Online providers of non-prime credit often rely on third-party lead generators for customer acquisition, which we believe limits growth and provides challenges to achieving cost and quality targets. In contrast, we rely on a multi-channel marketing mix, which supports improved CAC, faster growth and heightened brand awareness.
This approach allows us to gradually expand investments to grow prospects, while thoughtfully balancing the investment split within channels. We monitor each channel, and how each contributes to a user's path to conversion. The following chart showsIn addition to optimizing the percentageperformance of total customers attributableeach channel, we are increasingly optimizing our marketing mix to eachimprove marketing impact and enhance brand-building. We have found that coordinating the timing of individual channel forcampaigns and leveraging creative across channels can accelerate growth at lower costs.
Each new marketing channel we introduce requires extensive testing and optimization before it can be scaled cost-effectively and requires significant on-going analytical support. For instance, we spent several years developing, testing, and optimizing our response and credit models for preapprovedpre-approved direct mail campaigns to achieve an acceptable CAC for this channel. As a result, direct mail is now our largest and most profitable marketing capability, and we continue to identify new analytical approaches that help expand the addressable market through the direct mail channel.
Over the last few years, we've built a successful digital acquisition strategy and found the right baseline tactics to drive strong conversions. We continuously test within our digital channels and have a pipeline of new testing opportunities to help identify strong performers. In order to scale up support, we are focusing on testing tactics which help drive consumer awareness and engagement through search, digital advertising and social media. We anticipate expanding growth in all of our digital marketing channels based on improved customer targeting analytics and increasingly sophisticated response models that allow us to enhance our marketing reach while maintaining our target CAC. Our dedicated channel management teams continually monitor and manage campaign effectiveness. We believe our investment in developing multiple customer acquisition channels provides a significant competitive advantage over other online non-prime lenders who rely primarily on lead generators.
Rather than utilizing lead generators who are often accused of deceptive practices, we have focused on developing relationships through large strategic partnerships with trusted brands. Our strategic partners refer prospects from their site to our product website. Because the customer completes the loan application on our website, rather than on a lead generator’s site, we control the messaging received by the customer about our products. This method allows us to better control application quality, customer experience and CAC. We also have the ability to make targeted offers with discounted rates to strategic partners who have been shown to deliver higher quality applicants. Aligning with strategic partners that share our values and commitment to the customer helps us fulfill our mission of providing better products to the New Middle Class.
We expect our relationships with strategic partners to continue to expand over time, and we will evaluate opportunities to enter into additional new partnerships. We also have the ability to make targeted offers with discounted rates to strategic partners who have been shown to deliver higher quality applicants.
Our sales and marketing efforts are not only focused on acquiring new customers. We focus on strong customer engagement, providing added value and developing a mutually beneficial relationship with current and former customers. If customers or former customers need additional liquidity, we strive to be the top of their consideration set.
Based on rigorous creditworthiness and affordability analysis, we typically offer increased credit lines to former customers—often at lower rates. Also, subject to our usage caps, we may offer current customers the ability to refinance loans to receive additional funds (in the US).funds. We use both email and text messaging campaigns to reach customers with additional credit offers. Because there is no additional CAC for originating thosethese additional loans, these transactions are highly profitable and can support offering a lower APR for consumers.
Underlying our innovative customer centric product offerings, loan processing and multitude of servicing features is our flexible proven technology platform. Loan originations, advanced proprietary underwriting and decisioning, loan management and loan servicing are all supported by our scalable and flexible technology platform built with modern cloud-based architecture principles. Our continuous technological innovations to our platform position us to respond quickly to new market opportunities, customer feedback, market trends and regulatory changes. Inherent to our technology platform is support and monitoring for compliant applications, loan processing and business controls. In addition, because we collect and store extensive amounts of consumer information, we have invested in and are committed to best practice levels of information security.
Our proven technology platform integrates the best available third-party products and capabilities under our proprietary architecture. This has allowed us to rapidly launch new products, modify product functionality and ensure regulatory compliance.
The core functionality of Elevate's technology platform is illustrated below.
Currently, approximately two-thirds of our customer interactions come from mobile rather than desktop devices. The customer-facing portions of our products for both desktop and mobile interfaces are designed with a focus on user-friendly design and cross-platform mobility.
Sophisticated decision engine
Our sophisticated analytics approach requires us to manage numerous credit and fraud scores and strategies for each of our products, customer segments and marketing channels. In addition, because of our commitment to innovation and research and development, we are regularly conductingconduct testing of new scores, data providers and analytical techniques. This requires an extremely flexible yet compliant decision engine. Our decision engine is a key component of our technology platform and allows our Risk Management team to rapidly implement tests that control and measure the performance of new scores, data providers and analytical techniques against the existing best versions of each. In particular, the decision engine can rapidly integrate with new data providers and test a randomly selected percentage of application traffic with new scores and track their performance against existing scores.
All aspects of our underwriting process are controlled through components of our technology platform, from the credit and fraud scores to the various product affordability assessments, to the instant decisioning and credit assignment process and even including the fraud and verifications activities performed by fraud agents. In this manner, we have enhanced automation and have instituted tight controls over the entire decisioning process.
Best practice approach to information security and system reliability
Because we store extensive amounts of public and non-public customer personally identifiable information (“PII”), we take our obligations to protect that information and avoid data breaches very seriously. PII in Elevate's technology platform is encrypted, and we conduct regular audits of our security protocols via third-party intrusion detection, vulnerability scans and penetration testing. These activities are supplemented with real-time monitoring and alerting for potential intrusions.
We have fully redundant data centerscapabilities in place to support all critical business functions.functions through geographically separated data centers and utilization of the latest in cloud-based site recovery. Disaster recovery and business continuity plans and tests have been completed, which help to ensure our ability to recover in the event of a disaster or other unforeseen event.
COMPETITIVE OVERVIEW
The competition in our market is composed of both legacy brick-and-mortar and online credit providers. We compete with providers that offer products in the following categories:
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Ø | Non-prime installment loans |
Ø Non-prime installment loans
Ø Non-prime credit cards
Ø Pawn loans
Ø Payday loans
Ø Title loans
Ø Rent to own
In addition, bank overdrafts often function as an expensive form of emergency credit. According to a 2008 study by the FDIC, bank overdraft fees can have an effective APR greater than 3,500%, depending upon the amount of the overdraft transaction and length of time to bring the account positive.
Most legacy non-prime lenders still operate primarily out of legacy brick-and-mortar locations and require extensive documentation and face-to-face interactions. With online and mobile-only products,Elevate eliminates the potential need for our customers to drive across town and stand in line to apply for credit. In fact, with our products, thewe typically deliver credit determination is made in seconds and approximately 94% of loan applications are fully automated with no manual review required.seconds.
There are few providers attempting to deliver lower-cost, online non-prime credit products similar to ours. Although there are a number of technology-enabled financial services companies that target prime and near-prime customers, including LendingClub, Prosper and Avant, there are only a limited number of comparable online competitors in the non-prime lending space, such as OppLoans and NetCredit in the US.NetCredit. We expect more entrants in this space as this market continues to develop. We also believe that it would require significant time and expense for other companies to build technological and analytical platforms similar to ours, which is geared towards serving non-prime consumers. While other lenders may use proprietary or off-the-shelf lending platforms to support their online lending operations, these typically are focused on specific product types, and this makes such platforms inflexible for the kind of product innovation that we have pursued. We are not aware of any off-the-shelf products that support the variety of non-prime products such as those supported by our proven technology platform and proprietary risk analytics infrastructure. Although technology generally can be reverse-engineered over time, we believe our proven and proprietary technology and analytics platforms provide a competitive advantage due to our lead time based on our long history of serving non-prime consumers with multiple credit products.
The online non-prime credit market in the US is extremely fragmented and most lenders source customers from lead generation companies, resulting in low brand recognition. Unlike these competitors, we have made a significant investment in establishing a direct-to-consumer, integrated multi-channel marketing capability using direct mail, TV, search engine marketing, search engine optimization, and digital campaigns, which we believe creates a unique opportunity for Rise, Elastic and Elasticthe Today Card to become dominant and trusted brands in this space.
In the UK, high-cost, short-term credit ("HCSTC") products are established but highly regulated and scrutinized by consumer affairs champions, advocacy groups, government and media. In 2015, the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") undertook an industry review and introduced a set of regulations including a price cap to ensure borrowers will never have to pay back more than double what they originally borrowed. As a result, the number of HCSTC providers shrunk as many exited the market. In July 2017, the FCA reviewed the price-cap and concluded that the regulations have delivered “substantial benefit to consumers.” Despite these positive regulatory changes, there has been a rise in affordability complaints to the Financial Ombudsman Services ("FOS") in 2018 and 2019. Under these circumstances, several competitors have left the market including Wonga, QuickQuid and WageDay Advance. Sunny works closely with the FCA and the FOS to ensure our stringent creditworthiness and affordability checks are meeting the regulator's requirements. The introduction of open banking means we will be able to improve the efficiency of income verification and better assess the customer's financial situation and needs, providing a significant advantage to Sunny.
REGULATORY ENVIRONMENT
The online consumer loan products we currently originate or support are subject to a range of laws, regulations and standards that address consumer lending, banking, credit services, consumer protections and reporting, information sharing, marketing, debt collection, data protection, state licensing and interest rate and term limitations, among other things.
All products are subject to supervision, regulation and / or enforcement by numerous regulatory bodies—from state regulators and attorneys general, federal regulators, like the CFPB, the FTC and in some cases the FDIC, and the FCA in the UK.FDIC. Consistent with regulatory expectations, we have an extensive compliance program and internal controls.
For a discussion of the risks related to our regulatory environment, see “Risk factors—Risks Related to Our Business and Industry—The consumer lending industry continues to be subject to new laws and regulations in many jurisdictions that could restrict the consumer lending products and services we offer, impose additional compliance costs on us, render our current operations unprofitable or even prohibit our current operations” and “Risk factors—Other Risks Related to Compliance and Regulation.”
US regulation
State and local regulation and licensing applicable to products originated by Elevate or CSOs
We offer our Rise installment and line of credit products directly to customers. In Texas, our CSO lending partners originate Rise installment loans. The US Rise loans we and our CSO partners originate directly to customers are regulated under a variety of enabling state statutes. The scope of state regulation, including permissible interest rates, fees and terms, varies from state to state. Some states require specific disclosures, mandate or prohibit certain terms and limit the maximum interest rate and fees that may be charged. Where licensing or registration is required, we and our lending partners are subject to extensive state rules, licensing and examination. Failure to comply with these requirements may result in, among other things, refunds of excess charges, monetary penalties, revocation of required licenses, voiding of loans and other administrative enforcement actions. These Rise loans are available in the following 1512 states: Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin. In these states, Rise may also be subject to additional municipal regulations and ordinances related to, for example, certain non-bank loan products and debt collection.
The scope of municipal regulations and ordinances vary. Several state regulators have publicly expressed their intent to increase supervision and enforcement of consumer protection laws against supervised entities. State consumer protection laws also apply to Rise installment loans. In many states, legislators and attorneys general could increase their focus or enforcement of these consumer protection statutes. If this were to occur, it could result in additional regulatory oversight and enforcement on our business.
US state and federal regulation
Our USAll of our products are subject to a variety of state and federal laws, including but not limited to the following:
Truth in Lending Act. All of the US products we originate or support are subject to theThe federal Truth in Lending Act (“TILA”) and its underlying regulations known as Regulation Z. TILA and Regulation Z require creditors to deliver disclosures to borrowers during the life cycle of a loan—certain advertisements, at application, at account opening or at consummation and for open-end credit products, such as Elastic Rise and Today Card, periodically, and for certain post-consummation events (e.g., refinancings, change in terms for open-end credit).
The disclosure rules differ depending upon whether the product is an open-end credit or closed-end credit. Under the appropriate disclosure rules, the originating creditor is required to provide borrowers with key information about the loan, including, for open-end credit, the annual percentage rate (if applicable), applicable finance charges, transaction and penalty fees, and, for closed-end loans, the annual percentage rate, the finance charge, the amount financed, the total of payments, the number and amount of payments and payment due dates.
Consumers are provided substantive protections regarding loan products under Regulation Z and TILA also provide consumers with substantive consumer protections. Specifically, pursuant to Regulation Z and TILA, loan products are subject to special rules for calculating annual percentage rates, advertising, and for open-end credit, rules for resolving billing errors.errors for open-ended credit.
Fair Credit Reporting Act. We are also subject to the Fair Credit Reporting Act (the “FCRA”) and similar state laws, as both a user of consumer reports and a furnisher of consumer credit information to credit reporting agencies. The FCRA and similar state laws regulate the use of consumer reports and reporting of information to credit reporting agencies. Specifically, the FCRA establishes requirements that apply to the use of “consumer reports” and similar data, including certain notifications to consumers, including when an adverse action, such as a loan declination, is based on information contained in a consumer report.
We only obtain and use consumer reports subject to the permissible purpose requirements under the FCRA. The FCRA, which also permits us to share our experience information, information obtained from credit reporting agencies, and other customer information with affiliates. We comply with notice and opt out requirements for prescreen solicitations and for certain information sharing under the FCRA. We also have implemented an identity theft prevention program to fulfill the requirements of the Red Flags Regulations and Guidelines issued under the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act (the “FACT Act”).
In meeting our duties to furnish consumer credit information to consumer reporting agencies, we:
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Ø | furnish consumer credit information pursuant to the METRO 2 guidelines; |
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Ø | establish and maintain procedures regarding the accuracy and integrity of the consumer credit information we report; and |
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Ø | establish and maintain procedures to conduct timely investigations of customer disputes (received directly from customers or through credit reporting agencies) regarding the consumer credit information we report to the consumer reporting agencies. |
Ø furnish consumer credit information pursuant to the METRO 2 guidelines;
Ø establish and maintain procedures regarding the accuracy and integrity of the consumer credit information we report; and
Ø establish and maintain procedures to conduct timely investigations of customer disputes (received directly from customers or through credit reporting agencies) regarding the consumer credit information we report to the consumer reporting agencies.
Equal Credit Opportunity Act. The federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act (the “ECOA”) generally prohibitprohibits creditors from discriminating against applicants on the basis of race, color, sex, age (provided the individual is of legal age to enter into a contract), religion, national origin, marital status, the fact that all or part of the applicant’s income derives from any public assistance program or the fact that the applicant has in good faith exercised any right under the federal Consumer Credit Protection Act. Regulation B, which implements ECOA, restricts creditors from requesting certain types of information from loan applicants and from using advertising or making statements that would discourage, on a prohibited basis, a reasonable person from making or pursuing an application.
In the underwriting of loans offered through our online platform, and with respect to all aspects of the credit transaction, including any servicing of loans and other credit, we, our lending partners and marketing affiliates must comply with applicable provisions prohibiting discouragement and discrimination.
ECOA also requires creditors to provide consumers with timely notices of adverse action taken on credit applications or counteroffers. A prospective borrower applying for a loan but denied credit or offered a counteroffer is provided with an adverse action notice.
FTC Act and Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010. Both the FTC and CFPB regulate advertising, marketing of and practices related to financial products and services. The FTC is charged with preventing unfair or deceptive acts or practices and false or misleading advertisements, and the CFPB is charged with preventing unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts and practices.
Unfair, Deceptive, Abusive Acts and Practices. The Dodd-Frank Act prohibits “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts or practices (“UDAAPs”). Through enforcement actions, the CFPB has found UDAAP conduct in most phases in the life cycle of a loan, including the marketing, collecting and reporting of loans. UDAAPs could involve omissions or misrepresentations of important information to consumers or practices that take advantages of vulnerable consumers, such as elderly or low-income consumers. All marketing materials relatedproducts and services provided by Elevate and its vendors are subject to our productsthe UDAAP prohibition. There are also various state laws that govern unfair and deceptive acts and practices with which we must also comply with the advertising requirements set forth in TILA.comply.
Military Lending Act. The Military Lending Act (“MLA”) restricts, among other things, the interest rate and other terms that can be offered to active military personnel and their dependents on most types of consumer credit. The MLA caps the interest rate that may be offered to a covered borrower to a 36% military annual percentage rate (“MAPR”), which includes certain fees such as application fees, participation fees and fees for add-on products. The MLA also requires certain disclosures and prohibits certain terms, such as mandatory arbitration if a dispute arises concerning the consumer credit product.
The MLA covers Elastic, Rise and the Today Card and restricts our, or our bank partners', ability to offer our products to military personnel and their dependents. Failure to comply with the MLA may limit our ability to collect principal, interest, and fees from borrowers and may result in civil and criminal liability that could harm our business.
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act. The federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (“SCRA”) and similar state laws apply to certain loans made to certain members of the US military, reservists and members of the National Guard and certain dependents. The SCRA limits the interest rate a creditor may charge or certain collection actions a creditor may take on certain loans while a servicemember is on military duty. We maintain policies and procedures to comply with SCRA.
The Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act. The federal Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act (“E-SIGN”) and similar state laws, particularly the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act (“UETA”) authorize the creation of legally binding and enforceable agreements utilizing electronic records and signatures. E-SIGN and UETA require businesses that use electronic records or signatures in consumer transactions and provide required disclosures to consumers electronically, to obtain the consumer’s consent to receive information electronically. When a borrower is provided electronic disclosures, we obtain his or her consent to transact business electronically, to receive electronic disclosures and maintain electronic records in compliance with E-SIGN and UETA requirements. We also follow similar state e-signature rules mandating that certain disclosures be made, and certain steps be followed, in order to obtain and authenticate e-signatures.
Electronic Fund Transfer Act. The Electronic Fund Transfer Act of 1978 (“EFTA”) protects consumers engaging in electronic fund transfers, including preauthorized transactions and recurring transactions. The EFTA is implemented through Regulation E. Borrowers of our products often choose to repay by electronic fund transfers (“EFTs”) and, accordingly, a written authorization, signed or similarly authenticated, may be required in connection with auto-pay features. To the extent a borrower repays his or her payment obligation through EFTs, the EFTA and Regulation E apply, and contain restrictions and disclosure requirements while providing consumers certain rights relating to EFTs. Restrictions on how consumers choose to pay or how lenders comply with electronic fund transfersEFTs could impact our current business processes.
To the extent a borrower repays his or her payment obligation through electronic fund transfers, the EFTA and Regulation E apply. EFTA and Regulation E contain restrictions, requires disclosures and provides consumers certain rights relating to electronic fund transfers.
Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (the “FDCPA”) provides guidelines and limitations on the conduct of third-party debt collectors and debt buyers when collecting consumer debt. While the FDCPA generally does not apply to first-party creditors collecting their own debts or to servicers when collecting debts that were current when servicing began, we use the FDCPA as a guideline for all collections. We require all vendors and third parties that provide collection services on our behalf to comply with the FDCPA to the extent applicable. We also comply with state and local laws that apply to creditors and provide guidance and limitations similar to the FDCPA.
Unfair, Deceptive, Abusive ActsFair Credit Billing Act - The Fair Credit Billing Act ("FCBA") protects consumers from prejudicial or unfair billing practices in open-ended lines of credit and Practices. The Dodd-Frank Act prohibits “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts or practices (“UDAAPs”). Through enforcement actions, the CFPB has found UDAAP conduct in most phases in the life cycle of a loan, including the marketing, collectingcredit cards. It lays out consumers' rights to dispute credit card issuers' charges and reporting of loans. UDAAPs could involve omissions or misrepresentations of important information to consumers or practices that take advantages of vulnerable consumers, such as elderly or low-income consumers. All products and services provided by Elevate and its vendors in the US are subject to the UDAAP prohibition. There are also various state laws that govern unfair and deceptive acts and practices with which we must comply.addresses consumer redress for common billing errors.
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act. We are also subject to various federal and state laws and regulations relating to privacy and security of consumers’ nonpublic personal information. Under these laws, including the federal Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (“GLBA”) and Regulation P promulgated thereunder, we must disclose our privacy policy and practices, including those policies relating to the sharing of nonpublic personal information with third parties. We may also be required to provide an opt-out to certain sharing. The GLBA and other laws also require us to safeguard personal information. The FTC regulates the safeguarding requirements of the GBLAGLBA for non-bank lenders through its Safeguard Rules.
Anti-money laundering and economic sanctions. We and the originating lenders that we work with are also subject to certain provisions of the USA PATRIOT Act and the Bank Secrecy Act under which we must maintain an anti-money laundering compliance program covering certain of our business activities. In addition, the Office of Foreign Assets Control prohibits us from engaging in financial transactions with specially designated nationals.
Anticorruption. We are also subject to the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (the “FCPA”) which generally prohibits companies and their agents or intermediaries from making improper payments to foreign officials for the purpose of obtaining or keeping business and/or other benefits.
Telemarketing Sales Rule. We are also subject to the Telemarketing and Consumer Fraud and Abuse Prevention Act, the FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule promulgated pursuant to such Act, and similar state laws. The Telemarketing Sales Rule prohibits deceptive and abusive telemarketing acts or practices, such as calling before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., and requires telemarketers and sellers to make certain disclosures to consumers in every outbound call. Telemarketers are also required to comply with a company specific do-not-call framework, as well as with state and federal do-not-call registries. We have implemented policies and procedures reasonably designed to comply with the Telemarketing Sales Rule.
Telephone Consumer Protection Act. We are also subject to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and its implementing regulations (together, the “TCPA”) and the regulations of the FCC. The TCPA regulates the delivery of live and prerecorded telemarketing calls, non-marketing calls to cell phones through the use of an automated telephone dialing system, fax advertisements, and text messages. For example, under the TCPA, it is unlawful to make many of these types of communications without the prior consent of the recipient. The TCPA also established a federal do-not-call registry, with the Telemarketing Sales Rule, as noted above. We maintain policies and procedures reasonably designed to comply with the TCPA.
CAN-SPAM Act. We are subject to the Controlling the Assault of Non-Solicited Pornography and Marketing Act of 2003 and the FTC’s rules promulgated pursuant to such Act (together, “CAN-SPAM Act”), which establish requirements for certain “commercial messages” and “transactional or relationship messages.” For example, the CAN-SPAM Act prohibits the sending of messages that contain false, deceptive or misleading information. It also gives recipients the right to stop receiving commercial messages. We have implemented policies and procedures reasonably designed to comply with the CAN-SPAM Act.
Telephone Consumer Protection Act. We are also subject to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act and its implementing regulations (together, the “TCPA”) and the regulations of the FCC. The TCPA regulates the delivery of live and prerecorded telemarketing calls, non-marketing calls to cell phones through the use of an automated telephone dialing system, fax advertisements, and text messages. For example, under the TCPA, it is unlawful to make many of these types of communications without the prior consent of the recipient. The TCPA also established a federal do-not-call registry, with the Telemarketing Sales Rule, as noted above. We maintain policies and procedures reasonably designed to comply with the TCPA.
CARD Act. The Today Card is subject to the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure ("CARD") Act that establishes fair and transparent practices relating to credit cards. The CARD Act, among other things, provides protections for consumers such as limiting interest rate hikes, banning the issuance of credit cards to anyone less than 21 years of age without an adult co-signer, limiting over-limit, late and account-opening fees, and requiring transparent disclosures related to minimum payments.
Fair Credit Billing Act - The Fair Credit Billing Act ("FCBA") protects consumers from prejudicial or unfair billing practices in open-ended lines of credit and credit cards. It lays out consumers' rights to dispute credit card issuers' charges and addresses consumer redress for common billing errors.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
The CFPB regulates consumer financial products and services, including the consumer loans that we offer. The CFPB has regulatory, supervisory and enforcement powers over certain providers of consumer financial products and services.
For a discussion of the risks to our business related to CFPB regulation, see “Risk factors— The CFPB released its final “Payday, Vehicle Title,may have examination authority over our consumer lending business that could have a significant impact on our business” and Certain High-Cost Lending Rule” (“2017 Rule”) on October 5, 2017 which would require us to provide customers notice at least three days before a payment withdrawal attempt, as well as obtain new ACH authorization from a customer following two failed ACH attempts, among other requirements.“Risk factors— The 2017 Rule became effective on January 16, 2018; the compliance date for the 2017 Rule was August 19, 2019. On February 6, 2019, the CFPB issued proposed revisions to the 2017 Rule (“2019 Proposed Revisions”). The 2019 Proposed Revisions leave in place requirements and limitations on attempts to withdraw payments from consumers’ checking, savings or prepaid accounts for payments. The mandatory compliance deadline for the 2019 Proposed Revisions was August 19, 2019; however, language in the 2019 Proposed Revisions suggests that the CFPB may be receptive to informal requests to revisit the payment provisions requirements.
In a separate CFPB proposal, the CFPB announced it was seeking a 15-month delay in the 2017 Rule's August 19, 2019 compliance date to November 19, 2020, that would apply only to proposed rescinded ability-to-pay provisions. According to the most recent semi-annual regulatory agenda, the CFPB expects to take final action with respect to this proposal in April 2020. On May 7, 2019, the CFPB issued its outline of proposals under consideration for the regulation of debt collection by third-party debt collectors. An extended Notice Period to provide comments to the rule ended in September 2019; the CFPB has not issued a final ruleruling on debt collection by third-party debt collectorsJuly 7, 2020 affecting the consumer lending industry, and expects to engage in further testing of consumer disclosures related to time-barred debt disclosures. However, if a final rule is promulgated, we will take the necessary steps to ensure that our management and oversight of third-party debt collectors is consistent with the final rule. We also expect the CFPB to continue with its rulemaking regarding the Supervision of Larger Participants in Installment Loan and Vehicle Title Loan Markets, which will enable the CFPB to examine and supervise those markets.
We do not currently know the full extent of the final rules the CFPB will ultimately adopt, and thus, the final rule's impact on our activities is uncertain, however the final rules will likely impose limitations on certain loans and services we offer, and our conduct with respect to such loans and services. We believe that thethis or subsequent new rules will ultimately reduce potentialand regulations, if they are finalized, may impact our consumer harm and allow responsible lenders to continue to serve the large and growing need for non-prime credit. As noted above, Republic Bank, FinWise Bank, and Capital Community Bank are supervised and examined by the FDIC. Furthermore, it is not clear whether and to what extent the FDIC, the CFPB, or both will have supervisory authority over Elevate, as a service provider to these banks. However, banks may have third-party vendor management requirements pursuant to the FDIC's Third-Party Guidance for Managing Third-Party Risk that impose obligations on us with respect to ourlending business.
The Trump Administration has issued numerous executive orders aimed at reducing regulations. It is unclear whether these apply to the CFPB. Further, the CFPB is currently overseen by Director Kathy Kraninger who has made organizational changes to the CFPB, is reviewing all operations of the CFPB and has issued or anticipates issuing Requests for Information (RFIs) on the following topics: CIDs, Use of Administrative Adjudications, Enforcement, Supervision, External Engagement, Complaint Reporting, Rulemaking Processes, Bureau Rules Not Under §1022(d) Assessment, Inherited Rules, Guidance and Implementation Support, Consumer Education and Consumer Inquiries. It is unclear what impact, if any, the findings or outcomes of the RFIs will have on the oversight of our business.”
Federal Trade Commission
The Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") enforces the safeguarding requirements of the GLBA against non-banks pursuant its authority to enforce Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, which prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices. In addition, the FTC has a history of pursuing enforcement actions against non-bank lenders and online lead generators for alleged unfair or deceptive acts or practices in connection with the marketing or servicing of consumer credit products and services. Like the CFPB, the FTC may issue fines and corrective orders that could require us to make revisions to our existing business models. The FTC has jurisdiction over Elevate and its business practices.
Foreign regulation
United Kingdom ("UK")
In the UK,Prior to June 29, 2020, we are subject to regulation by the FCA and must comply with the FCA’s rules and guidance set forthprovided services in the FCA Handbook, the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the “FSMA”United Kingdom ("UK"), the Consumer through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Elevate Credit Act of 1974, as amended (the “CCA”International Limited (“ECIL”) and secondary legislation passed under the FSMA andbrand name ‘Sunny.’ During the CCA, among other rules and regulations.
UK regulation and authorization. Our Sunny product is covered by the extensive regulatory regime promulgated under the FSMA and CCA. The regulatory regime requires firms undertaking consumer credit regulatory activitiesyear ended December 31, 2018, ECIL began to be FCA authorized. Regulated businesses must hold FCA authorizations, pay annual fees, follow prescriptive rules on advertising, include minimum and prescribed disclosures within pre-contract, loan and post-contract arrears documentation, regularly reportreceive an increased number of customer complaints information, and maintain robust systems and controls in relationinitiated by claims management companies ("CMCs") related to the conductaffordability assessment of regulated business, including when engaging third-party suppliers.
certain loans. The UK regime includes an obligation to self-report breachesCMCs' campaign against the high cost lending industry increased significantly during the third and fourth quarters of 2018 and continued through 2019 and into the applicable laws and regulations, and the FCA has the power to order regulated firms to pay fines, undertake changes to business models, implement customer remediation programs compensating customers for historic breaches and, among various other enforcement powers, limit or revoke regulatory authorizations. Failure to comply with the technical requirementsfirst half of CCA and underlying regulations can, among other penalties, render loan agreements unenforceable without2020, resulting in a court order or preclude the charging of interest for the period of non-compliance. The courts also have wide powers to determine that a relationship between a lender and customers is unfair and impose equitable remediessignificant increase in such circumstances.
The FCA dictates that customer complaints are to be addressed promptly and fairly within our industry. Certain disputes are managed through the Financial Ombudsman Service (hereinafter “FOS”). If a business and a customer can’t resolve a complaint themselves, the FOS can become involved to advocate on behalf of the customer.
Equality Act. The Equality Act 2010 prohibits unlawful direct and indirect discrimination and harassment of applicants and customers when conducting lending services on the basis of nine protected characteristics: age; disability; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; race; religion or belief; sex; and sexual orientation. These requirements apply to the advertising, underwriting and enforcing of Sunny loans and the handling of complaints regarding Sunny loans.
Marketing laws. Marketing inaffordability claims against all mediums, including television, radio and online, is subject to the detailed advertising rules for the consumer credit industry contained in part 3 of the FCA’s CONC rulebook as well as the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005. In particular, all advertisements must be clear, fair and not misleading and include representative cost information and illustrations where particular advertising jargon is includedcompanies in the material. Certain marketing expressions are also prohibited. We are also subject to the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003, which impose rules on the use of unsolicited marketing and the monitoring of devices.
industry over this period. The Advertising StandardsFinancial Conduct Authority (the “ASA”("FCA") has also published specific codes for broadcast and non-broadcast advertising to which we must also adhere. Both the FCA and the ASA tightly monitor consumer credit advertising and regularly conduct industry audits of compliance standards. The ASA maintains, a complaints framework and investigates legal, regulatory and code breaches raised by both consumers and competitors and publishes public adjudications, which can require firms to amend or completely remove advertisements. Misleading marketing can also constitute a criminal offense under the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 and result in fines from the FCA.
Debt collection practices. The CCA sets out a formulaic procedure for customers in arrears, applicable when levying default fees and when taking any other steps in relation to default. Firms are required to issue statutory notices in a prescribed format within specific time frames and include self-help information sheets. Failure to comply has severe consequences, including restricting lender rights to enforce relevant loan agreements, charge interest or any levy applicable default fees. The FCA also expects firms that have failed to comply with these requirements to proactively undertake extensive remediation activities, issuing refunds to customers where appropriate, including in cases where customers have not raised a complaint directly. A number of leading banking groupsregulator in the UK have undertaken such remediation activities.
Part 7 offinancial services industry, began regulating the FCA’s CONC rulebook also sets out detailed rules and guidance for dealing with customersCMCs in arrears or default when pursuing recovery. The rules prohibit threatening, aggressive and harassing debt collection communications and practices, impose obligations to treat customersApril 2019 in arrears with forbearance and govern conduct when interacting with debt management firms engaged to resolve over-indebtedness. There are also specific rules on the use of continuous payment authorities as a repayment method that limit the number of repayment attempts that can be initiated by lenders.
Privacy laws. In the UK, we remain subject to the requirements of the EU General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR") during the post-Brexit transition period under the EU Withdrawal Agreement. Subsequently, we will be subject to UK data protection legislation that we expect to remain comparable to GDPR. The GDPR has imposed a variety of obligations on businesses, including, for example, the appointment of a data protection officer in some circumstances, self-reporting of personal data breaches, obtaining express consent for data processing in some circumstances, and providing a variety of rights to individuals whose personal data is processed, including the “right to be forgotten,” by having records containing such individual's personal data erased. Penalties for non-compliance under the GDPR are up to 4% of annual global turnover (a.k.a. total revenues) for the preceding year or £20 Million (whichever is greater). The UK is expected to transpose the protections of the GDPR into UK law after the end of the Brexit transition period, which is expected to end on December 31, 2020.
In the UK, Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market ("eIDAS"), came into force on July 1, 2016. eIDAS repealed and replaced the e-Signatures Directive (1999/93/EC) and is directly applicable in all EU Member States, including the UK as it was a member of the EU when eIDAS entered into force. At the same time, the UK also introduced the Electronic Identification and Trust Services for Electronic Transactions Regulations 2016 to, amongst other things, repeal the previous UK e-signature legislation. eIDAS is technology neutral and defines three types of electronic signature (Qualified Electronic Signature (QES), Advanced Electronic Signature (AES) and Simple Electronic Signature (SES)). Article 25(1) of eIDAS provides that an electronic signature shall not be denied legal effect and admissibility as evidence in legal proceedings solely on the grounds that it is in an electronic form or does not meet the requirements of a QES. Articles 25(2) and (3) of eIDAS give a QES the same legal effect as a handwritten signature, and ensure that a QES recognized in one EU Member State is also recognized in other EU Member States.
The Electronic Identification and Trust Services for Electronic Transactions (Amendment etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 entered into force when the UK left the EU on January 31, 2020. This ensures that the provisions under eIDAS are maintained in UK domestic law when eIDAS ceases to apply in the UK at the end of the Brexit transition period.
There are also strict rules on the instigation of electronic communications such as email, text message and telephone calls under the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 ("PECR"), which generally impose consent rules regarding unsolicited direct marketing, as well as the monitoring of devices. During the transition period, the GDPR, PECR and other European Union laws will continue to apply within the UK. When the transition period ends, the UK will implement the Data Protection, Privacy and Electronic Communications (Amendments etc.) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, which transpose the protections of the GDPR and PECR under UK law. The UK is expected to continue the protections of the GDPR and PECR for the transfer of personal data into and out of the UK.
We are subject to laws limiting the transfer of personal data from the European Economic Area to non-European Economic Area countries or territories. With respect to Brexit, no immediate steps are necessary in terms of data transfers between the EU and the UK because the GDPR continues to apply in the UK during the transition period. We are keeping track of the adequacy assessments that will take place between the EU and the UK. If necessary, we will take all necessary steps to implement an appropriate data transfer mechanism to facilitate GDPR-compliant transfers of personal data between the UK and the EU.
Anti-money laundering. We are subject to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and the Money Laundering Regulations 2007, which require the implementation of strict procedures for our business activities. The UK regime includes self-reporting suspicious activities, the appointment of a designated anti-money laundering officer with overall responsibility for the compliance of the business and employees. The legislation also includes several criminal offenses and can result in personal criminal liability.
Anti-bribery and corruption. UK firms are subject to the Bribery Act 2010, which introduces a number of individual offenses relating to giving and receiving bribes and dealings with foreign public officials. Commercial organizations can be prosecuted for failure to implement adequate procedures to record, report and prevent bribery.
Modern Slavery Act 2018. UK firms are required to publish an annual statement if they have an annual turnover above a threshold. The statement must confirm the steps takenorder to ensure that slavery and human traffickingthe methods used by the CMCs are not taking place in the business or in any supply chain.
APR by geography
The table below presentsbest interests of the maximum APR allowed by state for states in which Rise is offered through state licenses or through CSO lenders. Sunny is subjectconsumer and the industry. Separately, the FCA asked all industry participants to review their lending practices to ensure that such companies are using an appropriate affordability and creditworthiness analysis. However, there continued to be a 24% monthly APR limit, which is nationwidelack of clarity within the regulatory environment in the UK. Elastic isThis lack of clarity, coupled with the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on the UK market for Sunny, led the ECIL board of directors to place ECIL into administration under the UK Insolvency Act 1986 and appoint insolvency practitioners from KPMG LLP to take control and management of the UK business. As a fee-based product without a periodic rate that requires the disclosure of an APR. The Today Card's variable APR ranges from 29.99% to 34.99%result, we have deconsolidated ECIL and also has certain additional fees that may be charged, including late fees, returned payment fees, an annual fee and other customary fees.are presenting its results as discontinued operations in all periods presented unless otherwise noted.
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State | | Maximum APR allowed by state | | Maximum APR Rise charges |
Alabama | | * |
| | 295 | % |
Delaware | | * |
| | 299 | % |
Georgia(1) | | 60 | % | | 60 | % |
Idaho | | * |
| | 299 | % |
Illinois | | 99 | % | | 99 | % |
Kansas(2) | | * |
| | 299 | % |
Mississippi | | * |
| | 290 | % |
Missouri | | * |
| | 299 | % |
New Mexico | | 175% |
| | 175 | % |
North Dakota | | * |
| | 299 | % |
South Carolina | | * |
| | 299 | % |
Tennessee(2) | | See note (3) |
| | 275 | % |
Texas | | * |
| | 299 | % |
Utah | | * |
| | 299 | % |
Wisconsin | | * |
| | 299 | % |
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(1) | APR must be less than 60% under applicable state law. |
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(2) | In Tennessee and Kansas, Rise is a line of credit and the maximum APR noted above is actually the periodic interest and fees allowable by statute. |
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(3) | Tennessee has a statutory maximum APR allowed equal to periodic interest of 24% per year (this only applies to periodic interest and not fees) plus a daily fee of 0.7% of the average daily principal balance in any billing cycle. |
EMPLOYEESHUMAN CAPITAL
We are committed to building and nurturing a distinctive corporate culture of innovation, excellence, collaboration and integrity. Our key company values based on how we expect ourselves to serve our customers, owners and each other are:
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Ø | Think Big. We have always been an innovator in our industry. Ideas, both big and small, are our competitive advantage. We share a responsibility to think out of the box, challenge the status quo and embrace change.ØThink Big. We have always been an innovator in our industry. Ideas, both big and small, are our competitive advantage. We share a responsibility to think out of the box, challenge the status quo and embrace change. ØRaise the Bar. Excellence is not a skill. It is a habit—the gradual result of always striving to do better. As a company and as individuals we push ourselves to build on success, learn from failure and get better every day. ØWin Together. Our goals are too big to achieve as individuals. Collaboration is not a by-product of our work, it is the primary focus. It is also more fun.
ØDo the Right Thing. Doing the right thing is not optional. We hold each other to the highest standards and earn our reputation every day. |
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Ø | Raise the Bar. Excellence is not a skill. It is a habit—the gradual result of always striving to do better. As a company and as individuals we push ourselves to build on success, learn from failure and get better every day.
|
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Ø | Win Together. Our goals are too big to achieve as individuals. Collaboration is not a by-product of our work, it is the primary focus. It is also more fun.
|
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Ø | Do the Right Thing. Doing the right thing is not optional. We hold each other to the highest standards and earn our reputation every day.
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Our values are reinforced in all aspects of our employees’ relationship with our company, including during the recruiting process, quarterly check-ins and annual reviews, and play a large role in the promotion process.performance reviews. In addition, each quarter, employees who best exemplifydemonstrate these values are nominated for “Smart Awards” and individuals and teams are selected and recognized at all-company Town Hall meetings. We are focused on attracting talented employees who embody innovation, collaboration and commitment to our core values. An integral part of our hiring process is our intern program, which helps to ensure we continually have a pipeline of talent throughout the year.
The technology sector is rapidly evolving, so we meaningfully invest in programs like Azure certification to advance the skills of our workforce. We retain talent by providing market-competitive compensation and benefits, including incentives and recognition programs, leadership development opportunities, and tuition assistance, and by fostering a company culture that gets stronger each year.
Elevate has been certified as a "Great Place to Work" from 2016 to 20192020 based on a comparison of our employees' survey responses to responses of hundreds of other companies. We believe this reflects our commitment to build a strong and lasting company and corporate culture. We expanded Employee Resource Groups, which are voluntary, employee-led groups that help connect communities, raise broader awareness around Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, and enable us to leverage our differences. Additionally, in 2020, we appointed a Chief Diversity Officer, whose oversight is intended to ensure that we continue to pursue diversity in our workforce and leadership positions.
As a result of the pandemic, 100% of our workforce transitioned to work from home in March 2020. Halfway into the year, we found the need to reduce our workforce due to the economic impacts of COVID-19. Our voluntary turnover rate for 2020, which does not include our reduction of the domestic workforce by approximately 17% effective July 2020, was 14%. Our top priority continues to be the care, safety and well-being of our staff. As part of our further response to the pandemic, we provided two weeks of COVID-19 relief paid time off, stipends, half days off to recharge and two additional paid holidays. We continually surveyed our staff to keep them engaged and informed as they worked from home. Our working parents were provided flexible schedules to assist in managing work and childcare responsibilities and Elevate was recently named a “Best Place for Working Parents” in Fort Worth and Dallas, Texas. Our employee development programs transitioned to remote delivery, and we supported staff with virtual breakrooms, monthly fitness challenges and a drive-through holiday experience.
As of December 31, 2019,2020, we had 695437 full-time employees, including 260213 in technology, 6647 in risk management, 8658 in marketing and product development, 63 in customer support and loan operations and customer support, 27 in marketing and business development, 143 related to our UK operations and 11356 in general and administrativesupport functions. We also outsource certain functions, such as collections and customer service to increase efficiencies and scalability. We use an internal quality team to review and improve third-party performance.
OUR INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
Protecting our rights to our intellectual property is critical, as it enhances our ability to offer distinctive services and products to our customers, which differentiates us from our competitors. We rely on a combination of trademark laws and trade secret protections in the US and other jurisdictions, as well as confidentiality procedures and contractual provisions, to protect the intellectual property rights related to our proprietary analytics, predictive underwriting models and software systems. We have either registered trademarks and/or pending applications in the US for the marks Elevate, Rise, Elastic Sunny and Today Card. We also own European Community trademark registrations for the Sunny and Elastic marks. Our trademarks are materially important to us and we anticipate maintaining them and renewing them.
OUR HISTORY
We were created through the spin-off of the direct lending and branded product businesses of TFI, which was founded in 2001. Prior to the spin-off transaction, TFI had two discrete lines of business: (1) a direct lender and branded product provider to non-prime consumers; and (2) a licensor of its technology platform to third-party lenders. In order to allow each of these separate lines of business to focus on its relative strategic and operational strengths and future business plans, the board of directors of TFI decided to spin off its direct lending and branded products business into a separate company.
We were incorporated in Delaware on January 31, 2014 as a subsidiary of TFI, and we had no material assets or activities as a separate corporate entity until the spin-off occurred. On May 1, 2014, TFI contributed the assets and liabilities associated with its direct lending and branded products business to us and distributed its interest in our Company to its stockholders, but retained the assets and liabilities associated with its licensed technology platform line of business. TFI’s retained business line entails providing marketing services to third-party lenders and licensing TFI’s technology platform to these lenders for marketing and licensing fees. TFI previously conducted its direct lending business through various legal entity subsidiaries, which were contributed to us in the spin-off transaction.
On April 11, 2017, we closed an initial public offering (“IPO”) of 12,400,000 shares of our common stock at a price of $6.50
per share to the public. In connection with the closing, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase in full for an
additional 1,860,000 shares. On April 6, 2017, our stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “ELVT.”
AVAILABLE INFORMATION
Our website address is www.elevate.com, and our investor relations website is located at http://elevate.com/investors. Information on our website is not incorporated by reference herein. We file annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). These filings are also available on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. You also may read and copy reports and other information filed by us at the office of the NYSE at 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
We make our Annual Reports on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our Current Reports on Form 8-K, and all amendments to these reports, available free of charge on our corporate website as soon as reasonably practicable after such reports are filed with, or furnished to, the SEC. In addition, our Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Business Conduct and Ethics Policy, Related Party Transaction Policy, and charters of the Audit Committee, Compensation Committee, Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and Risk Committee are available on our website. We will provide reasonable quantities of electronic or paper copies of filings free of charge upon request. In addition, we will provide a copy of the above referenced charters to stockholders upon request.
Item 1A. Risk Factors
Investing in our common stock involves a high degree of risk. A summary of material risks include those set forth below. You should carefully consider the following risks and all other information contained in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, including our consolidated financial statements and the related notes, before investing in our common stock. The risks and uncertainties described below are not the only ones we face but include the most significant factors currently known by us that make investing in our securities speculative or risky. Additional risks and uncertainties that we are unaware of, or that we currently believe are not material, also may become important factors that affect us. If any of the following risks materialize, our business, financial condition and results of operations could be materially harmed. In that case, the trading price of our common stock could decline, and you may lose some or all of your investment.
Risk Factor Summary
Risks Related to Our Business and Industry
•The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and various policies being implemented to mitigate its spread could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
•We operate in an industry that is rapidly evolving. Failure to keep up with the rapid technological changes in financial services and e-commerce, or changes in the uses and regulation of the internet could harm our business.
•Our most recent annual revenue declined from the prior year and we may not be able to maintain consistent profitability or grow in the future.
•Regulators and payment processors are scrutinizing certain online lenders’ access to the Automated Clearing House system to disburse and collect loan proceeds and repayments, and any interruption or limitation on our ability to access this critical system would materially adversely affect our business.
•Failure to effectively identify, manage, monitor and mitigate fraud risk on a large scale from incomplete or incorrect information provided to us by customers or other third parties could cause us to incur substantial losses, and our operating results, brand and reputation could be harmed.
•Because of the non-prime nature of our customers, we have historically experienced a high rate of net charge-offs as a percentage of revenues, and our ability to price appropriately in response to this and other factors is essential. We rely on our proprietary credit and fraud scoring models in the forecasting of loss rates. If we are unable to effectively forecast loss rates, it may negatively impact our operating results.
•We depend on debt financing for most of the loans we originate, and our business could be adversely affected by a lack of sufficient financing at acceptable prices or disruptions in the credit markets, which could reduce our access to credit.
•Any decrease in our access to preapproved marketing lists from credit bureaus or other developments impacting our use of direct mail marketing could adversely affect our ability to grow our business.
•We rely on relationships, which are generally non-exclusive and subject to termination, with marketing affiliates to identify potential customers for our loans, and the growth of our customer base could be adversely affected if any such relationships are terminated or the number of referrals we receive is reduced.
•Our success and future growth depend on our successful marketing efforts, and if such efforts are not successful, our business and financial results may be harmed.
•The failure of third parties to continue to provide certain key services to us in the current manner and at the current rates would adversely affect our revenues and results of operations.
•The profitability of our bank-originated products could be adversely affected by policy or pricing decisions made by the originating lenders.
•Our ability to continue to provide Bank-Originated Products could be adversely affected by a degradation in our relationships with our Bank Partners.
•Decreased demand for non-prime loans as a result of increased savings or income could result in a loss of revenues or decline in profitability if we are unable to successfully adapt to such changes.
•A decline in economic conditions could result in decreased demand for our loans or cause our customers’ default rates to increase, harming our operating results.
•We operate in a highly competitive environment and face competition from a variety of traditional and new lending institutions, including other online lending companies, and such competition could adversely affect our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
•Our business depends on the uninterrupted operation of our systems and business functions, including our information technology, as well as the ability of such systems to support compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
•We are subject to cybersecurity risks and security breaches and may incur increasing costs in an effort to minimize those risks and to respond to cyber incidents, and we may experience harm to our reputation and liability exposure from security breaches.
•Our ability to collect payment on loans and maintain accurate accounts may be adversely affected by computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins, technical errors and similar disruptions.
•Our platform and internal systems rely on software that is highly technical, and if it contains undetected errors, our business could be adversely affected.
•To date, we have derived our revenues from a limited number of products and markets. Our efforts to expand our market reach and product portfolio may not succeed or may put pressure on our margins.
•Our allowance for loan losses may not be adequate to absorb such losses, and if we experience rising credit or fraud losses, our results of operations would be adversely affected.
•Increased customer acquisition costs and/or data costs would reduce our margins.
•If we are not able to attract and retain qualified officers and key employees, or if such officers or employees are temporarily unable to fully contribute to our operations, our business could be materially adversely affected.
•Our US loan business is seasonal in nature, which causes our revenues and earnings to fluctuate.
•If internet search engine providers change their methodologies for rankings or paid search results, or our rankings or results decline for other reasons, our new customer growth or volume from returning customers could decline.
•Our ability to conduct our business and demand for our loans could be disrupted by natural or man-made catastrophes.
•We may be unable to protect our proprietary technology and analytics or keep up with that of our competitors.
•We are subject to intellectual property disputes from time to time, and such disputes may be costly to defend.
•Current and future litigation or settlements or regulatory proceedings, including involving the TFI bankruptcy, could cause management distraction, harm our reputation and have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, or financial condition.
•We may be unable to use some or all of our net operating loss carryforward, which could materially and adversely affect our reported financial condition and results of operations.
Other Risks Related to Compliance and Regulation
•The consumer lending industry continues to be subject to new laws and regulations in many jurisdictions and by different governing bodies or agencies, including the FDIC and CFPB, that could restrict the consumer lending products and services we offer, impose additional compliance costs on us or our affiliates and third party service providers, render our current operations unprofitable, and prohibit our current operations; and if we fail to comply with applicable laws, regulations, rules and guidance, our business could be adversely affected.
•If litigation were brought against us when we work with a federally insured bank that makes loans, rather than making loans ourselves and were such an action to be successful, we could be subject to state usury limits and/or state licensing requirements 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.
•We use third-party collection agencies to assist us with debt collection. Their failure to comply with applicable debt collection regulations could subject us to fines and other liabilities, which could harm our reputation and business.
•Our business is subject to complex and evolving laws and regulations regarding privacy, data protection, and other matters, which could result in claims, changes to our business practices, monetary penalties, increased cost of operations, or declines in user growth or engagement, or otherwise harm our business.
Risks Related to the Securities Markets and Ownership of Our Common Stock
•The price of our common stock may be volatile, and the value of your investment could decline.
•If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research reports about our business, our share price and trading volume could decline.
•We do not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future.
•Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents and Delaware law may delay or prevent an acquisition of us.
•Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation designates the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the exclusive forum for certain litigation that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us.
General Risk Factors
•Risks related to customer complaints, the legality or enforceability of the arbitration agreements we use, sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public markets, the requirements of being a public company and maintaining an effective system of disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting.
We attempt to mitigate the foregoing risks. However, if we are unable to effectively manage the impact of these and other risks, our ability to meet our objectives would be substantially impaired and any of the foregoing risks could materially adversely affect our financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, our ability to make distributions to our stockholders, or the market price of our common stock.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY
The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and various policies being implemented to mitigate its spread could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
The spread of the novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 ("COVID-19") has created a global public health crisis that has resulted in unprecedented uncertainty, volatility and disruption in financial markets and in governmental, commercial and consumer activity in the US and globally, including the markets that we serve. Governmental responses to the pandemic have included orders closing businesses not deemed essential and directing individuals to restrict their movements, observe social distancing and shelter in place. These actions, together with responses to the pandemic by businesses and individuals, have resulted in rapid decreases in commercial and consumer activity, temporary closures of many businesses that have led to a loss of revenues and a rapid increase in unemployment, volatility in oil and gas prices and in business valuations, disrupted global supply chains, market downturns and volatility, changes in consumer behavior related to pandemic fears, emergency response legislation and an expectation that Federal Reserve policy will maintain a low interest rate environment for the foreseeable future.
The pandemic and measures implemented by government authorities to try to contain the virus can affect our business directly as well as affect our employees, customers and business partners. While we have successfully transitioned our employee base to a remote working environment, normal operations may be difficult to maintain, and our resources may be constrained. Similarly, the operations of our business partners and third-party service providers may be constrained, reducing the effectiveness of collections, credit bureau reporting, marketing or other aspects of our operations. The effects of the outbreak on us could be exacerbated given that the outbreak, and preventative measures taken to contain or mitigate the outbreak, may increasingly have significant negative effects on consumer discretionary spending and demand for and repayment of our products. Further, many of our customers are experiencing layoffs, slowdowns, work stoppages and other changes in work and financial circumstances, diminishing their demand for loans, eligibility for loans and ability to repay loans. In addition, efforts we take in response to the pandemic, such as expanding our payment flexibility programs, or to mitigate the effects of the pandemic, such as implementing underwriting changes to address credit risk associated with originations during the economic crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic, have had and may continue to have other effects on our business and results of operations, such as by reducing loan origination volume, or may not be successful or may have other effects on our business and results of operations such as, for example, decreasing the average annual percentage rate ("APR") of our products.
Government efforts to mitigate the economic effects of the pandemic, including new legislation, may affect our business and operations. The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”), enacted in March 2020, provides wide-ranging financial and regulatory relief related to the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis. In addition to other regulatory relief measures, the CARES Act requires lenders that furnish credit information to report to credit bureaus that consumers are current on their loans if consumers have sought relief from their lenders due to the pandemic. The pandemic has also sparked a litany of new orders, rules, laws, guidance related to creditor collections and third-party debt collection activities. These rules generally prohibit certain collections activities for a specified time. It is anticipated that these restrictions, as well as certain options for borrowers to defer payments offered by us and the banks we work with, may impact collections for the at least the next several months. In addition, the US government has provided direct stimulus payments to individuals who typically comprise our customer base. Such payments reduce demand for our loan products, and any further economic relief or stimulus payment provided by the government in the future may cause demand for our products to remain depressed from prior levels.
While we are closely monitoring the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic across our business, including the resulting uncertainties around customer demand, credit quality, levels of liquidity and our ongoing compliance with debt covenants, there can be no assurance that the COVID-19 outbreak and its effects will not materially adversely affect our financial position, and our access to capital, to the extent we need additional liquidity, may be constrained due to disruptions in the capital markets and financial markets. While we initially anticipated that the COVID-19 pandemic would have a negative impact on our credit quality, instead the large quantity of monetary stimulus provided by the US government to our customer base has generally allowed customers to continue making payments on their loans. Both we, and the bank originators we support, have also implemented underwriting changes to address credit risk associated with loan originations during the economic crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic and have reduced loan origination applications and loan origination volume since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. The portfolio of loan products we and the bank originators provide, however, has experienced significantly decreased demand from both new and former customers since the COVID-19 pandemic began, including the effects of underwriting changes that limited the volume of new customer loan originations and monetary stimulus provided by the US government reducing demand for loan products. To the extent these effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on our business continue, we may continue to experience lower customer loan originations and a corresponding decrease in revenues compared to pre-pandemic levels.
Given the dynamic nature of the COVID-19 outbreak, the extent to which it will continue to impact our business will depend on future developments that are highly uncertain and cannot be predicted at this time, including, but not limited to, the duration and spread of the pandemic, its severity, the actions taken and restrictions imposed by state and federal governments to contain the virus, treat its impact or provide stimulus to the economy and when and to what extent normal economic and operating activities can resume. Due to the uncertainty with respect to trajectory of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are not able at this time to estimate the timing or ultimate magnitude of the effect of these factors on our business, but any ongoing adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be material.
We operate in an industry that is rapidly evolving,evolving. Failure to keep up with the rapid technological changes in financial services and we may be unsuccessfule-commerce, or changes in response to these changes.the uses and regulation of the internet could harm our business.
Although our management team has many years of experience in the non-prime lending industry, we operate in an evolving industry that may not develop as expected. Assessing the future prospects of our business is challenging in light of both known and unknown risks and difficulties we may encounter. Growth prospects in non-prime lending can be affected by a wide variety of factors including:
•Competition from other online and traditional lenders and credit card providers;
•Regulatory limitations that impact the non-prime lending products we can offer and the markets we can serve;
•An evolving regulatory and legislative landscape;
•Access to important marketing channels such as:
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◦ | Direct mail and electronic offers; |
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◦ | Direct marketing, including search engine marketing; and |
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◦ | Strategic partnerships with affiliates; |
◦Direct mail and electronic offers;
◦TV and mass media;
◦Direct marketing, including search engine marketing; and
◦Strategic partnerships with affiliates;
•Changes in consumer behavior;
•Access to adequate financing;
•Increasingly sophisticated fraudulent borrowing and online theft;
•Challenges with new products and new markets;
•Dependence on our proprietary technology infrastructure and security systems;
•Dependence on our personnel and certain third parties with whom we do business;
•Risk to our business if our systems are hacked or otherwise compromised;
•Evolving industry standards;
•Recruiting and retention of qualified personnel necessary to operate our business;business and
•Fluctuations in the credit markets and demand for credit.
We may not be able to successfully address these factors, which could negatively impact our growth, harm our business and cause our operating results to be worse than expected.
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 our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer 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 or be successful in marketing these products and services to our customers. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry could harm our ability to compete with our competitors.
Additionally, the business of providing products and services such as ours over the internet is dynamic and relatively new. We must keep pace with rapid technological change, consumer use habits, internet security risks, risks of system failure or inadequacy, and governmental regulation and taxation, and each of these factors could adversely impact our business. In addition, concerns about fraud, computer security and privacy and/or other problems may discourage additional consumers from adopting or continuing to use the internet as a medium of commerce. Also, to expand our customer base, we may elect to appeal to and acquire consumers who prove to be less profitable than our previous customers, and as a result we may be unable to gain efficiencies in our operating costs, including our cost of acquiring new customers, and our business could be adversely impacted. 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.
Our most recent annual revenue declined from the prior year and we may not be able to maintain consistent profitability or grow in the future.
Our revenues decreased to $747.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 from $786.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018. Our revenue growth rate has fluctuated over the past few years and it is possible that, in the future, even if our revenues continue to increase, our rate of revenue growth could decline, either because of external factors affecting the growth of our business, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, or because we are not able to scale effectively as we grow. In addition, we will need to generate and sustain increased revenues in future periods in order to remain profitable, and, even if we do, we may not be able to maintain or increase our level of profitability. If we cannot manage our growth effectively, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
We have a history of losses and may not maintain or achieve consistent profitability in the future.
We incurred net income (losses) of $32.2 million, $12.5 million and $(6.9) million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively. As of December 31, 2019, we had an accumulated deficit of $34.3 million. We will need to generate and sustain increased revenues in future periods in order to become and remain profitable, and, even if we do, we may not be able to maintain or increase our level of profitability.
As we grow, we expect to continue to expend substantial financial and other resources on:
personnel, including significant increases to the total compensation we pay our employees as we grow our employee headcount;
marketing, including expenses relating to increased direct marketing efforts;
product development, including the continued development of our proprietary scoring methodology;
funding costs to support loan growth;
office space, as we increase the space we need for our growing employee base; and
general administration, including legal, accounting and other compliance expenses related to being a public company.
These expenditures are expected to increase and may adversely affect our ability to achieve and sustain profitability as we grow. In addition, we record our provision for loan losses as an expense to account for the possibility that some loans may not be repaid in full. We expect the aggregate amount of loan loss provision to grow as we increase the number and total amount of loans we make to new customers.
Our efforts to grow our business may be more costly than we expect, and we may not be able to increase our revenues enough to offset our higher operating expenses. We may incur losses in the future for a number of reasons, including the other risks described in this "Risk Factors" section, unforeseen expenses, difficulties, complications and delays and other unknown events. If we are unable to achieve and sustain profitability, the market price of our common stock may significantly decrease.
The consumer lending industry continues to be subject to new laws and regulations in many jurisdictions that could restrict the consumer lending products and services we offer, impose additional compliance costs on us, render our current operations unprofitable or even prohibit our current operations.
Both stateState and federal governments in the US and regulatory bodies in the UK may seek to impose new laws, direct contractual arrangements with us, regulatory restrictions or licensing requirements that affect the products or services we offer, the terms on which we may offer them, and the disclosure, compliance and reporting obligations we must fulfill in connection with our lending business. They may also interpret or enforce existing requirements in new ways that could restrict our ability to continue our current methods of operation or to expand operations, impose significant additional compliance costs and may have a negative effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. In some cases, these measures could even directly prohibit some or all of our current business activities in certain jurisdictions or render them unprofitable or impractical to continue. For example, on October 25, 2019, the Company's UK subsidiary, ECI, entered into an agreement with the FCA that prohibits us from making payments greater than £1.0 million outside of the normal course of business without obtaining prior approval from the FCA. The Company believes this agreement will not have a material impact on ECI's ability to continue to serve its customers and meet its obligations.
In recent years, consumer loans, and in particular the category commonly referred to as “payday loans,” have come under increased regulatory scrutiny that has resulted in increasingly restrictive regulations and legislation that makes offering consumer loans in certain states in the US or the UK less profitable or unattractive. On October 5, 2017July 7, 2020, the CFPB issued a final rule covering loans that require consumersconcerning small dollar lending in order to repay all or mostmaintain consumer access to credit and competition in the marketplace. The final rule rescinds the mandatory underwriting provisions of the debt at once, including payday loans, auto title loans, deposit advance products, longer-term loans with balloonpreviously proposed 2017 rule after re-evaluating the legal and evidentiary bases for these provisions and finding them to be insufficient. The final rule does not rescind or alter the payments and any loan with an annual percentage rate over 36% that includes authorization for the lender to access the borrower’s checking or prepaid account (the "2017 Rule"). Since that time,provisions of the 2017 Rule has been amended.rule. See "—The CFPB issued proposed revisions to the 2017 Rulea final ruling on July 7, 2020 affecting the consumer lending industry, and thesethis or subsequent new rules and regulations, if they are finalized, may impact our US consumer lending business" for more information.
We also expect that further new laws and regulations will be promulgated in the UK that could impact our business operations. See “—The UK has imposed, and continues to impose, increased regulation of the high-cost short-term credit industry with the stated expectation that some firms will exit the market” for additional information.
In order to serve our non-prime customers profitably we need to sufficiently price the risk of the transaction into the annual percentage rate (“APR”)APR of our loans. If individual states or the US federal government or regulators in the UK impose rate caps lower than those at which we can operate our current business profitably or otherwise impose stricter limits on non-prime lending, we would need to exit such states or dramatically reduce our rate of growth by limiting our products to customers with higher creditworthiness. On April 30, 2019, Senator Dick Durbin reintroduced a bill that would create a national interest rate cap of 36%For example, on consumer loans. S. 1230 "Protecting Consumers from Unreasonable Credit Rates Act of 2019" is co-sponsored by Senators Jeff Merkley, Sheldon Whitehouse, and Richard Blumenthal. Previous versions have been proposed in 2009, 2013, 2015 and 2017, but the bill has never made it to the House or Senate floor. The current bill is still pending in the Senate. In November 2019, Rep. Jesús "Chuy" García and Rep. Glenn Grothman introduced H.R. 5050, the Veterans and Consumers Fair Credit Act (VCFCA). This bill would create a national rate cap of 36% on all consumer loans from all lenders. Senators Jeff Merkley, Jack Reed, Sherrod Brown and Chris Van Hollen introduced a companion bill in the Senate at the same time. It is anticipated that the House Financial Services Committee will hold hearings and a potential mark-up of H.R. 5050 during calendar year 2020.
On January 1, 2020, California lending law changed to impose a rate cap of 36% plus the Federal Funds Rate set by the Federal Reserve Board for all consumer-purpose installment loans, including personal loans, car loans, and auto title loans, as well as open-end lines of credit made under its California Financing Law where the amount of credit is $2,500 or more but less than $10,000. Rise loans originated by Elevate arewere impacted by this law and as a result, on January 1, 2020, no new Rise loans have been originated in California.
On January 13, 2021, the Illinois state legislature passed a bill that would prohibit lenders from charging more than 36% APR on all consumer loans. The legislation applies to all non-commercial loans, including closed-end and open-end credit, retail installment sales contracts and motor vehicle retail installment sales contracts. The Illinois legislation broadly defines “lender” to include any (i) affiliate or subsidiary of a lender or (ii) person or entity that buys a whole or partial interest in a loan, arranges a loan for a third party or acts as an agent for a third party in making a loan. The definition of “lender” also includes any other person or entity if the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation determines that the person or entity is engaged in a transaction that it is in substance a disguised loan or a subterfuge for the purpose of avoiding this legislation.
The Illinois legislation exempts federal and state-chartered banks. The legislation includes a “no evasion” provision that emphasizes that a person or entity is a lender subject to the requirements of the legislation notwithstanding the fact that the entity purports to act as an agent, service provider or in another capacity for another entity that is exempt from the legislation, if, among other things: (i) the entity holds, acquires or maintains, directly or indirectly, the predominant economic interest in the loan, (ii) the entity markets, brokers, arranges or facilitates the loan and holds the right, requirement or first right of refusal to purchase loans, receivables or interests in the loans or (iii) the totality of the circumstances indicate that the entity is the lender and the transaction is structured to evade the requirements of such legislation. The Illinois legislation requires lenders subject to its requirements to calculate the 36% APR using the system for calculating a military APR under Section 232.4 of the Military Lending Act. The legislation provides that any loan made in excess of 36% APR would be considered null and void. The Illinois legislation becomes effective upon the Governor’s signature. Upon enactment, Rise Credit of Illinois will no longer originate loans that are not in compliance with the new law. At the national level, bills that would create a national interest rate cap of 36% on consumer loans have been proposed at various times, including in 2009, 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2019.
Furthermore, legislative or regulatory actions may be influenced by negative perceptions of us and our industry, even if such negative perceptions are inaccurate, attributable to conduct by third parties not affiliated with us (such as other industry members) or attributable to matters not specific to our industry.
Any of these or other legislative or regulatory actions that affect our consumer loan business at the national, state international and local level could, if enacted or interpreted differently, have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows and prohibit or directly or indirectly impair our ability to continue current operations.
Regulators and payment processors are scrutinizing certain online lenders’ access to the Automated Clearing House system to disburse and collect loan proceeds and repayments, and any interruption or limitation on our ability to access this critical system would materially adversely affect our business.
When making loans in the US, we typically use the Automated Clearing House (“ACH”) system to deposit loan proceeds into our customers’ bank accounts. This includes loans that we originate as well as Elastic loans originated by Republic Bank & Trust Company (“Republic Bank”), Rise loans made through the credit services organization (“CSO”) programs and Rise loans originated by FinWise Bank ("FinWise"). or CCB. These products also depend on the ACH system to collect amounts due by withdrawing funds from customers’ bank accounts when the customer has provided authorization to do so. ACH transactions are processed by banks, and if these banks cease to provide ACH processing services or are not allowed to do so, we would have to materially alter, or possibly discontinue, some or all of our business if alternative ACH processors or other payment mechanisms are not available.
It has been reported that actions, referred to as Operation Choke Point, by the US Department of Justice (the “Justice Department”) the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (the “FDIC”) and certain state regulators appear to be intended to discourage banks and ACH payment processors from providing access to the ACH system for certain lenders that they believe are operating illegally, cutting off their access to the ACH system to either debit or credit customer accounts (or both).
In the past, this heightened regulatory scrutiny by the Justice Department, the FDIC and other regulators has caused some banks and ACH payment processors to cease doing business with consumer lenders who are operating legally, without regard to whether those lenders are complying with applicable laws, simply to avoid the risk of heightened scrutiny or even litigation. These actions have reduced the number of banks and payment processors who provide ACH payment processing services and could conceivably make it increasingly difficult to find banking partners and payment processors in the future and/or lead to significantly increased costs for these services. If we are unable to maintain access to needed services on favorable terms, we would have to materially alter, or possibly discontinue, some or all of our business if alternative processors are not available. In response to Operation Choke Point, H.R. 2706 was introduced in the House to halt future similar actions. The bill passed out of the House on December 11, 2017 but did not progress. H.R. 189 wasOn March 7, 2019, the House introduced inthe Secure And Fair Enforcement Banking Act of 2019 (H.R. 1595). The bill passed the House on January 3,September 25, 2019, to address Operation Choke Point. It is unknown if this newly reintroduced legislation will progress further.and was received in the Senate where it has not moved. On May 22, 2019, the FDIC issued a letter in connection with litigation acknowledging that certain of its "employees acted in a manner inconsistent with FDIC policies with respect to payday lenders" in what has been generically described as "Operation Choke Point," and that this conduct created misperceptions about the FDIC's policies. Regulatory threats, undue pressure, coercion,Most recently, on January 14, 2021, the OCC released a final rule to ensure fair access to banking services provided by large national banks, federal savings associations, and intimidation designed to restrictfederal branches and agencies of foreign bank organizations aimed at remedying the unfairness of Operation Choke Point. The rule implements language included in Title III of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, which charged the OCC with "assuring the safety and soundness of, and compliance with laws and regulations, fair access to financial services, for lawful businesses have no place atand fair treatment of customers by, the FDIC.institutions and other persons subject to its jurisdiction." The rule was to take effect on April 1, 2021. However, it was not published in the Federal Register prior to January 20, 2021 when President Biden issued an executive order stopping any rules which has not been published in the Federal Register or otherwise finalized from going into effect, and as a result, its effective date is currently pending determination.
If we lost access to the ACH system because our payment processor was unable or unwilling to access the ACH system on our behalf, we would experience a significant reduction in customer loan payments. Although we would notify consumers that they would need to make their loan payments via physical check, debit card or other method of payment a large number of customers would likely go into default because they are expecting automated payment processing. Similarly, if regulatory changes limited our access to the ACH system or reduced the number of times ACH transactions could be re-presented, we would experience higher losses.
If the information provided by customers or other third parties to us is incomplete, incorrect or fraudulent, we may misjudge a customer’s qualification to receive a loan, and any inabilityFailure to effectively identify, manage, monitor and mitigate fraud risk on a large scale from incomplete or incorrect information provided to us by customers or other third parties could cause us to incur substantial losses, and our operating results, brand and reputation could be harmed.
For the loans we originate through Rise, and Sunny, our growth is largely predicated on effective loan underwriting resulting in acceptable customer profitability. This is equally important for the Rise loans, in Texas and the Rise loans and Elastic lines of credit and Today Card credit card receivables originated by unaffiliated third parties.third-party banks. See “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations—Components of Our Results of Operations—Revenues.” Lending decisions by such originating lenders are made using our proprietary credit and fraud scoring models, which we license to them. Lending decisions are based partly on information provided by loan applicants and partly on information provided by consumer reporting agencies, such as TransUnion, Experian or Equifax and other third-party data providers. Data provided by third-party sources is a significant component of the decision methodology, and this data may contain inaccuracies. To the extent that applicants provide inaccurate or unverifiable information or data from third-party providers is incomplete or inaccurate, the credit score delivered by our proprietary scoring methodology may not accurately reflect the associated risk. Additionally, a credit score assigned to a borrower may not reflect that borrower's actual creditworthiness because the credit score may be based on outdated, incomplete or inaccurate consumer reporting data, and we do not verify the information obtained from the borrower's credit report. Additionally, there is a risk that, following the date of the credit report that we obtain and review, a borrower may have:
•become past due in the payment of an outstanding obligation;
•defaulted on a pre-existing debt obligation;
•taken on additional debt; or
•sustained other adverse financial events.
Our resources, technologies and fraud prevention tools, which are used to originate or facilitate the origination of loans or lines of credit, as applicable, under Rise, Sunny, Elastic and Today Card, may be insufficient to accurately detect and prevent fraud. Inaccurate analysis of credit data that could result from false loan application information could harm our reputation, business and operating results.
In addition, our proprietary credit and fraud scoring models use identity and fraud checks analyzing data provided by external databases to authenticate each customer’s identity. The level of our fraud charge-offs and results of operations could be materially adversely affected if fraudulent activity were to significantly increase. Online lenders are particularly subject to fraud because of the lack of face-to-face interactions and document review. If applicants assume false identities to defraud the Companyus or consumers simply have no intent to repay the money they have borrowed, the related portfolio of loans will exhibit higher loan losses. We have in the past and may in the future incur substantial losses and our business operations could be disrupted if we or the originating lenders are unable to effectively identify, manage, monitor and mitigate fraud risk using our proprietary credit and fraud scoring models.
Since fraud is often perpetrated by increasingly sophisticated individuals and “rings” of criminals, it is important for us to continue to update and improve the fraud detection and prevention capabilities of our proprietary credit and fraud scoring models. If these efforts are unsuccessful then credit quality and customer profitability will erode. If credit and/or fraud losses increased significantly due to inadequacies in underwriting or new fraud trends, new customer originations may need to be reduced until credit and fraud losses returned to target levels, and business could contract.
It may be difficult or impossible to recoup funds underlying loans made in connection with inaccurate statements, omissions of fact or fraud. Loan losses are currently the largest cost as a percentage of revenues across each of Rise, Sunny, Elastic, and Today Card. If credit or fraud losses were to rise, this would significantly reduce our profitability. High profile fraudulent activity could also lead to regulatory intervention, negatively impact our operating results, brand and reputation and require us, and the originating lenders, to take steps to reduce fraud risk, which could increase our costs.
Any of the above risks could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Because of the non-prime nature of our customers, we have historically experienced a high rate of net charge-offs as a percentage of revenues, and our ability to price appropriately in response to this and other factors is essential. We rely on our proprietary credit and fraud scoring models in the forecasting of loss rates. If we are unable to effectively forecast loss rates, it may negatively impact our operating results.
Our net charge-offs as a percentage of revenues for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 and 2018 were 50%41% and 52%, respectively. Because of the non-prime nature of our customers, it is essential that our products are appropriately priced, taking this and all other relevant factors into account. In making a decision whether to extend credit to prospective customers, and the terms on which we or the originating lenders are willing to provide credit, including the price, we and the originating lenders rely heavily on our proprietary credit and fraud scoring models, which comprise an empirically derived suite of statistical models built using third-party data, data from customers and our credit experience gained through monitoring the performance of customers over time. Our proprietary credit and fraud scoring models are based on previous historical experience. Typically, however, our models will become less effective over time and need to be rebuilt regularly to perform optimally. This is particularly true in the context of our preapproved direct mail campaigns. If we are unable to rebuild our proprietary credit and fraud scoring models, or if they do not perform up to target standards the products will experience increasing defaults or higher customer acquisition costs. In addition, any upgrades or planned improvements to our technology and credit models may not be implemented on the timeline that we expect or may not drive improvements in credit quality for our products as anticipated, which may have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
If our proprietary credit and fraud scoring models fail to adequately predict the creditworthiness of customers, or if they fail to assess prospective customers’ financial ability to repay their loans, or any or all of the other components of the credit decision process described herein fails, higher than forecasted losses may result. Furthermore, if we are unable to access the third-party data used in our proprietary credit and fraud scoring models, or access to such data is limited, the ability to accurately evaluate potential customers using our proprietary credit and fraud scoring models will be compromised. As a result, we may be unable to effectively predict probable credit losses inherent in the resulting loan portfolio, and we, and the originating lender, may consequently experience higher defaults or customer acquisition costs, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Additionally, if we make errors in the development and validation of any of the models or tools used to underwrite loans, such loans may result in higher delinquencies and losses. Moreover, if future performance of customer loans differs from past experience, which experience has informed the development of our proprietary credit and fraud scoring models, delinquency rates and losses could increase.
If our proprietary credit and fraud scoring models were unable to effectively price credit to the risk of the customer, lower margins would result. Either our losses would be higher than anticipated due to “underpricing” products or customers may refuse to accept the loan if products are perceived as “overpriced.” Additionally, an inability to effectively forecast loss rates could also inhibit our ability to borrow from our debt facilities, which could further hinder our growth and have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
We depend in part on debt financing to financefor most of the loans we originate. Ouroriginate and our business could be adversely affected by a lack of sufficient debt financing at acceptable prices or disruptions in the credit markets, which could reduce our access to credit.
We depend in part on debt financing to support the growth of our originated portfolios, Rise and Sunny.Rise. However, we cannot guarantee that financing will continue to be available beyond the current maturity date of our debt facilities, on reasonable terms or at all. Presently our debt financing for Rise and Sunny primarily comes from a single source, Victory Park Management, LLC (“VPC”), an affiliate of Victory Park Capital. If VPC became unwilling or unable to provide debt financing to us at prices acceptable to us, we would need to secure additional debt financing or potentially reduce loan originations. The availability of these financing sources depends on many factors, some of which are outside of our control.
We may also experience the occurrence of events of default or breaches of financial or performance covenants under our debt agreements, which are currently secured by all our assets. Any such occurrence or breach could result in the reduction or termination of our access to institutional funding or increase our cost of funding. Certain of these covenants are tied to our customer default rates, which may be significantly affected by factors, such as economic downturns or general economic conditions beyond our control and beyond the control of individual customers. In particular, loss rates on customer loans may increase due to factors such as prevailing interest rates, the rate of unemployment, the level of consumer and business confidence, commercial real estate values, the value of the US dollar, energy prices, changes in consumer and business spending, the number of personal bankruptcies, disruptions in the credit markets and other factors. Increases in the cost of capital would reduce our net profit margins.
The loan portfolio for Elastic, which is originated by a third-party lender, gets funding as a result of the purchase of a participation interest in the loans it originates from Elastic SPV, Ltd. (“Elastic SPV”), a Cayman Islands entity that purchases such participations. Elastic SPV has a loan facility with VPC for its funding, for which we provide credit support, and we have entered into a credit default protection agreement with Elastic SPV that provides protection for loan losses. Similarly, the loan portfolioportfolios for the Rise loans originated by FinWise getsand CCB receive funding as a result of the purchase of a participation interest in the loans it originatesthey originate from EF SPV, Ltd. (“EF SPV”) and EC SPV, Ltd. ("EC SPV"), aboth Cayman Islands entityentities that purchasespurchase such participations. Both EF SPV hasand EC SPV have a loan facility with VPC for itstheir funding, for which we provide credit support, and we have entered into a credit default protection agreementagreements with both EF SPV and EC SPV that providesprovide protection for loan losses. Any voluntary or involuntary halt to this existing program could result in the originating lender halting further loan originations until an additional financing partner could be identified.
In the event of a sudden or unexpected shortage of funds in the banking system, we cannot be sure that we will be able to maintain necessary levels of funding without incurring high funding costs, a reduction in the term of funding instruments or the liquidation of certain assets. If our cost of borrowing goes up, our net interest expense could increase, and if we were to be unable to arrange new or alternative methods of financing on favorable terms, we may have to curtail our origination of loans or recommend that the originating lenders curtail their origination of credit, all of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
The interest rates we charge to our customers and pay to our lenders could each be affected by a variety of factors, including access to capital based on our business performance and the volume of loans we make to our customers. These interest rates may also be affected by a change over time in the mix of the types of products we sell to our customers and a shift among our channels of customer acquisition. Our VPC funding facilities are variable rate in nature and tied to a base rate of the greater of the 3-month LIBOR rate, the five-year LIBOR swap rate or 1% at the borrowing date. Thus, any increase in the 3-month LIBOR rate could result in an increase in our net interest expense. Effective February 1, 2019, certain of the funding facilities were amended. The amended facilities included reductions to the interest rates paid on our debt in addition to other changes. Interest rate changes may also adversely affect our business forecasts and expectations and are highly sensitive to many macroeconomic factors beyond our control, such as inflation, recession, the state of the credit markets, changes in market interest rates, global economic disruptions, unemployment and the fiscal and monetary policies of the federal government and its agencies. Regulatory or legislative changes may reduce our ability to charge our current rates in all states and products. Also, competitive threats may cause us to reduce our rates. This would reduce profit margins unless there was a commensurate reduction in losses. Any material reduction in our interest rate spread could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. In the event that the spread between the rate at which we lend to our customers and the rate at which we borrow from our lenders decreases, our financial results and operating performance will be harmed.
In the future, we may seek to access the debt capital markets to obtain capital to finance growth. However, our future access to the debt capital markets could be restricted due to a variety of factors, including a deterioration of our earnings, cash flows, balance sheet quality, or overall business or industry prospects, adverse regulatory changes, a disruption to or deterioration in the state of the capital markets or a negative bias toward our industry by market participants. Disruptions and volatility in the capital markets could also cause banks and other credit providers to restrict availability of new credit. Due to the negative bias toward our industry, commercial banks and other lenders have restricted access to available credit to participants in our industry, and we may have more limited access to commercial bank lending than other businesses. Our ability to obtain additional financing in the future will depend in part upon prevailing capital market conditions, and a potential disruption in the capital markets may adversely affect our efforts to arrange additional financing on terms that are satisfactory to us, if at all. If adequate funds are not available, or are not available on acceptable terms, we may not have sufficient liquidity to fund our operations, make future investments, take advantage of acquisitions or other opportunities, or respond to competitive challenges and this, in turn, could adversely affect our ability to advance our strategic plans. Additionally, if the capital and credit markets experience volatility, and the availability of funds is limited, third parties with whom we do business may incur increased costs or business disruption and this could adversely affect our business relationships with such third parties, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Any decrease in our access to preapproved marketing lists from credit bureaus or other developments impacting our use of direct mail marketing could adversely affect our ability to grow our business.
We market Rise and Sunny and provide marketing services to the originating lender in connection with Elastic, Today Card, and Rise bank-originated loans. Direct mailings and electronic offers of preapproved loans and Today Cards to potential loan customers comprise significant marketing channels for both the loans we originate and credit card product we offer, as well as those loans originated by third-party lenders. We estimate that approximately 65% and 92% of new Rise and Elastic loan customers, respectively, in the year ended December 31, 2019 obtained loans as a result of receiving such preapproved offers. The Today Card which expanded its test launch in November 2018, is expected to expand its direct mailing activities in the future. Our marketing techniques identify candidates for preapproved loan or credit card mailings in part through the use of preapproved marketing lists purchased from credit bureaus.
If access to such preapproved marketing lists were lost or limited due to regulatory changes prohibiting credit bureaus from sharing such information or for other reasons, our growth could be significantly adversely affected. If the cost of obtaining such lists increases significantly, it could substantially increase customer acquisition costs and decrease profitability.
Similarly, federal or state regulators or legislators could limit access to these preapproved marketing lists with the same effect.
In addition, preapproved direct mailings may become a less effective marketing tool due to over-penetration of direct mailing-lists. Any of these developments could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
We rely in part on relationships, which are generally non-exclusive and subject to termination, with marketing affiliates to identify potential customers for our loans. These relationships are generally non-exclusive and subject to termination,loans and the growth of our customer base could be adversely affected if any of our marketing affiliatesuch relationships are terminated or the number of referrals we receive from marketing affiliates is reduced.
We rely on strategic marketing affiliate relationships with certain companies for referrals of some of the customers to whom we issue loans, and our growth depends in part on the growth of these referrals. In the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, loans issued to Rise Elastic and SunnyElastic customers referred to us by our strategic partners constituted 17%, 7% and 4%11% of total respective new customer loans. Many of our marketing affiliate relationships do not contain exclusivity provisions that would prevent such marketing affiliates from providing customer referrals to competing companies. In addition, the agreements governing these partnerships, generally, contain termination provisions, including provisions that in certain circumstances would allow our partners to terminate if convenient, that, if exercised, would terminate our relationship with these partners. These agreements also contain no requirement that a marketing affiliate refer us any minimum number of customers. There can be no assurance that these marketing affiliates will not terminate our relationship with them or continue referring business to us in the future, and a termination of any of these relationships or reduction in customer referrals to us could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Our success and future growth depend significantly on our successful marketing efforts, and if such efforts are not successful, our business and financial results may be harmed.
We intend to continue to dedicate significant resources to marketing efforts. Our ability to attract qualified borrowers depends in large part on the success of these marketing efforts and the success of the marketing channels we use to promote our products. Our marketing channels include social media and the press, online affiliations, search engine optimization, search engine marketing, offline partnerships, preapproved direct mailings and television advertising. If any of our current marketing channels become less effective, if we are unable to continue to use any of these channels, if the cost of using these channels were to significantly increase or if we are not successful in generating new channels, we may not be able to attract new borrowers in a cost-effective manner or convert potential borrowers into active borrowers. If we are unable to recover our marketing costs through increases in website traffic and in the number of loans made by visitors to product websites, or if we discontinue our broad marketing campaigns, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
We are dependent on third parties to support several key aspects of our business, and theThe failure of suchthird parties to continue to provide certain key services to us in the current manner and at the current rates would adversely affect our revenues and results of operations.
The Elastic line of credit product, which is originated by a third-party lender and contributed approximately 33%36.8% of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2019, and the portions of2020, the Rise installment loan product that we offer through CSO programs,loans originated by third-party lenders, which contributed approximately 6%27.2% of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, and the Rise loansToday Card originated by a third-party lender, which contributed approximately 14%0.7% of our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, depend in part on the willingness and ability of unaffiliated third-party lenders to make loans to customers. Additionally, as described above, our business, including our Elastic loans, and Rise loans made through the CSO programs and Rise loans originated by a third-party lender and Today Card credit cards, depends on the ACH system, and ACH transactions are processed by third-party banks. See “—Regulators and payment processors are scrutinizing certain online lenders’ access to the Automated Clearing House system to disburse and collect loan proceeds and repayments, and any interruption or limitation on our ability to access this critical system would materially adversely affect our business.” We also utilize many other third parties to provide services to facilitate lending, loan underwriting, payment processing, customer service, collections and recoveries, as well as to support and maintain certain of our communication systems and information systems, and we may need to expand our relationships with third parties, or develop relationships with new third parties, to support any new product offerings that we may pursue.
The loss of the relationship with any of these third-party lenders and service providers, an inability to replace them or develop new relationships, or the failure of any of these third parties to provide its products or services, to maintain its quality and consistency or to have the ability to provide its products and services, could disrupt our operations, cause us to terminate product offerings or delay or discontinue new product offerings, result in lost customers and substantially decrease the revenues and earnings of our business. Our revenues and earnings could also be adversely affected if any of those third-party providers make material changes to the products or services that we rely on or increase the price of their products or services.
Elevate uses third parties for the majority of its collections and recovery activities. If those parties were unable or unwilling to provide those services for Elevate products, we would experience higher defaults until those functions could be outsourced to an alternative service provider or until we could bring those functions in-house and adequately staff and train internally.
Any of these events could result in a loss of revenues and could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
The profitability of our bank-originated products could be adversely affected by policy or pricing decisions made by the originating lenders.
We do not originate and do not ultimately control the pricing or functionality of Elastic lines of credit originated by Republic Bank, Rise loans originated by FinWise Bank ("FinWise")and CCB, and the Today Card originated by Capital Community Bank ("CCB")CCB (collectively the "Bank-Originated Products" and the "Bank Partners" or the "Banks"). Generally, a "Bank" is an entity that is chartered under federal or state law to accept deposits and/or make loans. Each Bank Partner has licensed our technology and underwriting services and makes all key decisions regarding the marketing, underwriting, product features and pricing. We generate revenues from these products through marketing and technology licensing fees paid by the Bank Partners, and through credit default protection agreements with certain Bank Partners. If the Bank Partners were to change their pricing, underwriting or marketing of the Bank-Originated Products in a way that decreases revenues or increases losses, then the profitability of each loan, line of credit or credit card issued could be reduced. Although this would not reduce the revenues that we receive for marketing and technology licensing services, it would reduce the revenues that we receive from our credit default protection agreements with the Bank Partners.
Any of the above changes could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Our ability to continue to provide Bank-Originated Products could be adversely affected by a degradation in our relationships with our Bank Partners.
The structure of the Bank-Originated Products exposes us to risks associated with being reliant on the Bank Partners as the originating lenders and credit card issuers. If our relationships with the Banks were to degrade, or if any of the Banks were to terminate the various agreements associated with the Bank Products, we may not be able to find another suitable originating lender or credit card issuer and new arrangements, if any, may result in significantly increased costs to us. Any inability to find another originating lender or credit card issuer would adversely affect our ability to continue to provide the Bank-Originated Products which in turn could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Decreased demand for non-prime loans as a result of increased savings or income could result in a loss of revenues or decline in profitability if we are unable to successfully adapt to such changes.
The demand for non-prime loan products in the markets we serve could decline due to a variety of factors, such as regulatory restrictions that reduce customer access to particular products, the availability of competing or alternative products or changes in customers’ financial conditions, particularly increases in income or savings. For instance, an increase in state or federal minimum wage requirements, or a decrease in individual income tax rates, could decrease demand for non-prime loans. Additionally, a change in focus from borrowing to saving (such as has happened in some countries) would reduce demand. Should we fail to adapt to a significant change in our customers’ demand for, or access to, our products, our revenues could decrease significantly. Even if we make adaptations or introduce new products to fulfill customer demand, customers may resist or may reject products whose adaptations make them less attractive or less available. Such decreased demand could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
A decline in economic conditions could result in decreased demand for our loans or cause our customers’ default rates to increase, harming our operating results.
Uncertainty and negative trends in general economic conditions in the US and abroad, including significant tightening of credit markets and a general decline in the value of real property, historically have created a difficult environment for companies in the lending industry. Many factors, including factors that are beyond our control, may impact our consolidated results of operations or financial condition or affect our borrowers’ willingness or capacity to make payments on their loans. These factors include: unemployment levels, housing markets, rising living expenses, energy costs and interest rates, as well as major medical expenses, divorce or death that affect our borrowers. If the US or UK economies experienceeconomy experiences a downturn, or if we become affected by other events beyond our control, we may experience a significant reduction in revenues, earnings and cash flows, difficulties accessing capital and a deterioration in the value of our investments.
We are also monitoring developments related to the decision by the UK government to leave the European Union (often referred to as "Brexit"), which could have significant implications for our UK business. In March 2017, the UK began the official process to leave the European Union. The UK formally exited the European Union on January 31, 2020. The instability surrounding Brexit and Brexit itself could lead to economic and legal uncertainty, including significant volatility in global stock markets and currency exchange rates, as well as new and uncertain laws, regulations and licensing requirements for the Company as the UK determines which EU laws to replace or replicate. For example, see "—The use of personal data in credit underwriting is highly regulated" below. Any of these effects of Brexit, among others, could adversely affect our operating results.
Credit quality is driven by the ability and willingness of customers to make their loan payments. If customers face rising unemployment or reduced wages, defaults may increase. Similarly, if customers experience rising living expenses (for instance due to rising gas, energy, or food costs) they may be unable to make loan payments. An economic slowdown could also result in a decreased number of loans being made to customers due to higher unemployment or an increase in loan defaults in our loan products. The underwriting standards used for our products may need to be tightened in response to such conditions, which could reduce loan balances, and collecting defaulted loans could become more difficult, which could lead to an increase in loan losses. If a customer defaults on a loan, the loan enters a collections process where, including as a result of contractual agreements with the originating lenders, our systems and collections teams initiate contact with the customer for payments owed. If a loan is subsequently charged off, the loan is generally sold to a third-party collection agency and the resulting proceeds from such sales comprise only a small fraction of the remaining amount payable on the loan.
There can be no assurance that economic conditions will remain favorable for our business or that demand for loans or default rates by customers will remain at current levels. Reduced demand for loans would negatively impact our growth and revenues, while increased default rates by customers may inhibit our access to capital, hinder the growth of the loan portfolio attributable to our products and negatively impact our profitability. Either such result could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
We are operatingoperate in a highly competitive environment and face increasing competition from a variety of traditional and new lending institutions, including other online lending companies. Thiscompanies and such competition could adversely affect our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
We have many competitors. Our principal competitors are consumer loan companies, CSOs, online lenders, credit card companies, consumer finance companies, pawnshops and other financial institutions that offer similar financial services. Other financial institutions or other businesses that do not now offer products or services directed toward our traditional customer base could begin doing so. Significant increases in the number and size of competitors for our business could result in a decrease in the number of loans that we fund, resulting in lower levels of revenues and earnings in these categories. Many of these competitors are larger than us, have significantly more resources and greater brand recognition than we do, and may be able to attract customers more effectively than we do.
Competitors of our business may operate, or begin to operate, under business models less focused on legal and regulatory compliance, which could put us at a competitive disadvantage. Additionally, negative perceptions about these models could cause legislators or regulators to pursue additional industry restrictions that could affect the business model under which we operate. To the extent that these models gain acceptance among consumers, small businesses and investors or face less onerous regulatory restrictions than we do, we may be unable to replicate their business practices or otherwise compete with them effectively, which could cause demand for the products we currently offer to decline substantially.
When new competitors seek to enter one of our markets, or when existing market participants seek to increase their market share, they sometimes undercut the pricing and/or credit terms prevalent in that market, which could adversely affect our market share or ability to exploit new market opportunities. Elevate products compete at least partly based on rate comparison with other credit products used by non-prime consumers. However, non-prime consumers by definition have a higher propensity for default and as a result need to be charged higher rates of interest to generate adequate profit margins. If existing competitors significantly reduced their rates or lower-priced competitors enter the market and offer credit to customers at lower rates, the pricing and credit terms we or the originating lenders offer could deteriorate if we or the originating lenders act to meet these competitive challenges. Any such action may result in lower customer acquisition volumes and higher costs per new customer.
We may be unable to compete successfully against any or all of our current or future competitors. As a result, our products could lose market share and our revenues could decline, thereby affecting our ability to generate sufficient cash flow to service our indebtedness and fund our operations. Any such changes in our competition could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Customer complaints or negative public perception of our business could result in a decline in our customer growth and our business could suffer.
Our reputation is very important to attracting new customers to our platform as well as securing repeat lending to existing customers. While we believe that we have a good reputation and that we provide customers with a superior experience, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to maintain a good relationship with customers or avoid negative publicity.
In recent years, consumer advocacy groups and some media reports have advocated governmental action to prohibit or place severe restrictions on non-bank consumer loans and bank originated loans for the nonprime consumer. Such consumer advocacy groups and media reports generally focus on the annual percentage rate for this type of consumer loan, which is compared unfavorably to the interest typically charged by banks to consumers with top-tier credit histories. The finance charges assessed by us, the originating lenders and others in the industry can attract media publicity about the industry and be perceived as controversial. If the negative characterization of the types of loans we offer, including those originated through third-party lenders, becomes increasingly accepted by consumers, demand for any or all of our consumer loan products could significantly decrease, which could materially affect our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. Additionally, if the negative characterization of these types of loans is accepted by legislators and regulators, we could become subject to more restrictive laws and regulations applicable to consumer loan products that could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Third parties may also seek to take advantage of unique regulations applicable to consumer loan products to drive up complaints and the cost of doing business in our industry. From the third quarter of 2018, the Company's UK business began to receive an increased number of customer complaints initiated by claims management companies ("CMCs") and others related to the affordability assessment of certain loans. If the Company's evidence supports the affordability assessment and the Company rejects the claim, the customer has the right to take the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (“FOS”) for further adjudication. We have incurred significant costs in the form of FOS administrative fees associated with each individual complaint submitted to FOS, operational costs necessary to manage the large volume of complaints, and payments we are required to make to customers to resolve these complaints. We believe that many of the increased claims against us are without merit and reflect the use of abusive and deceptive tactics by the CMCs. On April 1, 2019, the Financial Conduct Authority (the "FCA") took over responsibility for supervision and authorization of a high percentage of CMCs (those regulated by the Solicitor's Regulation Authority, which account for the minority of CMCs, will not be automatically impacted). In addition
to the CMCs issuing claims, some law firms are also issuing claims on behalf of claimants. If we experience an increased volume of complaints due to the activities of the CMCs and law firms representing claimants and continue incurring significant costs to resolve such complaints, such costs could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. A significant number of consumer complaints could also trigger enhanced regulatory scrutiny by the FCA.
Separately, the FCA asked all industry participants to review their lending practices to ensure that such companies are using an appropriate affordability and creditworthiness analysis. Our UK business provided the requested information to the FCA. The FCA recently reported back to us and asked our UK business to tighten certain aspects of its income verification and expenditure processes. We are working with the FCA to ensure the changes we make address all matters raised by the FCA.
Our business depends on the uninterrupted operation of our systems and business functions, including our information technology, and other business systems, as well as the ability of such systems to support compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
Our business is highly dependent upon customers’ ability to access our website and the ability of our employees and those of the originating lenders, as well as third-party service providers, to perform, in an efficient and uninterrupted fashion, necessary business functions, such as internet support, call center activities and processing and servicing of loans. Problems with the technology platform running our systems, or a shut-down of or inability to access the facilities in which our internet operations and other technology infrastructure are based, such as a power outage, a failure of one or more of our information technology, telecommunications or other systems, cyber-attacks on, or sustained or repeated disruptions of, such systems could significantly impair our ability to perform such functions on a timely basis and could result in a deterioration of our ability to underwrite, approve and process loans, provide customer service, perform collections activities, or perform other necessary business functions. Any such interruption could reduce new customer acquisition and negatively impact growth, which would have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
In addition, our systems and those of third parties on whom we rely must consistently be capable of compliance with applicable legal and regulatory requirements and timely modification to comply with new or amended requirements. Any systems problems going forward could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
We are subject to cybersecurity risks and security breaches and may incur increasing costs in an effort to minimize those risks and to respond to cyber incidents, and we may experience harm to our reputation and liability exposure from security breaches.
Our business involves the storage and transmission of consumers’ proprietary information, and security breaches could expose us to a risk of loss or misuse of this information, litigation and potential liability. We are entirely dependent on the secure operation of our websites and systems as well as the operation of the internet generally. While we have incurred no material cyber-attacks or security breaches to date, a number of other companies have disclosed cyber-attacks and security breaches, some of which have involved intentional attacks. Attacks may be targeted at us, our customers, or both. Although we devote significant resources to maintain and regularly upgrade our systems and processes that are designed to protect the security of our computer systems, software, networks and other technology assets and the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information belonging to us and our customers, our security measures may not provide absolute security.
Despite our efforts to ensure the integrity of our systems, it is possible that we may not be able to anticipate or to implement effective preventive measures against all security breaches of these types, especially because the techniques used change frequently or are not recognized until launched, and because cyber-attacks can originate from a wide variety of sources, including third parties outside the Company such as persons who are involved with organized crime or associated with external service providers or who may be linked to terrorist organizations or hostile foreign governments. These risks may increase in the future as we continue to increase our mobile and other internet-based product offerings and expand our internal usage of web-based products and applications or expand into new countries. If an actual or perceived breach of security occurs, customer and/or supplier perception of the effectiveness of our security measures could be harmed and could result in the loss of customers, suppliers or both. Actual or anticipated attacks and risks may cause us to incur increasing costs, including costs to deploy additional personnel and protection technologies, train employees, and engage third-party experts and consultants.
A successful penetration or circumvention of the security of our systems could cause serious negative consequences, including significant disruption of our operations, misappropriation of our confidential information or that of our customers, or damage to our computers or systems or those of our customers and counterparties, and could result in violations of applicable privacy and other laws, financial loss to us or to our customers, loss of confidence in our security measures, customer dissatisfaction, significant litigation exposure, and harm to our reputation, all of which could have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, our applicants provide personal information, including bank account information when applying for loans. We rely on encryption and authentication technology licensed from third parties to provide the security and authentication to effectively secure transmission of confidential information, including customer bank account and other personal 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 transaction data being breached or compromised. Data breaches can also occur as a result of non-technical issues.
Our servers are also vulnerable to computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins, and similar disruptions, including “denial-of-service” type attacks. We may need to expend significant resources to protect against security breaches or to address problems caused by breaches. Security breaches, including any breach of our systems or by persons with whom we have commercial relationships that result in the unauthorized release of consumers’ personal information, could damage our reputation and expose us to a risk of loss or litigation and possible liability. In addition, many of the third parties who provide products, services or support to us could also experience any of the above cyber risks or security breaches, which could impact our customers and our business and could result in a loss of customers, suppliers or revenues.
In addition, federal and some state regulators are considering promulgating rules and standards to address cybersecurity risks and many US states and the UK have already enacted laws requiring companies to notify individuals of data security breaches involving their personal data. In addition, federal regulators, such as the Federal Reserve, OCC and FDIC are considering rules that would require companies to notify their primary federal regulatory of significant cybersecurity incidents immediately. These mandatory disclosures or potentially mandatory disclosures regarding a security breach are costly to implement and may lead to widespread negative publicity, which may cause customers to lose confidence in the effectiveness of our data security measures.
Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Our ability to collect payment on loans and maintain accurate accounts may be adversely affected by computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins, technical errors and similar disruptions.
The automated nature of our platform may make it an attractive target for hacking and potentially vulnerable to computer viruses, physical or electronic break-ins and similar disruptions. Despite efforts to ensure the integrity of our platform, it is possible that we may not be able to anticipate or to implement effective preventive measures against all security breaches of these types, in which case there would be an increased risk of fraud or identity theft, and we may experience losses on, or delays in the collection of amounts owed on, a fraudulently induced loan. In addition, the software that we have developed to use in our daily operations is highly complex and may contain undetected technical errors that could cause our computer systems to fail. Because each loan made involves our proprietary credit and fraud scoring models, and over 94%95% of loanloan applications are fully automated with no manual review required, any failure of our computer systems involving our proprietary credit and fraud scoring models and any technical or other errors contained in the software pertaining to our proprietary credit and fraud scoring models could compromise the ability to accurately evaluate potential customers, which would negatively impact our results of operations. Furthermore, any failure of our computer systems could cause an interruption in operations and result in disruptions in, or reductions in the amount of, collections from the loans we made to customers. If any of these risks were to materialize, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Our platform and internal systems rely on software that is highly technical, and if it contains undetected errors, our business could be adversely affected.
Our platform and internal systems rely on software that is highly technical and complex. In addition, our platform and internal systems depend on the ability of such software to store, retrieve, process and manage immense amounts of data. The software on which we rely has contained, and may now or in the future contain, undetected errors or bugs. Some errors may only be discovered after the code has been released for external or internal use. Errors or other design defects within the software on which we rely may result in a negative experience for borrowers, delay introductions of new features or enhancements, result in errors or compromise our ability to protect borrower data or our intellectual property. Any errors, bugs or defects discovered in the software on which we rely could result in harm to our reputation, loss of borrowers, loss of revenues or liability for damages, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
To date, we have derived our revenues from a limited number of products and markets. Our efforts to expand our market reach and product portfolio may not succeed or may put pressure on our margins.
We frequently explore paths to expand our market reach and product portfolio. For example, we have launched or are in the process of launching other non-prime products like bank-originated installment loans and credit cards through FinWise and CCB and the Today Card, a bank-originated credit card. In the future, we may elect to pursue new products, channels, or markets. However, there is always risk that these new products, channels, or markets will be unprofitable, will increase costs, decrease margins, or take longer to generate target margins than anticipated. Additional costs could include those related to the need to hire more staff, invest in technology, develop and support new third-party partnerships or other costs, which would increase operating expenses. In particular, growth may require additional technology staff, analysts in risk management, compliance personnel and customer support and collections staff. Although the Company outsourceswe outsource most of itsour customer support and collections staff, additional volumes would lead to increased costs in these areas.
When new customers are acquired, from an accounting point of view, we must recognize marketing costs and loan origination and data costs, and we incur a provision for loan losses. We use the same accounting treatment for new customers acquired through the Bank-Originated Products, such as loan participations that are purchased from the originating lender by a third party, which we protect from loan losses pursuant to a credit default protection arrangement. Due to these marketing costs, loan origination and data costs, and provision for loan losses, new customer acquisition does not typically yield positive margins for at least six months. As a result, rapid growth tends to compress margins in the near-term until growth rates slow down.
In the states in which we originate Rise under a state-license, the rates and terms vary based on specific state laws. In states with lower maximum rates, we have more stringent credit criteria and generally lower initial customer profitability due to higher customer acquisition costs and higher losses as a percentage of revenues. While these states can have significant growth potential, they typically deliver lower profit margins. In states in which FinWise originatesor CCB originate Rise installment loans, loan participations are purchased from FinWise or CCB by a third party SPV, which we protect from loan losses pursuant to a credit default protection arrangement. As a result, Rise loans originated through our third-party partnerships have the same pattern of variable profit margins depending on state laws and which states are offering the most growth potential.
We may elect to pursue aggressive growth over margin expansion in order to increase market share and long-term revenue opportunities.
There also can be no guarantee that we will be successful with respect to any new product initiatives or any further expansion beyond the US and the UK, if we decide to attempt such expansion, which may inhibit the growth of our business and have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Our allowance for loan losses is determined based upon both objective and subjective factors and may not be adequate to absorb loan losses. Ifsuch losses and if we experience rising credit or fraud losses, our results of operations would be adversely affected.
We face the risk that customers will fail to repay their loans in full. We reserve for such losses by establishing an allowance for loan losses, the increase of which results in a charge to our earnings as a provision for loan losses. We have established a methodology designed to determine the adequacy of our allowance for loan losses. While this evaluation process uses historical and other objective information, the classification of loans and the forecasts and establishment of loan losses are also dependent on our subjective assessment based upon our experience and judgment. Actual losses are difficult to forecast, especially if such losses stem from factors beyond our historical experience. As a result, there can be no assurance that our allowance for loan losses will be sufficient to absorb 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.
In June 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (the "FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("ASU 2016-13"). ASU 2016-13 is intended to replace the incurred loss impairment methodology in current US GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates to improve the quality of information available to financial statement users about expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. For public entities, ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-10, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases(Topic 842): Effective Dates ("ASU 2019-10"). The purpose of this amendment is to create a two-tier rollout of major updates, staggering the effective dates between larger public companies and all other entities. This granted certain classes of companies, including Smaller Reporting Companies ("SRCs"), additional time to implement major FASB standards, including ASU 2016-13. Larger public companies will still have an effective date for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. All other entities are permitted to defer adoption of ASU 2016-13, and its related amendments, until fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2022. Under the current SEC definitions, the Company meetswe meet the definition of an SRC as of the ASU 2019-10 issuance date and isare adopting the deferral period for ASU 2016-13.
The new methodology for determining the allowance for loan losses, once adopted by the Company,we adopt, will extend the time frame covered by the estimate of credit losses by including forward-looking information, such as "reasonable and supportable" forecasts in the assessment of the collectability of loans. As a result, rather than just looking at historical performances of loans to determine allowance for loan losses, we will have to consider future losses as well. Further, the new standard will drive a change in the accounting treatment in that the new expected lifetime losses of loans will be recognized at the time a loan is made rather than over the lifetime of the loans. We anticipate that adoption of this new methodology may have a material impact on our financial statements due to the timing differences caused by the change. We also expect that the internal financial controls processes in place for the Company'sour loan loss reserve process will be impacted. In addition, if we fail to accurately forecast the collectability of our loans under this new methodology and we reserve inadequate allowance amounts, we could be required to absorb such additional losses, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Increased customer acquisition costs and/or data costs would reduce our margins.
Although loan losses are our largest cost, if customer acquisition costs or other servicing costs increased, thisit would reduce our profit margins. Marketing costs would be negatively affected by increased competition or stricter credit standards that would reduce customer fund rates. We could also experience increased marketing costs due to higher fees from credit bureaus for preapproved direct mail lists, search engines for search engine marketing, or fees for affiliates, and these increased costs would reduce our profit margins. Other costs, such as legal costs, may increase as we pursue various company strategic initiatives, which could further reduce our profit margins.
We purchase significant amounts of data to facilitate our proprietary credit and fraud scoring models. If there was an increase in the cost of data, or if the Companywe elected to purchase from new data providers, there would be a reduction in our profit margins.
Any such reduction in our profit margins could result in a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Our success is dependent, in part, upon our officers and key employees, and ifIf we are not able to attract and retain qualified officers and key employees, or if one of oursuch officers or key employees isare temporarily unable to fully contribute to our operations, our business could be materially adversely affected.
Our success depends, in part, on our officers, which comprise a relatively small group of individuals. Many members of the senior management team have significant industry experience, and we believe that our senior management would be difficult to replace, if necessary. Because the market for qualified individuals is highly competitive, we may not be able to attract and retain qualified officers or candidates. In addition, increasing regulations on, and negative publicity about, the consumer financial services industry could affect our ability to attract and retain qualified officers.
Our future success also depends on our continuing ability to attract, develop, motivate and retain highly qualified and skilled employees. Qualified individuals are in high demand, and we may incur significant costs to attract and retain them. The loss of any of our senior management or key employees could materially adversely affect our ability to execute our business plan and strategy, and we may not be able to find adequate replacements on a timely basis, or at all. We cannot ensure that we will be able retain the services of any members of our senior management or other key employees. Our officers and key employees may terminate their employment relationship with us at any time, and their knowledge of our business and industry would be extremely difficult to replace. While all key employees have signed non-disclosure, non-solicitation and non-compete agreements, they may still elect to leave the Companyus or even retire any time. Loss of key employees could result in delays to critical initiatives and the loss of certain capabilities and poorly documented intellectual property.
If we do not succeed in attracting and retaining our officers and key employees, our business could be materially and adversely affected.
Our US loan business is seasonal in nature, which causes our revenues and earnings to fluctuate.
Our US loan business is affected by fluctuating demand for the products and services we offer and fluctuating collection rates throughout the year. Demand for our consumer loan products in the US has historically been highest in the third and fourth quarters of each year, corresponding to the holiday season, and lowest in the first quarter of each year, corresponding to our customers’ receipt of income tax refunds. This results in significant increases and decreases in portfolio size and profit margins from quarter to quarter. In particular, we typically experience a reduction in our credit portfolios and an increase in profit margins in the first quarter of the year. When we experience higher growth in the second quarter through fourth quarters, portfolio balances tend to grow and profit margins are compressed. Our cost of sales for the non-prime loan products we offer in the US, which represents our provision for loan losses, is lowest as a percentage of revenues in the first quarter of each year, corresponding to our customers’ receipt of income tax refunds, and increases as a percentage of revenues for the remainder of each year. This seasonality requires us to manage our cash flows over the course of the year. If our revenues or collections were to fall substantially below what we would normally expect during certain periods, our ability to service debt and meet our other liquidity requirements may be adversely affected, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. Any unexpected change to the growth in the second half of the year or delay of our customers' receipt of income tax refunds could change our typical seasonal product demand pattern and impact our profit margins and our annual cash flow management plans, which could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and results of operations.
If internet search engine providers change their methodologies for organic rankings or paid search results, or our organic rankings or paid search results decline for other reasons, our new customer growth or volume from returning customers could decline.
Our new customer acquisition marketing and our returning customer relationship management is partly dependent on search engines such as Google, Bing and Yahoo! to direct a significant amount of traffic to our desktop and mobile websites via organic ranking and paid search advertising. We bid on certain keywords from search engines as well as use their algorithms to place our listings ahead of other lenders.
Our paid search activities may not continue to produce the desired results. Internet search engines often revise their methodologies. The volume of customers we receive through organic ranking and paid search could be adversely affected by any such changes in methodologies or policies by search engine providers, by:
•decreasing our organic rankings or paid search results;
•creating difficulty for our customers in using our web and mobile sites;
•producing more successful organic rankings, paid search results or tactical execution efforts for our competitors than for us; and
•resulting in higher costs for acquiring new or returning customers.
In addition, search engines could implement policies that restrict the ability of companies such as us to advertise their services and products, which could prevent us from appearing in a favorable location or any location in the organic rankings or paid search results when certain search terms are used by the consumer. Our online marketing efforts are also susceptible to actions by third parties that negatively impact our search results such as spam link attacks, which are often referred to as “black hat” tactics. Our sites have experienced meaningful fluctuations in organic rankings and paid search results in the past, and we anticipate similar fluctuations in the future. Any reduction in the number of consumers directed to our web and mobile sites could harm our business and operating results.
Finally, our competitors’ paid search, pay per clickpay-per-click or search engine marketing activities may result in their sites receiving higher paid search results than ours and significantly increasing the cost of such advertising for us. We have little to no control over these potential changes in policy and methodologies relating to search engine results, and any of the changes described above could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Failure to keep up with the rapid technological changes in financial services and e-commerce, or changes in the uses and regulation of the internet 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 our customers by using technology to provide products and services that will satisfy customer 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 or be successful in marketing these products and services to our customers. Failure to successfully keep pace with technological change affecting the financial services industry could harm our ability to compete with our competitors.
Additionally, the business of providing products and services such as ours over the internet is dynamic and relatively new. We must keep pace with rapid technological change, consumer use habits, internet security risks, risks of system failure or inadequacy, and governmental regulation and taxation, and each of these factors could adversely impact our business. In addition, concerns about fraud, computer security and privacy and/or other problems may discourage additional consumers from adopting or continuing to use the internet as a medium of commerce. Also, to expand our customer base, we may elect to appeal to and acquire consumers who prove to be less profitable than our previous customers, and as a result we may be unable to gain efficiencies in our operating costs, including our cost of acquiring new customers, and our business could be adversely impacted.
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.
Our ability to conduct our business and demand for our loans could be disrupted by natural or man-made catastrophes.
Catastrophes, such as fires, hurricanes and tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, or other natural disasters, terrorist attacks, computer viruses and telecommunications failures, could adversely affect our ability to market, originate or service loans. Natural disasters, pandemics and acts of terrorism, war, civil unrest, violence or human error could also cause disruptions to our business or the economy as a whole, which could negatively affect customers’ demand for our loans. Despite any precautions we may take, system interruptions and delays could occur if there is a natural disaster that affects our offices or one of the data center facilities we lease. As we rely heavily on our servers, computer and communications systems and the internet to conduct our business and provide high-quality customer service, such disruptions could harm our ability to market our products, accept and underwrite applications, provide customer service and undertake collections activities and cause lengthy delays which could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition. We have implemented a disaster recovery program that allows us to move production to a backup data center in the event of a catastrophe. Although this program is functional, we do not currently serve network traffic equally from each backup data center and are not able to switch instantly to our backup center in the event of failure of the main server site. If our primary data center shuts down, there will be a period of time that our loan products or services, or certain of such loan products or services, will remain inaccessible to our users or our users may experience severe issues accessing such loan products and 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.
Any of these events could also cause consumer confidence to decrease in one or more of the markets we serve, which could result in a decreased number of loans being made to customers. As a result of these issues, any of these occurrences could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
We may be unable to protect our proprietary technology and analytics or keep up with that of our competitors.
The success of our business depends to a significant degree upon the protection of our proprietary technology, including our proprietary credit and fraud scoring models, which we use for pricing loans. We seek to protect our intellectual property with non-disclosure agreements and through standard measures to protect trade secrets. However, we may be unable to deter misappropriation of our proprietary information, detect unauthorized use or take appropriate steps to enforce our intellectual property rights. If competitors learn our trade secrets (especially with regard to marketing and risk management capabilities) it could be difficult to successfully prosecute to recover damages. A third party may attempt to reverse engineer or otherwise obtain and use our proprietary technology without our consent. The pursuit of a claim against a third party for infringement of our intellectual property could be costly, and there can be no guarantee that any such efforts would be successful. Our failure to protect our software and other proprietary intellectual property rights or to develop technologies that are as good as our competitors could put us at a disadvantage relative to our competitors. Any such failures could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
We are subject to intellectual property disputes from time to time, and such disputes may be costly to defend and could harm our business and operating results.defend.
We have faced and may continue to face allegations that we have infringed the trademarks, copyrights, patents or other intellectual property rights of third parties, including from our competitors or non-practicing entities. Patent and other intellectual property litigation may be protracted and expensive, and the results are difficult to predict and may require us to stop offering certain products or product features, acquire licenses, which may not be available at a commercially reasonable price or at all, or modify such products, product features, processes or websites while we develop non-infringing substitutes.
In addition, we use open source software in our technology platform and plan to use open source software in the future. From time to time, we may face claims from parties claiming ownership of, or demanding release of, the source code, potentially including our valuable proprietary code, or derivative works that were developed using such software, or otherwise seeking to enforce the terms of the applicable open source license. These claims could also result in litigation, require us to purchase a costly license or require us to devote additional research and development resources to change our platform, any of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Current and future litigation or settlements or regulatory proceedings, including involving the TFI bankruptcy, could cause management distraction, harm our reputation and have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, or financial condition or cash flows.condition.
We, our officers and certain of our subsidiaries have been and may become subject to lawsuits that could cause us to incur substantial expenditures, generate adverse publicity and could significantly impair our business, force us to cease doing business in one or more jurisdictions or cause us to cease offering or alter one or more products.
We have beenare currently the subject of several pending lawsuits and may also become subjectclass action claims with respect to litigationthe services we provide to the banks we work with and our lending practices under relevant state law. For more information please see Note 12—Commitments, Contingencies and Guarantees in the futureNotes to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in this report. Further, while we disagree that we have violated any state laws and aregulations and intend to vigorously defend our position, there can be no assurance that we will be successful or that any relief granted will not be material. A future adverse ruling in or a settlement of any such litigation against us, our executive officers or another lender, could result in significant legal fees that could become material, could harm our reputation, create obligations, forego collection of the principal amount of loans, pay treble or other multiple damages, pay monetary penalties and/or modify or terminate our operations in particular jurisdictions. On January 9, 2020, the District of Columbia's Attorney General, Karl A. Racine, issued a subpoena to Elevate allegingIn accordance with applicable accounting guidance, we establish an accrued liability for litigation, regulatory matters and other legal proceedings when those matters present material loss contingencies that Elevate may have violated the District of Columbia's Consumer Protection Procedures Act in connection with loans issued by banks in the District of Columbia. The documents requested are related to the FinWiseboth probable and Republic Bank originated loans in the District of Columbia. Elevate has engaged counsel and initiated discussions with the Attorney General’s office andreasonably estimable. Even when an accrual is working to address any potential issues and provide certain documents as requested. Elevate disagrees that it has violated the above referenced law and it intends to vigorously defend its position. In addition, on January 27, 2020, Rise Credit Service of Texas, LLC d/b/a Rise, Opportunity Financial, LLC and Applied Data Finance, LLC d/b/a Personify Financial were sued in a class action lawsuit in Washington state. The Plaintiff in the case claims that Rise and others are engaged in “predatory lending practices that target financially vulnerable consumers” and have violated Washington’s Consumer Protection Act by engaging in unfair or deceptive practices.
While no TFI related litigation has been filed directly against Elevate, we can provide no assurances that there will not be any future TFI related litigation filed against the Company. In October 2019, Elevate entered into tolling agreements with the TFI Creditors' Committee and class claimants in regard to any potential future claims against Elevate. These tolling agreements have been extended, andrecorded, however, we may enter into additional extensionsbe exposed to loss in excess of the tolling agreements in the future. any amounts accrued.
In December 2019, the TFI bankruptcy plan was confirmed, and any potential future claims from the TFI Creditors' Committee were assigned to the Think Finance Litigation Trust (“TFLT”). On February 20,August 14, 2020, the TFLT filed an adversary proceeding against Elevate Credit, Inc. in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, alleging certain avoidance claims related to Elevate's spin-off from TFI under the Bankruptcy Code and the TFLT will commence mediation in an attempt to resolve, prior to any litigation being filed, any potential claimsTexas Uniform Fraudulent Transfer Act ("TUFTA"). If it were determined that the TFLT may have against Elevate including, amongspin-off constituted a fraudulent conveyance or that there were other things, whether or notavoidance actions associated with the spin-off, of Elevate from TFI was a fraudulent conveyance. While Elevate can provide no assurances as tothen the potential outcome of such mediation process, in the event that there is a settlement and Elevate is unable to pay any amount resulting from such settlement, it could have a material adverse effect on Elevate’s financial condition, or, if there is no settlement and Elevate is deemed to ultimately be liable in this matter, Elevatespin-off could be obligated to file for bankruptcy. Elevate can provide no assurances as to how longdeemed void and there could be a number of different remedies imposed against us, including without limitation, the mediation process may take, or the outcome of such mediation. In addition, if the mediation is unsuccessful, Elevate anticipatesrequirement that the TFLT will pursue its claims in litigation against Elevate.we pay money damages. For more information please see “The“—The Think Finance Litigation Trust in the TFI bankruptcy, as well as third parties, may seek to hold us responsible for liabilities of TFI due to the Spin-Off.” Because no claimsWhile the TFLT values this claim at $246 million, we believe that we have been filedvalid defenses to the claim and intend to vigorously defend ourselves against this claim. Additionally, a class action lawsuit against Elevate no reasonable estimatewas filed on August 14, 2020 in the Eastern District of possible loss, if any, can be made atVirginia alleging violations of usurious interest and aiding and abetting various racketeering activities related to the operations of TFI prior to and immediately after the 2014 spin-off. On October 26, 2020, Elevate filed a motion to dismiss and awaits a ruling on that motion. Elevate views this time. We believe any future claims arelawsuit as without merit and intends to vigorously defend its position. Based upon preliminary settlement discussions in the fourth quarter of 2020, we intendaccrued a contingent loss in the amount of $17 million for estimated losses related to defend ourselves vigorously.the TFLT and class action disputes at December 31, 2020. This accrual is recognized as Non-operating loss in the Consolidated Income Statements and as Accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
In accordance with applicable guidance, we establish an accrued liability for litigation, regulatory matters and other legal proceedings when those matters present material loss contingencies that are both probable and reasonably estimable. Even when an accrual is recorded, we may be exposed to loss in excess of any amounts accrued. Furthermore, the lawsuit with the TFLT could cause investors to sell our stock based on concerns about potential adverse outcomes, whether unfounded or not, which could negatively impact our share price.
Defense of any lawsuit, even if successful, could require substantial time and attention of our management and could require the expenditure of significant amounts for legal fees, expenditures related to indemnification agreements and other related costs. In addition, a lawsuit or the mediation process with the TFLT, could cause investors to sell our stock based on concerns about potential adverse outcomes, whether unfounded or not, which could negatively impact our share price. We and others are also subject to regulatory proceedings, and we could suffer losses as a result of interpretations of applicable laws, rules and regulations in those regulatory proceedings, even if we are not a party to those proceedings. Any of these events could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
We may be unable to use some or all of our net operating loss carryforwards,carryforward (NOL), which could materially and adversely affect our reported financial condition and results of operations.
At December 31, 2019,2020, the NOL was approximately $64.8 million and we hadhave a UK net operating loss carryforward (“NOL”)history of $57.2 million available to offset future taxable income due to prior period losses. Thisutilizing our past NOL can be carried forward indefinitely. At December 31, 2018, we had a NOL from US operations of approximately $42.0 million.carryforwards. We expect that our results from future operations in 2019 will fully utilize thisthe NOL carryforward. At December 31, 2019, the remaining US NOL was immaterial. If not utilized, the US NOL will begin to expire in 2034. If we do not generate sufficient taxable income, we may not be able to utilize a material portion of our NOLs, even if we achieve profitability. If we are limited in our ability to use our NOLs in future years in which we have taxable income, we will pay more taxes than if we were able to fully utilize our NOLs. This could materially and adversely affect our results of operations.
Under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”), our ability to utilize the NOL or other tax attributes, such as research tax credits, in any taxable year may be limited if we experience an “ownership change.” A Section 382 “ownership change” generally occurs if one or more stockholders or groups of stockholders, who own at least 5% of our stock, increase their ownership by more than 50 percentage points over their lowest ownership percentage within a rolling three-year period. Similar rules may apply underunder state tax laws. We have not completed a Section 382 analysis through December 31, 2019.2020. If we have previously had, or have in the future, one or more Section 382 “ownership changes,” including in connection with our IPO, we may not be able to utilize a material portion of our NOL.
RISKS RELATED TO OUR ASSOCIATION WITH TFI
The Think Finance Litigation Trust in the TFI bankruptcy, as well as third parties, may seek to hold us responsible for liabilities of TFI due to the Spin-Off or for violations of certain federal laws.
In connection with our separation from TFI, TFI has generally agreed to retain all liabilities that did not historically arise from our business. Third parties may seek to hold us responsible for TFI’s retained liabilities, including third-party claims arising from TFI’s business and retained assets. For a description of current claims against us related to TFI see "—Current and future litigation or settlements or regulatory proceedings, including involving the TFI bankruptcy, could cause management distraction, harm our reputation and have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, or financial condition." Under the separation and distribution agreement, we are responsible for the debts, liabilities and other obligations related to the business or businesses that we own and operate. Under our agreements with TFI, TFI has agreed to indemnify us for claims and losses relating to its retained liabilities. However, if any of those liabilities are significant and we are ultimately held liable for such liabilities, we cannot assure you that we will be able to recover the full amount of our losses from TFI. As an example, Elevate is a potential defendant in litigation that may be brought on behalf of the debtors' estates in the TFI bankruptcy.
Although no such claims have been brought directly against Elevate to date, in October 2019, Elevate entered into tolling agreements with TFI Creditors' Committee and class claimants in regard to any potential future claims against Elevate. These tolling agreements have been extended, and we may enter into additional extensions of the tolling agreements in the future. In December 2019, the TFI bankruptcy plan was confirmed, and any claims from the TFI Creditors' Committee were assigned to the TFLT. In addition, on February 20, 2020, Elevate and the TFLT will commence mediation in an attempt to resolve, prior to any litigation being filed, any potential claims that the TFLT may have against Elevate including, among other things, whether or not the spin-off of Elevate from TFI was a fraudulent conveyance. In the event the mediation is unsuccessful, Elevate anticipates that the TFLT will pursue its claims in litigation against Elevate. As discussed below, in the event of litigation, to the extent that Elevate is not successful, it could be required to pay money in an amount equal to the difference between the consideration received by TFI in the spin-off and the fair market value of Elevate at the time of the spin-off. While Elevate can provide no assurances as to whether there will be a settlement, or a judgment against Elevate, or what the terms of any such settlement or judgment could be, in the event that Elevate is unable to pay any amount resulting from such settlement or judgment, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition, and Elevate could be obligated to file for bankruptcy. At this time, because no claims have been filed against Elevate, no reasonable estimate of possible loss, if any, can be made at this time. We believe any future claims are without merit, and we intend to defend ourselves vigorously.
Although we do not anticipate liability for any obligations not expressly assumed by us pursuant to the separation and distribution agreement, it is possible that we could be required to assume responsibility for certain obligations retained by TFI should TFI fail to pay or perform its retained obligations.
In addition, the spin-off could be challenged under various state and federal fraudulent conveyance laws. An unpaid creditor or an entity vested with the power of such creditor (such as the TFLT in the TFI bankruptcy could claim that the distribution left TFI insolvent or with unreasonably small capital or that TFI intended or believed it would incur debts beyond its ability to pay such debts as they mature and that TFI did not receive fair consideration or reasonably equivalent value in the spin-off. The measure of insolvency for purposes of such fraudulent conveyance laws will vary depending on which jurisdiction’s law is applied. Generally, however, an entity would be considered insolvent if either the fair saleable value of its assets is less than the amount of its liabilities (including the probable amount of contingent liabilities), or it is unlikely to be able to pay its liabilities as they become due. If it were determined that the spin-off constituted a fraudulent conveyance, then the spin-off could be deemed void and there could be a number of different remedies imposed against Elevate, including without limitation, the requirement that Elevate has to pay money damages in an amount equal to the difference between the consideration received by TFI in the spin-off and the fair market value of Elevate at the time of the spin-off. While Elevate can provide no assurances as to whether there will be a settlement, or a judgment against Elevate, or what the terms of any such settlement or judgment could be, in the event that Elevate is unable to pay any amount resulting from such settlement or judgment, it could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition,or, if there is no settlement and Elevate is deemed to ultimately be held liable in this matter, Elevate could be obligated to file for bankruptcy. In addition, in negotiations with the TFLT in the TFI bankruptcy, Elevate may be obligated to book a reserve for potential settlement amounts that it considers as an estimate of possible loss. Any such reserve could materially impact Elevate’s financial condition. Elevate can provide no assurances as to how long the mediation process may take, or the outcome of such mediation.
The CFPB has authority to investigate and issue Civil Investigative Demands to consumer lending businesses and may issue fines or corrective orders.
The CFPB has authority to investigate and issue Civil Investigative Demands (“CIDs”) to consumer lending businesses, including us. In June 2012, prior to the spin-off, and after the spin-off, TFI received CIDs from the CFPB. The purpose of the CIDs purportedly was to determine whether TFI engaged in unlawful acts or practices relating to the advertising, marketing, provision, or collection of small-dollar loan products, in violation of parts of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”), the Truth in Lending Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, or any other federal consumer financial law and to determine whether CFPB action to obtain legal or equitable relief would be in the public interest. On November 15, 2017, the CFPB sued TFI alleging it engaged in unfair, deceptive, or abusive acts or practices. The CFPB and TFI have settled all claims and have received final court approval in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas. While TFI’s business is distinct from our business, we cannot predict the final outcome of this litigation or to what extent any obligations arising out of such final outcome will be applicable to our Company, business or officers, if at all.
OTHER RISKS RELATED TO COMPLIANCE AND REGULATION
We, our marketing affiliates, our third-party service providers and our Bank Partners are subject to complex federal, state and local lending and consumer protection laws, and if we fail to comply with applicable laws, regulations, rules and guidance, our business could be adversely affected.
We, our marketing affiliates, our third-party service providers and our Bank Partners must comply with US federal, state and local regulatory regimes, including those applicable to consumer credit transactions. Certain US federal and state laws generally regulate interest rates and other charges and require certain disclosures. In particular, we may be subject to laws such as:
•local regulations and ordinances that impose requirements or restrictions related to certain loan product offerings and collection practices;
•state laws and regulations that impose requirements related to loan or credit service disclosures and terms, credit discrimination, credit reporting, debt servicing and collection;
•the Truth in Lending Act and Regulation Z promulgated thereunder, and similar state laws, which require certain disclosures to borrowers regarding the terms and conditions of their loans and credit transactions and other substantive consumer protections with respect to credit cards, such as an assessment of a borrower's ability to repay obligations and penalty fee limitations;
•Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, which prohibits unfair and deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce, Section 1031 of the Dodd-Frank Act, which prohibits unfair, deceptive or abusive acts or practices in connection with any consumer financial product or service, and similar state laws that prohibit unfair and deceptive acts or practices;
•the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Regulation B promulgated thereunder and state non-discrimination laws, which generally prohibit creditors from discriminating against credit applicants on the basis of race, color, sex, age, religion, national origin, marital status, the fact that all or part of the applicant’s income derives from any public assistance program or the fact that the applicant has in good faith exercised any right under the federal Consumer Credit Protection Act;
•the Fair Credit Reporting Act (the “FCRA”) as amended by the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act, and similar state laws, which promote the accuracy, fairness and privacy of information in the files of consumer reporting agencies;
•the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (the “FDCPA”) and similar state and local debt collection laws, which provide guidelines and limitations on the conduct of third-party debt collectors and creditors in connection with the collection of consumer debts;
•the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and Regulation P promulgated thereunder and similar state privacy laws, which include limitations on financial institutions’ disclosure of nonpublic personal information about a consumer to nonaffiliated third parties, in certain circumstances require financial institutions to limit the use and further disclosure of nonpublic personal information by nonaffiliated third parties to whom they disclose such information and require financial institutions to disclose certain privacy policies and practices with respect to information sharing with affiliated and nonaffiliated entities as well as to safeguard personal customer information, and other privacy laws and regulations;
•the Bankruptcy Code and similar state insolvency laws, which limit the extent to which creditors may seek to enforce debts against parties who have filed for bankruptcy protection;
•the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act and similar state laws, which allow military members and certain dependents to suspend or postpone certain civil obligations, as well as limit applicable rates, so that the military member can devote his or her full attention to military duties;
•the Military Lending Act and Department of Defense rules, which limit the interest rate and fees that may be charged to military members and their dependents, requires certain disclosures and prohibits certain mandatory clauses among other restrictions;
•the Electronic Fund Transfer Act and Regulation E promulgated thereunder, which provide disclosure requirements, guidelines and restrictions on the electronic transfer of funds from consumers’ asset accounts;
•the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce Act and similar state laws, particularly the Uniform Electronic Transactions Act, which authorize the creation of legally binding and enforceable agreements utilizing electronic records and signatures and, with consumer consent, permits required disclosures to be provided electronically;
•the Bank Secrecy Act, which relates to compliance with anti-money laundering, customer due diligence and record-keeping policies and procedures; and
•the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (the "TCPA") and the regulations of the Federal Communications Commission (the "FCC"), which regulations include limitations on telemarketing calls, auto-dialed calls, prerecorded calls, text messages and unsolicited faxes.
While it is our intention to always be in compliance with these laws, it is possible that we may currently be, or at some time have been, inadvertently out of compliance with some or any such laws. Further, all applicable laws are subject to evolving regulatory and judicial interpretations, which further complicate real-time compliance. Lastly, compliance with these laws is costly, time-consuming and limits our operational flexibility.
Failure to comply with these laws and regulatory requirements applicable to our business may, among other things, limit our or a collection agency’s ability to collect all or part of the principal of or interest on loans. As a result, we may not be able to collect on unpaid principal or interest. In addition, non-compliance could subject us to damages, revocation of required licenses, class action lawsuits, administrative enforcement actions, rescission rights held by investors in securities offerings and civil and criminal liability, which may harm our business and may result in borrowers rescinding their loans.
Where applicable, we seek to comply with state installment, CSO, servicing and similar statutes. In all jurisdictions with licensing or other requirements that we believe may be applicable to us, we comply with the relevant requirements by acquiring the necessary licenses or authorization and submitting appropriate registrations in connection therewith. Nevertheless, if we are found to not have complied with applicable laws, we could lose one or more of our licenses or authorizations or face other sanctions or penalties or be required to obtain other licenses or authorizations in such jurisdiction, which may have an adverse effect on our ability to perform our servicing obligations or make products or services available to borrowers in particular states, which may harm our business.
Our products currently have usage caps and limitations on lending based on internally developed “responsible lending guidelines.” If those policies become more restrictive due to legislative or regulatory changes at either the local, state, USor federal or UK regulatory level these products would experience declining revenues per customer. In some cases, legislative or regulatory changes at the local, state USor federal or UK regulatory level like the new law in Ohio targeting small-dollar lending practices, may require us to discontinue offering certain of our products in certain jurisdictions.
The CFPB may have examination authority over our US consumer lending business that could have a significant impact on our US business.
In July 2010, the US Congress passed the Dodd-Frank Act. Title X of the Dodd-Frank Act created the CFPB, which regulates US consumer financial products and services, and gave it regulatory, supervisory and enforcement powers over certain providers of consumer financial products and services, including authority to examine such providers.
The CFPB is currently considering rules to define larger participants in markets for consumer installment loans for purposes of supervision. Once this rule and corresponding examination rules are established, we anticipate the CFPB will examine us. The CFPB’s examination authority permits CFPB examiners to inspect the books and records of providers and ask questions about their business practices. The examination procedures include specific modules for examining marketing activities, loan application and origination activities, payment processing activities and sustained use by consumers, collections, accounts in default, consumer reporting activities and third-party relationships. As a result of these examinations, we could be required to change our products, our services or our practices, whether as a result of another party being examined or as a result of an examination of us, or we could be subject to monetary penalties, which could reduce our profit margins for the company or otherwise materially adversely affect us.
Furthermore, the CFPB’s practices and procedures regarding civil investigations, examination, enforcement and other matters relevant to us and other CFPB-regulated entities are subject to further development and change. Where the CFPB holds powers previously assigned to other regulators or may interpret laws previously interpreted by other regulators, the CFPB may not continue to apply such powers or interpret relevant concepts consistent with previous regulators’ practice. This may adversely affect our ability to anticipate the CFPB’s expectations or interpretations in our interaction with the CFPB.
The CFPB also has broad authority to prohibit unfair, deceptive and abusive acts and practices and to investigate and penalize financial institutions that violate this prohibition. In addition to having the authority to obtain monetary penalties for violations of applicable federal consumer financial laws (including the CFPB’s own rules), the CFPB can require remediation of practices, pursue administrative proceedings or litigation and obtain cease and desist orders (which can include orders for restitution or rescission of contracts, as well as other kinds of affirmative relief). Also, where a company is believed to have violated Title X of the Dodd-Frank Act or CFPB regulations implemented thereunder, the Dodd-Frank Act empowers state attorneys general and state regulators to bring civil actions to remedy such violations after consulting with the CFPB. If the CFPB or one or more state attorneys general or state regulators believe that we have violated any of the applicable laws or regulations, they could exercise their enforcement powers in ways that could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Many states, including California, Massachusetts, Maryland and New York, have taken steps to actively enforce consumer protection laws, including through the creation of so-called “mini-CFPBs.”
The CFPB issued proposed revisions to the 2017 Rulea final ruling on July 7, 2020 affecting the consumer lending industry, and thesethis or subsequent new rules and regulations, if they are finalized, may impact our US consumer lending business.
The CFPB released its final “Payday, Vehicle Title, and Certain High-Cost Lending Rule” (the "2017 Rule") on October 5, 2017, covering certain short-term and longer-term loans with an APR of 36% or higher and have a “leveraged payment mechanism” such as an ACH payment plan. On February 6, 2019, the CFPB issued proposed revisions to the 2017 Rule (the “2019 Proposed Revisions”). The 2019 Proposed Revisions leave in place requirements and limitations on attempts to withdraw payments from consumers’ checking, savings or prepaid accounts. Among other requirements, the payment provisions prohibit lenders that have had two consecutive attempts to collect money from a consumers’ account returned for insufficient funds from making any further attempts to collect from the account unless the consumers have provided new authorizations for additional payment transfers. Additionally, the payment provisions require us to give consumers at least three business days' advance notice before attempting payment withdrawals. The mandatory compliance deadline for the payment provisions of the 2017 Rule was August 19, 2019. Language in the 2019 Proposed Revisions suggest that the CFPB may be receptive to informal requests to revisit such payment provisions requirements. There are also recordkeeping requirements and compliance plan requirements in the 2019 Proposed Rule that will apply to us. On June 7, 2019, the CFPB announced a 15-month delay in the rule's August 19, 2019 compliance date to November 19, 2020 that applies only to the proposed rescission of the ability-to-pay provisions. Relatedly, the Community Financial Services Association of America (“CFSA”) sued the CFPB in April 2018 over the Payday, Vehicle Title, and Certain High-Cost Lending2017 Rule. As a result, the court suspended the Bureau’sCFPB’s August 19, 2019 implementation of the 2019 Proposed Revisions pending further order of the court. On August 6, 2019, the court issued an order that leaves the compliance date stay in effect. On July 7, 2020, the CFPB issued its final rule concerning small dollar lending. The CFPB plansfinal rule rescinds the mandatory underwriting provisions of the 2017 Rule after re-evaluating the legal and evidentiary bases for these provisions and finding them to finalizebe insufficient. The final rule does not rescind or alter the 2019 Proposed Revisions inpayments provisions of the first2017 Rule. It is unknown at this time to what extent this finalized rule, or second quarter of 2020. To the extent that the 2019 Proposed Revisions, orany subsequent new rules and regulations proposed by the CFPB are finalized,will have an adverse effect on the results of operations of our US consumer lending business could be adversely affected.business.
The FDIC has issued examination guidance affecting our unaffiliated third-party lenders and these or subsequent new rules and regulations could have a significant impact on our products originated by unaffiliated third-party lenders.
The Bank-Originated Products are offered by Elevate's unaffiliated third-party lenders using technology, underwriting and marketing services provided by Elevate. The unaffiliated third-party lenders are supervised and examined by both the states that charter them and the FDIC. If the FDIC or a state supervisory body considers any aspect of the products originated by unaffiliated third-party lenders to be inconsistent with its guidance, the unaffiliated third-party lenders may be required to alter the product.
On July 29, 2016, the board of directors of the FDIC released examination guidance relating to third-party lending as part of a package of materials designed to “improve the transparency and clarity of the FDIC’s supervisory policies and practices” and consumer compliance measures that FDIC-supervised institutions should follow when lending through a business relationship with a third party. The proposed guidance, if finalized, would apply to all FDIC-supervised institutions that engage in third-party lending programs, including certain Bank 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. Comments on the guidance were due October 27, 2016. 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 June 5, 2018, Jelena McWilliams was sworn inJuly 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 the Chairpart of the FDIC.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 the incoming Chairthis request and potential proposal will have on the FDIC's third-party lending policies governing the Bank Products.
The UK has imposed, and continues to impose, increased regulation of the high-cost short-term credit industry with the stated expectation that some firms will exit the market.
During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, our UK operations represented 14% and 16%, respectively, of our consolidated total revenues. In the UK, we are subject to regulation by the FCA pursuant to the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (the “FSMA”), the Consumer Credit Act 1974, as amended (the “CCA”), and secondary legislation passed under such statutes, among other rules and regulations including the FCA Handbook, which collectively serve to transpose the obligations under the European Consumer Credit Directive into UK law.
The FSMA gives the FCA the power to authorize, supervise, examine, bring enforcement actions and impose fines and disciplinary sanctions against providers of consumer credit, as well as to make rules for the regulation of consumer credit. The Consumer Credit Sourcebook (the "CONC") incorporates prescriptive regulations for consumer loans such as those that we offer, including mandatory affordability checks on borrowers, limiting the number of refinances, or “rollovers,” to two, restricting how lenders can advertise, banning advertisements that the FCA deems misleading, and introducing a limit of two unsuccessful attempts on the use of continuous payment authority ("CPA") (which provides a creditor the ability to directly debit a customer’s account for payment using their bank card details when authorized by the customer to do so) to pay off a loan. The UK also has strict regulations regarding advertising (including websites) and the presentation, form and content of loan agreements, including statutory warnings, the layout of prescribed financial information, as well as in relation to defaulted loans and collections activities. The changes that we have implemented or any changes we may be required to implement in the future as a result of such legislative and regulatory activities could have a material adverse effect on our UK business.
In the period since the FCA acquired responsibility for the regulation of consumer credit in the UK in place of the Office of Fair Trading (the "OFT") in April 2014, there have been a large number of new regulations affecting our UK product offerings. These include the introduction of a rate cap, a prohibition on certain types of line of credit products, the establishment of a price comparison website, and restrictions on payment processing activities, among other changes. The rate cap imposes a maximum interest rate of 0.8% per day and maximum late payment fee of £15; the total amount charged for the loan, including all default charges, must not exceed 100% of the capital sum originally borrowed. This rule translates to a maximum rate of £24 for every £100 borrowed for a 30-day period, or 0.8% per day. The maximum fees that can be earned on the loan (through interest, default fees, and late interest) ensure that a consumer cannot pay back more than twice the amount of principal borrowed.
In July 2017, the FCA announced that it had reviewed the impact of the 0.8% per day price cap and concluded that the current price cap will be left in place. The FCA will review the price cap again in 2020. Further, the FCA found that regulation of high-cost short-term credit, including the price cap, has led to substantial benefits to consumers. The FCA validated concerns about specific products and segments of the high-cost credit market, including unarranged overdrafts and long-term use of high-cost credit and the rent-to-own, home-collected credit and catalog credit markets. In May 2018, the FCA published the outcome of its high-cost credit review and proposed changes to its regulations of overdrafts, the rent-to-own market, home-collected credit, catalogue credit and store cards.
No recommendations were made concerning the high-cost short-term credit loan market. Separately, the FCA has asked companies to review their lending practices regarding repeat borrowing to ensure such lending practices reflect decisions made by the Financial Ombudsman Service. Our UK business has undertaken this exercise and has invited the FCA to discuss its findings. While we believe that our UK business has implemented lending practices for repeat borrowing that are compliant with regulatory requirements, if the FCA were to impose a cap on a number of times a consumer of our Sunny product can borrow from us, this could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.
During 2019 and 2018, our UK business received an increased number of customer complaints initiated by claims management companies ("CMCs") related to the affordability assessment of certain loans. If our evidence supports the affordability assessment and we reject the claim, the customer has the right to take the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service for further adjudication. The CMCs' campaign against the high cost lending industry increased significantly during the third and fourth quarters of 2018 and continued through 2019 resulting in a significant increase in affordability claims against all companies in the industry during this period. We believe that many of the increased claims are without merit and reflect the use of abusive and deceptive tactics by the CMCs. The FCA began regulating the CMCs in April 2019 in order to ensure that the methods used by the CMCs are in the best interests of the consumer and the industry. As of December 31, 2019, we accrued approximately $2.3 million for the claims received that were determined to be probable and reasonably estimable based on the Company's historical loss rates related to these claims. The outcomes of the adjudication of these claims may differ from the Company's estimates, and as a result, our estimates may change in the near term and the effect of any such change could be material to the financial statements. We continue to monitor the matters for further developments that could affect the amount of the accrued liability recognized.
Separately, the FCA asked all industry participants to review their lending practices to ensure that such companies are using an appropriate affordability and creditworthiness analysis. Our UK business provided the requested information to the FCA. The FCA recently reported back to us and asked our UK business to tighten certain aspects of its income verification and expenditure processes. We are working with the FCA to ensure the changes we make address all matters raised by the FCA.
In February 2016, the FCA issued full authorization to Elevate for our UK business. Similar to US federal and state regulatory regimes, the FCA has the power to revoke, suspend or impose conditions upon our authorization to conduct a consumer credit business if it determines we are out of compliance with applicable UK laws, high-cost short-term rules or other legal requirements ensuring fair treatment of consumers. If the FCA adopts rules that significantly restrict the conduct of our business, any such rules could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows or could make the continuance of all or part of our UK business impractical or unprofitable. Any new rules adopted by the FCA could also result in significant compliance costs.
On October 25, 2019, the Company's UK subsidiary, ECI, entered into an agreement with the FCA that prohibits us from making any payments greater than £1.0 million outside of the normal course of business without obtaining prior approval from the FCA. The Company believes this agreement will not have a material impact on ECI's ability to continue to serve its customers and meet its obligations.
Our advertising and marketing materials and disclosures have been and continue to be subject to regulatory scrutiny, particularly in the UK.
In the jurisdictions where we operate, our advertising and marketing activities and disclosures are subject to regulation under various industry standards, consumer protection laws, and other applicable laws and regulations. Consistent with the consumer lending industry as a whole (see “—The consumer lending industry continues to be subjected to new laws and regulations in many jurisdictions that could restrict the consumer lending products and services we offer, impose additional compliance costs on us, render our current operations unprofitable or even prohibit our current operations” above), our advertising and marketing materials have come under increased scrutiny. In the UK, for example, consumer credit firms are subject to the financial promotion regime set out in the FSMA (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 and specific rules in the CONC, part 3, such as the inclusion of a risk warning on all advertising materials. The FCA has also decided to adopt certain elements of industry codes as FCA rules on a case by case basis. Our advertising and marketing materials in the UK are subject to review and regulation both by the FCA and the Advertising Standards Authority. We have in some cases been required to withdraw, amend or add disclosures to such materials, or have done so voluntarily in response to inquiries or complaints. Going forward, there can be no guarantee that we will be able to advertise and market our business in the UK or elsewhere in a manner we consider effective. Any inability to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Elevate's operations.
The regulatory landscape in which we operate is continually changing due to new CFPB rules, regulations and interpretations, as well as various legal actions that have been brought against others in marketplace lending, including several lawsuits 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, rather than making loans ourselves and were such an action to be successful, we could be subject to state usury limits and/or state licensing requirements, 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.
The case law involving whether an originating lender, on the one hand, or third-parties,third parties, on the other hand, are the “true lenders” of a loan is still developing and courts have come to different conclusions and applied different analyses. The determination of whether a third-party service provider is the “true lender” is significant because third-parties risk having the loans they service becoming subject to a consumer’s state usury limits. A number of federal courts that have opined on the “true lender” issue have looked to who is the lender identified on the borrower’s loan documents. A number of state courts and at least one federal district court have considered a number of other factors when analyzing whether the originating lender or a third party is the “true lender,” including looking at the economics of the transaction to determine, among other things, who has the predominant economic interest in the loan being made. If we were re-characterized as a “true lender” with respect to Elastic, or Rise of Texas or FinWise or CCB states, loans 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 Republic Bank, FinWise Bank, CCB or the CSO lenders in Texas were subject to such a lawsuit, they may elect to terminate their relationship with us voluntarily or at the direction of their regulators, and if they lost the lawsuit, they could be forced to modify or terminate the programs.
On August 13, 2018, the California Supreme Court in Eduardo De La Torre, et al. v. CashCall, Inc., held that interest rates on consumer loans of $2,500 or more could be found unconscionable under section 22302 of the California Financial Code, despite not being subject to certain statutory interest rate caps and that such a finding requires a full unconscionability analysis, which is fact-intensive. The California Supreme Court did not hold that any particular loan or loans were unconscionable. In its opinion, the California Supreme Court noted that the unconscionability determination is not an easy one, that high interest rates may indeed be justified for higher risk borrowers. As a result of the California Supreme Court’s ruling, the case was remanded to the Northern District of California. The Judge for the Northern District of California dismissed the case, on the basis that the unconscionability analysis and class action determination are matters of state law for evaluation by a state court.
On August 31, 2016, the United States District Court for the Central District of California ruled in CFPB v. CashCall, Inc. et. al. that CashCall was the “true lender” and consequently was engaged in deceptive practices by servicing and collecting on payday loans in certain states where the interest rate on the loans exceeded the state usury limit and/or where CashCall was not a licensed lender. The CashCall case is related to a tribally related lending program. In reaching its decision, the court adopted a “totality of the circumstances” test to determine which party to the transaction had the “predominant economic interest” in the transaction. Given the fact-intensive nature of a “totality of the circumstances” assessment, the particular and varied details of marketplace lending and other bank partner programs may lead to different outcomes to those reached in CashCall, even in those jurisdictions where courts adopt the “totality of the circumstances” approach. Notably, CashCall did not address the federal preemption of state law under the National Bank Act or any other federal statute. Although CashCall is appealing the decision in the Ninth Circuit, on January 26, 2018, the District Court ordered CashCall to pay approximately $10.2 million in civil money penalties, but no consumer restitution. In issuing the judgment, which was significantly less than the $280 million the CFPB sought in penalties and consumer restitution, the Court found that CashCall had not knowingly or recklessly violated consumer protection laws, and that the CFPB had not demonstrated that consumer restitution was an appropriate remedy.
On September 20, 2016, in Beechum v. Navient Solutions, Inc., the United States District Court for the Central District of California dismissed a class action suit alleging usurious interest rates on private student loans in violation of California law. In doing so, the court rejected the plaintiff’s arguments that the defendants were the de facto “true lenders” of loans made by a national bank under a bank partnership arrangement with a non-bank partner. Consistent with the controlling judicial authority for challenges to the applicability of statutory or constitutional exemptions to California’s usury prohibition, the court determined that “it must look solely to the face of the transaction” in determining whether an exemption applies and did not apply the “totality of the circumstances” test.
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 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 US Supreme Court to deny certiorari, the US 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 United States 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, itIt is unknown whether Madden will be applied outside of the defaulted debt context in which it arose; however, recently two class actions, Cohen v Capital One Funding, LLC,et al and Chase Card Funding, LLC,et al, have relied on Madden to challenge the interest rate charged once debt was sold to securitization trusts. The facts in CashCall, Navient and Madden are not directly applicable to our business, as we do not engage in practices similar to those at issue in CashCall, Navient or Madden, and we do not purchase whole loans or engage in business in states within the Second Circuit. However, to the extent that either the holdings in CashCall or Madden were broadened to cover circumstances applicable to our business, or if other litigation on related theories were brought against us and were successful, or we were otherwise found to be the "true lender," we could become subject to state usury limits and state licensing laws, in addition to the state consumer protection laws to which we are already subject, in a greater number of states, loans in such states could be deemed void and unenforceable, and we could be subject to substantial penalties in connection with such loans.
In response to the uncertainty Madden created as to the validity of interest rates of bank-originated loans, sold in the secondary market, in November 2019,both the OCC and the FDIC took action to reaffirm the “valid when made” doctrine by issuing a notice of proposed rulemakingissued final rules to clarify that when a bank sells, assigns or otherwise transfers a loan, the interest permissible prior to the transfer would continuecontinues to be permissible following the transfer. The 60-day comment periods ended January 21, 2020 and February 4, 2020, respectively, and it is anticipated that the agencies will issueOCC final rules soon.rule was effective on August 3, 2020. The FDIC issuedfinal rule was effective on August 21, 2020. On July 29, 2020, the attorneys general from California, Illinois and New York filed a similar proposed rulelawsuit against the OCC challenging the rule. Then in August 2020, attorneys general from California, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina and D.C. sued the FDIC alleging the core of the rulemaking "is beyond the FDIC's power to reaffirm the “valid when made” doctrineissue, is contrary to statute, and its comment period ended on February 4, 2020.would facilitate predatory lending through sham 'rent-a-bank' partnerships designed to evade state law."
Relatedly, the OCC and FDICboth agencies have signaled they are working on a rule to remove uncertainty surrounding the “true lender” theory-which involves a claim by a borrower or regulator that the supposed “true lender” of a loan funded by a bank is a non-bank service provider of the bank, rather than the bank itself. This controversial theory poses a growing threat to banks’ ability to enter into contractual partnerships with nonbanknon-bank service providers to extend responsible credit products that are far superior to payday loans. Such a theory threatens to undermine the long-established lending powers of national and state charteredstate-chartered banks and the validity of their originated loans and could cause substantial disruption to the financial system upon which all Americans rely. AsOn July 20, 2020, the OCC proposed a result,rule that would determine when a national bank or federal savings association makes a loan and is the agencies"true lender" in the context of a partnership between a bank and a third party. The proposed rule would resolve this uncertainty by specifying that a bank makes a loan and is the "true lender" if, as of the date of origination, it (1) is named as the lender in the loan agreement or (2) funds the loan.
On October 27, 2020, the OCC issued its final rule as proposed. In addition to the bright line test as to who is the "true lender", the rule also clarifies that as the "true lender" of a loan, the bank retains the compliance obligations associated with the origination of that loan, thus negating concern regarding harmful rent-a-charter arrangements. The rule became effective December 29, 2020.
On July 20, 2020, the FDIC announced that is seeking the public's input on the potential for a public/private standard-setting partnership and voluntary certification program to promote the efficient and effective adoption of innovative technologies at FDIC-supervised financial institutions. The Request for Information 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." The deadline for comments was September 22, 2020. We are looking to provide clarity for banks and their non-bank service providers.
awaiting further developments from the FDIC.
Lastly, the OCC and FDIC are also working on a proposed “Small Dollar Rule” which will facilitate greater financial inclusion and give guidance for banks that make “small dollar” loans to non-prime consumers. The guidance could impact the products or interest rates that unaffiliated third-party banks originate utilizing the Elevate’s lending platforms.
California’s Governor Gavin Newsom recently proposed a new law,On January 1, 2021, the California Consumer Financial Protection Law (CCFPL)("CCFPL"), that would renameexpanded the Departmentenforcement powers of Business Oversight to be the California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation and also empower(previously known as the California Department to extendof Business Oversight). The new law extends state oversight toof financial services providers not currently subject to state supervision but also facilitate innovation.supervision.
In 2017, the Colorado Attorney General recently filed complaints in state court against marketplace lenders Marlette Funding LLC and Avant of Colorado LLC on behalf of the administrator of Colorado’s Uniform Consumer Credit Code (UCCC)(“UCCC”), alleging violations of the UCCC based on “true lender” and loan assignment (Madden) cases with respect to lending programs sponsored by WebBank and Cross River Bank, respectively. After years of litigation, on August 7, 2020, all parties entered into a settlement of all claims comprising of a civil money penalty of $1,050,000 and a $500,000 contribution to a Colorado financial literacy program. The complaints allege thatsettlement provides a safe harbor for the non-bank service providers, Marlette Funding LLC and Avantmarketplace lending programs at issue in the suits, as well as certain of Colorado LLC - rather than WebBank and Cross River Bank, are the "true lenders," and therefore subject to Colorado usury limits. Efforts by Avant and Marlette Funding to remove the cases to federal court and efforts by Cross River Bank and WebBank seeking declaratory judgments against the administrator of Colorado's UCCC failed (although both Cross River Bank and WebBank filed appeals with the Tenth Circuit). At this time, it is unknown what the outcome of these cases will be and whether any conclusions of law would be applied outside Colorado. However, recently in November 2018, the administrator of Colorado's UCCC amended its complaints against Avant and Marlette Funding to add additional parties (the securitization trusts that acquired the loans originated under the bank partnerships Avant and Marlette Funding have with Cross River Bank and WebBank) alleging violations of Colorado's UCCCbanks’ other marketplace lending programs if certain criteria related to oversight, disclosure, funding, licensing, consumer terms, and structure are followed. Only the finance chargesparties to the litigation are bound by this settlement and fees receivedfurther, it only applies to closed-end loans offered by the securitization trusts.banks in conjunction with non-bank partners or fintechs partnering with banks that involve origination of loans through an online platform. Another marketplace lender, Kabbage, Inc. and its bank, Celtic Bank, were sued in Massachusetts federal court in 2017, with the defendant alleging that Kabbage, not Celtic Bank, is the “true lender.” Kabbage, Inc. was successful in compelling arbitration in that case. In October 2019, Kabbage was sued in the Southern District of New York by several small businesses alleging violations of state usury laws (California, Massachusetts, Colorado, New York) and racketeering and conspiracy under federal RICO statutes. It also includes claims for violations of various state laws other than usury laws, including the California Financing Law Code (CFLC)("CFLC").
The plaintiffs This case was settled and dismissed in that case also make a UDAP claim under Massachusetts law in which they allege that Kabbage’s loan agreements were “contracts of adhesion” that included “unconscionable and unfair provisions” such as provisions that required the plaintiffs to waive the right to a jury trial, waive the right to participate in a class action, and waive the right to seek legal redress in their home state. It is expected that the Kabbage will again seek to compel arbitration in this most recent lawsuit.August 2020.
In the last few months, we have seen increased activity by some state regulatory authorities seeking to understand the services we provide to our Bank Partners. We cannot predict the final outcome of these inquiries or to what extent any obligations arising out of such final outcome will be applicable to our Company, business or officers, if at all. It is possible that some state
regulators could conclude that we are subject to state laws, including licensing or registration in connection with services we
provide to our Bank Partners.
In September 2019, the FDIC The recent and the OCC jointly submitted an amicus brief to the U.S. District Court for the Districtanticipated further clarifications of Colorado in support of the appellee debt buyer, urging the district court to uphold the bank's rights to enforce that debt to the debt buyer, including the bank's right to chargefederal interest as authorized under the laws of its home state. The brief includes related discussions of (i) the rights of federally regulated banks to "export" their home states' interest ratesrate preemption by charging those rates to borrowers nationwide, first with respect to national banks under section 85 of the National Bank Act and then with respect to state banks under section 27 of the Federal Deposit Insurance Act and (ii) federal preemption of state usury laws. The portion of the brief that discusses rate exportation strongly reaffirms the OCC and the FDIC's complete accord that section 27 and section 85FDIC should be mirror images of each other. At the conclusion of their brief, the agencies ask the district courtprovide clarification to affirm the bankruptcy court's decision on the basis that affirmation would "preserve the banks' longstanding ability to engage in loan sales, would reaffirm the traditional protections that such loan sales have received under the law, would ensure the proper functioning of the credit markets, and would promote safety and soundness in the banking sector by supporting loan sales and securitizations, which are used to manage capital and liquidity positions."conclusions.
We use third-party collection agencies to assist us with debt collection. Their failure to comply with applicable debt collection regulations could subject us to fines and other liabilities, which could harm our reputation and business.
The FDCPA regulates persons who regularly collect or attempt to collect, directly or indirectly, consumer debts owed or asserted to be owed to another person. Many states impose additional requirements on debt collection communications, and some of those requirements may be more stringent than the federal requirements. Moreover, regulations governing debt collection are subject to changing interpretations that differ from jurisdiction to jurisdiction. We use third-party collections agencies to collect on debts incurred by consumers of our credit products. Regulatory changes could make it more difficult for collections agencies to effectively collect on the loans we originate.
Non-US jurisdictions also regulate debt collection. For example, in the UK, due to new rules under the CONC we have made adjustments to some of our business practices, including our collections processes, which could possibly result in lower collections on loans made by us and has resulted in a decrease in the number of new customers that we are able to approve. In addition, the concerns expressed to us by the OFT and the FCA relate in part to debt collection. We could be subject to fines, written orders or other penalties if we, or parties working on our behalf, are determined to have violated the FDCPA, the CONC or analogous state or international laws, which could have a material adverse effect on our reputation, business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Our business is subject to complex and evolving US and international laws and regulations regarding privacy, data protection, and other matters. Many of these laws and regulations are subject to change and uncertain interpretation, and could result in claims, changes to our business practices, monetary penalties, increased cost of operations, or declines in user growth or engagement, or otherwise harm our business.
We receive, transmit and store a large volume of personally identifiable information and other sensitive data from customers and potential customers. Our business is subject to a variety of laws and regulations in the US and the UK that involve user privacy issues, data protection, advertising, marketing, disclosures, distribution, electronic contracts and other communications, consumer protection and online payment services. The introduction of new products or expansion of our activities in certain jurisdictions may subject us to additional laws and regulations. In addition, international data protection, privacy, and other laws and regulations can be more restrictive than those in the US. US federal and state and international laws and regulations, which can be enforced by private parties or government entities, are constantly evolving and can be subject to significant change.
A number of proposals have recently been implemented or are pending before federal state, and internationalstate legislative and regulatory bodies that could impose obligations in areas such as privacy. For example, the European Union's new General Data Protection Regulation (the “GDPR”) was implemented in the UK in May 2018, and the California Consumer Privacy Act (the “CCPA”) came into effect on January 1, 2020. The GDPR is more prescriptive than the prior EU regime and has imposed new obligations on businesses, including the requirement to appoint a data protection officer in some circumstances, self-report personal data breaches, obtain express consent to data processing in certain circumstances and provide more enhanced rights to individuals whose personal data they process, including the "right to be forgotten," by having records containing their personal data erased, subject to certain exceptions. Penalties for non-compliance with the GDPR are significant, with a maximum fine calculated as the higher of €20 million or 4% of global turnover for the preceding year. Similar to the GDPR, the CCPA broadly defines personal information and provides California consumers increased privacy rights and protections. California Attorney General ("AG") Xavier Becerra issued draftIn August 2020, final implementing regulations on October 11, 2019were approved to guide covered businesses' implementation of the CCPA.CCPA, and since that time, the California Attorney General has proposed four sets of modifications to these regulations. With the passage of the California Privacy Rights Act (the “CPRA”) on November 3, 2020, we expect privacy rights of Californians will expand significantly and become more restrictive for companies that do business in California.
Additionally, on October 22, 2020, under the direction of CFPB Director Kraninger, the CFPB issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (“ANPR”) soliciting feedback on how the CFPB should develop regulations to implement Section 1033 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (“Dodd-Frank Act”). Subject to rules prescribed by the CFPB, Section 1033 requires “covered persons” to make available to a consumer, upon request, information in the control or possession of the covered person concerning the consumer financial product or service that the consumer obtained from such covered person, including information related to any transaction, series of transactions or to the account, including costs, charges and usage data. Once the ANPR is published in the Federal Register, it will be open for comment for 90 days. The regulations address several CCPA provisions that explicitly callcomment period for the AG's input, as well as others that have been the subject of confusion, criticism, or discussion.
In addition, theANPR closed February 4,th European Union's anti-money laundering directive (2015/849/EC) came into effect in June 2017 2021. It is unknown what Director-Elect Chopra intends to do regarding this matter and requires changes to customer due diligence assessments and greater focus on a risk-based approach.
Some countries are also considering or have enacted legislation requiring local storage and processing of data that, if applicable to the markets in which we operate, would increase the cost and complexity of delivering our services. These existing and proposed laws and regulations can be costly to comply with and can delay or impede the development of new products, the expansion into new markets, result in negative publicity, increase our operating costs, require significant management time and attention, and subject us to inquiries or investigations, claims or other liabilities, including demands that we modify or cease existing business practices or pay fines, penalties or other damages.
Itfurther, it is difficult to assess the likelihood of the enactment ofimpact that this and any future legislation or the impact that such rules and regulations implementing Section 1033 could have on our business. We are operating on the basis, confirmed by the UK government and the FCA, that the decision of the UK to leave the European Union will not affect the implementation of the new European Union directives on data protection and anti-money laundering as outlined above.
The use of personal data in credit underwriting is highly regulated.
In the US, the FCRA regulates the collection, dissemination and use of consumer information, including consumer credit information. Compliance with the FCRA and related laws and regulations concerning consumer reports has recently been under regulatory scrutiny. The FCRA requires us to provide a Notice of Adverse Action to a loan applicant when we deny an application for credit, which, among other things, informs the applicant of the action taken regarding the credit application and the specific reasons for the denial of credit. The FCRA also requires us to promptly update any credit information reported to a consumer reporting agency about a consumer and to allow a process by which consumers may inquire about credit information furnished by us to a consumer reporting agency. Historically, the FTC has played a key role in the implementation, oversight, enforcement and interpretation of the FCRA. Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, the CFPB has primary supervisory, regulatory and enforcement authority of FCRA issues. Although the FTC also retains its enforcement role regarding the FCRA, it shares that role in many respects with the CFPB. The CFPB has taken a more active approach than the FTC, including with respect to regulation, enforcement and supervision of the FCRA. Changes in the regulation, enforcement or supervision of the FCRA may materially affect our business if new regulations or interpretations by the CFPB or the FTC require us to materially alter the manner in which we use personal data in our credit underwriting.
On May 28, 2018, our UK business
In January 2020, California businesses became subject to the GDPR,CCPA and in JanuaryNovember 2020, our California businesssuch businesses became subject to the CCPA.CPRA. As described above in "-Our"—Our business is subject to complex and evolving US and international laws and regulations regarding privacy, data protection, and other matters. Many of these laws and regulations are subject to change and uncertain interpretation, and could result in claims, changes to our business practices, monetary penalties, increased cost of operations, or declines in user growth or engagement, or otherwise harm our business," the CCPA broadly defines personal information and provides California consumers increased privacy rights and protections, and the GDPR is more prescriptive than the prior regime and includes new obligations on businesses, including the requirement to appoint a data protection officer, self-report breaches, obtain express consent to data processing and provide more rights to individuals whose data they process, including the “right to be forgotten,” by having their records erased. Penalties for non-compliance with the GDPR are significant with a maximum fine calculated as the higher of €20 million or 4% of global turnover for the preceding year. There are also strict rules on the use of credit reference data under the CCA regulations and the CONC. We are also subject to laws limiting the transfer of personal data from the European Economic Area to non-European Economic Area countries or territories.protections.
There are also strict rules on the instigation of electronic communications such as email, text message and telephone calls under the Privacy and Electronic Communications (EC Directive) Regulations 2003 (“PECR”), which generally prohibit unsolicited direct marketing by electronic means without express consent, as well as the monitoring of devices. The UK left the European Union on January 31, 2020. During the transition period agreed between the UK and the European Union, which is expected to end on December 31, 2020, the GDPR, PECR and other European Union laws will continue to apply within the UK. When the transition period ends, the UK will implement the Data Protection, Privacy and Electronic Communications (Amendments etc) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019, which transpose the protections of the GDPR and PECR under UK law. The UK is expected to continue the protections of the GDPR and PECR for the transfer of personal data into and out of the UK. We expect to comply with any changes to the framework for the transfer of personal data into and out of the UK but can provide no assurances as to whether such regulation will be more or less burdensome than the GDPR, PECR and other European Union regulations, and we may incur significant costs in transitioning to any new regulatory model. Furthermore, complianceCompliance with any new or developing privacy laws in the US, including the CCPA, the CPRA, or other state or federal laws that may be enacted in the future, may require significant resources and could have a material adverse impact on our business and results of operations.
The oversight of the FCRA by both the CFPB and the FTC and any related investigation or enforcement activities or our failure to comply with the Data Protection Act ("DPA"), GDPR, PECR and any supplementary data protection legislation may have a material adverse impact on our business, including our operations, our mode and manner of conducting business and our financial results.
Judicial decisions or amendments to the Federal Arbitration Act could render the arbitration agreements we use illegal or unenforceable.
We include arbitration provisions in our consumer loan agreements. These provisions are designed to allow us to resolve any customer disputes through individual arbitration rather than in court and explicitly provide that all arbitrations will be conducted on an individual and not on a class basis. Thus, our arbitration agreements, if enforced, have the effect of shielding us from class action liability. Our arbitration agreements do not generally have any impact on regulatory enforcement proceedings. We take the position that the arbitration provisions in our consumer loan agreements, including class action waivers, are valid and enforceable; however, the enforceability of arbitration provisions is often challenged in court. If those challenges are successful, our arbitration and class action waiver provisions could be unenforceable, which could subject us to additional litigation, including additional class action litigation.
Any judicial decisions, legislation or other rules or regulations that impair our ability to enter into and enforce consumer arbitration agreements and class action waivers could significantly increase our exposure to class action litigation as well as litigation in plaintiff-friendly jurisdictions, which would be costly and could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
We use marketing affiliates to assist us and the originating lender in obtaining new customers, and if such marketing affiliates do not comply with an increasing number of applicable laws and regulations, or if our ability to use such marketing affiliates is otherwise impaired, it could adversely affect our business.
We depend in part on marketing affiliates as a source of new customers for us and, with respect to the Bank Products, for the originating lender and credit card issuer. Our marketing affiliates place our advertisements on their websites that direct potential customers to our websites. As a result, the success of our business depends in part on the willingness and ability of marketing affiliates to provide us customer referrals at acceptable prices.
If regulatory oversight of marketing affiliates relationships is increased, through the implementation of new laws or regulations or the interpretation of existing laws or regulations, our ability to use marketing affiliates could be restricted or eliminated.
Marketing affiliates’ failure to comply with applicable laws or regulations, or any changes in laws or regulations applicable to marketing affiliates relationships or changes in the interpretation or implementation of such laws or regulations, could have an adverse effect on our business and could increase negative perceptions of our business and industry. Additionally, the use of marketing affiliates could subject us to additional regulatory cost and expense. If our ability to use marketing affiliates were to be impaired, our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows could be materially adversely affected.
RISKS RELATED TO THE SECURITIES MARKETS AND OWNERSHIP OF OUR COMMON STOCK
The price of our common stock may be volatile, and the value of your investment could decline.
Technology stocks have historically experienced high levels of volatility. The trading price of our common stock may fluctuate substantially depending on many factors, some of which are beyond our control and may not be related to our operating performance. These fluctuations could cause you to lose all or part of your investment in our common stock. Factors that could cause fluctuations in the trading price of our common stock include the following:
•announcements of new products, services or technologies, relationships with strategic partners or acquisitions or changes in the timing of such anticipated events; of the termination of, or material changes to, material agreements; or of other events by us or our competitors;
•changes in economic conditions;
•changes in prevailing interest rates;
•price and volume fluctuations in the overall stock market from time to time;
•significant volatility in the market price and trading volume of technology companies in general and of companies in the financial services industry;
•fluctuations in the trading volume of our shares or the size of our public float;
•actual or anticipated changes in our operating results or fluctuations in our operating results;
•quarterly fluctuations in demand for our loans;
•whether our operating results meet the expectations of securities analysts or investors;
•actual or anticipated changes in the expectations of investors or securities analysts;
•regulatory developments in the US, foreign countries or both and our ability to comply with applicable regulations;
•material litigation, including class action lawsuits;
•major catastrophic events;
•sales of large blocks of our stock;
•entry into, modification of or termination of a material agreement; or
•departures of key personnel or directors.
In addition, if the market for technology and financial services stocks or the stock market in general experiences loss of investor confidence, the trading price of our common stock could decline for reasons unrelated to our business, operating results or financial condition. The trading price of our common stock might also decline in reaction to events that affect other companies in our industry even if these events do not directly affect us. In the past, following periods of volatility in the market price of a company’s securities, securities class action litigation has often been brought against that company. If our stock price is volatile, we may become the target of securities litigation. Securities litigation could result in substantial costs and divert our management’s attention and resources from our business. This could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research reports about our business, our share price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our common stock, to some extent, depends on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. We do not have any control over these analysts. If one or more of the analysts who cover us should downgrade our shares or change their opinion of our shares, our share price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts should cease coverage of our company or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which could cause our share price or trading volume to decline.
We may not pay dividends for the foreseeable future.
We have never declared or paid any dividends on our common stock. In addition, pursuant to our financing agreement, we are prohibited from paying cash dividends without the prior consent of VPC, and we may be further restricted in the future by debt or other agreements we enter into. As a result, you may only receive a return on your investment in our common stock if the market price of our common stock increases.
Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents and Delaware law may delay or prevent an acquisition of us.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws contain provisions that may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of us or changes in our management. The provisions, among other things:
•establish a classified Board of Directors so that not all members of our Board of Directors are elected at one time;
•permit only our Board of Directors to establish the number of directors and fill vacancies on the Board;
•provide that directors may only be removed “for cause” and only with the approval of two-thirds of our stockholders;
•require two-thirds approval to amend some provisions in our restated certificate of incorporation and restated bylaws;
•authorize the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock that our Board of Directors could use to implement a stockholder rights plan, or a “poison pill;”
•eliminate the ability of our stockholders to call special meetings of stockholders;
•prohibit stockholder action by written consent, which will require that all stockholder actions must be taken at a stockholder meeting;
•do not provide for cumulative voting; and
•establish advance notice requirements for nominations for election to our Board of Directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at annual stockholder meetings.
These provisions, alone or together, could delay or prevent hostile takeovers and changes in control or changes in our management.
In addition, because we are incorporated in Delaware, we are governed by the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) which limits the ability of stockholders owning in excess of 15% of our outstanding voting stock to merge or combine with us in certain circumstances.
Any provision of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws or Delaware law that has the effect of delaying or deterring a change in control could limit the opportunity for our stockholders to receive a premium for their shares of our common stock and could also affect the price that some investors are willing to pay for our common stock.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation designates the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the exclusive forum for certain litigation that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed to us or our stockholders by any of our directors, officers, employees or agents, (iii) any action asserting a claim against us arising under the DGCL or (iv) any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. This choice of forum provision does not preclude or contract the scope of exclusive federal or concurrent jurisdiction for any actions brought under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act. Accordingly, our exclusive forum provision will not relieve us of our duties to comply with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder, and our stockholders will not be deemed to have waived our compliance with these laws, rules and regulations. The choice of forum provision in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation may limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us.
GENERAL RISK FACTORS
Customer complaints and/or negative perception could reduce our customer growth and our business could suffer.
Our reputation is very important to attracting new customers to our platform as well as securing repeat lending to existing customers. While we believe that we have a good reputation and that we provide customers with a superior experience, there can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to maintain a good relationship with customers or avoid negative publicity.
In recent years, consumer advocacy groups and some media reports have advocated governmental action to prohibit or place severe restrictions on non-bank consumer loans and bank originated loans for the non-prime consumer. Such consumer advocacy groups and media reports generally focus on the annual percentage rate for this type of consumer loan, which is compared unfavorably to the interest typically charged by banks to consumers with top-tier credit histories. The finance charges assessed by us, the originating lenders and others in the industry can attract media publicity about the industry and be perceived as controversial. If the negative characterization of the types of loans we offer, including those originated through third-party lenders, becomes increasingly accepted by consumers, demand for any or all of our consumer loan products could significantly decrease, which could materially affect our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows. Additionally, if the negative characterization of these types of loans is accepted by legislators and regulators, we could become subject to more restrictive laws and regulations applicable to consumer loan products that could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Judicial decisions or amendments to the Federal Arbitration Act could render the arbitration agreements we use illegal or unenforceable.
We include arbitration provisions in our consumer loan agreements. These provisions are designed to allow us to resolve any customer disputes through individual arbitration rather than in court and explicitly provide that all arbitrations will be conducted on an individual and not on a class basis. Thus, our arbitration agreements, if enforced, have the effect of shielding us from class action liability. Our arbitration agreements do not generally have any impact on regulatory enforcement proceedings. We take the position that the arbitration provisions in our consumer loan agreements, including class action waivers, are valid and enforceable; however, the enforceability of arbitration provisions is often challenged in court. If those challenges are successful, our arbitration and class action waiver provisions could be unenforceable, which could subject us to additional litigation, including additional class action litigation.
Any judicial decisions, legislation or other rules or regulations that impair our ability to enter into and enforce consumer arbitration agreements and class action waivers could significantly increase our exposure to class action litigation as well as litigation in plaintiff-friendly jurisdictions, which would be costly and could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Sales of substantial amounts of our common stock in the public markets, or the perception that they mightit may occur, could reduce the price thatof our common stock might otherwise attain and may dilute your voting power and your ownership interest in us.interest.
Sales of a substantial number of shares of our common stock in the public market, or the perception that these sales could occur, could adversely affect the market price of our common stock and may make it more difficult for you to sell your common stock at a time and price that you deem appropriate.
We may issue our shares of common stock or securities convertible into our common stock from time to time in connection with a financing, acquisition, investments or otherwise. Any such issuance could result in substantial dilution to our existing stockholders and cause the trading price of our common stock to decline.
The requirements of being a public company may strain our resources, divert management’s attention and affect our ability to attract and retain qualified board members.
As a public company, we are subject to the reporting requirements of the Exchange Act, the NYSE listing standards and other applicable securities rules and regulations. Compliance with these rules and regulations increases our legal and financial compliance costs, makes some activities more difficult, time-consuming or costly, and increases demand on our systems and resources, particularly after we are no longer an “emerging growth company” as defined in the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (the “JOBS Act”). Among other things, the Exchange Act requires that we file annual, quarterly and current reports with respect to our business and operating results and maintain effective disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting. In order to maintain and, if required, improve our disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting to meet this standard, significant resources and management oversight may be required. As a result, management’s attention may be diverted from other business concerns, which could harm our business and operating results.
In addition, changing laws, regulations and standards relating to corporate governance and public disclosure are creating uncertainty for public companies, increasing legal and financial compliance costs and making some activities more time consuming. These laws, regulations and standards are subject to varying interpretations, in many cases due to their lack of specificity, and, as a result, their application in practice may evolve over time as new guidance is provided by regulatory and governing bodies. This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices. We intend to invest resources to comply with evolving laws, regulations and standards, and this investment may result in increased general and administrative expense and a diversion of management’s time and attention from revenues-generating activities to compliance activities. If our efforts to comply with new laws, regulations and standards differ from the activities intended by regulatory or governing bodies, regulatory authorities may initiate legal proceedings against us and our business may be harmed.
However, for so long as we remain an “emerging growth company” as defined in the JOBS Act, we may take advantage of certain exemptions from various requirements that are applicable to public companies that are not “emerging growth companies,” including not being required to comply with the independent auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, reduced disclosure obligations regarding executive compensation in our periodic reports and proxy statements, and exemptions from the requirements of holding a nonbinding advisory vote on executive compensation and stockholder approval of any golden parachute payments not previously approved. We may take advantage of these exemptions until we are no longer an “emerging growth company.” In addition, we will not be required to comply with the independent auditor attestation requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act until the date we are no longer an "emerging growth company" or we are no longer considered a non-accelerated filer. As a result, our stockholders may not have access to certain information they deem important.
We will cease to be an “emerging growth company” upon the earliest of: (i) the first fiscal year following the fifth anniversary of the completion of our IPO, (ii) the first fiscal year after our annual gross revenues are $1.07 billion or more, (iii) the date on which we have, during the previous three-year period, issued more than $1 billion in non-convertible debt securities, and (iv) as of the end of any fiscal year in which the market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates exceeded $700 million as of the end of the second quarter of that fiscal year.
We cannot predict if investors will find our securities less attractive because we will rely on these exemptions. If some investors find our securities less attractive as a result, there may be a less active trading market for securities and our stock price may be more volatile.
If securities or industry analysts do not publish research or reports about our business or publish inaccurate or unfavorable research reports about our business, our share price and trading volume could decline.
The trading market for our common stock, to some extent, depends on the research and reports that securities or industry analysts publish about us or our business. We do not have any control over these analysts. If one or more of the analysts who cover us should downgrade our shares or change their opinion of our shares, our share price would likely decline. If one or more of these analysts should cease coverage of our company or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which could cause our share price or trading volume to decline.
We do not intend to pay dividends for the foreseeable future.
We have never declared or paid any dividends on our common stock. We intend to retain any earnings to finance the operation and expansion of our business, and we do not anticipate paying any cash dividends in the future. In addition, pursuant to our financing agreement, we are prohibited from paying cash dividends without the prior consent of VPC, and we may be further restricted in the future by debt or other agreements we enter into. As a result, you may only receive a return on your investment in our common stock if the market price of our common stock increases.
Anti-takeover provisions in our charter documents and Delaware law may delay or prevent an acquisition of our company.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation and amended and restated bylaws contain provisions that may have the effect of delaying or preventing a change in control of us or changes in our management. The provisions, among other things:
establish a classified Board of Directors so that not all members of our Board of Directors are elected at one time;
permit only our Board of Directors to establish the number of directors and fill vacancies on the Board;
provide that directors may only be removed “for cause” and only with the approval of two-thirds of our stockholders;
require two-thirds approval to amend some provisions in our restated certificate of incorporation and restated bylaws;
authorize the issuance of “blank check” preferred stock that our Board of Directors could use to implement a stockholder rights plan, or a “poison pill;”
eliminate the ability of our stockholders to call special meetings of stockholders;
prohibit stockholder action by written consent, which will require that all stockholder actions must be taken at a stockholder meeting;
do not provide for cumulative voting; and
establish advance notice requirements for nominations for election to our Board of Directors or for proposing matters that can be acted upon by stockholders at annual stockholder meetings.
These provisions, alone or together, could delay or prevent hostile takeovers and changes in control or changes in our management.
In addition, because we are incorporated in Delaware, we are governed by the provisions of Section 203 of the Delaware General Corporation Law (the “DGCL”) which limits the ability of stockholders owning in excess of 15% of our outstanding voting stock to merge or combine with us in certain circumstances.
Any provision of our amended and restated certificate of incorporation or amended and restated bylaws or Delaware law that has the effect of delaying or deterring a change in control could limit the opportunity for our stockholders to receive a premium for their shares of our common stock and could also affect the price that some investors are willing to pay for our common stock.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation designates the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware as the exclusive forum for certain litigation that may be initiated by our stockholders, which could limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us.
Our amended and restated certificate of incorporation provides that the Court of Chancery of the State of Delaware is the sole and exclusive forum for (i) any derivative action or proceeding brought on our behalf, (ii) any action asserting a claim of breach of a fiduciary duty owed to us or our stockholders by any of our directors, officers, employees or agents, (iii) any action asserting a claim against us arising under the DGCL or (iv) any action asserting a claim against us that is governed by the internal affairs doctrine. This choice of forum provision does not preclude or contract the scope of exclusive federal or
concurrent jurisdiction for any actions brought under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act. Accordingly, our exclusive forum
provision will not relieve us of our duties to comply with the federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder,
and our stockholders will not be deemed to have waived our compliance with these laws, rules and regulations. The choice of forum provision in our amended and restated certificate of incorporation may limit our stockholders’ ability to obtain a favorable judicial forum for disputes with us.
If we fail to maintain an effective system of disclosure controls and procedures and internal control over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud.
Ensuring that we have adequate disclosure controls and procedures, including internal controls over financial reporting, in place so that we can produce accurate financial statements on a timely basis is costly and time-consuming and needs to be reevaluated frequently. We are required to comply with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the “Sarbanes-Oxley Act”) and related rules and regulations. Pursuant to Section 404, our management is required to report on, and, if we cease to be an emerging growth company, or cease to be a non-accelerated filer, our independent registered public accounting firm will have to attest to the effectiveness of, our internal control over financial reporting. Our management may conclude that our internal controls over financial reporting are not effective if we fail to cure any identified material weakness or otherwise.
Moreover, even if our management concludes that our internal controls over financial reporting are effective, our independent registered public accounting firm may conclude that our internal controls over financial reporting are not effective. In the future, our independent registered public accounting firm may not be satisfied with our internal controls over financial reporting or the level at which our controls are documented, designed, operated or reviewed, or it may interpret the relevant requirements differently from us. In addition, during the course of the evaluation, documentation and testing of our internal controls over financial reporting, we may identify deficiencies that we may not be able to remediate in time to meet the deadline imposed by the SEC for compliance with the requirements of Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. Any such deficiencies may also subject us to adverse regulatory consequences. If we fail to achieve and maintain the adequacy of our internal controls over financial reporting, as these standards may be modified, supplemented or amended from time to time, we may be unable to report our financial information on a timely basis, may not be able to conclude on an ongoing basis that we have effective internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and may suffer adverse regulatory consequences or violations of listing standards. Any of the above could also result in a negative reaction in the financial markets due to a loss of investor confidence in the reliability of our financial statements.
Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments
None.
Item 2. Properties
The Company leases itsWe lease our corporate headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas pursuant to a lease that expires September 30, 2023 and covers 94,979 square feet. We also lease approximately 59,360 square feet of office space in Addison, Texas pursuant to a lease that expires June 30, 2026.
Item 3. Legal Proceedings
In addition to the matters discussed below, in the ordinary course of business, from time to time, we have been and may be named as a defendant in various legal proceedings arising in connection with our business activities, including affordability claims related to the Sunny product.activities. We may also be involved, from time to time, in reviews, investigations and proceedings (both formal and informal) by governmental agencies regarding our business (collectively, “regulatory matters”). We contest liability and/or the amount of damages as appropriate in each such pending matter. We do not anticipate that the ultimate liability, if any, arising out of any such pending matter will have a material effect on our financial condition, results of operations or cash flows.
TFI Settlement with CFPB
In June 2012, prior to the spin-off from TFI, and in February 2016, after the spin-off, TFI received Civil Investigative Demands from the CFPB. The purpose of the Civil Investigative Demands was to determine whether small-dollar online lenders or other unnamed persons engaged in unlawful acts or practices relating to the advertising, marketing, provision, or collection of small-dollar loan products, in violation of Section 1036 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, or any other federal consumer financial law and to determine whether CFPB action to obtain legal or equitable relief would be in the public interest. Further, on November 15, 2017 the CFPB sued TFI alleging it deceived consumers into paying debts that were not valid and that it collected loan payments that consumers did not owe. The CFPB and TFI have agreed to settle all claims and executed a settlement agreement that was filed with the United States District Court for the District of Montana and is part of a larger resolution of the bankruptcy proceeding in the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas involving TFI. While TFI’s business is distinct from our business, we cannot predict the final outcome of the Civil Investigative Demands or to what extent any obligations arising out of such final outcome will be applicable to our company or business, if at all.
Other Matters
While no TFI related litigation has been filed directly against Elevate, we can provide no assurances that there will not be any future TFI related litigation filed against the Company. In October 2019, Elevate entered into tolling agreements with the TFI Creditors' Committee and class claimants in regard to any potential future claims against Elevate. These tolling agreements have been extended, and we may enter into additional extensions of the tolling agreements in the future. In December 2019, the TFI bankruptcy plan was confirmed, and any potential future claims from the TFI Creditors' Committee were assigned to the Think Finance Litigation Trust (“TFLT”). On February 20,August 14, 2020, Elevate and the TFLT will commence mediationfiled an adversary proceeding against Elevate in an attemptthe United States Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Texas, alleging certain avoidance claims related to resolve, prior to any litigation being filed, any potential claimsElevate’s spin-off from TFI under the Bankruptcy Code and TUFTA. If it were determined that the TFLT may havespin-off constituted a fraudulent conveyance or that there were other avoidance actions associated with the spin-off, then the spin-off could be deemed void and there could be a number of different remedies imposed against Elevate, including among other things, whether or notwithout limitation, the spin-offrequirement that Elevate has to pay money damages. While the TFLT values this claim at $246 million, we believe that we have valid defenses to the claim and intend to vigorously defend ourselves against this claim. In November 2020, Elevate made a settlement proposal to the TFLT and established a reserve based on its settlement offer amount. Additionally, a class action lawsuit against Elevate was filed on August 14, 2020 in the Eastern District of Virginia alleging violations of usurious interest and aiding and abetting various racketeering activities related to the operations of TFI prior to and immediately after the 2014 spin-off. On October 26, 2020, Elevate from TFI wasfiled a fraudulent conveyance.motion to dismiss and awaits a ruling on that motion. Elevate views this lawsuit as without merit and intends to vigorously defend its position. We accrued a contingent loss in the amount of $17 million for estimated loss related to the TFLT and class action disputes at December 31, 2020. The accrual is recognized as Non-operating loss in the Consolidated Income Statements and as Accounts payable and accrued liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Even when an accrual is recorded, we may be exposed to loss in excess of any amounts accrued. While Elevate can provide no assurances as to the duration or potential outcome of such mediation process,proceedings, in the event that for either proceeding there is a settlement and Elevate is unable to pay any amount resulting from such settlement, it could have a material adverse effect on Elevate’s financial condition, or, if there is no settlement and Elevate is deemed to ultimately be liable in this matter,these matters, Elevate could be obligated to file for bankruptcy. Elevate can provide no assurances asSee Item 1A. "Risk Factors—Risks Related to how long the mediation process may take, or the outcome of such mediation. In addition, if the mediation is unsuccessful, Elevate anticipates that the TFLT will pursue its claims in litigation against Elevate. For more information please see “TheOur Association with TFI—The Think Finance Litigation Trust in the TFI bankruptcy,Bankruptcy, as well as third parties, may seek to hold us responsible for liabilities of TFI due to the Spin-Off.” Because no claims have been filed against Elevate, no reasonable estimateSpin-Off" of possible loss, if any, can be made at this time. We believe any future claims are without merit, and we intend to defend ourselves vigorously.Annual Report on Form 10-K.
On January 9,June 5, 2020, the District of Columbia's Attorney General, Karl A. Racine, issued a subpoena toColumbia (the "District"), sued Elevate in the Superior Court of the District of Columbia alleging that Elevate may have violated the District of Columbia'sDistrict's Consumer Protection Procedures Act and the District of Columbia's Municipal Regulations in connection with loans issued by banks in the District of Columbia. The documents requested are relatedThis action has been removed to federal court, but the District filed a motion to remand to the FinWise and Republic Bank originated loans in the District of Columbia. Elevate has engaged counsel and initiated discussions with the Attorney General’s office and is working to address any potential issues and provide certain documents as requested.Superior Court on August 3, 2020. Elevate disagrees that it has violated the above referenced lawlaws and regulations and it intends to vigorously defend its position.
In addition, on January 27, 2020, Sopheary Sanh filed a class action complaint in the Western District Court in the state of Washington against Rise Credit Service of Texas, LLC d/b/a Rise, Opportunity Financial, LLC and Applied Data Finance, LLC d/b/a Personify Financial were sued in a class action lawsuit in Washington state.Financial. The Plaintiff in the case claims that Rise and others are engaged in “predatory lending practices that target financially vulnerable consumers” andPersonify Financial have violated Washington’s Consumer Protection Act by engaging in unfair or deceptive practices.practices, and seeks class certification, injunctive relief to prevent solicitation of consumers to apply for loans, monetary damages and other appropriate relief, including an award of costs, pre- and post-judgment interest, and attorneys' fees. The lawsuit was removed to federal court. On January 12, 2021, the court granted Rise's motion to dismiss, however Plaintiffs amended their complaint on January 25, 2021, suing Elevate alleging it is the true lender and violated Washington's Consumer Protection Act. Elevate disagrees that it has violated the above referenced law and it intends to vigorously defend its position.
On March 3, 2020, Heather Crawford filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of the state of California, county of Los Angeles, against Elevate Credit, Inc., Elevate Credit Service, LLC and Rise Credit of California, LLC alleging unconscionable interest rates on Rise loans and seeking damages and public injunctive relief. Elevate filed a motion to compel arbitration, and Ms. Crawford dismissed the lawsuit without prejudice to refile in arbitration. Ms. Crawford has not filed any arbitration demand as of the date of this Annual Report on Form 10-K. In addition, on April 6, 2020, Danh Le made a demand for arbitration against Elevate Credit, Inc., Elevate Credit Service, LLC and Rise Credit of California, LLC similarly alleging unconscionable interest rates on Rise loans and seeking damages and public injunctive relief. Mr. Le later filed an amended demand, dropping his request for public injunctive relief but adding alleged violations of the Electronic Fund Transfer Act and the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. The Plaintiffs in these actions assert claims under the “unlawful,” “unfair,” and “fraudulent” prongs of the California Unfair Competition Law (“UCL”) and for breach of contract and civil conspiracy. The “unlawful” UCL claims are premised upon alleged violations of (a) the California Financing Law’s prohibition on unconscionable loans and (b) the California False Advertising Law. Elevate disagrees that it has violated the above referenced laws and it intends to vigorously defend its position.
Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures
Not applicable.
PART II
Item 5. Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Shareholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
Principal Market
Our common stock began trading on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol "ELVT" on April 6, 2017.
Stockholders
There were 5142 stockholders of record of Elevate common stock as of February 12, 2020.24, 2021.
Dividends
We have never declared or paid cash dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain all available funds and any future earnings for use in the operation of our business and do not anticipate paying any dividends on our common stock in the foreseeable future. In addition, pursuant to our financing agreement, we are prohibited from paying cash dividends without the prior consent of VPC. Any future determination to declare dividends will be made at the discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on our financial condition, operating results, capital requirements, general business conditions and other factors that our Board of Directors may deem relevant.
Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities
On July 25, 2019, the Company'sAt December 31, 2020, we had an outstanding stock repurchase program authorized by our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program providing for the repurchase of up to $10 million of our common stock through July 31, 2024. In January 2020, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a $20 million increase to the Company's existing common stock repurchase program providing for the repurchase of up to $30 million of the Company'sour common stock through July 31, 2024. The prior authorization totaled $5 million for both fiscal years 2019 and 2020. The CompanyWe purchased $3.3 million of our common shares under its $5 million authorizationstock during the second half of 2019. During 2020, an additional 7,694,896 shares were repurchased at a total cost of $19.8 million, inclusive of any transactional fees or commissions. The sharestock repurchase program, as amended, provides that up to a maximum aggregate amount of $25 million shares may be repurchased in any given fiscal year. Repurchases will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws from time-to-time in the open market and/or in privately negotiated transactions at our discretion, subject to market conditions and other factors. The sharestock repurchase plan does not require the purchase of any minimum number of shares and may be implemented, modified, suspended or discontinued in whole or in part at any time without further notice. All repurchased shares may potentially be withheld for the vestingfulfillment of RSUs.
certain employee stock equity programs. The following table provides information about our common stock repurchases during the quarter ended December 31, 2019.2020.
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Period | | Total number of shares purchased | | Average price paid per share (1) | | Total number of shares purchased as part of the publicly announced program | | Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the program (1) |
October 1, 2019 to October 31, 2019 | | — |
| | $ | — |
| | — |
| | $ | 9,565,938 |
|
November 1, 2019 to November 30, 2019 | | 146,058 |
| | $ | 4.12 |
| | 146,058 |
| | $ | 8,964,273 |
|
December 1, 2019 to December 31, 2019 | | 531,482 |
| | $ | 4.34 |
| | 531,482 |
| | $ | 6,655,716 |
|
Total | | 677,540 |
| | $ | 4.27 |
| | 677,540 |
| | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Period | | Total number of shares purchased | | Average price paid per share (1) | | Total number of shares purchased as part of the publicly announced program | | Approximate dollar value of shares that may yet be purchased under the program (1) |
October 1, 2020 to October 31, 2020 | | 1,069,440 | | | $ | 2.87 | | | 1,069,440 | | | $ | 8,843,965 | |
November 1, 2020 to November 30, 2020 | | — | | | $ | — | | | — | | | $ | 8,843,965 | |
December 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020 | | 533,197 | | | $ | 3.76 | | | 533,197 | | | $ | 6,837,180 | |
Total | | 1,602,637 | | | $ | 3.17 | | | 1,602,637 | | | |
(1) Includes fees and commissions associated with the shares repurchased.
In January 2021, we repurchased an additional 1,241,513 of shares at a total cost of $5.3 million. The Board of Directors authorized a $25 million increase to the stock repurchase program in January 2021 providing for the repurchase of up to $55 million of our common stock through July 31, 2024.
Item 6. Selected Financial Data
The selected consolidated financial data presented below has been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements.
This information should be read in conjunction with “Management’s discussion and analysisAs a Smaller Reporting Company, as defined by Item 10 of financial condition and results
of operations” and our audited consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto. Our historical resultsRegulation S-K, we are not
necessarily indicative of required to provide the results that may be expected in any future period.information required by Item 6.
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| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Consolidated statements of operations data (dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | | For the years ended December 31, |
| 2019 |
| 2018 |
| 2017 |
| 2016 | | 2015 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Revenues | | $ | 746,962 |
| | $ | 786,682 |
| | $ | 673,132 |
| | $ | 580,441 |
| | $ | 434,006 |
|
Cost of sales: | | | | | | | | | | |
Provision for loan losses | | 364,241 |
| | 411,979 |
| | 357,574 |
| | 317,821 |
| | 232,650 |
|
Direct marketing costs | | 51,283 |
| | 77,605 |
| | 72,222 |
| | 65,190 |
| | 61,032 |
|
Other cost of sales | | 28,846 |
| | 26,359 |
| | 20,536 |
| | 17,433 |
| | 15,197 |
|
Total cost of sales | | 444,370 |
| | 515,943 |
| | 450,332 |
| | 400,444 |
| | 308,879 |
|
Gross profit | | 302,592 |
| | 270,739 |
| | 222,800 |
| | 179,997 |
| | 125,127 |
|
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | | | | |
Compensation and benefits | | 103,070 |
| | 94,382 |
| | 81,969 |
| | 65,657 |
| | 60,568 |
|
Professional services | | 36,715 |
| | 35,864 |
| | 32,848 |
| | 30,659 |
| | 25,134 |
|
Selling and marketing | | 7,381 |
| | 9,435 |
| | 8,353 |
| | 9,684 |
| | 7,567 |
|
Occupancy and equipment | | 20,712 |
| | 17,547 |
| | 13,895 |
| | 11,475 |
| | 9,690 |
|
Depreciation and amortization | | 17,380 |
| | 12,988 |
| | 10,272 |
| | 10,906 |
| | 8,898 |
|
Other | | 5,911 |
| | 5,649 |
| | 4,600 |
| | 3,812 |
| | 4,303 |
|
Total operating expenses | | 191,169 |
| | 175,865 |
| | 151,937 |
| | 132,193 |
| | 116,160 |
|
Operating income | | 111,423 |
| | 94,874 |
| | 70,863 |
| | 47,804 |
| | 8,967 |
|
Other income (expense): | | | | | | | | | | |
Net interest expense | | (66,646 | ) | | (79,198 | ) | | (73,043 | ) | | (64,277 | ) | | (36,674 | ) |
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss) | | 334 |
| | (1,409 | ) | | 2,900 |
| | (8,809 | ) | | (2,385 | ) |
Non-operating income (loss) | | (681 | ) | | (350 | ) | | 2,295 |
| | (43 | ) | | 5,523 |
|
Total other expense | | (66,993 | ) | | (80,957 | ) | | (67,848 | ) | | (73,129 | ) | | (33,536 | ) |
Income (loss) before taxes | | 44,430 |
| | 13,917 |
| | 3,015 |
| | (25,325 | ) | | (24,569 | ) |
Income tax expense (benefit) | | 12,247 |
| | 1,408 |
| | 9,931 |
| | (2,952 | ) | | (4,658 | ) |
Net income (loss) | | $ | 32,183 |
| | $ | 12,509 |
| | $ | (6,916 | ) | | $ | (22,373 | ) | | $ | (19,911 | ) |
Basic income (loss) per share | | $ | 0.73 |
| | $ | 0.29 |
| | $ | (0.20 | ) | | $ | (1.74 | ) | | $ | (1.59 | ) |
Diluted income (loss) per share | | $ | 0.73 |
| | $ | 0.28 |
| | $ | (0.20 | ) | | $ | (1.74 | ) | | $ | (1.59 | ) |
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding | | 43,805,845 |
| | 42,791,061 |
| | 33,911,520 |
| | 12,894,262 |
| | 12,525,847 |
|
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding | | 44,338,205 |
| | 44,299,304 |
| | 33,911,520 |
| | 12,894,262 |
| | 12,525,847 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Adjustments to arrive at Adjusted EBITDA: | | | | | | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | | $ | 32,183 |
| | $ | 12,509 |
| | $ | (6,916 | ) | | $ | (22,373 | ) | | $ | (19,911 | ) |
Net interest expense | | 66,646 |
| | 79,198 |
| | 73,043 |
| | 64,277 |
| | 36,674 |
|
Share-based compensation | | 9,940 |
| | 8,233 |
| | 6,318 |
| | 1,707 |
| | 847 |
|
Foreign currency transaction (gain) loss | | (334 | ) | | 1,409 |
| | (2,900 | ) | | 8,809 |
| | 2,385 |
|
Depreciation and amortization | | 17,380 |
| | 12,988 |
| | 10,272 |
| | 10,906 |
| | 8,898 |
|
Non-operating (income) loss | | 681 |
| | 350 |
| | (2,295 | ) | | 43 |
| | (5,523 | ) |
Income tax expense (benefit) | | 12,247 |
| | 1,408 |
| | 9,931 |
| | (2,952 | ) | | (4,658 | ) |
Adjusted EBITDA(1) | | $ | 138,743 |
| | $ | 116,095 |
| | $ | 87,453 |
| | $ | 60,417 |
| | $ | 18,712 |
|
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | As of and for the years ended December 31, |
Other financial and operational data (dollars in thousands, except as noted) | | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | | 2016 | | 2015 |
| | | | | | | | | | |
Free cash flow(2) | | $ | 58,466 |
| | $ | 15,460 |
| | $ | 16,741 |
| | $ | 19,930 |
| | $ | (29,054 | ) |
Number of new customer loans | | 247,706 |
| | 316,483 |
| | 305,186 |
| | 277,637 |
| | 238,238 |
|
Ending number of combined loans outstanding | | 374,484 |
| | 398,604 |
| | 361,972 |
| | 289,193 |
| | 222,723 |
|
Customer acquisition costs (in dollars) | | $ | 207 |
| | $ | 245 |
| | $ | 237 |
| | $ | 235 |
| | $ | 256 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
Net charge-offs(3) | | $ | 371,458 |
| | $ | 409,160 |
| | $ | 347,010 |
| | $ | 299,700 |
| | $ | 214,795 |
|
Additional provision for loan losses(3) | | (7,217 | ) | | 2,819 |
| | 10,564 |
| | 18,121 |
| | 17,855 |
|
Provision for loan losses | | $ | 364,241 |
| | $ | 411,979 |
| | $ | 357,574 |
| | $ | 317,821 |
| | $ | 232,650 |
|
Past due combined loans receivable – principal as a percentage of combined loans receivable – principal(4) | | 10 | % | | 11 | % | | 10 | % | | 12 | % | | 12 | % |
Net charge-offs as a percentage of revenues | | 50 | % | | 52 | % | | 52 | % | | 52 | % | | 49 | % |
Total provision for loan losses as a percentage of revenues | | 49 | % | | 52 | % | | 53 | % | | 55 | % | | 54 | % |
Combined loan loss reserve(5) | | $ | 89,075 |
| | $ | 96,052 |
| | $ | 93,789 |
| | $ | 82,376 |
| | $ | 65,784 |
|
Combined loan loss reserve as a percentage of combined loans receivable(5) | | 13 | % | | 14 | % | | 14 | % | | 16 | % | | 17 | % |
Effective APR of combined loan portfolio | | 122 | % | | 129 | % | | 131 | % | | 146 | % | | 173 | % |
Ending combined loans receivable – principal(4) | | $ | 640,779 |
| | $ | 648,538 |
| | $ | 618,375 |
| | $ | 481,210 |
| | $ | 356,069 |
|
| |
(1) | Adjusted EBITDA is not a financial measure prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("US GAAP"). Adjusted EBITDA represents our net income (loss), adjusted to exclude: net interest expense primarily associated with notes payable under the VPC Facility, EF SPV Facility and ESPV Facility used to fund or purchase loans; share-based compensation; foreign currency gains and losses associated with our UK operations; depreciation and amortization expense on fixed assets and intangible assets; non-operating income and losses associated with fair value adjustments or dispositions; and income taxes. See “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information and for a reconciliation of Adjusted EBITDA to Net income (loss), the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with US GAAP. |
| |
(2) | Free cash flow is not a financial measure prepared in accordance with US GAAP. Free cash flow represents our net cash from operating activities adjusted for the net charge-offs—combined principal loans and capital expenditures incurred during the period. See “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information and a reconciliation of free cash flow to Net cash provided by operating activities. |
| |
(3) | Net charge-offs and additional provision for loan losses are not a financial measure prepared in accordance with US GAAP. Net charge-offs include the amount of principal and accrued interest on loans that are more than 60 days past due, or sooner if we receive notice that the loan will not be collected, such as a bankruptcy notice or identified fraud, offset by any recoveries. Additional provision for loan losses is the amount of provision for loan losses needed for a particular period to adjust the combined loan loss reserve to the appropriate level in accordance with our underlying loan loss reserve methodology. See “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information and for a reconciliation to Provision for loan losses, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with US GAAP. |
| |
(4) | Combined loans receivable is defined as loans owned by the Company and consolidated VIEs plus loans originated and owned by third-party lenders pursuant to our CSO programs. See “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information and for a reconciliation of Combined loans receivable to Loans receivable, net, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with US GAAP. |
| |
(5) | Combined loan loss reserve is defined as the loan loss reserve for loans owned by the Company and consolidated VIEs plus the loan loss reserve for loans originated and owned by third-party lenders and guaranteed by the Company. See “Management’s discussion and analysis of financial condition and results of operations—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information and for a reconciliation of Combined loan loss reserve to loan loss reserve, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with US GAAP. |
Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
You should readThe following Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") is intended to help the following discussion and analysis ofreader understand our financial condition andbusiness, our results of operations togetherand our financial condition. The MD&A is provided as a supplement to, and should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes and other financial information included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Some of the information contained in this discussion and analysis, including information with respect to our plans and strategy for our business, includes forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. You should review the “Risk Factors” and "Note About Forward-Looking Statements" sections of this Annual Report on Form 10-K for a discussion of important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results described in or implied by the forward-looking statements contained in the following discussion and analysis. We generally refer to loans, customers and other information and data associated with each of Rise,our brands (Rise, Elastic Sunny and Today CardCard) as Elevate’s loans, customers, information and data, irrespective of whether Elevate directly originates the credit to the customer or whether such credit is originated by a third party.
OVERVIEW
We provide online credit solutions to consumers in the US and the UK who are not well-served by traditional bank products and who are looking for better options than payday loans, title loans, pawn and storefront installment loans. Non-prime consumers now represent a larger market than prime consumers but are risky to underwrite and serve with traditional approaches. We’re succeeding at it - and doing it responsibly - with best-in-class advanced technology and proprietary risk analytics honed by serving more than 2.42.5 million customers with $8.1$8.8 billion in credit. Our current online credit products, Rise, Elastic and Sunny, and our recently test launched Today Card, reflect our mission to provide customers with access to competitively priced credit and services while helping them build a brighter financial future with credit building and financial wellness features. We call this mission "Good Today, Better Tomorrow."
Prior to June 29, 2020, we provided services in the United Kingdom ("UK") through our wholly-owned subsidiary, Elevate Credit International Limited (“ECIL”) under the brand name ‘Sunny.’ During the year ended December 31, 2018, ECIL began to receive an increased number of customer complaints initiated by claims management companies ("CMCs") related to the affordability assessment of certain loans. The CMCs' campaign against the high cost lending industry increased significantly during the third and fourth quarters of 2018 and continued through 2019 and into the first half of 2020, resulting in a significant increase in affordability claims against all companies in the industry over this period. The Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"), a regulator in the UK financial services industry, began regulating the CMCs in April 2019 in order to ensure that the methods used by the CMCs are in the best interests of the consumer and the industry. Separately, the FCA asked all industry participants to review their lending practices to ensure that such companies are using an appropriate affordability and creditworthiness analysis. However, there continued to be a lack of clarity within the regulatory environment in the UK. This lack of clarity, coupled with the ongoing impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 ("COVID-19") on the UK market for Sunny, led the ECIL board of directors to place ECIL into administration under the UK Insolvency Act 1986 and appoint insolvency practitioners from KPMG LLP to take control and management of the UK business. As a result, we have deconsolidated ECIL and are presenting its results as discontinued operations.
We earn revenues on the Rise and Sunny installment loans, on the Rise and Elastic lines of credit and on the Today Card credit card product. Our revenue primarily consists of finance charges and line of credit fees. Finance charges are driven by our average loan balances outstanding and by the average annual percentage rate (“APR”) associated with those outstanding loan balances. We calculate our average loan balances by taking a simple daily average of the ending loan balances outstanding for each period. Line of credit fees are recognized when they are assessed and recorded to revenue over the life of the loan. We present certain key metrics and other information on a “combined” basis to reflect information related to loans originated by us and by our bank partners that license our brands, Republic Bank, FinWise Bank and Capital Community Bank ("CCB"), as well as loans originated by third-party lenders pursuant to CSO programs, which loans originated through CSO programs are not recorded on our balance sheets in accordance with US GAAP. See “—Key Financial and Operating Metrics” and “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures.”
We use our working capital, funds provided by third-party lenders pursuant to CSO programs and our credit facility with Victory Park Management, LLC ("VPC” and the "VPC Facility") to fund the loans we directly make to our Rise and Sunny customers and provide working capital. Since originally entering into theThe VPC Facility it has been amended several times to increase thea maximum total borrowing amount available from the original amount of $250 million to approximately $500$218 million at December 31, 2019.2020. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt facilities.”
We also license our Rise installment loan brand to two banks. Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company also licenses itswe started licensing our Rise installment loan brand to a third-party lender, FinWise Bank, which originates Rise installment loans in 1918 states. FinWise Bank initially provides all of the funding, and retains a percentage of the balances of all of the loans originated and sells the remaining loan participation in those Rise installment loans to a third-party SPV, EF SPV, Ltd. ("EF SPV"). Prior to August 1, 2019, FinWise Bank retained 5% of the balances and sold a 95% participation to EF SPV. On August 1, 2019, EF SPV purchased an additional 1% participation in the outstanding portfolio with the participation percentage revised going forward to 96%. These loan participation purchases are funded through a separate financing facility (the "EF SPV Facility"), effective February 1, 2019, and through cash flows from operations generated by EF SPV. The EF SPV Facility has a maximum total borrowing amount available of $150$250 million. We do not own EF SPV, but we have a credit default protection agreement with EF SPV whereby we provide credit protection to the investors in EF SPV against Rise loan losses in return for a credit premium. Elevate is required to consolidate EF SPV as a variable interest entity under US GAAP and the consolidated financial statements include revenue, losses and loans receivable related to the 96% of the Rise installment loans originated by FinWise Bank and sold to EF SPV.
Beginning in the third quarter of 2020, we also license our Rise installment brand to an additional bank, CCB which originates Rise installment loans in three different states than FinWise Bank. Similar to the relationship with FinWise Bank, CCB initially provides all of the funding, retains 5% of the balances of all of the loans originated and sells the remaining 95% loan participation in those Rise installment loans to a third-party SPV, EC SPV, Ltd. ("EC SPV"). These loan participation purchases are funded through a separate financing facility (the "EC SPV Facility"), and through cash flows from operations generated by EC SPV. The EC SPV Facility has a maximum total borrowing amount available of $100 million. We do not own EC SPV, but we have a credit default protection agreement with EC SPV whereby we provide credit protection to the investors in EC SPV against Rise loan losses in return for a credit premium. Elevate is required to consolidate EC SPV as a variable interest entity under US GAAP and the consolidated financial statements include revenue, losses and loans receivable related to the 95% of the Rise installment loans originated by CCB and sold to EC SPV.
The Elastic line of credit product is originated by a third-party lender, Republic Bank, which initially provides all of the funding for that product. Republic Bank retains 10% of the balances of all loans originated and sells a 90% loan participation in the Elastic lines of credit. An SPV structure was implemented such that the loan participations are sold by Republic Bank to Elastic SPV, Ltd. (“Elastic SPV”) and Elastic SPV receives its funding from VPC in a separate financing facility (the “ESPV Facility”), which was finalized on July 13, 2015. We do not own Elastic SPV but we have a credit default protection agreement with Elastic SPV whereby we provide credit protection to the investors in Elastic SPV against Elastic loan losses in return for a credit premium. Per the terms of this agreement, under US GAAP, the Company iswe are the primary beneficiary of Elastic SPV and isare required to consolidate the financial results of Elastic SPV as a variable interest entity ("VIE") in itsour consolidated financial results.
The ESPV Facility has also been amended several times and the original commitmenta maximum total borrowing amount of $50 million has grown to $350 million as of December 31, 2019.2020. See “—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt facilities.”
Today Card is a credit card product designed to meet the spending needs of non-prime consumers by offering a prime customer experience. Today Card is originated by CCB under the licensed Mastercard brand, and a 95% participation interest in the credit card receivable is sold to us. As the lowest APR product in our portfolio, Today Card allows us to serve a broader spectrum of non-prime Americans. During 2020, Today Card experienced significant growth in its portfolio size despite the pandemic due to the success of our direct mail campaigns, the primary marketing channel for acquiring new Today Card customers. We followed a specific growth plan in 2020 to continue testing responses from the market and monitoring credit quality. Customer response to the Today Card is very strong, as we continue to see extremely high response rates, high customer engagement, and positive customer satisfaction scores.
Our management assesses our financial performance and future strategic goals through key metrics based primarily on the following three themes:
•Revenue growth. Key metrics related to revenue growth that we monitor by product include the ending and average combined loan balances outstanding, the effective APR of our product loan portfolios, the total dollar value of loans originated, the number of new customer loans made, the ending number of customer loans outstanding and the related customer acquisition costs (“CAC”) associated with each new customer loan made. We include CAC as a key metric when analyzing revenue growth (rather than as a key metric within margin expansion).
•Stable credit quality. Since the time they were managing our legacy US products, our management team has maintained stable credit quality across the loan portfolio they were managing. Additionally, in the periods covered in this Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, we have improved our credit quality.quality and lowered our credit losses. The credit quality metrics we monitor include net charge-offs as a percentage of revenues, the combined loan loss reserve as a percentage of outstanding combined loans, total provision for loan losses as a percentage of revenues and the percentage of past due combined loans receivable – principal.
•Margin expansion. We expect that our operating margins will continue to expand over the near term as we lower our direct marketing costs and efficiently manage our operating expenses while continuing to improve our credit quality. Over the next several years, as we continue to scale our loan portfolio, we anticipate that our direct marketing costs primarily associated with new customer acquisitions will decline to approximately 10% of revenues and our operating expenses will decline to approximately 20% of revenues. We aim to manage our business to achieve a long-term operating margin of 20%,. While our operating margins may exceed 20% in certain years, such as in 2020 when we incurred lower levels of direct marketing expense and materially lower credit losses due to a lack of customer demand for loans resulting from the effects of COVID-19, we do not expect our operating margin to increase beyond that level over the long-term, as we intend to pass on any improvements over our targeted margins to our customers in the form of lower APRs. We believe this is a critical component of our responsible lending platform and over time will also help us continue to attract new customers and retain existing customers.
Impact of COVID-19
The spread of COVID-19 since March 2020 has created a global public health crisis that has resulted in unprecedented uncertainty, volatility and disruption in financial markets and in governmental, commercial and consumer activity in the United States and globally, including the markets that we serve. Governmental responses to the pandemic have included orders closing businesses not deemed essential and directing individuals to restrict their movements, observe social distancing and shelter in place. These actions, together with responses to the pandemic by businesses and individuals, have resulted in decreases in commercial and consumer activity, temporary closures of many businesses that have led to a loss of revenues and an increase in unemployment, material decreases in business valuations in numerous industries, disrupted global supply chains, market volatility, changes in consumer behavior related to pandemic fears, related emergency response legislation and an expectation that Federal Reserve policy will maintain a low interest rate environment for the foreseeable future. During the second half of 2020, regions of the United States were experiencing various levels of restrictions and closures, but overall, personal and business activities still have not returned to their previous normal levels as the virus continues to impact the population.
As COVID-19 has continued to impact our office locations, our employee base is currently working in a hybrid remote working environment in which employees may continue to work remotely or return to the office on a limited basis. We have sought to ensure our employees feel secure in their jobs, have flexibility in their work location and have the resources they need to stay safe and healthy. As an 100% online lending solutions provider, our technology and underwriting platform has continued to serve our customers and the bank originators that we support without any material interruption in services.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we, along with the banks we support, have also expanded our payment flexibility tools to provide payment assistance programs to certain customers who meet the program’s qualifications. These tools include a deferral of payments for an initial period of 30 to 60 days, which we may extend for an additional 30 days, for generally a maximum of 180 days on a cumulative basis. The customer will return to their normal payment schedule after the end of the deferral period with the extension of their maturity date equivalent to their deferral period not to generally exceed an additional 180 days. For Rise installment loans, finance charges continue to accrue at a lower effective APR over the expected extended term of the loan considering the deferral periods provided. For Elastic lines of credit, no fees accrue during the payment deferral period. As a result, the average APR of our products decreased due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the payment assistance tools that have been implemented. As of December 31, 2020, 8.7% of customers have been provided relief through a COVID-19 payment deferral program for a total of $34.6 million in loans with deferred payments. This compares to $38.7 million in loans with deferred payments, or 10.4% of customers, as of September 30, 2020. We believe that our customers are currently managing through the current crisis and returning to repayment status by meeting their next scheduled payment due while in the programs and continuing to meet their scheduled payments once they exit the programs.
Both we and the bank originators are closely monitoring the performance of the payment assistance tools and key credit quality indicators such as payment defaults, continued payment deferrals, and line of credit utilization. While we initially anticipated that the COVID-19 pandemic would have a negative impact on our credit quality, instead the monetary stimulus programs provided by the US government to our customer base have generally allowed customers to continue making payments on their loans. At the beginning of the pandemic, we expected an increase in net charge-offs as compared to prior periods. However, net charge-offs as a percentage of revenue during the third and fourth quarter of 2020 were at a historical low. Further, we believe the allowance for loan losses is adequate to absorb the losses inherent in the portfolio as of December 31, 2020, including loans that are part of the payment assistance tools. Both we, and the bank originators we support, have also implemented underwriting changes to address credit risk associated with loan originations during the economic crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic and have reduced loan origination applications and loan origination volume since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020.
The portfolio of loan products we and the bank originators provide has experienced significantly decreased demand and application volume for both new and former customers since the COVID-19 pandemic began, including the effects of underwriting changes that limited the volume of new customer loan originations and monetary stimulus provided by the US government reducing demand for loan products. These events are resulting in materially lower new customer loans and a corresponding decrease in revenues compared to a year ago. While we increased our marketing spend to acquire new customer loans during the second half of 2020 as compared to the first half, our overall loan origination volumes during the second half of 2020 were still below our historical origination volumes due to continued reduction in loan demand for our products and increased underwriting criteria. Given the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently unable to determine if demand for our loan products will increase during 2021. Until demand increases, our loan balances and revenue will continue to be materially lower than the prior year periods.
Significant uncertainties as to future economic conditions exist, and we have taken deliberate actions in response, including assessing our minimum cash and liquidity requirement, monitoring our debt covenant compliance and implementing measures to ensure that our cash and liquidity position is maintained through the current economic cycle such as our operating expense reduction plan, which was implemented in July 2020. We continue to monitor the impact of COVID-19 closely, as well as any effects that may result from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (“CARES”) Act and any further economic relief, stimulus payments or legislation by the federal government; however, the extent to which the COVID-19 pandemic will continue to impact our operations and financial results during 2021 is highly uncertain.
KEY FINANCIAL AND OPERATING METRICS
As discussed above, we regularly monitor a number of metrics in order to measure our current performance and project our future performance. These metrics aid us in developing and refining our growth strategies and in making strategic decisions.
Certain of our metrics are non-GAAP financial measures. We believe that such metrics are useful in period-to-period comparisons of our core business. However, non-GAAP financial measures are not an alternative to any measure of financial performance calculated and presented in accordance with US GAAP. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for a reconciliation of our non-GAAP measures to US GAAP.
Revenues
| | | | As of and for the years ended December 31, | | | As of and for the years ended December 31, |
Revenue metrics (dollars in thousands, except as noted) | | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | Revenue metrics (dollars in thousands, except as noted) | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
Revenues | | $ | 746,962 |
| | $ | 786,682 |
| | $ | 673,132 |
| Revenues | | $ | 465,346 | | | $ | 638,873 | | | $ | 663,716 | |
Period-over-period revenue increase/(decrease) | | (5 | )% | | 17 | % | | 16 | % | Period-over-period revenue increase/(decrease) | | (27) | % | | (4) | % | | 16 | % |
Ending combined loans receivable – principal(1) | | 640,779 |
| | 648,538 |
| | 618,375 |
| Ending combined loans receivable – principal(1) | | 399,822 | | | 607,149 | | | 599,896 | |
Average combined loans receivable – principal(1)(2) | | 609,596 |
| | 607,743 |
| | 506,928 |
| Average combined loans receivable – principal(1)(2) | | 453,983 | | | 561,334 | | | 555,950 | |
Total combined loans originated – principal | | 1,386,768 |
| | 1,498,351 |
| | 1,318,338 |
| Total combined loans originated – principal | | 628,660 | | | 1,102,766 | | | 1,140,711 | |
Average customer loan balance (in dollars)(3) | | 1,711 |
| | 1,627 |
| | 1,708 |
| Average customer loan balance (in dollars)(3) | | 1,861 | | | 2,011 | | | 1,940 | |
Number of new customer loans | | 247,706 |
| | 316,483 |
| | 305,186 |
| Number of new customer loans | | 68,245 | | | 159,725 | | | 211,680 | |
Ending number of combined loans outstanding | | 374,484 |
| | 398,604 |
| | 361,972 |
| Ending number of combined loans outstanding | | 214,848 | | | 301,959 | | | 309,155 | |
Customer acquisition costs (in dollars) | | $ | 207 |
| | $ | 245 |
| | $ | 237 |
| Customer acquisition costs (in dollars) | | $ | 297 | | | $ | 241 | | | $ | 259 | |
Effective APR of combined loan portfolio | | 122 | % | | 129 | % | | 131 | % | Effective APR of combined loan portfolio | | 102 | % | | 113 | % | | 119 | % |
_________
| |
(1) | Combined loans receivable is defined as loans owned by the Company and consolidated VIEs plus loans originated and owned by third-party lenders pursuant to our CSO programs. See “—Non-GAAP financial measures” for more information and for a reconciliation of combined loans receivable to Loans receivable, net, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with US GAAP. |
| |
(2) | Average combined loans receivable – principal is calculated using an average of daily principal balances. |
| |
(3) | Average customer loan balance is a weighted average of all three products and is calculated for each product by dividing the ending combined loans receivable – principal by the number of loans outstanding at period end (excluding Today Card as balances are immaterial). |
(1)Combined loans receivable is defined as loans owned by us and consolidated VIEs plus loans originated and owned by third-party lenders pursuant to our CSO programs. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information and for a reconciliation of Combined loans receivable to Loans receivable, net, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with US GAAP.
(2)Average combined loans receivable – principal is calculated using an average of daily Combined loans receivable – principal balances.
(3)Average customer loan balance is an average of all three products and is calculated for each product by dividing the ending Combined loans receivable – principal by the number of loans outstanding at period end.
Revenues. Our revenues are composed of Rise finance charges, Rise CSO fees (which are fees we receive from customers who obtain a loan through the CSO program for the credit services, including the loan guaranty, we provide), finance charges on Sunny installment loans and revenues earned on the RiseElastic line of credit, and Elastic lines of credit. Finance chargefinance charges and fee revenues from the Today Card credit card product, which expanded its test launch in November 2018, were immaterial.product. See “—Components of our Results of Operations—Revenues.”
Ending and average combined loans receivable – principal. We calculate the average combined loans receivable – principal by taking a simple daily average of the ending combined loans receivable – principal for each period. Key metrics that drive the ending and average combined loans receivable – principal include the amount of loans originated in a period and the average customer loan balance. All loan balance metrics include only the 90% participation in the related Elastic line of credit advances (we exclude the 10% held by Republic Bank) and, the 96% participation in FinWise Bank originated Rise installment loans and the 95% participation in CCB originated Rise installment loans and the 95% participation in the CCB originated Today Card credit card receivables, but include the full loan balances on CSO loans, which are not presented on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.
Total combined loans originated – principal. The amount of loans originated in a period is driven primarily by loans to new customers as well as new loans to prior customers, including refinancingsrefinancing of existing loans to customers in good standing.
Average customer loan balance and effective APR of combined loan portfolio. The average loan amount and its related APR are based on the product and the underlying credit quality of the customer. Generally, better credit quality customers are offered higher loan amounts at lower APRs. Additionally, new customers have more potential risk of loss than prior or existing customers due to lack of payment history and the potential for fraud. As a result, newer customers typically will have lower loan amounts and higher APRs to compensate for that additional risk of loss. The effective APR is calculated based on the actual amount of finance charges generated from a customer loan divided by the average outstanding balance for the loan and can be lower than the stated APR on the loan due to waived finance charges and other reasons. For example, a Rise customer may receive a $2,000 installment loan with a term of 24 months and a stated rate of 180%. In this example, the customer’s monthly installment loan payment would be $310.86. As the customer can prepay the loan balance at any time with no additional fees or early payment penalty, the customer pays the loan in full in month eight. The customer’s loan earns interest of $2,337.81 over the eight-month period and has an average outstanding balance of $1,948.17. The effective APR for this loan is 180% over the eight-month period calculated as follows:
($2,337.81 interest earned / $1,948.17 average balance outstanding) x 12 months per year = 180%
8 months
In addition, as an example for Elastic, if a customer makes a $2,500 draw on the customer’s line of credit and this draw required bi-weekly minimum payments of 5% (equivalent to 20 bi-weekly payments), and if all minimum payments are made, the draw would earn finance charges of $1,148. The effective APR for the line of credit in this example is 109% over the payment period and is calculated as follows:
($1,148.00 fees earned / $1,369.05 average balance outstanding) x 26 bi-weekly periods per year = 109%
20 payments
The actual total revenue we realize on a loan portfolio is also impacted by the amount of prepayments and charged-off customer loans in the portfolio. For a single loan, on average, we typically expect to realize approximately 60% of the revenues that we would otherwise realize if the loan were to fully amortize at the stated APR. From the Rise example above, if we waived $400 of interest for this customer, the effective APR for this loan would decrease to 149%.
Number of new customer loans. We define a new customer loan as the first loan or advance made to a customer for each of our products (so a customer receiving a Rise installment loan and then at a later date taking their first cash advance on an Elastic line of credit would be counted twice). The number of new customer loans is subject to seasonal fluctuations. New customer acquisition is typically slowest during the first six months of each calendar year, primarily in the first quarter, compared to the latter half of the year, as our existing and prospective US customers usually receive tax refunds during this period and, thus, have less of a need for loans from us. Further, many US customers will use their tax refunds to prepay all or a portion of their loan balance during this period, so our overall loan portfolio typically decreases during the first quarter of the calendar year. Overall loan portfolio growth and the number of new customer loans tends to accelerate during the summer months (typically June and July), at the beginning of the school year (typically late August to early September) and during the winter holidays (typically late November to early December).
Customer acquisition costs. A key expense metric we monitor related to loan growth is our CAC. This metric is the amount of direct marketing costs incurred during a period divided by the number of new customer loans originated during that same period. New loans to former customers are not included in our calculation of CAC (except to the extent they receive a loan through a different product) as we believe we incur no material direct marketing costs to make additional loans to a prior customer through the same product.
The following tables summarize the changes in customer loans by product for the years ended December 31,
2020, 2019
2018 and
2017. |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year ended December 31, 2019 |
| | Rise (US) | | Elastic (US)(1) | | Total Domestic | | Sunny (UK) | | Total |
Beginning number of combined loans outstanding | | 142,758 |
| | 166,397 |
| | 309,155 |
| | 89,449 |
| | 398,604 |
|
New customer loans originated | | 108,813 |
| | 50,912 |
| | 159,725 |
| | 87,981 |
| | 247,706 |
|
Former customer loans originated | | 80,624 |
| | 62 |
| | 80,686 |
| | — |
| | 80,686 |
|
Attrition | | (179,760 | ) | | (67,847 | ) | | (247,607 | ) | | (104,905 | ) | | (352,512 | ) |
Ending number of combined loans outstanding | | 152,435 |
| | 149,524 |
| | 301,959 |
| | 72,525 |
| | 374,484 |
|
Customer acquisition cost | | $ | 248 |
| | $ | 226 |
| | $ | 241 |
| | $ | 145 |
| | $ | 207 |
|
Average customer loan balance | | $ | 2,297 |
| | $ | 1,719 |
| | $ | 2,011 |
| | $ | 464 |
| | $ | 1,711 |
|
2018. |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year ended December 31, 2018 |
| | Rise (US) | | Elastic (US)(1) | | Total Domestic | | Sunny (UK) | | Total |
Beginning number of combined loans outstanding | | 140,790 |
| | 140,672 |
| | 281,462 |
| | 80,510 |
| | 361,972 |
|
New customer loans originated | | 111,860 |
| | 99,820 |
| | 211,680 |
| | 104,803 |
| | 316,483 |
|
Former customer loans originated | | 86,278 |
| | 746 |
| | 87,024 |
| | — |
| | 87,024 |
|
Attrition | | (196,170 | ) | | (74,841 | ) | | (271,011 | ) | | (95,864 | ) | | (366,875 | ) |
Ending number of combined loans outstanding | | 142,758 |
| | 166,397 |
| | 309,155 |
| | 89,449 |
| | 398,604 |
|
Customer acquisition cost | | $ | 275 |
| | $ | 240 |
| | $ | 259 |
| | $ | 218 |
| | $ | 245 |
|
Average customer loan balance | | $ | 2,167 |
| | $ | 1,746 |
| | $ | 1,940 |
| | $ | 544 |
| | $ | 1,627 |
|
(1) Includes immaterial balances related to the Today Card, which expanded its test launch in November 2018. | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year ended December 31, 2020 |
| | Rise | | Elastic | | Today | | | | | | Total |
Beginning number of combined loans outstanding | | 152,435 | | | 146,317 | | | 3,207 | | | | | | | 301,959 | |
New customer loans originated | | 46,857 | | | 13,302 | | | 8,086 | | | | | | | 68,245 | |
Former customer loans originated | | 56,427 | | | 348 | | | — | | | | | | | 56,775 | |
Attrition | | (151,779) | | | (59,862) | | | (490) | | | | | | | (212,131) | |
Ending number of combined loans outstanding | | 103,940 | | | 100,105 | | | 10,803 | | | | | | | 214,848 | |
Customer acquisition cost | | $ | 324 | | | $ | 351 | | | $ | 52 | | | | | | | $ | 297 | |
Average customer loan balance | | $ | 2,197 | | | $ | 1,572 | | | $ | 1,306 | | | | | | | $ | 1,861 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year ended December 31, 2019 |
| | Rise | | Elastic | | Today | | | | | | Total |
Beginning number of combined loans outstanding | | 142,758 | | | 165,950 | | | 447 | | | | | | | 309,155 | |
New customer loans originated | | 108,813 | | | 47,677 | | | 3,235 | | | | | | | 159,725 | |
Former customer loans originated | | 80,624 | | | 62 | | | — | | | | | | | 80,686 | |
Attrition | | (179,760) | | | (67,372) | | | (475) | | | | | | | (247,607) | |
Ending number of combined loans outstanding | | 152,435 | | | 146,317 | | | 3,207 | | | | | | | 301,959 | |
Customer acquisition cost | | $ | 248 | | | $ | 240 | | | $ | 23 | | | | | | | $ | 241 | |
Average customer loan balance | | $ | 2,297 | | | $ | 1,727 | | | $ | 1,368 | | | | | | | $ | 2,011 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, 2018 |
| | Rise | | Elastic | | Today | | | | | | Total |
Beginning number of combined loans outstanding | | 140,790 | | | 140,672 | | | — | | | | | | | 281,462 | |
New customer loans originated | | 111,860 | | | 99,365 | | | 455 | | | | | | | 211,680 | |
Former customer loans originated | | 86,278 | | | 746 | | | — | | | | | | | 87,024 | |
Attrition | | (196,170) | | | (74,833) | | | (8) | | | | | | | (271,011) | |
Ending number of combined loans outstanding | | 142,758 | | | 165,950 | | | 447 | | | | | | | 309,155 | |
Customer acquisition cost | | $ | 275 | | | $ | 241 | | | $ | 1 | | | | | | | $ | 259 | |
Average customer loan balance | | $ | 2,167 | | | $ | 1,747 | | | $ | 1,509 | | | | | | | $ | 1,940 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year Ended December 31, 2017 |
| | Rise (US) | | Elastic (US) | | Total Domestic | | Sunny (UK) | | Total |
Beginning number of combined loans outstanding | | 121,996 |
| | 89,153 |
| | 211,149 |
| | 78,044 |
| | 289,193 |
|
New customer loans originated | | 116,030 |
| | 110,145 |
| | 226,175 |
| | 79,011 |
| | 305,186 |
|
Former customer loans originated | | 71,109 |
| | — |
| | 71,109 |
| | — |
| | 71,109 |
|
Attrition | | (168,345 | ) | | (58,626 | ) | | (226,971 | ) | | (76,545 | ) | | (303,516 | ) |
Ending number of combined loans outstanding | | 140,790 |
| | 140,672 |
| | 281,462 |
| | 80,510 |
| | 361,972 |
|
Customer acquisition cost | | $ | 281 |
| | $ | 182 |
| | $ | 233 |
| | $ | 249 |
| | $ | 237 |
|
Average customer loan balance | | $ | 2,276 |
| | $ | 1,784 |
| | $ | 2,030 |
| | $ | 584 |
| | $ | 1,708 |
|
Recent trends. Our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2020 totaled $465.3 million, a decrease of 27% versus the prior year period. Our revenues for the year ended December 31, 2019 totaled $747.0$638.9 million, a decrease of 5%4% versus the prior year period. Both the Rise and Elastic products experienced a year-over-year decline in revenues of 26% and 31%, respectively, which were attributable to reductions in loan origination volume and lower effective APRs for the loan portfolio due to the economic crisis created by the COVID-19 pandemic beginning in March 2020. This decline in revenue was partially offset by a year-over-year increase in revenues for the Today Card product, which more than doubled its average principal balance outstanding in 2020. We believe Today Card balances increased during 2020 despite the impact of COVID-19 due to the nature of the product (credit card versus installment loan or line of credit), the lower APR of the product (effective APR of 30% in 2020 compared to Rise at 110% and Elastic at 94%) as customers receiving stimulus payments would be more apt to pay down more expensive forms of credit, and the added convenience of having a credit card for online purchases of day-to-day items such as groceries or clothing (whereas the primary usage of a Rise installment loan or Elastic line of credit is for emergency financial needs such as a medical deductible or automobile repair).
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we expanded our payment flexibility tools to provide temporary payment relief to certain customers who meet the program’s qualifications. This program allows for a deferral of payments for an initial period of 30 to 60 days, for generally a maximum of 180 days on a cumulative basis. The customer will return to their normal payment schedule after the end of the deferral period with the extension of their maturity date equivalent to their deferral period not to generally exceed an additional 180 days. For Rise installment loans, finance charges continue to accrue at a lower effective APR over the expected extended term of the loan considering the deferral periods provided. For Elastic lines of credit, no fees accrue during the payment deferral period. As a result, the average APR of our Rise and Elastic products has decreased due to the impact of the COVID pandemic and the payment flexibility tools that have been implemented.
Additionally, the portfolio of loan products we and the bank originators provide has experienced significantly decreased loan demand for both new and former customers since the COVID-19 pandemic began, including the effects of underwriting changes that limited the volume of new customer loan originations and monetary stimulus provided by the US government reducing demand for loan products. These events are resulting in materially lower new customer loans and a corresponding decrease in revenues primarily resultedcompared to a year ago. While we increased our marketing spend to acquire new customer loans during the second half of 2020 as compared to the first half of 2020, our overall loan origination volumes during the second half of 2020 were still below our historical origination volumes due to continued reduction in loan demand for our products and increased underwriting criteria. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rise and Elastic principal loan balances at December 31, 2020 totaled $228.3 million and $157.4 million, respectively, down $121.8 million and $95.3 million, respectively, from a decreaseyear ago. Conversely, Today Card principal loan balances at December 31, 2020 totaled $14.1 million, up $9.7 million from a year ago.
Given the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, we are currently unable to determine if demand for our Rise and Elastic loan products will increase in 2021. Until demand increases, our effective APRloan balances and revenue will continue to be materially lower than the prior year periods.
Credit quality
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | As of and for the years ended December 31, |
Credit quality metrics (dollars in thousands) | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
Net charge-offs(1) | | $ | 189,823 | | | $ | 330,317 | | | $ | 360,288 | |
Additional provision for loan losses(1) | | (32,913) | | | (4,655) | | | 1,910 | |
Provision for loan losses | | $ | 156,910 | | | $ | 325,662 | | | 362,198 | |
Past due combined loans receivable – principal as a percentage of combined loans receivable – principal(2) | | 6 | % | | 10 | % | | 11 | % |
Net charge-offs as a percentage of revenues(1) | | 41 | % | | 52 | % | | 54 | % |
Total provision for loan losses as a percentage of revenues | | 34 | % | | 51 | % | | 55 | % |
Combined loan loss reserve(3) | | $ | 49,079 | | | $ | 81,992 | | | $ | 86,647 | |
Combined loan loss reserve as a percentage of combined loans receivable(3) | | 12 | % | | 13 | % | | 14 | % |
_________
(1)Net charge-offs and additional provision for loan losses are not financial measures prepared in accordance with US GAAP. Net charge-offs include the amount of principal and accrued interest on loans that are more than 60 days past due, or sooner if we receive notice that the loan will not be collected, such as a bankruptcy notice or identified fraud, offset by any recoveries. Additional provision for loan losses is the amount of provision for loan losses needed for a particular period to adjust the combined loan loss reserve to the appropriate level in accordance with our underlying loan loss reserve methodology. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information and for a reconciliation to Provision for loan losses, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with US GAAP.
(2)Combined loans receivable is defined as loans owned by us and consolidated VIEs plus loans originated and owned by third-party lenders pursuant to our CSO programs. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information and for a reconciliation of Combined loans receivable to Loans receivable, net, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with US GAAP.
(3)Combined loan loss reserve is defined as the loan loss reserve for loans originated and owned by us plus the loan loss reserve for loans owned by third-party lenders and guaranteed by us. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information and for a reconciliation of Combined loan loss reserve to Allowance for loan losses, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with US GAAP.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Net principal charge-offs as a percentage of average combined loans receivable - principal (1) (2) (3) | | First Quarter | | Second Quarter | | Third Quarter | | Fourth Quarter |
2020 | | 11% | | 10% | | 4% | | 5% |
2019 | | 13% | | 10% | | 10% | | 12% |
2018 | | 13% | | 12% | | 12% | | 14% |
(1)Net principal charge-offs is comprised of gross principal charge-offs less recoveries.
(2)Average combined loans receivable - principal balanceis calculated using an average of daily Combined loans receivable - principal balances during each quarter.
(3)Combined loans receivable is defined as loans owned by us and consolidated VIEs plus loans originated and owned by third-party lenders pursuant to our CSO programs. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information and for a reconciliation of Combined loans receivable to Loans receivable, net, the APR declinedmost directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with US GAAP.
The above chart depicts the positive impact COVID-19 has had on credit quality. Due to 122% during the year ended December 31, 2019 from 129% duringlack of new customer loan demand, our implementation of payment assistance tools, and government stimulus payments received by our customers, net principal charge-offs as a percentage of average combined loans receivable-principal for the comparablethird and fourth quarters of 2020 are at historical lows and less than half of prior year period.percentages. This decrease in the average APR resulted primarily from our Rise product as the average APR of a new Rise loan originated by a FinWise Bank customer is 130%, which is lower than our typical state-licensed Rise customer butlosses, combined with a better credit profile. In addition, we have experienced slower new customer loan growth as we funded 247,706 new customer loans for the year ended December 31, 2019, a decrease of 22% from the prior year. As we disclosed in our 2018 Annual Report on Form 10-K, we chose to moderate our new customer growthdirect marketing costs, resulted in 2019 as we deployed and refined our new credit models during the second and third quarters of 2019.
Our CAC was significantly lower for the year ended December 31, 2019gross profit being higher in 2020 as compared to prior year2019 and was below2018 despite the lower end of our targeted range of $250 to $300. This decrease was attributable to all three products. The Rise and Elastic CAC decreased due to more efficient marketing spend. The Sunny CAC also decreased for the year ended December 31, 2019 from $218 to $145 due to more efficient marketing spend coupled with diminished competitionsignificant decline in the UK market. We believe our CAC in future quarters will remain within or below our target range of $250 to $300 as we continue to optimize the efficiency of our marketing channels and benefit from continued less competition in the UK market.
Credit quality
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | As of and for the years ended December 31, |
Credit quality metrics (dollars in thousands) | | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
Net charge-offs(1) | | $ | 371,458 |
| | $ | 409,160 |
| | $ | 347,010 |
|
Additional provision for loan losses(1) | | (7,217 | ) | | 2,819 |
| | 10,564 |
|
Provision for loan losses | | $ | 364,241 |
| | $ | 411,979 |
| | 357,574 |
|
Past due combined loans receivable – principal as a percentage of combined loans receivable – principal(2) | | 10 | % | | 11 | % | | 10 | % |
Net charge-offs as a percentage of revenues(1) | | 50 | % | | 52 | % | | 52 | % |
Total provision for loan losses as a percentage of revenues | | 49 | % | | 52 | % | | 53 | % |
Combined loan loss reserve(3) | | $ | 89,075 |
| | $ | 96,052 |
| | $ | 93,789 |
|
Combined loan loss reserve as a percentage of combined loans receivable(3) | | 13 | % | | 14 | % | | 14 | % |
_________
| |
(1) | Net charge-offs and additional provision for loan losses are not financial measures prepared in accordance with US GAAP. Net charge-offs include the amount of principal and accrued interest on loans that are more than 60 days past due, or sooner if we receive notice that the loan will not be collected, such as a bankruptcy notice or identified fraud, offset by any recoveries. Additional provision for loan losses is the amount of provision for loan losses needed for a particular period to adjust the combined loan loss reserve to the appropriate level in accordance with our underlying loan loss reserve methodology. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information and for a reconciliation to Provision for loan losses, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with US GAAP. |
| |
(2) | Combined loans receivable is defined as loans owned by the Company and consolidated VIEs plus loans originated and owned by third-party lenders. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information and for a reconciliation of Combined loans receivable to Loans receivable, net, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with US GAAP. |
| |
(3) | Combined loan loss reserve is defined as the loan loss reserve for loans originated and owned by the Company and consolidated VIEs plus the loan loss reserve for loans owned by third-party lenders and guaranteed by the Company. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information and for a reconciliation of Combined loan loss reserve to allowance for loan losses, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with US GAAP. |
|
| | | | | | | | |
Net principal charge-offs as a percentage of average combined loans receivable - principal (1) (2) (3) | | First Quarter | | Second Quarter | | Third Quarter | | Fourth Quarter |
2019 | | 13% | | 11% | | 11% | | 12% |
2018 | | 13% | | 12% | | 13% | | 14% |
2017 | | 15% | | 14% | | 12% | | 13% |
| |
(1) | Net principal charge-offs is comprised of gross principal charge-offs less recoveries. |
| |
(2) | Average combined loans receivable - principal is calculated using an average of daily combined loans receivable - principal balances during each quarter. |
| |
(3) | Combined loans receivable is defined as loans owned by the Company and consolidated VIEs plus loans originated and owned by third-party lenders pursuant to our CSO programs. See "—Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for more information and for a reconciliation of combined loans receivable to Loans receivable, net, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with US GAAP. |
revenue.
In reviewing the credit quality of our loan portfolio, we break out our total provision for loan losses that is presented on our statement of operationsincome statements under US GAAP into two separate items—net charge-offs and additional provision for loan losses. Net charge-offs are indicative of the credit quality of our underlying portfolio, while additional provision for loan losses is subject to more fluctuation based on loan portfolio growth, recent credit quality trends and the effect of normal seasonality on our business. The additional provision for loan losses is the amount needed to adjust the combined loan loss reserve to the appropriate amount at the end of each month based on our loan loss reserve methodology.
Net charge-offs. Net charge-offs comprise gross charge-offs offset by recoveries on prior charge-offs. Gross charge-offs include the amount of principal and accrued interest on loans that are more than 60 days past due, or sooner if we receive notice that the loan will not be collected, such as a bankruptcy notice or identified fraud. Any payments received on loans that have been charged off are recorded as recoveries and reduce the total amount of gross charge-offs. Recoveries are typically less than 10% of the amount charged off, and thus, we do not view recoveries as a key credit quality metric.
Net charge-offs as a percentage of revenues can vary based on several factors, such as whether or not we experience significant growth or lower the APR of our products. Additionally, although a more seasoned portfolio will typically result in lower net charge-offs as a percentage of revenues, we do not intend to drive down this ratio significantly below our historical ratios and would instead seek to offer our existing products to a broader new customer base to drive additional revenues.
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average combined loans receivable-principal allow us to determine credit quality and evaluate loss experience trends across our loan portfolio.
Additional provision for loan losses. Additional provision for loan losses is the amount of provision for loan losses needed for a particular period to adjust the combined loan loss reserve to the appropriate level in accordance with our underlying loan loss reserve methodology.
Additional provision for loan losses relates to an increase in future inherent losses in the loan portfolio as determined by our loan loss reserve methodology. This increase could be due to a combination of factors such as an increase in the size of the loan portfolio or a worsening of credit quality or increase in past due loans. It is also possible for the additional provision for loan losses for a period to be a negative amount, which would reduce the amount of the combined loan loss reserve needed (due to a decrease in the loan portfolio or improvement in credit quality). The amount of additional provision for loan losses is seasonal in nature, mirroring the seasonality of our new customer acquisition and overall loan portfolio growth, as discussed above. The combined loan loss reserve typically decreases during the first quarter or first half of the calendar year due to a decrease in the loan portfolio from year end. Then, as the rate of growth for the loan portfolio starts to increase during the second half of the year, additional provision for loan losses is typically needed to increase the reserve for future losses associated with the loan growth. Because of this, our provision for loan losses can vary significantly throughout the year without a significant change in the credit quality of our portfolio.
The following provides an example of the application of our loan loss reserve methodology and the break outbreak-out of the provision for loan losses between the portion associated with replenishing the reserve due to net charge-offs and the amount related to the additional provision for loan losses. If the beginning combined loan loss reserve were $25 million, and we incurred $10 million of net charge-offs during the period and the ending combined loan loss reserve needed to be $30 million according to our loan loss reserve methodology, our total provision for loan losses would be $15 million, comprising $10 million in net charge-offs (provision needed to replenish the combined loan loss reserve) plus $5 million of additional provision related to an increase in future inherent losses in the loan portfolio identified by our loan loss reserve methodology.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Example (dollars in thousands) | | | | |
Beginning combined loan loss reserve | | | | $ | 25,000 | |
Less: Net charge-offs | | | | (10,000) | |
Provision for loan losses: | | | | |
Provision for net charge-offs | | 10,000 | | | |
Additional provision for loan losses | | 5,000 | | | |
Total provision for loan losses | | | | 15,000 | |
Ending combined loan loss reserve balance | | | | $ | 30,000 | |
|
| | | | | | | |
Example (dollars in thousands) | | | | |
Beginning combined loan loss reserve | | | | $ | 25,000 |
|
Less: Net charge-offs | | | | (10,000 | ) |
Provision for loan losses: | | | | |
Provision for net charge-offs | | 10,000 |
| | |
Additional provision for loan losses | | 5,000 |
| | |
Total provision for loan losses | | | | 15,000 |
|
Ending combined loan loss reserve balance | | | | $ | 30,000 |
|
Loan loss reserve methodology. Our loan loss reserve methodology is calculated separately for each product and, in the case of Rise loans originated under the state lending model (including CSO program loans), is calculated separately based on the state in which each customer resides to account for varying state license requirements that affect the amount of the loan offered, repayment terms and other factors. For each product, loss factors are calculated based on the delinquency status of customer loan balances: current, 1 to 30 days past due or 31 to 60 days past due. These loss factors for loans in each delinquency status are based on average historical loss rates by product (or state) associated with each of these three delinquency categories. Hence, another key credit quality metric we monitor is the percentage of past due combined loans receivable – principal, as an increase in past due loans will cause an increase in our combined loan loss reserve and related additional provision for loan losses to increase the reserve. For customers that are not past due, we further stratify these loans into loss rates by payment number, as a new customer that is about to make a first loan payment has a significantly higher risk of loss than a customer who has successfully made ten payments on an existing loan with us. Based on this methodology, during the past three years we have seen our combined loan loss reservenet principal charge-offs as a percentage of average combined loans receivable - principal generally fluctuate between approximately 13%10% and 17%14% depending on the overall mix of new, former and past due customer loans.
Recent trends. Total loan loss provision for the year ended December 31, 20192020 was 49%34% of revenues, which was withinbelow our targeted range of 45% to 55%, and lower thanbelow the 52%51% in the prior year period. For the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, net charge-offs as a percentage of revenues totaled 50%41%, compared to 52% in the prior year period. While we initially anticipated that the COVID-19 pandemic would have a negative impact on our credit quality, instead the large quantity of monetary stimulus provided by the US government to our customer base has generally allowed customers to continue making payments on their loans. However, this has also caused weaker customer demand for additional loans resulting in lower overall loan balances and revenues. We continue to monitor the portfolio during this economic crisis resulting from COVID-19 and continue to adjust our underwriting and credit policies to mitigate any potential negative impacts. In the near term, we expect that net charge-offs as a percentage of revenues will continue to trend lower than our targeted range of 45% to 55% of revenue. In the long-term (post-COVID-19), we expect to continue to manage our total loan loss provision as a percentage of revenues to continue to remain within our targeted range dueof approximately 45% to ongoing maturation55% of the loan portfolio and continued improvements in our underwriting models and processes.
revenue.
The combined loan loss reserve as a percentage of combined loans receivable totaled 12%, 13% and 14% as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively, reflecting improvementsrespectively. The loan loss reserve percentage remains relatively steady due to an increase in loans outstanding with a payment deferral under the payment flexibility tools offered in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While we have seen positive payment performance once loans complete their payment deferral status, the loans in this population have a higher inherent risk of loss which is reflected in our credit quality in each product portfolio.loan loss reserve calculations. Past due loan balances at December 31, 20192020 were 10%6% of total combined loans receivable - principal, down from 11%10% from a year ago.ago, which is attributable to the COVID-19 payment flexibility tools.
Additionally, weWe also look at principal loan charge-offs (including both credit and fraud losses) by vintage as a percentage of combined loans originated - principal. As the below table shows, our cumulative principal loan charge-offs through December 31, 20192020 for each annual vintage since the 2013 vintage are generally under 30% and continue to generally trend at or slightly below our 25% to 30% long-term targeted range. In the beginning ofDuring 2019, we implemented new fraud tools that have helped lower fraud losses. Additionally, welosses for the 2019 vintage and rolled out our next generation of credit models during the second quarter of 2019 and continued refining the models during the third quarterand fourth quarters of 2019. Our payment deferral programs have also assisted in reducing losses in our 2019 and 2020 vintages coupled with a lower volume of new loan originations in our 2020 vintage. The preliminary data on the 2019 vintageand 2020 vintages is that it isthey are both performing better than boththe 2017 and 2018 vintages. However, it is possible that the cumulative loss rates on all vintages will increase and may exceed our recent historical cumulative loss experience due to the impact of a prolonged economic crisis resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
(1) The 2019 vintage isand 2020 vintages are not yet fully mature from a loss perspective.
(2) UK included in the 2013 to 2017 vintages only.
(3) Does not include Today Card data as it is not material since its launch in 2018.
Margins
| | | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, |
Margin metrics (dollars in thousands) | | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | Margin metrics (dollars in thousands) | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| | | | | | | | |
Revenues | | $ | 746,962 |
| | $ | 786,682 |
| | $ | 673,132 |
| Revenues | | $ | 465,346 | | | $ | 638,873 | | | $ | 663,716 | |
Net charge-offs(1) | | (371,458 | ) | | (409,160 | ) | | (347,010 | ) | Net charge-offs(1) | | (189,823) | | | (330,317) | | | (360,288) | |
Additional provision for loan losses(1) | | 7,217 |
| | (2,819 | ) | | (10,564 | ) | Additional provision for loan losses(1) | | 32,913 | | | 4,655 | | | (1,910) | |
Direct marketing costs | | (51,283 | ) | | (77,605 | ) | | (72,222 | ) | Direct marketing costs | | (20,282) | | | (38,548) | | | (54,723) | |
Other cost of sales | | (28,846 | ) | | (26,359 | ) | | (20,536 | ) | Other cost of sales | | (8,124) | | | (10,083) | | | (12,140) | |
Gross profit | | 302,592 |
| | 270,739 |
| | 222,800 |
| Gross profit | | 280,030 | | | 264,580 | | | 234,655 | |
Operating expenses | | (191,169 | ) | | (175,865 | ) | | (151,937 | ) | Operating expenses | | (159,819) | | | (163,011) | | | (146,883) | |
Operating income | | $ | 111,423 |
| | $ | 94,874 |
| | $ | 70,863 |
| Operating income | | $ | 120,211 | | | $ | 101,569 | | | $ | 87,772 | |
As a percentage of revenues: | | | | | | | As a percentage of revenues: | | | | | | |
Net charge-offs | | 50 | % | | 52 | % | | 52 | % | Net charge-offs | | 41 | % | | 52 | % | | 54 | % |
Additional provision for loan losses | | (1 | ) | | — |
| | 2 |
| Additional provision for loan losses | | (7) | | | (1) | | | — | |
Direct marketing costs | | 7 |
| | 10 |
| | 11 |
| Direct marketing costs | | 4 | | | 6 | | | 8 | |
Other cost of sales | | 4 |
| | 3 |
| | 3 |
| Other cost of sales | | 2 | | | 2 | | | 2 | |
Gross margin | | 41 |
| | 34 |
| | 33 |
| Gross margin | | 60 | | | 41 | | | 35 | |
Operating expenses | | 26 |
| | 22 |
| | 23 |
| Operating expenses | | 34 | | | 26 | | | 22 | |
Operating margin | | 15 | % | | 12 | % | | 11 | % | Operating margin | | 26 | % | | 16 | % | | 13 | % |
_________
| |
(1) | Non-GAAP measure. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures—Net charge-offs and additional provision for loan losses.” |
(1)Non-GAAP measure. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures—Net charge-offs and additional provision for loan losses.”
Gross margin is calculated as revenues minus cost of sales, or gross profit, expressed as a percentage of revenues, and operating margin is calculated as operating income expressed as a percentage of revenues. We expectDue to the negative impact of COVID-19 on our loan balances and revenue, we are monitoring our profit margins closely. Long-term, we intend to continue to increase as we continuemanage the business to scale our business while maintaining stable credit quality. We allocate all marketing spend only to new customer loans. As our loan portfolio continues to mature with more customer loans that are from repeat customers, we will be generating revenue from those repeat customer loans without incurring any related marketing expense. As a result, we expect marketing expense as a percentage of revenue to continue to decline over time resulting in an increased gross profit margin. Additionally, being an online fintech company, we believe that as we continue to scale our business, we will generate operating efficiencies and our operating expense as a percentage of revenues will decline resulting in an increasedtargeted 20% operating margin.
Recent operating margin trends. For the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, our operating margin was 15%26%, which was an improvementincrease from 12%16% in the prior year period. This increase was largely due to a higher grossperiod and up from 13% in 2018. These margin increases were primarily driven by lower direct marketing costs and an overall lower loan loss provisionnet charge-offs due to improved credit quality and by lower additional provisions for loan losses due to the decrease in the loan portfolio.
Directbalances resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. We also incurred lower marketing costsexpenses for the year ended December 31, 2019 decreased2020 due to 7%reduced marketing activities resulting from the reduced demand for our loan products during the COVID-19 pandemic.
While gross margins are currently above our targeted 40%, operating expenses as a percentage of revenue from 10% in the prior year period. This decrease is continue to increase
due to the measured new customer growthnegative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on loan balances and revenue. As a result, we targeted as we focused on deploying our new credit modelsimplemented an operating expense reduction plan during the second quarter of 2019 and refining our credit models during the third quarter of 2019. The lower marketing spend, coupled with improved marketing efficiencies, resulted in a CAC of $207 for the year ended December 31, 2019, which is below2020. We completed the low endfollowing actions under our operating expense reduction plan:
• Reduction of our targeted rangeU.S. workforce by approximately 17% effective July 8, 2020;
• Reduction of $250 to $300executive salaries and lower than the CACboard compensation beginning July 2020; and
• Elimination of $245 for the prior year. We expect CAC to continue to be within or below our targeted range of $250 to $300 as we continue to optimize the efficiency of our marketing channels for our Risediscretionary operating expense items and Elastic products, and benefit from decreased competition in the UK, although we may see some quarterly volatility in CAC.
renegotiated terms with key vendors.
NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES
We believe that the inclusion of the following non-GAAP financial measures in this Annual Report on Form 10-K can provide a useful measure for period-to-period comparisons of our core business, provide transparency and useful information to investors and others in understanding and evaluating our operating results, and enable investors to better compare our operating performance with the operating performance of our competitors. Management uses these non-GAAP financial measures frequently in its decision-making because they provide supplemental information that facilitates internal comparisons to the historical operating performance of prior periods and give an additional indication of the Company’sour core operating performance. However, non-GAAP financial measures are not a measure calculated in accordance with US generally accepted accounting principles, or US GAAP, and should not be considered an alternative to any measures of financial performance calculated and presented in accordance with US GAAP. Other companies may calculate these non-GAAP financial measures differently than we do.
Adjusted Earnings
Adjusted earnings represent our net income from continuing operations, adjusted to exclude:
•Contingent loss related to legal matters
•Cumulative tax effect of adjustments
Adjusted diluted earnings per share is Adjusted earnings divided by Diluted weighted average shares outstanding.
The following table presents a reconciliation of net income from continuing operations and diluted earnings per share to Adjusted earnings and Adjusted diluted earnings per share, which excludes the impact of the contingent loss for each of the periods indicated:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Twelve Months Ended December 31, |
(Dollars in thousands except per share amounts) | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
Net income from continuing operations | | $ | 36,202 | | | $ | 26,196 | | | $ | 13,750 | |
Impact of contingent loss related to legal matters | | 24,079 | | | — | | | — | |
Cumulative tax effect of adjustments | | (5,577) | | | — | | | — | |
Adjusted earnings | | $ | 54,704 | | | $ | 26,196 | | | $ | 13,750 | |
| | | | | | |
Diluted earnings per share | | $ | 0.87 | | | $ | 0.59 | | | $ | 0.31 | |
Impact of contingent loss related to legal matters | | 0.58 | | | — | | | — | |
Cumulative tax effect of adjustment | | (0.14) | | | — | | | — | |
Adjusted diluted earnings per share | | $ | 1.31 | | | $ | 0.59 | | | $ | 0.31 | |
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin
Adjusted EBITDA represents our net income (loss),from continuing operations, adjusted to exclude:
•Net interest expense primarily associated with notes payable under the VPC Facility, EF SPV Facility, EC SPV Facility and ESPV Facility used to fund the loan portfolios;
•Share-based compensation;
Foreign currency gains and losses associated with our UK operations;
•Depreciation and amortization expense on fixed assets and intangible assets;
•Gains and losses from fair value adjustmentsdispositions or dispositionscontingent losses related to legal matters included in non-operating income (loss);loss; and
•Income taxes.
Adjusted EBITDA margin is Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue.
Management believes that Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin are useful supplemental measures to assist management and investors in analyzing the operating performance of the business and provide greater transparency into the results of operations of our core business.
Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin should not be considered as alternatives to net income (loss)from continuing operations or any other performance measure derived in accordance with US GAAP. Our use of Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under US GAAP. Some of these limitations are:
•Although depreciation and amortization are non-cash charges, the assets being depreciated and amortized may have to be replaced in the future, and Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect expected cash capital expenditure requirements for such replacements or for new capital assets;
•Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect changes in, or cash requirements for, our working capital needs; and
•Adjusted EBITDA does not reflect interest associated with notes payable used for funding the loan portfolios, for other corporate purposes or tax payments that may represent a reduction in cash available to us.
The following table presents a reconciliation of net income (loss)from continuing operations to Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin for each of the periods indicated:
| | | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | (Dollars in thousands) | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
Net income (loss) | | $ | 32,183 |
| | $ | 12,509 |
| | $ | (6,916 | ) | |
Net income from continuing operations | | Net income from continuing operations | | $ | 36,202 | | | $ | 26,196 | | | $ | 13,750 | |
Adjustments: | | | | | | | Adjustments: | |
Net interest expense | | 66,646 |
| | 79,198 |
| | 73,043 |
| Net interest expense | | 49,020 | | | 62,533 | | | 73,298 | |
Share-based compensation | | 9,940 |
| | 8,233 |
| | 6,318 |
| Share-based compensation | | 8,110 | | | 9,875 | | | 8,175 | |
Foreign currency transaction (gain) loss | | (334 | ) | | 1,409 |
| | (2,900 | ) | |
| Depreciation and amortization | | 17,380 |
| | 12,988 |
| | 10,272 |
| Depreciation and amortization | | 18,133 | | | 15,879 | | | 11,476 | |
Non-operating (income) loss | | 681 |
| | 350 |
| | (2,295 | ) | |
Non-operating loss | | Non-operating loss | | 24,079 | | | 681 | | | 350 | |
Income tax expense | | 12,247 |
| | 1,408 |
| | 9,931 |
| Income tax expense | | 10,910 | | | 12,159 | | | 374 | |
Adjusted EBITDA | | $ | 138,743 |
| | $ | 116,095 |
| | $ | 87,453 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | | $ | 146,454 | | | $ | 127,323 | | | $ | 107,423 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
Adjusted EBITDA margin | | 19 | % | | 15 | % | | 13 | % | Adjusted EBITDA margin | | 31 | % | | 20 | % | | 16 | % |
Free cash flow
Free cash flow (“FCF”) represents our net cash provided by continuing operating activities, adjusted to include:
•Net charge-offs – combined principal loans; and
•Capital expenditures.
The following table presents a reconciliation of net cash provided by continuing operating activities to FCF for each of the periods indicated:
| | | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | (Dollars in thousands) | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| | | | | |
Net cash provided by operating activities(1) | | $ | 370,344 |
| | $ | 362,276 |
| | $ | 308,688 |
| |
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities(1) | | Net cash provided by continuing operating activities(1) | | $ | 210,063 | | | $ | 333,316 | | | $ | 326,024 | |
Adjustments: | | | | | | | Adjustments: | | | |
Net charge-offs – combined principal loans | | (287,188 | ) | | (319,326 | ) | | (275,192 | ) | Net charge-offs – combined principal loans | | (144,697) | | | (258,250) | | | (285,556) | |
Capital expenditures | | (24,690 | ) | | (27,490 | ) | | (16,755 | ) | Capital expenditures | | (16,069) | | | (17,745) | | | (21,241) | |
FCF | | $ | 58,466 |
| | $ | 15,460 |
| | $ | 16,741 |
| FCF | | $ | 49,297 | | | $ | 57,321 | | | $ | 19,227 | |
_________
| |
(1) | Net cash provided by operating activities includes net charge-offs – combined finance charges. |
(1)Net cash provided by continuing operating activities includes net charge-offs – combined finance charges.
Net charge-offs and additional provision for loan losses
We break out our total provision for loan losses into two separate items—first, the amount related to net charge-offs, and second, the additional provision for loan losses needed to adjust the combined loan loss reserve to the appropriate amount at the end of each month based on our loan loss provision methodology. We believe this presentation provides more detail related to the components of our total provision for loan losses when analyzing the gross margin of our business.
Net charge-offs. Net charge-offs comprise gross charge-offs offset by recoveries on prior charge-offs. Gross charge-offs include the amount of principal and accrued interest on loans that are more than 60 days past due, or sooner if we receive notice that the loan will not be collected, such as a bankruptcy notice or identified fraud. Any payments received on loans that have been charged off are recorded as recoveries and reduce total gross charge-offs.
Additional provision for loan losses. Additional provision for loan losses is the amount of provision for loan losses needed for a particular period to adjust the combined loan loss reserve to the appropriate level in accordance with our underlying loan loss reserve methodology.
| | | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, | | | Twelve Months Ended December 31, |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | (Dollars in thousands) | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| | | | | | | |
Net charge-offs | | $ | 371,458 |
| | $ | 409,160 |
| | $ | 347,010 |
| Net charge-offs | | $ | 189,823 | | | $ | 330,317 | | | $ | 360,288 | |
Additional provision for loan losses | | (7,217 | ) | | 2,819 |
| | 10,564 |
| Additional provision for loan losses | | (32,913) | | | (4,655) | | | 1,910 | |
Provision for loan losses | | $ | 364,241 |
| | $ | 411,979 |
| | $ | 357,574 |
| Provision for loan losses | | $ | 156,910 | | | $ | 325,662 | | | $ | 362,198 | |
Combined loan information
The Elastic line of credit product is originated by a third-party lender, Republic Bank, which initially provides all of the funding for that product. Republic Bank retains 10% of the balances of all of the loans originated and sells a 90% loan participation in the Elastic lines of credit to a third-party SPV, Elastic SPV, Ltd. Elevate is required to consolidate Elastic SPV, Ltd. as a variable interest entity under US GAAP and the consolidated financial statements include revenue, losses and loans receivable related to the 90% of Elastic lines of credit originated by Republic Bank and sold to Elastic SPV.
Beginning in the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company also licenses itswe started licensing our Rise installment loan brand to a third-party lender, FinWise Bank, which originates Rise installment loans in 1918 states. Prior to August 1, 2019, FinWise Bank retained 5% of the balances of all originated loans and sold a 95% loan participation in those Rise installment loans to a third-party SPV, EF SPV. On August 1, 2019, EF SPV purchased an additional 1% participation in the outstanding portfolio with the participation percentage revised going forward to 96%. Elevate isWe do not own EF SPV, but we are required to consolidate EF SPV as a VIE under US GAAP and the consolidated financial statements include revenue, losses and loans receivable related to the 96% of Rise installment loans originated by FinWise Bank and sold to EF SPV.
Beginning in 2018, we started licensing the Today Card brand and our underwriting services and platform to launch a credit card product originated by CCB, which initially provides all of the funding for that product. CCB retains 5% of the credit card receivable balance of all the receivables originated and sells a 95% participation in the Today Card lines of credit to us.The Today Card program was expanded in 2020.
Beginning in the third quarter of 2020, we also license our Rise installment loan brand to an additional bank, CCB, which originates Rise installment loans in three different states than FinWise Bank. Similar to the relationship with FinWise Bank, CCB retains 5% of the balances of all of the loans originated and sells the remaining 95% loan participation in those Rise installment loans to EC SPV. We do not own EC SPV, but we are required to consolidate EC SPV as a variable interest entity under US GAAP and the consolidated financial statements include revenue, losses and loans receivable related to the 95% of the Rise installment loans originated by CCB and sold to EC SPV.
The information presented in the tables below on a combined basis are non-GAAP measures based on a combined portfolio of loans, which includes the total amount of outstanding loans receivable that we own and that are on our balance sheets plus outstanding loans receivable originated and owned by third parties that we guarantee pursuant to CSO programs in which we participate. See “—Basis of Presentation and Critical Accounting Policies—Allowance and liability for estimated losses on consumer loans” and “—Basis of Presentation and Critical Accounting Policies—Liability for estimated losses on credit service organization loans.”
We believe these non-GAAP measures provide investors with important information needed to evaluate the magnitude of potential loan losses and the opportunity for revenue performance of the combined loan portfolio on an aggregate basis. We also believe that the comparison of the combined amounts from period to period is more meaningful than comparing only the amounts reflected on our balance sheets since both revenues and cost of sales as reflected in our financial statements are impacted by the aggregate amount of loans we own and those CSO loans we guarantee.
Our use of total combined loans and fees receivable has limitations as an analytical tool, and you should not consider it in isolation or as a substitute for analysis of our results as reported under US GAAP. Some of these limitations are:
•Rise CSO loans are originated and owned by a third-party lender and
•Rise CSO loans are funded by a third-party lender and are not part of the VPC Facility.
As of each of the period ends indicated, the following table presents a reconciliation of:
•Loans receivable, net, Company owned (which reconciles to our Consolidated Balance Sheets included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K);
•Loans receivable, net, guaranteed by the Company (as disclosed in Note 3 of our consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K);
•Combined loans receivable (which we use as a non-GAAP measure); and
•Combined loan loss reserve (which we use as a non-GAAP measure).
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | 2018 | | 2019 | | 2020 |
(Dollars in thousands) | | | | | | | | | | December 31 | | March 31 | | June 30 | | September 30 | | December 31 | | March 31 | | June 30 | | September 30 | | December 31 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Company Owned Loans: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loans receivable – principal, current, company owned | | | | | | | | | | $ | 500,758 | | | $ | 451,298 | | | $ | 484,131 | | | $ | 507,551 | | | $ | 530,463 | | | $ | 486,396 | | | $ | 387,939 | | | $ | 346,380 | | | $ | 372,320 | |
Loans receivable – principal, past due, company owned | | | | | | | | | | 62,256 | | | 45,757 | | | 47,846 | | | 59,240 | | | 58,489 | | | 53,923 | | | 18,917 | | | 21,354 | | | 25,563 | |
Loans receivable – principal, total, company owned | | | | | | | | | | 563,014 | | | 497,055 | | | 531,977 | | | 566,791 | | | 588,952 | | | 540,319 | | | 406,856 | | | 367,734 | | | 397,883 | |
Loans receivable – finance charges, company owned | | | | | | | | | | 33,580 | | | 27,520 | | | 27,472 | | | 31,698 | | | 33,033 | | | 31,621 | | | 25,606 | | | 24,117 | | | 25,348 | |
Loans receivable – company owned | | | | | | | | | | 596,594 | | | 524,575 | | | 559,449 | | | 598,489 | | | 621,985 | | | 571,940 | | | 432,462 | | | 391,851 | | | 423,231 | |
Allowance for loan losses on loans receivable, company owned | | | | | | | | | | (82,203) | | | (64,450) | | | (65,889) | | | (80,537) | | | (79,912) | | | (76,188) | | | (59,438) | | | (49,909) | | | (48,399) | |
Loans receivable, net, company owned | | | | | | | | | | $ | 514,391 | | | $ | 460,125 | | | $ | 493,560 | | | $ | 517,952 | | | $ | 542,073 | | | $ | 495,752 | | | $ | 373,024 | | | $ | 341,942 | | | $ | 374,832 | |
Third-Party Loans Guaranteed by the Company: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loans receivable – principal, current, guaranteed by company | | | | | | | | | | $ | 35,529 | | | $ | 27,941 | | | $ | 21,099 | | | $ | 18,633 | | | $ | 17,474 | | | $ | 12,606 | | | $ | 6,755 | | | $ | 9,129 | | | $ | 1,795 | |
Loans receivable – principal, past due, guaranteed by company | | | | | | | | | | 1,353 | | | 696 | | | 596 | | | 697 | | | 723 | | | 564 | | | 117 | | | 314 | | | 144 | |
Loans receivable – principal, total, guaranteed by company(1) | | | | | | | | | | 36,882 | | | 28,637 | | | 21,695 | | | 19,330 | | | 18,197 | | | 13,170 | | | 6,872 | | | 9,443 | | | 1,939 | |
Loans receivable – finance charges, guaranteed by company(2) | | | | | | | | | | 2,944 | | | 2,164 | | | 1,676 | | | 1,553 | | | 1,395 | | | 1,150 | | | 550 | | | 679 | | | 299 | |
Loans receivable – guaranteed by company | | | | | | | | | | 39,826 | | | 30,801 | | | 23,371 | | | 20,883 | | | 19,592 | | | 14,320 | | | 7,422 | | | 10,122 | | | 2,238 | |
Liability for losses on loans receivable, guaranteed by company | | | | | | | | | | (4,444) | | | (3,242) | | | (1,983) | | | (1,972) | | | (2,080) | | | (1,571) | | | (1,156) | | | (1,421) | | | (680) | |
Loans receivable, net, guaranteed by company(3) | | | | | | | | | | $ | 35,382 | | | $ | 27,559 | | | $ | 21,388 | | | $ | 18,911 | | | $ | 17,512 | | | $ | 12,749 | | | $ | 6,266 | | | $ | 8,701 | | | $ | 1,558 | |
Combined Loans Receivable(3): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Combined loans receivable – principal, current | | | | | | | | | | $ | 536,287 | | | $ | 479,239 | | | $ | 505,230 | | | $ | 526,184 | | | $ | 547,937 | | | $ | 499,002 | | | $ | 394,694 | | | $ | 355,509 | | | $ | 374,115 | |
Combined loans receivable – principal, past due | | | | | | | | | | 63,609 | | | 46,453 | | | 48,442 | | | 59,937 | | | 59,212 | | | 54,487 | | | 19,034 | | | 21,668 | | | 25,707 | |
Combined loans receivable – principal | | | | | | | | | | 599,896 | | | 525,692 | | | 553,672 | | | 586,121 | | | 607,149 | | | 553,489 | | | 413,728 | | | 377,177 | | | 399,822 | |
Combined loans receivable – finance charges | | | | | | | | | | 36,524 | | | 29,684 | | | 29,148 | | | 33,251 | | | 34,428 | | | 32,771 | | | 26,156 | | | 24,796 | | | 25,647 | |
Combined loans receivable | | | | | | | | | | $ | 636,420 | | | $ | 555,376 | | | $ | 582,820 | | | $ | 619,372 | | | $ | 641,577 | | | $ | 586,260 | | | $ | 439,884 | | | $ | 401,973 | | | $ | 425,469 | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | 2017 | | 2018 | | 2019 |
(Dollars in thousands) | | December 31 | | March 31 | | June 30 | | September 30 | | December 31 | | March 31 | | June 30 | | September 30 | | December 31 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Company Owned Loans: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loans receivable – principal, current, company owned | | $ | 514,147 |
| | $ | 471,996 |
| | $ | 493,908 |
| | $ | 525,717 |
| | $ | 543,405 |
| | $ | 491,208 |
| | $ | 523,785 |
| | $ | 543,565 |
| | $ | 559,169 |
|
Loans receivable – principal, past due, company owned | | 61,856 |
| | 60,876 |
| | 58,949 |
| | 69,934 |
| | 68,251 |
| | 55,286 |
| | 55,711 |
| | 65,824 |
| | 63,413 |
|
Loans receivable – principal, total, company owned | | 576,003 |
| | 532,872 |
| | 552,857 |
| | 595,651 |
| | 611,656 |
| | 546,494 |
| | 579,496 |
| | 609,389 |
| | 622,582 |
|
Loans receivable – finance charges, company owned | | 36,562 |
| | 31,181 |
| | 31,519 |
| | 36,747 |
| | 41,646 |
| | 32,491 |
| | 31,805 |
| | 35,702 |
| | 38,091 |
|
Loans receivable – company owned | | 612,565 |
| | 564,053 |
| | 584,376 |
| | 632,398 |
| | 653,302 |
| | 578,985 |
| | 611,301 |
| | 645,091 |
| | 660,673 |
|
Allowance for loan losses on loans receivable, company owned | | (87,946 | ) | | (80,497 | ) | | (76,575 | ) | | (89,422 | ) | | (91,608 | ) | | (76,457 | ) | | (75,896 | ) | | (89,667 | ) | | (86,996 | ) |
Loans receivable, net, company owned | | $ | 524,619 |
| | $ | 483,556 |
| | $ | 507,801 |
| | $ | 542,976 |
| | $ | 561,694 |
| | $ | 502,528 |
| | $ | 535,405 |
| | $ | 555,424 |
| | $ | 573,677 |
|
Third-Party Loans Guaranteed by the Company: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Loans receivable – principal, current, guaranteed by company | | $ | 41,220 |
| | $ | 33,469 |
| | $ | 35,114 |
| | $ | 36,649 |
| | $ | 35,529 |
| | $ | 27,941 |
| | $ | 21,099 |
| | $ | 18,633 |
| | $ | 17,474 |
|
Loans receivable – principal, past due, guaranteed by company | | 1,152 |
| | 1,123 |
| | 1,494 |
| | 1,661 |
| | 1,353 |
| | 696 |
| | 596 |
| | 697 |
| | 723 |
|
Loans receivable – principal, total, guaranteed by company(1) | | 42,372 |
| | 34,592 |
| | 36,608 |
| | 38,310 |
| | 36,882 |
| | 28,637 |
| | 21,695 |
| | 19,330 |
| | 18,197 |
|
Loans receivable – finance charges, guaranteed by company(2) | | 3,093 |
| | 2,612 |
| | 2,777 |
| | 3,103 |
| | 2,944 |
| | 2,164 |
| | 1,676 |
| | 1,553 |
| | 1,395 |
|
Loans receivable – guaranteed by company | | 45,465 |
| | 37,204 |
| | 39,385 |
| | 41,413 |
| | 39,826 |
| | 30,801 |
| | 23,371 |
| | 20,883 |
| | 19,592 |
|
Liability for losses on loans receivable, guaranteed by company | | (5,843 | ) | | (3,749 | ) | | (3,956 | ) | | (4,510 | ) | | (4,444 | ) | | (3,242 | ) | | (1,983 | ) | | (1,972 | ) | | (2,079 | ) |
Loans receivable, net, guaranteed by company(3) | | $ | 39,622 |
| | $ | 33,455 |
| | $ | 35,429 |
| | $ | 36,903 |
| | $ | 35,382 |
| | $ | 27,559 |
| | $ | 21,388 |
| | $ | 18,911 |
| | $ | 17,513 |
|
Combined Loans Receivable(3): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Combined loans receivable – principal, current | | $ | 555,367 |
| | $ | 505,465 |
| | $ | 529,022 |
| | $ | 562,366 |
| | $ | 578,934 |
| | $ | 519,149 |
| | $ | 544,884 |
| | $ | 562,198 |
| | $ | 576,643 |
|
Combined loans receivable – principal, past due | | 63,008 |
| | 61,999 |
| | 60,443 |
| | 71,595 |
| | 69,604 |
| | 55,982 |
| | 56,307 |
| | 66,521 |
| | 64,136 |
|
Combined loans receivable – principal | | 618,375 |
| | 567,464 |
| | 589,465 |
| | 633,961 |
| | 648,538 |
| | 575,131 |
| | 601,191 |
| | 628,719 |
| | 640,779 |
|
Combined loans receivable – finance charges | | 39,655 |
| | 33,793 |
| | 34,296 |
| | 39,850 |
| | 44,590 |
| | 34,655 |
| | 33,481 |
| | 37,255 |
| | 39,486 |
|
Combined loans receivable | | $ | 658,030 |
| | $ | 601,257 |
| | $ | 623,761 |
| | $ | 673,811 |
| | $ | 693,128 |
| | $ | 609,786 |
| | $ | 634,672 |
| | $ | 665,974 |
| | $ | 680,265 |
|
| | | | 2017 | | 2018 | | 2019 | | | | 2018 | | 2019 | | 2020 |
(Dollars in thousands) | | December 31 | | March 31 | | June 30 | | September 30 | | December 31 | | March 31 | | June 30 | | September 30 | | December 31 | (Dollars in thousands) | | | December 31 | | March 31 | | June 30 | | September 30 | | December 31 | | March 31 | | June 30 | | September 30 | | December 31 |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Combined Loan Loss Reserve(3): | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | Combined Loan Loss Reserve(3): | | | |
Allowance for loan losses on loans receivable, company owned | | $ | (87,946 | ) | | $ | (80,497 | ) | | $ | (76,575 | ) | | $ | (89,422 | ) | | $ | (91,608 | ) | | $ | (76,457 | ) | | $ | (75,896 | ) | | $ | (89,667 | ) | | $ | (86,996 | ) | Allowance for loan losses on loans receivable, company owned | | | $ | (82,203) | | | $ | (64,450) | | | $ | (65,889) | | | $ | (80,537) | | | $ | (79,912) | | | $ | (76,188) | | | $ | (59,438) | | | $ | (49,909) | | | $ | (48,399) | |
Liability for losses on loans receivable, guaranteed by company | | (5,843 | ) | | (3,749 | ) | | (3,956 | ) | | (4,510 | ) | | (4,444 | ) | | (3,242 | ) | | (1,983 | ) | | (1,972 | ) | | (2,079 | ) | Liability for losses on loans receivable, guaranteed by company | | | (4,444) | | | (3,242) | | | (1,983) | | | (1,972) | | | (2,080) | | | (1,571) | | | (1,156) | | | (1,421) | | | (680) | |
Combined loan loss reserve | | $ | (93,789 | ) | | $ | (84,246 | ) | | $ | (80,531 | ) | | $ | (93,932 | ) | | $ | (96,052 | ) | | $ | (79,699 | ) | | $ | (77,879 | ) | | $ | (91,639 | ) | | $ | (89,075 | ) | Combined loan loss reserve | | | $ | (86,647) | | | $ | (67,692) | | | $ | (67,872) | | | $ | (82,509) | | | $ | (81,992) | | | $ | (77,759) | | | $ | (60,594) | | | $ | (51,330) | | | $ | (49,079) | |
Combined loans receivable – principal, past due(3) | | $ | 63,008 |
| | $ | 61,999 |
| | $ | 60,443 |
| | $ | 71,595 |
| | $ | 69,604 |
| | $ | 55,982 |
| | $ | 56,307 |
| | $ | 66,521 |
| | $ | 64,136 |
| Combined loans receivable – principal, past due(3) | | | $ | 63,609 | | | $ | 46,453 | | | $ | 48,442 | | | $ | 59,937 | | | $ | 59,212 | | | $ | 54,487 | | | $ | 19,034 | | | $ | 21,668 | | | $ | 25,707 | |
Combined loans receivable – principal(3) | | 618,375 |
| | 567,464 |
| | 589,465 |
| | 633,961 |
| | 648,538 |
| | 575,131 |
| | 601,191 |
| | 628,719 |
| | 640,779 |
| Combined loans receivable – principal(3) | | | 599,896 | | | 525,692 | | | 553,672 | | | 586,121 | | | 607,149 | | | 553,489 | | | 413,728 | | | 377,177 | | | 399,822 | |
| Percentage past due | | 10 | % | | 11 | % | | 10 | % | | 11 | % | | 11 | % | | 10 | % | | 9 | % | | 11 | % | | 10 | % | Percentage past due | | | 11% | | 9% | | 9% | | 10% | | 10% | | 10% | | 5% | | 6% | | 6% |
| Combined loan loss reserve as a percentage of combined loans receivable(3)(4) | | 14 | % | | 14 | % | | 13 | % | | 14 | % | | 14 | % | | 13 | % | | 12 | % | | 14 | % | | 13 | % | Combined loan loss reserve as a percentage of combined loans receivable(3)(4) | | | 14% | | 12% | | 12% | | 13% | | 13% | | 13% | | 14% | | 13% | | 12% |
Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans receivable – company owned | | 14 | % | | 14 | % | | 13 | % | | 14 | % | | 14 | % | | 13 | % | | 12 | % | | 14 | % | | 13 | % | Allowance for loan losses as a percentage of loans receivable – company owned | | | 14% | | 12% | | 12% | | 13% | | 13% | | 13% | | 14% | | 13% | | 11% |
_________
| |
(1) | Represents loans originated by third-party lenders through the CSO programs, which are not included in our financial statements. |
| |
(2) | Represents finance charges earned by third-party lenders through the CSO programs, which are not included in our financial statements. |
| |
(4) | Combined loan loss reserve as a percentage of combined loans receivable is determined using period-end balances. |
(1)Represents loans originated by third-party lenders through the CSO programs, which are not included in our financial statements.
(2)Represents finance charges earned by third-party lenders through the CSO programs, which are not included in our financial statements.
(3)Non-GAAP measure.
(4)Combined loan loss reserve as a percentage of combined loans receivable is determined using period-end balances.
COMPONENTS OF OUR RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
Revenues
Our revenues are composed of Rise finance charges and CSO fees (inclusive of finance charges attributable to the participation in Rise installment loans originated by FinWise Bank)Bank and CCB), finance charges on Sunny installment loans, cash advance fees attributable to the participation in Elastic lines of credit that we consolidate, finance charges and fee revenues related to the Today Card credit card product, and marketing and licensing fees received from third-party lenders related to the Rise, Rise CSO, Elastic, and ElasticToday Card products. See “—Overview” above for further information on the structure of Elastic. Finance charge and fee revenues related to the test launch of the Today Card credit card product were immaterial.
Cost of sales
Provision for loan losses. Provision for loan losses consists of amounts charged against income during the period related to net charge-offs and the additional provision for loan losses needed to adjust the loan loss reserve to the appropriate amount at the end of each month based on our loan loss methodology.
Direct marketing costs. Direct marketing costs consist of online marketing costs such as sponsored search and advertising on social networking sites, and other marketing costs such as purchased television and radio air timeadvertising and direct mail print advertising. In addition, direct marketing cost includes affiliate costs paid to marketers in exchange for referrals of potential customers. All direct marketing costs are expensed as incurred.
Other cost of sales. Other cost of sales includes data verification costs associated with the underwriting of potential customers and automated clearing house (“ACH”) transaction costs associated with customer loan funding and payments, and settlement expense associated with UK affordability claims.payments.
Operating expenses
Operating expenses consist of compensation and benefits, professional services, selling and marketing, occupancy and equipment, depreciation and amortization as well as other miscellaneous expenses.
Compensation and benefits. Salaries and personnel-related costs, including benefits, bonuses and share-based compensation expense, comprise a majority of our operating expenses and these costs are driven by our number of employees.
Professional services. These operating expenses include costs associated with legal, accounting and auditing, recruiting and outsourced customer support and collections.
Selling and marketing. Selling and marketing costs include costs associated with the use of agencies that perform creative services and monitor and measure the performance of the various marketing channels. Selling and marketing costs also include the production costs associated with media advertisements that are expensed as incurred over the licensing or production period. These expenses do not include direct marketing costs incurred to acquire customers, which comprises CAC.
Occupancy and equipment. Occupancy and equipment includesinclude rent expense on our leased facilities, as well as telephony and web hosting expenses.
Depreciation and amortization. We capitalize all acquisitions of property and equipment of $500 or greater as well as certain software development costs. Costs incurred in the preliminary stages of software development are expensed. Costs incurred thereafter, including external direct costs of materials and services as well as payroll and payroll-related costs, are capitalized. Post-development costs are expensed. Depreciation is computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the depreciable assets.
Other income (expense)
Net interest expense. Net interest expense primarily includes the interest expense associated with the VPC Facility that funds the Rise and Sunny installment loans, the interest expense associated with the EF SPV Facilityand EC SPV Facilities that fundsfund Rise installment loans originated by FinWise Bank and the interest expense associated withCCB, respectively, and the ESPV Facility related to the Elastic lines of credit and related Elastic SPV entity. For the year ended December 31, 2019, net interestInterest expense includedalso includes any amortization on the ESPV amendment feeof deferred debt issuance cost and the prepayment penaltypenalties incurred associated with the early repayment of a portion of the 4th Tranche Note. For the year ended December 31, 2018, amortization of the costs of and realized gains from the interest rate caps on the VPC and ESPV Facility are included within net interest expense. For the year ended December 31, 2017, net interest expense also included amortization of the debt discount for the Convertible Term Notes.facilities.
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss). We incur foreign currency transaction gains and losses related to activities associated with our UK entity, Elevate Credit International, Ltd., primarily with regard to the VPC Facility used to fund Sunny installment loans.
Non-operating income (loss). Non-operating income primarily includes gains and losses on adjustments to the fair value of derivatives not designated as cash flow hedges and losses from dispositions of capitalized software and other property and equipment.
RESULTS OF OPERATIONS
This section of this Form 10-K generally discusses 2019 and 2018 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2019 and 2018. Discussions of 2017 items and year-to-year comparisons between 2018 and 2017 that are not included in this Form 10-K can be found in “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in Part II, Item 7 of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2018.
The following table sets forth our consolidated income statements of operations data for each of the periods indicated:indicated. Effective June 29, 2020, ECIL was placed into administration in the UK, and we deconsolidated ECIL and present it as discontinued operations for all periods presented.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years ended December 31, |
Consolidated income statements data (dollars in thousands) | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| | | | | | |
Revenues | | $ | 465,346 | | | $ | 638,873 | | | $ | 663,716 | |
Cost of sales: | | | | | | |
Provision for loan losses | | 156,910 | | | 325,662 | | | 362,198 | |
Direct marketing costs | | 20,282 | | | 38,548 | | | 54,723 | |
Other cost of sales | | 8,124 | | | 10,083 | | | 12,140 | |
Total cost of sales | | 185,316 | | | 374,293 | | | 429,061 | |
Gross profit | | 280,030 | | | 264,580 | | | 234,655 | |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | |
Compensation and benefits | | 84,103 | | | 89,417 | | | 80,858 | |
Professional services | | 31,634 | | | 31,834 | | | 29,824 | |
Selling and marketing | | 3,450 | | | 4,773 | | | 6,194 | |
Occupancy and equipment | | 18,840 | | | 15,989 | | | 13,814 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | 18,133 | | | 15,879 | | | 11,476 | |
Other | | 3,659 | | | 5,119 | | | 4,717 | |
Total operating expenses | | 159,819 | | | 163,011 | | | 146,883 | |
Operating income | | 120,211 | | | 101,569 | | | 87,772 | |
Other expense: | | | | | | |
Net interest expense | | (49,020) | | | (62,533) | | | (73,298) | |
| | | | | | |
Non-operating loss | | (24,079) | | | (681) | | | (350) | |
Total other expense | | (73,099) | | | (63,214) | | | (73,648) | |
Income from continuing operations before taxes | | 47,112 | | | 38,355 | | | 14,124 | |
Income tax expense | | 10,910 | | | 12,159 | | | 374 | |
Net income from continuing operations | | 36,202 | | | 26,196 | | | 13,750 | |
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations | | (15,610) | | | 5,987 | | | (1,241) | |
Net income | | $ | 20,592 | | | $ | 32,183 | | | $ | 12,509 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | Years ended December 31, |
As a percentage of revenues | | As a percentage of revenues | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| | Years ended December 31, | | | | |
Consolidated statements of operations data (dollars in thousands) | | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | |
| | | | | | | |
Revenues | | $ | 746,962 |
| | $ | 786,682 |
| | $ | 673,132 |
| |
Cost of sales: | | | | | | | Cost of sales: | |
Provision for loan losses | | 364,241 |
| | 411,979 |
| | 357,574 |
| Provision for loan losses | | 34 | % | | 51 | % | | 55 | % |
Direct marketing costs | | 51,283 |
| | 77,605 |
| | 72,222 |
| Direct marketing costs | | 4 | | | 6 | | | 8 | |
Other cost of sales | | 28,846 |
| | 26,359 |
| | 20,536 |
| Other cost of sales | | 2 | | | 2 | | | 2 | |
Total cost of sales | | 444,370 |
| | 515,943 |
| | 450,332 |
| Total cost of sales | | 40 | | | 59 | | | 65 | |
Gross profit | | 302,592 |
| | 270,739 |
| | 222,800 |
| Gross profit | | 60 | | | 41 | | | 35 | |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | Operating expenses: | | | | | | |
Compensation and benefits | | 103,070 |
| | 94,382 |
| | 81,969 |
| Compensation and benefits | | 18 | | | 14 | | | 12 | |
Professional services | | 36,715 |
| | 35,864 |
| | 32,848 |
| Professional services | | 7 | | | 5 | | | 4 | |
Selling and marketing | | 7,381 |
| | 9,435 |
| | 8,353 |
| Selling and marketing | | 1 | | | 1 | | | 1 | |
Occupancy and equipment | | 20,712 |
| | 17,547 |
| | 13,895 |
| Occupancy and equipment | | 4 | | | 3 | | | 2 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | 17,380 |
| | 12,988 |
| | 10,272 |
| Depreciation and amortization | | 4 | | | 2 | | | 2 | |
Other | | 5,911 |
| | 5,649 |
| | 4,600 |
| Other | | 1 | | | 1 | | | 1 | |
Total operating expenses | | 191,169 |
| | 175,865 |
| | 151,937 |
| Total operating expenses | | 34 | | | 26 | | | 22 | |
Operating income | | 111,423 |
| | 94,874 |
| | 70,863 |
| Operating income | | 26 | | | 16 | | | 13 | |
Other income (expense): | | | | | | | |
Other expense: | | Other expense: | | | | | | |
Net interest expense | | (66,646 | ) | | (79,198 | ) | | (73,043 | ) | Net interest expense | | (11) | | | (10) | | | (11) | |
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss) | | 334 |
| | (1,409 | ) | | 2,900 |
| |
Non-operating income (loss) | | (681 | ) | | (350 | ) | | 2,295 |
| |
| Non-operating loss | | Non-operating loss | | (5) | | | — | | | — | |
Total other expense | | (66,993 | ) | | (80,957 | ) | | (67,848 | ) | Total other expense | | (16) | | | (10) | | | (11) | |
Income before taxes | | 44,430 |
| | 13,917 |
| | 3,015 |
| |
Income from continuing operations before taxes | | Income from continuing operations before taxes | | 10 | | | 6 | | | 2 | |
Income tax expense | | 12,247 |
| | 1,408 |
| | 9,931 |
| Income tax expense | | 2 | | | 2 | | | — | |
Net income (loss) | | $ | 32,183 |
| | $ | 12,509 |
| | $ | (6,916 | ) | |
Net income from continuing operations | | Net income from continuing operations | | 8 | | | 4 | | | 2 | |
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations | | Net income (loss) from discontinued operations | | (3) | | | 1 | | | — | |
Net income | | Net income | | 4 | % | | 5 | % | | 2 | % |
Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019
Revenues
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years ended December 31, | | |
| | 2020 | | 2019 | | Period-to-period change |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage |
| | |
Finance charges | | $ | 464,083 | | | 100 | % | | $ | 636,770 | | | 100 | % | | $ | (172,687) | | | (27) | % |
Other | | 1,263 | | | — | | | 2,103 | | | — | | | (840) | | | (40) | |
Revenues | | $ | 465,346 | | | 100 | % | | $ | 638,873 | | | 100 | % | | $ | (173,527) | | | (27) | % |
Revenues decreased by $173.5 million, or 27%, from $638.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $465.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Total revenue from both the Rise and Elastic products decreased for the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the same time period in 2019. This decrease was partially offset by an increase in total revenue for the Today Card due to the growth of this portfolio during the year ended December 31, 2020. The decrease in Other revenues is due to a decrease in marketing and licensing fees related to the Rise CSO programs as our CSO partners stopped originating loans in Ohio in April 2019 and in Texas in October 2020.
|
| | | | | | | | | |
| | Years ended December 31, |
As a percentage of revenues | | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
| | | | |
Cost of sales: | | | | | | |
Provision for loan losses | | 49 | % | | 52 | % | | 53 | % |
Direct marketing costs | | 7 |
| | 10 |
| | 11 |
|
Other cost of sales | | 4 |
| | 3 |
| | 3 |
|
Total cost of sales | | 59 |
| | 66 |
| | 67 |
|
Gross profit | | 41 |
| | 34 |
| | 33 |
|
Operating expenses: | | | | | | |
Compensation and benefits | | 14 |
| | 12 |
| | 12 |
|
Professional services | | 5 |
| | 5 |
| | 5 |
|
Selling and marketing | | 1 |
| | 1 |
| | 1 |
|
Occupancy and equipment | | 3 |
| | 2 |
| | 2 |
|
Depreciation and amortization | | 2 |
| | 2 |
| | 2 |
|
Other | | 1 |
| | 1 |
| | 1 |
|
Total operating expenses | | 26 |
| | 22 |
| | 23 |
|
Operating income | | 15 |
| | 12 |
| | 11 |
|
Other income (expense): | | | | | | |
Net interest expense | | (9 | ) | | (10 | ) | | (11 | ) |
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Non-operating income (loss) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Total other expense | | (9 | ) | | (10 | ) | | (10 | ) |
Income before taxes | | 6 |
| | 2 |
| | — |
|
Income tax expense | | 2 |
| | — |
| | 1 |
|
Net income (loss) | | 4 | % | | 2 | % | | (1 | )% |
The tables below break out this change in revenue (including CSO fees and cash advance fees) by product: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year ended December 31, 2020 |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Rise(1) | | Elastic | | Today | | | | | | Total |
| | |
Average combined loans receivable – principal(2) | | $ | 263,162 | | | $ | 182,796 | | | $ | 8,025 | | | | | | | $ | 453,983 | |
Effective APR | | 110 | % | | 94 | % | | 30 | % | | | | | | 102 | % |
Finance charges | | $ | 290,555 | | | $ | 171,086 | | | $ | 2,442 | | | | | | | $ | 464,083 | |
Other | | 200 | | | 233 | | | 830 | | | | | | | 1,263 | |
Total revenue | | $ | 290,755 | | | $ | 171,319 | | | $ | 3,272 | | | | | | | $ | 465,346 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year ended December 31, 2019 |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Rise(1) | | Elastic | | Today | | | | | | Total |
| | |
Average combined loans receivable – principal(2) | | $ | 306,785 | | | $ | 251,512 | | | $ | 3,037 | | | | | | | $ | 561,334 | |
Effective APR | | 127 | % | | 98 | % | | 30 | % | | | | | | 113 | % |
Finance charges | | $ | 389,372 | | | $ | 246,476 | | | $ | 922 | | | | | | | $ | 636,770 | |
Other | | 982 | | | 834 | | | 287 | | | | | | | 2,103 | |
Total revenue | | $ | 390,354 | | | $ | 247,310 | | | $ | 1,209 | | | | | | | $ | 638,873 | |
_________
(1)Includes loans originated by third-party lenders through the CSO programs, which are not included in our consolidated financial statements..
(2)Average combined loans receivable - principal is calculated using daily Combined loans receivable – principal balances. Not a financial measure prepared in accordance with US GAAP. See reconciliation table accompanying this release for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with US GAAP.
Our average combined loans receivable principal decreased $107 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 as compared to 2019. This decrease in average balance is primarily due to reductions in the Rise and Elastic loan origination volume during the year attributable to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and accounted for approximately $111 million of the reduction in revenue for the period. Our average APR declined from 113% for the year ended December 31, 2019 to 102% for the year ended December 31, 2020. This reduction in the effective APR is due to the lower effective interest rates earned on loans in a deferral status under the payment flexibility tools that were implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with reduced new customer loan originations which generally have a higher effective APR, and such lower effective APR accounted for approximately $62 million of the reduction in revenue for the period. The overall effective APR of the loan portfolio will continue to slightly decline as more loans are originated at near-prime rates, such as the Today Card.
Cost of sales
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years ended December 31, | | Period-to-period change |
| | 2020 | | 2019 | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage |
| | |
Cost of sales: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Provision for loan losses | | $ | 156,910 | | | 34 | % | | $ | 325,662 | | | 51 | % | | $ | (168,752) | | | (52) | % |
Direct marketing costs | | 20,282 | | | 4 | | | 38,548 | | | 6 | | | (18,266) | | | (47) | |
Other cost of sales | | 8,124 | | | 2 | | | 10,083 | | | 2 | | | (1,959) | | | (19) | |
Total cost of sales | | $ | 185,316 | | | 40 | % | | $ | 374,293 | | | 59 | % | | $ | (188,977) | | | (50) | % |
Provision for loan losses. Provision for loan losses decreased by $168.8 million, or 52%, from $325.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $156.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020.
The tables below break out these changes by loan product:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year ended December 31, 2020 |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Rise | | Elastic | | Today | | | | | | Total |
| | |
Combined loan loss reserve(1): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Beginning balance | | $ | 52,099 | | | $ | 28,852 | | | $ | 1,041 | | | | | | | $ | 81,992 | |
Net charge-offs | | (126,236) | | | (61,639) | | | (1,948) | | | | | | | (189,823) | |
Provision for loan losses | | 108,105 | | | 45,988 | | | 2,817 | | | | | | | 156,910 | |
Ending balance | | $ | 33,968 | | | $ | 13,201 | | | $ | 1,910 | | | | | | | $ | 49,079 | |
Combined loans receivable(1)(2) | | $ | 247,797 | | | $ | 163,154 | | | $ | 14,518 | | | | | | | $ | 425,469 | |
Combined loan loss reserve as a percentage of ending combined loans receivable | | 14 | % | | 8 | % | | 13 | % | | | | | | 12 | % |
Net charge-offs as a percentage of revenues | | 43 | % | | 36 | % | | 60 | % | | | | | | 41 | % |
Provision for loan losses as a percentage of revenues | | 37 | % | | 27 | % | | 86 | % | | | | | | 34 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year ended December 31, 2019 |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Rise | | Elastic | | Today | | | | | | Total |
| | |
Combined loan loss reserve(1): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Beginning balance | | $ | 50,597 | | | $ | 36,019 | | | $ | 31 | | | | | | | $ | 86,647 | |
Net charge-offs | | (205,577) | | | (123,629) | | | (1,111) | | | | | | | (330,317) | |
Provision for loan losses | | 207,079 | | | 116,462 | | | 2,121 | | | | | | | 325,662 | |
Ending balance | | $ | 52,099 | | | $ | 28,852 | | | $ | 1,041 | | | | | | | $ | 81,992 | |
Combined loans receivable(1)(2) | | $ | 373,676 | | | $ | 263,354 | | | $ | 4,547 | | | | | | | $ | 641,577 | |
Combined loan loss reserve as a percentage of ending combined loans receivable | | 14 | % | | 11 | % | | 23 | % | | | | | | 13 | % |
Net charge-offs as a percentage of revenues | | 53 | % | | 50 | % | | 92 | % | | | | | | 52 | % |
Provision for loan losses as a percentage of revenues | | 53 | % | | 47 | % | | 175 | % | | | | | | 51 | % |
_________
(1)Not a financial measure prepared in accordance with US GAAP. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information and for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with US GAAP.
(2)Includes loans originated by third-party lenders through the CSO programs, which are not included in our financial statements.
Total loan loss provision for the year ended December 31, 2020 was 34% of revenues, which was below our targeted range of 45% to 55%, and lower than 51% for the year ended December 31, 2019. For the year ended December 31, 2020, net charge-offs as a percentage of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2020 was 41%, a decrease from 52% for the comparable period in 2019. We continue to monitor the portfolio during this economic crisis resulting from COVID-19 and continue to adjust our underwriting and credit policies to mitigate any potential negative impacts. In the near-term, we expect that net charge-offs as a percentage of revenues will continue to trend lower than our targeted range of 45% to 55% of revenue. In the long-term (post-COVID-19), we expect to manage our total loan loss provision as a percentage of revenues to continue to remain within our targeted range.
The combined loan loss reserve as a percentage of combined loans receivable totaled 12% and 13% as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively. The loan loss reserve percentage is slightly down at December 31, 2020 due to improved credit quality and reduced past due balances as compared to the prior year. Past due loan balances at December 31, 2020 were 6% of total combined loans receivable - principal, down significantly from 10% from a year ago, attributable to the COVID-19 payment flexibility tools and reduced new loan origination volume. At December 31, 2020, $34.6 million of combined loans receivable-principal (8.7% of the portfolio) are outstanding with a payment deferral under the payment flexibility tools offered in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While we have seen positive payment performance once loans complete their payment deferral status, the loans in this population have a higher inherent risk of loss which is reflected in our loan loss reserve calculation.
Direct marketing costs. Direct marketing costs decreased by $18.3 million, or 47%, from $38.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $20.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Collectively, all products were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic as we experienced reduced new customer loan demand starting in March 2020. In addition, we implemented underwriting changes in response to COVID-19 that had the effect of limiting the volume of new customer loan originations. For the year ended December 31, 2020, the number of new customers acquired decreased to 68,245 compared to 159,725 during the year ended December 31, 2019.
Other cost of sales. Other cost of sales decreased by $2.0 million, or 19%, from $10.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $8.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 due to decreased data verification costs resulting from reduced loan origination volume.
Operating expenses
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years ended December 31, | | Period-to-period change |
| | 2020 | | 2019 | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage |
| | |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Compensation and benefits | | $ | 84,103 | | | 18 | % | | $ | 89,417 | | | 14 | % | | $ | (5,314) | | | (6) | % |
Professional services | | 31,634 | | | 7 | | | 31,834 | | | 5 | | | (200) | | | (1) | |
Selling and marketing | | 3,450 | | | 1 | | | 4,773 | | | 1 | | | (1,323) | | | (28) | |
Occupancy and equipment | | 18,840 | | | 4 | | | 15,989 | | | 3 | | | 2,851 | | | 18 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | 18,133 | | | 4 | | | 15,879 | | | 2 | | | 2,254 | | | 14 | |
Other | | 3,659 | | | 1 | | | 5,119 | | | 1 | | | (1,460) | | | (29) | |
Total operating expenses | | $ | 159,819 | | | 34 | % | | $ | 163,011 | | | 26 | % | | $ | (3,192) | | | (2) | % |
Compensation and benefits. Compensation and benefits decreased by $5.3 million, or 6%, from $89.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $84.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to the reduction in staff related to the operating expense reduction plan implemented in July 2020.
Professional services. Professional services decreased by $0.2 million, or 1%, from $31.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $31.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to decreased contractor and consulting expenses, partially offset by increased legal expenses.
Selling and marketing. Selling and marketing decreased by $1.3 million, or 28%, from $4.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $3.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to decreased marketing agency fees.
Occupancy and equipment. Occupancy and equipment increased by $2.9 million, or 18%, from $16.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $18.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to increased web hosting and additional licenses expense.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased by $2.3 million, or 14%, from $15.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $18.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to depreciation on internally developed software.
Other. Other operating expenses decreased by $1.5 million, or 29%, from $5.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $3.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to decreased travel, meals and entertainment expenses.
Net interest expense
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years ended December 31, | | Period-to-period change |
| | 2020 | | 2019 | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage |
| | |
Net interest expense | | $ | 49,020 | | | 11 | % | | $ | 62,533 | | | 10 | % | | $ | (13,513) | | | (22) | % |
Net interest expense decreased $13.5 million, or 22%, during the year ended December 31, 2020 versus the year ended December 31, 2019. Our average effective cost of funds on our notes payable outstanding decreased from 12.2% for the year ended December 31, 2019 to 10.5% for the year ended December 31, 2020, resulting in a decrease in interest expense of approximately $8.9 million. In addition, the average balance of notes payable outstanding under the debt facilities for the year ended December 31, 2020 decreased $44.2 million from $511.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $467.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 related to debt paydowns associated with a decrease in the loan portfolio due to COVID-19. This reduction resulted in a decrease in interest expense of approximately $4.6 million.
The following table shows the effective cost of funds of each debt facility for the period:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years ended December 31, |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2020 | | 2019 |
| | | | |
VPC Facility | | | | |
Average facility balance during the period | | $ | 157,484 | | | $ | 214,373 | |
Net interest expense | | 17,089 | | | 25,222 | |
Less: prepayment penalty associated with the early repayment on the 4th Tranche Term Note | | — | | | (850) | |
Net interest expense, as adjusted | | $ | 17,089 | | | $ | 24,372 | |
Effective cost of funds | | 10.9 | % | | 11.8 | % |
Effective cost of funds, as adjusted | | 10.9 | % | | 11.4 | % |
| | | | |
ESPV Facility | | | | |
Average facility balance during the period | | $ | 206,533 | | | $ | 227,044 | |
Net interest expense | | 21,489 | | | 29,961 | |
Cost of funds | | 10.4 | % | | 13.2 | % |
| | | | |
EF SPV Facility | | | | |
Average facility balance during the period | | $ | 99,012 | | | $ | 70,518 | |
Net interest expense | | 9,938 | | | 7,350 | |
Cost of funds | | 10.0 | % | | 10.4 | % |
| | | | |
EC SPV Facility | | | | |
Average facility balance during the period | | $ | 4,658 | | | $ | — | |
Net interest expense | | 504 | | | — | |
Cost of funds | | 10.8 | % | | — | % |
In January 2018, we entered into interest rate caps, which capped 3-month LIBOR at 1.75%, to mitigate the floating interest rate risk on $240 million of the US Term Notes included in the VPC Facility and on $216 million of the ESPV Facility. The interest rate caps matured on February 1, 2019. Additionally, effective February 1, 2019, the VPC Facility and ESPV Facility were amended and a new facility, the EF SPV Facility, was created. The amended facilities included reductions to the interest rates paid on our debt in addition to other changes. The reduction in interest rates was effective February 1, 2019 for the VPC Facility and the EF SPV Facility. The reduction in interest rates for the ESPV Facility was effective July 1, 2019. In July 2020, we entered into a new facility, the EC SPV Facility. As of December 31, 2020, we have drawn $25 million on the EC SPV facility. Per the terms of the February 2019 amendments and the July 31, 2020 EC SPV agreement, the Company qualifies for a 25 bps rate reduction on the VPC, EC SPV, EF SPV and ESPV facilities effective January 1, 2021. This reduction does not apply to the 4th Tranche Term Note. We have evaluated the interest rates for its debt and believe they represent market rates based on our size, industry, operations and recent amendments. As a result, the carrying value for the debt approximates the fair value. See "—Liquidity and Capital Resources—Debt facilities" for more information.
Non-operating income (expense)
During the year ended December 31, 2020, we recognized $24.1 million in non-operating losses related to an estimated $17 million contingent loss associated with a legal matter related to our spin-off from our predecessor company in 2014 and a separate $7 million indemnification accrual related to a legal matter for a former executive of the Company. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized $0.7 million in non-operating expenses related to the write-off of an internally developed software project.
Income tax expense
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years ended December 31, | | Period-to-period change |
| | 2020 | | 2019 | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage |
| | |
Income tax expense | | $ | 10,910 | | | 2 | % | | $ | 12,159 | | | 2 | % | | $ | (1,249) | | | (10) | % |
Our income tax expense decreased $1.2 million, or 10%, from $12.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $10.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2020. Our effective tax rates for continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 were 23% and 32%, respectively. Our effective tax rates are different from the standard corporate federal income tax rate of 21% in the US primarily due to our permanent non-deductible items (including the impact of the GILTI provision of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted in 2017), corporate state tax obligations in the states where we have lending activities, and research and development credits. Our US cash effective tax rate was approximately 2.8% for 2020.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security ("CARES Act"), as amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act ("CAA") were signed into law on March 27, 2020 and December 27, 2020, respectively. We reviewed the tax relief provisions of the CARES Act, regarding our eligibility and determined that the impact is likely to be insignificant with regard to our effective tax rate. We continue to monitor and evaluate our eligibility for the amended CARES Act tax relief provisions to identify any portions that may become applicable in the future.
Net loss from discontinued operations
Our loss from discontinued operations on our UK entity (ECIL) consists of an investment loss of $28.0 million, operating losses of $5.1 million, and a goodwill impairment loss of $9.3 million, partially offset by an income tax benefit of $28.4 million.
Net income
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years ended December 31, | | Period-to-period change |
| | 2020 | | 2019 | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage |
| | |
Net income | | $ | 20,592 | | | 4 | % | | $ | 32,183 | | | 5 | % | | $ | (11,591) | | | 36 | % |
Our net income decreased $11.6 million, or 36%, from $32.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 to $20.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2020 primarily due to losses related to the UK discontinued operations, partially offset by increased operating income and lower net interest expense. Net income from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2020 increased $10.0 million from the prior year period due to both increased operating income and lower net interest expense.
Comparison of the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018
Revenues
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years ended December 31, | | |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | | Period-to-period change |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage |
| | |
Finance charges | | $ | 744,690 |
| | 100 | % | | $ | 782,473 |
| | 99 | % | | $ | (37,783 | ) | | (5 | )% |
Other | | 2,272 |
| | — |
| | 4,209 |
| | 1 |
| | (1,937 | ) | | (46 | ) |
Revenues | | $ | 746,962 |
| | 100 | % | | $ | 786,682 |
| | 100 | % | | $ | (39,720 | ) | | (5 | )% |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years ended December 31, | | |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | | Period-to-period change |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage |
| | |
Finance charges | | $ | 636,770 | | | 100 | % | | $ | 659,785 | | | 99 | % | | $ | (23,016) | | | (3) | % |
Other | | 2,103 | | | — | | | 3,931 | | | 1 | | | (1,828) | | | (47) | |
Revenues | | $ | 638,873 | | | 100 | % | | $ | 663,716 | | | 100 | % | | $ | (24,843) | | | (4) | % |
Revenues decreased by $39.7$24.8 million, or 5%4%, from $786.7$663.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 to $747.0$638.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. This decrease in revenue was primarily due to a decline in the effective APR of the combined loans receivable, partially offset by an increase in our average combined loans receivable - principal balance, as illustrated in the tables below. The decrease in Other revenues is due to a decrease in marketing and licensing fees related to the Rise CSO programs as our CSO partners stopped originating Rise CSO loans in Ohio in April 2019 due to a state law change.
The tables below break out this change in revenue (including CSO fees and cash advance fees) by product:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year ended December 31, 2019 |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Rise (US)(1) | | Elastic (US)(2) | | Total Domestic | | Sunny (UK) | | Total |
| | |
Average combined loans receivable – principal(3) | | $ | 306,785 |
| | $ | 254,549 |
| | $ | 561,334 |
| | $ | 48,262 |
| | $ | 609,596 |
|
Effective APR | | 127 | % | | 97 | % | | 113 | % | | 224 | % | | 122 | % |
Finance charges | | $ | 389,372 |
| | $ | 247,397 |
| | $ | 636,769 |
| | $ | 107,921 |
| | $ | 744,690 |
|
Other | | 982 |
| | 1,121 |
| | 2,103 |
| | 169 |
| | 2,272 |
|
Total revenue | | $ | 390,354 |
| | $ | 248,518 |
| | $ | 638,872 |
| | $ | 108,090 |
| | $ | 746,962 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year ended December 31, 2018 |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Rise (US)(1) | | Elastic (US)(2) | | Total Domestic | | Sunny (UK) | | Total |
| | |
Average combined loans receivable – principal(3) | | $ | 293,413 |
| | $ | 262,537 |
| | $ | 555,950 |
| | $ | 51,793 |
| | $ | 607,743 |
|
Effective APR | | 138 | % | | 97 | % | | 119 | % | | 237 | % | | 129 | % |
Finance charges | | $ | 405,224 |
| | $ | 254,561 |
| | $ | 659,785 |
| | $ | 122,688 |
| | $ | 782,473 |
|
Other | | 2,187 |
| | 1,745 |
| | 3,932 |
| | 277 |
| | 4,209 |
|
Total revenue | | $ | 407,411 |
| | $ | 256,306 |
| | $ | 663,717 |
| | $ | 122,965 |
| | $ | 786,682 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year ended December 31, 2019 |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Rise(1) | | Elastic | | Today | | | | | | Total |
| | |
Average combined loans receivable – principal(2) | | $ | 306,785 | | | $ | 251,512 | | | $ | 3,037 | | | | | | | $ | 561,334 | |
Effective APR | | 127 | % | | 98 | % | | 30 | % | | | | | | 113 | % |
Finance charges | | $ | 389,372 | | | $ | 246,476 | | | $ | 922 | | | | | | | $ | 636,770 | |
Other | | 982 | | | 834 | | | 287 | | | | | | | 2,103 | |
Total revenue | | $ | 390,354 | | | $ | 247,310 | | | $ | 1,209 | | | | | | | $ | 638,873 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year ended December 31, 2018 |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Rise(1) | | Elastic | | Today | | | | | | Total |
| | |
Average combined loans receivable – principal(2) | | $ | 293,413 | | | $ | 262,499 | | | $ | 38 | | | | | | | $ | 555,950 | |
Effective APR | | 138 | % | | 97 | % | | — | % | | | | | | 119 | % |
Finance charges | | $ | 405,224 | | | $ | 254,561 | | | $ | — | | | | | | | $ | 659,785 | |
Other | | 2,186 | | | 1,739 | | | 6 | | | | | | | 3,931 | |
Total revenue | | $ | 407,410 | | | $ | 256,300 | | | $ | 6 | | | | | | | $ | 663,716 | |
_________
| |
(1) | Includes loans originated by third-party lenders through the CSO programs, which are not included in the Company's consolidated financial statements. |
| |
(2) | Includes immaterial balances related to the Today Card, which expanded its test launch in November 2018. |
| |
(3) | Average combined loans receivable – principal is calculated using daily combined loans receivable - principal balances. Combined loans receivable is defined as loans owned by the Company and consolidated VIEs plus loans originated and owned by third-party lenders pursuant to our CSO programs. See "—Non-GAAP Financial Measures" for more information and for a reconciliation of combined loans receivable to Loans receivable, net, the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with US GAAP. |
(1)Includes loans originated by third-party lenders through the CSO programs, which are not included in our consolidated financial statements.
(2)Average combined loans receivable - principal is calculated using daily Combined loans receivable – principal balances. Not a financial measure prepared in accordance with US GAAP. See reconciliation table accompanying this release for a reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with US GAAP.
Our average APR declined from 129%119% for the year ended December 31, 2018 to 122%113% for the year ended December 31, 2019. This resulted in a $42.5$24.8 million decrease in finance charges on a year-over-year basis, primarily in our Rise product. The average APR of a new Rise loan originated for a FinWise Bank customer is 130%, which is lower than our typical state-licensed Rise customer but with a better credit profile. While this has impacted top-line revenue growth, the related decrease in net charge-offs due to the better customer credit profile has resulted in an increase in gross profits.
Cost of sales
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years ended December 31, | | Period-to-period change |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage |
| | |
Cost of sales: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Provision for loan losses | | $ | 325,662 | | | 51 | % | | $ | 362,198 | | | 55 | % | | $ | (36,536) | | | (10) | % |
Direct marketing costs | | 38,548 | | | 6 | | | 54,723 | | | 8 | | | (16,175) | | | (30) | |
Other cost of sales | | 10,083 | | | 2 | | | 12,140 | | | 2 | | | (2,057) | | | (17) | |
Total cost of sales | | $ | 374,293 | | | 59 | % | | $ | 429,061 | | | 65 | % | | $ | (54,768) | | | (13) | % |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years ended December 31, | | Period-to-period change |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage |
| | |
Cost of sales: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Provision for loan losses | | $ | 364,241 |
| | 49 | % | | $ | 411,979 |
| | 52 | % | | $ | (47,738 | ) | | (12 | )% |
Direct marketing costs | | 51,283 |
| | 7 |
| | 77,605 |
| | 10 |
| | (26,322 | ) | | (34 | ) |
Other cost of sales | | 28,846 |
| | 4 |
| | 26,359 |
| | 3 |
| | 2,487 |
| | 9 |
|
Total cost of sales | | $ | 444,370 |
| | 59 | % | | $ | 515,943 |
| | 66 | % | | $ | (71,573 | ) | | (14 | )% |
Provision for loan losses. Provision for loan losses decreased by $47.7$36.5 million, or 12%10%, from $412.0$362.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 to $364.2$325.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 primarily due to a $37.7$30.0 million decrease in net charge-offs and a decrease of $10.0$6.6 million in the additional provision for loan losses resulting from improved credit quality.
The tables below break out these changes by loan product:
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year ended December 31, 2019 |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Rise (US) | | Elastic (US)(1) | | Total Domestic | | Sunny (UK) | | Total |
| | |
Combined loan loss reserve(2): | | | | | | | | | | |
Beginning balance | | $ | 50,597 |
| | $ | 36,050 |
| | $ | 86,647 |
| | $ | 9,405 |
| | $ | 96,052 |
|
Net charge-offs | | (205,577 | ) | | (124,740 | ) | | (330,317 | ) | | (41,141 | ) | | (371,458 | ) |
Provision for loan losses | | 207,079 |
| | 118,583 |
| | 325,662 |
| | 38,579 |
| | 364,241 |
|
Effect of foreign currency | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 240 |
| | 240 |
|
Ending balance | | $ | 52,099 |
| | $ | 29,893 |
| | $ | 81,992 |
| | $ | 7,083 |
| | $ | 89,075 |
|
Combined loans receivable(2)(3) | | $ | 373,676 |
| | $ | 267,903 |
| | $ | 641,579 |
| | $ | 38,686 |
| | $ | 680,265 |
|
Combined loan loss reserve as a percentage of ending combined loans receivable | | 14 | % | | 11 | % | | 13 | % | | 18 | % | | 13 | % |
Net charge-offs as a percentage of revenues | | 53 | % | | 50 | % | | 52 | % | | 38 | % | | 50 | % |
Provision for loan losses as a percentage of revenues | | 53 | % | | 48 | % | | 51 | % | | 36 | % | | 49 | % |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year ended December 31, 2018 |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Rise (US) | | Elastic (US)(1) | | Total Domestic | | Sunny (UK) | | Total |
| | |
Combined loan loss reserve(2): | | | | | | | | | | |
Beginning balance | | $ | 55,867 |
| | $ | 28,870 |
| | $ | 84,737 |
| | $ | 9,052 |
| | $ | 93,789 |
|
Net charge-offs | | (228,569 | ) | | (131,719 | ) | | (360,288 | ) | | (48,872 | ) | | (409,160 | ) |
Provision for loan losses | | 223,299 |
| | 138,899 |
| | 362,198 |
| | 49,781 |
| | 411,979 |
|
Effect of foreign currency | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (556 | ) | | (556 | ) |
Ending balance | | $ | 50,597 |
| | $ | 36,050 |
| | $ | 86,647 |
| | $ | 9,405 |
| | $ | 96,052 |
|
Combined loans receivable(2)(3) | | $ | 333,001 |
| | $ | 303,418 |
| | $ | 636,419 |
| | $ | 56,709 |
| | $ | 693,128 |
|
Combined loan loss reserve as a percentage of ending combined loans receivable | | 15 | % | | 12 | % | | 14 | % | | 17 | % | | 14 | % |
Net charge-offs as a percentage of revenues | | 56 | % | | 51 | % | | 54 | % | | 40 | % | | 52 | % |
Provision for loan losses as a percentage of revenues | | 55 | % | | 54 | % | | 55 | % | | 40 | % | | 52 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year ended December 31, 2019 |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Rise | | Elastic | | Today | | | | | | Total |
| | |
Combined loan loss reserve(1): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Beginning balance | | $ | 50,597 | | | $ | 36,019 | | | $ | 31 | | | | | | | $ | 86,647 | |
Net charge-offs | | (205,577) | | | (123,629) | | | (1,111) | | | | | | | (330,317) | |
Provision for loan losses | | 207,079 | | | 116,462 | | | 2,121 | | | | | | | 325,662 | |
Ending balance | | $ | 52,099 | | | $ | 28,852 | | | $ | 1,041 | | | | | | | $ | 81,992 | |
Combined loans receivable(1)(2) | | $ | 373,676 | | | $ | 263,354 | | | $ | 4,547 | | | | | | | $ | 641,577 | |
Combined loan loss reserve as a percentage of ending combined loans receivable | | 14 | % | | 11 | % | | 23 | % | | | | | | 13 | % |
Net charge-offs as a percentage of revenues | | 53 | % | | 50 | % | | 92 | % | | | | | | 52 | % |
Provision for loan losses as a percentage of revenues | | 53 | % | | 47 | % | | 175 | % | | | | | | 51 | % |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Year ended December 31, 2018 |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Rise | | Elastic | | Today | | | | | | Total |
| | |
Combined loan loss reserve(1): | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Beginning balance | | $ | 55,867 | | | $ | 28,870 | | | $ | — | | | | | | | $ | 84,737 | |
Net charge-offs | | (228,569) | | | (131,719) | | | — | | | | | | | (360,288) | |
Provision for loan losses | | 223,299 | | | 138,867 | | | 32 | | | | | | | 362,198 | |
Ending balance | | $ | 50,597 | | | $ | 36,018 | | | $ | 32 | | | | | | | $ | 86,647 | |
Combined loans receivable(1)(2) | | $ | 333,001 | | | $ | 302,743 | | | $ | 675 | | | | | | | $ | 636,419 | |
Combined loan loss reserve as a percentage of ending combined loans receivable | | 15 | % | | 12 | % | | 5 | % | | | | | | 14 | % |
Net charge-offs as a percentage of revenues | | 56 | % | | 51 | % | | — | % | | | | | | 54 | % |
Provision for loan losses as a percentage of revenues | | 55 | % | | 54 | % | | 533 | % | | | | | | 55 | % |
_________
| |
(1) | Includes immaterial balances related to the Today Card, which expanded its test launch in November 2018. |
| |
(2) | Not a financial measure prepared in accordance with US GAAP. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information and for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with US GAAP. |
| |
(3) | Includes loans originated by third-party lenders through the CSO programs, which are not included in our financial statements. |
(1)Not a financial measure prepared in accordance with US GAAP. See “—Non-GAAP Financial Measures” for more information and for a reconciliation to the most directly comparable financial measure calculated in accordance with US GAAP.
(2)Includes loans originated by third-party lenders through the CSO programs, which are not included in our financial statements.
Net charge-offs decreased $37.7$30.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the year ended December 31, 2018, due to improved credit quality, with the primary decrease attributed to the Rise product and in particular the FinWise Bank customer, which has a better credit profile than the state-licensed Rise customer. Net charge-offs as a percentage of revenues for the year ended December 31, 2019 was 50%52%, a decrease from 52%54% for the comparable period in 2018. Provision for loan losses for the year ended December 31, 2019 totaled 49%51% of revenues, lower than 52%55% for the year ended December 31, 2018.
Direct marketing costs. Direct marketing costs decreased by $26.3$16.2 million, or 34%30%, from $77.6$54.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 to $51.3$38.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. The decrease was due to slower new customer growth as we focused on deploying our new credit models during 2019. For the year ended December 31, 2019, the number of new customers acquired decreased to 247,706159,725 compared to 316,483211,680 during the year ended December 31, 2018. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, our CAC was $207$241 and $245,$259, respectively. We expect our CAC to continue to be lower than, or within, our targeted range of $250 to $300 as we continue to optimize the efficiency of our marketing channels for our Rise and Elastic products and benefit from decreased competition in the UK, although we may see some quarterly volatility in CAC.
Other cost of sales. Other cost of sales increaseddecreased by $2.5$2.1 million, or 9%17%, from $26.4$12.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 to $28.8$10.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 due to increased affordability claim settlement expense related to the Sunny UK product, partially offset by decreased data verification costs incurred from the lower new customer loan volume across all products.volume.
Operating expenses
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years ended December 31, | | Period-to-period change |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage |
| | |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Compensation and benefits | | $ | 89,417 | | | 14 | % | | $ | 80,858 | | | 12 | % | | $ | 8,559 | | | 11 | % |
Professional services | | 31,834 | | | 5 | | | 29,824 | | | 4 | | | 2,010 | | | 7 | |
Selling and marketing | | 4,773 | | | 1 | | | 6,194 | | | 1 | | | (1,421) | | | (23) | |
Occupancy and equipment | | 15,989 | | | 3 | | | 13,814 | | | 2 | | | 2,175 | | | 16 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | 15,879 | | | 2 | | | 11,476 | | | 2 | | | 4,403 | | | 38 | |
Other | | 5,119 | | | 1 | | | 4,717 | | | 1 | | | 402 | | | 9 | |
Total operating expenses | | $ | 163,011 | | | 26 | % | | $ | 146,883 | | | 22 | % | | $ | 16,128 | | | 11 | % |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years ended December 31, | | Period-to-period change |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage |
| | |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Compensation and benefits | | $ | 103,070 |
| | 14 | % | | $ | 94,382 |
| | 12 | % | | $ | 8,688 |
| | 9 | % |
Professional services | | 36,715 |
| | 5 |
| | 35,864 |
| | 5 |
| | 851 |
| | 2 |
|
Selling and marketing | | 7,381 |
| | 1 |
| | 9,435 |
| | 1 |
| | (2,054 | ) | | (22 | ) |
Occupancy and equipment | | 20,712 |
| | 3 |
| | 17,547 |
| | 2 |
| | 3,165 |
| | 18 |
|
Depreciation and amortization | | 17,380 |
| | 2 |
| | 12,988 |
| | 2 |
| | 4,392 |
| | 34 |
|
Other | | 5,911 |
| | 1 |
| | 5,649 |
| | 1 |
| | 262 |
| | 5 |
|
Total operating expenses | | $ | 191,169 |
| | 26 | % | | $ | 175,865 |
| | 22 | % | | $ | 15,304 |
| | 9 | % |
Compensation and benefits. Compensation and benefits increased by $8.7$8.6 million, or 9%11%, from $94.4$80.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 to $103.1$89.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 primarily due to an increase in the number of employees and severance payments related to the resignation of our CEO in July 2019.
Professional services. Professional services increased by $0.9$2.0 million, or 2%7%, from $35.9$29.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 to $36.7$31.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 primarily due to increased legal expenses related to various regulatorylegal matters and outsourced servicing expense, partially offset by decreased contractor and consulting expenses.
Selling and marketing. Selling and marketing decreased by $2.1$1.4 million, or 22%23%, from $9.4$6.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 to $7.4$4.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 primarily due to decreased marketing agency fees.
Occupancy and equipment. Occupancy and equipment increased by $3.2$2.2 million, or 18%16%, from $17.5$13.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 to $20.7$16.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 primarily due to increased web hosting expense, increased software licenses, and increased rent expense needed to support a greater number of employees.
Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased by $4.4 million, or 34%38%, from $13.0$11.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 to $17.4$15.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2019 primarily due to increased purchases of property and equipment, including depreciation on internally developed software.
Net interest expense
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years ended December 31, | | Period-to-period change |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage |
| | |
Net interest expense | | $ | 62,533 | | | 10 | % | | $ | 73,298 | | | 11 | % | | $ | (10,765) | | | (15) | % |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years ended December 31, | | Period-to-period change |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage |
| | |
Net interest expense | | $ | 66,646 |
| | 9 | % | | $ | 79,198 |
| | 10 | % | | $ | (12,552 | ) | | (16 | )% |
Net interest expense decreased $12.6$10.8 million, or 16%15%, during the year ended December 31, 2019 versus the year ended December 31, 2018. Our average effective cost of funds on our notes payable outstanding decreased to 12.1%12.2% from 14.8% on an unadjusted basis for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.2018, respectively. This lower cost of funds led to a decrease in interest expense of $14.3$12.7 million, which was partially offset by additional interest expense of approximately $1.8$2.0 million due to a higher average debt balance in 2019. For the year ended December 31, 2018, we had an average balance of $534.9$495.4 million in notes payable outstanding under our debt facilities, which increased to $549.4$511.9 million on average for fiscal year 2019. In addition, we incurred an $850 thousand prepayment penalty during the second quarter of 2019 for the early repayment on the 4th Tranche Term Note that is included in net interest expense.
The following table shows the effective cost of funds of each debt facility for the period: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years ended December 31, |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| | | | |
VPC Facility | | | | |
Average facility balance during the period | | $ | 214,373 | | | $ | 271,984 | |
Net interest expense | | 25,222 | | | 39,481 | |
Less: prepayment penalty associated with the early repayment on the 4th Tranche Term Note | | (850) | | | — | |
Net interest expense, as adjusted | | $ | 24,372 | | | $ | 39,481 | |
Effective cost of funds | | 11.8 | % | | 14.5 | % |
Effective cost of funds, as adjusted | | 11.4 | % | | 14.5 | % |
| | | | |
ESPV Facility | | | | |
Average facility balance during the period | | $ | 227,044 | | | $ | 223,370 | |
Net interest expense | | 29,961 | | | 33,817 | |
Cost of funds | | 13.2 | % | | 15.1 | % |
| | | | |
EF SPV Facility | | | | |
Average facility balance during the period | | $ | 70,518 | | | $ | — | |
Net interest expense | | 7,350 | | | — | |
Cost of funds | | 10.4 | % | | — | % |
|
| | | | | | | | |
| | Years ended December 31, |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| | | | |
VPC Facility | | | | |
Average facility balance during the period | | $ | 251.875 |
| | $ | 311.505 |
|
Net interest expense | | 29,335 |
| | 45,381 |
|
Less: prepayment penalty associated with the early repayment on the 4th Tranche Term Note | | (850 | ) | | — |
|
Net interest expense, as adjusted | | $ | 28,485 |
| | $ | 45,381 |
|
Effective cost of funds | | 11.7 | % | | 14.6 | % |
Effective cost of funds, as adjusted | | 11.3 | % | | 14.6 | % |
| | | | |
EF SPV Facility | | | | |
Average facility balance during the period | | $ | 70.518 |
| | $ | — |
|
Net interest expense | | 7,350 |
| | — |
|
Cost of funds | | 10.4 | % | | — | % |
| | | | |
ESPV Facility | | | | |
Average facility balance during the period | | $ | 227,044 |
| | $ | 223,370 |
|
Net interest expense | | 29,961 |
| | 33,817 |
|
Cost of funds | | 13.2 | % | | 15.1 | % |
In January 2018, the Companywe entered into interest rate caps, which cap 3-month LIBOR at 1.75%, to mitigate the floating interest rate risk on $240 million of the US Term Notes included in the VPC Facility and on $216 million of the ESPV Facility. The interest rate caps matured on February 1, 2019. Additionally, effective February 1, 2019, the VPC Facility and ESPV Facility were amended and a third new facility, the EF SPV Facility, was also created. The amended facilities included reductions to the interest rates paid on our debt in addition to other changes. The reduction in interest rates was effective February 1, 2019 for the VPC Facility and the EF SPV Facility. The reduction in interest rates for the ESPV Facility was effective July 1, 2019. All existing debt outstanding under these facilities (excluding the 4th Tranche Term Note of $18.1 million under the VPC Facility) had an effective cost of funds of approximately 10.3% at December 31, 2019. Per the terms of the February 1, 2019 amendments, the Company qualifieswe qualified for a 25 bps rate reduction on all three facilities effective January 1, 2020. This reduction doesdid not apply to the 4th Tranche Term Note. See "-Liquidity and Capital Resources-Debt facilities" for more information.
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)
During the year ended December 31, 2019, we realized a $0.3 million gain in foreign currency remeasurement primarily related to a portion of the debt facility that our UK entity, Elevate Credit International, Ltd., has with a third-party lender, VPC, which is denominated in US dollars. The foreign currency remeasurement loss for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $1.4 million.
Non-operating income (expense)
During the year ended December 31, 2018, we recognized $0.4 million in non-operating expenses related to certain impairments and losses on disposals of fixed assets. During the year ended December 31, 2019, we recognized $0.7 million in non-operating losses related to the write-off of an internally developed software project.
Income tax expense
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years ended December 31, | | Period-to-period change |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage |
| | |
Income tax expense | | $ | 12,159 | | | 2 | % | | $ | 374 | | | — | % | | $ | 11,785 | | | 3,151 | % |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years ended December 31, | | Period-to-period change |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage |
| | |
Income tax expense | | $ | 12,247 |
| | 2 | % | | $ | 1,408 |
| | — | % | | $ | 10,839 |
| | 770 | % |
Our income tax expense increased $10.8$11.8 million, or 770%3,151%, from $1.4$0.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 to $12.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019. Our consolidated effective tax rates for continuing operations for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were 27.6%32% and 10.1%3%, respectively. Our effective tax rates are different from the standard corporate federal income tax rate of 21% in the US primarily due to our permanent non-deductible items (including the impact of the GILTI provision of the Tax Cuts and the Jobs Act ("TCJA") enacted in 2017), corporate state tax obligations in the states where we have lending activities, and research and development credits. During the impactyear ended December 31, 2018, we recognized a tax benefit of $970 thousand when finalizing our provisional amounts associated with the enactment of the GILTI provisionnew corporate tax rate of 21% under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted in 2017. The Company's USTCJA. During the year ended December 31, 2019, our cash effective tax rate was approximately 2% for 2019. Our UK.
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations have a full valuation allowance provided due to
During the lack of sufficient objective evidence regarding the realizability of this asset due to the regulatory uncertainty in the UK. Therefore, no UK tax benefit has been recognized in the financial statements for the yearsyear ended December 31, 2019, andour net income from our discontinued UK operations was $5.9 million. The discontinued UK operations generated a net loss of $1.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2018.
Net income
| | | | Years ended December 31, | | Period-to-period change | | | Years ended December 31, | | Period-to-period change |
| | 2019 | | 2018 | | | | 2019 | | 2018 | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage | (Dollars in thousands) | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage of revenues | | Amount | | Percentage |
| | | | |
Net income | | $ | 32,183 |
| | 4 | % | | $ | 12,509 |
| | 2 | % | | $ | 19,674 |
| | (157 | )% | Net income | | $ | 32,183 | | | 5 | % | | $ | 12,509 | | | 2 | % | | $ | 19,674 | | | (157) | % |
Our net income increased $19.7 million, or 157%, from $12.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2018 to $32.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2019, due to improved gross profit and lower interest expense offset by higher income tax expense.
LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES
As previously discussed, we are closely monitoring the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic across our business, including the resulting uncertainties around customer demand, credit performance of loans with deferred payments, our levels of liquidity and our ongoing compliance with debt covenants. We had cash and cash equivalents available of $198.0 million at December 31, 2020. We have a principal debt payment obligation of $18.1 million (4% of outstanding debt) in February 2021 and no additional required principal payments on our outstanding debt until January 2024. While the ultimate impact of COVID-19 on our business, financial condition, liquidity and results of operations is dependent on future developments which are highly uncertain, we believe that our actions taken to date, future cash provided by operating activities, availability under our debt facilities with VPC, and possibly the capital markets, as well as certain potential measures within our control that could be put in place to maintain a sound financial position and liquidity will provide adequate resources to fund our operating and financing needs. We are continuing to assess minimum cash and liquidity requirements and implementing measures to ensure that our strong liquidity position is maintained through the current economic cycle created by the COVID-19 pandemic. We principally rely on our working capital funds from third-party lenders under the CSO programs, and our credit facility with VPC to fund the loans we make to our customers.
On July 25, 2019, the Company'sStock Repurchase Program
At December 31, 2020, we had an outstanding stock repurchase plan authorized by our Board of Directors authorized a share repurchase program providing for the repurchase of up to $10 million of our common stock through July 31, 2024. In January 2020, the Company's Board of Directors authorized a $20 million increase to the Company's existing common stock repurchase program providing for the repurchase of up to $30 million of the Company'sour common stock through July 31, 2024. The prior authorization totaled $5 million for both fiscal years 2019 and 2020. The Company purchasedWe repurchased $3.3 million of common shares under its $5 million authorization during the second half of 2019. 2019, and an additional 7,694,896 shares were repurchased at a total cost of $19.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2020. In January 2021, we repurchased an additional 1,241,513 of common shares at a total cost of $5.3 million.
The Board of Directors authorized a $25 million increase to the plan in January 2021 providing for the repurchase of up to $55 million of our common stock through July 31, 2024.
The amended sharestock repurchase program provides that up to a maximum aggregate amount of $25 million shares (inclusive of the previous maximum aggregate amount of $5 million) may be repurchased in any given fiscal year. Repurchases will be made in accordance with applicable securities laws from time-to-time in the open market and/or in privately negotiated transactions at our discretion, subject to market conditions and other factors. The share repurchase program does not require the purchase of any minimum number of shares and may be implemented, modified, suspended or discontinued in whole or in part at any time without further notice. Any repurchased shares will be available for use in connection with equity plans and for other corporate purposes. During the year ended December 31, 2019, 768,910 shares were repurchased at a total cost of $3.3 million inclusive of any transactional fees or commissions.
Debt Facilities
VPC Facility
VPC Facility Term Notes
On January 30, 2014, we entered into the VPC Facility in order to fund our Rise and Sunny productsproduct and provide working capital. The VPC Facility has been amended several times, with the most recent amendment effective February 1, 2019,July 31, 2020, to increasedecrease the maximum total borrowing amount available and other terms of the VPC Facility.
The VPC Facility provided the following term notes as of December 31, 2019:2020:
•A maximum borrowing amount of $350$200 million (amended as of July 31, 2020) used to fund the Rise loan portfolio (“US Term Note”). Prior to the February 1, 2019 amendment, the interest rate paid on this facility was a base rate (defined as the 3-month LIBOR, with a 1% floor) plus 11%. This resulted in a blended interest rate paid of 12.79% on debt outstanding under this facility as of December 31, 2018. The Company entered into an interest rate cap on January 11, 2018 to mitigate the floating interest rate risk on the aggregate $240 million outstanding as of December 31, 2017. This cap matured in February 2019. Upon the February 1, 2019 amendment date, the interest rate of the debt outstanding as of the amendment date was fixed through the January 1, 2024 maturity date at 10.23% (base rate of 2.73% plus 7.5%), which was reduced to 7.25% on January 1, 2020 as part of the amendment). At December 31, 2019 the weighted-average base rate on the outstanding balance was 2.73% and the overall interest rate was 10.23%. The weighted-average base rate on the outstanding balance at December 31, 2020 was 2.73% and the overall rate was 9.98%. All future borrowings under this facility will bear an interest rate at a base rate (defined as the greater of 3-month LIBOR, the five-year LIBOR swap rate or 1%) plus 7.5%7.25% at the borrowing date. The weighted-average base rate on the outstanding balance at December 31, 2019 was 2.73% and the overall rate was 10.23%.
•A maximum borrowing amount of $132$18 million used to fund the UK Sunny loan portfolio (“UK Term Note”). Priorworking capital, and prior to the February 1, 2019, amendment, the interest rate paid on this facility wasat a base rate (defined as the 3-month LIBOR, rate)with a 1% floor) plus 14%13% ("4th Tranche Term Note"). This resulted in a blended interest rate paid of 16.74% on debt outstanding under this facility as of December 31, 2018. Upon the February 1, 2019 amendment date, the interest rate on the debt outstanding as of the amendment date was fixed through the JanuaryFebruary 1, 20242021 maturity date at 10.23% (basea base rate of 2.73% plus 7.5%)13%. All future borrowings under this facility will bear anThe interest rate at a baseboth December 31, 2020 and 2019 was 15.73%. There was no change in the interest rate (defined asspread on this facility upon the greaterFebruary 1, 2019 amendment.
•A revolving feature which provides the option to pay down up to 20% of 3-month LIBOR, the five-year LIBOR swap rate or 1%) plus 7.5% at the borrowing date. The weighted-average base rate on the outstanding balance, excluding the 4th Tranche Term note, once per year during the first quarter. Amounts paid down may be drawn again at December 31, 2019 was 2.73% and the overall interest rate was 10.23%.
| |
• | A maximum borrowing amount of $18 million used to fund working capital, and prior to February 1, 2019, at a base rate (defined as the 3-month LIBOR, with a 1% floor) plus 13% ("4th Tranche Term Note"). Upon the February 1, 2019 amendment date, the interest rate was fixed through the February 1, 2021 maturity date at a base rate of 2.73% plus 13%. The interest rate at December 31, 2019 and 2018 was 15.73% and 15.74%, respectively. There was no change in the interest rate spread on this facility upon the February 1, 2019 amendment.
|
| |
• | A revolving feature which provides the option to pay down up to 20% of the outstanding balance, excluding the 4th Tranche Term note, once per year during the first quarter. Amounts paid down may be drawn again at a later date prior to maturity.
|
a later date prior to maturity.
There are no principal payments due or scheduled under the VPC Facility until the respective maturity dates of the US Term Note the UK Term Note and the 4th Tranche Term Note. The 4th Tranche Term Note matures on February 1, 2021. In January 2021,we paid off the remaining $18.1 million balance of the 4th Tranche Term Note using our available cash. Additionally, in January 2021, although we expect to repay this early duringpaid down approximately $21 million, or 20%, of the first half of 2020 out of our free cash flow.current outstanding debt balance on the VPC Facility under the revolving feature noted above. The remaining outstanding debt on the US Term Note and the UK Term Note maturematures on January 1, 2024.
All of our assets are pledged as collateral to secure the VPC Facility. The agreement contains customary financial covenants, including minimum cash and excess spread requirements, maximum roll rate and charge-off rate levels, maximum loan-to-value ratios and a minimum book value of equity requirement. We were in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2019.2020.
Our ConvertiblePrior to our UK operations (ECIL) entering administration and being classified as a discontinued operation on June 29, 2020, the VPC Facility included a note used to fund the UK Sunny loan portfolio (“UK Term Notes were converted into the 4th Tranche Term Notes on January 30, 2018 perNote”). Upon deconsolidation of ECIL, this note was removed from our Consolidated Balance Sheets and is presented within Liabilities from discontinued operations in all prior periods presented. Under the terms of the VPC Facility. Additionally,Facility, Elevate Credit, Inc. (the "Parent") had provided a guarantee to VPC for the maturityrepayment of the Convertible Term Notes (due to their conversion to 4th Tranche Term Notes) was extended to February 1, 2021debt of any subsidiary, which included the outstanding debt of ECIL. Upon deconsolidation of ECIL, we evaluated and the debt discount on the Convertible Term Notes was fully amortized. Finally, the exit premium under the Convertible Term Notes of $2.0 million was due and paid on January 30, 2018. See Note 7—Notes Payable of our consolidated financial statements for additional information.
EF SPV Facility
EF SPV Term Note
The EF SPV Facility hasrecognized a maximum borrowing amount of $150 million used to purchase loan participations from a third-party lender. Prior to execution of the agreement with VPC effective February 1, 2019, EF SPV was a borrower on the US Term Note under the VPC Facility and the interest rate paid on this facility was a base rate (defined as 3-month LIBOR, with a 1% floor) plus 11%. Upon the February 1, 2019 amendment date, $43 million was re-allocated into the EF SPV Facility and the interest rate on the debt outstanding as of the amendment date was fixed through the January 1, 2024 maturity date at 10.23% (base rate of 2.73% plus 7.5%). All future borrowings under this facility will bear an interest rate at a base rate (defined as the greater of 3-month LIBOR, the five-year LIBOR swap rate or 1%) plus 7.5%$566 thousand liability at the borrowing date. The weighted-average base rate on the outstanding balance at December 31, 2019 was 2.49% and the overall interest rate was 9.99%. The EF SPV Term Note has a revolving feature providing the option to pay down up to 20% of the outstanding balance once per year during the first quarter. Amounts paid down may be drawn again at a later date prior to maturity.
The EF SPV Term Note matures on January 1, 2024. There are no principal payments due or scheduled until the maturity date. All assets of the Company and EF SPV are pledged as collateral to secure the EF SPV Facility. The EF SPV Facility contains certain covenants for the Company such as minimum cash requirements and a minimum book value of equity requirement. There are also certain covenants for the product portfolio underlying the facility including, among other things, excess spread requirements, maximum roll rate and charge-off rate levels, and maximum loan-to-value ratios. The Company was in compliance with all covenantsParent level related to the EF SPV Facilityguarantee of ECIL's outstanding debt balance at June 30, 2020. The liability was recognized at the fair value of the guarantee obligation based on ECIL's cash flows and ability to repay the outstanding debt balance. ECIL completed repayment of the UK Term Note in the third quarter of 2020 and the liability was released as of December 31, 2019.September 30, 2020.
ESPV Facility
ESPV Facility Term Note
Elastic SPV receives its funding from VPC in the ESPV Facility, which was finalized on July 13, 2015. The ESPV Facility has a maximum borrowing amount of $350 million used to purchase loan participations from a third-party lender. Prior to the February 1, 2019 amendment, the interest rate paid on this facility was a base rate (defined as the greater of the 3-month LIBOR rate or 1% per annum) plus 13% for the outstanding balance up to $50 million, plus 12% for the outstanding balance greater than $50 million up to $100 million, plus 13.5% for any amounts greater than $100 million up to $150 million, and plus 12.75% for borrowing amounts greater than $150 million. This resulted in a blended interest rate paid of 14.65% on the debt outstanding under this facility at December 31, 2018. Upon the February 1, 2019 amendment date, the interest rate on the debt outstanding as of the amendment date was fixed at 15.48% (base rate of 2.73% plus 12.75%). Effective July 1, 2019, the interest rate on the debt outstanding as of the amendment date was set at 10.23% (base rate of 2.73% plus 7.5%), which was reduced to 7.25% on January 1, 2020 as part of the amendment). The weighted-average base rate on the outstanding balance at December 31, 2019 was 2.72% and the overall interest rate was 10.22%. The weighted-average base rate on the outstanding balance at December 31, 2020 was 2.72% and the overall interest rate was 9.97%. All future borrowings under this facility after July 1, 2019 will bear an interest rate at a base rate (defined as the greater of 3-month LIBOR, the five-year LIBOR swap rate or 1%) plus 7.5%7.25% at the borrowing date. The weighted-average base rate on the outstanding balance at December 31, 2019 was 2.72% and the overall interest rate was 10.22%. The Company entered into an interest rate cap on January 11, 2018 to mitigate the floating rate interest risk on an aggregate $216 million then outstanding. This cap matured in February 2019. The ESPV Term Note has a revolving feature providing the option to pay down up to 20% of the outstanding balance once per year during the first quarter. Amounts paid down may be drawn again at a later date prior to maturity.
In January 2021, we paid down approximately $40 million, or 20%, of the current outstanding debt balance on the ESPV Facility under the revolving feature. The remaining outstanding debt on the ESPV Term Note matures on January 1, 2024. There are no principal payments due or scheduled until the maturity date.
All assets of the Company and ESPVour assets are pledged as collateral to secure the ESPV Facility. The agreement contains customary financial covenants, including minimum cash and excess spread requirements, maximum roll rate and charge-off levels, maximum loan-to-value ratios and a minimum book value of equity requirement. We were in compliance with all covenants related to the ESPV Facility as of December 31, 2020 and 2019.
EF SPV Facility
EF SPV Facility Term Note
The EF SPV Facility has a maximum borrowing amount of $250 million (amended as of July 31, 2020) to be used to purchase Rise installment loan participations from a third-party bank, FinWise Bank. Prior to execution of the agreement with VPC effective February 1, 2019, EF SPV was a borrower on the US Term Note under the VPC Facility and the interest rate paid on this facility was a base rate (defined as 3-month LIBOR, with a 1% floor) plus 11%. Upon the February 1, 2019 amendment date, $43 million was re-allocated into the EF SPV Facility and the interest rate on the debt outstanding as of the amendment date was fixed through the January 1, 2024 maturity date at 10.23% (base rate of 2.73% plus 7.5%, which was reduced to 7.25% on January 1, 2020 as part of the amendment). The weighted-average base rate on the outstanding balance at December 31, 2019 was 2.49% and the overall interest rate was 9.99%. The weighted-average base rate on the outstanding balance at December 31, 2020 was 2.45% and the overall interest rate was 9.70%. All future borrowings under this facility will bear an interest rate at a base rate (defined as the greater of 3-month LIBOR, the five-year LIBOR swap rate or 1%) plus 7.25% at the borrowing date. The EF SPV Term Note has a revolving feature providing the option to pay down up to 20% of the outstanding balance once per year during the first quarter. Amounts paid down may be drawn again at a later date prior to maturity. In January 2021, we paid down approximately $19 million, or 20%, of the current outstanding debt balance on the EF SPV Facility under the revolving feature. The remaining outstanding debt on the EF SPV Term Note matures on January 1, 2024.
All of our assets are pledged as collateral to secure the EF SPV Term Note. The agreement contains customary financial covenants, including minimum cash and excess spread requirements, maximum roll rate and charge-off rate levels, maximum loan-to-value ratios and a minimum book value of equity requirement. We were in compliance with all covenants as of December 31, 2020.
EC SPV Facility
EC SPV Term Note
VPC entered into a new debt facility with EC SPV on July 31, 2020. The EC SPV Facility has a maximum borrowing amount of $100 million used to purchase loan participations from a third-party bank, CCB. As of December 31, 2020, the interest rate paid on this facility is a base rate (defined as the greater of 3-month LIBOR, the five-year LIBOR swap rate or 1%) plus 7.25% at the borrowing date. The weighted-average base rate on the outstanding balance at December 31, 2020 was 2.73% and the overall interest rate was 9.98%. The EC SPV Term Note has a revolving feature providing the option to pay down up to 20% of the outstanding balance once per year during the first quarter. Amounts paid down may be drawn again at a later date prior to maturity. The remaining outstanding debt on the EC SPV Term Note matures on January 1, 2024.
All assets of the Company and EC SPV are pledged as collateral to secure the EC SPV Facility. The EC SPV Facility contains certain covenants for the Company such as minimum cash requirements and a minimum book value of equity requirement. There are also certain covenants for the product portfolio underlying the facility including, among other things, excess spread requirements, maximum roll rate and charge-off rate levels, and maximum loan-to-value ratios. The Company wasWe were in compliance with all covenants related to the ESPVEC SPV Facility as of December 31, 2019 and 2018.2020.
Outstanding Notes Payable
The outstanding balance of notes payable as of December 31, 20192020 and 20182019 are as follows:
|
| | | | | | | | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2019 | | 2018 |
US Term Note bearing interest at the base rate + 7.5% (2019) and + 11% (2018) | | $ | 182,000 |
| | $ | 250,000 |
|
UK Term Note bearing interest at the base rate + 7.5% (2019) and + 14% (2018) | | 29,635 | | 39,196 |
4th Tranche Term Note bearing interest at the base rate + 13% | | 18,050 | | 35,050 |
EF SPV Term Note bearing interest at the base rate + 7.5% | | 102,000 | | — |
|
ESPV Term Note bearing interest at the base rate + 7.5% (2019) and + 12-13.5% (2018) | | 226,000 | | 239,000 |
Total | | $ | 557,685 |
| | $ | 563,246 |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2020 | | 2019 |
US Term Note bearing interest at the base rate + 7.25% (2020) or + 7.5% (2019) | | $ | 104,500 | | | $ | 182,000 | |
| | | | |
4th Tranche Term Note bearing interest at the base rate + 13% | | 18,050 | | | 18,050 | |
ESPV Term Note bearing interest at the base rate + 7.25% (2020) or 7.5% (2019) | | 199,500 | | | 226,000 | |
EF SPV Term Note bearing interest at the base rate + 7.25% (2020) or + 7.5% (2019) | | 93,500 | | | 102,000 | |
EC SPV Term Note bearing interest at the base rate + 7.25% | | 25,000 | | | — | |
Total | | $ | 440,550 | | | $ | 528,050 | |
The change in the facility balances includes the following:
•US Term Note - $43Paydowns of $27.5 million, re-allocation to new $25 million and $25 million in the first, second, and fourth quarter of 2020, respectively;
•ESPV Term Note - Paydowns of $6.5 million and $20 million in the first and second quarter of 2020, respectively.
•EF SPV facility and pay downTerm Note - Draw of $25$6.5 million in the first quarter of 2019 under2020 and a paydown of $15 million in the revolver componentsecond quarter of the facility;2020; and
UK•EC SPV Term Note - $10Draw of $25 million repayment in the fourth quarter of 2019;
| |
• | 4th Tranche Term Note - $17 million early repayment in the second quarter of 2019;
|
EF SPV Term note -$43 million re-allocation from US Term Note in the first quarter of 2019 and additional draws of $59 million during the year ended December 31, 2019; and
ESPV Term Note - Paydown of $18 million in the first quarter of 2019 under the revolver component of the facility and an additional draw of $5 million in the third quarter of 2019.
Per the terms of the February 1, 2019 amendments, the Company qualifies for a 25 bps rate reduction on all three facilities effective January 1, 2020. This reduction does not apply to the 4th Tranche Term Note.
The Company paid a $2.4 million amendment fee on the ESPV Facility during the first quarter of 2019 that is included in deferred debt issuance costs and will be amortized into interest expense over the remaining life of the facility (through January 1, 2024). Additionally, the Company incurred an $850 thousand prepayment penalty during the second quarter of 2019 for the early repayment on the 4th Tranche Term Note that is included in interest expense.
The following table presents the future debt maturities, including debt issuance costs, as of December 31, 2019:2020:
| | | | | | |
Year (dollars in thousands) | December 31, 2020 | |
2021 | 18,050 | | |
2022 | — | | |
2023 | — | | |
2024 | 422,500 | | |
Thereafter | — | | |
Total | $ | 440,550 | | |
As discussed above, we paid down $97.6 million in debt in January 2021, including the $18.1 million 4th Tranche Term Note that matured on February 1, 2021. As of January 31, 2021, the outstanding balance of notes payable totaled $343 million.
|
| | | |
Year (dollars in thousands) | December 31, 2019 |
2020 | — |
|
2021 | 18,050 |
|
2022 | — |
|
2023 | — |
|
2024 | 539,635 |
|
Total | $ | 557,685 |
|
Cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, loans (net of allowance for loan losses), and cash flows
The following table summarizes our cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, loans receivable, net and cash flows for the periods indicated:
| | | | As of and for the years ended December 31, | | | As of and for the years ended December 31, |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | (Dollars in thousands) | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| | | | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 88,913 |
| | $ | 58,313 |
| | 41,142 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | | $ | 197,983 | | | $ | 71,215 | | | 48,348 | |
Restricted cash | | 2,294 |
| | 2,591 |
| | 1,595 |
| Restricted cash | | 3,135 | | | 2,235 | | | 2,535 | |
Loans receivable, net | | 573,677 |
| | 561,694 |
| | 524,619 |
| Loans receivable, net | | 374,832 | | | 542,073 | | | 514,391 | |
Cash provided by (used in): | | | | | | | Cash provided by (used in): | | | |
Operating activities | | 370,344 |
| | 362,276 |
| | 308,688 |
| |
Investing activities | | (327,521 | ) | | (391,818 | ) | | (424,441 | ) | |
Financing activities | | (12,920 | ) | | 47,842 |
| | 102,695 |
| |
Operating activities - continuing operations | | Operating activities - continuing operations | | 210,063 | | | 333,316 | | | 326,024 | |
Investing activities - continuing operations | | Investing activities - continuing operations | | 25,640 | | | (307,842) | | | (347,303) | |
Financing activities - continuing operations | | Financing activities - continuing operations | | (108,035) | | | (2,907) | | | 39,045 | |
Our cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 20192020 were held primarily for working capital purposes. We may, from time to time, use excess cash and cash equivalents to fund our lending activities, paydown debt or repurchase stock. We do not enter into investments for trading or speculative purposes. Our policy is to invest any cash in excess of our immediate working capital requirements in investments designed to preserve the principal balance and provide liquidity. Accordingly, our excess cash is invested primarily in demand deposit accounts that are currently providing only a minimal return.
Net cash provided by operating activities
We generated $370.3$210.1 million in cash from our operating activitiesactivities-continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, primarily from revenues derived from our loan portfolio. This was up $8.1down $123.3 million from the $362.3$333.3 million of cash provided by operating activities-continuing operations during the year ended December 31, 2019 due to a decrease in revenues. For the year ended December 31, 2019, net cash provided by operating activities duringwas up $7.3 million from the year ended December 31, 2018. This increase was the result of the expansion of our gross margin, which contributed to the $19.7$12.4 million increase in our net incomeincome-continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2019 compared to the same prior year period.
period
Net cash used inprovided by (used in) investing activities
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, and 2017, cash used inprovided by (used in) investing activitiesactivities-continuing operations was $327.5$25.6 million, $391.8$(307.8) million and $424.4$(347.3) million, respectively. The decreaseincrease for the year ended December 31, 20192020 was primarily due to a decrease in net loans issuedoriginated to customers. customers related to the COVID-19 pandemic. For the year ended December 31, 2019 net cash used in investing activities decreased $39.5 million from the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in net loans originated to customers compared to prior year.
The following table summarizes cash used inprovided by (used in) investing activitiesactivities-continuing operations for the periods indicated:
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the years ended December 31, |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| | | | |
Cash provided by (used in) investing activities - continuing operations | | | | | | |
Net loans originated to consumers, less repayments | | $ | 45,537 | | | $ | (284,236) | | | $ | (319,669) | |
Participation premium paid | | (3,828) | | | (5,861) | | | (6,393) | |
Purchases of property and equipment | | (16,069) | | | (17,745) | | | (21,241) | |
| | | | | | |
| | $ | 25,640 | | | $ | (307,842) | | | $ | (347,303) | |
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | For the years ended December 31, |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
| | | | |
Cash used in investing activities | | | | | | |
Net loans issued to consumers, less repayments | | $ | (296,970 | ) | | $ | (357,935 | ) | | $ | (402,006 | ) |
Participation premium paid | | (5,861 | ) | | (6,393 | ) | | (5,680 | ) |
Purchases of property and equipment | | (24,690 | ) | | (27,490 | ) | | (16,755 | ) |
| | $ | (327,521 | ) | | $ | (391,818 | ) | | $ | (424,441 | ) |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
Cash flows from financing activitiesactivities-continuing operations primarily include cash received from issuing notes payable, payments on notes payable, and activity related to stock awards. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 2018 and 2017,2018, cash provided by (used in) financing activitiesactivities-continuing operations was $12.9$(108.0) million, $47.8$(2.9) million and $102.7$39.0 million, respectively. The following table summarizes cash provided by (used in) financing activitiesactivities-continuing operations for the periods indicated:
| | | | For the years ended December 31, | | | For the years ended December 31, |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | (Dollars in thousands) | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| | | | | | | | |
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities | | | | | | | |
Cash provided by (used in) financing activities - continuing operations | | Cash provided by (used in) financing activities - continuing operations | |
Proceeds from issuance of Notes payable, net | | $ | 61,394 |
| | $ | 49,624 |
| | $ | 102,772 |
| Proceeds from issuance of Notes payable, net | | $ | 31,247 | | | $ | 61,407 | | | $ | 40,827 | |
Payments on Notes payable | | (70,000 | ) | | — |
| | (84,950 | ) | Payments on Notes payable | | (119,000) | | | (60,000) | | | — | |
Debt prepayment penalties paid | | (850 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| Debt prepayment penalties paid | | — | | | (850) | | | — | |
Cash paid for interest rate caps | | — |
| | (1,367 | ) | | — |
| Cash paid for interest rate caps | | — | | | — | | | (1,367) | |
Settlement of derivative liability | | — |
| | (2,010 | ) | | — |
| Settlement of derivative liability | | — | | | — | | | (2,010) | |
Common stock repurchased | | (3,344 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| Common stock repurchased | | (19,819) | | | (3,344) | | | — | |
Proceeds from issuance of stock, net | | (120 | ) | | 1,595 |
| | 84,894 |
| |
Other activities | | — |
| | — |
| | (21 | ) | |
Proceeds from (cash used for) issuance of stock, net | | Proceeds from (cash used for) issuance of stock, net | | (463) | | | (120) | | | 1,595 | |
| | $ | (12,920 | ) | | $ | 47,842 |
| | $ | 102,695 |
| |
| | | $ | (108,035) | | | $ | (2,907) | | | $ | 39,045 | |
The decreaseincrease in cash provided by (used in) financing activitiesactivities-continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 20192020 versus the comparable period of 20182019 was primarily due to increased payments made on notes payable during the year ended December 31, 2020 compared to the prior year, and increased repurchases of common stock which commenced in the third quarter of 2019. For the year ended December 31, 2019 net cash provided by financing activities decreased $42.0 million from the year ended December 31, 2018. The decrease was due primarily to payments made on notes payable made during 2019.
Free Cash Flow
In addition to the above, we also review FCF when analyzing our cash flows from operations. We calculate free cash flow as cash flows from operating activities,activities-continuing operations, adjusted for the principal loan net charge-offs and capital expenditures incurred during the period. While this is a non-GAAP measure, we believe it provides a useful presentation of cash flows derived from our core continuing operating activities.
| | | | For the years ended December 31, | | | For the years ended December 31, |
(Dollars in thousands) | | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 | (Dollars in thousands) | | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
| | | | | | | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | | $ | 370,344 |
| | $ | 362,276 |
| | $ | 308,688 |
| |
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities | | Net cash provided by continuing operating activities | | $ | 210,063 | | | $ | 333,316 | | | $ | 326,024 | |
Adjustments: | | | | | | | Adjustments: | | | |
Net charge-offs – combined principal loans | | (287,188 | ) | | (319,326 | ) | | (275,192 | ) | Net charge-offs – combined principal loans | | (144,697) | | | (258,250) | | | (285,556) | |
Capital expenditures | | (24,690 | ) | | (27,490 | ) | | (16,755 | ) | Capital expenditures | | (16,069) | | | (17,745) | | | (21,241) | |
FCF | | $ | 58,466 |
| | $ | 15,460 |
| | $ | 16,741 |
| FCF | | $ | 49,297 | | | $ | 57,321 | | | $ | 19,227 | |
Our FCF was $58.5$49.3 million for the year ended December 31, 20192020 compared to $15.5$57.3 million for the prior year. The increasedecrease in our FCF was the result of the increasedecrease in cash provided by continuing operations, andpartially offset by a decrease in net-charge-offs - combined principal loans and capital expenditures during the year ended December 31, 2019.2020.
Operating and capital expenditure requirements
We are continuing to assess our minimum cash and liquidity requirements and implementing measures to ensure that our cash and liquidity position is maintained through the current economic cycle created by the COVID-19 pandemic. We believe that our existing cash balances, together with the available borrowing capacity under ourthe VPC Facility, ESPV Facility, EF SPV Facility and ESPVEC SPV Facility, will be sufficient to meet our anticipated cash operating expense and capital expenditure requirements through at least the next 12 months.year. If our loan growth exceeds our expectations, our available cash balances may be insufficient to satisfy our liquidity requirements, and we may seek additional equity or debt financing. This additional capital may not be available on reasonable terms, or at all.
CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS
Our principal commitments consist of obligations under our debt facilities and operating lease obligations. The following table summarizes our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2019.2020.
| | | | Payment due by period as of December 31, 2019 | | | Payment due by period as of December 31, 2020 |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Total | | Less than 1 year | | 1-3 years | | 3-5 years | | More than 5 years | (Dollars in thousands) | | Total | | Less than 1 year | | 1-3 years | | 3-5 years | | More than 5 years |
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Contractual obligations: | | | | | | | | | | | Contractual obligations: | |
Long-term debt obligations | | $ | 557,685 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 18,050 |
| | $ | 539,635 |
| | $ | — |
| Long-term debt obligations | | $ | 440,550 | | | $ | 18,050 | | | $ | 422,500 | | | $ | — | |
Operating lease obligations | | 18,436 |
| | 3,760 |
| | 7,860 |
| | 4,924 |
| | 1,892 |
| Operating lease obligations | | 14,676 | | | 3,876 | | | 7,470 | | | 2,692 | | | 638 | |
Total contractual obligations | | $ | 576,121 |
| | $ | 3,760 |
| | $ | 25,910 |
| | $ | 544,559 |
| | $ | 1,892 |
| Total contractual obligations | | $ | 455,226 | | | $ | 21,926 | | | $ | 7,470 | | | $ | 425,192 | | | $ | 638 | |
OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS
We provide services in connection with installment loans originated by independent third-party lenders (“CSO lenders”) whereby we act as a credit service organization/credit access business on behalf of consumers in accordance with applicable state laws through our “CSO program.” The CSO program includes arranging loans with CSO lenders, assisting in the loan application, documentation and servicing processes. Under the CSO program, we guarantee the repayment of a customer’s loan to the CSO lenders as part of the credit services we provide to the customer. A customer who obtains a loan through the CSO program pays us a fee for the credit services, including the guaranty, and enters into a contract with the CSO lenders governing the credit services arrangement. We estimate a liability for losses associated with the guaranty provided to the CSO lenders using assumptions and methodologies similar to the allowance for loan losses, which we recognize for our consumer loans.
Prior to ECIL entering administration and being classified a discontinued operation by us on June 29, 2020, the VPC Facility included the UK Term Note. Upon deconsolidation of ECIL, this note was removed from our Consolidated Balance Sheets and is presented within Liabilities from discontinued operations in all prior periods presented. Under the terms of the VPC Facility, we had provided a guarantee to VPC for the repayment of the debt of any subsidiary, which included the outstanding debt of ECIL. We estimated a liability for losses of $566 thousand associated with the debt guarantee based on the fair value of the obligation at June 30, 2020. ECIL completed repayment of the UK Term Note in the third quarter of 2020 and the liability has been released as of September 30, 2020.
RECENT REGULATORY DEVELOPMENTS
During the year ended December 31, 2018, our UK business began to receive an increased number of customer complaints initiated by claims management companies ("CMCs") related to the affordability assessment of certain loans. If our evidence supports the affordability assessment and we reject the claim, the customer has the right to take the complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service for further adjudication. The CMCs' campaign against the high cost lending industry increased significantly during the third and fourth quarters of 2018 and continued during 2019 resulting in a significant increase in affordability claims against all companies in the industry during this period. We believe that many of the increased claims are without merit and reflect the use of abusive and deceptive tactics by the CMCs. The Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA"), a regulator in the UK financial services industry, began regulating the CMCs in April 2019 in order to ensure that the methods used by the CMCs are in the best interests of the consumer and the industry. As of December 31, 2019, we accrued approximately $2.3 million for the claims received that were determined to be probable and reasonably estimable based on the Company's historical loss rates related to these claims. The outcomes of the adjudication of these claims may differ from the Company's estimates, and as a result, our estimates may change in the near term and the effect of any such change could be material to the financial statements. We continue to monitor the matters for further developments that could affect the amount of the accrued liability recognized.
Separately, the FCA asked all industry participants to review their lending practices to ensure that such companies are using an appropriate affordability and creditworthiness analysis. Our UK business provided the requested information to the FCA. The FCA recently reported back to us and asked our UK business to tighten certain aspects of its income verification and expenditure processes. We are working with the FCA to ensure the changes we make address all matters raised by the FCA.
On October 25, 2019, the Company's UK subsidiary, ECI, entered into an agreement with the Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") (the "Agreement") to not make any payments greater than £1.0 million outside of the normal course of business without obtaining prior approval from the FCA. The Company believes this Agreement will not have a material impact on ECI's ability to continue to serve its customers and meet its obligations.
On May 7, 2019,30, 2020, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the "CFPB") proposed amendmentsannounced its final debt collection rule (Regulation F) and corresponding Official Commentary, and on December 18, 2020, the CFPB announced the final rule with regard to disclosures in debt collection (also under Regulation F). Both rules will be effective on November 30, 2021. The final Regulation F which implementswill apply to persons who are "debt collectors" as defined by the FDCPA. The Bureau's proposal would, among other things, addressfederal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (the "FDCPA"). It will not apply to creditors collecting their own debts in their own names, like Elevate. Key provisions of Regulation F include: (i) a model safe harbor debt validation notice, (ii) a telephone contact frequency rule establishing that if the debt collector makes fewer than seven attempts in seven consecutive days there is a rebuttable presumption that the debt collector was not calling with such frequency as to harass the person being called and a position that the telephone contact frequency only applies to phone calls, not to all "communications" including permitted text messages and emails, (iii) rules around electronic communications, in connectionspecifically text messages and emails, ensuring that the debt collector is not revealing the existence of the debt to a third-party, establishing a clear and conspicuous opt-out notice for consumers and ensuring that debt collectors comply with debt collection; interpret and applythe federal ESIGN Act for required disclosures of electronic communications, (iv) prohibitions on harassmentcommunications via a work email or abuse, falsesocial media, unless the debt collector follows certain of the safe harbor provisions for electronic communications, (v) a "limited content message" rule establishing that communications and voicemails are allowed if they include (1) a business name for the debt collector (that does not indicate that the debt collector is in the debt collection business); (2) a request that the consumer reply to the message; (3) the name (or names) of one or misleading representations,more person(s) whom the consumer can contact to reply to the debt collector; and unfair practices(4) a phone number (or numbers) that the consumer can use to reply to the debt collector (a limited-content message also may include: (1) a salutation; (2) the date and time of the message; (3) suggested dates and times for the consumer to reply to the message; and (4) a statement that if the consumer replies, the consumer may speak to any of the company's representatives or associates), (vi) a rule establishing limits on debt transfers, prohibiting transfers if the debt collector knows or should know that the debt has been paid or settled, or discharged in debt collection;bankruptcy, and clarifydetailed requirements for certain consumer-facinghandling consumer disputes and requests for original creditor information, (vii) restrictions on collecting time-barred debts, (viii) a requirement to provide notice before reporting to credit bureaus and
(ix) a requirement for retention of records and recorded telephone calls for three years following the debt collector's last collection disclosures. The public comment periodactivity on the proposed amendments closed on September 18, 2019. Oncedebt, and that allows debt collectors to sell, transfer, or place for collection a final ruledebt that was discharged in bankruptcy if all that remains is promulgated, wea security interest, and as long as the debt collector notifies the transferee that the consumer's personal liability for the debt was discharged. We will take the necessary steps to ensure that the third-party debt collectors we work with are compliant with the final rule.
On October 10, 2019, AB 539 was signed by the Governor and chaptered by the California Secretary of State. Among other things, AB 539 imposes an interest rate cap on all consumer loans made by Consumer Finance Lenders licensees between $2,500 and $10,000 of 36% plus the Federal Funds Rate. Effective January 1, In August 2020, Rise will no longer originate state-licensed loans under the California Consumer Finance Lenders Law.
California Attorney General Xavier Becerra has issued draftfinal implementing regulations were approved to guide covered businesses' implementation of the California Consumer Privacy Act ("CCPA") which, and since that time, the California Attorney General has proposed four sets of modifications to these regulations. We are closely tracking these amendments as they are released. In November 2020, the California Privacy Rights Act ("CPRA") became operativelaw. The CPRA significantly expands the CCPA, establishes the California Privacy Protection Agency, removes the CCPA's thirty-day cure period, and imposes a number of GDPR-styled obligations on businesses, among other requirements. Most of the substantive provisions of the CPRA take effect January 1, 2023, with certain provisions having gone into effect as soon as late in 2020. The CCPA imposes obligations on the handlingOngoing implementation of consumers' personal information by businesses, including required disclosures to consumers; consumer access and deletion rights, consumers' right to opt-out of the sale of personal information; and a private right of action relating to a failure to maintain reasonable security procedures and practices leading to a security breach, as defined by the CCPA. The CCPA does not apply to information that is covered by the GLBA or California's Financial Information Privacy Act, or to personal consumer report information that is processed pursuantchanges to the Fair Credit Reporting Act ("FCRA"). While it is too early to know its full impact, implementation ofCCPA, the CCPACPRA and its related requirements couldwill increase costs or otherwise adversely affect our businessand create further challenges in the California market.
Another California bill, AB 1202, was signed into lawThe CFPB’s Payday, Vehicle Title and Certain High-Cost Installment Loan rule continues to be stayed pursuant to litigation in a Texas federal court. If this rule becomes effective, it will place limitations on October 11, 2019the ability to re-present failed ACH and came into effect January 1, 2020. This new lawdebit card payments and to continue taking such payments pursuant to a valid authorization. The rule also requires "data brokers" that collect and sell personal information of consumers with whom they do notsubstantial disclosures. The parties to the litigation have a direct relationship and that are not exempted underfiled summary judgment briefs, but it is unclear when or if the FCRP or the GLBAstay will be lifted. Elevate is prepared to registercomply with the California Attorney General's office.rule when and if it becomes effective.
BASIS OF PRESENTATION AND CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Revenue recognition
We recognize consumer loan fees as revenues for each of the loan products we offer. Revenues on the Consolidated Income Statements of Operations include: finance charges, lines of credit fees, fees for services provided through CSO programs (“CSO fees”), and interest, as well as any other fees or charges permitted by applicable laws and pursuant to the agreement with the borrower. We also record revenues related to the sale of customer applications to unrelated third parties. These applications are sold with the customer’s consent in the event that we or our CSO lenders are unable to offer the customer a loan. Revenue is recognized at the time of the sale. Other revenues also include marketing and licensing fees received from the originating lender related to the Elastic product and Rise bank-originated loans and from CSO fees related to the Rise product. Revenues related to these fees are recognized when the service is performed.
We accrue finance charges on installment loans on a constant yield basis over their terms. We accrue and defer fixed charges such as CSO fees and lines of credit fees when they are assessed and recognize them to earnings as they are earned over the life of the loan. We accrue interest on credit cards based on the amount of the loan outstanding and their contractual interest rate. Credit card membership fees are amortized to revenue over the card membership period. Other credit card fees, such as late payment fees and returned payment fees, are accrued when assessed. We do not accrue finance charges and other fees on installment loans or lines of credit for which payment is greater than 60 days past due. Credit card interest charges are recognized based on the contractual provisions of the underlying arrangements and are not accrued for which payment is greater than 90 days past due. Installment loans and lines of credit are considered past due if a grace period has not been requested and a scheduled payment is not paid on its due date. Credit cards have a grace period of 25 days.days and are considered delinquent after the grace period. Payments received on past due loans are applied against the loan and accrued interest balance to bring the loan current. Payments are generally first applied to accrued fees and interest, and then to the principal loan balance.
In March 2020, the outbreak of the novel coronavirus (“COVID-19”) was recognized as a pandemic impacting businesses and economies. In accordance with federal and state guidelines, we expanded our payment flexibility programs for our customers, including payment deferrals. This program allows for a deferral of payments for an initial period of 30-60 days, and generally up to a maximum of 180 days on a cumulative basis. The customer will return to their normal payment schedule after the end of the deferral period with the extension of their maturity date equivalent to the deferral period, which is generally not to exceed an additional 180 days. Per FASB guidance, the finance charges will continue to accrue at a lower effective interest rate over the expected term of the loan considering the deferral period provided (not to exceed an amount greater than the amount at which the borrower could settle the loan) or placed on non-accrual status.
Our business is affected by seasonality, which can cause significant changes in portfolio size and profit margins from quarter to quarter. Although this seasonality does not impact our policies for revenue recognition, it does generally impact our results of operations by potentially causing an increase in its profit margins in the first quarter of the year and decreased margins in the second through fourth quarters.
Allowance and liability for estimated losses on consumer loans
We have adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance for disclosures about the credit quality of financing receivables and the allowance for loan losses (“allowance”). We maintain an allowance for loan losses for loans and interest receivable for loans not classified as TDRs at a level estimated to be adequate to absorb credit losses inherent in the outstanding loans receivable. We primarily utilize historical loss rates by product, stratified by delinquency ranges, to determine the allowance, but we also consider recent collection and delinquency trends, as well as macro-economic conditions that may affect portfolio losses. Additionally, due to the uncertainty of economic conditions and cash flow resources of our customers, the estimate of the allowance for loan losses is subject to change in the near-term and could significantly impact the consolidated financial statements. If a loan is deemed to be uncollectible before it is fully reserved, it is charged-off at that time.
For loans classified as TDRs, impairment is typically measured based on the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate. As permitted by the SEC, we have elected to not adopt the Current Expected Credit Losses ("CECL") model which would require a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates. See "- Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements And JOBS Act Election" for more information.
We classify loans as either current or past due. An installment loan or line of credit customer in good standing may request a 16-day grace period when or before a payment becomes due and, if granted, the loan is considered current during the grace period. Credit card customers have a 25-day grace period for each payment. Installment loans and lines of credit are considered past due if a grace period has not been requested and a scheduled payment is not paid on its due date. Credit cards are considered past due if the grace period has passed and the scheduled payment has not been made. Increases in the allowance are created by recording a Provision for loan losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.Income Statements. Installment loans and lines of credit are charged off, which reduces the allowance, when they are over 60 days past due or earlier if deemed uncollectible. Credit cards are charged off, which reduces the allowance, when they are over 120 days past due or earlier if deemed uncollectible. Recoveries on losses previously charged to the allowance are credited to the allowance when collected.
Liability for estimated losses on credit service organization loans
Under the CSO program, we guarantee the repayment of a customer’s loan to the CSO lenders as part of the credit services we provide to the customer. A customer who obtains a loan through the CSO program pays us a fee for the credit services, including the guaranty, and enters into a contract with the CSO lenders governing the credit services arrangement. We estimate a liability for losses associated with the guaranty provided to the CSO lenders using assumptions and methodologies similar to the allowance for loan losses, which we recognize for our consumer loans.
Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in each business combination. WeIn accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 350-20-35, Goodwill—Subsequent Measurement, we perform ana quantitative approach method impairment review of goodwill and intangible assets with an indefinite life annually at October 1 and between annual tests if we determine that an event has occurredoccurs or circumstances changed in a waychange that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Such a determination may be based onPrior to 2019, we performed this test at October 31.
Prior to the adoption of ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment ("ASU 2017-04"), our consideration of macro-economic and other factors and trends, such as current and projected financial performance, interest rates and access to capital. We completed our annual test and determined that there was no evidence of impairment of goodwill or indefinite lived intangible assets. No events or circumstances occurred between October 1 and December 31, 2019 that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the reporting units below the carrying amount.
Our impairment evaluation of goodwill iswas already based on comparing the fair value of the respectiveour reporting unitunits to itstheir carrying value. The adoption of ASU 2017-04 as of January 1, 2020 had no impact on our evaluation procedures. The fair value of the reporting unitunits is determined based on a weighted average of the income and market approaches. The income approach establishes fair value based on estimated future cash flows of the reporting unit,units, discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital developed using the capital asset pricing model, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the reporting unit.units. The income approach uses our projections of financial performance for a six-six to nine-year period and includes assumptions about future revenuerevenues growth rates, operating margins and terminal values. The market approach establishes fair value by applying cash flow multiples to the respective reporting unit'sunits’ operating performance. The multiples are derived from other publicly traded companies that are similar but not identical from an operational and economic standpoint.
We completed our 2019 annual test and determined that there was no evidence of impairment of goodwill for the two reporting units that have goodwill. Although no goodwill impairment was noted, there can be no assurances that future goodwill impairments will not occur.
Internal-use software development costs
We capitalize certain costs related to software developed for internal-use, primarily associated with the ongoing development and enhancement of our technology platform. Costs incurred in the preliminary development and post-development stages are expensed. These costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful life of the related asset, generally three years.
Income taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences and benefits attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts that are more likely than not to be realized.
Relative to uncertain tax positions, we accrue for losses we believe are probable and can be reasonably estimated. The amount recognized is subject to estimate and management judgment with respect to the likely outcome of each uncertain tax position. The amount that is ultimately sustained for an individual uncertain tax position or for all uncertain tax positions in the aggregate could differ from the amount recognized. If the amounts recorded are not realized or if penalties and interest are incurred, we have elected to record all amounts within income tax expense.
We have no recorded liabilities for US uncertain tax positions at December 31, 20192020 and 2018.2019. Tax periods from fiscal years 2014 to 20182019 remain open and subject to examination for US federal and state tax purposes. As we had no operations nor had filed US federal tax returns prior to May 1, 2014, there are no other US federal or state tax years subject to examination.
For UK taxes,The CARES Act as amended by the CAA were signed into law on March 27, 2020 and December 27, 2020, respectively. We reviewed the tax periods from fiscal years 2010 to 2019 remain open and subject to examination. We had an uncertain tax position at December 31, 2017 that was resolved and released during the year ended December 31, 2018. There are no additional UK uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2019.
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act", or "Tax Reform") was enacted into law. The Act contains several changes to the US federal tax law including a reduction to the US federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, an accelerationrelief provisions of the expensing of certain business assets, a reduction to the amount of executive payCARES Act, regarding our eligibility and determined that could qualify as a tax deduction, and the addition of a repatriation tax on any accumulated offshore earnings and profit.
We recognized a one-time $12.5 million charge as of December 31, 2017 due to the impact ofis likely to be insignificant with regard to our effective tax rate. We continue to monitor and evaluate our eligibility for the Tax Reform. This one-time charge was primarily the result of US GAAP requiring remeasurement of all US deferred incomeamended CARES Act tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences from the previous tax rate of 35%relief provisions to the new corporate tax rate of 21%.
The Tax Reform also included a new “Mandatory Repatriation”identify any portions that required a one-time tax on shareholders of Specific Foreign Corporations (“SFCs”). The one-time tax was imposed using the Subpart F rules to require US shareholders to include in income the pro rata share of their SFC’s previously untaxed accumulated post 1986 deferred foreign income. Our SFC, ECI, had an accumulated earnings and profit ("E&P") deficit at December 31, 2017, and therefore, we had no US impact from the new mandatory repatriation law.
Additionally, tax reform included a new anti-deferral provision, similar to the subpart F provision, requiring a US shareholder of Controlled Foreign Corporation’s (“CFC”) to include in income annually its pro rata share of a CFC’s “global intangible low-taxed income” (“GILTI”). Our SFC, ECI, qualifies as a CFC, and as such, requires a GILTI inclusionmay become applicable in the applicable tax year. ECI has a US tax year end of November 30. We have elected to treat GILTI as a period cost, and therefore, will recognize those taxes as expenses in the period incurred.future.
Share-Based Compensation
In accordance with applicable accounting standards, all share-based payments, consisting of stock options, and restricted stock units ("RSUs") issued to employees are measured based on the grant-date fair value of the awards and recognized as compensation expense on a straight-line basis over the period during which the recipient is required to perform services in exchange for the award (the requisite service period). Starting July 2017, weWe also haveoffer an employee stock purchase plan ("ESPP"). The determination of fair value of share-based payment awards and ESPP purchase rights on the date of grant using option-pricing models is affected by our stock price as well as assumptions regarding a number of highly complex and subjective variables. These variables include, but are not limited to, the expected stock price volatility over the term of the awards, actual and projected employee stock option exercise activity, risk-free interest rate, expected dividends and expected term. We use the Black-Scholes-Merton Option Pricing Model to estimate the grant-date fair value of stock options. We also use an equity valuation model to estimate the grant-date fair value of RSUs. Additionally, the recognition of share-based compensation expense requires an estimation of the number of awards that will ultimately vest and the number of awards that will ultimately be forfeited.
Derivative Financial Instruments
On January 11, 2018, we and ESPV each entered into one interest rate cap transaction with a counterparty to mitigate the floating rate interest risk on a portion of the debt underlying the Rise and Elastic portfolios, respectively, which matured on February 1, 2019. See Note 7—Notes Payable of our consolidated financial statements for additional information. The interest rate caps were designated as cash flow hedges against expected future cash flows attributable to future interest payments on debt facilities held by each entity. We initially reported the gains or losses related to the hedges as a component of Accumulated other comprehensive income in the Consolidated Balance Sheets in the period incurred and subsequently reclassified the interest rate caps’ gains or losses to interest expense when the hedged expenses were recorded. We excluded the change in the time value of the interest rate caps in its assessment of their hedge effectiveness. We present the cash flows from cash flow hedges in the same category in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows as the category for the cash flows from the hedged items. The interest rate caps do not contain any credit risk related contingent features. Our hedging program is not designed for trading or speculative purposes.
Our derivative financial instruments also included bifurcated embedded derivatives that were identified within the Convertible Term Notes recorded as assets or liabilities initially at fair value, and the changes in fair value at the end of each quarterly reporting period are included in earnings. Upon repayment of a portion of the Convertible Term Notes, approximately $2.0 million was released from the debt discount where the derivative was recorded into Interest expense. In January 2018, the Convertible Term Notes matured and became a portion of the 4th Tranche Term Note. Therefore, there is no bifurcated embedded derivatives as of December 31, 2019.
RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS AND JOBS ACT ELECTION
Under the Jumpstart Our Business Startups Act (the “JOBS Act”), we meet the definition of an emerging growth company. We have irrevocably elected to opt out of the extended transition period for complying with new or revised accounting standards pursuant to Section 107(b) of the JOBS Act.
Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
In July 2018,See Note 1 in the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2018-09, Codification Improvements ("ASU 2018-09"). The purpose of ASU 2018-09 is to clarify, correct errors in or make minor improvementsNotes to the Codification. Among other revisions, the amendments clarify that an entity should recognize excess tax benefits or tax deficiencies for share compensation expense that is taken on an entity’s tax returnConsolidated Financial Statements included in the period in which the amount of the deduction is determined. The Company has adopted all of the amendments of ASU 2018-09 as of January 1, 2019 on a modified retrospective basis. The adoption of ASU 2018-09 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-02, Income Statement—Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("ASU 2018-02"). The purpose of ASU 2018-02 is to allow an entity to elect to reclassify the stranded tax effects related to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act from Accumulated other comprehensive income into Retained earnings. The amendments in ASU 2018-02 are effective for all entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company adopted all amendments of ASU 2018-02 on a prospective basis as of January 1, 2018 and elected to reclassify the stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act from Accumulated other comprehensive income to Accumulated deficit. The amount of the reclassification for the year ended December 31, 2018 was $920 thousand.
In August 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815)—Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities ("ASU 2017-12"). The purpose of ASU 2017-12 is to improve the financial reporting of hedging relationships to better portray the economic results of an entity's risk management activities in its financial statements. In addition, ASU 2017-12 makes certain targeted improvements to simplify the application of the hedge accounting guidance. In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments ("ASU 2019-04"). This amendment clarifies the guidance in ASU 2017-12. ASU 2017-12 is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and for interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company has adopted all of the amendments of ASU 2017-12 on a prospective basis as of January 1, 2018. Since the Company did not have derivatives accounted for as hedges prior to December 31, 2017, there was no cumulative-effect adjustment needed to Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and Accumulated deficit. The adoption of ASU 2017-12 did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) ("ASU 2016-02"). ASU 2016-02 is intended to improve the reporting of leasing transactions to provide users of financial statements with more decision-useful information. ASU 2016-02 will require organizations that lease assets to recognize on the balance sheets the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. In July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-10, Codification Improvements to Topic 842, Leases (“ASU 2018-10”), which clarifies certain matters in the codification with the intention to correct unintended application of the guidance. Also in July 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-11, Leases (Topic 842): Targeted Improvements (“ASU 2018-11”), which provides entities with an additional (and optional) transition method whereby the entity applies the new lease standard at the adoption date and recognizes a cumulative-effect adjustment to the opening balance of retained earnings in the period of adoption. Additionally, under the new transition method, an entity’s reporting for the comparative periods presented in the financial statements in which it adopts the new lease standard will continue to be in accordance with current US GAAP (Topic 840, Leases). ASU 2016-02, as amended, is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company elected to adopt the transition method in ASU 2018-11 by applying the practical expedient prospectively at January 1, 2019. The Company also elected to apply the optional practical expedient package to not reassess existing or expired contracts for lease components, lease classification or initial direct costs. The adoption of ASU 2016-02 on January 1, 2019, as amended, resulted in the recognition of approximately $11.5 million and $15.4 million additional right of use assets and liabilities for operating leases, respectively, but did not have a material impact on the Company's Consolidated Statements of Operations. Subsequent to initial adoption, the Company entered into additional leasesthis report for a total recognition in 2019discussion of $13.4 million and $17.6 million right of use assets and liabilities for operating leases, respectively.recent accounting pronouncements.
In July 2019, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") No. 2019-07, Codification Updates to SEC Sections ("ASU 2019-07"). The purpose of ASU 2019-07 is to amend various SEC paragraphs pursuant to the issuance of SEC Final Rule Releases No. 33-10532, Disclosure Update and Simplification, and Nos. 33-10231 and 33-10442, Investment Company Reporting Modernization. Among other revisions, the amendments reduce duplication and clarify the inclusion of comprehensive income. The Company has adopted all of the amendments of ASU 2019-07 as of July 2019 with no impact to the Company's consolidated financial statements.
Accounting Standards to be Adopted in Future Periods
In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income Taxes ("ASU 2019-12"). The purpose of ASU 2019-12 is to reduce complexity in the accounting standards for income taxes by removing certain exceptions as well as clarifying certain allocations. This update also addresses the split recognition of franchise taxes that are partially based on income between income-based tax and non-income-based tax. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2020, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is still assessing the potential impact of ASU 2019-12 on the Company's consolidated financial statements.In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-15, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other—Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Implementation Costs Incurred in a Cloud Computing Arrangement That Is a Service Contract ("ASU 2018-15"). The purpose of ASU 2018-15 is to provide additional guidance on the accounting for costs of implementation activities performed in a cloud computing arrangement that is a service contract. This guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. Entities have the option to apply the guidance in ASU 2018-15 prospectively to all implementation costs incurred after the date of adoption or retrospectively. The Company has elected to adopt prospectively as of January 1, 2020 and has implemented a control structure to identify cloud computing arrangements for appropriate accounting treatment similar to its procedures for right of use assets. The Company does not expect ASU 2018-15 to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In August 2018, the FASB issued ASU No. 2018-13, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure Framework—Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement ("ASU 2018-13"). The purpose of ASU 2018-13 is to modify the disclosure requirements on fair value measurements in Topic 820, Fair Value Measurement. This guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years and requires both a prospective and retrospective approach to adoption based on amendment specifications. Early adoption of any removed or modified disclosures is permitted. Additional disclosures may be delayed until their effective date. The Company does not expect ASU 2018-13 to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment ("ASU 2017-04"). The purpose of ASU 2017-04 is to simplify the subsequent measurement of goodwill. The amendments modify the concept of impairment from the condition that exists when the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value to the condition that exists when the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds its fair value. An entity no longer will determine goodwill impairment by calculating the implied fair value of goodwill by assigning the fair value of a reporting unit to all of its assets and liabilities as if that reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination. This guidance is effective for public companies for goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company does not expect ASU 2017-04 to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.
In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments ("ASU 2016-13"). ASU 2016-13 is intended to replace the incurred loss impairment methodology in current US GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to inform credit loss estimates to improve the quality of information available to financial statement users about expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. In April 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-04, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments ("ASU 2019-04"). This amendment clarifies the guidance in ASU 2016-13. The guidance in ASU 2016-13 was further clarified by ASU No. 2019-11, Codification Improvements to Topic 326, Financial Instruments ("ASU 2019-11") issued in November 2019. ASU 2019-11 provides transition relief such as permitting entities an accounting policy election regarding existing Troubled Debt Restructurings ("TDRs") among other things. In May 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-05, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses (Topic 326): Targeted Transition Relief ("ASU 2019-05"). The purpose of this amendment is to provide entities that have certain instruments within the scope of Subtopic 326-20, Financial Instruments-Credit Losses-Measured at Amortized Cost, with an option to irrevocably elect the fair value option in Subtopic 825-10, Financial Instruments-Overall, on an instrument-by-instrument basis. Election of this option is intended to increase comparability of financial statement information and reduce costs for certain entities to comply with ASU 2016-13. For public entities, ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. In November 2019, the FASB issued ASU No. 2019-10, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326), Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), and Leases(Topic 842): Effective Dates ("ASU 2019-10"). The purpose of this amendment is to create a two tier rollout of major updates, staggering the effective dates between larger public companies and all other entities. This granted certain classes of companies, including Smaller Reporting Companies ("SRCs"), additional time to implement major FASB standards, including ASU 2016-13. Larger public companies will still have an effective date for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years. All other entities are permitted to defer adoption of ASU 2016-13, and its related amendments, until the earlier of fiscal periods beginning after December 15, 2022. Under the current SEC definitions, the Company meets the definition of an SRC as of the ASU 2019-10 issuance date and is adopting the deferral period for ASU 2016-13.
Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk
Market risk is the risk of loss to future earnings, values or future cash flows that may result from changes in the price of a financial instrument. The value of a financial instrument may change as a result of changes in interest rates, exchange rates, commodity prices, equity prices and other market changes. We are exposed to market risk related to changes in interest rates and foreign currency exchange rates. We do not use derivative financial instruments for speculative or trading purposes, although in the future we may continue to enter into interest rate hedging arrangements or enter into exchange rate hedging arrangements to manage the risks described below.
Interest rate sensitivity
Our cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 20192020 consisted of demand deposit accounts. Our primary exposure to market risk for our cash and cash equivalents is interest income sensitivity, which is affected by changes in the general level of US interest rates. Given the currently low US interest rates, we generate only a de minimis amount of interest income from these deposits.
All of our customer loan portfolios are fixed APR loans and not variable in nature. Additionally, given the high APR’s associated with these loans, we do not believe there is any interest rate sensitivity associated with our customer loan portfolio.
Prior to February 1, 2019, our VPC Facility and ESPV Facility were variable rate in nature and tied to the 3-month LIBOR rate. In January 2018, the Company and ESPV each entered into interest rate caps, which cap 3-month LIBOR at 1.75% to mitigate the floating interest rate risk on $240 million of the US Term Notes included in the VPC Facility and on $216 million of the ESPV Facility, respectively. These interest rate caps matured on February 1, 2019. On February 1, 2019, the VPC and ESPV
Facilities were amended and a new EF SPV Facility was added. As part of these amendments, the base interest rate on existing debt outstanding on February 1, 2019 was locked to the 3-month LIBOR as of February 1, 2019 of 2.73% until note maturity. Any additional borrowings on the facilities (excluding the 4th Tranche Term Note) after February 1, 2019 bear a base interest rate (defined as the greater of 3-month LIBOR, the five-year LIBOR swap rate or 1%) plus the applicable spread at the borrowing date. On July 31, 2020, the new EC SPV Facility was added. This facility does not have a rate lock and is tied to the 3-month LIBOR rate.
Any increase in the base interest rate on future borrowings will result in an increase in our net interest expense. The outstanding balance of our VPC Facility at December 31, 20192020 was $229.7$122.6 million and the balance at December 31, 20182019 was $324.2$200.1 million. The outstanding balance of our EF SPV Facility was $93.5 million at December 31, 2020 and $102.0 million at December 31, 20192019. The outstanding balance of our EC SPV Facility was $25.0 million at December 31, 2020 and there was no balance at December 31, 2018.2019. The outstanding balance of our ESPV Facility was $226.0$199.5 million and $239.0$226.0 million at December 31, 20192020 and December 31, 2018,2019, respectively. Based on the average outstanding indebtedness through the year ended December 31, 2019,2020, a 1% (100 basis points) increase in interest rates would have increased our interest expense by approximately $1.6$3.1 million.
Foreign currency exchange risk
We provide installment loans to customers in the UK. Interest income from our Sunny UK installment loans is earned in British pounds (“GBP”). Fluctuations in exchange rate of the US dollar (“USD”) against the GBP and cash held in such foreign currency can result, and have resulted, in fluctuations in our operating income and foreign currency transaction gains and losses. We had a foreign currency transaction gain of approximately $0.3 million during the year ended December 31, 2019 and a $1.4 million loss during the year ended December 31, 2018. We currently do not engage in any foreign exchange hedging activity but may do so in the future.
At December 31, 2019, our net GBP-denominated assets were approximately $59.7 million (which excludes the $16.8 million then drawn under the USD-denominated UK term note under the VPC Facility). A hypothetical 10% strengthening or weakening in the value of the USD compared to the GBP at this date would have resulted in a decrease/increase in net assets of approximately $6.0 million. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the GBP-denominated pre-tax income was approximately $6.1 million. A hypothetical 10% strengthening or weakening in the value of the USD compared to the GBP during this period would have resulted in a decrease/increase in the pre-tax income of approximately $0.6 million.
Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm
Board of Directors and Shareholders
Elevate Credit, Inc.
Opinion on the financial statements
We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Elevate Credit, Inc. (a Delaware corporation) and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, the related consolidated income statements, of operations, comprehensive income (loss), changes in stockholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019,2020, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the “financial statements”). In our opinion, the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2019,2020, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for opinion
These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (“PCAOB”) and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.
We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud. The Company is not required to have, nor were we engaged to perform, an audit of its internal control over financial reporting. As part of our audits we are required to obtain an understanding of internal control over financial reporting 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.
Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence supportingregarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.
/s/ GRANT THORNTON LLP
We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2014.
Dallas, Texas
February 14, 202026, 2021
Elevate Credit, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Dollars in thousands except share amounts) | | December 31, 2020 | | December 31, 2019 |
ASSETS | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents* | | $ | 197,983 | | | $ | 71,215 | |
Restricted cash | | 3,135 | | | 2,235 | |
Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan losses of $48,399 and $79,912, respectively* | | 374,832 | | | 542,073 | |
Prepaid expenses and other assets* | | 10,060 | | | 6,737 | |
Operating lease right of use assets | | 8,320 | | | 10,191 | |
Receivable from CSO lenders | | 1,255 | | | 8,696 | |
Receivable from payment processors* | | 6,147 | | | 8,681 | |
Deferred tax assets, net | | 25,958 | | | 8,784 | |
Property and equipment, net | | 34,000 | | | 35,944 | |
Goodwill | | 6,776 | | | 6,776 | |
Intangible assets, net | | 1,133 | | | 1,253 | |
Assets from discontinued operations | | 0 | | | 81,002 | |
Total assets | | $ | 669,599 | | | $ | 783,587 | |
| | | | |
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (See Note 16)* | | $ | 52,252 | | | $ | 38,679 | |
Operating lease liabilities | | 11,952 | | | 14,352 | |
| | | | |
Deferred revenue* | | 3,134 | | | 12,087 | |
Notes payable, net (See Note 16)* | | 438,403 | | | 525,439 | |
Liabilities from discontinued operations | | 0 | | | 36,541 | |
Total liabilities | | 505,741 | | | 627,098 | |
COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES (Note 14) | | 0 | | 0 |
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | |
Preferred stock; $0.0004 par value; 24,500,000 authorized shares; NaN issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020 and 2019 | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Common stock; $0.0004 par value; 300,000,000 authorized shares; 44,960,438 and 44,445,736 issued; 37,954,138 and 43,676,826 outstanding, respectively | | 18 | | | 18 | |
Additional paid-in capital | | 200,433 | | | 193,061 | |
Treasury stock; at cost; 7,006,300 and 768,910 shares of common stock, respectively | | (16,492) | | | (3,344) | |
Accumulated deficit | | (20,101) | | | (34,342) | |
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax benefit of $0 and $1,353, respectively | | 0 | | | 1,096 | |
Total stockholders’ equity | | 163,858 | | | 156,489 | |
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | | $ | 669,599 | | | $ | 783,587 | |
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(Dollars in thousands except share amounts) | | December 31, 2019 | | December 31, 2018 |
ASSETS | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents* | | $ | 88,913 |
| | $ | 58,313 |
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Restricted cash | | 2,294 |
| | 2,591 |
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Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan losses of $86,996 and $91,608, respectively* | | 573,677 |
| | 561,694 |
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Prepaid expenses and other assets* | | 11,608 |
| | 11,418 |
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Operating lease right of use assets | | 10,191 |
| | — |
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Receivable from CSO lenders | | 8,696 |
| | 16,183 |
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Receivable from payment processors* | | 10,651 |
| | 21,716 |
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Deferred tax assets, net | | 10,139 |
| | 21,628 |
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Property and equipment, net | | 49,989 |
| | 41,579 |
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Goodwill | | 16,027 |
| | 16,027 |
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Intangible assets, net | | 1,402 |
| | 1,712 |
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Derivative assets at fair value (cost basis of $0 and $109, respectively)* | | — |
| | 412 |
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Total assets | | $ | 783,587 |
| | $ | 753,273 |
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (See Note 16)* | | $ | 44,991 |
| | $ | 44,950 |
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Operating lease liabilities | | 14,352 |
| | — |
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State and other taxes payable | | 605 |
| | 681 |
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Deferred revenue* | | 12,087 |
| | 28,261 |
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Notes payable, net (See Note 16)* | | 555,063 |
| | 562,590 |
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Total liabilities | | 627,098 |
| | 636,482 |
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COMMITMENTS, CONTINGENCIES AND GUARANTEES (Note 14) | |
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STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY | | | | |
Preferred stock; $0.0004 par value; 24,500,000 authorized shares; none issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019 and 2018 | | — |
| | — |
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Common stock; $0.0004 par value; 300,000,000 authorized shares; 44,445,736 and 43,329,262 issued; 43,676,826 and 43,329,262 outstanding, respectively | | 18 |
| | 18 |
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Additional paid-in capital | | 193,061 |
| | 183,244 |
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Treasury stock; at cost; 768,910 and 0 shares of common stock, respectively | | (3,344 | ) | | — |
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Accumulated deficit | | (34,342 | ) | | (66,525 | ) |
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax benefit of $1,353 and $1,257, respectively | | 1,096 |
| | 54 |
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Total stockholders’ equity | | 156,489 |
| | 116,791 |
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Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity | | $ | 783,587 |
| | $ | 753,273 |
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* These balances include certain assets and liabilities of variable interest entities (“VIEs”) that can only be used to settle the
liabilities of that respective VIE. All assets of the Company are pledged as security for the Company’s outstanding debt, including debt
held by the VIEs. For further information regarding the assets and liabilities included in the Company's consolidated accounts, see Note 4—
Variable Interest Entities.
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
107
Elevate Credit, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
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| | Years Ended December 31, |
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
Revenues | | $ | 465,346 | | | $ | 638,873 | | | $ | 663,716 | |
Cost of sales: | | | | | | |
Provision for loan losses | | 156,910 | | | 325,662 | | | 362,198 | |
Direct marketing costs | | 20,282 | | | 38,548 | | | 54,723 | |
Other cost of sales | | 8,124 | | | 10,083 | | | 12,140 | |
Total cost of sales | | 185,316 | | | 374,293 | | | 429,061 | |
Gross profit | | 280,030 | | | 264,580 | | | 234,655 | |
Operating expenses: | | | | | | |
Compensation and benefits | | 84,103 | | | 89,417 | | | 80,858 | |
Professional services | | 31,634 | | | 31,834 | | | 29,824 | |
Selling and marketing | | 3,450 | | | 4,773 | | | 6,194 | |
Occupancy and equipment (See Note 16) | | 18,840 | | | 15,989 | | | 13,814 | |
Depreciation and amortization | | 18,133 | | | 15,879 | | | 11,476 | |
Other | | 3,659 | | | 5,119 | | | 4,717 | |
Total operating expenses | | 159,819 | | | 163,011 | | | 146,883 | |
Operating income | | 120,211 | | | 101,569 | | | 87,772 | |
Other expense: | | | | | | |
Net interest expense (See Note 16) | | (49,020) | | | (62,533) | | | (73,298) | |
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Non-operating loss | | (24,079) | | | (681) | | | (350) | |
Total other expense | | (73,099) | | | (63,214) | | | (73,648) | |
Income from continuing operations before taxes | | 47,112 | | | 38,355 | | | 14,124 | |
Income tax expense | | 10,910 | | | 12,159 | | | 374 | |
Net income from continuing operations | | $ | 36,202 | | | $ | 26,196 | | | $ | 13,750 | |
Net income (loss) from discontinued operations | | (15,610) | | | 5,987 | | | (1,241) | |
Net income | | $ | 20,592 | | | $ | 32,183 | | | $ | 12,509 | |
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Basic earnings per share: | | | | | | |
Continuing operations | | $ | 0.88 | | | $ | 0.60 | | | $ | 0.32 | |
Discontinued operations | | (0.38) | | | 0.13 | | | (0.03) | |
Basic earnings per share | | $ | 0.50 | | | $ | 0.73 | | | $ | 0.29 | |
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Diluted earnings per share: | | | | | | |
Continuing operations | | $ | 0.87 | | | $ | 0.59 | | | $ | 0.31 | |
Discontinued operations | | (0.38) | | | $ | 0.14 | | | $ | (0.03) | |
Diluted earnings per share | | $ | 0.49 | | | $ | 0.73 | | | $ | 0.28 | |
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Basic weighted-average shares outstanding | | 40,926,581 | | | 43,805,845 | | | 42,791,061 | |
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding | | 41,761,623 | | | 44,338,205 | | | 44,299,304 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
108
Elevate Credit, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
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(Dollars in thousands) | | Years Ended December 31, |
2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
Net income | | $ | 20,592 | | | $ | 32,183 | | | $ | 12,509 | |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: | | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of $(14), $(1) and $0, respectively | | (2,061) | | | 1,250 | | | (1,237) | |
Reclassification of Cumulative translation adjustment to Net loss from discontinued operations | | 2,334 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Reversal of Deferred tax asset associated with Cumulative translation adjustment | | (1,369) | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Reclassification of certain deferred tax effects | | 0 | | | 0 | | | (920) | |
Change in derivative valuation, net of tax of $0, $(95) and $95, respectively | | 0 | | | (208) | | | 208 | |
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | | (1,096) | | | 1,042 | | | (1,949) | |
Total comprehensive income | | $ | 19,496 | | | $ | 33,225 | | | $ | 10,560 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
109
Elevate Credit, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
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(Dollars in thousands except share amounts) | | Preferred Stock | | Common Stock | | Additional paid-in capital | | Treasury Stock | | Accumulated deficit | | Accumulated other comprehensive income | | Total |
Shares | | Amount | Shares | | Amount | | Shares | | Amount | |
Balances at December 31, 2017 | | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | 42,165,524 | | | $ | 17 | | | $ | 174,090 | | | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | (79,954) | | | $ | 2,003 | | | $ | 96,156 | |
Share-based compensation -US | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 8,175 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 8,175 | |
Share-based compensation -UK | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 58 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 58 | |
Exercise of stock options | | — | | | — | | | 271,891 | | | — | | | 997 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 997 | |
Vesting of restricted stock units | | — | | | — | | | 715,492 | | | 1 | | | (246) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (245) | |
ESPP shares granted | | — | | | — | | | 176,355 | | | — | | | 844 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 844 | |
Tax expense of equity issuance costs | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (674) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (674) | |
Comprehensive income: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax effect of $0 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (1,237) | | | (1,237) | |
Change in derivative valuation, net of tax expense of $95 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 208 | | | 208 | |
Reclassification of certain deferred tax effects | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 920 | | | (920) | | | 0 | |
Net income from continuing operations | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 13,750 | | | — | | | 13,750 | |
Net loss from discontinued operations | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (1,241) | | | — | | | (1,241) | |
Balances at December 31, 2018 | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 43,329,262 | | | $ | 18 | | | $ | 183,244 | | | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | (66,525) | | | $ | 54 | | | $ | 116,791 | |
Share-based compensation -US | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 9,875 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 9,875 | |
Share-based compensation -UK | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 65 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 65 | |
Exercise of stock options | | — | | | — | | | 37,760 | | | — | | | 122 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 122 | |
Vesting of restricted stock units | | — | | | — | | | 751,443 | | | 0 | | | (1,392) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (1,392) | |
ESPP shares granted | | — | | | — | | | 327,271 | | | — | | | 1,149 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1,149 | |
Tax expense of equity issuance costs | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (2) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (2) | |
Comprehensive loss: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax benefit of $(1) | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 1,250 | | | 1,250 | |
Change in derivative valuation, net of tax benefit of $(95) | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (208) | | | (208) | |
Treasury stock acquired | | — | | | — | | | (768,910) | | | — | | | — | | | 768,910 | | | (3,344) | | | — | | | — | | | (3,344) | |
Net income from continuing operations | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 26,196 | | | — | | | 26,196 | |
Net income from discontinued operations | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 5,987 | | | — | | | 5,987 | |
Balances at December 31, 2019 | | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | 43,676,826 | | | $ | 18 | | | $ | 193,061 | | | 768,910 | | | $ | (3,344) | | | $ | (34,342) | | | $ | 1,096 | | | $ | 156,489 | |
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
110
Elevate Credit, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Dollars in thousands except share amounts) | | Preferred Stock | | Common Stock | | Additional paid-in capital | | Treasury Stock | | Accumulated deficit | | Accumulated other comprehensive income | | Total |
Shares | | Amount | Shares | | Amount | | Shares | | Amount | |
Balances at December 31, 2019 | | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | 43,676,826 | | | $ | 18 | | | $ | 193,061 | | | 768,910 | | | $ | (3,344) | | | $ | (34,342) | | | $ | 1,096 | | | $ | 156,489 | |
Share-based compensation -US | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 8,110 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 8,110 | |
Share-based compensation -UK | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 45 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 45 | |
Exercise of stock options | | — | | | — | | | 34,185 | | | | | (51) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (51) | |
Vesting of restricted stock units | | — | | | — | | | 199,933 | | | — | | | (36) | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (36) | |
ESPP shares granted | | — | | | — | | | 280,584 | | | — | | | 353 | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 353 | |
Comprehensive income: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax benefit of $(14) | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (2,061) | | | (2,061) | |
Reclassification to net loss from discontinued operations net of tax of $1,369 | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 965 | | | 965 | |
Treasury stock acquired | | — | | | — | | | (7,694,896) | | | — | | | — | | | 7,694,896 | | | (19,819) | | | — | | | — | | | (19,819) | |
Treasury stock reissued for Vesting of restricted stock units | | — | | | — | | | 1,042,920 | | | — | | | (751) | | | (1,042,920) | | | 4,574 | | | (4,574) | | | — | | | (751) | |
Treasury stock reissued for Exercise of stock options | | — | | | — | | | 166,395 | | | — | | | (298) | | | (166,395) | | | 755 | | | (755) | | | — | | | (298) | |
Treasury stock reissued for ESPP share grants | | — | | | — | | | 248,191 | | | — | | | — | | | (248,191) | | | 1,342 | | | (1,022) | | | — | | | 320 | |
Net income from continuing operations | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | 36,202 | | | — | | | 36,202 | |
Net loss from discontinued operations | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | — | | | (15,610) | | | — | | | (15,610) | |
Balances at December 31, 2020 | | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | 37,954,138 | | | $ | 18 | | | $ | 200,433 | | | 7,006,300 | | | $ | (16,492) | | | $ | (20,101) | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 163,858 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
111
Elevate Credit, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Dollars in thousands) | Years Ended December 31, |
2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | |
Net income | $ | 20,592 | | | $ | 32,183 | | | $ | 12,509 | |
Less: Net income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax | (15,610) | | | 5,987 | | | (1,241) | |
Net income from continuing operations | 36,202 | | | 26,196 | | | 13,750 | |
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | 18,133 | | | 15,879 | | | 11,476 | |
Provision for loan losses | 156,910 | | | 325,662 | | | 362,198 | |
Share-based compensation | 8,110 | | | 9,875 | | | 8,175 | |
Amortization of debt issuance costs | 718 | | | 621 | | | 360 | |
Amortization of loan premium | 4,600 | | | 5,998 | | | 6,179 | |
Amortization of convertible note discount | 0 | | | 0 | | | 138 | |
Amortization of derivative assets | 0 | | | 108 | | | 1,259 | |
Amortization of operating leases | (529) | | | 4 | | | 0 | |
Deferred income tax expense, net | 11,260 | | | 11,583 | | | 228 | |
| | | | | |
Non-operating loss | 24,079 | | | 681 | | | 350 | |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | |
Prepaid expenses and other assets | (3,787) | | | 188 | | | (939) | |
Income taxes payable | 465 | | | 0 | | | 0 | |
Receivables from payment processors | 2,533 | | | 10,639 | | | (895) | |
Receivables from CSO lenders | 7,441 | | | 7,487 | | | 6,896 | |
Interest receivable | (38,248) | | | (76,274) | | | (89,523) | |
State and other taxes payable | (91) | | | 116 | | | (121) | |
| | | | | |
Deferred revenue | (8,208) | | | (11,434) | | | 5,819 | |
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | (9,525) | | | 5,987 | | | 674 | |
Net cash provided by continuing operating activities | 210,063 | | | 333,316 | | | 326,024 | |
Net cash provided by discontinued operating activities | 1,286 | | | 37,028 | | | 36,252 | |
Net cash provided by operating activities | 211,349 | | | 370,344 | | | 362,276 | |
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | |
Loans receivable originated or participations purchased | (607,151) | | | (1,054,038) | | | (1,071,556) | |
Principal collections and recoveries on loans receivable | 652,688 | | | 769,802 | | | 751,887 | |
Participation premium paid | (3,828) | | | (5,861) | | | (6,393) | |
Purchases of property and equipment | (16,069) | | | (17,745) | | | (21,241) | |
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing investing activities | 25,640 | | | (307,842) | | | (347,303) | |
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued investing activities | 9,457 | | | (19,679) | | | (44,515) | |
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities | 35,097 | | | (327,521) | | | (391,818) | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
112
Elevate Credit, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - (Continued)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, |
(Dollars in thousands) | 2020 | | 2019 | | 2018 |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | |
Proceeds from notes payable | $ | 31,500 | | | $ | 64,000 | | | $ | 41,000 | |
Payments on notes payable | (119,000) | | | (60,000) | | | 0 | |
Cash paid for interest rate caps | 0 | | | 0 | | | (1,367) | |
Settlement of derivative liability | 0 | | | 0 | | | (2,010) | |
| | | | | |
Debt issuance costs paid | (253) | | | (2,593) | | | (173) | |
Debt prepayment penalties paid | 0 | | | (850) | | | 0 | |
| | | | | |
ESPP shares issued | 674 | | | 1,149 | | | 844 | |
Common stock repurchased | (19,819) | | | (3,344) | | | 0 | |
| | | | | |
Proceeds from stock award exercises | 27 | | | 122 | | | 997 | |
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards | (1,164) | | | (1,391) | | | (246) | |
Net cash provided by (used in) continuing financing activities | (108,035) | | | (2,907) | | | 39,045 | |
Net cash provided by (used in) discontinued financing activities | (16,310) | | | (10,013) | | | 8,797 | |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (124,345) | | | (12,920) | | | 47,842 | |
| | | | | |
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents | 122,101 | | | 29,903 | | | 18,300 |
Less: increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash from discontinued operations | (5,567) | | | 7,336 | | | 534 |
Change in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash from continuing operations | 127,668 | | | 22,567 | | | 17,766 | |
| | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 71,215 | | | 48,348 | | | 31,582 | |
Restricted cash, beginning of period | 2,235 | | | 2,535 | | | 1,535 | |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period | 73,450 | | | 50,883 | | | 33,117 | |
| | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | 197,983 | | | $ | 71,215 | | | $ | 48,348 | |
Restricted cash, end of period | 3,135 | | | 2,235 | | | 2,535 | |
Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period | $ | 201,118 | | | $ | 73,450 | | | $ | 50,883 | |
| | | | | |
Supplemental cash flow information: | | | | | |
Interest paid | $ | 49,257 | | | $ | 61,893 | | | $ | 73,257 | |
Taxes paid | $ | 419 | | | $ | 535 | | | $ | 359 | |
| | | | | |
Non-cash activities: | | | | | |
CSO fees charged-off included in Deferred revenues and Loans receivable | $ | 806 | | | $ | 4,754 | | | $ | 10,605 | |
CSO fees on loans paid-off prior to maturity included in Receivable from CSO lenders and Deferred revenue | $ | 47 | | | $ | 181 | | | $ | 268 | |
Annual membership fee included in Deferred revenues and Loans receivable | $ | 108 | | | $ | 195 | | | $ | 0 | |
Reissuances of Treasury stock | $ | 6,671 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | |
Property and equipment accrued but not yet paid | $ | 0 | | | $ | 579 | | | $ | 445 | |
| | | | | |
| | | | | |
Impact on OCI and retained earnings of adoption of ASU 2018-02 | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 920 | |
Changes in fair value of interest rate caps | $ | 0 | | | $ | 304 | | | $ | 304 | |
| | | | | |
Tax benefit of equity issuance costs included in Additional paid-in capital | $ | 0 | | | $ | 2 | | | $ | 674 | |
Impact of deferred tax asset included in Other comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 1,354 | | | $ | 36 | | | $ | 0 | |
Leasehold improvements included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | 0 | | | $ | 0 | | | $ | 2,717 | |
Leasehold improvements allowance included in Property and equipment, net | $ | 0 | | | $ | 439 | | | $ | 0 | |
Lease incentives allowance included in Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 0 | | | $ | 3,720 | | | $ | 0 | |
Operating lease right of use assets recognized | $ | 0 | | | $ | 11,809 | | | $ | 0 | |
Operating lease liabilities recognized | $ | 0 | | | $ | 15,966 | | | $ | 0 | |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
113
Elevate Credit, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
| | Years Ended December 31, |
(Dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts) | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
Revenues | | $ | 746,962 |
| | $ | 786,682 |
| | $ | 673,132 |
|
Cost of sales: | | | | | | |
Provision for loan losses | | 364,241 |
| | 411,979 |
| | 357,574 |
|
Direct marketing costs | | 51,283 |
| | 77,605 |
| | 72,222 |
|
Other cost of sales | | 28,846 |
| | 26,359 |
| | 20,536 |
|
Total cost of sales | | 444,370 |
| | 515,943 |
| | 450,332 |
|
Gross profit | | 302,592 |
| | 270,739 |
| | 222,800 |
|
Operating expenses: | | | | | | |
Compensation and benefits | | 103,070 |
| | 94,382 |
| | 81,969 |
|
Professional services | | 36,715 |
| | 35,864 |
| | 32,848 |
|
Selling and marketing | | 7,381 |
| | 9,435 |
| | 8,353 |
|
Occupancy and equipment (See Note 16) | | 20,712 |
| | 17,547 |
| | 13,895 |
|
Depreciation and amortization | | 17,380 |
| | 12,988 |
| | 10,272 |
|
Other | | 5,911 |
| | 5,649 |
| | 4,600 |
|
Total operating expenses | | 191,169 |
| | 175,865 |
| | 151,937 |
|
Operating income | | 111,423 |
| | 94,874 |
| | 70,863 |
|
Other income (expense): | | | | | | |
Net interest expense (See Note 16) | | (66,646 | ) | | (79,198 | ) | | (73,043 | ) |
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss) | | 334 |
| | (1,409 | ) | | 2,900 |
|
Non-operating income (loss) | | (681 | ) | | (350 | ) | | 2,295 |
|
Total other expense | | (66,993 | ) | | (80,957 | ) | | (67,848 | ) |
Income before taxes | | 44,430 |
| | 13,917 |
| | 3,015 |
|
Income tax expense | | 12,247 |
| | 1,408 |
| | 9,931 |
|
Net income (loss) | | $ | 32,183 |
| | $ | 12,509 |
| | $ | (6,916 | ) |
| | | | | | |
Basic income (loss) per share | | $ | 0.73 |
| | $ | 0.29 |
| | $ | (0.20 | ) |
Diluted income (loss) per share | | $ | 0.73 |
| | $ | 0.28 |
| | $ | (0.20 | ) |
Basic weighted-average shares outstanding | | 43,805,845 |
| | 42,791,061 |
| | 33,911,520 |
|
Diluted weighted-average shares outstanding | | 44,338,205 |
| | 44,299,304 |
| | 33,911,520 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
114
Elevate Credit, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Dollars in thousands) | | Years Ended December 31, |
2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
Net income (loss) | | $ | 32,183 |
| | $ | 12,509 |
| | $ | (6,916 | ) |
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: | | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax of ($1), $0 and ($74), respectively | | 1,250 |
| | (1,237 | ) | | 916 |
|
Reclassification of certain deferred tax effects | | — |
| | (920 | ) | | — |
|
Change in derivative valuation, net of tax of ($95), $95 and $0, respectively | | (208 | ) | | 208 |
| | — |
|
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax | | 1,042 |
| | (1,949 | ) | | 916 |
|
Total comprehensive income (loss) | | $ | 33,225 |
| | $ | 10,560 |
| | $ | (6,000 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
115
Elevate Credit, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
|
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
(Dollars in thousands except share amounts) | | Preferred Stock | | Common Stock | | Series A Convertible Preferred | | Series B Convertible Preferred | | Additional paid-in capital | | Treasury Stock | | Accumulated deficit | | Accumulated other comprehensive income | | Total |
Shares | | Amount | Shares | | Amount | | Shares | | Amount | | Shares | | Amount | | Shares | | Amount | |
Balances at December 31, 2016 | | — |
| | $ | — |
| | 13,001,216 |
| | $ | 5 |
| | 2,957,059 |
| | $ | 3 |
| | 2,682,351 |
| | $ | 3 |
| | $ | 88,854 |
| | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | (76,385 | ) | | $ | 1,087 |
| | $ | 13,567 |
|
Share-based compensation | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 6,318 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 6,318 |
|
Exercise of stock options | | — |
| | — |
| | 486,329 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (356 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (356 | ) |
Vesting of restricted stock units | | — |
| | — |
| | 214,551 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (229 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (229 | ) |
ESPP shares granted | | — |
| | — |
| | 79,909 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 511 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 511 |
|
Tax expense of equity issuance costs | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (1,196 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (1,196 | ) |
Issuance of common stock net of deferred costs | | — |
| | — |
| | 14,285,000 |
| | 6 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 80,188 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 80,194 |
|
Conversion of preferred shares | | — |
| | — |
| | 5,639,410 |
| | 6 |
| | (2,957,059 | ) | | (3 | ) | | (2,682,351 | ) | | (3 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
2.5-for-1 common stock split on converted preferred shares | | — |
| | — |
| | 8,459,109 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Comprehensive income: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax effect of ($74) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 916 |
| | 916 |
|
Cumulative effect of change in accounting | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 3,347 |
| | — |
| | 3,347 |
|
Net loss | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (6,916 | ) | | — |
| | (6,916 | ) |
Balances at December 31, 2017 | | — |
| | $ | — |
| | 42,165,524 |
| | $ | 17 |
| | — |
| | $ | — |
| | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 174,090 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | $ | (79,954 | ) | | $ | 2,003 |
| | $ | 96,156 |
|
Share-based compensation | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 8,233 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 8,233 |
|
Exercise of stock options | | — |
| | — |
| | 271,891 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 997 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 997 |
|
Vesting of restricted stock units | | — |
| | — |
| | 715,492 |
| | 1 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (246 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (245 | ) |
ESPP shares granted | | — |
| | — |
| | 176,355 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 844 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 844 |
|
Tax expense of equity issuance costs | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (674 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (674 | ) |
Comprehensive loss: | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax expense of $0 | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (1,237 | ) | | (1,237 | ) |
Change in derivative valuation, net of tax expense of $95 | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 208 |
| | 208 |
|
Reclassification of certain deferred tax effects | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 920 |
| | (920 | ) | | — |
|
Net income | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 12,509 |
| | — |
| | 12,509 |
|
Balances at December 31, 2018 | | — |
| | $ | — |
| | 43,329,262 |
| | $ | 18 |
| | — |
| | $ | — |
| | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 183,244 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | $ | (66,525 | ) | | $ | 54 |
| | $ | 116,791 |
|
Share-based compensation | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 9,940 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 9,940 |
|
Exercise of stock options | | — |
| | — |
| | 37,760 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 122 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 122 |
|
Vesting of restricted stock units | | — |
| | — |
| | 751,443 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (1,392 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (1,392 | ) |
ESPP shares granted | | — |
| | — |
| | 327,271 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1,149 |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1,149 |
|
Tax expense of equity issuance costs | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (2 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (2 | ) |
Comprehensive income: | |
| |
|
| |
| |
|
| |
| |
|
| |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
| |
|
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax benefit of ($1) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 1,250 |
| | 1,250 |
|
Change in derivative valuation, net of tax benefit of ($95) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | (208 | ) | | (208 | ) |
Treasury stock acquired | | — |
| | — |
| | (768,910 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 768,910 |
| | (3,344 | ) | | — |
| | — |
| | (3,344 | ) |
Net income | | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | — |
| | 32,183 |
| | — |
| | 32,183 |
|
Balances at December 31, 2019 | | — |
| | $ | — |
| | 43,676,826 |
| | $ | 18 |
| | — |
| | $ | — |
| | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 193,061 |
| | 768,910 |
| | $ | (3,344 | ) | | $ | (34,342 | ) | | $ | 1,096 |
| | $ | 156,489 |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
116
Elevate Credit, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
(Dollars in thousands) | Years Ended December 31, |
2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | |
Net income (loss) | $ | 32,183 |
| | $ | 12,509 |
| | $ | (6,916 | ) |
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities: | | | | | |
Depreciation and amortization | 17,380 |
| | 12,988 |
| | 10,272 |
|
Provision for loan losses | 364,241 |
| | 411,979 |
| | 357,574 |
|
Share-based compensation | 9,940 |
| | 8,233 |
| | 6,318 |
|
Amortization of debt issuance costs | 640 |
| | 371 |
| | 525 |
|
Amortization of loan premium | 5,998 |
| | 6,179 |
| | 5,360 |
|
Amortization of convertible note discount | — |
| | 138 |
| | 3,637 |
|
Amortization of derivative assets | 108 |
| | 1,259 |
| | — |
|
Amortization of operating leases | 4 |
| | — |
| | — |
|
Deferred income tax expense, net | 11,583 |
| | 1,148 |
| | 9,729 |
|
Unrealized (gain) loss from foreign currency transactions | (334 | ) | | 1,409 |
| | (2,900 | ) |
Non-operating (income) loss | 681 |
| | 350 |
| | (2,295 | ) |
Changes in operating assets and liabilities: | | | | | |
Prepaid expenses and other assets | (25 | ) | | (1,374 | ) | | (4,803 | ) |
Receivables from payment processors | 11,134 |
| | (735 | ) | | (1,708 | ) |
Receivables from CSO lenders | 7,487 |
| | 6,896 |
| | 2,987 |
|
Interest receivable | (85,269 | ) | | (106,119 | ) | | (93,532 | ) |
State and other taxes payable | (94 | ) | | (160 | ) | | 58 |
|
Deferred revenue | (11,434 | ) | | 5,819 |
| | 15,116 |
|
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | 6,121 |
| | 1,386 |
| | 9,266 |
|
Net cash provided by operating activities | 370,344 |
| | 362,276 |
| | 308,688 |
|
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | |
Loans receivable originated or participations purchased | (1,276,484 | ) | | (1,357,866 | ) | | (1,196,723 | ) |
Principal collections and recoveries on loans receivable | 979,514 |
| | 999,931 |
| | 794,717 |
|
Participation premium paid | (5,861 | ) | | (6,393 | ) | | (5,680 | ) |
Purchases of property and equipment | (24,690 | ) | | (27,490 | ) | | (16,755 | ) |
Net cash used in investing activities | (327,521 | ) | | (391,818 | ) | | (424,441 | ) |
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
117
Elevate Credit, Inc. and Subsidiaries
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - (Continued)
|
| | | | | | | | | | | |
| Years Ended December 31, |
(Dollars in thousands) | 2019 | | 2018 | | 2017 |
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: | | | | | |
Proceeds from notes payable | $ | 64,000 |
| | $ | 49,824 |
| | $ | 103,560 |
|
Payments of notes payable | (70,000 | ) | | — |
| | (84,950 | ) |
Cash paid for interest rate caps | — |
| | (1,367 | ) | | — |
|
Settlement of derivative liability | — |
| | (2,010 | ) | | — |
|
Payment of capital lease obligation | — |
| | — |
| | (21 | ) |
Debt issuance costs paid | (2,606 | ) | | (200 | ) | | (788 | ) |
Debt prepayment penalties paid | (850 | ) | | — |
| | — |
|
Equity issuance costs paid | — |
| | — |
| | (1,731 | ) |
ESPP shares issued | 1,149 |
| | 844 |
| | 511 |
|
Common stock repurchased | (3,344 | ) | | — |
| | — |
|
Proceeds from issuance of stock | — |
| | — |
| | 86,699 |
|
Proceeds from stock award exercises | 122 |
| | 997 |
| | 593 |
|
Taxes paid related to net share settlement of equity awards | (1,391 | ) | | (246 | ) | | (1,178 | ) |
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities | (12,920 | ) | | 47,842 |
| | 102,695 |
|
Effect of exchange rates on cash | 400 |
| | (133 | ) | | 436 |
|
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 30,303 |
| | 18,167 |
| | (12,622) |
| | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period | 58,313 |
| | 41,142 |
| | 53,574 |
|
Restricted cash, beginning of period | 2,591 |
| | 1,595 |
| | 1,785 |
|
Total Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of period | 60,904 |
| | 42,737 |
| | 55,359 |
|
| | | | | |
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period | 88,913 |
| | $ | 58,313 |
| | $ | 41,142 |
|
Restricted cash, end of period | 2,294 |
| | 2,591 |
| | 1,595 |
|
Total Cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of period | $ | 91,207 |
| | $ | 60,904 |
| | $ | 42,737 |
|
| | | | | |
Supplemental cash flow information: | | | | | |
Interest paid | $ | 66,003 |
| | $ | 79,059 |
| | $ | 68,925 |
|
Taxes paid | $ | 535 |
| | $ | 359 |
| | $ | 442 |
|
| | | | | |
Non-cash activities: | | | | | |
CSO fees charged-off included in Deferred revenues and Loans receivable | $ | 4,754 |
| | $ | 10,605 |
| | $ | 11,063 |
|
CSO fees on loans paid-off prior to maturity included in Receivable from CSO lenders and Deferred revenue | $ | 181 |
| | $ | 268 |
| | $ | 256 |
|
Annual membership fee included in Deferred revenues and Loans receivable | $ | 195 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
|
Derivative debt discount on convertible term notes | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 2,517 |
|
Property and equipment accrued but not yet paid | $ | 579 |
| | $ | 445 |
| | $ | 1,158 |
|
Prepaid expenses accrued but not yet paid | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 832 |
|
Impact on deferred tax assets of adoption of ASU 2016-09 | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 3,347 |
|
Impact on OCI and retained earnings of adoption of ASU 2018-02 | $ | — |
| | $ | 920 |
| | $ | — |
|
Changes in fair value of interest rate caps | $ | 304 |
| | $ | 304 |
| | $ | — |
|
Deferred IPO costs included in Additional paid-in capital | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | 6,708 |
|
Tax benefit of equity issuance costs included in Additional paid-in capital | $ | 2 |
| | $ | 674 |
| | $ | 1,196 |
|
Impact of deferred tax asset included in Other comprehensive income (loss) | $ | 95 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
|
Leasehold improvements included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities | $ | — |
| | $ | 2,717 |
| | $ | — |
|
Leasehold improvements allowance included in Property and equipment, net | $ | 439 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
|
Lease incentives allowance included in Accounts payable and accrued expenses | $ | 3,720 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
|
Operating lease right of use assets recognized | $ | 13,399 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
|
Operating lease liabilities recognized | $ | 17,556 |
| | $ | — |
| | $ | — |
|
The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.
118
Elevate Credit, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
NOTE 1—SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The Company’s accounting and reporting policies are in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“US GAAP”) and conform, as applicable, to general practices within the finance company industry. The following is a description of the more significant of these policies used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.
Business Operations
Elevate Credit, Inc. (the “Company”) is a Delaware corporation. The Company provides technology-driven, progressive online credit solutions to non-prime consumers. The Company uses advanced technology and proprietary risk analytics to provide more convenient and more responsible financial options to its customers, who are not well-served by either banks or legacy non-prime lenders. The Company currently offers unsecured online installment loans, lines of credit and credit cards in the United States (the “US”) and the United Kingdom (the “UK”). The Company’s products, Rise, Elastic and Today Card, and Sunny, reflect its mission of “Good Today, Better Tomorrow” and provide customers with access to competitively priced credit and services while helping them build a brighter financial future with credit building and financial wellness features. In the UK,United Kingdom ("UK"), the Company directly offerspreviously offered unsecured installment loans via the internet through its wholly owned subsidiary, Elevate Credit International Limited, (“ECI”ECIL”) under the brand name of Sunny. On June 29, 2020, ECIL entered into administration in accordance with the provisions of the UK Insolvency Act 1986 and pursuant to a resolution of the board of directors of ECIL. The onset of Coronavirus Disease 2019 ("COVID-19") coupled with the lack of clarity within the UK regulatory environment led to the decision to place ECIL into administration. The management, business, affairs and property of ECIL have been placed into the direct control of the appointed administrators, KPMG LLP. Accordingly, the Company deconsolidated ECIL as of June 29, 2020 and presents ECIL's results as discontinued operations for all periods presented. See Note 15—Discontinued Operations for more information regarding the presentation of ECIL.
Basis of Presentation
The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company, its wholly owned subsidiaries and variable interest entities ("VIEs") where the Company is the primary beneficiary. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated.
Initial Public OfferingReclassifications
On April 11, 2017,Certain amounts in the Company completed its initial public offering (“IPO”) in which it issued and sold 12,400,000 shares of common stock at a price of $6.50 per shareprior periods presented herein have been reclassified to conform to the public. In connection with the closing, the underwriters exercised their option to purchase in full for an additional 1,860,000 shares. On April 6, 2017, the Company's stock began tradingcurrent period financial statement presentation. The Company does not believe that these reclassifications have a material impact on the New York Stock Exchange ("NYSE") under the symbol “ELVT.” The aggregate net proceeds received by the Company from the IPO, net of underwriting discounts and commissions and estimated offering expenses, were approximately $80.2 million.
Immediately prior to the closing of the IPO, all then outstanding shares of the Company's convertible preferred stock were converted into 5,639,410 shares of common stock (or 14,098,519 shares of common stock after the 2.5-for-1 forward stock split described below). The related carrying value of shares of preferred stock, in the aggregate amount of approximately $6 thousand, was reclassified as common stock. Additionally, the Company amended and restated its certificate of incorporation, effective April 11, 2017 to, among other things, change the authorized number of shares of common stock to 300,000,000 and the authorized number of shares of preferred stock to 24,500,000, each with a par value of $0.0004 per share.
Stock options granted to certain employees vest upon the satisfaction of the earlier of either a service condition or a liquidity condition. The service condition for these awards is generally satisfied over four years. The liquidity condition is satisfied upon the occurrence of a qualifying event, defined as the completion of the IPO, which occurred on April 11, 2017. The satisfaction of this vesting condition accelerated the expense attribution period for those stock options, and the Company recognized a cumulative share-based compensation expense of $0.8 million for the portion of those stock options that met the liquidity condition.
Stock Split
On December 11, 2015, the Board of Directors approved the ratio to effect a 2.5-for-1 forward stock split of the Company's common stock. The stock split became effective in connection with the completion of the Company’s IPO. All numbers of shares and per share data in the accompanying consolidated financial statementsstatements. The Company reclassified $605 thousand to Accounts payable and accrued liabilities with an offset to Income taxes payable related notes have been retroactively adjusted to reflect this stock split for all periods presented.
The Company's IPO and resulting stock split had the following effect on the Company's equity during the year ended December 31, 2017:
Convertible Preferred Stock: In April 2017 as a result of the IPO, all then outstanding shares of the Company's convertible preferred stock (5,639,410) were converted on a one-to-one basis without additional consideration into an aggregate of 5,639,410 shares of common stock2019 state and thereafter, into 14,098,519 shares of common stock after the application of the 2.5-for-1 forward stock split.
Elevate Credit, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Common Stock: The IPO and resulting stock split caused an adjustment to the par value for the common stock, from $0.001 per share to $0.0004 per share, and caused a two-and-a-half times increase in the number of authorized and outstanding shares of common stock. The number of shares of common stock and per share common stock data in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes have been retroactively adjusted to reflect a 2.5-for-1 forward stock split for all periods presented.
Share-Based Compensation: The IPO and resulting stock split decreased the exercise price for stock options by two-and-a-half times per share and reflected a two-and-a-half times increase in the number of stock options and restricted stock units ("RSUs") outstanding. The number of stock options and RSUs and per share common stock data in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes have been adjusted to reflect a 2.5-for-1 forward stock split for all periods presented.other taxes payable.
Use of Estimates
The preparation of the consolidated financial statements in conformity with US GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Significant items subject to such estimates and assumptions include the valuation of the allowance for loan losses, goodwill, long-lived and intangible assets, deferred revenues, contingencies, the fair value of derivatives, the income tax provision, valuation of share-based compensation, operating lease right of use assets, operating lease liabilities and the valuation allowance against deferred tax assets. The Company bases its estimates on historical experience, current data and assumptions that are believed to be reasonable. Actual results in future periods could differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents
The Company considers all highly-liquid investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Restricted Cash
Amounts restricted under lending agreements, third-party processing agreements and state licensing requirements are classified separately as restricted cash.
Elevate Credit, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Installment Loans, Lines of Credit and Credit Cards
Installment loans, lines of credit and credit cards, including receivables for finance charges, fees and interest, are unsecured and reported as Loans receivable, net of allowance for loan losses on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Installment loans are multi-payment loans that require the pay-down of portions of the outstanding principal balance in multiple installments through the Rise and Sunny brands.brand. Line of credit accounts include customer cash advances made through the Elastic brand and the Rise brand in two2 states and the Elastic brand.(which were discontinued in September 2020). Credit cards represent credit card receivable balances, uncollected billed interest and fees through the Today Card brand. All outstanding balances, allowance for loan losses, and revenues for the Today Card were immaterial in 2018 and 2019.
The Company offers Rise installment and line of credit products and Sunny installment products directly to customers. Elastic lines of credit, Rise bank-originated installment loans and Today credit card receivables represent participation interests acquired from third-party lenders through a wholly owned subsidiary or by a VIE. Based on agreements with the third-party lenders, the VIEs pay a loan premium on the participation interests.interests purchased. The loan premium is amortized over the expected life of the outstanding loan amount. At December 31, 2020, 2019 2018 and 2017,2018, the amortization expenses on the loan premiums were $4.6 million, $6.0 million $6.2 million and $5.4$6.2 million, respectively, and are included within Revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.Income Statements. See Note 4—Variable Interest Entities for more information regarding these participation interests in Rise and Elastic receivables.
The Company considers impaired loans as accounts over 60 days past due (for installment loans and lines of credit) andor 120 days (for credit cards) or loans which become uncollectible based on information that the Company becomes aware of (e.g., receipt of customer bankruptcy notice). The impaired loans are charged-off at the time that they are deemed to be uncollectible.
A modification of finance receivable terms is considered a troubled debt restructuring ("TDR") if the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and the Company grants a concession it would not otherwise have considered to a borrower. The Company considers TDRs to include all installment and line of credit loans that were modified by granting principal and interest forgiveness or by extension of the maturity date greater than 60 days as a part of a loss mitigation strategy.
Elevate Credit, Inc.On March 22, 2020, federal and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
state banking regulators issued a joint statement on working with customers affected by COVID-19 (the "Interagency Statement"). The Interagency Statement includes guidance on accounting for loan modifications. In accordance with the Interagency Statement, the Company, and the bank originators the Company supports, have elected to not recognize modified loans as TDRs if the borrower was both: 1) not more than 30 days past due as of March 1, 2020 (or at the requested modification date if originated on or after March 2, 2020); and 2) the modification stems from the effects of the COVID-19 outbreak. The modifications offered by the Company to borrowers that meet both qualifications may include short-term payment deferrals less than six months, interest or fee waivers, extensions of payment terms or delays in payment that are insignificant. If the borrower was not current at March 1, 2020, the Company offers similar modifications that are considered TDRs. This election is applicable from March 1, 2020 until the earlier of 60 days following the date the COVID-19 national emergency comes to an end or January 1, 2022.
Allowance for Loan Losses
The Company has adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) guidance for disclosures about the credit quality of financing receivables and the allowance for loan losses (“allowance”). The Company maintains an allowance for loan losses for loans and interest receivable for loans not classified as TDRs at a level estimated to be adequate to absorb credit losses inherent in the outstanding loans receivable. The Company primarily utilizes historical loss rates by product, stratified by delinquency ranges, to determine the allowance, but also considers recent collection and delinquency trends, as well as macro-economic conditions that may affect portfolio losses. Additionally, due to the uncertainty of economic conditions and cash flow resources of the Company’s customers, the estimate of the allowance for loan losses is subject to change in the near-term and could significantly impact the consolidated financial statements. If a loan is deemed to be uncollectible before it is fully reserved, it is charged-off at that time. For loans classified as TDRs, impairment is typically measured based on the present value of the expected future cash flows discounted at the original effective interest rate.
Elevate Credit, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The Company classifies its loans as either current or past due. An installment loan or line of credit customer in good standing may request a 16-day grace period when or before a payment becomes due and, if granted, the loan is considered current during the grace period. Credit card customers have a 25-day grace period for each payment. Installment loans and lines of credit are considered past due if a grace period has not been requested and a scheduled payment is not paid on its due date. Credit cards are considered past due if the grace period has passed and the scheduled payment has not been made. Increases in the allowance are created by recording a Provision for loan losses in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.Income Statements. Installment loans and lines of credit are charged off, which reduces the allowance for loan losses, when they are over 60 days past due or earlier if deemed uncollectible. Credit cards are charged off, which reduces the allowance for loan losses, when they are over 120 days past due or earlier if deemed uncollectible. Recoveries on losses previously charged to the allowance are credited to the allowance when collected.
Revenue Recognition
The Company recognizes consumer loan fees as revenues for each of the loan products it offers. Revenues on the Consolidated Income Statements of Operations include: finance charges, lines of credit fees, fees for services provided through CSO programs (“CSO fees”), and interest, as well as any other fees or charges permitted by applicable laws and pursuant to the agreement with the borrower. The Company also records revenues related to the sale of customer applications to unrelated third parties. These applications are sold with the customer’s consent in the event that the Company or its CSO lenders are unable to offer the customer a loan. Revenue is recognized at the time of the sale. Other revenues also include marketing and licensing fees received from the originating lender related to the Elastic product and Rise bank-originated loans and from CSO fees related to the Rise product. Revenues related to these fees are recognized when the service is performed.
The Company accrues finance charges on installment loans on a constant yield basis over their terms. The Company accrues and defers fixed chargesfees such as CSO fees and lines of credit fees when they are assessed and recognizes them to earnings as they are earned over the life of the loan. The Company accrues interest on credit cards based on the amount of the loancredit card balance outstanding and theirthe related contractual interest rate. Credit card membership fees are amortized to revenue over the card membership period. Other credit card fees, such as late payment fees and returned payment fees, are accrued when assessed. The Company does not accrue finance charges and other fees on installment loans or lines of credit for which payment is greater than 60 days past due. Credit card interest charges are recognized based on the contractual provisions of the underlying arrangements and are not accrued for whichwhen payment is greaterpast due more than 90 days past due.days. Installment loans and lines of credit are considered past due if a grace period has not been requested and a scheduled payment is not paid on its due date. Credit cards have a grace period of 25 days and are considered delinquent after the grace period. Payments received on past due loans are applied against the loan and accrued interest balance to bring the loan current. Payments are generally first applied to accrued fees and interest and then to the principal loan balance.
The spread of COVID-19 since March 2020 has created a global public health crisis that has resulted in unprecedented disruption to businesses and economies. In response to the pandemic's effects, and in accordance with federal and state guidelines, the Company expanded its payment flexibility programs for its customers, including payment deferrals. This program allows for a deferral of payments for an initial period of 30 to 60 days, and generally up to a maximum of 180 days on a cumulative basis. A customer will return to the normal payment schedule after the end of the deferral period with the extension of the maturity date equivalent to the deferral period, which is generally not to exceed an additional 180 days. The finance charges will continue to accrue at a lower effective interest rate over the expected term of the loan as adjusted for the deferral period provided (not to exceed an amount greater than the amount at which the borrower could settle the loan) or placed on non-accrual status.
The Company’s business is affected by seasonality, which can cause significant changes in portfolio size and profit margins from quarter to quarter. Although this seasonality does not impact the Company’s policies for revenue recognition, it does generally impact the Company’s results of operations by potentially causing an increase in its profit margins in the first quarter of the year and decreased profit margins in the second through fourth quarters.
Elevate Credit, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Credit Service Organization
The Company also provides services in connection with installment loans originated by independent third-party lenders (“CSO lenders”), whereby the Company acts as a credit services organization/credit access business on behalf of consumers in accordance with applicable state laws (the “CSO program”). ThePreviously, the CSO program includesincluded arranging loans with CSO lenders, assisting in the loan application, documentation and servicing processes. As of December 31, 2020, the CSO lenders are no longer originating Rise CSO loans. The Company continues to service existing loans.
Elevate Credit, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
Under the CSO program, the Company guarantees the repayment of the customer’s loan to the CSO lenders as part of the credit services it provides to the customer. A customer who obtainsobtained a loan through the CSO program payspaid the Company a fee for the credit services, including the guaranty, and entersentered into a contract with the CSO lenders governing the credit services arrangement. The CSO fee received iswas initially recognized as deferred revenue and subsequently recognized over the life of the loan. The Company estimates a liability for losses associated with the guaranty provided to the CSO lenders using assumptions and methodologies similar to the allowance for loan losses detailed previously. The CSO program required that the Company fund a cash reserve equal to 25% - 45% of the outstanding loan principal within the CSO program portfolio. As of December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, respectively, estimated losses of approximately $2.1$0.7 million and $4.4$2.1 million for the CSO owned loans receivable guaranteed by the Company of approximately $19.6$2.2 million and $39.8$19.6 million, respectively, are initially recorded at fair value and are included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. See Note 3—Loans Receivable and Revenues for additional information on loans receivable and the provision for loan losses.
The Company also had a Receivable from CSO lenders related primarily to CSO fees received by the CSO lenders from customers. The receivables (payables) related to the CSO lenders as of December 31, 20192020 and 20182019 are as follows:
| | (Dollars in thousands) | | 2019 | | 2018 | (Dollars in thousands) | | 2020 | | 2019 |
Receivable related to 25%-45% cash reserve | | $ | 8,648 |
| | $ | 15,940 |
| Receivable related to 25%-45% cash reserve | | $ | 1,333 | | | $ | 8,648 | |
Receivable (payable) related to CSO fees collected by CSO lenders | | (9 | ) | | (208 | ) | Receivable (payable) related to CSO fees collected by CSO lenders | | (78) | | | (9) | |
Receivable related to licensing and servicing arrangements with CSO lenders | | 57 |
| | 451 |
| Receivable related to licensing and servicing arrangements with CSO lenders | | 0 | | | 57 | |
Total receivable from CSO lenders | | $ | 8,696 |
| | $ | 16,183 |
| Total receivable from CSO lenders | | $ | 1,255 | | | $ | 8,696 | |
The CSO lenders are considered VIEs of the Company; however, the Company does not have any ownership interest in the CSO lenders, does not exercise control over them, and is not the primary beneficiary, and therefore, does not consolidate the CSO lenders’ results with its results.
Receivables from Payment Processors
The Company has entered into agreements with third-party service providers to conduct processing activities, including the funding of new customer loans and the collection of customer payments for those loans. In accordance with contractual agreements, these funds are settled back to the Company within one to three business days after the date of the originating transaction. Accordingly, the Company had approximately $10.7$6.1 million and $21.7$8.7 million due from processing providers as of December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, respectively, which is included in Receivable from payment processors in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Direct Marketing Costs
Marketing expenses consist of online marketing costs such as sponsored search and advertising on social networking sites, and other marketing costs such as purchased television and radio air timeadvertising and direct mail print advertising. In addition, marketing expense includes affiliate costs paid to marketers in exchange for information for applications from potential customers. Online marketing, affiliate costs and other marketing costs are expensed as incurred.
Selling and Marketing Costs
Selling and marketing costs include costs associated with the use of agencies that perform creative services and monitor and measure the performance of the various marketing channels. Selling and marketing costs also include the production costs associated with media advertisements that are expensed as incurred over the licensing or production period.
Operating Segments
The Company determines operating segments based on how its chief operating decision-maker manages the business, including making operating decisions, deciding how to allocate resources and evaluating operating performance. The Company's chief operating decision-maker is its Chief Executive Officer, who reviews the Company's operating results monthly on a consolidated basis.
Elevate Credit, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The Company has 1 reportable segment, which provides online financial services for non-prime consumers. The Company has aggregated all components of its business into a single reportable segment based on the similarities of the economic characteristics, the nature of the products and services, the distribution methods, the type of customers and the nature of the regulatory environments. With the disposal of ECIL, all of the Company's assets and revenue are in 1 geographic location, therefore, segment reporting based on geography has been discontinued.
Property and Equipment, net
Property and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization. The Company capitalizes all acquisitions of property and equipment of $500 or greater. The Company capitalizes certain software development costs. Costs incurred in the preliminary stages of development are expensed, but software development costs incurred thereafter, including external direct costs of materials and services as well as payroll and payroll-related costs, are capitalized.
Software development costs, which are included in Property and equipment, net on the Consolidated Balance Sheets, as of December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, and related amortization expense, which is included in Depreciation and amortization within the Consolidated Income Statements of Operations for the years ended December 31, 20192020 and 20182019 were as follows:
| | (Dollars in thousands) | | 2019 | | 2018 | (Dollars in thousands) | | 2020 | | 2019 |
Software development costs | | $ | 73,105 |
| | $ | 56,379 |
| Software development costs | | $ | 79,200 | | | $ | 64,196 | |
Less: accumulated amortization | | (45,938 | ) | | (34,429 | ) | Less: accumulated amortization | | (53,265) | | | (39,036) | |
Net book value | | $ | 27,167 |
| | $ | 21,950 |
| Net book value | | $ | 25,935 | | | $ | 25,160 | |
Amortization expense | | $ | 11,509 |
| | $ | 5,987 |
| Amortization expense | | $ | 14,229 | | | $ | 9,961 | |
Maintenance and repairs that do not extend the useful life of the assets are expensed as incurred. Depreciation and amortization are computed using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the depreciable or amortizable assets as follows:
|
| | | | | | | |
Furniture and fixtures | | 7 years |
Equipment | | 3-5 years |
Leasehold improvements | | The lesser of the related lease term or useful life of 3-5 years |
Software and software development | | 3 years |
Equity Issuance Costs
Costs incurred related to the Company's IPO were deferred and included in Prepaid expenses and other assets in the consolidated financial statements and were charged against the gross proceeds of the IPO (i.e., charged against Additional paid-in capital in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets) as of the closing of the IPO on April 11, 2017 in the amount of approximately $6.7 million.
Income Taxes
Income taxes are accounted for under the asset and liability method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences and benefits attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts that are more likely than not to be realized.
Relative to uncertain tax positions, the Company accrues for losses it believes are probable and can be reasonably estimated. The amount recognized is subject to estimate and management judgment with respect to the likely outcome of each uncertain tax position. The amount that is ultimately sustained for an individual uncertain tax position or for all uncertain tax positions in the aggregate could differ from the amount recognized. If the amounts recorded are not realized or if penalties and interest are incurred, the Company has elected to record all amounts within income tax expense.
The Company has no recorded liabilities for US uncertain tax positions at December 31, 20192020 and 2018.2019. Tax periods from fiscal years 2014-20182014-2019 remain open and subject to examination for US federal and state tax purposes. As the Company had no operations nor had filed US federal tax returns prior to May 1, 2014, there are no other US federal or state tax years subject to examination.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ("CARES Act"), as amended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act ("CAA") were signed into law on March 27, 2020 and December 27, 2020, respectively. The Company reviewed the tax relief provisions of the CARES Act, amended, regarding its eligibility and determined that the impact is likely to be insignificant with regard to its effective tax rate. The Company continues to monitor and evaluate its eligibility for the amended CARES Act tax relief provisions to identify any portions that may become applicable in the future.
Elevate Credit, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
For UK taxes, tax periods from fiscal years 2010-2019 remain open and subject to examination. The Company had an uncertain tax position at December 31, 2017 that was resolved and released during the year ended December 31, 2018. There are no additional UK uncertain tax positions at December 31, 2019.
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act", or "Tax Reform") was enacted into law. The Act contains several changes to the US federal tax law including a reduction to the US federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21%, an acceleration of the expensing of certain business assets, a reduction to the amount of executive pay that could qualify as a tax deduction, and the addition of a repatriation tax on any accumulated offshore earnings and profit.
The Company recognized a one-time $12.5 million charge as of December 31, 2017 due to the impact of US tax reform. This one-time charge was primarily the result of US GAAP requiring remeasurement of all US deferred income tax assets and liabilities for temporary differences from the previous tax rate of 35% to the new corporate tax rate of 21%.
Tax reform also included a new “Mandatory Repatriation” that required a one-time tax on shareholders of Specific Foreign Corporations (“SFCs”). The one-time tax was imposed using the Subpart F rules to require US shareholders to include in income the pro rata share of their SFC’s previously untaxed accumulated post 1986 deferred foreign income. The Company’s SFC, ECI, had an accumulated earnings and profit ("E&P") deficit at December 31, 2017, and therefore, the Company had no US impact from the new mandatory repatriation law.
Additionally, tax reform included a new anti-deferral provision, similar to the subpart F provision, requiring a US Shareholder of Controlled Foreign Corporation’s (“CFC”) to include in income annually its pro rata share of a CFC’s “global intangible low-taxed income” (“GILTI”). The Company’s SFC, ECI, qualifies as a CFC, and as such, requires a GILTI inclusion in the applicable tax year. ECI has a US tax year end of November 30 and results in no GILTI inclusion in the tax provision for the year ended December 31, 2018. The CFC’s tax year beginning December 1, 2018 through November 30, 2019 will be included in the Company’s tax provision and US Federal tax return for the year ended December 31, 2019. The Company has also elected to treat GILTI as a period cost, and therefore, will recognize those taxes as expenses in the period incurred.
UK Research and Development Expenditure Credit
During 2019, the Company adopted the UK Research and Development Expenditure Credit ("RDEC") for qualifying expenses incurred since January 1, 2017. The credits are grants from the UK government to promote research and development activities in the UK and are recognized against the underlying research and development expenses. An entity that qualifies for RDEC credits must use the credits to offset any outstanding tax liabilities to the UK government. To the extent that the credit is larger than the tax liability, this excess can be paid directly to the Company. The Company's qualifying expenditures mainly consist of employment and contractor costs of certain of the Company's developers. The Company has recorded gross RDEC credits of $935 thousand within the related expense category with an offsetting amount of $178 thousand within Income tax expense in the Consolidated Statement of Operations in 2019.
Goodwill and Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets
Goodwill represents the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired in each business combination. In accordance with Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 350-20-35, Goodwill—Subsequent Measurement, the Company performs a quantitative approach method impairment review of goodwill and intangible assets with an indefinite life annually at October 1 and between annual tests if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Prior to 2019, the Company performed this test at October 31. As a result of the global economic impact and uncertainty due to COVID-19, the Company concluded a triggering event had occurred as of March 31, 2020, and accordingly, performed interim impairment testing on the goodwill balances of its reporting units. The Company performed a detailed qualitative and quantitative assessment of each reporting unit and concluded that the goodwill associated with the previously consolidated UK reporting unit was impaired as the fair value of the UK reporting unit was less than the carrying amount. The impairment loss of $9.3 million is included in Loss from discontinued operations due to the deconsolidation of ECIL. While there was a decline in the fair value of the Elastic reporting unit at March 31, 2020, there was 0 impairment identified during the quantitative assessment. The Company completed its annual test as of October 1, 2020 and determined that there was no evidence of impairment of goodwill or indefinite lived intangible assets. No events or circumstances occurred between October 1 and December 31, 20192020 that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of the Elastic reporting unitsunit below the carrying amount.
Elevate Credit, Inc.Prior to the adoption of ASU No. 2017-04, Intangibles—Goodwill and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
TheOther (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment ("ASU 2017-04"), the Company’s impairment evaluation of goodwill iswas already based on comparing the fair value of the Company’s reporting units to their carrying value. The adoption of ASU 2017-04 as of January 1, 2020 had no impact on the Company's evaluation procedures. The fair value of the reporting units wasis determined based on a weighted average of the income and market approaches. The income approach establishes fair value based on estimated future cash flows of the reporting units, discounted by an estimated weighted-average cost of capital developed using the capital asset pricing model, which reflects the overall level of inherent risk of the reporting units. The income approach uses the Company’s projections of financial performance for a six to nine-year period and includes assumptions about future revenues growth rates, operating margins and terminal values. The market approach establishes fair value by applying cash flow multiples to the reporting units’ operating performance. The multiples are derived from other publicly traded companies that are similar but not identical to the Company from an operational and economic standpoint.
Intangible Assets Subject to Amortization
Intangible assets primarily include the fair value assigned to non-compete agreements at acquisition less any accumulated amortization. Non-compete agreements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the agreement. An evaluation of the recoverability of intangible assets subject to amortization is performed whenever the facts and circumstances indicate that the carrying value may be impaired. An impairment loss is recognized if the future undiscounted cash flows associated with the asset and the estimated fair value of the asset are less than the asset’s corresponding carrying value. The amount of the impairment loss, if any, is the excess of the asset’s carrying value over its estimated fair value. NoNaN impairment losses related to intangible assets subject to amortization occurred during the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 2018 and 2017.2018.
Leases
Prior to the implementation of ASC Topic 842, Leases, the Company recognized escalating lease payments on a straight-line basis over the term of each respective lease with the difference between cash payments and rent expense recorded as a deferred rent liability. At December 31, 2018, the Company had a deferred rent liability of $3.7 million that is included in Accounts payable and accrued liabilities in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The Company adopted the provisions of ASC Topic 842 on a prospective basis at January 1, 2019. The adoption of ASU 2016-02, as amended, resulted in the recognition of approximately $11.5 million and $15.4 million additional right of use assets and liabilities for operating leases, respectively.respectively, of which $10.3 million and $14.2 million related to continuing operations. Subsequent to initial adoption, the Company entered into additional leases for a total recognition in 2019 of $13.4$11.8 million and $17.6$16.0 million right of use assets and liabilities for operating leases in continuing operations, respectively. The Company did not enter into any leases in 2020.
Elevate Credit, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The Company determines if an arrangement is a lease at inception. Operating leases are included in Operating lease right of use ("ROU") assets and Operating lease liabilities on ourthe Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets. Operating lease ROU assets and operating lease liabilities are recognized based on the present value of the future minimum lease payments over the lease term at the commencement date. As most of ourits leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based on the information available at the commencement date in determining the present value of future payments. The operating lease ROU asset may also include initial direct costs incurred and excludes any lease payments made and lease incentives. The Company's lease terms may include options to extend or terminate the lease when it is reasonably certain that the Company will exercise that option. Lease expense for minimum lease payments is recognized on a straight-line basis over the lease term. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease components. The lease and non-lease components are accounted for as a single lease component.
Debt Discount and Issuance Costs
Costs incurred for issuing the Notes payable are deferred and amortized using the straight-line method over the life of the related debt, which approximates the effective interest method. These costs include any debt discount or premium on the notes in addition to debt issuance costs incurred. The debt discount related to the Convertible Term Notes was fully amortized in 2018. For the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, amortization of the debt discount was approximately $0.0 million and $0.1 million, respectively, and is included within Net interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations. See Note 7—Notes Payable for additional information on the Convertible Term Notes.
The Convertible Term Notes converted into the 4th Tranche Term Notes on January 30, 2018 per the terms of the VPC Facility. At that time, the maturity of the 4th Tranche Term Notes was extended to February 1, 2021, and the debt discount on the Convertible Term Notes was fully amortized. In January 2018, the Company paid $2.0 million to Victory Park Management, LLC ("VPC") to settle the derivative liability associated with the Redemption Premium Feature upon the conversion of the Convertible Term Notes to the existing 4th Tranche Term Note. See Note 7—Notes Payable for additional information.
Elevate Credit, Inc. and Subsidiaries
NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)
The unamortized balance of debt issuance costs was approximately $2.6$2.1 million and $0.7$2.6 million at December 31, 20192020 and 2018,2019, respectively, and is included in Notes payable, net in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Amortization of debt issuance costs of approximately $0.7 million, $0.6 million $0.4 million and $0.5$0.4 million was recognized for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 2018 and 2017,2018, respectively, and is included within Net interest expense in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.
Foreign Currency Translations and Transactions
The functional currency for ECI is the British Pound (“GBP”). The assets and liabilities of ECI are translated into US dollars (“USD”) at the exchange rates in effect at each balance sheet date, and the resulting adjustments are recorded in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net as a separate component of equity. Revenues and expenses are translated at the monthly average exchange rates occurring during each period. Equity is translated at the historical rates of the respective transactions.
The Company had designated its intercompany loan with ECI as long-term. The intercompany loan was denominated in GBP. As a result, gains and losses related to the remeasurement of this balance were recognized in Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity.
Effective November 30, 2015, the Company converted the intercompany loan principal balance to equity and forgave the interest (which eliminates upon consolidation) that was accrued and unpaid on the loan at that date. The foreign currency remeasurement loss related to intercompany accounts remaining in Accumulated other comprehensive income, net is $1.4 million at December 31, 2019 and 2018. These intercompany loan transactions had no impact on the Company's consolidated results of operations.
As a portion of ECI's term note under the third-party credit facility is denominated in USD, ECI remeasures the portion of its term note denominated in GBP monthly. On August 30, 2017, the UK Term Note commitment amount was amended to approximately $47.9 million (comprised of $35.0 million and £10.0 million). Due to the transfer of $7.0 million of the UK Term Note from USD to GBP and the $25.0 million paydown of the UK Term Note in 2017, the Company realized a previously unrealized foreign currency loss of approximately $6.2 million. Based on the paydown in the fourth quarter of 2019, the Company realized a previously unrealized foreign currency loss of approximately $1.9 million.
The unrealized foreign currency gain / (loss) from foreign currency remeasurement was approximately $2.3 million, $(1.4) million and $9.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, respectively, and is included in Foreign currency transaction gain (loss) in the Consolidated Statements of Operations.Income Statements.
Comprehensive Income
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net is comprised of the impact of foreign currency translation adjustments in addition to unrealized gains (losses) on interest rate caps. The Company had the following reclassifications out of Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net:
•For the year ended December 31, 2020, the Company reclassified a $2.3 million net loss from cumulative translation adjustments within Accumulated other comprehensive income to Net loss from discontinued operations as part of the Company's loss on disposal related to the placement of ECIL into administration. In addition, a $1.4 million deferred tax benefit was reclassified to remove the associated deferred tax asset as part of this transaction.
•During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, the Company and ESPV utilized interest rate caps to offset interest rate fluctuations in the Company's and ESPV's future interest payments on certain of their Notes payable. Effective gains or losses related to these cash flow hedges were reported in Accumulated other comprehensive income and reclassified into earnings, through interest expense, in the period or periods in which the hedged transactions affected earnings. The Company reclassified gains of $0.3 million and $2.4 million related to the maturation of the interest rate caps from Accumulated other comprehensive income to net income in the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, respectively. See Note 11— Fair Value for additional information on these cash flow hedges. For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, the change in total other comprehensive income, net of tax, was a gain (loss) of approximately $(1.1) million, $1.0 million and $(1.9) million, respectively.
•In 2018, certain stranded tax effects of $0.9 million were reclassified from accumulated comprehensive income to Accumulated deficit. For the years ended December 31, 2019, 2018 and 2017, the change in total other comprehensive income, net of tax, was a gain (loss) of approximately $1.0 million, $(1.9) million and $0.9 million, respectively. During the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018, $0.3 million and $2.4 million, respectively, was reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net income. No amounts have been reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income to net loss during the year ended December 31, 2017.
Concentration of Credit Risk
The Company maintains cash and cash equivalent balances in bank deposit accounts that, at times, may exceed federally insured limits. The Company has not experienced any losses in such accounts. The Company believes it is not exposed to any significant credit risk on cash and cash equivalents.
Certain VIEs and a wholly owned subsidiary acquired certain loan participations in unsecured lines of credit and installment loans originated by third-party lenders to individual borrowers, which meet the criteria of a participation interest. Per the terms of the participation arrangements with the third-party lenders, loan servicing is retained by the third-party lenders, and the VIEs and a wholly owned subsidiary reimburses the lenders for the proportionate share of the servicing costs. See Note 4—Variable Interest Entities for additional information related to the participation interests purchased.
The Company evaluates each stock repurchase transaction in the period in which it is completed. If the repurchase transaction is significantly in excess of the current market price at purchase, the Company will identify whether the price paid included payment for other agreements, rights, and privileges. Repurchase transactions that do not contain these elements or are not significantly in excess of the current market price at purchase are accounted for using the cost method. The Company anticipates using its treasury stock to fulfill certain employee stock compensation grants and settlements. The Company has elected to use a first in, first out ("FIFO") method for assigning share cost at reissuance. Any gain or loss in the stock value will be credited or charged to paid in capital upon subsequent reissuance of the shares, with losses in excess of previously recognized gains charged to retained earnings. The Company is not obligated to purchase or reissue any shares at any time in accordance with its previously disclosed share repurchase plan.
Basic earnings per share ("EPS") is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding ("WASO") during each period. Also, basic EPS includes any fully vested stock and unit awards that have not yet been issued as common stock. There are no unissued fully vested stock and unit awards at December 31, 20192020 and 2018.
Diluted EPS is computed by dividing net income (loss) by the WASO during each period plus any unvested stock option awards granted, vested unexercised stock options and unvested RSUs using the treasury stock method but only to the extent that these instruments dilute earnings per share.