen generally improving total yield ratio trend-lines, our third quarter 2015 total yield ratio was positively impacted by the recovery of approximately $2.0 million associated with a receivable that was fully reserved in a prior period. Absent this item, our total yield ratio would have been 35.8% in the third quarter of 2015.
Combined gross charge-off ratio and Adjusted charge-off ratio. We charge off our Credit and Other Investments segment receivables when they become contractually more than 180 days past due or 120 days past due for the direct-to-consumer personal loan receivables. We charge off rent-to-own receivables and impair associated rental merchandise if a payment has not been made within the previous 90 days. However, if a payment is made greater than or equal to two minimum payments within a month of the charge-off date, we may reconsider whether charge-off status remains appropriate. Typically, we charge off receivables within 30 days of notification and confirmation of a consumer’s bankruptcy or death. However, in some cases of death, we do not charge off receivables if there is a surviving, contractually liable individual or an estate large enough to pay the debt in full.
Given that our historical credit card portfolios now account for less than 15% of our total managed receivables, the impacts of these historical portfolios are no longer key drivers in the performance of our managed receivables. Instead, growth within point-of-sale finance and direct-to-consumer receivables that have higher charge-off rates than the liquidating credit card portfolios that have historically comprised a larger portion of our managed receivables has resulted in increases in our charge-off rates over time. The declines we experienced in the second quarter of 2015 and 2016 in both our combined and adjusted gross charge-off ratios were largely due to the seasonal beneficial impacts associated with payments experienced in the first quarter of each of those years. Additionally, negatively impacting the charge-off ratios in the first quarter of 2015 (and thus magnifying the decline in charge-off ratios noted in the second quarter of 2015) were higher than anticipated charge-offs associated with one of the retail channels we support. Our recent combined gross charge-off and adjusted charge-off ratios

benefited in the first few quarters of 2016 from growth we experienced in our point-of-sale operations and more directly from growth in our direct-to-consumer receivables, many of which reached peak charge off periods in the fourth quarter of 2016. We made substantial investments in our personal loan offerings in the second quarter of 2016 which did not reach their peak-charge off period until the fourth quarter of 2016, thus positively impacting our second and third quarter combined and adjusted gross charge-off ratios and negatively impacting the same ratios in the fourth quarter.
The continued growth in the point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables continues to result in higher charge-offs than those experienced historically. In the next few quarters, we expect increasing charge off rates on a period-over-period comparison basis. This expectation is based on (1) the age, maturity and stability of our portfolio of generally liquidating receivables associated with closed credit card accounts, (2) higher expected charge off rates on the point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer receivables, offset by lower charge offs associated with historical credit card receivables in the U.K. due to the continued liquidation of these receivables, (3) the low charge-off ratios experienced in the second quarter of 2015 and second and third quarters of 2016 as discussed above and (4) recent vintages reaching peak charge-off periods. Offsetting these increases will be growth in the underlying receivables base which will serve to mute to a varying degree, some of the aforementioned impacts as has been seen in recent quarters.

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

Collectively, as of December 31, 2016, we served more than 560 dealers through our Auto Finance segment in 32 states, the District of Columbia and two U.S. territories.
Managed Receivables Background
For reasons set forth above within our Credit and Other Investments segment discussion, we also provide managed receivables-based financial, operating and statistical data for our Auto Finance segment. Reconciliation of the auto finance managed receivables data to our GAAP financial statements requires an understanding that our managed receivables data are based on billings and actual charge offs as they occur, without regard to any changes in our allowance for uncollectible loans and fees receivable.


Analysis of Statistical Data
Financial, operating and statistical metrics for our Auto Finance segment are detailed (in thousands; percentages of total) in the following table:
 At or for the Three Months Ended
 2016 2015
 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 Jun. 30 Mar. 31 Dec. 31 Sept. 30 Jun. 30 Mar. 31
Period-end managed receivables$79,683
 $76,615
 $80,903
 $78,415
 $77,833
 $75,428
 $78,342
 $73,371
Percent 30 or more days past due14.2% 12.7% 12.3% 10.2% 14.0% 13.3% 13.5% 10.7%
Percent 60 or more days past due5.4% 4.5% 3.9% 4.2% 5.5% 5.3% 5.6% 4.4%
Percent 90 or more days past due2.4% 1.8% 1.5% 2.2% 2.5% 2.6% 2.5% 2.1%
Average managed receivables$78,209
 $78,089
 $80,213
 $78,122
 $76,413
 $75,987
 $77,182
 $72,258
Total yield ratio37.8% 39.1% 38.0% 37.3% 38.3% 38.2% 37.6% 39.2%
Combined gross charge-off ratio2.6% 2.8% 3.1% 2.7% 3.3% 3.0% 1.9% 0.5%
Recovery ratio1.6% 1.0% 1.5% 1.3% 1.6% 1.3% 0.6% 1.5%
Managed receivables.  We expect modest growth in the level of our managed receivables. Although we are expanding our CAR operations, the Auto Finance segment faces strong competition from other specialty finance lenders, as well as the indirect effects on us of our buy-here, pay-here dealership customers’ competition with more traditional franchise dealerships for consumers interested in purchasing automobiles. We expect managed receivable levels to continue to grow slightly from current levels during 2017 as we expand our operations in the U.S. and U.S. territories.
Delinquencies.  Current delinquency levels are consistent with our expectations for levels in the near term with some marginal increases noted within the overall buy-here pay-here market. Delinquency rates tend to fluctuate based on seasonal trends and historically are lower in the first quarter of each year as seen above due to the benefits of strong payment patterns associated with year-end tax refunds for most consumers.   Second quarter 2016 delinquency rates were positively impacted by higher than anticipated customer payments experienced in the first quarter of 2016. We are not concerned with modest fluctuations in delinquency rates and do not believe they will have a significantly positive or adverse impact on our results of operations; even at slightly elevated rates, we earn significant yields on CAR’s receivables and have significant dealer reserves (i.e., retainages or holdbacks on the amount of funding CAR provides to its dealer customers) to protect against meaningful credit losses.
Total yield ratio.  We have experienced modest fluctuations in our total yield ratio largely impacted by the relative mix of receivables in our various products offered by CAR as some shorter term product offerings tend to have higher yields. Slightly depressing the overall total yield ratio in the first and second quarters of 2016 is the growth we experienced in the average managed receivables levels which negatively impacted the ratio ahead of the positive impacts of associated billed yield on this growth. As we experienced slight declines in our managed receivables levels in the third quarter of 2016 we realized this delayed impact. Yields on our CAR products over the last few quarters are consistent with our expectations and we expect our total yield ratio to remain in line with current experience with moderate fluctuations based on relative growth or declines in average managed receivables for a given quarter as noted above. Excluded from our total yield ratio in the third quarter of 2015 is the resolution of an outstanding dispute that resulted in the recovery of approximately $2.0 million associated with a receivable that was fully reserved in a prior period.

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

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

Definitions of Financial, Operating and Statistical Measures
Total yield ratio.Represents an annualized fraction, the numerator of which includes all finance charge and late fee income billed on all outstanding receivables, plus credit card fees (including over-limit fees, cash advance fees, returned check fees and interchange income), plus earned, amortized amounts of annual membership fees and activation fees with respect to certain credit card receivables, plus ancillary income, plus amortization of the accretable yield component of our acquisition discounts for portfolio purchases, plus gains (or less losses) on debt repurchases and other activities within our Credit and Other Investments segment less any adjustments to finance and fee billings, and the denominator of which is average managed receivables.
Combined gross charge-off ratio.Represents an annualized fraction the numerator of which is the aggregate amounts of finance charge, fee and principal losses from consumers unwilling or unable to pay their receivables balances, as well as from bankrupt and deceased consumers, less current-period recoveries (including recoveries from dealer reserve offsets for our CAR operations), and the denominator of which is average managed receivables. Recoveries on managed receivables represent all amounts received related to managed receivables that previously have been charged off, including payments received directly from consumers and proceeds received from the sale of those charged-off receivables. Recoveries typically have represented less than 2% of average managed receivables.
Adjusted charge-off ratio. Represents an annualized fraction the numerator of which is the principal amount of losses, net of recoveries as adjusted to apply discount accretion related to the credit quality of acquired portfolios to offset a portion of the actual face amount of net charge offs, and the denominator of which is average managed receivables. (Historically, upon our acquisitions of credit card receivables, a portion of the discount reflected within our acquisition prices has related to the credit quality of the acquired receivables—that portion representing the excess of the face amount of the receivables acquired over the future cash flows expected to be collected from the receivables. Because we treat the credit quality discount component of our acquisition discount as related exclusively to acquired principal balances, the difference between our net charge offs and our adjusted charge offs for each respective reporting period represents the total dollar amount of our charge offs that were charged against our credit quality discount during each respective reporting period.)
LIQUIDITY, FUNDING AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As discussed elsewhere in this Report, we incur a significant level of costs associated with a fixed infrastructure that had been designed to support our significant legacy credit card operations. Our infrastructure costs are still somewhat elevated, and while we had in the past focused on cost reduction, our primary focus now is growing the point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer personal loan and credit card receivables so that our revenues from these investments can cover our infrastructure costs and return us to consistent profitability. Increases in new and existing retail partnerships have resulted in quarterly growth of total managed receivables levels subsequent to the end of 2014, and we expect this growth to continue in the coming quarters.

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

All of our Credit and Other Investments segment’s structured financing facilities are expected to amortize down with collections on the receivables within their underlying trusts and should not represent significant refunding or refinancing risks to our consolidated balance sheet.  Additionally, we do not expect any imminent refunding or financing needs associated with our 5.875% convertible senior notes given their maturity in 2035. In May 2015 we redeemed the remainder of the outstanding 3.625% convertible senior notes. As such, the only facilities that could represent significant refunding or refinancing needs as of December 31, 2016 are those associated with the following notes payable in the amounts indicated (in millions): 
Revolving credit facility (expiring October 29, 2017) that is secured by certain receivables and restricted cash$34.7
Revolving credit facility (expiring November 1, 2018) that is secured by the financial and operating assets of our CAR operations29.2
Revolving credit facility (expiring December 31, 2019) that is secured by certain receivables and restricted cash19.5
Senior secured term loan from related parties (expiring November 22, 2017) that is secured by certain assets of the Company with an annual interest rate equal to 9.0%40.0
     Total$123.4
Further details concerning the above debt facilities are provided in Note 9, “Notes Payable,” and Note 10, “Convertible Senior Notes,” to our consolidated financial statements included herein. Based on the state of the debt capital markets, the performance of our assets that serve as security for the above facilities, and our relationships with lenders, we view imminent refunding or refinancing risks with respect to the above facilities as low in the current environment, and we believe that the quality of our new receivables should allow us to raise more capital through increasing the size of our facilities with our existing lenders and attracting new lending relationships.

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

The facility matures on February 8, 2022 and is subject to certain affirmative covenants and collateral performance tests, the failure of which could result in required early repayment of all or a portion of the outstanding balance of notes. The facility also may be prepaid subject to payment of a prepayment fee.

In October 2016, the revolving credit facility underlying our CAR operations was repaid. In connection with this repayment we entered into a new revolving credit facility that provides for $40.0 million in available financing which can be drawn to the extent of outstanding eligible principal receivables within the borrower entities’ operations and accrues interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus the applicable margin, ranging from 2.4% to 3.0% based on the ratio of total liabilities to tangible net worth. The new facility matures November 1, 2018. The facility is subject to certain affirmative covenants, including a coverage ratio and a leverage ratio, the failure of which could result in required early repayment of all or a portion of the outstanding balance. The facility is secured by the general financial and operating assets of our CAR operations.
In December 2014, we reached a settlement with the IRS concerning the tax treatment of net operating losses that we incurred in 2007 and 2008 and carried back to obtain refunds of federal income taxes paid in earlier years dating back to 2003. Our net unpaid income tax assessment associated with that settlement was $7.3 million at December 31, 2016; this amount excludes unpaid interest and penalties on the tax assessment, the accruals for which aggregated $3.4 million at December 31, 2016. An IRS examination team denied amended return claims we made which would have eliminated the $7.3 million assessment (and corresponding interest and penalties), and we have filed a protest with IRS Appeals. Pending the resolution of this matter, and as is customary in such cases, the IRS filed a lien in respect of the $7.3 million assessment described herein. To the extent we are unsuccessful in resolving this matter with IRS Appeals to our satisfaction, we plan to litigate this matter.

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

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

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

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

Commitments and Contingencies
We do not currently have any off-balance-sheet arrangements; however, we do have certain contractual arrangements that would require us to make payments or provide funding if certain circumstances occur, which we refer to as contingent commitments. We do not currently expect that these contingent commitments will result in any material amounts being paid by us. See Note 11, “Commitments and Contingencies,” to our consolidated financial statements included herein for further discussion of these matters.
RECENT ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
See Note 2, “Significant Accounting Policies and Consolidated Financial Statement Components,” to our consolidated financial statements included herein for a discussion of recent accounting pronouncements.

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

On a quarterly basis, we review our significant accounting policies and the related assumptions, in particular, those mentioned below, with the audit committee of the Board of Directors.
Measurements for Loans and Fees Receivable at Fair Value and Notes Payable Associated with Structured Financings at Fair Value
Our valuation of loans and fees receivable, at fair value is based on the present value of future cash flows using a valuation model of expected cash flows and the estimated cost to service and collect those cash flows. We estimate the present value of these future cash flows using a valuation model consisting of internally developed estimates of assumptions third-party market participants would use in determining fair value, including estimates of net collected yield, principal payment rates, expected principal credit loss rates, costs of funds, discount rates and servicing costs.  Similarly, our valuation of notes payable associated with structured financings, at fair value is based on the present value of future cash flows utilized in repayment of the outstanding principal and interest under the facilities using a valuation model of expected cash flows net of the contractual service expenses within the facilities. We estimate the present value of these future cash flows using a valuation model consisting of internally developed estimates of assumptions third-party market participants would use in determining fair value, including:  estimates of net collected yield, principal payment rates and expected principal credit loss rates on the credit card receivables that secure the non-recourse notes payable; costs of funds; discount rates; and contractual servicing fees.
The estimates for credit losses, payment rates, servicing costs, contractual servicing fees, costs of funds, discount rates and yields earned on credit card receivables significantly affect the reported amount of our loans and fees receivable, at fair value and our notes payable associated with structured financings, at fair value on our consolidated balance sheet, and they likewise affect our changes in fair value of loans and fees receivable recorded at fair value and changes in fair value of notes payable associated with structured financings recorded at fair value categories within our fees and related income on earning assets line item on our consolidated statement of operations.
Allowance for Uncollectible Loans and Fees
Through our analysis of loan performance, delinquency data, charge-off data, economic trends and the potential effects of those economic trends on consumers, we establish an allowance for uncollectible loans and fees receivable as an estimate of the probable losses inherent within those loans and fees receivable that we do not report at fair value. Our loans and fees receivable consist of smaller-balance, homogeneous loans, divided into two portfolio segments:  Credit and Other Investments; and Auto Finance. Each of these portfolio segments is further divided into pools based on common characteristics such as contract or acquisition channel. For each pool, we determine the necessary allowance for uncollectible loans and fees receivable by analyzing some or all of the following unique to each type of receivable pool:  historical loss rates; current delinquency and roll-rate trends; vintage analyses based on the number of months an account has been in existence; the effects of changes in the economy on our customers; changes in underwriting criteria; and estimated recoveries. To the extent that actual results differ from our estimates of uncollectible loans and fees receivable, ourcondition, results of operations and liquidity could be materially affected.


ITEM 7A.QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK
As a “smaller reporting company,” as defined by Item 10 of Regulation S-K,remain uncertain. Likewise, we are do not required to provide this information.
ITEM 8.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA
     See know the Index to Financial Statements in Item 15, “Exhibitsduration and Financial Statement Schedules.”

ITEM 9.CHANGES IN AND DISAGREEMENTS WITH ACCOUNTANTS ON ACCOUNTING AND FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE
     None.

ITEM 9A.CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures
As of December 31, 2016, an evaluationseverity of the effectivenessimpact of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Act) was carried outCOVID-19 on behalf of Atlanticus Holdings Corporation and our subsidiaries by our management and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer) and Chief Financial Officer (principal financial officer). Based upon the evaluation, our principal executive officer and principal financial officer concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of December 31, 2016.
Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

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

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

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

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

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

Limitations on Controls

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

ITEM 9B.OTHER INFORMATION
None.


PART III
ITEM 10.DIRECTORS, EXECUTIVE OFFICERS AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
The information required by this Item will be set forth in our Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders in the sections entitled “Proposal One: Election of Directors,” “Executive Officers of Atlanticus,” “Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance” and “Corporate Governance” and is incorporated by reference.

ITEM 11.EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

The information required by this Item will be set forth in our Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders in the section entitled “Executive and Director Compensation” and is incorporated by reference.

ITEM 12.SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT AND RELATED STOCKHOLDER MATTERS

The information required by this Item will be set forth in our Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders in the sections entitled “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” and “Equity Compensation Plan Information” and is incorporated by reference.

ITEM 13.CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED TRANSACTIONS, AND DIRECTOR INDEPENDENCE
The information required by this Item will be set forth in our Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders in the sections entitled “Related Party Transactions” and “Corporate Governance” and is incorporated by reference.

ITEM 14.PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT FEES AND SERVICES
The information required by this Item will be set forth in our Proxy Statement for the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders in the section entitled “Auditor Fees” and is incorporated by reference.

PART IV
ITEM 15.EXHIBITS AND FINANCIAL STATEMENT SCHEDULES
The following documents are filed as part of this Report:
1. Financial Statements
INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
Page
Report of Independent Public Accounting Firm
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Statements of Operations for the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income for the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Statements of Equity for the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements as of December 31, 2016 and 2015
2. Financial Statement Schedules
None.

3. Exhibits
Exhibit NumberDescription of ExhibitIncorporated by Reference from Atlanticus’ SEC Filings Unless Otherwise Indicated(1)
3.1Articles of IncorporationJune 8, 2009, Proxy Statement/Prospectus, Annex B
3.1(a)Articles of Amendment to Articles of IncorporationNovember 30, 2012, Form 8-K exhibit 3.1
3.2Amended and Restated Bylaws (as amended through November 30, 2012)November 30, 2012, Form 8-K exhibit 3.2
4.1Form of common stock certificateMarch 30, 2016, Form 10-K, exhibit 4.1
4.2Indenture dated November 23, 2005 with U.S. Bank National Association, as successor to Wachovia Bank, National AssociationNovember 28, 2005, Form 8-K, exhibit 4.1
4.3Supplemental Indenture dated June 30, 2009 with U.S. Bank National Association, as successor to Wachovia Bank, National AssociationJuly 7, 2009, Form 8-K, exhibit 4.2
10.1Stockholders Agreement dated as of April 28, 1999January 18, 2000, Form S-1, exhibit 10.1
10.2†Amended and Restated 2014 Equity Incentive PlanApril 15, 2016, Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, Appendix A
10.2(a)†Form of Restricted Stock Agreement–DirectorsMay 18, 2016, Form 8-K, exhibit 10.2
10.2(b)†Form of Restricted Stock Agreement–EmployeesMay 18, 2016, Form 8-K, exhibit 10.3
10.2(c)†Form of Stock Option Agreement–DirectorsMay 18, 2016, Form 8-K, exhibit 10.4
10.2(d)†Form of Stock Option Agreement–EmployeesMay 18, 2016, Form 8-K, exhibit 10.5
10.2(e)†Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement–DirectorsMay 18, 2016, Form 8-K, exhibit 10.6
10.2(f)†Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement–EmployeesMay 18, 2016, Form 8-K, exhibit 10.7
10.3†Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase PlanApril 16, 2008, Definitive Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A, Appendix B
10.4†     Amended and Restated Employment Agreement for David G. HannaDecember 29, 2008, Form 8-K, exhibit 10.1
10.5†     Amended and Restated Employment Agreement for Richard W. GilbertDecember 29, 2008, Form 8-K, exhibit 10.3
10.6†Employment Agreement for Jeffrey A. HowardMarch 28, 2014, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.7
10.7†Employment Agreement for William R. McCameyMarch 28, 2014, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.8
10.8†     Outside Director Compensation PackageNovember 14, 2016, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.1
10.9Amended and Restated Note Purchase Agreement, dated March 1, 2010, among Merrill Lynch Mortgage Capital Inc., CCFC Corp. (formerly CompuCredit Funding Corp.), Atlanticus Services Corporation (formerly CompuCredit Corporation), and CompuCredit Credit Card Master Note Business TrustJune 25, 2010, Form 8-K/A, exhibit 10.1
10.10Share Lending AgreementNovember 22, 2005, Form 8-K, exhibit 10.1
10.10(a)Amendment to Share Lending AgreementMarch 6, 2012, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.12(a)


Exhibit NumberDescription of ExhibitIncorporated by Reference from Atlanticus’ SEC Filings Unless Otherwise Indicated(1)
10.11Agreement relating to the Sale and Purchase of Monument Business, dated April 4, 2007August 1, 2007, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.1
10.11(a)Account Ownership Agreement for Partridge Acquired Portfolio Business Trust, dated April 4, 2007, with R Raphael & Sons PLCAugust 1, 2007, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.2
10.11(b)Receivables Purchase Agreement for Partridge Acquired Portfolio Business Trust, dated April 4, 2007, with R Raphael & Sons PLCAugust 1, 2007, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.3
10.11(c)Receivables Purchase Agreement for Partridge Acquired Portfolio Business Trust, dated April 4, 2007, with Partridge Funding CorporationAugust 1, 2007, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.4
10.11(d)Master Indenture for Partridge Acquired Portfolio Business Trust, dated April 4, 2007, among Partridge Acquired Portfolio Business Trust, Deutsche Bank Trust Company Americas, Deutsche Bank AG, London Branch and CIAC Corporation (formerly CompuCredit International Acquisition Corporation)August 1, 2007, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.5
10.11(e)Series 2007-One Indenture Supplement for Partridge Acquired Portfolio Business Trust, dated April 4, 2007August 1, 2007, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.6
10.11(f)Transfer and Servicing Agreement for Partridge Acquired Portfolio Business Trust, dated April 4, 2007, among Partridge Funding Corporation, CIAC Corporation (formerly CompuCredit International Acquisition Corporation), Partridge Acquired Portfolio Business Trust and Deutsche Bank Trust Company AmericasAugust 1, 2007, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.7
10.12Assumption Agreement dated June 30, 2009 between Atlanticus Holdings Corporation (formerly CompuCredit Holdings Corporation) and Atlanticus Services Corporation (formerly CompuCredit Corporation)July 7, 2009, Form 8-K, exhibit 10.1
10.13Loan and Security Agreement, dated October 4, 2011 among CARS Acquisition LLC, et al and Wells Fargo Preferred Capital, Inc.March 6, 2012, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.16(a)
10.13(a)First Amendment to Loan and Security AgreementAugust 13, 2013, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.1
10.13(b)Second Amendment and Joinder to Loan and Security AgreementAugust 13, 2013, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.2
10.13(c)Third Amendment to Loan and Security AgreementMarch 28, 2014, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.15(c)
10.13(d)Fourth Amendment to Loan and Security AgreementMarch 28, 2014, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.15(d)
10.13(e)Fifth Amendment to Loan and Security AgreementAugust 14, 2014, Form 10-Q, exhibit 10.1
10.13(f)Agreement by Atlanticus Holdings Corporation (formerly CompuCredit Holdings Corporation) in favor of Wells Fargo Preferred Capital, Inc.March 6, 2012, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.16(a)
10.14Loan and Security Agreement, dated November 26, 2014, by and among Atlanticus Holdings Corporation, Certain Subsidiaries Named Therein, and Dove Ventures, LLC
March 6, 2015, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.15

10.14(a)First Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated November 23, 2015
March 30, 2016, Form 10-K, exhibit 10.14(a)

10.14(b)Second Amendment to Loan and Security Agreement, dated November 22, 2016Filed herewith
21.1Subsidiaries of the RegistrantFiled herewith
23.1Consent of BDO USA, LLPFiled herewith
31.1Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)Filed herewith
31.2Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)Filed herewith
32.1Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350Filed herewith

Exhibit NumberDescription of ExhibitIncorporated by Reference from Atlanticus’ SEC Filings Unless Otherwise Indicated(1)
101.INSXBRL Instance DocumentFiled herewith
101.SCHXBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema DocumentFiled herewith
101.CALXBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase DocumentFiled herewith
101.LABXBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase DocumentFiled herewith
101.PREXBRL Taxonomy Presentation Linkbase DocumentFiled herewith
101.DEFXBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase DocumentFiled herewith
Management contract, compensatory plan or arrangement.
(1)Documents incorporated by reference from SEC filings made prior to June 2009 were filed under CompuCredit Corporation (now Atlanticus Services Corporation) (File No. 000-25751), our predecessor issuer.

ITEM 16.FORM 10-K SUMMARY
None.


SIGNATURES

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

Atlanticus Holdings Corporation
By:/s/ David G. Hanna
David G. Hanna
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board

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

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

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

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






Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
The Board of Directors
Atlanticus Holdings Corporation
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Atlanticus Holdings Corporation (the “Company”) as of December 31, 2016 and 2015 and the related consolidated statements of operations, comprehensive income, equity, and cash flows for the years then ended. These financial statements are the responsibilityall members of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based onecosystem – our audits.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we planbank partner, merchants and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting.  Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.  Accordingly, we express no such opinion.  An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management,consumers – as well as evaluatingour employees. We continue to monitor the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Atlanticus Holdings Corporation at December 31, 2016ongoing pandemic, have modified certain business practices, including offering consumers greater payment flexibility. These and 2015, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for the years then ended, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

/s/ BDO USA, LLP
Atlanta, Georgia
March 31, 2017


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

 

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

See accompanying notes.

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

See accompanying notes.

Atlanticus Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income
(Dollars in thousands)

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













See accompanying notes.

Atlanticus Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries
Consolidated Statements of Equity
For the Years Ended December 31, 2016 and 2015
(Dollars in thousands)
 Common Stock          
 Shares Issued Amount Additional Paid-In Capital Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss Retained Deficit Noncontrolling Interests Total Equity
Balance at December 31, 201415,308,971
 $
 $210,519
 $(1,841) $(201,237) $1
 $7,442
Stock options exercises and proceeds related thereto3,334
   8
 
 
 
 8
Compensatory stock issuances, net of forfeitures106,334
 
 
 
 
 
 
Distributions to owners of noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 (2) (2)
Amortization of deferred stock-based compensation costs
 
 846
 
 
 
 846
Redemption and retirement of shares(86,598) 
 (259) 
 
 
 (259)
Tax effects of stock-based compensation costs
 
 (31) 
 
 
 (31)
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 1,241
 1,713
 (7) 2,947
Balance at December 31, 201515,332,041
 $
 $211,083
 $(600) $(199,524) $(8) $10,951
Stock options exercises and proceeds related thereto5,999
 
 14
 
 
 
 14
Compensatory stock issuances, net of forfeitures321,068
 
 
 
 
 
 
Contributions from owners of noncontrolling interests
 
 
 
 
 4
 4
Amortization of deferred stock-based compensation costs
 
 1,416
 
 
 
 1,416
Redemption and retirement of shares(311,022) 
 (949) 
 
 
 (949)
Tax effects of stock-based compensation plans
 
 82
 
 
 
 82
Other comprehensive income (loss)
 
 
 600
 (6,335) (6) (5,741)
Balance at December 31, 201615,348,086
 $
 $211,646
 $
 $(205,859) $(10) $5,777


See accompanying notes.

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

Atlanticus Holdings Corporation and Subsidiaries
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements
December 31, 2016 and 2015
1.Description of Our Business
Our accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Atlanticus Holdings Corporation (the “Company”) and those entities we control. We are primarily focused on providing financial technology and related services. Through our subsidiaries, we provide technology and other support services to lenders who offer an array of financial products and services to consumers who maysimilar practices have also been declined under traditional financing options. In most cases, we invest in the receivables originatedadopted by lenders who utilize our technology platform and other related services. As discussed further below, we reflect our business lines within two reportable segments:  Credit and Other Investments; and Auto Finance. See also Note 3, “Segment Reporting,” for further details.

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

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

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

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

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

2.

2.

Significant Accounting Policies and Consolidated Financial Statement Components

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

Basis of Presentation and Use of Estimates

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


differ materially from these estimates. Certain estimates, such as credit losses, payment rates, costs of funds, discount rates and the yields earned on credit card receivables, significantly affect the reported amount (and changes thereon) of credit cardour Loans, interest and fees receivables, that we report at fair value and our notesNotes payable associated with structured financings recorded at fair value; these estimates likewise affect the changes in these amounts reflected within our fees and related income on earning assets line itemvalue on our consolidated balance sheets and consolidated statements of operations.income. Additionally, estimates of future credit losses have a significant effect on loans, interest and fees receivable, net, as shown on our consolidated balance sheets, as well as on the provision for losses on loans, interest and fees receivable within our consolidated statements of operations.
income.

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

F- 9


Unrestricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

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

approximately $4.5 million based on our current banking relationships.  

Restricted Cash

Restricted cash as of December 31, 2016 2022 and 20152021 includes certain collections on loans, interest and fees receivable, the cash balances of which are required to be distributed to noteholders under our debt facilities. Our restricted cash balances also include minimum cash balances held in accounts at the request of certain of our business partners.


Loans, Interest and Fees Receivable

Our loans

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


gross). For both categories of loans, interest and fees receivable, other than our Auto Finance receivables, interest and fees are discontinued when loans, interest and fees receivable become contractually 90 or more days past due. We charge off our CaaS receivables, against our Changes in fair value of loans, interest and fees receivable and notes payable associated with structured financings recorded at fair value, when they become contractually more than 180 days past due.  We charge off our Auto Finance segment receivables, against our Allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable, when they become contractually more than 180 days past due. For all of our receivables portfolios, we charge off receivables within 30 days of notification and confirmation of a customer’s bankruptcy or death. However, in some cases of death, we do not charge off receivables if there is a surviving, contractually liable individual or estate large enough to pay the debt in full.

We adopted Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments on January 1, 2022. This ASU requires the use of an impairment model (the current expected credit loss (“CECL”) model) that is based on expected rather than incurred losses. The ASU also allows for a one-time fair value election for receivables. Upon adoption, we elected the fair value option for all remaining loans receivable associated with our private label credit and general purpose credit card platform previously measured at amortized cost and recorded an increase to our Allowances for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable for our remaining Loans, interest and fees receivable associated with our Auto Finance segment. The adoption of CECL resulted in an increase to our opening balance of retained earnings of $8.6 million.

Loans, Interest and Fees Receivable, at Fair Value. Loans, interest and fees receivable held at fair value represent receivables underlying credit card securitization trustsfor which we have elected the fair value option (the "Fair Value Receivables"). The Fair Value Receivables are held by entities that qualify as variable interest entities ("VIE"), and are consolidated onto our consolidated balance sheet,sheets, some portfolios of which are unencumbered and some of which are still encumbered under structured or other financing facilities. Loans and finance receivables include accrued and unpaid interest and fees. As discussed above, as of January 1, 2022 all receivables associated with our private label credit and general purpose credit cards are included within this category of receivables.

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

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


Loans, Interest and Fees Receivable, Gross.Gross. Our loans, interest and fees receivable, gross, currently consist of receivables associated with (a) United Kingdom (“U.K.”) credit cards and U.S. point-of-sale and direct-to-consumer financing and other credit products currently being marketed within our Credit and Other Investments segment and (b) our Auto Finance segment’s operations. Prior to January 1, 2022 this category of receivable also included a portion (those which were not part of our Fair Value Receivables) of our private label credit and general purpose credit card receivables within our CaaS segment. Our Credit and Other InvestmentsCaaS segment loans, interest and fees receivable generally are unsecured, while our Auto Finance segment loans, interest and fees receivable generally are secured by the underlying automobiles infor which we hold the vehicle title.

We purchased auto loans with outstanding principal of $214.7 million and $194.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021, respectively, through our pre-qualified network of independent automotive dealers and automotive finance companies.

We show both an allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable and unearned fees (or “deferred revenue”) for our loans, interest and fees receivable gross (i.e., as opposed to thosethat are not carried at fair value).value. Upon adoption of CECL, the allowance is an estimate of the expected losses (rather than incurred losses) inherent within loans, interest and fees receivable that the Company does not report at fair value. Our loans, interest and fees receivable consist of smaller-balance, homogeneous loans, divided into two portfolio segments:  Credit and Other Investments; and Auto Finance. Eachloans. While each of these categories has unique features, they share many of the same credit risk characteristics and thus share a similar approach to the establishment of an allowance for credit losses. Each portfolio segments is further divided into pools based on common characteristics such as contract or acquisition channel. For each pool, we determine the necessary allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable by analyzing some or all of the following unique toattributes for each type of receivable pool: historical loss rates;rates; current delinquency and roll-rate trends;trends; vintage analyses based on the number of months an account has been in existence;existence; the effects of changes in the economy on our customers;consumers; changes in underwriting criteria;criteria; and estimated recoveries. We may further reduce the expected charge-off, taking into consideration specific dealer level reserves which may allow us to offset our losses and, in the case of secured loans, the impact of collateral available to offset a potential loss.

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

F- 10


Certain of our loans, interest and fees receivable (including those receivables associated with our private label credit and general purpose credit card receivables prior to their adoption of fair value accounting) also contain components of deferred revenue. For example,revenue including merchant fees on the purchases of receivables for our point-of-saleprivate label credit receivables, loan discounts on the purchase of our auto finance receivables and annual fee billings for our general purpose credit card receivables. Our private label credit, general purpose credit card and auto finance loans, interest and fees receivable include principal balances and associated fees and interest due from customers which are earned each period a loan is outstanding, net of the unearned portion of merchant fees, annual fees and loan discounts which we recognize over the life of each loan using the effective interest method.discounts. As of December 31, 2016 2022 and December 31, 2015, 2021, the weighted average


remaining accretion period for the $23.6$16.2 million and $16.7$29.3 million respectively, of deferred revenue reflected in the consolidated balance sheets was 1127 months and 1115 months, respectively.
Included within deferred revenue, are discounts on purchased auto loans of $16.2 million as of December 31, 2022 and merchant fees and discounts of $20.4 million as of December 31, 2021.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent declaration of a national emergency in March 2020 under the National Emergencies Act and the associated government policy responses and corresponding inflation, certain consumers have been offered the ability to defer their payment without penalty during the national emergency period. In March 2020, the federal bank regulatory agencies issued an “Interagency Statement on Loan Modifications and Reporting for Financial Institutions Working with Customers Affected by the Coronavirus” ("COVID-19 Guidance"). The COVID-19 Guidance encourages financial institutions to work prudently with borrowers that may be unable to meet their contractual obligations because of the effects of COVID-19. In accordance with the COVID-19 Guidance, certain consumers negatively impacted by COVID-19 have been provided short-term payment deferrals and fee waivers. Receivables enrolled in these short-term payment deferrals continue to accrue interest and their delinquency status will not change through the deferment period. Through December 31, 2022 we continued to actively work with consumers that indicated hardship as a result of COVID-19 and inflation pressure; however, the number of impacted consumers is a small part of our overall receivable base. In order to establish appropriate reserves for this population, we considered various factors such as subsequent payment behavior and additional requests by the consumer for further deferrals or hardship claims.

Our CaaS segment consists of two classes of receivable: credit cards and other unsecured lending products. A roll-forward (in millions) of our allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable by class of receivable is as follows: 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2022

 

Credit Cards

  

Auto Finance

  

Other Unsecured Lending Products

  

Total

 

Allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable:

                

Balance at beginning of period

 $(43.4) $(1.4) $(12.4) $(57.2)

Cumulative effects from adoption of fair value under the CECL standard

  43.4      12.4   55.8 

Cumulative effects from adoption of the CECL standard

     (0.2)     (0.2)

Provision for credit losses

     (1.3)     (1.3)

Charge-offs

     2.6      2.6 

Recoveries

     (1.3)     (1.3)

Balance at end of period

 $  $(1.6) $  $(1.6)

As of December 31, 2022

 

Credit Cards

  

Auto Finance

  

Other Unsecured Lending Products

  

Total

 

Allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable:

                

Balance at end of period individually evaluated for impairment

 $  $  $  $ 

Balance at end of period collectively evaluated for impairment

 $  $(1.6) $  $(1.6)

Loans, interest and fees receivable:

                

Loans, interest and fees receivable, gross

 $  $105.3  $  $105.3 

Loans, interest and fees receivable individually evaluated for impairment

 $  $  $  $ 

Loans, interest and fees receivable collectively evaluated for impairment

 $  $105.3  $  $105.3 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2021

 

Credit Cards

  

Auto Finance

  

Other Unsecured Lending Products

  

Total

 

Allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable:

                

Balance at beginning of period

 $(88.2) $(1.7) $(35.1) $(125.0)

Provision for credit losses

  (34.9)  (0.2)  (1.4)  (36.5)

Charge-offs

  88.6   1.5   31.1   121.2 

Recoveries

  (8.9)  (1.0)  (7.0)  (16.9)

Balance at end of period

 $(43.4) $(1.4) $(12.4) $(57.2)

F- 11
For the Year Ended December 31, 2016
Credit Cards
Auto Finance
Other Unsecured Lending Products
Total
Allowance for uncollectible loans and fees receivable:
 
 
 
 
Balance at beginning of period
$(1.2)
$(1.7)
$(18.6)
$(21.5)
Provision for loan losses
0.7

(2.6)
(51.8)
(53.7)
Charge offs
1.8

3.3

32.6

37.7
Recoveries
(2.7)
(1.1)
(2.0)
(5.8)
Balance at end of period
$(1.4)
$(2.1)
$(39.8)
$(43.3)

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

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

2.6

21.5

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


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

As of December 31, 2021

 

Credit Cards

  

Auto Finance

  

Other Unsecured Lending Products

  

Total

 

Allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable:

                

Balance at end of period individually evaluated for impairment

 $  $(0.1) $  $(0.1)

Balance at end of period collectively evaluated for impairment

 $(43.4) $(1.3) $(12.4) $(57.1)

Loans, interest and fees receivable:

                

Loans, interest and fees receivable, gross

 $259.5  $94.6  $116.2  $470.3 

Loans, interest and fees receivable individually evaluated for impairment

 $  $0.4  $  $0.4 

Loans, interest and fees receivable collectively evaluated for impairment

 $259.5  $94.2  $116.2  $469.9 

For the Year Ended December 31, 2020

 

Credit Cards

  

Auto Finance

  

Other Unsecured Lending Products

  

Total

 

Allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable:

                

Balance at beginning of period

 $(121.3) $(1.6) $(63.4) $(186.3)

Provision for credit losses

  (112.1)  (2.0)  (28.6)  (142.7)

Charge-offs

  155.1   3.0   72.1   230.2 

Recoveries

  (9.9)  (1.1)  (15.2)  (26.2)

Balance at end of period

 $(88.2) $(1.7) $(35.1) $(125.0

)

As of December 31, 2020

 

Credit Cards

  

Auto Finance

  

Other Unsecured Lending Products

  

Total

 

Allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable:

                

Balance at end of period individually evaluated for impairment

 $  $(0.3) $  $(0.3)

Balance at end of period collectively evaluated for impairment

 $(88.2) $(1.4) $(35.1) $(124.7)

Loans, interest and fees receivable:

                

Loans, interest and fees receivable, gross

 $364.2  $93.2  $210.2  $667.6 

Loans, interest and fees receivable individually evaluated for impairment

 $  $2.3  $  $2.3 

Loans, interest and fees receivable collectively evaluated for impairment

 $364.2  $90.9  $210.2  $665.3 

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

F- 12

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


 Recoveries onunrelated third parties. All proceeds received, associated with charged-off accounts, previously charged off are credited to the allowance for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable and effectively offset our provision for losses on loans, interest and fees receivable recorded at net realizable valueamortized cost on our consolidated statements of operations. (Allincome. For the year ended December 31, 2022, $1.3 million of our recoveries noted above related to collections from third-party collectors and $0.0 million related to sales of charged-off accounts to unrelated third parties. For the year ended December 31, 2021, $8.7 million of our recoveries noted above discussion relates onlyrelated to collections from third-party collectors we employ and $8.2 million related to sales of charged-off accounts to unrelated third parties. For the year ended December 31, 2020, $12.4 million of our loansrecoveries noted above related to collections from third-party collectors we employ and fees receivable for which we use net realizable value i.e., as opposed$13.8 million related to fair value accounting. For loans and fees receivable recorded at fair value, recoveries offset losses upon charge offsales of loans and fees receivable recorded at fair value, net of recoveries on our consolidated statements of operations.)
charged-off accounts to unrelated third parties.

We consider loan delinquencies a key indicator of credit quality because this measure provides the best ongoing estimate of how a particular class of receivables is performing. An aging of our delinquent loans, interest and fees receivable, gross (in millions) by class of receivable as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015is as follows:

As of December 31, 2022

 

Credit Cards

  

Auto Finance

  

Other Unsecured Lending Products

  

Total

 

30-59 days past due

 $  $8.5  $  $8.5 

60-89 days past due

     3.0      3.0 

90 or more days past due

     2.1      2.1 

Delinquent loans, interest and fees receivable, gross

     13.6      13.6 

Current loans, interest and fees receivable, gross

     91.7      91.7 

Total loans, interest and fees receivable, gross

 $  $105.3  $  $105.3 

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

 $  $1.7  $  $1.7 

As of December 31, 2021

 

Credit Cards

  

Auto Finance

  

Other Unsecured Lending Products

  

Total

 

30-59 days past due

 $7.3  $7.0  $3.3  $17.6 

60-89 days past due

  6.9   2.5   2.6   12.0 

90 or more days past due

  17.9   1.8   6.8   26.5 

Delinquent loans, interest and fees receivable, gross

  32.1   11.3   12.7   56.1 

Current loans, interest and fees receivable, gross

  227.4   83.3   103.5   414.2 

Total loans, interest and fees receivable, gross

 $259.5  $94.6  $116.2  $470.3 

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

 $  $1.5  $  $1.5 

As of December 31, 2020

 

Credit Cards

  

Auto Finance

  

Other Unsecured Lending Products

  

Total

 

30-59 days past due

 $12.4  $7.6  $5.1  $25.1 

60-89 days past due

  8.0   2.8   3.8   14.6 

90 or more days past due

 

19.9

   2.1   9.5   31.5 

Delinquent loans, interest and fees receivable, gross

  40.3   12.5   18.4   71.2 

Current loans, interest and fees receivable, gross

  323.9   80.7   191.8   596.4 

Total loans, interest and fees receivable, gross

 $364.2  $93.2  $210.2  $667.6 

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

 $  $1.5  $  $1.5 

F- 13
Balance at December 31, 2016 Credit Cards Auto Finance Other Unsecured Lending Products Total
30-59 days past due $0.2
 $7.0
 $8.2
 $15.4
60-89 days past due 0.2
 2.4
 6.7
 9.3
90 or more days past due 0.4
 1.9
 11.4
 13.7
Delinquent loans and fees receivable, gross 0.8
 11.3
 26.3
 38.4
Current loans and fees receivable, gross 10.2
 65.8
 176.3
 252.3
Total loans and fees receivable, gross $11.0
 $77.1
 $202.6
 $290.7
Balance of loans 90 or more days past due and still accruing interest and fees $
 $1.5
 $
 $1.5



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

Rental Merchandise, Net

Troubled Debt Restructurings

As part of Depreciation


Our rental merchandise includes consumer electronics, furniture, jewelryongoing collection efforts, once an account, the receivable of which is included in our CaaS segment, becomes 90 days or more past due, the related receivable is placed on a non-accrual status. Placement on a non-accrual status results in the use of programs under which the contractual interest associated with a receivable may be reduced or eliminated, or a certain amount of accrued fees is waived, provided a minimum number or amount of payments have been made. Following this adjustment, if a customer we serve demonstrates a willingness and other consumer goods that we initially record on our consolidated balance sheets at our cost. After our initial recordingability to resume making monthly payments and meets certain additional criteria, the customer’s account is re-aged. When an account is re-aged, the status of the rental merchandiseaccount is adjusted to bring a delinquent account current, but generally no further modifications to the payment terms or amounts owed are made. Once an account is placed on a non-accrual status, it is closed for further purchases. Accounts that are placed on a non-accrual status and thereafter make at cost, we reduce its carrying value for depreciation thereof. We depreciate our rental merchandise over contract rental periods underleast one payment qualify as troubled debt restructurings (“TDRs”). The above referenced COVID-19 Guidance issued by federal bank regulatory agencies, in consultation with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) staff, concluded that short-term modifications (e.g., six months) made on a $-0- salvage value assumption. These assumptions are periodically adjusted based on actual resultsgood faith basis to borrowers who were impacted by COVID-19 and impairmentswhose accounts were less than 30 days past due as they occur. We follow this method to match, as closely as practicable, the recognition of depreciation expense with revenues associated with our customers’ use of the rental merchandise. Currently,implementation date of a relief program are not TDRs. Although we do are not maintain any levels a financial institution and therefore not directly subject to the COVID-19 Guidance, we believe this constitutes an interpretation of rental merchandise beyond what actually has been rentedGAAP and therefore should be applied to our customersaccounting circumstances. As a result, the below tables exclude certain accounts that are included under that guidance.

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

  

As of

 
  

December 31, 2022

  

December 31, 2021

  

December 31, 2020

 
  

Private label credit

  

General purpose credit card

  

Private label credit

  

General purpose credit card

  

Private label credit

  

General purpose credit card

 

Number of TDRs

  24,594   171,729   14,919   39,322   12,394   37,784 

Number of TDRs that have been re-aged

  2,499   28,598   812   2,035   2,788   7,846 

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

 $31,350  $119,785  $17,152  $25,154  $14,537  $26,989 

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

 $4,606  $24,440  $1,205  $1,553  $4,662  $6,890 

Carrying value of TDRs (in thousands)

 $18,827  $70,519  $11,173  $15,502  $9,583  $14,287 

TDRs - Performing (carrying value, in thousands)*

 $15,001  $59,735  $8,797  $13,387  $7,420  $11,855 

TDRs - Nonperforming (carrying value, in thousands)*

 $3,826  $10,784  $2,376  $2,115  $2,163  $2,432 
*“TDRs - Performing” include accounts that are current on all amounts owed, while “TDRs - Nonperforming” include all accounts with past due amounts owed.

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

The Company modified 232,086, 65,125 and 60,908 accounts in the amount of $230.4 million, $70.0 million and $70.3 million during the twelve month periods ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, that qualified as TDRs. The following table details by class of receivable, the number of accounts and balance of loans that completed a “Rental revenue” line itemmodification (including those that were classified as TDRs) within our table below detailing our feesthe prior twelve months and related income on earning assets category on our consolidated statements of operations.


subsequently defaulted.

                         
  

Twelve Months Ended

 
  

December 31, 2022

  

December 31, 2021

  

December 31, 2020

 
  

Private label credit

  

General purpose credit card

  

Private label credit

  

General purpose credit card

  

Private label credit

  

General purpose credit card

 

Number of accounts

  7,049   28,714   3,119   7,765   3,065   7,665 

Loan balance at time of charge off (in thousands)

 $11,302  $22,679  $4,642  $6,455  $4,352  $6,745 

Property at Cost, Net of Depreciation

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

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

We periodically review our property to determine if it is impaired. We incurred $0.6 million ofno impairment costs in 20162022 and no such impairment costs in 2015.2021.

F- 14


Investment in Equity-Method Investee

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

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

Prepaid Expenses and Other Assets

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


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

Accounts Payable and Accrued Expenses

Accounts payable and accrued expenses reflect both the billed and unbilled amounts owed at the end of a period for services rendered. Also included within accounts payable

Revenue Recognition and accrued expenses are amounts ultimately owed to consumers associatedRevenue from Contracts with reimbursements in respect of one of our portfolios.


Revenue Recognition

Customers

Consumer Loans, Including Past Due Fees


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


earned based upon the contractual terms of the loans.

Fees and Related Income on Earning Assets


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


We assess feesamong others.

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

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


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

The above changes in the fair value option to account for certain loans receivable resulted in increased fees recognized on credit products throughout the periods presented.

F- 15

Other revenue

Other revenue includes revenues associated with interchange revenues, servicing income and ancillary product offerings (primarily associated with a credit protection program offered by our issuing bank partner). We recognize these fees as income in the period earned.

Other non-operating revenue

Other non-operating revenue includes revenues associated with investments in equity method investees and other revenues not associated with our ongoing business operations.

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

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

For the Year Ended December 31, 2022

 

CaaS

  

Auto Finance

  

Total

 

Interchange revenues, net (1)

 $24,926  $  $24,926 

Servicing income

  3,259   888   4,147 

Service charges and other customer related fees

  13,658   67   13,725 

Total revenue from contracts with customers

 $41,843  $955  $42,798 
(
1) Interchange revenue is presented net of these receivables and their effects on our consolidated statementscustomer reward expense.

For the Year Ended December 31, 2021

 

CaaS

  

Auto Finance

  

Total

 

Interchange revenues, net (1)

 $18,134  $  $18,134 

Servicing income

  1,871   1,224   3,095 

Service charges and other customer related fees

  9,317   60   9,377 

Total revenue from contracts with customers

 $29,322  $1,284  $30,606 
(
1) Interchange revenue is presented net of operations.

customer reward expense.

For the Year Ended December 31, 2020

 

CaaS

  

Auto Finance

  

Total

 

Interchange revenues, net (1)

 $9,500  $  $9,500 

Servicing income

  1,187   994   2,181 

Service charges and other customer related fees

  3,685   65   3,750 

Total revenue from contracts with customers

 $14,372  $1,059  $15,431 

(1) Interchange revenue is presented net of customer reward expense.

Card and Loan Servicing Expenses

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

Marketing and Solicitation Expenses

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

Loss on repurchase and redemption of convertible senior notes

In periods where we repurchased or redeemed outstanding 5.875% convertible senior notes (“convertible senior notes”), we recorded any discount or premium paid for the repurchase or redemption (including accrued interest) relative to the amortized book value of the notes. For the year ended December 31, 2021, we repurchased or redeemed $33.8 million in face amount of our convertible senior notes for $54.3 million in cash (including accrued interest). The repurchase and redemption resulted in an aggregate loss of approximately $29.4 million (including the convertible senior notes’ applicable share of deferred costs, which were written off in connection with the repurchase). Upon acquisition, the notes were retired.

F- 16


Recent Accounting Pronouncements


In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”("ASU") 2016-13,2016-13, Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The guidance requires an assessment of credit losses based on expected rather than incurred losses.losses (known as the current expected credit loss model). This generally will result in the recognition of allowances for losses earlier than under current accounting guidance for trade and other receivables, held to maturity debt securities and other instruments. The standard willFASB has added several technical amendments (ASU 2018-19,2019-04,2019-10 and 2019-11) to clarify technical aspects of the guidance and applicability to specific financial instruments or transactions. In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-05, which allows entities to measure assets in the scope of ASC 326-20, except held to maturity securities, using the fair value option when they adopt the new credit impairment standard. The election can be made on an instrument by instrument basis. We adopted ASU 2016-13 beginning January 1, 2022, using the modified retrospective method of adoption. We elected the fair value option for all receivables in our CaaS segment previously measured at amortized cost. For all other receivables, we recorded an increase to our Allowances for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable using the current expected credit loss model. As a result of our adoption, we increased our Loans, interest and fees receivable (net of the related revaluation), at fair value by $315.0 million (with a corresponding decrease to Loans, interest and fees receivable, gross of $375.7 million), a decrease to our Allowances for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable of $55.6 million, a decrease to our Deferred revenue of $15.6 million, a decrease to Accounts payable and accrued expenses of $600 thousand, an increase to our deferred tax liability of $2.5 million, and an increase to our retained earnings of $8.6 million. The aforementioned impacts associated with our adoption of ASU 2016-13 primarily relate to those assets within our CaaS segment with an immaterial impact to our Auto Finance segment receivables.

In March 2020, the FASB issued ASU No.2020-04, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848), Facilitation of the Effects of Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting. The guidance provides an optional expedient and exceptions for applying generally accepted accounting principles to contracts, hedging relationships, and other transactions affected by reference rate reform if certain criteria are met. The ASU can be adopted on a prospective basis with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. ASU 2016-13 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after no later than December 15, 2019, 1, 2022, with early adoption permitted. While weIn January 2021, FASB issued ASU 2021-01, Reference Rate Reform (Topic 848): Scope, which refines the scope of ASC 848 and clarifies some of its guidance as part of the FASB’s monitoring of global reference rate reform. We have not yet adopted this ASU and are continuing to evaluateevaluating the effect that ASU 2016-13 will haveof adopting this new accounting guidance. Based on our consolidated financial statements andpreliminary analysis, the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") impacts us in limited circumstances primarily related disclosures, this standard is expected to result in an increase to our allowance for loan losses given the change to expected losses for the estimated life of the financial asset. The extent of the increaseexisting debt agreements and will depend on the asset quality of the portfolio, and economic conditions and forecasts atnot have a material impact upon adoption.


In

On March 2016, 31, 2022, the FASB issued ASU 2016-07, Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting.2022-02, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures. The ASU eliminates the requirement thataccounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings by creditors while adding disclosures for certain loan restructurings by creditors when a borrower is experiencing financial difficulty. This guidance requires an investment qualifies for use of the equity method asentity to determine whether a resultmodification results in a new loan or a continuation of an increase inexisting loan. Additionally, the level of ownership interest or degree of influence, an investor must adjust the investment, results of operations, and retained earnings retroactively, as if the equity method had been in effect during all previous periods that the investment had been held. The ASU requires that the costdisclosure of acquiring the additional interest in the investee should be combined with the current basisperiod gross writeoffs by year of the investor’s previously held interest and the equity method of accounting should be adopted as of the date the investment becomes qualifiedorigination for equity method accounting. No retroactive adjustment of the investment is required. The ASU also requires that an entity that has an available-for-sale equity security that becomes qualified for the equity method of accounting recognize through earnings, the unrealized holding gain or loss in accumulated other comprehensive income at the date the investment becomes qualified for use of the equity method.financing receivables. The ASU is effective January 1, 2017. for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2022. The impactdisclosures required by this ASU are required for receivables held at amortized cost.  As the significant majority of the Company's receivables are held at fair value, the Company does not believe the adoption of this authoritative guidance is not expected to result in a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.



In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases, which would require lessees to recognize assets and liabilities for most leases, changing certain aspects of current lessor accounting, among other things. ASU 2016-02 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The adoption of ASU 2016-02 will result in the Company recognizing a right-of-use asset and lease liability on the consolidated balance sheet based on the present value of remaining operating lease payments (see Note 8 for the undiscounted future annual minimum rental commitments for operating leases). We do not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-02 to have a material impact on our consolidatedits financial statements due to the limited lease activity we are involved in.results or accompanying disclosures.

 
In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers.” ASU 2014-09 establishes a principles-based model under which revenue from a contract is allocated to the distinct performance obligations within the contract and recognized in income as each performance obligation is satisfied. Additional disclosure about the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from customer contracts, including significant judgments and changes in judgments and assets recognized from costs incurred to obtain or fulfill a contract is also required. In August 2015, the FASB delayed the effective date by one year and the guidance will now be effective for annual and interim periods beginning January 1, 2018 and early adoption is permitted. We do not plan to early adopt the guidance. The scope of ASU 2014-09 excludes interest and fee income on loans and as a result, the majority of our revenue will not be affected; however, our review is ongoing. We do not expect the adoption of this standard to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements.
Subsequent Events
We evaluate subsequent events that occur after our consolidated balance sheet date but before our consolidated financial statements are issued. There are two types of subsequent events:  (1) recognized, or those that provide additional evidence with respect to conditions that existed at the date of the balance sheet, including the estimates inherent in the process of preparing financial statements; and (2) nonrecognized, or those that provide evidence with respect to conditions that did not exist at the date of the balance sheet but arose subsequent to that date.  We have evaluated subsequent events occurring after December 31, 2016, and based on our evaluation we did not identify any recognized or nonrecognized subsequent events that would have required further adjustments to our consolidated financial statements other than disclosure related to the completion of a new funding agreement as described in Note 9 “Notes Payable.”

3.

3.

Segment Reporting

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


As of both December 31, 20162022and December 31, 20152021, we did not have a material amount of long-lived assets located outside of the U.S., and only a negligible portion of our revenues for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 were generated outside of the U.S.


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



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

Year Ended December 31, 2022

 

CaaS

  

Auto Finance

  

Total

 

Revenue:

            

Consumer loans, including past due fees

 $751,052  $35,183  $786,235 

Fees and related income on earning assets

  216,989   82   217,071 

Other revenue

  41,843   955   42,798 

Other non-operating revenue

  698   111   809 

Total revenue

  1,010,582   36,331   1,046,913 

Interest expense

  (79,875)  (1,976)  (81,851)

Provision for losses on loans, interest and fees receivable recorded at amortized cost

     (1,252)  (1,252)

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

  (577,069)     (577,069)

Net margin

 $353,638  $33,103  $386,741 

Income before income taxes

 $146,577  $2,695  $149,272 

Income tax expense

 $(14,122) $(538) $(14,660)

Total assets

 $2,295,092  $92,722  $2,387,814 

Year Ended December 31, 2021

 

CaaS

  

Auto Finance

  

Total

 

Revenue:

            

Consumer loans, including past due fees

 $485,241  $33,542  $518,783 

Fees and related income on earning assets

  194,392   74   194,466 

Other revenue

  29,322   1,284   30,606 

Other non-operating revenue

  4,135   66   4,201 

Total revenue

  713,090   34,966   748,056 

Interest expense

  (53,093)  (1,034)  (54,127)

Provision for losses on loans, interest and fees receivable recorded at amortized cost

  (36,262)  (193)  (36,455)

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

  (218,733)     (218,733)

Net margin

 $405,002  $33,739  $438,741 

Income before income taxes

 $208,926  $10,647  $219,573 

Income tax expense

 $(39,221) $(2,563) $(41,784)

Total assets

 $1,859,950  $83,913  $1,943,863 

Year Ended December 31, 2020

 

CaaS

  

Auto Finance

  

Total

 

Revenue:

            

Consumer loans, including past due fees

 $378,817  $31,799  $410,616 

Fees and related income on earning assets

  133,891   69   133,960 

Other revenue

  14,372   1,059   15,431 

Other non-operating revenue

  3,360   43   3,403 

Total revenue

  530,440   32,970   563,410 

Interest expense

  (50,387)  (1,161)  (51,548)

Provision for losses on loans, interest and fees receivable recorded at amortized cost

  (140,683)  (2,036)  (142,719)

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

  (108,548)     (108,548)

Net margin

 $230,822  $29,773  $260,595 

Income before income taxes

 $105,429  $8,962  $114,391 

Income tax expense

 $(18,257) $(2,217) $(20,474)

Total assets

 $1,124,618  $82,596  $1,207,214 
Year ended December 31, 2016 Credit and Other Investments Auto Finance Total
Interest income:      
Consumer loans, including past due fees $59,614
 $28,775
 $88,389
Other 233
 
 233
Total interest income 59,847
 28,775
 88,622
Interest expense (19,011) (1,196) (20,207)
Net interest income before fees and related income on earning assets and provision for losses on loans and fees receivable $40,836
 $27,579
 $68,415
Fees and related income on earning assets $17,214
 $102
 $17,316
Servicing income $3,115
 $972
 $4,087
Gain on repurchase of convertible senior notes $1,151
 $
 $1,151
Depreciation of rental merchandise $(5,273) $
 $(5,273)
Equity in income of equity-method investee $2,150
 $
 $2,150
(Loss) income before income taxes $(18,915) $6,559
 $(12,356)
Income tax benefit (expense) $8,390
 $(2,375) $6,015
Total assets $295,018
 $68,971
 $363,989
F- 18

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

4.

4.

Shareholders’ Equity and Preferred Stock


During the years ended December 31, 20162022, 2021 and 2015,2020, we repurchased and contemporaneously retired 311,0221,674,161 shares, 434,381 shares and 86,598245,534 shares of our common stock at an aggregate cost of $949,000$88,939,000, $25,219,000 and $259,000,$3,353,000, respectively, pursuant to both open market and private purchases and the return of stock by holders of equity incentive awards to pay tax withholding obligations.


We

During 2021, we had 1,459,233 loaned shares of common stock outstanding, at December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, which were originally lent in connection with our November 2005 issuance of convertible senior notes. We retire lentAs of December 31, 2021, all loaned shares as they arehad been returned to us.


5.Investment in Equity-Method Investee
Our equity-method investment outstanding at us and subsequently retired.

In June and July 2021, we issued an aggregate of 3,188,533 shares of 7.625% Series B Cumulative Perpetual Preferred Stock, liquidation preference of $25.00 per share (the “Series B Preferred Stock”), for net proceeds of approximately $76.5 million after deducting underwriting discounts and commissions, but before deducting expenses and the structuring fee. We pay cumulative cash dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock, when and as declared by our Board of Directors, in the amount of $1.90625 per share each year, which is equivalent to 7.625% of the $25.00 liquidation preference per share.

During the year ending December 31, 2016 consists2022, we sold 19,607 shares of our 66.7%Series B Preferred Stock under our “at-the-market” offering program (the “ATM Program”) for net proceeds of $0.4 million. During the year ended December 31, 2022, we repurchased and contemporaneously retired 3,500 shares of Series B Preferred Stock at an aggregate cost of $69,000. For further information regarding the ATM Program, see Note 15 “ATM Program.”

5.

Redeemable Preferred Stock

On November 26, 2014, we and certain of our subsidiaries entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with Dove Ventures, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company (“Dove”). The agreement provided for a senior secured term loan facility in an amount of up to $40.0 million at any time outstanding. On December 27, 2019, the Company issued 400,000 shares of its Series A Preferred Stock with an aggregate initial liquidation preference of $40.0 million, in exchange for full satisfaction of the $40.0 million that the Company owed Dove under the Loan and Security Agreement. Dividends on the preferred stock are 6% per annum (cumulative, noncompounding) and are payable as declared, and in preference to any common stock dividends, in cash. The Series A Preferred Stock is perpetual and has no maturity date. The Company may, at its option, redeem the shares of Series A Preferred Stock on or after January 1, 2025 at a redemption price equal to $100 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends. At the request of holders of a majority of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock, the Company shall offer to redeem all of the Series A Preferred Stock at a redemption price equal to $100 per share, plus any accumulated and unpaid dividends, at the option of the holders thereof, on or after January 1, 2024. Upon the election by the holders of a majority of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock, each share of the Series A Preferred Stock is convertible into the number of shares of the Company’s common stock as is determined by dividing (i) the sum of (a) $100 and (b) any accumulated and unpaid dividends on such share by (ii) an initial conversion price equal to $10 per share, subject to certain adjustment in certain circumstances to prevent dilution. Given the redemption rights contained within the Series A Preferred Stock, we account for the outstanding preferred stock as temporary equity in the consolidated balance sheets. Dividends paid on the Series A Preferred Stock are deducted from Net income attributable to controlling interests to derive Net income attributable to common shareholders. The common stock issuable upon conversion of Series A Preferred Stock is included in our calculation of Net income attributable to common shareholders per share—diluted. See Note 13, “Net Income Attributable to Controlling Interests Per Common Share” for more information.

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

On November 14, 2019, a wholly-owned subsidiary issued 50.5 million Class B preferred units at a purchase price of $1.00 per unit to an unrelated third party. The units carry a 16% preferred return to be paid quarterly, with up to 6 percentage points of the preferred return to be paid through the issuance of additional units or cash, at our election. The units have both call and put rights and are also subject to various covenants including a minimum book value, which if not satisfied, could allow for the securities to be put back to the subsidiary. A holder of the Class B Preferred Units may, at its election, require the Company to redeem part or all of such holder’s Class B Preferred Units for cash on October 14, 2024. In March 2020, the subsidiary issued an additional 50.0 million Class B preferred units under the same terms. The proceeds from the transaction are being used for general corporate purposes. We have included the issuance of these Class B preferred units as temporary noncontrolling interest in a joint venture formedon the consolidated balance sheets. Dividends paid on the Class B preferred units are deducted from Net income attributable to purchase a credit card receivable portfolio.controlling interests to derive Net income attributable to common shareholders. See Note 13, “Net Income Attributable to Controlling Interests Per Common Share” for more information.

F- 19


In the following tables, we summarize (in thousands) balance sheet and results
 As of
 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015
Loans and fees receivable, at fair value$9,650
 $14,470
Total assets$10,291
 $15,237
Total liabilities$204
 $54
Members’ capital$10,087
 $15,183

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

6.

6.

Fair Values of Assets and Liabilities

We elected

As previously discussed, we adopted ASU 2016-13, electing the fair value option for all remaining loans receivable associated with respect to our investments in equity securities as well as ourprivate label credit and general purpose credit card loans and fees receivable portfolios, the retained interests in which we historically recordedplatform previously measured at fair value under securitization structures that were off balance sheet prior to accounting rules changes requiring their consolidation into our financial statements. With respect to our equity securities, we decided to carry these assets at fair value due to our intent to invest and redeem these investments with expected frequency. For our credit card loans and fees receivable portfolios underlying our formerly off-balance-sheet securitization structures, we elected the fair value option because, in contrast to substantially all of our other assets, we had significant experiences in determiningamortized cost. We estimate the fair value of these assets in connection with our historicalreceivables using a discounted cash flow model, and reevaluate the fair value accounting forof our retained interestsFair Value Receivables at the end of each quarter. Additionally, we may adjust our models to reflect macroeconomic events. With the aforementioned market impacts of COVID-19 and related economic impacts, we continue to include market degradation in theirour models to reflect the possibility of delinquency rates increasing in the near term (and the corresponding increase in charge-offs and decrease in payments) above the level that historical and current trends would suggest.

We update our fair value analysis each quarter, with changes since the prior reporting period reflected as a component of "Changes in fair value of loans, interest and fees receivable and notes payable associated securitization structures. Because we electedwith structured financings recorded at fair value" in the consolidated statements of income. Changes in interest rates, credit spreads, discount rates, realized and projected credit losses and cash flow timing will lead to account forchanges in the credit card receivables underlying our formerly off-balance-sheet securitization structuresfair value of loans, interest and fees receivable and notes payable associated with structured financings recorded at fair value and therefore impact earnings.

Fair value differs from amortized cost accounting rules require that we account forin the notes payable issued by such securitization structures at fair value as well. For our other credit card receivables that have never been owned by our formerly off-balance-sheet securitization structures, we have not elected the fair value option, and we record such receivables at net realizable value within loans and fees receivable, net on our consolidated balance sheets.

following ways:

Receivables and notes are recorded at their fair value, not their principal and fee balance or cost basis;

The fair value of the loans takes into consideration net charge-offs for the remaining life of the loans with no separate allowance for credit loss calculation;

Certain fee billings (such as annual or merchant fees) and expenses of loans and notes are no longer deferred but recognized (when billed or incurred) in income or expense, respectively;

The net present value of cash flows associated with future fee billings on existing receivables are included in fair value;

Changes in the fair value of loans and notes impact net margins; and

Net charge-offs are recognized as they occur rather than through the establishment of an allowance and provision for losses for those loans, interest and fees receivable carried at amortized cost.

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

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


Valuations and Techniques for Assets

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


December 31, 20162022 and December 31, 20152021 fair values and carrying amounts of (1)(1) our assets that are required to be carried at fair value in our consolidated financial statements and (2)(2) our assets not carried at fair value, but for which fair value disclosures are required:
Assets – As of December 31, 2016 (1) Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
 Significant Other
Observable Inputs (Level 2)
 Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 Carrying Amount of Assets
Loans and fees receivable, net for which it is practicable to estimate fair value $
 $
 $248,171
 $223,783
Loans and fees receivable, at fair value $
 $
 $15,648
 $15,648

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

Assets As of December 31, 2022 (1)

 

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

  

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

  

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

  

Carrying Amount of Assets

 

Loans, interest and fees receivable, net for which it is practicable to estimate fair value and which are carried at net amortized cost

 $  $  $94,968  $87,434 

Loans, interest and fees receivable, at fair value

 $  $  $1,817,976  $1,817,976 

Assets As of December 31, 2021 (1)

 

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

  

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

  

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

  

Carrying Amount of Assets

 

Loans, interest and fees receivable, net for which it is practicable to estimate fair value and which are carried at net amortized cost

 $  $  $402,380  $383,811 

Loans, interest and fees receivable, at fair value

 $  $  $1,026,424  $1,026,424 

(1)

(1)

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


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

F- 20


For Level 3 assets carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs, the following table presents (in thousands) a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the years ended December 31, 20162022,2021 and 2015:

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

Net revaluations of loans and fees receivable, at fair value1,587
 6,265
Settlements, net(12,335) (32,440)
Impact of foreign currency translation(310) (279)
Balance at December 31,$15,648
 $26,706
2020:

  

Loans, Interest and Fees Receivables, at Fair Value

 
  

2022

  

2021

  

2020

 

Balance at January 1,

 $1,026,424  $417,098  $4,386 

Cumulative effects from adoption of fair value under the CECL standard

  314,985       

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

  (32,574)  (110,283)  (96,948)

Principal charge-offs, net of recoveries, included in earnings

  (367,213)  (78,463)  (9,855)

Finance and fees, included in earnings

  874,749   366,307   103,983 

Finance charge-offs, included in earnings

  (177,282)  (30,794)  (2,746)

Purchases

  2,466,676   1,626,062   713,579 

Settlements

  (2,287,789)  (1,163,503)  (295,301)

Balance at December 31,

 $1,817,976  $1,026,424  $417,098 

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

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


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

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

For Level 3 assets carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs, the following table presents (in thousands) quantitative information about the valuation techniques and the inputs used in the fair value measurement as of  December 31, 20162022, 2021 and December 31, 2015:

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

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

(1) Our loans and fees receivable, pledged as collateral under structured financings, at2020. As discussed above, our fair value consistmodels include market degradation to reflect the possibility of a single portfolio with one setdelinquency rates increasing in the near term (and the corresponding increase in charge-offs and decrease in payments) above the level that historical and current trends would suggest. This market degradation is included in the below quantitative information: 

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement

 

Fair Value at December 31, 2022 (in thousands)

 

Valuation Technique

 

Unobservable Input

 

Range (Weighted Average)

 

Loans, interest and fees receivable, at fair value

 $1,817,976 

Discounted cash flows

 

Gross yield, net of finance charge charge-offs

  24.7% to 36.1% (31.6%) 
       

Payment rate

  5.0% to 11.4% (10.3%) 
       

Expected principal credit loss rate

  9.2% to 30.3% (30.2%) 
       

Servicing rate

  3.5% to 6.4% (3.6%) 
       

Discount rate

  9.8% to 10.5% (10.1%) 

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurement

Fair Value Measurement

 

Fair Value at December 31, 2021 (in thousands)

 

Valuation Technique

 

Unobservable Input

 

Range (Weighted Average)

 

Loans, interest and fees receivable, at fair value

 $1,026,424 

Discounted cash flows

 

Gross yield, net of finance charge charge-offs

  27.8% to 46.9% (40.9%) 
       

Payment rate

  5.4% to 12.9% (10.6%) 
       

Expected principal credit loss rate

  7.8% to 26.4% (23.5%) 
       

Servicing rate

  3.4% to 5.7% (4.6%) 
       

Discount rate

  12.3% to 13.5% (12.9%) 

Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurement

 

Fair Value Measurement

 

Fair Value at December 31, 2020 (in thousands)

 

Valuation Technique

 

Unobservable Input

 

Range (Weighted Average)

 

Loans, interest and fees receivable, at fair value

 $417,098 

Discounted cash flows

 

Gross yield, net of finance charge charge-offs

  22.7% to 56.5% (43.3%) 
       

Payment rate

  3.9% to 11.4% (8.5%) 
       

Expected principal credit loss rate

  6.9% to 31.4% (24.8%) 
       

Servicing rate

  2.9% to 14.2% (4.3%) 
       

Discount rate

  12.8% to 13.5% (13.3%) 

F- 21



Valuations and Techniques for Liabilities

Our assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the liability. The table below summarizes (in thousands) by fair value hierarchy the December 31, 20162022 and December 31, 20152021 fair values and carrying amounts of (1)(1) our liabilities that are required to be carried at fair value in our consolidated financial statements and (2)(2) our liabilities not carried at fair value, but for which fair value disclosures are required:

Liabilities As of December 31, 2022

 

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

  

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

  

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

  

Carrying Amount of Liabilities

 

Liabilities not carried at fair value

                

Revolving credit facilities

 $  $  $1,630,111  $1,630,111 

Amortizing debt facilities

 $  $  $23,195  $23,195 

Senior notes, net

 $125,640  $  $  $144,385 

Liabilities As of December 31, 2021

 

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

  

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

  

Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)

  

Carrying Amount of Liabilities

 

Liabilities not carried at fair value

                

Revolving credit facilities

 $  $  $1,255,518  $1,255,518 

Amortizing debt facilities

 $  $  $23,346  $23,346 

Senior notes, net

 $153,000  $  $  $142,951 

F- 22
Liabilities – As of December 31, 2016 Quoted Prices in Active
Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)
 Significant Other
Observable Inputs (Level 2)
 Significant
Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
 Carrying Amount of Liabilities
Liabilities not carried at fair value        
Revolving credit facilities $
 $
 $83,399
 $83,399
Amortizing debt facilities $
 $
 $58,190
 $58,190
Senior secured term loan $
 $
 $40,000
 $40,000
5.875% convertible senior notes $
 $40,609
 $
 $61,810
Liabilities carried at fair value  
  
  
  
Notes payable associated with structured financings, at fair value $
 $
 $12,276
 $12,276


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

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


For our material Level 3 liabilities carried at fair value measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs, the following table presents (in thousands) a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2016 and 2015.


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

2021 (no amounts were outstanding as of December 31, 2022):

  

Notes Payable Associated with Structured Financings, at Fair Value

 
  

2021

  

2020

 

Balance at January 1,

 $2,919  $3,920 

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

  (807)  (1,001)

Repayments on outstanding notes payable, net

  (2,112)   

Balance at December 31,

 $  $2,919 

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


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


For material Level 3 liabilities carried Accrued interest expense on notes payable underlying our notes payable associated with structured financings, at fair value measured on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs, the following table presents (in thousands) quantitative information about the valuation techniques and the inputs usedis recorded in the fair value measurement asInterest expense in our consolidated statements of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015:
income.

F- 23
Quantitative Information about Level 3 Fair Value Measurements
Fair Value Measurements Fair Value at December 31, 2016 (in Thousands) Valuation Technique Unobservable Input Weighted Average
Notes payable associated with structured financings, at fair value $12,276
 Discounted cash flows Gross yield 24.6%
   
   Principal payment rate 2.2%
   
   Expected credit loss rate 11.8%
   
   Discount rate 13.6%


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


Other Relevant Data

Other relevant data (in thousands) as of December 31, 20162022and December 31, 20152021 concerning certain assets and liabilities we carry at fair value are as follows:

As of December 31, 2022

 

Loans, Interest and Fees Receivable at Fair Value

  

Loans, Interest and Fees Receivable Pledged as Collateral under Structured Financings at Fair Value

 

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

 $786  $2,119,340 

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

 $760  $1,910,090 

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

 $765  $1,817,211 

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

 $3  $8,362 

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

 $4  $144,767 

As of December 31, 2021

 

Loans, Interest and Fees Receivable at Fair Value

  

Loans, Interest and Fees Receivable Pledged as Collateral under Structured Financings at Fair Value

 

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

 $1,249  $1,234,039 

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

 $1,204  $1,131,895 

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

 $1,215  $1,025,209 

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

 $8  $4,640 

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

 $13  $59,656 

F- 24

As of December 31, 2016 Loans and Fees
Receivable at
Fair Value
 Loans and Fees Receivable Pledged as Collateral under Structured Financings at Fair Value
Aggregate unpaid principal balance within loans and fees receivable that are reported at fair value $6,251
 $16,614
Aggregate fair value of loans and fees receivable that are reported at fair value $3,484
 $12,164
Aggregate fair value of receivables carried at fair value that are 90 days or more past due (which also coincides with finance charge and fee non-accrual policies) $6
 $22
Aggregate excess of balance of unpaid principal receivables within loans and fees receivable that are reported at fair value and are 90 days or more past due (which also coincides with finance charge and fee non-accrual policies) over the fair value of such loans and fees receivable $204
 $562
 
As of December 31, 2015 Loans and Fees
Receivable at
Fair Value
 Loans and Fees
Receivable Pledged as Collateral under Structured Financings at Fair Value
Aggregate unpaid principal balance within loans and fees receivable that are reported at fair value $8,560
 $25,837
Aggregate fair value of loans and fees receivable that are reported at fair value $6,353
 $20,353
Aggregate fair value of receivables carried at fair value that are 90 days or more past due (which also coincides with finance charge and fee non-accrual policies) $12
 $31
Aggregate excess of balance of unpaid principal receivables within loans and fees receivable that are reported at fair value and are 90 days or more past due (which also coincides with finance charge and fee non-accrual policies) over the fair value of such loans and fees receivable $374
 $889

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

7.Property

 

7.

Property

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


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

  

As of December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 

Software

 $850  $1,695 

Furniture and fixtures

  2,872   3,540 

Data processing and telephone equipment

  502   692 

Leasehold improvements

  3,437   10,539 

Other

  6,910   6,909 

Total cost

  14,571   23,375 

Less accumulated depreciation

  (4,558)  (16,040)

Property, net

 $10,013  $7,335 

Depreciation expense totaled $2.2 million and $2.2$1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 2022 and 2015,2021, respectively.


8.Leases

 

8.

Variable Interest Entities

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

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

  

As of

 
  

December 31, 2022

  

December 31, 2021

 

Unrestricted cash and cash equivalents

 $202.2  $209.5 

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

  27.6   75.9 

Loans, interest and fees receivable, at fair value

  1,735.9   925.5 

Loans, interest and fees receivable, gross

     369.6 

Allowances for uncollectible loans, interest and fees receivable

     (55.1)

Deferred revenue

     (8.2)

Total Assets held by VIEs

 $1,965.7  $1,517.2 

Notes Payable, net held by VIEs

 $1,586.0  $1,223.4 

Maximum exposure to loss due to involvement with VIEs

 $1,756.0  $1,289.1 

9.

Leases

We have operating leases primarily associated with our corporate offices and regional service centers as well as for certain equipment. Our leases have remaining lease premises and certain equipment under cancelable and non-cancelable leases,terms of 1 to 12 years, some of which contain renewalinclude options, under various terms. Total rentalat our discretion, to extend the leases for additional periods generally on one-year revolving periods. Other leases allow for us to terminate the lease based on appropriate notification periods. For certain of our leased offices, we sublease a portion of the unoccupied space. The terms of the sublease arrangement generally coincide with the underlying lease. The components of lease expense for continuing operations associated with these operatingour lease liabilities and supplemental cash flow information related to those leases was $1.5 millionwere as follows (dollar amounts in 2016 and $2.9 million in 2015. During the fourth quarterthousands):

  

For the Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

  

2020

 

Operating lease cost, gross

 $4,431  $6,905  $6,879 

Sublease income

  (2,165)  (5,234)  (5,133)

Net Operating lease cost

 $2,266  $1,671  $1,746 

Cash paid under operating leases, gross

 $4,053  $10,470  $10,278 
             

Weighted average remaining lease term - months

  133         

Weighted average discount rate

  6.5%        

As of 2006, December 31, 2022, maturities of lease liabilities were as follows (in thousands):

  

Gross Lease Payment

  

Payments received from Sublease

  

Net Lease Payment

 

2023

 $1,662  $(39) $1,623 

2024

  2,777      2,777 

2025

  2,629      2,629 

2026

  2,489      2,489 

2027

  2,466      2,466 

Thereafter

  17,338      17,338 

Total lease payments

  29,361   (39)  29,322 

Less imputed interest

  (9,249)        

Total

 $20,112         

In August 2021, we entered into a 15-yearan operating lease agreement for our corporate headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia for 335,372with an unaffiliated third party. The new lease covers approximately 73,000 square feet (net of space which was surrendered toand commenced in June 2022 for a 146 month term. The total commitment under the landlord through our exercise of a termination option), 255,110 square feet of which we have subleased,new lease is approximately $27.8 million and is included in the remainder of which houses our corporate offices.table above. In connection with the commencement of this new lease, we received a $21.2 million construction allowance for the build-out of our new corporate offices. We are amortizing the construction allowance as a reduction of rent expense over the termdiscontinued most of the lease. Assubleasing arrangements with third parties for space at our corporate headquarters. A right-of-use asset and liability was recorded at the commencement date of December 31, 2016, the future minimum rental commitments (in thousands) for all non-cancelable operating leases with initial or remaining terms of more than one year (both gross and net of any sublease income) are as follows:

  Gross 
Sublease
Income
 Net
2017 $8,493
 $(6,643) $1,850
2018 9,756
 (6,441) 3,315
2019 9,734
 (6,324) 3,410
2020 9,778
 (6,499) 3,279
2021 9,832
 (6,678) 3,154
Thereafter 4,157
 (2,838) 1,319
Total $51,750
 $(35,423) $16,327
lease.

In addition, we occasionally lease certain equipment under cancelable and non-cancelable leases, which are accounted for as capital leases in our consolidated financial statements. As of December 31, 2016, 2022, we had no material non-cancelable capital leases with initial or remaining terms of more than one year.

F- 26



9.Notes Payable
Notes Payable Associated with Structured Financings, at Fair Value
 
Scheduled (in millions) in the table below are (1) the carrying amount of our structured financing note secured by certain credit card receivables and reported at fair value as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015, (2) the outstanding face amount of our structured financing note secured by certain credit card receivables and reported at fair value as of December 31, 2016, and (3) the carrying amount of the credit card receivables and restricted cash that provide the exclusive means of repayment for the note (i.e., lenders have recourse only to the specific credit card receivables and restricted cash underlying each respective facility and cannot look to our general credit for repayment) as of December 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015.
 Carrying Amounts at Fair Value as of
 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015
Amortizing securitization facility issued out of our upper-tier portfolio master trust (stated maturity of December 2021), outstanding face amount of $102.0 million ($107.0 million as of December 31, 2015) bearing interest at a weighted average 6.1% interest rate (5.6% as of December 31, 2015), which is secured by credit card receivables and restricted cash aggregating $12.3 million ($21.0 million as of December 31, 2015) in carrying amount$12.3
 $21.0

 
Contractual payment allocations within these credit cards receivable structured financings provide for a priority distribution of cash flows to us to service the credit card receivables, a distribution of cash flows to pay interest and principal due on the notes, and a distribution of all excess cash flows (if any) to us. The structured financing facility in the above table is amortizing down along with collections of the underlying receivables and there are no provisions within the debt agreement that allow for acceleration or bullet repayment of the facility prior to its scheduled expiration date. The aggregate carrying amount of the credit card receivables and restricted cash that provide security for the $12.3 million in fair value of the structured financing note in the above table is $12.3 million, which means that we have no aggregate exposure to pre-tax equity loss associated with the above structured financing arrangement at December 31, 2016.
Beyond our role as servicer of the underlying assets within the credit cards receivable structured financings, we have provided no other financial or other support to the structures, and we have no explicit or implicit arrangements that could require us to provide financial support to the structures.


10.

Notes Payable

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

Other notes payable outstanding as of December 31, 20162022 and December 31, 20152021 that are secured by the financial and operating assets of either the borrower, another of our subsidiaries or both, include the following, scheduled (in millions); except as otherwise noted, the assets of our holding company (Atlanticus Holdings Corporation) are subject to creditor claims under these scheduled facilities:

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


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

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

  

As of

 
  

December 31, 2022

  

December 31, 2021

 

Revolving credit facilities at a weighted average interest rate equal to 5.1% as of December 31, 2022 (4.3% as of December 31, 2021) secured by the financial and operating assets of CAR and/or certain receivables and restricted cash with a combined aggregate carrying amount of $1,856.2 million as of December 31, 2022 ($1,391.6 million as of December 31, 2021)

        

Revolving credit facility, not to exceed $55.0 million (expiring November 1, 2024) (1) (2) (3)

 $44.1  $32.1 

Revolving credit facility, not to exceed $50.0 million (expiring October 30, 2024) (2) (3) (4) (5)

  50.0   48.7 

Revolving credit facility, not to exceed $20.0 million (expiring July 15, 2023) (2) (3) (4) (5)

  11.1   5.7 

Revolving credit facility, not to exceed $100.0 million (expiring March 15, 2024) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6)

      

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

  188.9   200.0 

Revolving credit facility, not to exceed $25.0 million (expiring April 21, 2023) (2) (3) (4) (5)

  24.6   19.2 

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

 

100.0

   100.0 

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

  250.0   250.0 

Revolving credit facility, not to exceed $25.0 million (expiring June 16, 2025) (3) (4) (5)

  25.0   10.0 

Revolving credit facility, not to exceed $300.0 million (expiring December 15, 2026) (3) (4) (5) (6)

  300.0   300.0 

Revolving credit facility, not to exceed $75.0 million (expiring March 15, 2025) (3) (4) (5) (6)

      

Revolving credit facility, not to exceed $300.0 million (expiring May 15, 2026) (3) (4) (5) (6)

  300.0   300.0 

Revolving credit facility, not to exceed $250.0 million (expiring May 15, 2030) (3) (4) (5) (6)

  250.0    

Revolving credit facility, not to exceed $100.0 million (expiring August 5, 2024) (3) (4) (5) (6)

      

Revolving credit facility, not to exceed $100.0 million (expiring March 15, 2028) (3) (4) (5) (6)

  100.0    

Other facilities

        

Other debt

  5.8   5.9 

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

  17.4   17.4 

Total notes payable before unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts

  1,666.9   1,289.0 

Unamortized debt issuance costs and discounts

  (13.6)  (10.1)

Total notes payable outstanding, net

 $1,653.3  $1,278.9 

(1)

(1)

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

(2)

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

(3)

See below for additional information.
(2)(4)Loans are subject to certain affirmative covenants tied to default rates and other performance metrics the failure of which could result in required early repayment of the remaining unamortized balances of the notes.
(3)These notes reflect modifications to either extend the maturity date, increase the loaned amount or both.
(4)

(5)

Loans are comprisedassociated with VIEs. See Note 8, "Variable Interest Entities" for more information.

(6)

Creditors do not have recourse against the general assets of two tranches with the same lender. Terms and conditions are substantially identical withCompany but only to the exception of maturity date as indicated incollateral within the table above.
VIEs.
(5)*See below for additional information.As of December 31, 2022, the LIBOR rate was 4.39%, the Prime Rate was 7.50% and the SOFR Rate was 4.30%.
On November 26, 2014, we and certain of our subsidiaries entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with Dove Ventures, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company (“Dove”). The agreement provides for a senior secured term loan facility in an amount of up to $40.0 million at any time outstanding, consisting of (i) an initial term loan of $20.0 million, and (ii) additional term loans available in the sole discretion of Dove and upon our request, provided that the aggregate amount of all outstanding term loans does not exceed $40.0 million. On November 26, 2014, Dove funded the initial term loan of $20.0 million. Additionally, on July 28, 2016, we obtained an additional term loan under the Loan and Security Agreement. As a result, the Loan and Security Agreement is fully drawn with $40.0 million outstanding as of December 31, 2016.

In November 2016, the agreement was amended to extend the maturity date of the term loan to November 22, 2017. All other terms remain unchanged.



Our obligations under the agreement are guaranteed by certain subsidiary guarantors and secured by a pledge of certain assets of ours and the subsidiary guarantors. The loans bear interest at the rate of 9.0% per annum, payable monthly in arrears. The principal amount of these loans is payable in a single installment on November 22, 2017 (as amended). The agreement includes customary affirmative and negative covenants, as well as customary representations, warranties and events of default. Subject to certain conditions, we can prepay the principal amounts of these loans without premium or penalty.

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

On February 9, 2017, October 2015, we (through a wholly owned subsidiary) establishedentered a program underrevolving credit facility with a (as subsequently amended) $50.0 million revolving borrowing limit that can be drawn to the extent of outstanding eligible principal receivables (of which we sell certain receivables to a trust in exchange for notes issued$50.0 million was drawn as of December 31, 2022). This facility is secured by the trust.loans, interest and fees receivable and related restricted cash and accrues interest at an annual rate equal to Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("SOFR") plus 3.0%. The facility matures on October 30, 2024 and is subject to certain affirmative covenants, including a liquidity test and an eligibility test, the failure of which could result in required early repayment of all or a portion of the outstanding balance. The facility is guaranteed by Atlanticus, which is required to maintain certain minimum liquidity levels.

F- 27

In October 2016, we (through a wholly owned subsidiary) entered a revolving credit facility available to the extent of outstanding eligible principal receivables of our CAR subsidiary (of which $44.1 million was drawn as of December 31, 2022). This facility is secured by the financial and operating assets of CAR and accrues interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus a range between 2.4% and 3.0% based on certain ratios. The loan is subject to certain affirmative covenants, including a coverage ratio, a leverage ratio and a collateral performance test, the failure of which could result in required early repayment of all or a portion of the outstanding balance. In periods subsequent to October 2016, we amended the original agreement to either extend the maturity date and/or expand the capacity of this revolving credit facility. As of December 31, 2022, the facility's borrowing limit was $55.0 million and the facility matures on November 1, 2024. There were no other material changes to the existing terms or conditions as a result of these amendments and the new maturity date and borrowing limit are reflected in the table above. In January 2023, the note was amended to change the underlying reference rate from LIBOR to SOFR, the facility size was increased to $65.0 million and the maturity date was extended to November 1, 2025.  All other terms remained materially consistent with the amended facility.  

In 2018, we (through a wholly owned subsidiary) entered into a revolving credit facility to sell up to an aggregate $100.0 million of notes that are secured by the receivables and other assets of the trust. Simultaneously with the establishmenttrust (of which $0.0 million was outstanding as of the program, the trust issued a series of variable funding notes and sold an aggregate amount of up to $90.0 million to an unaffiliated third party pursuant to a facility December 31, 2022) that can be drawn upon to the extent of outstanding eligible receivables.

The interest rate on the notes equals the SOFR plus 3.1%. The facility matures on February 8, 2022 March 15, 2024, and is subject to certain affirmative covenants and collateral performance tests, the failure of which could result in required early repayment of all or a portion of the outstanding balance of notes. As of December 31, 2022, the aggregate borrowing limit was $100.0 million.

In December 2017, we (through a wholly owned subsidiary) entered a revolving credit facility with a (as subsequently amended) $25.0 million revolving borrowing limit that is available to the extent of outstanding eligible principal receivables (of which $24.6 million was drawn as of December 31, 2022). This facility is secured by the loans, interest and fees receivable and related restricted cash and accrues interest at an annual rate equal to SOFR plus 3.6%. The facility also may be prepaidmatures on April 21, 2023 and is subject to certain affirmative covenants, including payment, delinquency and charge-off tests, the failure of which could result in required early repayment of all or a prepayment fee.

10.Convertible Senior Notes
portion of the outstanding balance. The note is guaranteed by Atlanticus.

In May 2005, June 2019, we (through a wholly owned subsidiary) entered a revolving credit facility with a (as subsequently amended) $20.0 million revolving borrowing limit that is available to the extent of outstanding eligible principal receivables (of which $11.1 million was drawn as of December 31, 2022). This facility is secured by the loans, interest and fees receivable and related restricted cash and accrues interest at an annual rate equal to the Prime Rate. The note is guaranteed by Atlanticus.

In August 2019, we issued a $17.4 million term note, which bears interest at a fixed rate of 8.0% and is due in August 2024.

In November 2019, we sold $200.0 million of ABS secured by certain credit card receivables (expiring May 15, 2024). A portion of the proceeds from the sale was used to pay down our existing facilities associated with our credit card receivables and the remaining proceeds were used to fund the acquisition of future receivables. The terms of the ABS allow for a three-year revolving structure with a subsequent 12-month to 18-month amortization period. The weighted average interest rate on the securities is fixed at 4.91%.  This facility is currently in contractual scheduled amortization.

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

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

In January 2021, we (through a wholly owned subsidiary) entered a revolving credit facility with a (as subsequently amended) $25.0 million borrowing limit (of which $25.0 million was drawn as of December 31, 2022) that is available to the extent of outstanding eligible principal receivables. This facility is secured by the loans, interest and fees receivable and related restricted cash and accrues interest at an annual rate equal to the greater of the Prime Rate or 4%. The facility matures on June 16, 2025 and is subject to certain affirmative covenants, including a liquidity test and an eligibility test, the failure of which could result in required early repayment of all or a portion of the outstanding balance. The note is guaranteed by Atlanticus, which is required to maintain certain minimum liquidity levels.

F- 28

In June 2021, we sold $300.0 million of ABS secured by certain credit card receivables (expiring May 15, 2026 through December 15, 2026). The terms of the ABS allow for a four-year revolving structure with a subsequent 11-month to 18-month amortization period. The weighted average interest rate on the securities is fixed at 4.24%.

In September 2021, we entered a term facility with a $75.0 million limit (of which $0.0 million was outstanding of December 31, 2022) that is available to the extent of outstanding eligible principal receivables. This facility is secured by the loans, interest and fees receivable and related restricted cash and accrues interest at an annual rate equal to LIBOR plus 2.75%. The terms of the facility allow for a 24-month revolving structure with an 18-month amortization period and the facility matures in March 2025. 

In November 2021, we sold $300.0 million of ABS secured by certain credit card receivables (expiring May 15, 2026). The terms of the ABS allow for a three-year revolving structure with a subsequent 18-month amortization period. The weighted average interest rate on the securities is fixed at 3.53%.

In May 2022, we entered a $250.0 million ABS agreement (of which $250.0 million was drawn as of December 31, 2022) secured by certain credit card receivables (expiring May 15, 2030). The terms of the ABS allow for a five-year revolving structure with a subsequent 18-month amortization period. The weighted average interest rate on the securities is fixed at 6.33%.

In August 2022, we entered a $100.0 million ABS agreement secured by certain credit card receivables (of which $0.0 million was outstanding as of December 31, 2022) that can be drawn upon to the extent of outstanding eligible receivables. The interest rate on the notes is based on the Term Secured Overnight Financing Rate ("Term SOFR") plus 1.8%. The facility matures on August 5, 2024.

In September 2022, we sold $100.0 million of ABS secured by certain private label credit receivables. A portion of the proceeds from the sale was used to pay down other revolving facilities associated with our private label credit receivables, noted above, and the remaining proceeds have been invested in the acquisition of receivables. The terms of the ABS allow for a 3-year revolving structure with an 18-month amortization period. The weighted average interest rate on the securities is fixed at 7.3%.

As of December 31, 2022, we were in compliance with the covenants underlying our various notes payable and credit facilities.

Senior Notes, net

In November 2021, we issued $150.0 million aggregate principal amount of 3.625% convertible senior notes due 2025 (“3.625% convertible senior notes”), and in November 2005, we issued $300.0 million aggregate principal amount of 5.875% convertible senior(included on our consolidated balance sheet as "Senior notes, due November 30, 2035 (“5.875% convertible senior notes”net"). The 5.875% convertible senior notes are (and, priorgeneral unsecured obligations of the Company and rank equally in right of payment with all of the Company’s existing and future senior unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness, and will rank senior in right of payment to redemption, the 3.625% convertibleCompany’s future subordinated indebtedness, if any. The senior notes were) unsecured, subordinateare effectively subordinated to all of the Company’s existing and future secured obligationsindebtedness, to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness, and the senior notes are structurally subordinatesubordinated to all existing and future claimsindebtedness and other liabilities (including trade payables) of our subsidiaries’ creditors. These notes (net of repurchases since the issuance dates) are reflected within convertibleCompany’s subsidiaries (excluding any amounts owed by such subsidiaries to the Company). The senior notes bear interest at the rate of 6.125% per annum. Interest on our consolidated balance sheets.   No put rights exist under our 5.875% convertible senior notes.  


In 2016 we repurchased $5.0 million aggregate principal amount of outstanding 5.875% convertiblethe senior notes for $2.3 million plus accrued interest from unrelated third parties.is payable quarterly in arrears on February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 of each year. The purchase resulted in a gain of $1.2 million (net of the notes’ applicable share of deferred costs, which were written off in connection with the repurchases). Upon acquisition, the notes were retired.

In May 2015 we redeemed the remainder of the outstanding 3.625% convertible senior notes. Subsequent to this redemption, only our 5.875% convertible senior notes remain outstanding.

The following summarizes (in thousands) components of our consolidated balance sheetswill mature on November 30, 2026. We are amortizing fees associated with our convertible senior notes:
 As of
 December 31, 2016 December 31, 2015
Face amount of 5.875% convertible senior notes$88,280

$93,280
Discount(26,470)
(28,497)
Net carrying value$61,810

$64,783
Carrying amount of equity component included in additional paid-in capital$108,714

$108,714
Excess of instruments’ if-converted values over face principal amounts$

$

During certain periods and subject to certain conditions, the remaining $88.3 million of outstanding 5.875% convertible senior notes as of December 31, 2016 (as referenced in the table above) are convertible by holders into cash and, if applicable, shares of our common stock at an adjusted effective conversion rate of 40.63 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes, subject to further adjustment; the conversion rate is based on an adjusted conversion price of $24.61 per share of common stock. Upon any conversion of the notes, we will deliver to holders of the notes cash of up to $1,000 per

$1,000 aggregate principal amount of notes and, at our option, either cash or shares of our common stock in respect of the remainder of the conversion obligation, if any. The maximum number of shares of common stock that any note holder may receive upon conversion is fixed at 40.63 shares per $1,000 aggregate principal amount of notes, and we have a sufficient number of authorized shares of our common stock to satisfy this conversion obligation. Beginning with the six-month period commencing on January 30, 2009, we could pay contingent interest on the notes during a six-month period if the average trading price of the notes is above a specified level. Thus far we have not paid any contingent interest on these notes.  In addition, holders of the notes may require us to repurchase the notes upon certain specified events.
In conjunction with the offering of the 5.875% convertible senior notes, we entered into a 30-year share lending agreement with Bear, Stearns International Limited (“BSIL”) and Bear, Stearns & Co. Inc, as agent for BSIL, pursuant to which we lent BSIL 5,677,950 shares of our common stock that we exclude from all earnings per share computations and for which we received a fee of $0.001 per loaned share upon consummation of the agreement. The obligations of Bear Stearns were assumed by JP Morgan in 2008.  JP Morgan (as the guarantor of the obligation) is required to return the loaned shares to us at the end of the 30-year term of the share lending agreement or earlier upon the occurrence of specified events.  Such events include the bankruptcy of JP Morgan, its failure to make payments when due, its failure to post collateral when required or return loaned shares when due, notice of its inability to perform obligations, or its untrue representations.   If an event of default occurs, then the borrower (JP Morgan) may settle the obligation in cash.  Further, in the event that JP Morgan’s credit rating drops below A/A2, it would be required to post collateral for the market value of the lent shares ($4.1 million based on the 1,459,233 of shares remaining outstanding under the share lending arrangement as of December 31, 2016).  JP Morgan has agreed to use the loaned shares for the purpose of directly or indirectly facilitating the hedging of our convertible senior notes by the holders thereof or for such other purpose as reasonably determined by us.  We deem it highly remote that any event of default will occur and therefore cash settlement, while an option, is an unlikely scenario.
We analogize the share lending agreement to a prepaid forward contract, which we have evaluated under applicable accounting guidance. We determined that the instrument was not a derivative in its entirety and that the embedded derivative would not require separate accounting. The net effect on shareholders’ equity of the shares lent pursuant to the share lending agreement, which includes our requirement to lend the shares and the counterparties’ requirement to return the shares, is the fee received upon our lending of the shares.
Accounting for Convertible Senior Notes
Under applicable accounting literature, the accounting for the issuance of the notes includes (1) allocation of the issuance proceeds between the notes and additional paid-in capital, (2) establishment of a discount to the face amount of the notes equal to the portion of the issuance proceeds that are allocable to additional paid-in capital, (3) creation of a deferred tax liability related to the discount on the notes, and (4) an allocation of issuance costs between the portion of such costs considered to be associated with the notes and the portion of such costs considered to be associated with the equity component of the notes’ issuances (i.e., additional paid-in capital).  We are amortizing the discount to the remaining face amount of thesenior notes into interest expense over the expected life of the notes, which results in a corresponding releasenotes. Amortization of associated deferred tax liability (and which ended May 2012 for our 3.625% convertible senior notes).  Amortizationthese fees for the years ended December 31, 2016 2022 and 20152021 totaled $0.5$1.4 million and $0.5$0.1 million, respectively. Actual incurred interest (based on the contractual interest rates within the two convertible senior notes series) totaled $5.3 million and $5.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  We will amortize the discount remaining at December 31, 2016 into interest expense over the expected term


11.

11.

Commitments and Contingencies

General

Under finance products available in the point-of-saleprivate label credit and direct-to-consumergeneral purpose credit card channels, consumers have the ability to borrow up to the maximum credit limit assigned to each individual’s account. Unfunded commitments under these products aggregated $221.1 million$2.2 billion at December 31, 2016. 2022. We have never experienced a situation in which all borrowers have exercised their entire available linelines of credit at any given point in time, nor do we anticipate this will ever occur in the future. Moreover, there would be a concurrent increase in assets should there be any exercise of these lines of credit.  We also have the effective right to reduce or cancel these available lines of credit at any time.

Additionally, our CAR operations provide floor-plan financing for a pre-qualified network of independent automotive dealers and automotive finance companies in the buy-here, pay-here used car business. The financings allowfloor plan financing allows dealers and finance companies to borrow up to the maximum pre-approved credit limit allowed in order to finance ongoing inventory


needs. These loans are secured by the underlying auto inventory and, in certain cases where we have other lending products outstanding with the dealer, are secured by the collateral under those lending arrangements as well, including any outstanding dealer reserves. As of December 31, 2016, 2022, CAR had unfunded outstanding floor-plan financing commitments totaling $8.6 million.$11.4 million. Each draw against unused commitments is reviewed for conformity to pre-established guidelines.

Under agreements with third-partythird-party originating and other financial institutions, we have pledged security (collateral) related to their issuance of consumer credit and purchases thereunder, of which $9.3$20.6 million remains pledged as of December 31, 2016 2022 to support various ongoing contractual obligations.  Those obligations include, among other things, compliance with one of the European payment system’s operating regulations and by-laws.


Under agreements with third-partythird-party originating and other financial institutions, we have agreed to indemnify the financial institutions for certain liabilities associated with the services we provide on behalf of the financial institutions—such indemnification obligations generally being limited to instances in which we either (a) have been afforded the opportunity to defend against any potentially indemnifiable claims or (b) have reached agreement with the financial institutions regarding settlement of potentially indemnifiable claims. As of December 31, 2016, 2022, we have assessed the likelihood of any potential payments related to the aforementioned contingencies as remote. We willwould accrue liabilities related to these contingencies in any future period if and in which we assess the likelihood of an estimable payment as probable.


Total System Services, Inc. provides certain services

Under the account terms, consumers have the option of enrolling in a credit protection program with our issuing bank partner which would make the minimum payments owed on their accounts for a period of up to Atlanticus Services Corporation in bothsix months upon the U.S. and the U.K. as a systemoccurrence of record provideran eligible event. Eligible events typically include loss of life, job loss, disability, or hospitalization. As an acquirer of receivables, our potential exposure under agreements that extend through October 2022 and April 2017, respectively. If Atlanticus Services Corporation were to terminate its U.S. or U.K. relationship with Total System Services, Inc. prior to the contractual termination period, it would incur significant penalties ($1.5 million and $1.0this program, if all eligible participants applied for this benefit, was $69.4 million as of December 31, 2016, respectively).


At December 31, 2015,2022. We have never experienced a situation in which all eligible participants have applied for this benefit at any given point in time, nor do we had an accrued liabilityanticipate this will ever occur in the future. We include our estimate of £3.4 million ($5.0 million)future claims under this program within our consolidated financial statementsfair value analysis of the associated with a then-ongoing review by U.K. taxing authorities (HM Revenue and Customs or “HMRC”) of value-added tax (“VAT”) filings made by one of our U.K. subsidiaries. In February of 2016, we received correspondence from HMRC stating that it (1) had chosen to discontinue its review of our U.K. subsidiary’s VAT filings with no changes to the returns as filed by our U.K. subsidiary, and (2) would pay VAT refund claims made by our U.K. subsidiary that had been suspended during the HMRC review. We subsequently received all of such refunds, and as such we reversed the £3.4 million ($5.0 million) of VAT review-related liabilities in the first quarter of 2016.
receivables.

We also are subject to certain minimum payments under cancelable and non-cancelable lease arrangements. For further information regarding these commitments, see Note 8,9, “Leases”.


Litigation

We are involved in various legal proceedings that are incidental to the conduct of our business, none of whichbusiness. There are currently no pending legal proceedings that are expected to be material to us.  Included in the first quarter of 2022 is an $8.5 million expense related to a settlement of outstanding litigation associated with our Auto Finance segment. 

 

12.

12.

Income Taxes

Deferred tax assets and liabilities reflect the effects of tax losses, credits, and the future income tax effects of temporary differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and are measured using enacted tax rates that apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled.



The current and deferred portions (in thousands) of our federal, foreign, and state and other income tax benefitexpenses or expensebenefits are as follows:

  For the Year Ended December 31,
  2016 2015
Federal income tax benefit (expense):    
Current tax benefit (expense) $59
 $3,421
Deferred tax benefit (expense) 5,884
 (3,824)
Total federal income tax benefit (expense) $5,943
 $(403)
Foreign income tax benefit (expense):    
Current tax expense $(41) $(53)
Deferred tax benefit (expense) 3
 (1,775)
Total foreign income tax expense $(38) $(1,828)
State and other income tax benefit (expense):    
Current tax benefit (expense) $(116) $28
Deferred tax benefit 226
 374
Total state and other income tax benefit $110
 $402
Total income tax benefit (expense) $6,015
 $(1,829)

  

For the Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

  

2020

 

Federal income tax (expense) benefit:

            

Current tax benefit (expense)

 $4,352  $(34,910) $1,351 

Deferred tax (expense)

  (16,623)  (2,369)  (21,752)

Total federal income tax (expense)

 $(12,271) $(37,279) $(20,401)

Foreign income tax (expense) benefit:

            

Current tax (expense)

 $(183) $(107) $(143)

Deferred tax benefit (expense)

  3   1   (5)

Total foreign income tax (expense)

 $(180) $(106) $(148)

State and other income tax benefit (expense):

            

Current tax benefit (expense)

 $2,146  $(4,910) $(1,228)

Deferred tax (expense) benefit

  (4,355)  511   1,303 

Total state and other income tax (expense) benefit

 $(2,209) $(4,399) $75 

Total income tax (expense)

 $(14,660) $(41,784) $(20,474)

We experienced an effective income tax benefit rate of 48.7% for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to an effective income tax expense rate of 51.7%9.8% and 19.0% for the yearyears ended December 31, 2015.2022, and December 31, 2021, respectively. Our effective income tax benefit rateexpense rates for the year ended December 31, 2016 is abovethese years are below the statutory rate principally due to (1) deductions associated with the incomeexercise of stock options and the vesting of restricted stock at times when the fair value of our U.K. subsidiary (1) that is not subjectstock exceeded such share-based awards’ grant date values—such deductions being significantly higher in 2022 than in 2021 given stock option exercises in 2022 by the Executive Chairman of our Board of Directors, such options being grandfathered from executive compensation deduction limitations under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”) and (2) our deduction for income tax purposes of amounts characterized in our consolidated financial statements as dividends on a preferred stock issuance, such amounts constituting deductible interest expense on a debt issuance for tax purposes. Offsetting the above factors are the effects on our effective tax rate of state and foreign income tax expense, taxes on global intangible low-taxed income, and executive compensation deduction limitations under Section 162(m) of the Code. Further details related to taxthe above are reflected in the U.S., and (2) the U.K. tax on which was fully offset by the release of U.K. valuation allowances.  Ourtable below reconciling our effective income tax expense rate forto the year ended December 31, 2015 reflects in part, the establishment of a valuation allowance against our U.K.-related deferred tax assets.


statutory rate.

We report potential accruedincome tax-related interest and penalties related to(including those associated with both our accrued liabilities for uncertain tax positions and unpaid tax liabilities, as well as any net paymentsliabilities) within our income tax line item on our consolidated statements of income. We likewise report the reversal of income tax-related interest and penalties within our income tax benefit or expense line item on our consolidated statements of operations. We likewise report the reversal of such accrued interest and penalties within the income tax benefit or expense line item to the extent that we resolve our liabilities for uncertain tax positions or unpaid tax liabilities in a manner favorable to our accruals therefor. During the years ended December 31, 2016For 2022 and 2015, $0.4 million2021, we experienced only de minimis interest expense and $0.3 million, respectively, of net income tax-related interest and penalties are includedreversals within those years’ respectiveour income tax benefit and expense line items.


In December 2014, we reached a settlement with the IRS concerning the tax treatment of net operating losses that we incurred in 2007 and 2008 and carried back to obtain refunds of federal income taxes paid in earlier years dating back to 2003. Our net unpaid income tax assessment associated with that settlement was $7.3 million at December 31, 2016; this amount excludes unpaid interest and penalties on the tax assessment, the accruals for which aggregated $3.4 million at December 31, 2016. An IRS examination team denied amended return claims we filed that would have eliminated the $7.3 million assessment (and corresponding interest and penalties), and we filed a protest with IRS Appeals. Pending the resolution of this matter, and as is customary in such cases, the IRS filed a lien in respect of the $7.3 million assessment described herein. To the extent we are unsuccessful in resolving this matter with IRS Appeals to our satisfaction, we plan to litigate this matter.

item.

The following table reconciles our effective income tax benefitexpense rate to the statutory rate for 20162022 and our effective income tax expense rate for 2015 to the federal statutory rate:

2021:

  

For the Year Ended December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

  

2020

 

Statutory federal expense rate

  21.0

%

  21.0

%

  21.0

%

(Decrease) increase in statutory federal tax expense rate resulting from:

            

Share-based compensation

  (10.5)  (3.1)   

Section 162(m) of the Code executive compensation deduction limitations

  0.2   1.7    

Net interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions and unpaid tax liabilities

  0.1      (0.6)

Interest expense on preferred stock classified as debt for tax purposes

  (2.3)  (1.6)  (2.6)

Foreign taxes, net of valuation allowance effects

  (0.2)  (0.1)  (0.2)

State taxes, net of valuation allowance effects

  1.4   1.6   (0.1)

Prior year provision to return reconciling items, tax effects of non-controlling interests, and other

  (0.1)  (0.6)  0.2 

Global intangible low-taxed income tax

  0.2   0.1   0.2 

Effective tax expense rate

  9.8

%

  19.0

%

  17.9

%


F- 31

  For the Year Ended December 31,
  2016 2015
Statutory benefit (expense) rate 35.0 % (35.0)%
(Increase) decrease in statutory tax rate and increase (decrease) in statutory tax benefit rate resulting from:    
Changes in valuation allowances 6.2
 (46.8)
Interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions (0.1) 21.2
Foreign income taxes 7.5
 (1.5)
Permanent and other differences (0.5) 3.1
State and other income taxes, net 0.6
 7.3
Effective benefit (expense) rate 48.7 % (51.7)%

As of December 31, 2016 2022, and December 31, 2015, 2021, the respective significant components (in thousands) of our deferred tax assets and liabilities (which are included as a component of our Income tax liability on our consolidated balance sheets) were:

  As of December 31,
  2016 2015
Deferred tax assets:    
Software development costs/fixed assets $
 $345
Goodwill and intangible assets 3,798
 3,455
Provision for loan loss 18,353
 16,107
Equity-based compensation 670
 287
Accrued expenses 1,678
 1,249
Other 
 288
Accruals for state taxes and interest associated with unrecognized tax benefits 286
 610
Federal net operating loss carry-forward 70,778
 75,687
Federal credit carry-forward 2,145
 2,381
Foreign net operating loss carry-forward 374
 637
State tax benefits 35,409
 36,384
Deferred tax assets, gross $133,491
 $137,430
Valuation allowances (33,924) (35,971)
Deferred tax assets net of valuation allowance $99,567
 $101,459
Deferred tax liabilities:    
Prepaid expenses and other $(184) $(267)
Software development costs/fixed assets (157) 
Equity in income of equity-method investee (1,455) (1,347)
Other (58) 
Credit card fair value election differences (42,939) (38,717)
Deferred costs (696) (681)
Convertible senior notes (28,921) (28,154)
Cancellation of indebtedness income (29,491) (42,822)
Deferred tax liabilities, gross $(103,901) $(111,988)
Deferred tax liabilities, net $(4,334) $(10,529)

  

As of December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

 

Deferred tax assets:

        

Capitalized research and experimentation expenditures and fixed assets

 $1,445  $ 

Provision for credit loss

  1,716   14,647 

Credit card and other loans receivable fair value election differences

  70,966   48,730 

Equity-based compensation

  1,327   967 

Accrued expenses

  156   159 

Accruals for state taxes and interest associated with unrecognized tax benefits and unpaid accrued tax liabilities

  195   149 

Federal net operating loss and capital loss carry-forwards

  22,626    

Foreign net operating loss carry-forward

  304   304 

Other

  1,056   506 

State tax benefits, primarily from net operating losses

  28,796   27,081 

Deferred tax assets, gross

 $128,587  $92,543 

Valuation allowances

  (20,699)  (22,716)

Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowances

 $107,888  $69,827 

Deferred tax (liabilities):

        

Prepaid expenses and other

 $(1,030) $(513)

Software development costs and fixed assets

     (41)

Equity in income of equity-method investee

  (792)  (697)

Market discount on acquired marked discount bonds

  (155,879)  (94,958)

Deferred costs

  (641)  (590)

Deferred tax (liabilities), gross

 $(158,342) $(96,799)

Deferred tax (liabilities), net

 $(50,454) $(26,972)

We undertook a detailed review of our deferred taxes and determined that a valuation allowance was required for certain deferred tax assets in state tax jurisdictions within the U.S. and in the U.K. We reduce our deferred tax assets by valuation allowances if it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the periods in which temporary differences are deductible. In making our valuation allowance determinations, we consider all available positive and negative evidence affecting specific deferred tax assets, including our past and anticipated future performance, the reversal of deferred tax liabilities, the length of carry-back and carry-forward periods, and the implementation of tax planning strategies. Because our valuation allowance evaluations require consideration of future events, significant judgment is required in making the evaluations, and our conclusions could be materially different if our expectations are not met. Our valuation allowances totaled $20.7 million and $22.7 million as of December 31, 2022, and December 31, 2021, respectively.

Certain of our deferred tax assets relate to federal, foreign, and state net operating losses, as noted in the above table, and we have no other net operating losses, capital losses, or credit carry-forwardscarryforwards other than those noted herein. We have recorded a federal deferred tax asset of $70.8$22.6 million reflecting the tax benefit of(based on indefinite-lived federal net operating loss carryforwards of $104.0 million).  We have recorded state deferred tax assets of $28.6 million based on state net operating loss carryforwards, some of which are indefinite-lived and some which expire in varying amounts between 2029 and 2033. Our $33.9 millionvarious years beginning in 2023.

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regarding the future realization of recorded tax benefits, principally net operating losses and credits from operations in various states and foreign jurisdictions (including U.S. territories), and it is more likely than not that these recorded tax benefits will not be utilized to reduce future state and foreign tax liabilities in these jurisdictions.

We conduct business globally, and as a result, our

Our subsidiaries file federal, stateforeign, and/or foreignstate and other income tax returns. In the normal course of our business, we are subject to examination by taxing authorities throughout the world, including such major jurisdictions as the U.S., the U.K., and various U.S. states and territories. With a few exceptions of a non-material nature, and with the exception of our 2008 tax-settlement-related claims discussed previously, we are no longer subject to federal, state, local, or foreign income tax examinations for years prior to 2012.


2018.

Reconciliations (in thousands) of our unrecognized tax benefits from the beginning to the end of 20162022 and 2015,2021, respectively, are as follows: 

  2016 2015
Balance at January 1, $(1,798) $(5,245)
Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years 1,167
 2,658
Additions based on tax positions related to prior years 
 (160)
Additions based on tax positions related to the current year (82) (70)
Interest and penalties accrued (105) (197)
Settlement 
 1,216
Balance at December 31, $(818) $(1,798)
Unrecognized

  

2022

  

2021

  

2020

 

Balance at January 1,

 $(605) $(495) $(445)

Reductions based on tax positions related to prior years

  79   23    

(Additions) based on tax positions related to prior years

  (11,965)  (26)  32 

(Additions) based on tax positions related to the current year

  (10,201)  (107)  (82)

Balance at December 31,

 $(22,692) $(605) $(495)

Our unrecognized tax benefits that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate totaled $0.8are not material at only $0.9 million, $0.7 million and $1.8$0.6 million at as of December 31, 20162022, 2021 and 2015,2020, respectively.


Absent the effects of potential agreements to extend statutes of limitations periods, the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits with respect to certain of our unrecognized tax positions will significantly change as a result of the lapse of applicable limitations periods in the next 12 months. However, it is not reasonably possible to determine which (if any) limitations periods will lapse in the next 12 months due to the effect of existing and new tax audits and tax agency determinations.  Moreover, the net amount of such change cannot be reasonably estimated because our operations over the next 12 months may cause other changes to the total amount of unrecognized tax benefits. Due to the complexity of the tax rules underlying our uncertain tax position liabilities, and the unclear timing of tax audits, tax agency determinations, and other events (such as the outcomes of tax controversies involving related issues with unrelated taxpayers), we cannot establish reasonably reliable estimates for the periods in which the cash settlement of our uncertain tax position liabilities will occur.

13.

13.

Net (Loss) Income Attributable to Controlling Interests Per Common Share

We compute net income attributable to controlling interests per common share by dividing net income attributable to controlling interests by the weighted-average number of shares of common sharesstock (including participating securities) outstanding during the period, as discussed below. Diluted computations applicable in financial reporting periods in which we report income reflect the potential dilution to the basic income per share of common sharestock computations that could occur if securities or other contracts to issue common stock were exercised, were converted into common stock or were to result in the issuance of common stock that would share in our results of operations. In performing our net income attributable to controlling interests per share of common sharestock computations, we apply accounting rules that require us to include all unvested stock awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, in the number of shares outstanding in our basic and diluted calculations. Common stock and certain unvested share-based payment awards earn dividends equally, and we have included all outstanding restricted stock awards in our basic and diluted calculations for current and prior periods.


The following table sets forth the computations of net income attributable to controlling interests per share of common sharestock (in thousands, except per share data): 


��For the Year Ended December 31,
 2016 2015
Numerator:   
Net (loss) income attributable to controlling interests$(6,335) $1,713
Denominator: 
  
Basic (including unvested share-based payment awards) (1)13,867
 13,906
Effect of dilutive stock compensation arrangements (2)70
 55
Diluted (including unvested share-based payment awards) (1)13,937
 13,961
Net (loss) income attributable to controlling interests per common share—basic$(0.46) $0.12
Net (loss) income attributable to controlling interests per common share—diluted$(0.46) $0.12

             
  

December 31,

 
  

2022

  

2021

  

2020

 

Numerator:

            

Net income attributable to controlling interests

 $135,597  $177,902  $94,120 

Preferred stock and preferred unit dividends and accretion

  (25,076)  (22,363)  (17,070)

Net income attributable to common shareholders—basic

  110,521   155,539   77,050 

Effect of dilutive preferred stock dividends and accretion

  2,400   2,400   2,400 

Net income attributable to common shareholders—diluted

 $112,921  $157,939  $79,450 

Denominator:

            

Basic (including unvested share-based payment awards) (1)

  14,629   15,074   14,486 

Effect of dilutive stock compensation arrangements and exchange of preferred stock

  4,747   5,824   5,616 

Diluted (including unvested share-based payment awards) (1)

  19,376   20,898   20,102 

Net income attributable to common shareholders per share—basic

 $7.55  $10.32  $5.32 

Net income attributable to common shareholders per share—diluted

 $5.83  $7.56  $3.95 

(1)

(1)

Shares related to unvested share-based payment awards included in our basic and diluted share counts were 300,478137,046 for the year endedDecember 31, 20162022, compared to 385,193312,792 for the year endedDecember 31, 20152021.

(2)The effect of dilutive stock compensation arrangements is shown only for informational purposes where we are in a net loss position.  In such situations, the effect of including outstanding options and restricted stock would be anti-dilutive, and they are thus excluded from all loss period calculations.

As their effects were anti-dilutive, we excluded stock options to purchase 0.1 million shares from our net income attributable to controlling interests per share of common stock calculations for the year ended December 31, 2022.  No shares were excluded from our net income attributable to controlling interests per share of common stock calculations for the year ended December 31, 2021. We excluded stock options to purchase 0.1 million shares from our net income attributable to controlling interests per share of common stock calculations for the year ended December 31, 2020.

For the years ended December 31, 20162022, 2021 and 20152020, we included 4.0 million, 4.0 million and 3.8 million shares of common stock for each period in our outstanding diluted share counts associated with our Series A Preferred Stock. See Note 5, "Redeemable Preferred Stock", there were nofor a further discussion of these convertible securities.

For the year ended December 31, 2021, we included 0.1 million shares potentially issuable and thus includibleof common stock in the diluted net income attributable to controlling interests per share of common sharestock calculations pursuant toassociated with our5.875% convertible senior notes. However, in future reporting periods during which our closing stock price is above the $24.61 conversion price for the 5.875% convertible senior notes, and depending on the closing stock price at conversion, the maximum potential dilution under the conversion provisions

14.

14.

Stock-Based Compensation

We currently have two stock-based compensation plans, the Second Amended and Restated Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”) and the Fourth Amended and Restated 2014 Equity Incentive Plan (the “2014“Fourth Amended 2014 Plan”). As of December 31, 2016, 26,046 shares remained available for issuance under the ESPP and 338,933 shares remained available for issuance under the 2014 Plan.


Exercises and vestings under our stock-based compensation plans resulted in $(82,000) in income tax-related charges to additional paid-in capital during the year ended December 31, 2016 with $31,000 in such charges for the year ended December 31, 2015.

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit Awards
During the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, we granted 321,068 and 106,334 shares of restricted stock (net of any forfeitures), respectively, with aggregate grant date fair values of $1.0 million and $0.3 million, respectively. We incurred expenses of $1.4 million and $0.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015, respectively, related to restricted stock, restricted stock unit and stock option awards. When we grant restricted stock, we defer the grant date value of the restricted stock and amortize that value (net of the value of anticipated forfeitures) as compensation expense with an offsetting entry to the additional paid-in capital component of our consolidated shareholders’ equity. Our restricted stock awards typically vest over a range of 12 to 60 months (or other term as specified in the grant) and is amortized to salaries and benefits expense ratably over applicable vesting periods. As of December 31, 2016, our unamortized deferred compensation costs associated with non-vested restricted stock awards were $0.5 million with a weighted-average remaining amortization period of 0.8 years.

Stock Options
Our Fourth Amended 2014 Plan provides that we may grant options on or shares of our common stock (and other types of equity awards) to members of our Board of Directors, employees, consultants and advisors. The Fourth Amended 2014 Plan was approved by our shareholders in May 2019. As of December 31, 2022, 51,041 shares remained available for issuance under the ESPP and 2,085,158 shares remained available for issuance under the Fourth Amended 2014 Plan.

Exercises and vestings under our stock-based compensation plans resulted in no income tax-related charges to paid-in capital during the years ended December 31, 2022 and 2021.

Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units

During the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, we granted 105,360 shares, 49,988 shares and 61,373 shares of restricted stock and restricted stock units (net of any forfeitures), respectively, with aggregate grant date fair values of $4.9 million, $1.7 million and $0.6 million, respectively. We incurred expenses of $2.6 million, $1.2 million and $0.8 million during the years ended December 31, 2022, 2021 and 2020, respectively, related to restricted stock awards. When we grant restricted stock and restricted stock units, we defer the grant date value of the restricted stock and restricted stock unit and amortize that value (net of the value of anticipated forfeitures) as compensation expense with an offsetting entry to the paid-in capital component of our consolidated shareholders’ equity. Our restricted stock awards typically vest over a range of 12 to 60 months (or other term as specified in the grant which may include the achievement of performance measures) and are amortized to salaries and benefits expense ratably over applicable vesting periods. As of December 31, 2022, our unamortized deferred compensation costs associated with non-vested restricted stock awards were $3.3 million with a weighted-average remaining amortization period of 2.8 years. No forfeitures have been included in our compensation cost estimates based on historical forfeiture rates.

Stock Options

The exercise price per share of the options


may awarded under the Fourth Amended 2014 Plan must be less than, equal to or greater than the market price on the date the option is granted. The option period may not exceed 510 years from the date of grant. The vesting requirements for options could range from 0 to 5 years.  We had expense of $777 thousand$1.6 million, $2.0 million and $247 thousand$0.5 million related to stock option-related compensation costs during the years ended December 31, 20162022, 2021 and 2015,2020, respectively. When applicable, we recognize stock option-related compensation expense for any awards with graded vesting on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for the entire award. The table below includes additional information about outstanding options:

  

Number of Shares

  

Weighted-Average Exercise Price

  

Weighted-Average of Remaining Contractual Life (in years)

  

Aggregate Intrinsic Value

 

Outstanding at December 31, 2021

  2,017,969  $6.74         

Issued

    $         

Exercised

  (1,211,141) $3.08         

Expired/Forfeited

  (4,665) $15.30         

Outstanding at December 31, 2022

  802,163  $12.23   1.6  $12,704,473 

Exercisable at December 31, 2022

  673,137  $8.71   1.2  $12,270,696 

Information related toon stock options outstandinggranted, exercised and vested is as follows:

 December 31, 2016
 Number of
Shares
 Weighted-
Average
Exercise Price
 Weighted-
Average of Remaining
Contractual Life (in years)
 Aggregate
Intrinsic
Value
Outstanding at December 31, 2015551,666
 $2.80
    
Issued886,000
 $3.26
 
  
Exercised(5,999) $2.27
 
 

Cancelled/Forfeited(20,000) $3.04
 
 

Outstanding at December 31, 20161,411,667
 $3.09
 3.5 $135,905
Exercisable at December 31, 2016428,164
 $2.67
 2.5 $111,677

follows (in thousands, except per share data):

  

Year ended December 31,

 
   2022   2021 

Weighted average fair value per share of options granted

  N/A  $24.00 

Cash received from options exercised, net

 $3,731  $1,885 

Aggregate intrinsic value of options exercised

 $74,296  $13,673 

Grant date fair value of shares vested

 $1,802  $834 

Options issued during the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020 had aggregate grant-date fair values of $3.1 million and $1.4 million, respectively. No options were issued during the year ended December 31, 2022. We had $0.7$0.8 million and $0.2$2.4 million of unamortized deferred compensation costs associated with non-vested stock options as of December 31, 2016 2022 and 2015, respectively.December 31, 2021, respectively, with a weighted average remaining amortization period of 1.1 years as of December 31, 2022. Upon exercise of outstanding options, the Company issues new shares.

15.ATM Program

On August 10, 2022, the Company entered into an At Market Issuance Sales Agreement (the “Sales Agreement”) providing for the sale by the Company of up to an aggregate offering price of $100,000,000 of our (i) Series B Preferred Stock and (ii) senior notes, from time to time through a sales agent, in connection with the ATM Program. Sales pursuant to the Sales Agreement, if any, may be made in transactions that are deemed to be “at-the-market offerings” as defined in Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, including sales made directly on or through the NASDAQ Global Select Market. The sales agent will make all sales using commercially reasonable efforts consistent with its normal trading and sales practices up to the amount specified in, and otherwise in accordance with the terms of, the placement notice.

For further information regarding the ATM Program, see Note 4, “Shareholders’ Equity and Preferred Stock.” 

16.

15.

Employee Benefit Plans


We maintain a defined contribution retirement plan (“401(k)(“401(k) plan”) for our U.S. employees that provides for a matching contribution by us. All full time U.S. employees are eligible to participate in the 401(k) plan. Our U.K. credit card subsidiary offers eligible employees membership in a Group Personal Pension Plan which is set up with Friends Provident. This plan is a defined contribution plan in which all permanent employees who have completed three months of continuous service are eligible to join the plan. Company matching contributions are available to U.K. employees who contribute a minimum of 3% of their salaries under our Group Personal Pension Plan and to U.S. employees who participate in our 401(k)401(k) plan. We made matching contributions under our U.S.of $341,245, $274,759 and U.K. plans of $307,361$197,214 for the years ended December 31, 2022,2021 and $317,300 in 2016 and 2015,2020, respectively.

Also, all employees, excluding executive officers, are eligible to participate in the ESPP to which we referred above.ESPP. Under the ESPP, employees can elect to have up to 10% of their annual wages withheld to purchase our common stock up to a fair market value of $10,000. The amounts deducted and accumulated by each participant are used to purchase shares of common stock on or as promptly as practicable after the last business day of each month. The price of stock purchased under the ESPP is approximately 85% of the fair market value per share of our common stock on the purchase date. Employees contributed $28,541$107,995 to purchase 11,0533,280 shares of common stock in 2016 and $15,3052022, $79,095 to purchase 5,7632,241 shares of common stock in 20152021 and $106,775 to purchase 9,209 shares of common stock in 2020 under the ESPP. The ESPP covers up to 150,000100,000 shares of common stock. Our charge to expense associated with the ESPP was $16,930$35,348, $28,937 and $17,948$31,748 in 20162022,2021, and 2015,2020 respectively.


17.

16.

Related Party Transactions


Under a shareholders’ agreement into which we entered into with certain shareholders, including David G. Hanna, Frank J. Hanna, III Richard R. House, Jr., Richard W. Gilbert and certain trusts that were Hanna affiliates, following our initial public offering (1)(1) if one or more of the shareholders accepts a bona fide offer from a third party to purchase more than 50% of the outstanding common stock, each of the other shareholders that is a party to the agreement may elect to sell his shares to the purchaser on the same terms and conditions, and (2)(2) if shareholders that are a party to the agreement owning more than 50% of the common stock propose to transfer all of their shares to a third party, then such transferring shareholders may require the other shareholders that are a party to the agreement to sell all of the shares owned by them to the proposed transferee on the same terms and conditions.


In June 2007, we entered into a sublease for 1,000 square feet (as later adjusted to 3,100 square feet) of excess office space at our Atlanta headquarters with HBR Capital, Ltd. (“HBR”), a company co-owned by David G. Hanna and his brother Frank J. Hanna, III. The sublease rate per square foot is the same as the rate that we pay under the prime lease. Under the sublease, HBR paid us $26,103$62,422, $17,299 and $25,588$16,960 for 20162022,2021 and 2015,2020, respectively. The aggregate amount of payments required under the sublease from January 1, 2017 2023 to the expiration of the sublease in May 2022 2023 is $150,717.


$39,400.

In January 2013, HBR began leasing the services of four employees from us. HBR reimburses us for the full cost of the employees, based on the amount of time devoted to HBR. In the years ended December 31, 20162022, 2021 and 2015,2020, we received $260,586$404,302, $380,733 and $200,234,$334,526, respectively, of reimbursed costs from HBR associated with these leased employees.

On November 26, 2014, we and certain of our subsidiaries entered into a Loan and Security Agreement with Dove Ventures, LLC, a Nevada limited liability company (“Dove”).Dove. The agreement providesprovided for a senior secured term loan facility in an amount of up to $40.0 million at any time outstanding, consistingoutstanding. On December 27, 2019, the Company issued 400,000 shares of (i)its Series A Preferred Stock with an aggregate initial term loanliquidation preference of $20.0$40.0 million, and (ii) additional term loans available in exchange for full satisfaction of the sole discretion of Dove and upon our request, provided$40.0 million that the aggregate amount of all outstanding term loans does not exceed $40.0 million. On November 26, 2014,Company owed Dove funded the initial term loan of $20.0 million. In November 2016, the agreement was amended to extend the maturity date of the term loan to November 22, 2017. All other terms remain unchanged. Additionally, on July 28, 2016, we obtained an additional term loan under the Loan and Security Agreement. As a result, the Loan and Security Agreement is fully drawn with $40.0 million outstanding as of December 31, 2016.


Our obligations under the agreement are guaranteed by certain subsidiary guarantors and secured by a pledge of certain assets of ours and the subsidiary guarantors. The loans bear interest at the rate of 9.0% per annum, payable monthly in arrears. The principal amount of these loans is payable in a single installment on November 22, 2017 (as amended). The agreement includes customary affirmative and negative covenants, as well as customary representations, warranties and events of default. Subject to certain conditions, we can prepay the principal amounts of these loans without premium or penalty.

Dove is a limited liability company owned by three trusts. David G. Hanna is the sole shareholder and the President of the corporation that serves as the sole trustee of one of the trusts, and David G. Hanna and members of his immediate family are the beneficiaries of this trust. Frank J. Hanna, III is the sole shareholder and the President of the corporation that serves as the sole trustee of the other two trusts, and Frank J. Hanna, III and members of his immediate family are the beneficiaries of these other two trusts. See Note 5 "Redeemable Preferred Stock" for more information.

During 2022, the Company utilized Axiom Bank, NA to provide legal and other services related to various commercial opportunities. David G. Hanna, Frank J. Hanna, III and members of their immediate families, control and own Axiom Bancshares, Inc., which is the bank holding company for Axiom Bank, NA. The aggregate amount of payments made to Axiom Bank during 2022 was $1.0 million.



18.

Subsequent Events

We evaluate subsequent events that occur after our consolidated balance sheet date but before our consolidated financial statements are issued. There are two types of subsequent events: (1) recognized, or those that provide additional evidence with respect to conditions that existed at the date of the balance sheet, including the estimates inherent in the process of preparing financial statements; and (2) nonrecognized, or those that provide evidence with respect to conditions that did not exist at the date of the balance sheet but arose subsequent to that date. 

We have evaluated subsequent events occurring after December 31, 2022, and based on our evaluation we did not identify any recognized or nonrecognized subsequent events that would have required further adjustments to our consolidated financial statements other than the developments described below.

We purchased 16,313 shares of common stock through February 28, 2023, which were subsequently retired.

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F-35