UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC 20549

FORM10-Q

FORM 10-Q

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

FOR THE QUARTERLY PERIOD ENDED December 31, 2017June 30, 2023

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

FOR THE TRANSITION PERIOD FROMTO.

Commission file number:0-26680

NICHOLAS FINANCIAL, INC.

(Exact Name of Registrant as Specified in its Charter)

British Columbia, Canada

8736-3354

59-2506879

(State or Other Jurisdiction of

Incorporation or Organization)

(I.R.S. Employer

Identification No.)

2454 McMullen Booth Road, Building C

Clearwater, Florida

Clearwater, Florida

33759

(Address of Principal Executive Offices)

(Zip Code)

(727)726-0763

(727) 726-0763

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Trading

Symbol(s)

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock

NICK

NASDAQ

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

Indicate by check mark whether the Registrant has submitted electronically, and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of RegulationS-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the Registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes ☒ No ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, anon-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company” and “emerging growth company” inRule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer

Accelerated filer

Non-accelerated filer

Smaller reporting company

Emerging growth company

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

Indicate by checkmark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule12b-2 of the Exchange Act) Yes No ☒

As of February 1, 2018, 12,599,201August 14, 2023, approximately 12.7 million common shares, no par value, of the Registrant were outstanding (of which 4,713,8045.4 million shares were held by the Registrant’s principal operating subsidiary and pursuant to applicable law, not entitled to vote and 7,885,3977.3 million shares were entitled to vote).



NICHOLAS FINANCIAL, INC.

FORM10-Q

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Part I.

Financial Information

Item 1.Part I .

Financial StatementsInformation

Item 1.

Financial Statements (Unaudited)

1

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017June 30, 2023 and March 31, 20172023

2

1

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss) for the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017June 30, 2023 and 20162022

3

2

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022

3

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the ninethree months ended December 31, 2017June 30, 2023 and 20162022

4

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

5

Item 2.

Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

16

Item 3.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

25

26

Item 4.

Controls and Procedures

25

26

Part II.

Other Information

Item 1.Part II .

Legal ProceedingsOther Information

26

Item 1A.1.

Risk FactorsLegal Proceedings

26

27

Item 1A.

Risk Factors

27

Item 2.

Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

28

Item 3.

Defaults Upon Senior Securities

28

Item 6.

Exhibits

28

29


1


PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1.FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Nicholas Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets

(In thousands)

  December 31, March 31, 
  2017 2017 
  (Unaudited) 

 

 

 

June 30, 2023
(Unaudited)

 

 

March 31, 2023

 

Assets

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cash

  $3,082  $2,855 

 

$

678

 

 

$

454

 

Finance receivables, net of unearned discounts and fees and accrued interest receivable

 

 

109,213

 

 

 

124,315

 

Less: Allowance for credit losses

 

 

(15,359

)

 

 

(17,396

)

Finance receivables, net

   281,358  317,205 

 

 

93,854

 

 

 

106,919

 

Assets held for resale

   2,975  2,453 

Repossessed assets

 

 

1,953

 

 

 

1,491

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

 

613

 

 

 

316

 

Income taxes receivable

   620  719 

 

 

801

 

 

 

946

 

Prepaid expenses and other assets

   729  674 

Property and equipment, net

   970  1,184 

 

 

206

 

 

 

222

 

Interest rate swap agreements

   —    17 

Deferred income taxes

   6,456  8,505 
  

 

  

 

 

Total assets

  $296,190  $333,612 

 

$

98,105

 

 

$

110,348

 

  

 

  

 

 

Liabilities and shareholders’ equity

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Line of credit

  $178,000  $213,000 

Drafts payable

   2,186  1,851 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   4,994  5,932 

Deferred revenues

   3,313  3,969 
  

 

  

 

 

Line of credit, net of debt issuance costs

 

$

15,109

 

 

$

28,936

 

Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities

 

 

1,815

 

 

 

1,603

 

Total liabilities

   188,493  224,752 

 

 

16,924

 

 

 

30,539

 

Commitments and contingencies (see Note 9)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shareholders’ equity

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Preferred stock, no par: 5,000 shares authorized; none issued

   —    —   

 

 

 

 

 

 

Common stock, no par: 50,000 shares authorized; 12,599 and 12,524 shares issued, respectively; and 7,885 and 7,810 shares outstanding, respectively

   34,467  33,889 

Treasury stock: 4,714 common shares, at cost

   (70,459)  (70,459

Common stock, no par: 50,000 shares authorized; 12,658 shares issued,
7,289 shares outstanding

 

 

35,249

 

 

 

35,223

 

Treasury stock: 5,368 common shares, at cost

 

 

(76,794

)

 

 

(76,794

)

Retained earnings

   143,689  145,430 

 

 

122,726

 

 

 

121,380

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total shareholders’ equity

   107,697  108,860 

 

 

81,181

 

 

 

79,809

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity

  $296,190  $333,612 

 

$

98,105

 

 

$

110,348

 

  

 

  

 

 

See accompanying notes.    

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

1


2


Nicholas Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss)

(Unaudited)

(In thousands, except per share amounts)

  Three months ended
December 31,
 Nine months ended
December 31,
 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

  2017 2016 2017 2016 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Revenue:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest and fee income on finance receivables

  $20,526  $22,044  $64,062  $67,606 

 

$

7,083

 

 

$

12,064

 

Unrealized losses on equity investments

 

 

 

 

 

(787

)

Total revenue:

 

 

7,083

 

 

 

11,277

 

Expenses:

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

Marketing

   351  369  1,095  1,100 

 

 

30

 

 

 

584

 

Salaries and employee benefits

   4,826  5,041  14,835  16,363 

Administrative

   2,845  2,932  8,698  8,752 

 

 

4,185

 

 

 

8,760

 

Provision for credit losses

   8,989  8,796  28,887  23,966 

 

 

645

 

 

 

3,644

 

Depreciation

   116  142  356  413 

Depreciation and amortization of intangibles

 

 

22

 

 

 

125

 

Interest expense

   2,585  2,258  7,483  6,745 

 

 

500

 

 

 

568

 

Change in fair value of interest rate swap agreements

   —    (81 17  (184
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 
   19,712   19,457   61,371   57,155 

Operating income before income taxes

   814  2,587  2,691  10,451 

Income tax expense

   3,712  981  4,432  3,972 
  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Total expenses

 

 

5,382

 

 

 

13,681

 

Income (loss) before income taxes

 

 

1,701

 

 

 

(2,404

)

Income tax expense (benefit)

 

 

145

 

 

 

(627

)

Net income (loss)

  $(2,898)  $1,606  $(1,741)  $6,479 

 

$

1,556

 

 

$

(1,777

)

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Earnings (loss) per share:

     

Earnings (loss) earnings per share:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

  $(0.37)  $0.21  $(0.22)  $0.83 

 

$

0.21

 

 

$

(0.24

)

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

Diluted

  $(0.37)  $0.21  $( 0.22)  $0.83 

 

$

0.21

 

 

$

(0.24

)

  

 

  

 

  

 

  

 

 

See accompanying notes.

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

2


3


Nicholas Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2023

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount

 

 

Treasury
Stock

 

 

Retained
Earnings

 

 

Shareholders'
Equity

 

Balance at March 31, 2023

 

 

7,289

 

 

$

35,223

 

 

$

(76,794

)

 

$

121,380

 

 

$

79,809

 

Cumulative effect of adoption of ASU 2016-13, net of tax

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(210

)

 

 

(210

)

Share-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

26

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

26

 

Treasury stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net Income

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,556

 

 

 

1,556

 

Balance at June 30, 2023

 

 

7,289

 

 

$

35,249

 

 

$

(76,794

)

 

$

122,726

 

 

$

81,181

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30, 2022

 

 

 

Common Stock

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

Shares

 

 

Amount

 

 

Treasury
Stock

 

 

Retained
Earnings

 

 

Shareholders'
Equity

 

Balance at March 31, 2022

 

 

7,546

 

 

$

35,292

 

 

$

(74,405

)

 

$

155,499

 

 

$

116,386

 

Forfeitures

 

 

(28

)

 

 

(174

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(174

)

Share-based compensation

 

 

 

 

 

25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

25

 

Treasury stock

 

 

(205

)

 

 

 

 

 

(2,138

)

 

 

 

 

 

(2,138

)

Net loss

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1,777

)

 

 

(1,777

)

Balance at June 30, 2022

 

 

7,313

 

 

$

35,143

 

 

$

(76,543

)

 

$

153,722

 

 

$

112,322

 

 

 

 

 

See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3


Nicholas Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

(In thousands)

   

Nine months ended

December 31,

 
   2017  2016 

Cash flows from operating activities

   

Net income (loss)

  $(1,741)  $6,479 

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:

   

Depreciation

   356   413 

Gain on sale of property and equipment

   (22)   (13

Provision for credit losses

   28,887   23,966 

Amortization of dealer discounts

   (8,670)   (9,830

Amortization of commission for products

   (1,226)   (1,342

Deferred income taxes

   2,049   (626

Share-based compensation

   240   474 

Change in fair value of interest rate swap agreements

   17   (184

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

   

Prepaid expenses and other assets

   156   345 

Accounts payable and accrued expenses

   (938)   1,552 

Income taxes receivable

   99   1,198 

Deferred revenues

   (656)   86 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by operating activities

   18,551   22,518 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from investing activities

   

Purchase and origination of finance receivables

   (74,760)   (118,276

Principal payments received

   91,616   95,562 

Increase in assets held for resale

   (522)   (828

Purchase of property and equipment

   (143)   (728

Proceeds from sale of property and equipment

   23   38 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

   16,214   (24,232
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash flows from financing activities

   

(Decrease) Increase on line of credit

   (35,000)   3,340 

Change in drafts payable

   335   188 

Payment of loan origination fees

   (211)   —   

Proceeds from exercise of stock options

   338   1 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

   (34,538)   3,529 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net increase in cash

   227   1,815 

Cash, beginning of period

   2,855   1,849 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Cash, end of period

  $3,082  $3,664 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Supplemental Disclosure of noncash investing and financing activities:

   

Tax deficiency from share awards

   —    $(9
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

Three Months Ended June 30,

 

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Cash flows from operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Net income (loss)

 

$

1,556

 

 

$

(1,777

)

Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided (used in) by operating activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Depreciation and amortization of intangibles

 

 

22

 

 

 

125

 

Amortization of debt issuance costs

 

 

23

 

 

 

18

 

Amortization of operating of lease right-of-use assets

 

 

8

 

 

 

379

 

Loss (gain) on disposal of property and equipment

 

 

7

 

 

 

(79

)

Unrealized loss on equity investments

 

 

 

 

 

787

 

Provision for credit losses

 

 

645

 

 

 

3,644

 

Amortization of dealer discounts

 

 

(905

)

 

 

(1,567

)

Amortization of insurance and fee commissions

 

 

(548

)

 

 

(511

)

Accretion of purchase price discount

 

 

(28

)

 

 

(41

)

Deferred income taxes

 

 

 

 

 

(341

)

Principal reduction on operating lease liabilities

 

 

(8

)

 

 

(445

)

Share-based compensation

 

 

26

 

 

 

25

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repossessed assets

 

 

 

 

 

(330

)

Accrued interest receivable

 

 

311

 

 

 

(173

)

Prepaid expenses and other assets

 

 

(305

)

 

 

(102

)

Accounts payable, accrued expenses, and other liabilities

 

 

220

 

 

 

(674

)

Income taxes receivable

 

 

145

 

 

 

(299

)

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities

 

 

1,169

 

 

 

(1,361

)

Cash flows from investing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Purchase and origination of finance receivables

 

 

(2,720

)

 

 

(30,569

)

Principal payments received and proceeds from repossessed assets

 

 

15,638

 

 

 

28,438

 

Purchases of equity investments

 

 

 

 

 

(7,236

)

Payments for property and equipment

 

 

(13

)

 

 

(33

)

Proceeds from the disposal property and equipment

 

 

 

 

 

93

 

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

 

 

12,905

 

 

 

(9,307

)

Cash flows from financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Repayments on credit facilities

 

 

(13,850

)

 

 

(2,500

)

Proceeds from credit facilities

 

 

 

 

 

17,500

 

Repayment of PPP Loan

 

 

 

 

 

(3,244

)

Cancellations of restricted stock awards

 

 

 

 

 

(174

)

Repurchases of treasury stock

 

 

 

 

 

(2,138

)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

 

 

(13,850

)

 

 

9,444

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash

 

 

224

 

 

 

(1,224

)

Cash at the beginning of period

 

 

454

 

 

 

4,775

 

Cash the end of period

 

$

678

 

 

$

3,551

 

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interest paid

 

$

567

 

 

$

546

 

Income taxes paid

 

 

 

 

 

12

 

Leased assets obtained in exchange for new operating lease liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

59

 

Supplemental schedule of noncash financing activities:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cancellations of restricted stock awards

 

 

 

 

 

(174

)

See accompanying notes.    

4


Nicholas Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

4


Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

(Unaudited)

Note 1. Basis of Presentation

Nicholas Financial, Inc. (“Nicholas Financial – Canada” or the Company) is a Canadian holding company incorporated under the laws of British Columbia with several wholly-owned United States subsidiaries, including Nicholas Financial, Inc., a Florida corporation (“NFI”). The accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheet as of March 31, 2017, which has been derived from audited financial statements,June 30, 2023, and the accompanying unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements of Nicholas Financial Inc. (including– Canada, and its wholly-owned subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company”), have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“U.S. GAAP”) for interim financial information, and with the instructions to Form10-Q pursuant to the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, inand with Article 108 of RegulationS-X. S-X thereunder. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotesnotes to the consolidated financial statements required by U.S. GAAP for complete consolidated financial statements, although the Company believes that the disclosures made are adequate to ensure the information is not misleading. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring accruals)adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation have been included. Operating results for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending March 31, 2018.2024. It is suggested that these condensed consolidated financial statements be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes thereto included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended March 31, 20172023 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 14, 2017.27, 2023. The March 31, 20172023 consolidated balance sheet included herein has been derived from the March 31, 20172023 audited consolidated balance sheet included in the aforementioned Form10-K.

The preparation of consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and 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. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Material estimates that are particularly susceptible to significant change relate to the determination of the allowance for credit losses on finance receivables andreceivables.

Reclassifications

In certain instances, amounts reported in the fair value of interest rate swap agreements.

2. Revenue Recognition

Finance receivables consist of automobile finance installment contracts (“Contracts”) and direct consumer loans (“Direct Loans”). Interest income on finance receivables is recognized using the interest method. Accrual of interest income on finance receivables is suspended when a loan enters bankruptcy status, is contractually delinquent for 61 days or more or the collateral is repossessed, whichever is earlier. Chapter 13 bankruptcy accounts are accounted for under the cost-recovery method. Interest income on Chapter 13 bankruptcy accounts does not resume until all principal amounts are recovered (see Note 4).

A dealer discount represents the difference between the finance receivable, net of unearned interest, of a Contract, and the amount of money the Company actually pays for the Contract. The discount negotiated by the Company is a function of the lender, the wholesale value of the vehicle and competition in any given market. In making decisions regarding the purchase of a particular Contract the Company considers the following factors relatedprior year financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the borrower: place and length of residence; current and prior job status; history in making installment payments for automobiles; current income; and credit history. In addition, the Company examines its prior experience with Contracts purchased from the dealer from which the Company is purchasing the Contract, and the value of the automobile in relation to the purchase price and the term of the Contract. The entire amount of discount is amortized as an adjustment to yield using the interest method over the life of the loan. The average dealer discount associated with new volume for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was 6.89% and 6.87%, respectively in relation to the total amount financed. The average dealer discount associated with new volume for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 was 7.23% and 7.00%, respectively.

The amount of future unearned income is computed as the product of the Contract rate, the Contract term and the Contract amount.

Deferred revenues consist primarily of commissions received from the sale of ancillary products. These products include automobile warranties, roadside assistance programs, accident and health insurance, credit life insurance, involuntary unemployment insurance coverage, and forced placed automobile insurance. These commissions are amortized over the life of the contract using the interest method.

5


Nicholas Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Unaudited)

3. Earnings (Loss) Per Share

The Company has granted stock compensation awards with nonforfeitable dividend rights which are considered participating securities. Earnings (loss) per share is calculated using thetwo-class method, as such awards are more dilutive under this method than the treasury stock method. Basic earnings (loss) per share is calculated by dividingfinancial statement presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on previously reported net income (loss) allocated to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, which excludes the participating securities. Diluted earnings (loss) per share includes the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares from stock compensation awards. Earnings (loss) per share have been computed based on the following weighted average number of common shares outstanding:.

Note 2. Recently Adopted Accounting Standards

   Three months ended
December 31,
(In thousands, except per
share amounts)
   Nine months ended
December 31,

(In thousands, except per
share amounts)
 
   2017   2016   2017   2016 

Numerator:

        

Net income (loss)

  $(2,898)   $1,606   $(1,741)   $6,479 

Less: Allocation of earnings (loss) to participating securities

   40    (22   23    (76
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net income (loss) allocated to common stock

   (2,858)    1,584    (1,718)    6,403 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share computation:

        

Net income (loss) allocated to common stock

  $(2,858)   $1,584   $(1,718)   $6,403 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average common shares outstanding, including shares considered participating securities

   7,910    7,697    7,876    7,763 

Less: Weighted average participating securities outstanding

   (110)    (107   (102)    (91
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average shares of common stock

   7,800    7,590    7,774    7,672 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Basic earnings (loss) per share

  $(0.37)   $0.21   $(0.22)   $0.83 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share computation:

        

Net income (loss) allocated to common stock

  $(2,858)   $1,584   $(1,718)   $6,403 

Undistributed earningsre-allocated to participating securities

   —      —      —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Numerator for diluted earnings (loss) per share

  $(2,858)   $1,584   $(1,718)   $6,403 

Weighted average common shares outstanding for basic earnings (loss) per share

   7,800    7,590    7,774    7,672 

Incremental shares from stock options

   —      60    —      60 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Weighted average shares and dilutive potential common shares

   7,800    7,650    7,774    7,732 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share

  $(0.37)   $0.21   $(0.22)   $0.83 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Diluted earnings (loss) per share do not include the effect of certain stock options as their impact would be anti-dilutive. The potential shares of common stock from stock options totaling 189,690 were excluded from the diluted earnings (loss) per share calculation for December 31, 2017 because the Company experienced a net loss for the period. The potential shares of common stock from stock options totaling 160,000 were excluded from the diluted earnings (loss) per share calculation for December 31, 2016 because their effect is anti-dilutive.

6


Nicholas Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Unaudited)

4. Finance Receivables

Finance receivables consist of Contracts and Direct Loans and are detailed as follows:

   (In thousands) 
   December 31,
2017
   March 31,
2017
 

Finance receivables, gross contract

  $454,277   $512,720 

Unearned interest

   (137,594)    (160,853
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Finance receivables, net of unearned interest

   316,683    351,867 

Unearned dealer discounts

   (14,138)    (17,004
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Finance receivables, net of unearned interest and unearned dealer discounts

   302,545    334,863 

Allowance for credit losses

   (21,187)    (17,658
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Finance receivables, net

  $281,358   $317,205 
  

 

 

   

 

 

 

Contracts and Direct Loans each comprise a portfolio segment. The following tables present selected information on the entire portfolio of the Company:

   As of
December 31,
 
   2017  2016 

Contract Portfolio

   

Weighted APR

   22.21%   22.43

Weighted average discount

   7.25%   7.48

Weighted average term (months)

   57   57 

Number of active contracts

   33,993   37,834 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

   As of
December 31,
 
   2017  2016 

Direct Loan Portfolio

   

Weighted APR

   25.18%   25.69

Weighted average term (months)

   33   33 

Number of active contracts

   2,718   3,023 
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Each portfolio segment consists of smaller balance homogeneous loans which are collectively evaluated for impairment.

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the changes in the allowance for credit losses on Contracts:

   Three months ended
December 31,

(In thousands)
   Nine months ended
December 31,
(In thousands)
 
   2017   2016   2017  2016 

Balance at beginning of period

  $19,967   $12,925   $16,885  $12,265 

Current period provision

   8,818    8,701    28,498   23,723 

Losses absorbed

   (8,745)    (8,247   (26,372)   (23,815

Recoveries

   360    570    1,389   1,776 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

  $20,400   $13,949   $20,400  $13,949 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

The allowance for credit losses is increased by charges against earnings and decreased by charge-offs (net of recoveries). The Company aggregates Contracts into static pools consisting of Contracts purchased during a three-month period for each branch location as management considers these pools to have similar risk characteristics and are considered smaller-balance homogenous loans. The Company analyzes each consolidated static pool at specific points in time to estimate losses that are probable of being incurred as of the reporting date. It has maintained historicalwrite-off information for over 10 years with respect to every consolidated static pool and segregates each static pool by liquidation which creates

7


Nicholas Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Unaudited)

4. Finance Receivables (continued)

snapshots or buckets of each pool’s historicalwrite-off to liquidation ratio at five different points in each vintage pool’s liquidation cycle. These snapshots are then used to assist in determining the allowance for credit losses. The five snapshots are tracked at liquidation levels of 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%. These snapshots help us in determining the appropriate allowance for credit losses.

The Company purchases Contracts from automobile dealers at a negotiated price that is less than the original principal amount being financed by the purchaser of the automobile. The Contracts are predominately for used vehicles. As of December 31, 2017, the average model year of vehicles collateralizing the portfolio was a 2010 vehicle. The Company utilizes a static pool approach to track portfolio performance. If the allowance for credit losses is determined to be inadequate for a static pool, then an additional charge to income through the provision is used to maintain adequate reserves based on management’s evaluation of the risk inherent in the loan portfolio, the composition of the portfolio, and current economic conditions. Such evaluation, considers among other matters, the estimated net realizable value of the underlying collateral, economic conditions, historical loan loss experience, management’s estimate of probable credit losses and other factors that warrant recognition in providing for an adequate allowance for credit losses.

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the changes in the allowance for credit losses on Direct Loans:

   Three months ended
December 31,
(In thousands)
   Nine months ended
December 31,
(In thousands)
 
   2017   2016   2017  2016 

Balance at beginning of period

  $782   $774   $773  $748 

Current period provision

   171    95    389   243 

Losses absorbed

   (172)    (73   (395)   (217) 

Recoveries

   6    3    20   25 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Balance at end of period

  $787   $799   $787  $799 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

  

 

 

 

Direct Loans are typically for amounts ranging from $1,000 to $11,000 and are generally secured by a lien on an automobile, watercraft or other permissible tangible personal property. Much of Direct Loans are originated with current or former customers under the Company’s automobile financing program. The typical Direct Loan represents a better credit risk than Contracts due to the customer’s historical payment history with the Company; however, the underlying collateral is less valuable. In deciding if to make a loan, the Company considers the individual’s credit history, job stability, income and impressions created during a personal interview with a Company loan officer. Additionally, because most of the Direct Loans made by the Company to date have been made to borrowers under Contracts previously purchased by the Company, the payment history of the borrower under the Contract is a significant factor in making the loan decision. As of December 31, 2017, loans made by the Company pursuant to its Direct Loan program constituted approximately 2% of the aggregate principal amount of the Company’s loan portfolio. Changes in the allowance for credit losses for both Contracts and Direct Loans were driven by current economic conditions and credit loss trends over several reporting periods which are utilized in estimating future losses and overall portfolio performance.

A performing account is defined as an account that is less than 61 days past due. We define an automobile contract as delinquent when more than 25% of a payment contractually due by a certain date has not been paid by the immediately following due date, which date may have been extended within limits specified in the servicing agreements or as a result of a deferral. The period of delinquency is based on the number of days payments are contractually past due, as extended where applicable.

In certain circumstances, we will grant obligorsone-month payment extensions. The only modification of terms in those circumstances is to advance the obligor’s next due date by one month and extend the maturity date of the receivable. There are no other concessions, such as a reduction in interest rate, forgiveness of principal or of accrued interest. Accordingly, we consider such extensions to be insignificant delays in payments rather than troubled debt restructurings.

8


Nicholas Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Unaudited)

4. Finance Receivables (continued)

The following table is an assessment of the credit quality by creditworthiness:

   (In thousands) 
   December 31,
2017
   December 31,
2016
 
   Contracts   Direct Loans   Contracts   Direct Loans 

Performing accounts

  $412,775   $10,349   $462,569   $11,231 

Non-performing accounts

   27,053    217    36,980    280 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $439,828   $10,566   $499,549   $11,511 

Chapter 13 bankruptcy accounts

   3,843    40    4,220    36 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Finance receivables, gross contract

  $443,671   $10,606   $503,769   $11,547 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Anon-performing account is defined as an account that is contractually delinquent for 61 days or more and the accrual of interest income is suspended. When an account is 180 days contractually delinquent, the account is written off. The delinquency table below represents both performing andnon-performing accounts; however, it does not include Chapter 13 bankruptcy accounts. Upon notification of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy, the account is not modified to reflect the new repayment plan administered by a court-appointed trustee. The cost recovery method of accounting is used, and the accrual of interest income is suspended. The balance will be reduced as payments are received by the bankruptcy court. In the event the debtors’ balance has been reduced by the bankruptcy court, the Company will record a loss equal to the amount of principal balance reduction. In the event an account is dismissed from bankruptcy, the Company will decide, based on several factors, to begin repossession proceedings or to allow the customer to begin making regularly scheduled payments.

The following tables present certain information regarding the delinquency rates experienced by the Company with respect to Contracts and under its Direct Loans, excluding Chapter 13 bankruptcy accounts:

(In thousands, except percentages)

Contracts

  Gross Balance
Outstanding
   31 – 60days  61 – 90days  91 – 120 days  Over 120  Total 

December 31, 2017

  $439,828   $33,453  $14,039  $7,893  $5,121  $60,506 
     7.61%   3.19%   1.79%   1.16%   13.76% 

December 31, 2016

  $499,549   $35,184  $17,263  $11,072  $8,645  $72,164 
     7.04  3.46  2.22  1.73  14.45
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Direct Loans

  Gross Balance
Outstanding
   31 – 60days  61 – 90days  91 – 120 days  Over 120  Total 

December 31, 2017

  $10,566   $254  $102  $32  $83  $471 
     2.41%   0.97%   0.30%   0.78%   4.46% 

December 31, 2016

  $11,511   $282  $155  $61  $64  $562 
     2.45  1.34  0.53  0.56  4.88
    

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

9


Nicholas Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Unaudited)

5. Line of Credit

The Company has a line of credit facility (the “Line”) up to $225.0 million. On November 8, 2017, the Company executed amendment 7 to this existing Line which extended the maturity date to March 31, 2018 and increased the pricing of the Line to 400 basis points above 30 day LIBOR, while maintaining the 1% floor on LIBOR. The amendment also increased the beneficial ownership limit from 20% to 30% and revised the calculation of availability and the minimum interest coverage ratio. The threshold for the minimum interest coverage ratio was lowered for the period ending December 31, 2017.

On December 30, 2016, the Company executed an amendment which increased the pricing of the Line to 350 basis points above 30 day LIBOR while maintaining the 1% floor on LIBOR. Prior to December 30, 2016, the pricing on the Line was 300 basis points above 30 day LIBOR with a 1% floor on LIBOR.

Pledged as collateral for this Line are all the assets of the Company. The Line requires compliance with certain financial ratios and covenants and satisfaction of specified financial tests, including maintenance of asset quality and performance tests. As of December, 31 2017, the Company is in compliance with all debt covenants.

The Company has a longstanding relationship with its lenders and believes it is probable that it will be able to obtain financing from either its existing lenders or from other sources; however, we can provide no assurances that the lenders will approve the further renewal or extension of the Line past March 31, 2018 or, assuming that they will approve it, that the facility will not be on terms less favorable than the current agreement. The Company may also determine to seek alternative financing, including but not limited to, the issuance of equity or debt; however, we may not be able to raise additional funds on acceptable terms, or at all.

6. Interest Rate Swap Agreements

The Company previously utilized interest rate swap agreements to manage exposure to variability in expected cash flows attributable to interest rate risk. The interest rate swap agreements converted a portion of the floating rate debt to a fixed rate, more closely matching the interest rate characteristics of finance receivables.

During the nine months ended December 31, 2017, no new contracts were initiated and both interest rate swap contracts matured. During the nine months ended December 31, 2016, no new contracts were initiated and no contracts matured.

On June 13, 2017 an interest rate swap agreement with an effective date of June 13, 2012, a notional amount of $25.0 million, and a fixed rate of interest of 1.00% expired.

On July 30, 2017 an interest rate swap agreement with an effective date of July 30, 2012, a notional amount of $25.0 million, and a fixed rate of interest of 0.87% expired.

10


Nicholas Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Unaudited)

6. Interest Rate Swap Agreements (continued)

The locations and amounts of loss and gain in income are as follows:

   

Three months ended

December 31,

   

Nine months ended

December 31,

 
   (In thousands)   (In thousands) 
   2017   2016   2017   2016 

Periodic change in fair value of interest rate swap agreements

  $—     $(81  $17   $(184

Periodic settlement differentials included in interest expense

   —      45    18    163 
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Loss (gain) recognized in income

  $—     $(36  $35   $(21
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Net realized losses and gains from the interest rate swap agreements were recorded in the interest expense line item of the consolidated statements of income. The following table summarizes the average variable rates received and average fixed rates paid under the swap agreements.

   Three months ended
December 31,
  Nine months ended
December 31,
 
   2017   2016  2017  2016 

Variable rate received

   —      0.58  1.05%   0.51

Fixed rate paid

   —      0.94  0.91%   0.94

7. Income Taxes

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was passed into law (“TCJA”). The TCJA includes a broad range of tax reform including changes to tax rates and deductions that are effective January 1, 2018. The decrease in the enacted corporate tax rate expected to apply when our temporary differences are realized or settled ultimately resulted in aone-time revaluation of our net deferred tax asset of $3.4 million in December 2017 with a corresponding charge to income tax expense. The tax effects of the TCJA increased income tax expense to a level that reduced net income to a net loss for both the three and nine-month periods ending December 31, 2017.

The provision for income taxes increased to approximately $3.7 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017 from approximately $1.0 million for the three months ended December 31, 2016. The Company’s effective tax rate increased to 456.48% for the three months ended December 31, 2017 from 37.93% for the three months ended December 31, 2016. The provision for income taxes increased to approximately $4.4 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 from approximately $4.0 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2016. The Company’s effective tax rate increased to 164.70% for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 from 38.01% for the nine months ended December 31, 2016.

8. Fair Value Disclosures

The Company measures specific assets and liabilities at fair value, which is an exit price, representing the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. When applicable, the Company utilizes market data or assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability under a three-tier fair value hierarchy, which prioritizes the inputs used in measuring fair value. These tiers include: Level 1, defined as observable inputs such as quoted prices in active markets; Level 2, defined as inputs other than quoted prices in active markets that are either directly or indirectly observable; and Level 3, defined as unobservable inputs about which little or no market data exists, therefore requiring an entity to develop its own assumptions.

11


Nicholas Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Unaudited)

8. Fair Value Disclosures (continued)

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis

The Company estimates the fair value of interest rate swap agreements based on the estimated net present value of the future cash flows using a forward interest rate yield curve in effect as of the measurement period, adjusted for nonperformance risk, if any, including a quantitative and qualitative evaluation of both the Company’s credit risk and the counterparty’s credit risk. Accordingly, the Company classifies interest rate swap agreements as Level 2.

   Fair Value Measurement Using
(In thousands)
 

Description

  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Fair Value 

Interest rate swap agreements:

        

December 31, 2017 – assets:

  $—     $—     $—     $—   

March 31, 2017 – assets:

  $—     $17   $—     $17 

Financial Instruments Not Measured at Fair Value

The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash, finance receivables and the Line. For each of these financial instruments, the carrying value approximates fair value.

Finance receivables, net approximates fair value based on the price paid to acquire Contracts. The price paid reflects competitive market interest rates and purchase discounts for the Company’s chosen credit grade in the economic environment. This market is highly liquid as the Company acquires individual loans on a daily basis from dealers.

The initial terms of the Contracts generally range from 12 to 72 months. The initial terms of the Direct Loans generally range from 12 to 72 months. If liquidated outside of the normal course of business, the amount received may not be the carrying value.

Based on current market conditions, any new or renewed credit facility would contain pricing that approximates the Company’s current Line. Based on these market conditions, the fair value of the Line as of December 31, 2017 was estimated to be equal to the book value. The interest rate for the Line is a variable rate based on LIBOR pricing options.

12


Nicholas Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Unaudited)

8. Fair Value Disclosures (continued)

   

(In thousands)

 
   Fair Value Measurement Using         

Description

  Level 1   Level 2   Level 3   Fair
Value
   Carrying
Value
 

Cash:

          

December 31, 2017

  $3,082   $—     $—     $3,082   $3,082 

March 31, 2017

  $2,855   $—     $—     $2,855   $2,855 

Finance receivables:

          

December 31, 2017

  $—     $—     $281,358   $281,358   $281,358 

March 31, 2017

  $—     $—     $317,205   $317,205   $317,205 

Line of credit:

          

December 31, 2017

  $—     $178,000   $—     $178,000   $178,000 

March 31, 2017

  $—     $213,000   $—     $213,000   $213,000 

Assets and Liabilities Recorded at Fair Value on a Nonrecurring Basis

The Company may be required, from time to time, to measure certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. The Company does not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis as of December 31, 2017 and March 31, 2017.

9. Contingencies

The Company currently is not a party to any pending legal proceedings other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to its business, none of which, if decided adversely to the Company, would, in the opinion of management, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

10. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Reclassifications

The Company made certain reclassifications to the 2016 statements of cash flows. The amortization of deferred revenues decreased cash flows from operating activities by $1.342 million for 2016 and correspondingly increased cash flows from investing activities.

13


Nicholas Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)

(Unaudited)

10. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In August 2016, the Financial Accounting StandardsStandard Board (“FASB”)(FASB) issued the Accounting StandardsStandard Update (“ASU”)2016-15 Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payment. The new guidance focuses on making the Statement of Cash Flows more uniform for companies. The amendments in this Update are effective for public business entities for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period. The Company is currently evaluating the impact of the adoption of this ASU on the consolidated financial statements, and is in the process of analyzing its current presentation of the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows. At this time, the Company does not believe ASU2016-15 will have a material impact.

In June 2016, the FASB issued the ASU(ASU) 2016-13 Financial Instruments—Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. Among other things, the amendments in this ASU require the measurement of all expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. Financial institutions and other organizationsCompanies will now use forward-looking information to better inform their credit loss estimates. Many of the loss estimation techniques applied today will still be permitted, although the inputs to those techniques will change to reflect the full amount of expected credit losses. The ASU also requires additional disclosures related to estimates and judgments used to measure all expected credit losses. The new guidance is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2019. Early application will be permitted for all organizations for fiscal years, and interim periods within those fiscal years, beginning after December 15, 2018.

The Company is currently evaluating theadopted this standard effective April 1, 2023. The initial impact of adoption was a $0.2 million decrease to retained earnings ($0.2 million increase to the adoptionallowance for credit losses (ACL)). As of this ASU onApril 1, 2023, there is a full valuation allowance recorded against the consolidated financial statements,deferred tax assets (DTA). Therefore, a net increase of $0.1 million recorded to the DTA was offset by an increase of the same amount to the valuation allowance. The ACL reflects the difference between the amortized cost basis and is collecting and analyzing data that will be needed to produce historical inputs into any models created as a resultthe present value of adopting this ASU. At this time, we believe the adoption of this ASU will likely have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial statements.expected cash flows.

In February 2016,March 2022, the FASB issued ASUNo. 2016-02, “Leases” 2022-02, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Troubled Debt Restructurings and Vintage Disclosures, intended to improve financial reporting about leasing transactions. The ASU affects all companieswhich removes the accounting guidance for troubled debt restructurings and other organizations that lease assets such as real estate, airplanes, and manufacturing equipment. The ASU will require organizations that lease assets—referred to as “lessees”—to recognize on the balance sheet the assets and liabilities for the rights and obligations created by those leases. The accounting by organizations that own the assets leased by the lessee—also known as lessor accounting— will remain largely unchanged from current U.S. GAAP. ASU2016-02 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early application is permitted. While the Company has not specifically evaluated each lease agreement, we anticipate upon adoption, the Company will add the impact of the full operating lease terms that meets the scope, using the present value of future minimum lease payments to the balance sheet. The Company will continuerequires entities to evaluate whether a modification provided to a customer results in a new loan or continuation of an existing loan. The amendments enhance existing disclosures and require new disclosures for receivables when there has been a modification in contractual cash flows due to a customer experiencing financial difficulties. Additionally, the impact of the adoption of this ASU on the consolidated financial statements.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASUNo. 2016-01, “Financial Instruments—Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Liabilities,” which is intended to improve the recognition and measurement of financial instruments by requiring: equity investments (other than equity method or consolidation) to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income; public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset (i.e., securities or loans and receivables) on the balance sheet or the accompanying notes to the financial statements; eliminating the requirement to disclose the fair value of financial instruments measured at amortized cost for organizations that are not public business entities; eliminating the requirement foramendments require public business entities to disclose the method(s) and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost on the balance sheet; and requiring a reporting organization to present separately in other comprehensive income the portiongross charge-off information by year of the total changeorigination in the fair value of a liability resulting from a changevintage disclosures. This ASU became effective for us on April 1, 2023. We adopted this guidance in the instrument-specific credit risk (also referred to as “own credit”) whenfirst quarter of fiscal 2024 using the organization has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option for financial instruments. This ASU is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. This ASU permits early adoption of the instrument-specific credit risk provision. While the Company is currently evaluating the impact of the pending adoptionmodified retrospective method. Adoption of this ASU on the Company’s consolidated financial statements, the Company doesstandard did not believe it will have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.

14


Nicholas Financial, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Notes to theour unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (Continued)Statements.

(Unaudited)

10. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (continued)

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASUNo. 2014-09, “Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606)”. The ASU requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. The ASU, and all subsequently issued clarifying ASUs, will replace most existing revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP when it becomes effective. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or cumulative effect transition method. On July 9, 2015, the FASB approved the deferral of the effective date of ASU2014-09 by one year. As a result, ASU2014-09 will be effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within that reporting period. The ASU would permit public entities to adopt the ASU early, but not before the original effective date (i.e., annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016). The impact of the standard is limited to a large extent due to Topic 606 including a scope exception for finance receivables. Since substantially all of the Company’s revenue streams are generated from activities that are outside the scope of the new standard, the Company does not believe that this standard will have a material impact on the Company’s financials. The Company has begun analyzingin-scope contracts using the five-step process outlined in Topic 606 and expects to finalize our conclusion during the quarter ending March 31, 2018.

The Company does not believe there are any other recently issued accounting standards that have not yet been adopted that will have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

5


15

Note 3. Earnings Per Share

The Company has granted stock compensation awards with nonforfeitable dividend rights which are considered participating securities. Earnings per share is calculated using the two-class method, as such awards are more dilutive under this method than the treasury stock method. Basic earnings per share is calculated by dividing net income allocated to common shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the period, which excludes the participating securities. The Company's participating securities are non-vested restricted shares which are not required to share losses, and accordingly, are not allocated losses in periods of net loss. Diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effect of additional potential common shares from stock compensation awards. For the three months ended June 30, 2023, potentially dilutive securities that were not included in the diluted per share calculation because they would be anti-dilutive comprise 10 thousand shares from options to purchase common shares. For the three months ended June 30, 2022, there were no potentially dilutive securities that were not included in the diluted per share calculation because they would be anti-dilutive. Earnings per share have been computed based on the following weighted average number of common shares outstanding:

 

 

Three months ended
June 30,
(In thousands, except
per share amounts)

 

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Numerator

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Net income (loss) per consolidated statements of income

 

$

1,556

 

 

$

(1,777

)

 Percentage allocated to shareholders *

 

 

99.8

%

 

 

99.9

%

 Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share

 

$

1,553

 

 

$

(1,775

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Denominator

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Denominator for Basic earnings per share - weighted-average shares outstanding

 

 

7,279

 

 

 

7,464

 

 Dilutive effect of stock options

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Denominator for diluted earnings per share

 

 

7,279

 

 

 

7,464

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Per share income (loss) from continuing operations

 

 

 

 

 

 

Basic

 

$

0.21

 

 

$

(0.24

)

Diluted

 

 

0.21

 

 

 

(0.24

)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

* Basic weighted-average shares outstanding

 

 

7,279

 

 

 

7,464

 

   Basic weighted-average shares outstanding and unvested restricted stock units expected to vest

 

 

7,291

 

 

 

7,473

 

Percentage allocated to shareholders

 

 

99.8

%

 

 

99.9

%

Note 4. Finance Receivables

Finance Receivables Portfolio, net

Finance receivables consist of Contracts and Direct Loans and are detailed as follows:

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

June 30,
2023

 

 

March 31,
2023

 

Finance receivables

 

$

112,244

 

 

$

128,170

 

Accrued interest receivable

 

 

1,621

 

 

 

1,932

 

Unearned dealer discounts

 

 

(3,487

)

 

 

(4,286

)

Unearned insurance commissions and fees

 

 

(1,111

)

 

 

(1,419

)

Unearned purchase price discount

 

 

(54

)

 

 

(82

)

Finance receivables, net of unearned discounts and fees and accrued interest receivable

 

 

109,213

 

 

 

124,315

 

Allowance for credit losses

 

 

(15,359

)

 

 

(17,396

)

Finance receivables, net

 

$

93,854

 

 

$

106,919

 

6


Contracts and Direct Loans each comprise a portfolio segment which consists of groups of loans sharing common risk factors. The following tables present selected information on the entire portfolio of the Company:

 

 

As of June 30,

 

 

As of March 31,

 

Contract Portfolio

 

2023

 

 

2023

 

Average APR

 

 

22.8

%

 

 

22.8

%

Average discount

 

 

6.5

%

 

 

6.8

%

Average term (months)

 

 

49

 

 

 

49

 

Number of active contracts

 

 

12,769

 

 

 

14,081

 

 

 

As of June 30,

 

 

As of March 31,

 

Direct Loan Portfolio

 

2023

 

 

2023

 

Average APR

 

 

28.8

%

 

 

29.1

%

Average term (months)

 

 

29

 

 

 

28

 

Number of active contracts

 

 

4,558

 

 

 

5,322

 

Allowance for Credit Losses (ACL)

The ACL reflects the difference between the amortized cost basis and the present value of the expected cash flows of finance receivables. Provisions for credit losses are recorded in amounts sufficient to maintain an ACL at an adequate level to provide for estimated losses over the lives of the finance receivables. Portfolio segments are comprised of homogeneous loans sharing common risk factors. Accordingly, loans are not individually evaluated for collectability. Consistent with the application during prior reporting years, the Company continues charging credit losses against the allowance when the account reaches 120 days contractually delinquent and any recoveries on finance receivables previously charged to the ACL are credited to the ACL when collected.

The Company uses a Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model to forecast expected credit losses. Historical information about losses generally provides a basis for the estimate of expected credit losses. The Company has utilized its own historical data as well as its peer group companies' data from FFIEC Call Report filings. This data has been used to produce regression analysesdesigned to quantify the impact of reasonable and supportable forecasts in projective models.

The Company also considers the need to adjust historical information to reflect the extent to which current conditions differ from the conditions that existed for the period over which historical information was evaluated. These adjustments to historical loss information may be qualitative or quantitative in nature. The Company considers changes in international, national, regional and local conditions, changes in the volume and severity of past due loans, portfolio bankruptcy trends, maturity terms extensions, changes in the value of underlying collateral for collateral dependent loans, the effect of other external factors, such as competition, legal and regulatory requirements on the level of estimated credit losses, the existence and effect of any concentrations of credit and changes in the levels of such concentrations, changes in the nature and volume of the portfolio and terms of loans, changes in the quality of the loan review system, changes in the experience, depth, and ability of lending management, and reasonable and supportable economic forecasts, which cover the lives of the finance receivables.

The Company discounts expected cash flows at the financial asset’s effective interest rate. The effective interest rate is defined in the ASC 326as the contractual interest rate adjusted for any net deferred fees or costs, premium, or discount existing at the origination or acquisition of the financial assets. For the Company, this is calculated using prepayment adjusted contractual cash flows relative to the amortized cost. The Company also considers prepayment and curtailment effects in calculation of its effective interest rate.

According to ASC 326-20-30-9, estimating expected credit losses is highly judgmental and requires to produce reasonable and supportable forecasts of expected credit losses. The Company has elected to forecast the first four quarters of the credit loss estimate and revert to a long-run average of each considered economic factor as permitted in ASC 326-20-30-9. Based on the final values in the forecast and the uncertainty of a post-pandemic recovery, management has elected to revert over four quarters. The Company also uses information provided by the FOMC to obtain various forecasts for unemployment rate and gross domestic product, as well as other economic factors that are considered as part of its ACL calculations.

The Company elected not to measure an allowance on accrued interest which included as a component of amortized cost and limited to performing accounts, defined as an account that is less than 61 days past due. Accrual of interest income on finance receivables is suspended when a loan is contractually delinquent for 61 days or more, or the collateral is repossessed, whichever is earlier. Consistent with the application in the prior reporting periods, the Company continue timely reversing the accrual of interest income when the loan is contractually delinquent 61 days or more. All of these such accounts are accounted for in the calculation for allowance for credit losses.

7


The Company defines a non-performing asset as one that is 61 or more days past due, a Chapter 7 bankruptcy account, or a Chapter 13 bankruptcy account that has not been confirmed by the courts, for which the accrual of interest income is suspended. Upon confirmation of a Chapter 13 bankruptcy account (BK13), the account is immediately charged-off. Upon notification of a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, an account is monitored for collectability. In the event the debtors’ balance is reduced by the bankruptcy court, the Company records a loss equal to the amount of principal balance reduction. The remaining balance is reduced as payments are received. In the event an account is dismissed from bankruptcy, the Company will decide whether to begin repossession proceedings or to allow the customer to make regularly scheduled payments.

Prior to adoption of ASU 2016-13 the Company was periodically evaluating composition of the portfolio, current economic conditions, the estimated net realizable value of the underlying collateral, historical loan loss experience, delinquency, non-performing assets, and bankrupt accounts when determining management’s estimate of probable credit losses and the adequacy of the allowance for credit losses. Management utilized significant judgment in determining probable incurred losses and in identifying and evaluating qualitative factors. This approach aligned with the Company’s lending policies and underwriting standards. If the allowance for credit losses is determined to be inadequate, then an additional charge to the provision is recorded to maintain adequate reserves based on management’s evaluation of the risk inherent in the loan portfolio.

The Company used a trailing twelve-month net charge-off as a percentage of average finance receivables, and applied this percentage to ending finance receivables to estimate probable credit losses. This approach reflected the current trends of incurred losses within the portfolio and closely aligns the allowance for credit losses with the portfolio’s performance indicators. Estimating the allowance for credit losses using the trailing twelve-month charge-off analysis reflected portfolio performance adjusted for seasonality. Management evaluated qualitative factors to support its allowance for credit losses. The Company examined the impact of macro-economic factors, such as year-over-year inflation, as well as portfolio performance characteristics, such as changes in the value of underlying collateral, level of nonperforming accounts, delinquency trends, and accounts with extended terms.

The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the changes in the allowance for credit losses on Contracts and Direct Loans for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and 2022 (in thousands):

 

 

Three months ended June 30, 2023

 

 

 

Contracts

 

 

Direct Loans

 

 

Total

 

Balance at beginning of period, prior to adoption of ASU 2016-13

 

$

16,265

 

 

$

1,131

 

 

$

17,396

 

Impact of adoption of ASU 2016-13

 

 

(562

)

 

 

772

 

 

 

210

 

Provision for credit losses

 

 

596

 

 

 

49

 

 

 

645

 

Charge-offs

 

 

(4,656

)

 

 

(691

)

 

 

(5,347

)

Recoveries

 

 

2,221

 

 

 

234

 

 

 

2,455

 

Balance at June 30,
2023

 

$

13,864

 

 

$

1,495

 

 

$

15,359

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Three months ended June 30, 2022

 

 

 

Contracts

 

 

Direct Loans

 

 

Total

 

Balance at beginning of
   period

 

$

1,961

 

 

$

988

 

 

$

2,949

 

Provision for credit losses

 

 

3,102

 

 

 

542

 

 

 

3,644

 

Charge-offs

 

 

(4,045

)

 

 

(349

)

 

 

(4,394

)

Recoveries

 

 

1,442

 

 

 

45

 

 

 

1,487

 

Balance at June 30,
2022

 

$

2,460

 

 

$

1,226

 

 

$

3,686

 

The following table presents details of the allowance for credit losses segregated by portfolio segment as of June 30, 2023, calculated in accordance with the current expected credit losses methodology (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

 

As of June 30, 2023

 

 

 

Contracts

 

 

Direct Loans

 

 

Total

 

Modeled expected credit losses

 

$

11,437

 

 

$

1,145

 

 

$

12,582

 

Qualitative adjustments

 

 

2,427

 

 

 

350

 

 

 

2,777

 

Total

 

$

13,864

 

 

$

1,495

 

 

$

15,359

 

8


The following table presents gross charge-offs and recoveries by receivable origination year for total portfolio:

 

(In thousands)

 

 

Three months ended June 30, 2023

 

 

Gross Charge-offs

 

 

Gross Recoveries

 

 

Net Charge-offs

 

2024

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

2023

 

2,847

 

 

 

685

 

 

 

2,162

 

2022

 

1,606

 

 

 

774

 

 

 

832

 

2021

 

447

 

 

 

218

 

 

 

229

 

2020

 

220

 

 

 

292

 

 

 

(72

)

Prior

 

227

 

 

 

486

 

 

 

(259

)

Total

$

5,347

 

 

$

2,455

 

 

$

2,892

 

The following table presents gross charge-offs and recoveries by receivable origination year for Contract segment of portfolio:

 

(In thousands)

 

 

Three months ended June 30, 2023

 

 

Gross Charge-offs

 

 

Gross Recoveries

 

 

Net Charge-offs

 

2024

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

2023

 

2,323

 

 

 

580

 

 

 

1,743

 

2022

 

1,447

 

 

 

679

 

 

 

768

 

2021

 

441

 

 

 

202

 

 

 

239

 

2020

 

218

 

 

 

281

 

 

 

(63

)

Prior

 

227

 

 

 

479

 

 

 

(252

)

Total

$

4,656

 

 

$

2,221

 

 

$

2,435

 

The following table presents gross charge-offs and recoveries by receivable origination year for Direct segment of portfolio:

 

(In thousands)

 

 

Three months ended June 30, 2023

 

 

Gross Charge-offs

 

 

Gross Recoveries

 

 

Net Charge-offs

 

2024

$

 

 

$

 

 

$

 

2023

 

524

 

 

 

105

 

 

 

419

 

2022

 

159

 

 

 

95

 

 

 

64

 

2021

 

6

 

 

 

16

 

 

 

(10

)

2020

 

2

 

 

 

11

 

 

 

(9

)

Prior

 

-

 

 

 

7

 

 

 

(7

)

Total

$

691

 

 

$

234

 

 

$

457

 

The following table shows portfolio delinquencies by origination fiscal year as of June 30, 2023:

 

(In thousands)

 

 

2024

 

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

2020

 

Prior

 

Total

 

Current

$

2,682

 

$

31,930

 

$

32,675

 

$

13,056

 

$

5,109

 

$

3,895

 

$

89,347

 

30-59

 

12

 

 

3,942

 

 

4,829

 

 

1,648

 

 

858

 

 

830

 

 

12,119

 

60-89

 

-

 

 

3,743

 

 

3,402

 

 

1,185

 

 

445

 

 

413

 

 

9,188

 

90-120

 

-

 

 

517

 

 

757

 

 

158

 

 

76

 

 

82

 

 

1,590

 

Total

$

2,694

 

$

40,132

 

$

41,663

 

$

16,047

 

$

6,488

 

$

5,220

 

$

112,244

 

9


The following table shows Contracts portfolio delinquencies by origination fiscal year as of June 30, 2023:

 

(In thousands)

 

 

2024

 

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

2020

 

Prior

 

Total

 

Current

$

2,682

 

$

25,588

 

$

27,722

 

$

12,627

 

$

5,065

 

$

3,889

 

$

77,573

 

30-59

 

12

 

 

3,030

 

 

4,112

 

 

1,620

 

 

857

 

 

830

 

 

10,461

 

60-89

 

-

 

 

2,764

 

 

2,717

 

 

1,164

 

 

443

 

 

413

 

 

7,501

 

90-120

 

-

 

 

378

 

 

660

 

 

158

 

 

76

 

 

82

 

 

1,354

 

Total

$

2,694

 

$

31,760

 

$

35,211

 

$

15,569

 

$

6,441

 

$

5,214

 

$

96,889

 

The following table shows Direct loans portfolio delinquencies by origination fiscal year as of June 30, 2023:

 

(In thousands)

 

 

2024

 

2023

 

2022

 

2021

 

2020

 

Prior

 

Total

 

Current

$

 

$

6,342

 

$

4,953

 

$

429

 

$

44

 

$

6

 

$

11,774

 

30-59

 

-

 

 

912

 

 

717

 

 

28

 

 

1

 

 

-

 

 

1,658

 

60-89

 

-

 

 

979

 

 

685

 

 

21

 

 

2

 

 

-

 

 

1,687

 

90-120

 

-

 

 

139

 

 

97

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

-

 

 

236

 

Total

$

-

 

$

8,372

 

$

6,452

 

$

478

 

$

47

 

$

6

 

$

15,355

 

The following table is an assessment of the credit quality by creditworthiness:

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

June 30, 2023

 

 

March 31, 2023

 

 

 

Contracts

 

 

Direct Loans

 

 

Total

 

 

Contracts

 

 

Direct Loans

 

 

Total

 

Performing accounts

 

$

87,649

 

 

$

13,392

 

 

$

101,041

 

 

$

101,856

 

 

$

16,926

 

 

$

118,782

 

Non-performing accounts

 

 

8,676

 

 

 

1,862

 

 

 

10,538

 

 

 

6,972

 

 

 

1,728

 

 

 

8,700

 

Total

 

 

96,325

 

 

 

15,254

 

 

 

111,579

 

 

 

108,828

 

 

 

18,654

 

 

 

127,482

 

Chapter 13 bankruptcy
accounts

 

 

564

 

 

 

101

 

 

 

665

 

 

 

590

 

 

 

98

 

 

 

688

 

Finance receivables

 

$

96,889

 

 

$

15,355

 

 

$

112,244

 

 

$

109,418

 

 

$

18,752

 

 

$

128,170

 

A performing account is defined as an account that is less than 61 days past due. The Company defines an automobile contract as delinquent when more than 10% of a payment contractually due by a certain date has not been paid immediately by the following due date, which date may have been extended within limits specified in the servicing agreements or as a result of a deferral. The period of delinquency is based on the number of days payments are contractually past due, as extended where applicable.

In certain circumstances, the Company will grant obligors one-month payment extensions. The only modification of terms in those circumstances is to advance the obligor’s next due date by one month and extend the maturity date of the receivable. There are no other concessions, such as a reduction in interest rate, or forgiveness of principal or of accrued interest. Accordingly, the Company considers such extensions to be insignificant delays in payments.

A non-performing account is defined as an account that is contractually delinquent for 61 days or more or is a Chapter 13 bankruptcy account for which the accrual interest income has been suspended. The Company’s charge-off policy is to charge off an account in the month the contract becomes 121 days contractually delinquent.

In the event an account is dismissed from bankruptcy, the Company will decide whether to begin repossession proceedings or to allow the customer to make regularly scheduled payments.

10


The following tables present certain information regarding the delinquency rates experienced by the Company with respect to Contracts and Direct Loans, excluding Chapter 13 bankruptcy accounts:

 

 

Contracts

 

 

 

(In thousands, except percentages)

 

 

 

Balance
Outstanding

 

 

30 – 59
days

 

 

60 – 89
days

 

 

90 – 119
days

 

 

120+

 

 

Total

 

June 30, 2023

 

$

96,325

 

 

$

10,394

 

 

$

7,425

 

 

$

1,251

 

 

$

 

 

$

19,070

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.79

%

 

 

7.71

%

 

 

1.30

%

 

0.00%

 

 

 

19.80

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2023

 

$

108,828

 

 

$

10,083

 

 

$

3,274

 

 

$

3,698

 

 

$

 

 

$

17,055

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.27

%

 

 

3.01

%

 

 

3.40

%

 

0.00%

 

 

 

15.67

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Direct Loans

 

 

 

(In thousands, except percentages)

 

 

 

Balance
Outstanding

 

 

30 – 59
days

 

 

60 – 89
days

 

 

90 – 119
days

 

 

120+

 

 

Total

 

June 30, 2023

 

$

15,254

 

 

$

1,646

 

 

$

1,640

 

 

$

222

 

 

$

 

 

$

3,508

 

 

 

 

 

 

10.79

%

 

 

10.75

%

 

 

1.46

%

 

0.00%

 

 

 

23.00

%

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 31, 2023

 

$

18,654

 

 

$

1,448

 

 

$

654

 

 

$

1,074

 

 

$

 

 

$

3,176

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.76

%

 

 

3.51

%

 

 

5.76

%

 

0.00%

 

 

 

17.03

%

Note 5. Credit Facility

Westlake Credit Facility

The Credit Agreement contains customary events of default and covenants, including but not limited to financial and operating results around tangible net worth, collateral performance indicator, excess spread ratio. Subject to Company’s compliance with certain terms and conditions, the lender waived its rights and remedies under the Agreement applicable to the excess spread ratio covenant and collateral performance indicator through September 30, 2024.

As of June 30, 2023, the Company had aggregate outstanding indebtedness, net of debt issuance costs, under the Credit Facility of $15.3 million, compared to $70.0 million outstanding under the Wells Fargo Credit Facility as of June 30, 2022.

Future maturities of debt as of June 30, 2023 are as follows:

(in thousands)

 

 

 

FY2024

 

 

 

$

15,250

 

FY2025

 

 

 

 

 

FY2026

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

$

15,250

 

Note 6. Income Taxes

The Company recorded income tax expense of approximately $0.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023 compared to an income tax benefit of approximately $0.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022. The Company’s effective tax rate decreased to 8.4% for the three months ended June 30, 2023 from 26.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2022. The lower effective tax rate for the three months ended June 30, 2023 primarily attributable to the establishment of a valuation allowance subsequent to June 30, 2022.

11


During the quarter ended December 31, 2022, the Company determined there was not sufficient positive evidence of future earnings to support a position that it will be able to realize its net deferred tax asset. The Company has significant negative evidence to overcome in the form of cumulative pre-tax losses from continuing operations. Therefore, it will continue to maintain a full valuation allowance on its U.S. federal and state net deferred tax asset. The Company does not have any material unrecognized tax benefits as of June 30, 2023.

Note 7. Leases

The Company leases its corporate headquarter and central business operations hub. The Company’s headquarter is located in Clearwater, Florida. The current lease relating to this space was entered into effective February 1, 2023 and expires on January 31, 2026. The Company’s central business operations hub is located in Rock Hill, South Carolina. The current lease relating to this space was entered into effective March 20, 2023 and expires on March 19, 2026. All of the Company’s lease agreements are considered operating leases. None of the Company’s lease payments are dependent on a rate or index that may change after the commencement date, other than the passage of time.

The Company’s lease liability was $0.2 million and $0.2 million as of June 30, 2023 and March 31, 2023, respectively. This liability is based on the present value of the remaining minimum rental payments using a discount rate that is determined based on the Company’s incremental borrowing rate. These lease liability amounts are included as part of other liabilities on Company's balance sheet. The lease asset was $0.2 million and $0.2 million as of June 30, 2023 and March 31, 2023, respectively. These lease asset amounts are included as part of other assets on Company's balance sheet.

Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases in effect as of June 30, 2023, are as follows:

in thousands

 

 

 

FY2024 (remaining nine months)

 

$

49

 

FY2025

 

 

67

 

FY2026

 

 

60

 

Total future minimum lease payments

 

 

176

 

Present value adjustment

 

 

(8

)

Operating lease liability

 

$

168

 

The following table reports information about the Company’s lease cost for the three months ended June 30, 2023 (in thousands):

Lease cost:

Operating lease cost

$

16

Variable lease cost

1

Total lease cost

$

17


The following table reports information about the Company’s lease cost for the three months ended June 30, 2022 (in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Lease cost:

Operating lease cost

$

458

Variable lease cost

95

Total lease cost

$

553

12


The following table reports other information about the Company’s leases for the three months ended June 30, 2023 (dollar amounts in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Other Lease Information

Operating Lease - Operating Cash Flows (Fixed Payments)

$

8

Operating Lease - Operating Cash Flows (Liability Reduction)

$

8

Weighted Average Lease Term - Operating Leases

2.7 years

Weighted Average Discount Rate - Operating Leases

6.5%

The following table reports other information about the Company’s leases for the three months ended June 30, 2022 (dollar amounts in thousands):

 

 

 

 

 

Other Lease Information

Operating Lease - Operating Cash Flows (Fixed Payments)

$

445

Operating Lease - Operating Cash Flows (Liability Reduction)

$

379

Weighted Average Lease Term - Operating Leases

4.0 years

Weighted Average Discount Rate - Operating Leases

6.5%

Note 8. Fair Value Disclosures

The Company’s financial instruments consist of cash, finance receivables, and the Credit Facility. Each of these financial instruments are not carried at fair value.

Finance receivables, net, approximates fair value based on the price paid to acquire Contracts. The price paid reflects competitive market interest rates and purchase discounts for the Company’s chosen credit grade in the economic environment. This market is highly liquid as the Company acquires individual loans on a daily basis from dealers.

The initial terms of the Contracts generally range from 12 to 72 months. Beginning in December 2017, the maximum initial term of a Contract was reduced to 60 months. The initial terms of the Direct Loans generally range from 12 to 60 months. If liquidated outside of the normal course of business, the amount received may not be the carrying value.

Repossessed assets, which are not financial instruments, are valued at the lower of the finance receivable balance prior to repossession or the estimated net realizable value of the repossessed asset. The Company estimates the net realizable value using estimated auction wholesale proceeds less costs to sell plus insurance claims outstanding, if any.

13


Based on current market conditions, the fair value of the Credit Facility as of June 30, 2023 was estimated to be equal to the book value. The interest rate for the Credit Facility is a variable rate based on SOFR pricing options.

 

 

(In thousands)

 

 

 

Fair Value Measurement Using

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description

 

Level 1

 

 

Level 2

 

 

Level 3

 

 

Fair
Value

 

 

Carrying
Value

 

Cash:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2023

 

$

678

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

678

 

 

$

678

 

March 31, 2023

 

$

454

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

454

 

 

$

454

 

Finance receivables:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2023

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

93,854

 

 

$

93,854

 

 

$

93,854

 

March 31, 2023

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

105,971

 

 

$

105,971

 

 

$

106,919

 

Repossessed assets:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2023

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

1,953

 

 

$

1,953

 

 

$

1,953

 

March 31, 2023

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

1,491

 

 

$

1,491

 

 

$

1,491

 

Credit Facility:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 30, 2023

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

15,250

 

 

$

15,250

 

 

$

15,250

 

March 31, 2023

 

$

-

 

 

$

-

 

 

$

29,100

 

 

$

29,100

 

 

$

29,100

 

The Company may be required, from time to time, to measure certain assets and liabilities at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. There were none at June 30, 2023 and March 31, 2023.

Level 1 is for financial assets and liabilities that have a regular mark to market mechanism for setting a fair market value. These assets and liabilities are considered to have readily observable, transparent prices and therefor a reliable, fair market value. Management has determined that this level to be most appropriate for cash.

Level 2 is for financial assets and liabilities that do not have regular market pricing, but whose fair value can be determined based on other data values or market pricing.

At each reporting period, all assets and liabilities for which the fair value measurement is based on significant unobservable inputs are classified as Level 3. Management has determined that this level to be most appropriate for the finance receivables, repossessed assets, and Credit Facility.

Note 9. Commitments and Contingencies

The Company is involved in certain claims and legal proceedings in the normal course of business of which one, if decided adversely to the Company, would, in the opinion of management, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

Specifically, the Company has been sued together with several other defendants, in a lawsuit styled: Nicholas Financial, Inc. v. Jeremiah Gross, No. 21CY-CV02148-01, 7th Judicial Circuit, Clay County, Missouri. On March 9, 2021 the Company filed suit against Jeremiah Gross for a deficiency balance owed to the Company following the 2018 surrender and sale of his motor vehicle which secured a loan from the Company. On April 22, 2021 a default judgment for $7,984.18 was entered against Mr. Gross. On December 22, 2021 Mr. Gross filed a motion to set aside the default judgment. The Court granted his motion on March 23, 2022. In his answer he asserted a class-action counterclaim against the Company seeking to represent a nationwide class of the Company’s customers who received allegedly deficient notices regarding the sale of their vehicles and whose vehicles were recovered and sold by the Company, and on behalf of Missouri customers who received allegedly deficient notices from the Company regarding the sale of their recovered vehicles and the calculation of the deficiency owed the Company. The Company filed its answer to the counterclaim on May 13, 2022. On September 9, 2022 the Company filed a motion for summary judgment as to all counts of the counterclaim and the Company's claim against Mr. Gross. The motion was argued on February 16, 2023. On March 27, 2023 the Court entered an order granting the motion in part and denying the motion in part. The Court found in favor of the Company as to the counterclaim regarding presale notices and prejudgment interest, and in Mr. Gross’s favor for the counterclaim as to post-sale notices. The Court denied the Company’s motion for summary judgment as to its claim for a deficiency against Mr. Gross. The remaining claim relates to post-sale notices sent to Missouri customers. The Company’s insurer has accepted the defense of this litigation under a reservation of rights.

14


Note 10. Stock Plans

In May 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors (“Board”) authorized a new stock repurchase program allowing for the repurchase of up to $8.0 million of the Company’s outstanding shares of common stock in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, or through other structures in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. The authorization was effective immediately.

The timing and actual number of repurchases will depend on a variety of factors, including stock price, corporate and regulatory requirements and other market and economic conditions. The Company’s stock repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time.

In August 2019, the Company’s Board authorized additional repurchases of up to $1.0 million of the Company’s outstanding shares.

The following table summarizes treasury share transactions under the Company's stock repurchase program:

 

 

Three months ended June 30,
(In thousands)

 

 

Three months ended June 30,
(In thousands)

 

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

 

 

Number of
Shares

 

 

Amount

 

 

Number of
Shares

 

 

Amount

 

Treasury shares at the beginning of period

 

 

5,368

 

 

$

(76,794

)

 

 

5,127

 

 

$

(74,405

)

Treasury shares purchased

 

 

-

 

 

 

-

 

 

 

205

 

 

 

(2,138

)

Treasury shares at the end of period

 

 

5,368

 

 

$

(76,794

)

 

 

5,332

 

 

$

(76,543

)

For the three months ended June 30, 2023, the Company did not repurchase any shares of its common stock.

Note 11. Restructuring Activities

Costs related to the Company's previously disclosed restructuring plan are summarized as follows:

 

(In thousands)

 

 

Total Cost Estimated

 

 

Incurred to Date

 

 

Remaining cost

 

Branch Closures

$

3,213

 

 

$

3,213

 

 

$

-

 

Severance

 

570

 

 

 

570

 

 

 

-

 

Cease-use of contractual services

 

779

 

 

 

779

 

 

 

-

 

Professional fees

 

323

 

 

 

299

 

 

 

24

 

Other

 

26

 

 

 

25

 

 

 

1

 

Total restructuring cost

$

4,911

 

 

$

4,886

 

 

$

25

 

15


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

Forward-Looking Information

This reportQuarterly Report on Form10-Q contains various forward-looking statements other than those concerning historical information, thatwithin the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Such statements are based on management’s current beliefs and assumptions, as well as information currently available to management, and should be considered forward-looking statements. This notice is intended to take advantage of the safe harbor provided by the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 with respect to such forward-looking statements.management. When used in this document, the words “anticipate”, “estimate”, “expect”, "forecast", “will”, "would", “may”, “plan,” “believe”, “intend” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although Nicholas Financial, Inc., including its subsidiaries (the(collectively, the “Company,” “we,” “us,”“we”, “us”, or “our”) believes that the expectations reflected or implied in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. SuchAs a result, actual results could differ materially from those indicated in these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this Quarterly Report may include, without limitation statements about (1) the expected benefits, costs and timing of the Company’s restructuring and change in operating strategy, including its servicing arrangement with Westlake Portfolio Management, LLC (collectively with its affiliate Westlake Capital Finance, LLC, “Westlake”) (including without limitation the servicing fees, classified as administrative costs), its loan agreement with Westlake (including without limitation anticipated interest payments thereunder), and its restructuring activities; (2) the availability and use of excess capital (including by acquiring loan portfolios or businesses or by investing outside of the Company’s traditional business); (3) the continuing impact of COVID-19 on our customers and our business, (4) projections of revenue, income, and other items relating to our financial position and results of operations, (5) statements of our plans, objectives, strategies, goals and intentions, (6) statements regarding the capabilities, capacities, market position and expected development of our business operations, and (7) statements of expected industry and general economic trends. These statements are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions that may cause results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in forward-looking statements, including butwithout limitation:

the risk that the anticipated benefits of the restructuring and change in operating strategy, including the servicing and financing arrangements with Westlake (including without limitation the expected reduction in overhead, streamlining of operations or reduction in compliance risk), do not limitedmaterialize to the extent expected or at all, or do not materialize within the timeframe targeted by management;
the risk that the actual servicing fees paid by the Company under the Westlake servicing agreement, which the Company is classifying as administrative costs on its financial statements, exceed the range estimated;
the risk that the actual interest payments made by the Company under the Westlake loan agreement exceed the range estimated;
risks arising from the loss of control over servicing, collection or recovery processes that we have controlled in the past and potentially, termination of these services by Westlake (a failure of Westlake to perform their services under the servicing agreement in a satisfactory manner may have a significant adverse effect on our business);
the risk that the actual costs of the restructuring activities in connection with the consolidation of workforce and closure of offices exceed the Company’s estimates or that such activities are not completed on a timely basis;
the risk that the Company underestimates the staffing and other resources needed to operate effectively after consolidating its workforce and closing offices;
uncertainties surrounding the Company’s success in developing and executing on a new business plan;
uncertainties surrounding the Company’s ability to use any excess capital to increase shareholder returns, including without limitation, by acquiring loan portfolios or businesses or investing outside of the Company’s traditional business;
the ongoing impact on us, our employees, our customers and the overall economy of the COVID-19 pandemic and measures taken in response thereto;
the ongoing impact on us, our customers and the overall economy of the supply constraints, especially with respect to energy, caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine and related economic sanctions;
availability of capital (including the ability to access bank financing);
recently enacted, proposed or future legislation and the manner in which it is implemented, including tax legislation initiatives or challenges to our tax positions and/or interpretations, and state sales tax rules and regulations;
fluctuations in the economy;
the degree and nature of competition and its effects on the Company’s financial results;

16


fluctuations in interest rates;
effectiveness of our risk management processes and procedures, including the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting and disclosure controls and procedures;
demand for consumer financing in the markets served by the Company;
our ability to successfully develop and commercialize new or enhanced products and services;
the sufficiency of our allowance for credit losses and the accuracy of the assumptions or estimates used in preparing our financial statements;
increases in the default rates experienced on our automobile finance installment contracts (“Contracts”) or direct loans (“Direct Loans”);
higher borrowing costs and adverse financial market conditions impacting our funding and liquidity;
regulation, supervision, examination and enforcement of our business by governmental authorities, and adverse regulatory changes in the Company’s existing and future markets, including the impact of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) and other legislative and regulatory developments, including regulations relating to privacy, information security and data protection and the impact of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (the “CFPB”) regulation of our business;
fraudulent activity, employee misconduct or misconduct by third parties, including representatives or agents of Westlake;
media and public characterization of consumer installment loans;
failure of third parties to provide various services that are important to our operations;
alleged infringement of intellectual property rights of others and our ability to protect our intellectual property;
litigation and regulatory actions;
our ability to attract, retain and motivate key officers and employees;
use of third-party vendors and ongoing third-party business relationships, particularly our relationship with Westlake;
cyber-attacks or other security breaches suffered by us or Westlake;
disruptions in the operations of our or Westlake’s computer systems and data centers;
the impact of changes in accounting rules and regulations, or their interpretation or application, which could materially and adversely affect the Company’s reported consolidated financial statements or necessitate material delays or changes in the issuance of the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements;
uncertainties associated with management turnover and the effective succession of senior management;
our ability to realize our intentions regarding strategic alternatives, including the failure to achieve anticipated synergies;
the risk factors discussed under “Item 1A – Risk Factors” in our Annual Report on Form10-K, and “Part II – Item 1A – Risk Factors” in this Form10-Q.our other filings made with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”).

Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those anticipated, estimated or expected. Among the key factors that may have a direct bearing on the Company’s operating results are the availability of capital (including the ability to access bank financing) on favorable terms, recently enacted, proposed or future legislation and the manner in which it is implemented, including the effect of changes in tax law, such as the effect of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) that was enacted on December 22, 2017, fluctuations in the economy, the degree and nature of competition and its effects on the Company’s ability to maintain profit margins at acceptable levels or generate net income at all, fluctuations in interest rates, demand for consumer financing in the markets served by the Company, the Company’s products and services, increases in the default rates experienced on automobile finance installment contracts (“Contracts”), adverse regulatory changes in the Company’s existing and future markets, the Company’s ability to expand its business, including its ability to complete acquisitions and integrate the operations of acquired businesses and to expand into new markets, and the Company’s ability to recruit and retain qualified employees. All forward lookingforward-looking statements included in this reportQuarterly Report are based on information available to the Company onas the date hereof,of filing of this Quarterly Report, and the Company assumes no obligationsobligation to update any such forward lookingforward-looking statement. YouProspective investors should also consult the risk factors described from time to time in the Company’s other filings made with the Securities and Exchange Commission,SEC, including its reports on Forms10-K,10-Q,8-K 10-K, 10-Q, 8-K and annual reports to shareholders.

LitigationRestructuring and Legal MattersChange in Operating Strategy

See “Item 1. Legal Proceedings”The Company announced on Form 8-K filed on November 3, 2022 a change in Part IIits operating strategy and restructuring plan with the goal of reducing operating expenses and freeing up capital. As part of this Form10-Q.plan, the Company has shifted from a decentralized to a regionalized business model in which each of its originators focuses on a specific region in the Company’s smaller target market footprint, and the Company has entered into a loan servicing agreement with Westlake Portfolio Management, LLC (“WPM”, and, collectively with its affiliate, Westlake Capital Finance, LLC, “Westlake”). An affiliate of Westlake, Westlake Services, LLC, is the beneficial owner of approximately 6.8% of the Company’s common stock.

17


While the Company intends to continue Contract purchase and origination activities, albeit on a much smaller scale, its servicing, collections and recovery operations have been outsourced to Westlake. The Company has ceased all originations of Direct Loans.

The Company anticipates that execution of its evolving restructuring plan will free up capital and permit the Company to allocate excess capital to increase shareholder returns, whether by acquiring loan portfolios or businesses or by investing outside of the Company’s traditional business. The overall timeframe and structure of the Company’s restructuring remains uncertain.

Although the Company no longer employs the branch-based model, it remains committed to its core product of financing primary transportation to and from work for the subprime borrower through the local independent automobile dealership. The Company's strategy includes risk-based pricing (rate, yield, advance, term, collateral value) and a commitment to the underwriting discipline required for optimal portfolio performance. The Company’s principal goals are to increase its profitability and its long-term shareholder value. During fiscal 2023, the Company focused on the following items:

•restructuring the Company’s business by downsizing and streamlining operations and reducing
expenses;

•outsourcing servicing, collections and recovery operations;

•discontinuing our local branch model in favor of a regionalized business model;

•optimizing our technology to better fit the Company’s restructured operations; and

•terminating our live checks program for prospective new customers

In fiscal 2023, the Company also restructured and consolidated its operations by closing all of its brick and mortar branch locations in 18 states — Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, and Wisconsin. As a result, as of June 30, 2023, the Company only had two offices in two states – its headquarters in Florida and its central business operations hub in North Carolina, and the Company expects to focus its business operations in the foreseeable future in seven states — Florida, Georgia, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, North Carolina, and South Carolina.

Although the Company had been licensed to provide Direct Loans in 14 states — Alabama, Florida, Georgia (over $3,000), Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee during fiscal 2023 the Company has cancelled, not renewed, or otherwise terminated all of such Direct Loan licenses.

Consequently, the Company has not originated any new Direct Loans since the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2023 and the Company does not intend to originate any new Direct Loans going forward. However, the Company expects its third-party service provider to continue to service the Company’s existing Direct Loans. The Company’s total Direct Loans portfolio comprises approximately 14% of its total portfolio, and the Company expects its total Direct Loans portfolio to be reduced over time as such Direct Loans are paid off for otherwise liquidated until there are no Direct Loans in the Company’s portfolio, which at the current rate of such activity is expected to occur sometime during the fiscal year ending March 31, 2027.

Following the restructuring and consolidation of the Company’s operations, the Company does not expect to expand in either its current markets or any new markets.

Restructuring Activities

The closing of branches and consolidation of the workforce pursuant to the restructuring plan were substantially completed by March 31, 2023. The Company recorded the majority of lease terminations and employee-related charges in the second half of Fiscal Year 2023. The Company expects significant annual operating cost savings to substantially exceed the upfront costs associated with the restructuring.

Westlake Loan Agreement

On January 18, 2023, the Company, through its subsidiaries, entered into a Loan and Security Agreement (the “Loan Agreement”) with Westlake, pursuant to which Westlake is providing the Company a senior secured revolving credit facility in the principal amount of up to $50 million (the “Credit Facility”).

The availability of funds under the Credit Facility is generally limited to an advance rate of between 70% and 85% of the value of the Company’s eligible receivables. Outstanding advances under the Credit Facility will accrue interest at a rate equal to the secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) plus a specified margin, subject to a specified floor interest rate. Unused availability under the Credit Agreement will accrue interest at a low interest rate. The commitment period for advances under the Credit Facility is two years. We refer to the expiration of that time period as the “Maturity Date.”

18


The Loan Agreement contains customary events of default and negative covenants, including but not limited to those governing indebtedness, liens, fundamental changes, and sales of assets. The Loan Agreement also requires the Company to maintain (i) a minimum tangible net worth equal to the lower of $40 million and an amount equal to 60% of the outstanding balance of the Credit Facility and (ii) an excess spread ratio of no less than 8.0%. Pursuant to the Loan Agreement, the Company granted a security interest in substantially all of their assets as collateral for their obligations under the Credit Facility. If an event of default occurs, Westlake could increase borrowing costs, restrict the Company's ability to obtain additional advances under the Credit Facility, accelerate all amounts outstanding under the Credit Facility, enforce their interest against collateral pledged under the Loan Agreement or enforce such other rights and remedies as they have under the loan documents or applicable law as secured lenders. Subject to Company’s compliance with certain terms and conditions, the lender waived its rights and remedies under the Agreement applicable to the excess spread ratio covenant and collateral performance indicator through September 30, 2024.

If the Company prepays the loan and terminate the Credit Facility prior to the Maturity Date, then the Company would be obligated to pay Westlake a termination fee in an amount equal to a percentage of the average outstanding principal balance of the Credit Facility during the immediately preceding 90 days. If the Company were to sell its accounts receivable to a third party prior to the Maturity Date, then the Company would be obligated to pay Westlake a fee in an amount equal to a specified percentage of the proceeds of such sale.

On January 18, 2023, in connection with entering into the Loan Agreement, the Company terminated its credit agreement with Wells Fargo (the “WF Credit Agreement”), and the indebtedness under that agreement (consisting of a revolving line of credit in a maximum principal amount of $60 million (with an outstanding balance of approximately $43 million)) was repaid in full. The Company did not incur any termination penalties in connection with the termination of the WF Credit Agreement.

Critical Accounting PolicyEstimates

The Company’s critical accounting policyestimate (i.e., that involves a significant level of estimation uncertainty and has or is reasonably likely to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations) relates to the allowance for credit losses. Itlosses, which reflects the difference between the amortized cost basis and the present value of the expected cash flows of finance receivables.

There has been one change in our critical accounting policies from those disclosed in our Annual Report on 2023 Form 10-K related the Company's adoption of ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, and subsequent amendments to the guidance: ASU 2018-19 in November 2018, ASU 2019-04 in April 2019, ASU 2019-05 in May 2019, ASU 2019-10 and -11 in November 2019, ASU 2020-02 in February 2020 and ASU 2022-02 in March 2022.

Allowance for Credit Losses (ACL)

The Company adopted ASU 2016-13 for measurement of current expected credit losses on April 1, 2023. An impairment model required by ASU 2016-13 is not prescriptive in the methodology used to determine the expected credit loss estimate. Therefore, management has flexibility in selecting the methodology. However, the expected credit losses must be estimated over a financial asset's remaining expected life, adjusted for prepayments, utilizing quantitative and qualitative factors. The estimate of current expected credit losses is based on management’s opinionrelevant information about past events, current conditions, and reasonable and supportable economic forecasts that affect the collectability of the reported amounts. Historical loss experience is the starting point for estimating expected credit losses. Adjustments are made to historical loss experience to reflect differences in asset-specific risk characteristics, such as underwriting standards, portfolio mix or asset terms, and differences in economic conditions - both current conditions and reasonable and supportable forecasts. When the Company is not able to make or obtain reasonable and supportable forecasts for the entire life of the financial asset, it has estimated expected credit losses for the remaining life after the forecasted period using an amountapproach that reverts to historical credit loss information.

The Company selected a discounted cash flow (DCF) model to estimate its base allowance for credit losses. Management has elected to use this approach after analysis and consideration. Below are a few of the key decision points that contributed to the election:

DCF models, being periodic in nature, allow for effective incorporation of a reasonable and supportable forecast in a directionally consistent and objective manner.
The analysis aligns well with other calculations/actions outside the ACL estimation, which will mitigate model risk in other areas and allow for symmetrical application. For example, fair value (exit price notion), profitability analysis, internal rate of return calculations, stress testing, and other forms of cash flow analysis.
Peer data is adequateavailable for certain inputs, such as probability of default and loss given default if first-party data is not available or meaningful. This is made possible by the periodic nature of the model.

19


DCF methodologies work properly with an amortizing approach. In order to absorbestimate expected credit losses incurred inusing methods that project future principal and interest cash flows (that is, a discounted cash flow method), the existing portfolio.

TheCompany discounts expected cash flows at the financial asset’s effective interest rate. When a discounted cash flow method is applied, the allowance for credit losses must reflect the difference between the amortized cost basis and the present value of the expected cash flows.

The Company applies historical loss experience to forecast expected credit losses. Historical information about losses generally provides a basis for the estimate of expected credit losses. The Company also considers the need to adjust historical information to reflect the extent to which current conditions differ from the conditions that existed for the period over which historical information was evaluated. These adjustments to historical loss information may be qualitative or quantitative in nature.

Reasonable and supportable macroeconomic forecasts are required for the Company’s ACL model. The Company reviews macroeconomic forecasts to use in its ACL. The projected change in creditworthiness is established throughmodeled using information provided by FOMC, such as unemployment rate and GDP. The Company adjusts the historical loss experience by relevant qualitative factors for these expectations.

As loans receivable are originated, provisions for credit losses are recorded in amounts sufficient to maintain an ACL at an adequate level to provide for estimated losses over the remaining expected life of the finance receivables. The Company uses its historical loss experience and macroeconomic factors to forecast expected credit losses.

While the Company utilizes a systematic methodology in determining its allowance, the allowance is based on estimates, and ultimate losses may vary from current estimates. The estimates are reviewed periodically and, as adjustments become necessary, are reported in earnings in the periods in which they become known.

After adoption, all changes in the ACL, net of charge-offs and recoveries, are recorded as “Provision for credit losses” in the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Loss).

Introduction

The Company finances primary transportation to and from work for the subprime borrower. We do not finance luxury cars, second units or recreational vehicles, which are the first payments customers tend to skip in time of economic insecurity. We finance the main and often only vehicle in the household that is needed to get our customers to and from work. The amounts we finance are much lower than most of our competitors, and therefore the payments are significantly lower, too. The combination of financing a “need” over a “want” and making that loan on comparatively affordable terms incentivizes our customers to prioritize their account with us.

For the three months ended June 30, 2023, the dilutive earnings per share were $0.21 as compared to dilutive loss per share of $0.24 for the three months ended June 30, 2022. Net income was $1.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023 as compared to net loss of $1.8 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022. Interest and fee income on finance receivables decreased 41.3% to $7.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023 as compared to $12.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022. Provision for credit losses decreased 82.3% to $0.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023 as compared to $3.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022.

20


Non-GAAP financial measures

From time-to-time the Company uses certain financial measures derived on a basis other than generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”), primarily by excluding from a comparable GAAP measure certain items the Company does not consider to be representative of its actual operating performance. Such financial measures qualify as “non-GAAP financial measures” as defined in SEC rules. The Company uses these non-GAAP financial measures in operating its business because management believes they are less susceptible to variances in actual operating performance that can result from the excluded items and other infrequent charges. The Company may present these financial measures to investors because management believes they are useful to investors in evaluating the primary factors that drive the Company’s core operating performance and provide greater transparency into the Company’s results of operations. However, items that are excluded and other adjustments and assumptions that are made in calculating these non-GAAP financial measures are significant components to understanding and assessing the Company’s financial performance. Such non-GAAP financial measures should be evaluated in conjunction with, and are not a substitute for, the Company’s GAAP financial measures. Further, because these non-GAAP financial measures are not determined in accordance with GAAP and are, thus, susceptible to varying calculations, any non-GAAP financial measures, as presented, may not be comparable to other similarly titled measures of other companies.

 

 

Three months ended
June 30,
(In thousands)

 

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Portfolio Summary

 

 

 

 

 

 

Average finance receivables (1)

 

$

120,773

 

 

$

179,455

 

Average indebtedness (2)

 

$

22,078

 

 

$

60,829

 

Interest and fee income on finance receivables

 

$

7,083

 

 

$

12,064

 

Interest expense

 

 

500

 

 

 

568

 

Net interest and fee income on finance receivables

 

$

6,583

 

 

$

11,496

 

Gross portfolio yield (3)

 

 

23.46

%

 

 

26.89

%

Interest expense as a percentage of average finance receivables

 

 

1.66

%

 

 

1.27

%

Provision for credit losses as a percentage of average finance receivables

 

 

2.14

%

 

 

8.12

%

Net portfolio yield (3)

 

 

19.67

%

 

 

17.50

%

Operating expenses as a percentage of average finance receivables (4)

 

 

14.03

%

 

 

21.11

%

Pre-tax yield as a percentage of average finance receivables (5)

 

 

5.64

%

 

 

(3.61

)%

Net charge-off percentage (6)

 

 

9.58

%

 

 

6.48

%

Finance receivables

 

$

112,242

 

 

$

180,053

 

Allowance percentage (7)

 

 

13.68

%

 

 

2.05

%

Total reserves percentage (8)

 

 

16.84

%

 

 

5.95

%

Note: All income performance indicators expressed as percentages have been annualized.

(1)
Average finance receivables represent the average of finance receivables throughout the period. (This is considered a non-GAAP financial measure).
(2)
Average indebtedness represents the average outstanding borrowings under the Credit Facility. (This is considered a non-GAAP financial measure).
(3)
Portfolio yield represents interest and fee income on finance receivables as a percentage of average finance receivables. Net portfolio yield represents (a) interest and fee income on finance receivables minus (b) interest expense minus (c) the provision for credit losses, as a percentage of average finance receivables. (This is considered a non-GAAP financial measure).
(4)
Operating expenses as presented include restructuring cost of approximately $0.1 million. Operating expenses net of restructuring cost (a non-GAAP financial measure), as a percentage of average finance receivable would have been 13.77% for the three and nine months ended June 30, 2023, respectively.
(5)
Pre-tax yield represents net portfolio yield minus operating expenses (marketing, salaries, employee benefits, depreciation, and administrative), as a percentage of average finance receivables. (This is considered a non-GAAP financial measure).
(6)
Net charge-off percentage represents net charge-offs (charge-offs less recoveries) divided by average finance receivables outstanding during the period. (This is considered a non-GAAP financial measure).
(7)
Allowance percentage represents the allowance for credit losses divided by finance receivables outstanding as of ending balance sheet date.
(8)
Total reserves percentage represents the allowance for credit losses, purchase price discount, and unearned dealer discounts divided by finance receivables outstanding as of ending balance sheet date.

21


Analysis of Credit Losses

Implementation of ASU 2016-13

We adopted ASU 2016-13 on April 1, 2023, as further described in "Significant Accounting Policies" to the unaudited Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. Upon implementation of ASU 2016-13, we recognized a decrease to our opening retained earnings balance of approximately $0.2 million, which reflects an increase to the allowance for credit losses (ACL) of approximately $0.2 million.

ASU 2016-13 introduces a new accounting model to measure credit losses for financial assets measured at amortized costs. In contrast to the previous incurred loss model, ASU 2016-13 requires credit losses for financial assets measured at amortized cost to be determined based on the total current expected credit losses over the life of those financial asset or group of assets.

Our process for determining the ACL considers a customer's willingness and ability to pay along with other risk characteristics, including loan size, effective interest rate, loan term, geographic location, expected loss patterns, loan modification programs and other macroeconomic factors. In addition to our quantitative ACL, we also incorporate qualitative adjustments that may relate to risks and changes in current economic conditions that may not be reflected in quantitatively derived results.

Prior to adoption of ASU 2016-13 the Company used a trailing twelve-month charge-off analysis to calculate the allowance for credit losses and took into consideration the composition of the portfolio, current economic conditions, estimated net realizable value of the underlying collateral, historical loan loss experience, delinquency, non-performing assets, and bankrupt accounts when determining management’s estimate of probable credit losses and adequacy of the allowance for credit losses. By including recent trends such as delinquency, non-performing assets, and bankruptcy in its determination, management believed that the allowance for credit losses reflected the current trends of incurred losses within the portfolio and was aligned with the portfolio’s performance indicators.

If the allowance for credit losses was determined to be inadequate, then an additional charge to the provision was recorded to maintain adequate reserves based on management’s evaluation of the risk inherent in the loan portfolio which includesportfolio. Conversely, the competitive environment that existed when the loan was acquired,Company could identify abnormalities in the composition of the portfolio, which would indicate the calculation is overstated and current economic conditions. Such evaluation considers, amongmanagement judgment may be required to determine the allowance of credit losses for both Contracts and Direct Loans.

Non-performing assets are defined as accounts that are contractually delinquent for 61 or more days past due or Chapter 13 bankruptcy accounts. For these accounts, the accrual of interest income is suspended, and any previously accrued interest is reversed. Upon notification of a bankruptcy, an account is monitored for collection with other matters,Chapter 13 accounts. In the event the debtors’ balance is reduced by the bankruptcy court, the Company will record a loss equal to the amount of principal balance reduction. The remaining balance will be reduced as payments are received by the bankruptcy court. In the event an account is dismissed from bankruptcy, the Company will decide based on several factors, whether to begin repossession proceedings or allow the customer to begin making regularly scheduled payments.

Beginning March 31, 2018, the Company allocated a specific reserve for the Chapter 13 bankruptcy accounts using a look back method to calculate the estimated net realizable value or the fair valuelosses. Based on this look back, management calculated a specific reserve of the underlying collateral, economic conditions, historical loan loss experience, management’s estimateapproximately $252 thousand for these accounts as of probable credit losses and other factors that warrant recognition in providing for an adequate credit loss allowance.June 30, 2023.

Because of the nature of the customers under the Company’s Contracts and its Direct Loan program, the Company considers the establishment of adequate reserves for credit losses to be imperative. The Company segregates its Contracts into static pools for purposes of establishing reserves for losses. All Contracts purchased by a branch during a fiscal quarter comprise a static pool. The Company pools Contracts according to branch location because the branches purchase Contracts in different geographic markets. This method of pooling by branch and quarter allows the Company to evaluate the different markets where the branches operate. The pools also allow the Company to evaluate the different levels of customer income, stability and credit history, and the types of vehicles purchased, in each market. In analyzing a static pool, the Company considers the performance of prior static pools originated by the same branch office, the competition at time of acquisition, and current market and economic conditions. Each static pool is analyzed monthly to determine if the loss reserves are adequate, and adjustments are made if they are determined to be necessary. A consolidated static pool contains the static pools of all branches for a given quarter. The Company analyzes each consolidated static pool at specific points in time.

16


The Company has been maintaining historicalwrite-off information for over 20 years with respect to every consolidated static pool, segregating each consolidated static pool by liquidation and in effect creating snapshots of a pool’swrite-off-to liquidation ratio at five different points in such pool’s liquidation cycle. These snapshots help the Company in determining the appropriate provision for credit losses and subsequent allowance for credit losses. The five snapshots are taken when the liquidation levels are at 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%.

The Company’s allowance for credit losses incorporates recent trends that include the acquisition of longer term contracts and increased delinquencies which the Company believes more closely depicts the amount of the allowance for credit losses needed to maintain an adequate reserve. Management evaluates each static pool on an independent basis each quarter and accounts for such pool’s term, how far along the corresponding pool is in its liquidation cycle, late charges, the number of deferments, and delinquency. This information is based on the result each individual Contract. The Company believes that this approach reflects the current trends of incurred losses within the portfolio and better aligns the allowance for credit losses with the portfolio’s performance indicators.

Contracts are purchased from many different dealers and are all purchased on an individualContract-by-Contract basis. Individual Contract pricing is determined by the automobile dealerships and is generally based on the lesser of the applicable state maximum interest rate, if any, or the maximum interest rate which the customer will accept. In most markets, competitive forces will drive down Contract rates from the maximum rate to a level where an individual competitor is willing to buy an individual Contract. The Company does not anticipate any portfolio acquisitions in the near-term.

The Company utilizes the branch model, which allows for Contract purchasing to be done at the branch level. The Company has detailed underwriting guidelines it utilizes to determine which Contracts to purchase. These guidelines are specific and are designed to provide reasonable assurance that the Contracts that the Company purchases have common risk characteristics. The Company utilizes its District Managers to evaluate their respective branch locations for adherence to these underwriting guidelines, as well as approve underwriting exceptions. The Company also utilizes internal audit (the “IA”) to assure adherence to its underwriting guidelines. Any Contract that does not meet our underwriting guidelines can be submitted by a branch manager for approval from the Company’s District Managers or senior management.

Introduction

Pretax income for the three months ending December 31, 2017 was $.8 million. In the month of December 2017, the Company had aone-time income tax expense adjustment of $3.4 million relating to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”) which reduced net income to a net loss. The net loss for the three months ended December 31, 2017 was $2.9 million.

For the three months ended December 31, 2016 the Company had pretax earnings of $2.6 million and net earnings of $1.6 million. Diluted net loss per share decreased to $0.37 for the three months ended December 31, 2017 as compared to diluted earnings per share of $0.21 for the three months ended December 31, 2016. Revenue decreased 7% to $20.5$0.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017 as compared to $22.0on June 30, 2023, from $3.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2016.

The Company announced that its pretax income for the nine months ending December 31, 2017 was $2.7 million. In the monthon June 30, 2022, largely due to adoption of December 2017,ASU 2016-13. Prior to April 1, 2023, the Company had aone-time income tax expense adjustment of $3.4 million relatingrecorded losses based on the trailing twelve-month charge-offs, and applied this calculated percentage to the TCJA which reduced net income to a net loss. The net loss for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 was $1.7 million.

For the nine months ended December 31, 2016 the Company had pretax earnings of $10.5 million and net earnings of $6.5 million. Diluted net loss per share decreased to $0.22 for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 as compared to diluted earnings per share of $0.83 for the nine months ended December 31, 2016. Revenue decreased 5% to $64.1 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 as compared to $67.6 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2016.

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was passed into law (“TCJA”). The TCJA includes a broad range of tax reform including changes to tax rates and deductions that are effective January 1, 2018. The decrease in the enacted corporate tax rate expected to apply when our temporary differences are realized or settled ultimately resulted in aone-time revaluation of our net deferred tax asset of $3.4 million in December 2017 with a corresponding charge to income tax expense. The tax effects of the TCJA increased income tax expense to a level that reduced net income to a net loss for both the three and nine-month periods ending December 31, 2017.

17


   Three months ended
December 31,
(In thousands)
  Nine months ended
December 31,
(In thousands)
 
   2017  2016  2017  2016 

Portfolio Summary

     

Average finance receivables, net of unearned interest (1)

  $321,742  $349,916  $333,660  $345,950 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Average indebtedness (2)

  $183,615  $210,745  $196,619  $209,875 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Interest and fee income on finance receivables

  $20,526  $22,044  $64,062  $67,606 

Interest expense

   2,585   2,258   7,483   6,745 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net interest and fee income on finance receivables

  $17,941  $19,786  $56,579  $60,861 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Gross portfolio yield (3)

   25.52  25.20  25.60  26.06

Interest expense as a percentage of average finance receivables, net of unearned interest

   3.21  2.58  2.99  2.60

Provision for credit losses as a percentage of average finance receivables, net of unearned interest

   11.18  10.05  11.54  9.24
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Net portfolio yield (3)

   11.13  12.57  11.07  14.22

Marketing, salaries, employee benefits, depreciation, and administrative expenses as a percentage of average finance receivables, net of unearned interest

   10.12  9.70  9.98  10.26
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Pre-tax yield as a percentage of average finance receivables, net of unearned interest (4)

   1.01  2.87  1.09  3.96
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Write-off to liquidation (5)

   13.66  12.35  13.00  11.02

Netcharge-off percentage (6)

   10.63  8.86  10.13  8.57

Allowance percentage (7)

   6.59  4.21  6.35  4.26

Note:All three-month and nine-month statement of income performance indicators expressed as percentages have been annualized.

(1)Average finance receivables, net of unearned interest, represents the average of gross finance receivables, less unearned interest throughout the period.

(2)Average indebtedness represents the average outstanding borrowings under the Line

(3)Gross portfolio yield represents interest and fee income on finance receivables as a percentage of average finance receivables, net of unearned interest. Net portfolio yield represents (a) interest and fee income on finance receivables minus (b) interest expense minus (c) the provision for credit losses, as a percentage of average finance receivables, net of unearned interest.

(4)Pre-tax yield represents net portfolio yield minus administrative expenses (marketing, salaries, employee benefits, depreciation, and administrative), as a percentage of average finance receivables, net of unearned interest.

(5)Write-off to liquidation percentage is defined as net charge-offs divided by liquidation. Liquidation is defined as beginning receivable balance plus current period purchases and originations minus ending receivable balance.

(6)Netcharge-off percentage represents net charge-offs (charge-offs less recoveries) divided by average finance receivables, net of unearned interest, outstanding during the period.

(7)Allowance percentage represents the allowance for credit losses divided by average finance receivables, net of unearned interest, outstanding during the period.

18


Three months ended December 31, 2017 compared to three months ended December 31, 2016

Interest Income and Loan Portfolio

Interest and fee income on finance receivables predominately finance charge income, decreased 7% to $20.5 millioncalculate estimated probable credit losses for purposes of determining the three-month period ended December 31, 2017 from $22.0 million for the three-month period ended December 31, 2016. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the average weighted APR of the portfolio, and a decrease in the volume of Contracts purchased.

Average finance receivables, net of unearned interest equaled approximately $321.7 million for the three-month period ended December 31, 2017, a decrease of 8% from $349.9 million for the corresponding period ended December 31, 2016. Our purchasing volume declined 39% quarter over quarter mainly as a result of the modification of our underwriting guidelines, including the use of alternative data provided by a third party service company beginning in March 2017, to improve pricing for proper risk. The decrease in average finance receivables, net of unearned interest was primarily due to this decrease in purchasing volume.

The gross portfolio yield increased to 25.52% for the three-month period ended December 31, 2017 compared to 25.20% for the three-month period ended December 31, 2016. The gross portfolio yield increased primarily due to the decrease inpast-due accounts (see“Note4- Finance Receivables”for further discussion). The net portfolio yield decreased to 11.13% for the three-month period ended December 31, 2017 from 12.57% for the corresponding period ended December 31, 2016. The net portfolio yield decreased due to an increase in interest expense, as described under “Interest Expense”, and an increase in the provisionallowance for credit losses. Upon adoption of ASC 326 on April 1, 2023, expected credit losses as described under “Analysis of Credit Losses”.

Marketing, Salaries, Employee Benefits, Depreciation, and Administrative Expenses

Marketing, salaries, employee benefits, depreciation, and administrative expenses decreased to approximately $8.1 million forwere determined by comparing the three-month period ended December 31, 2017 from approximately $8.5 million for the three-month period ended December 31, 2016. The decrease was primarily related to a decrease in bonuses related to the declining portfolio performance along with a decrease in administrative costs directly related to the volume of Contracts purchased. Marketing, salaries, employee benefits, depreciation, and administrative expenses as a percentageamortized cost of finance receivables with the present value of the estimated future principal and interest cash flows. The current period provision reflects the change in the difference between the amortized cost basis and the present value of the expected cash flows of finance receivables.

The net of unearned interest,charge-off percentage increased to 10.12% for the three-month period ended December 31, 2017 from 9.70% for the three-month period ended December 31, 2016.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased to approximately $2.6 million for the three-month period ended December 31, 2017 as compared to $2.3 million for the three-month period ended December 31, 2016. This increase was primarily due to the increase in the pricing to 400 basis points above 30 day LIBOR and an increase in 30 day LIBOR rates. Pricing prior to November 7, 2017 was 350 basis points above 30 day LIBOR. Pricing for the three-month period ended December 31, 2016 was 300 basis points above 30 day LIBOR until December 30, 2016, when it changed to 350 basis points above 30 day LIBOR. This change continued until the November 7, 2017 amendment. See below for more details. The following table summarizes the Company’s average cost of borrowed funds:

   Three months ended December 31, 
   2017  2016 

Variable interest under the line of credit facility

   0.63%   0.21

Settlements under interest rate swap agreements

   0.00%   0.09

Credit spread under the line of credit facility

   5.00%   4.00
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Average cost of borrowed funds

   5.63%   4.30
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

LIBOR rates have increased (1.57% as of December 31, 2017 compared to .77% as of December 31, 2016) which caused an increase in variable interest for the amount that exceeded the 1% floor. Average cost of borrowed funds is greater than the highest 30 day LIBOR rate plus 400 basis points, or 5.57%, due to amortized loan costs. During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company’s remaining interest rate swap expired (see “Note6- Interest Rate Swap Agreements” for further discussion) but these did not have a significant effect on borrowing costs. For further discussions regarding interest rates see“Note 5 – Line of Credit”.

19


Nine months ended December 31, 2017 compared to nine months ended December 31, 2016

Interest Income and Loan Portfolio

Interest and fee income on finance receivables, predominately finance charge income, decreased 5% to $64.1 million for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017 from $67.6 million for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2016. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in the average weighted APR of the portfolio, and a decrease in the volume of Contracts purchased.

Average finance receivables, net of unearned interest equaled approximately $333.7 million for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017, a decrease of 4% from $346.0 million for the corresponding period ended December 31, 2016. Our purchasing volume declined 36% period over period mainly as a result of the modification of our underwriting guidelines, including the use of alternative data provided by a third party service company beginning in March 2017, to improve pricing for proper risk. The decrease in average finance receivables, net of unearned interest was primarily due to this decrease in purchasing volume.

The gross portfolio yield decreased to 25.60% for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017 compared to 26.06% for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2016. The gross portfolio yield decreased primarily due to the decrease in the average weighted APR of the portfolio described above. The net portfolio yield decreased to 11.07% for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017 from 14.22% for the corresponding period ended December 31, 2016. The net portfolio yield decreased due to a decrease in the gross portfolio yield, but primarily to an increase in the provision for credit losses, as described under “Analysis of Credit Losses”.

Marketing, Salaries, Employee Benefits, Depreciation, and Administrative Expenses

Marketing, salaries, employee benefits, depreciation, and administrative expenses decreased to approximately $25.0 million for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017 from approximately $26.6 million for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2016. The decrease was primarily related to a decrease in the amount of Contracts purchased and a decrease in average headcount for the nine months ended December 31, 2017. The Company decreased average headcount to 305 for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017 from 317 for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2016, mainly due to branch closures. Marketing, salaries, employee benefits, depreciation, and administrative expenses as a percentage of finance receivables, net of unearned interest, decreased to 9.98% for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017 from 10.26% for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2016.

Interest Expense

Interest expense increased to approximately $7.5 million for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2017 as compared to $6.7 million for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2016. This increase was primarily due to the increase in the pricing to 400 basis points above 30 day LIBOR and an increase in 30 day LIBOR rates. Pricing prior to November 7, 2017 was 350 basis points above 30 day LIBOR. Pricing for the nine-month period ended December 31, 2016 was 300 basis points above 30 day LIBOR until December 30, 2016, when it changed to 350 basis points above 30 day LIBOR. This change continued until the November 7, 2017 amendment. See below for more details. The following table summarizes the Company’s average cost of borrowed funds:

   Nine months ended December 31, 
   2017  2016 

Variable interest under the line of credit facility

   0.08%   0.18

Settlements under interest rate swap agreements

   (0.01)%   0.10

Credit spread under the line of credit facility

   5.00%   4.00
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Average cost of borrowed funds

   5.07%   4.28
  

 

 

  

 

 

 

LIBOR rates have increased (1.57% as of December 31, 2017 compared to .77% as of December 31, 2016) which caused an increase in variable interest for the amount that exceeded the 1% floor. The increase in LIBOR rates also caused a decrease in expense related to our interest rate swap agreements. During the nine months ended December 31, 2017, both of the Company’s interest rate swaps expired (see “Note6- Interest Rate Swap Agreements” for further discussion) but these did not have a significant effect on borrowing costs. For further discussions regarding interest rates see“Note 5 – Line of Credit”.

20


Contract Procurement

The Company purchases Contracts in the eighteen states listed in the table below. The Contracts purchased by the Company are predominately for used vehicles; for the three and nine month periods ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, less than 1% were for new vehicles.

The following tables present selected information on Contracts purchased by the Company, net of unearned interest.

   As of
December 31,
2017
  Three months ended
December 31,
   

Nine months ended

December 31,

 
   2017   2016   2017   2016 

State

  Number of
branches
  Net Purchases
(In thousands)
   Net Purchases
(In thousands)
 

FL

   19  $6,552   $12,950   $21,081   $36,527 

GA

   6   3,000    4,195    8,270    11,515 

NC

   6   2,374    3,740    6,364    9,843 

SC

   2   1,088    1,213    3,040    3,062 

OH

   6   3,693    5,100    10,431    14,645 

MI

   2   1,286    1,725    3,685    5,121 

VA

   2   770    1,126    1,986    3,041 

IN

   3   1,776    2,318    4,975    6,865 

KY

   3   1,410    2,271    4,159    6,316 

MD

   1   244    898    886    2,056 

AL

   2   682    1,138    2,259    3,699 

TN

   2   982    1,426    2,304    3,858 

IL

   3   525    2,004    2,245    5,570 

MO

   3   1,153    2,383    3,615    5,997 

KS

   1   427    926    1,390    2,274 

TX

   2   739    1,578    1,859    5,239 

PA

   1   677    748    1,666    1,878 

WI

   a   —      202    106    806 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   64  $27,378   $45,941   $80,321   $128,312 
  

 

 

  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

a.Purchases in the state of Wisconsin are currently being acquired and serviced through an Illinois branch.

   Three months ended
December 31,

(Purchases in thousands)
  Nine months ended
December 31,

(Purchases in thousands)
 

Contracts

  2017  2016  2017  2016 

Purchases

  $27,378  $45,941  $80,321  $128,312 

Weighted APR

   21.68%   21.99  21.99%   22.20

Average discount

   6.89%   6.87  7.23%   7.00

Weighted average term (months)

   54   57   55   57 

Average loan

  $11,577  $11,945  $11,552  $11,727 

Number of Contracts

   2,365   3,846   6,953   10,942 

21


Loan Origination

The following table presents selected information on Direct Loans originated by the Company, net of unearned interest.

   Three months ended
December 31,
(Originations in thousands)
  Nine months ended
December 31,
(Originations in thousands)
 

Direct Loans Originated

  2017  2016  2017  2016 
  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

  

 

 

 

Originations

  $2,218  $2,578  $6,196  $7,109 

Weighted APR

   25.20%   25.87  25.25%   26.03

Weighted average term (months)

   28   29   29   29 

Average loan

  $3,566  $3,661  $3,742  $3,563 

Number of loans

   622   704   1,656   1,995 

Analysis of Credit Losses

As of December 31, 2017, the Company had approximately 1,491 active static pools. The average pool upon inception consisted of 49 Contracts with aggregate finance receivables, net of unearned interest, of approximately $570,000.

The provision for credit losses increased to $9.0 million9.6% for the three months ended December 31, 2017on June 30, 2023, from $8.8 million6.5% for the three months ended December 31, 2016, largely due to the netcharge-off percentage (see note 6 in the Portfolio Summary table in the“Introduction” above for the definition of netcharge-off percentage) increasing to 10.63% for the three months ended December 31, 2017 from 8.86% for the three months ended December 31, 2016 for the reasons described below. The provision for credit losses increased to approximately $28.9 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 from approximately $24.0 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2016. This increase ison June 30, 2022, primarily a result of an increase in the netcharge-off rate to 10.13% for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 from 8.57% for the nine months ended December 31, 2016 for the reasons described below.

The Company’s allowance for credit losses incorporates recent trends that includedriven by increased delinquencies by analyzing the allowance on aand loan by loan basis, which the Company believes more closely depicts the amount of the allowance for credit losses needed to maintain an adequate reserve within a static pool. The Company believes that this approach reflects the current trends of incurred losses within the portfolio and better aligns the allowance for credit losses with the portfolio’s performance indicators. The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of average net receivables (see note 7 indefaults. (See the Portfolio Summary table in the Introduction”“Introduction” above for the definition of allowancenet charge-off percentage). Management attributes these increased delinquencies and loan defaults primarily to 6.59%the fact that the beneficial impact of the government’s prior COVID-19-related assistance to the Company’s customers had subsided at a time when those customers began facing increased inflationary pressures affecting their cost of living, and expects that the net charge-off percentage will remain, for the three months ended December 31, 2017 from 4.21% for the three months ended December 31, 2016. The allowance for credit losses as a percentage of average net receivables increased to 6.35% for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 from 4.26% for the nine months ended December 31, 2016. The increase is primarily a result of an increase inwrite-off to liquidation to 13.66% for the three months ended December 31, 2017 from 12.35% for the three months ended December 31, 2016 and to 13.00% for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 from 11.02% for the nine months ended December 31, 2016.

The Company considers multiple factors to assist in determining appropriate loss reserve levels. The Company continues to evaluate reserveforeseeable future, at levels on apool-by-pool basis during each reporting period. The longer-term outlook for portfolio performance will depend on overall economic conditions, the rational or irrational behavior of the Company’s competitors, and the Company’s ability to monitor, manage and implement its underwriting and collections philosophy in additional geographic areas as it strives to continue its expansion.

The Company’s loan losses as a percentage of liquidation (see note 5 in the Portfolio Summary table in the “Introduction” above for the definition ofwrite-off to liquidation) increased to 13.66% for the three months ended December 31, 2017 as compared to 12.35% for the three months ended December 31, 2016. The Company’s losses as a percentage of liquidation increased to 13.00% for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 as compared to 11.02% for the nine months ended December 31, 2016.

The increases in the netcharge-off percentage,write-off to liquidation percentage and allowance percentage for both the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2017 were primarily the result of the Company underestimating the competitiveness of the markethigher than those experienced in prior years and purchasing loans of lower credit quality in such years. As these loans move toward maturity, the actual losses do not occur evenly over their respective lives. Within both the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2017, the Company saw more charge-offs in these lower quality pools than it saw for the same pools during the three-month and nine-month periods ended December 31, 2016. At the beginning of 2016, the Company implemented measures to mitigate losses, identify fraud on the front end, and more accurately price

reasons.

22


for risk. In January of 2016, the Company modified its underwriting policies, in March of 2017 the Company engaged a third party service company, to more accurately price risk, and in June of 2017, the Company created a centralized funding department to provide a final review of all Contracts prior to funding. The Company also continues to see decreased auction proceeds from repossessed vehicles, which increases the amount of write-offs which, in turn, increases thewrite-off to liquidation percentage, allowance percentage and netcharge-off percentage. During the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, auction proceeds from the sale of repossessed vehicles averaged approximately 36% and 37%, respectively, of the related principal balance. During the nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, auction proceeds from the sale of repossessed vehicles averaged approximately 35% and 38%, respectively, of the related principal balance. Based on current market conditions, the Company does not expect auction proceeds to improve within the remaining quarters of the fiscal year.

Recoveries as a percentage of charge-offs were approximately 4.10% and 6.88% for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Recoveries as a percentage of charge-offs were approximately 5.26% and 7.49% for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The Company attributes a large portion of this decrease simply to the increase in charge-offs for the 2017 periods, and to a lesser extent to the September 1, 2016, change in its accounting policy to write off accounts that are 180+ delinquent (from 120+ days delinquent). The Company periodically aggregatescharge-off accounts it deems uncollectible and sells them to a third-party. For the nine months ended December 31,2016 the Company received approximately $225k from a third party sale, this has not occurred in the nine-months ended December 31, 2017.

The delinquency percentage for Contracts more than thirtytwenty-nine days past due, excluding Chapter 13 bankruptcy accounts, as of December 31, 2017June 30, 2023 was 13.76%19.8%, a decreasean increase from 14.45%9.5% as of December 31, 2016.June 30, 2022. The delinquency percentage for Direct Loans more than thirtytwenty-nine days past due, excluding Chapter 13 bankruptcy accounts, as of December 31, 2017June 30, 2023 was 4.46%23.0%, a decreasean increase from 4.88%5.1% as of December 31, 2016.June 30, 2022. The decreasechanges in delinquency percentage for both Contracts and Direct Loans was driven primarily by portfolio improvement. The delinquency percentage for the period ended December 31, 2016 was exacerbated by greater than anticipated difficulties in implementing a centralized collection model in October 2016, after the Company moved all loan-servicing operations from branch locations to a centralized location withinmarket and economic pressure and its corporate headquarters in Clearwater. The Company has since moved all of its collections back to the branches.adverse impact on consumers.

The Company has continued to see a significant number of competitors with aggressive underwriting in its operating market. See“Note 4—Finance Receivables” for changes in allowance for credit losses, credit quality and delinquencies.

In accordance with our policies and procedures, certain borrowers qualify for, and the Company offers,one-month principal payment deferrals on Contracts and Direct Loans. For the

22


Three months ended June 30, 2023 compared to three months ended December 31, 2017June 30, 2022

Interest and December 31, 2016, the Company granted deferralsFee Income on Finance Receivables

Interest and fee income on finance receivables, which consist predominantly of finance charge income, decreased 41.3% to approximately 7.47% and 11.84%, respectively, of total Contracts and Direct Loans. For the nine months ended December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company granted deferrals to approximately 30.34% and 22.85%, respectively, of total Contracts and Direct Loans. The increase in the number of deferrals for the nine month period ended December 31, 2017 was mainly a result of the impact of Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Harvey, with 42% of our branch locations located in areas that were affected by these storms. The Company offered deferrals to those customers that were impacted to assist them during a time of crisis. Additionally, deferments are influenced by portfolio performance, including but not limited to, inflation, credit quality of loans purchased, competition at the time of Contract acquisition, and general economic conditions.

Income Taxes

On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was passed into law (“TCJA”). The TCJA includes a broad range of tax reform including changes to tax rates and deductions that are effective January 1, 2018. The decrease in the enacted corporate tax rate expected to apply when our temporary differences are realized or settled ultimately resulted in aone-time revaluation of our net deferred tax asset of $3.4 million in December 2017 with a corresponding charge to income tax expense. The tax effects of the TCJA increased income tax expense to a level that reduced net income to a net loss for both the three and nine-month periods ending December 31, 2017.

The provision for income taxes increased to approximately $3.7$7.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2017June 30, 2023, from approximately $1.0$12.1 million for the three months ended December 31, 2016.June 30, 2022. The decrease was primarily due to a reduction in originations of Contracts and discontinued originating Direct Loans pursuant to its restructuring plan.

The portfolio yield decreased to 23.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2023, compared to 26.9% for the three months ended June 30, 2022. The net portfolio yield increased to 19.7% for the three months ended June 30, 2023, compared to 17.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2022. The substantial improvement in net portfolio yield was primarily a result of reduced provision for credit losses following the adoption of ASC 326.

As part of the Company’s restructuring and change in operating strategy disclosed above, the Company realized significant savings in operating expenses for the three months ended June 30, 2023 as evident by a ratio of operating expenses as a percentage of average finance receivable of 14.1% as compared to 21.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2023, and 2022, respectively. Management expects that the operating expenses will continue declining as the Company transitioned its servicing and collections activities to Westlake under the Servicing Agreement.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses decreased to $4.2 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023 compared to $9.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022. The decrease in operating expenses was primarily attributed to restructuring initiative associated with branch closures and transition of the servicing process to Westlake under our servicing agreement. These factors had a direct beneficial effect and lead to the decrease in salary and wages as a result of the Company’s headcount reduction. Similarly, operating expenses as a percentage of average finance receivables also decreased to 14.0% for the three months ended June 30, 2023 from 21.1% for the three months ended June 30, 2022 as a result of the factors above and a decrease in the average receivables balance.

Provision Expense

The provision for credit losses decreased to $0.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023 from $3.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022, largely due to a change in the accounting policy related to the adoption of ASC 326, while the net charge-off percentage increased to 9.6% for the three months ended June 30, 2023 from 6.5% for the three months ended June 30, 2022.

Interest Expense

Interest expense was $0.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023 and $0.6 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022. The following table summarizes the Company’s average cost of borrowed funds:

 

 

Three months ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Variable interest under the Credit Facility

 

 

5.08

%

 

 

0.68

%

Credit spread under the Credit Facility

 

 

3.35

%

 

 

2.25

%

Average cost of borrowed funds

 

 

8.43

%

 

 

2.93

%

SOFR rates have increased to 5.1%, which represented the daily SOFR rate as required under the Westlake Credit Agreement, as of June 30, 2023 compared to 1.5% as of June 30, 2022 required by Wells Fargo Credit Facility.

Income Taxes

The Company recorded an income tax expense of approximately $0.1 million for the three months ended June 30, 2023 compared to an income tax benefit of approximately $0.7 million for the three months ended June 30, 2022. The Company’s effective tax rate increaseddecreased to 456.48%8.4% for the three months ended December 31, 2017June 30, 2023 from 37.93%26.1% for the three months ended December 31, 2016.June 30, 2022. The provision for income taxes increased to approximately $4.4 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2017 from approximately $4.0 million for the nine months ended December 31, 2016. The Company’slower effective tax rate increased to 164.70% for the ninethree months ended December 31, 2017 from 38.01%June 30, 2023 is primarily attributable to the establishment of a valuation allowance subsequent to June 30, 2022.

23


Contract Procurement

As of June 30, 2023, the Company purchased Contracts in the states listed in the table below. The Contracts purchased by the Company are predominantly for used vehicles for the nine monthsthree-month periods ended December 31, 2016.

June 30, 2023 and 2022, less than 1% were for new vehicles.

The following tables present selected information on Contracts purchased by the Company.

23

 

 

As of June 30,

 

 

Three months ended
June 30,

 

 

 

2023

 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

State

 

Number of
branches

 

 

Net Purchases
(In thousands)

 

FL

 

 

-

 

 

$

664

 

 

$

4,749

 

OH

 

 

-

 

 

 

1,530

 

 

 

2,982

 

GA

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

2,758

 

KY

 

 

-

 

 

 

258

 

 

 

1,501

 

MO

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,391

 

NC

 

 

-

 

 

 

76

 

 

 

1,840

 

IN

 

 

-

 

 

 

63

 

 

 

1,112

 

SC

 

 

-

 

 

 

129

 

 

 

1,341

 

AL

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

1,066

 

MI

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

450

 

NV

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

568

 

TN

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

296

 

IL

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

489

 

PA

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

614

 

TX

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

526

 

WI

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

264

 

ID

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

294

 

UT

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

71

 

AZ

 

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

24

 

KS

 

-

 

 

 

 

 

 

18

 

Total

 

 

-

 

 

$

2,720

 

 

$

22,354

 

 

 

Three months ended
June 30,
(Purchases in thousands)

 

Contracts

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Purchases

 

$

2,720

 

 

$

22,354

 

Average APR

 

 

22.0

%

 

 

22.9

%

Average discount

 

 

6.0

%

 

 

6.6

%

Average term (months)

 

 

50

 

 

 

48

 

Average amount financed

 

$

12,420

 

 

$

11,552

 

Number of Contracts

 

 

219

 

 

 

1,935

 

Direct Loan Origination

The following table presents selected information on Direct Loans originated by the Company.

Direct Loans

 

Three months ended
June 30,
(Originations in thousands)

 

Originated

 

2023

 

2022

 

Purchases/Originations

 

N/A

 

$

8,215

 

Average APR

 

N/A

 

 

31.2

%

Average term (months)

 

N/A

 

 

25

 

Average amount financed

 

N/A

 

$

4,128

 

Number of loans

 

N/A

 

 

1,990

 

24


Liquidity and Capital Resources

The Company’s cash flows are summarized as follows:

  Nine months ended
December 31,
(In thousands)
 

 

Three months ended
June 30,
(In thousands)

 

  2017   2016 

 

2023

 

 

2022

 

Cash provided by (used in):

    

 

 

 

 

 

 

Operating activities

  $18,551   $22,518 

 

$

1,169

 

 

$

(1,361

)

Investing activities

   16,214    (24,232

 

 

12,905

 

 

 

(9,307

)

Financing activities

   (34,538)    3,529 

 

 

(13,850

)

 

 

9,444

 

  

 

   

 

 

Net increase in cash

  $227   $1,815 
  

 

   

 

 

Net increase (decrease) in cash

 

$

224

 

 

$

(1,224

)

The Company’s primary use of working capital for the nine monthsquarter ended December 31, 2017June 30, 2023 was funding the purchase of Contracts, which are financed substantially through cash from principal and interest payments received, cash from operations and ourthe Company’s line of credit.

Please refer to “Note 5 – in the Annual Report on Form 10-K” for disclosure on the Company’s prior credit (the “Line”). The Company may borrow up to $225.0 millionfacility with Wells Fargo under the Line. Effective November 8, 2017,WF Credit Agreement, which disclosure is incorporated herein by reference.

On January 18, 2023, the Company executed amendment 7 to the Line which extended the maturity date to March 31, 2018 and increased the pricing of the Line to 400 basis points above 30 day LIBOR, while maintaining the 1% floor on LIBOR. The amendment also increased the voting stock ownership limit from 20% to 30% and revised the calculation of availability and the minimum interest coverage ratio. The threshold for the minimum interest coverage ratio was lowered for the period ending December 31, 2017.

On December 30, 2016, the Company had executed an amendment which increased the pricing of the Line to 350 basis points above 30 day LIBOR while maintaining the 1% floor on LIBOR. This pricing was maintained under a subsequent amendment effective June 30, 2017. Prior to December 30, 2016, the pricing on the Line was 300 basis points above 30 day LIBOR with a 1% floor on LIBOR.

Pledged as collateral for this Line are all the assets of the Company. The Line requires compliance with certain financial ratios and covenants and satisfaction of specified financial tests, including maintenance of asset quality and performance tests. As of December 31, 2017, the Company is in compliance with all debt covenants. Had the Company notthrough its subsidiaries, entered into amendment 6 and amendment 7 to the credit agreement, the Company would not have been in compliance with the minimum interest coverage ratio of 1.5:1 as of June 30, 2017, September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2017, respectively.

As of December 31, 2017, the amount outstanding under the Line was $178.0 million, while the average amount outstanding during the three and nine months ended December 31, 2017 was $183.6 million and $196.6 million, respectively. The exact amount that the Company may borrow under the Line at any given time is determined in accordance with the Second Amended and Restateda Loan and Security Agreement as subsequently amended.(the “Loan Agreement”) with Westlake, pursuant to which Westlake is providing the Company a senior secured revolving credit facility in the principal amount of up to $50 million (the “Credit Facility”).

The Company will continue to depend on the availability of the Line, together with cash from operations, to finance future operations.

The availability of funds under the LineCredit Facility is generally depends on availability calculations as defined inlimited to an advance rate of between 70% and 85% of the corresponding credit agreement. In addition, our credit facility requires us to comply with certain financial ratios and covenants and to satisfy specified financial tests, including maintenancevalue of asset quality and portfolio performance tests.

Since the borrowings availableCompany's eligible receivables. Outstanding advances under the Line are calculated every month based on individual loan criteriaCredit Facility will accrue interest at a rate equal to the secured overnight financing rate (SOFR) plus a specified margin, subject to a specified floor interest rate. Unused availability under the Credit Agreement will accrue interest at a low interest rate. The commitment period for advances under the Credit Facility is two years. We refer to the expiration of that time period as defined in the credit agreement, no assurances can be given that“Maturity Date.”

The Loan Agreement contains customary events of default and negative covenants, including but not limited to those governing indebtedness, liens, fundamental changes, and sales of assets. The Loan Agreement also requires the Company willto maintain sufficient availability.

As disclosed in Note 4(i) a minimum tangible net worth equal to the financial statements, the qualitylower of $40 million and an amount equal to 60% of the Company’s loan portfolio has generally been deteriorating, which has resulted inoutstanding balance of the Credit Facility and (ii) an increase innon-performing loans, an increase in delinquencies (with a decrease limitedexcess spread ratio of no less than 8.0%. Pursuant to the quarter ended December 31, 2017) and other factors, whichLoan Agreement, the Company granted a security interest in turn has resulted in increased net charge-offs and an increase in the provisionsubstantially all of their assets as collateral for credit losses. These conditions have resulted in a reduction in net earnings and have affected our borrowing capacitytheir obligations under the credit facility.

Failure to meet any financial ratios, covenants or financial tests could result in an event of default under our line of credit facility.Credit Facility. If an event of default occurs, under the credit facility, our lendersWestlake could increase our borrowing costs, restrict ourthe Company's ability to obtain additional borrowingsadvances under the facility,Credit Facility, accelerate all amounts outstanding under the facility, orCredit Facility, enforce their interest against collateral pledged under the facility.Loan Agreement or enforce such other rights and remedies as they have under the loan documents or applicable law as secured lenders. Subject to Company’s compliance with certain terms and conditions, the lender waived its rights and remedies under the Agreement applicable to the excess spread ratio covenant and collateral performance indicator through September 30, 2024.

If the Company prepays the loan and terminate the Credit Facility prior to the Maturity Date, then the Company would be obligated to pay Westlake a termination fee in an amount equal to a percentage of the average outstanding principal balance of the Credit Facility during the immediately preceding 90 days. If the Company were to sell its accounts receivable to a third party prior to the

Maturity Date, then the Company would be obligated to pay Westlake a fee in an amount equal to a specified percentage of the proceeds of such sale.

The Company has substantially completed its restructuring process to substantially decrease operating expenses and is developing a longstanding relationshipstrategy with respect to its lenders and believes it is probable that it will be able to obtain financing from either its existing lenders or from other sources. However, the Line currently matures on March 31,2018.long-term use of cash. The Company can provide no assurances that the lenders will approve the further renewal or extension of the Line past its current maturity or, assuming that they will approve it, that the facility will not be on terms less favorable than the current agreement. The Company may also determine to seek alternative financing, including but not limited to, the issuance of equity or debt; however, we may not be able to raise additional funds on acceptable terms, or at all.

24


See also “Our business depends on our continued access to bank financing on acceptable termsrelated disclosure contained in “1A. Risk FactorsRestructuring and Change in this report, whichOperating Strategy is incorporated herein by reference.

Contractual ObligationsOff-Balance Sheet Arrangements

The following table summarizes the Company’s material obligations as of December 31, 2017.Company does not engage in any off-balance sheet financing arrangements.

25

   Payments Due by Period
(In thousands)
 
   Total   Less than
1 year
   1 to 3
years
   3 to 5
years
   More than
5 years
 

Operating leases

  $4,153   $2,505   $1,578   $70   $—   

Line of credit1

   178,000    178,000    —      —      —   

Interest on Line1

   2,479    2,479    —      —      —   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

  $184,632   $182,984   $1,578   $70   $—   
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

1.The Company’s Line matures on March 31, 2018. Interest on outstanding borrowings under the Line as of December 31, 2017, is based on an effective interest rate of 5.57%. The effective interest rate used in the above table does not contemplate the possibility of entering into interest rate swap agreements in the future.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Market risks relating to the Company’s operations result primarily from changes in interest rates. The Company does not engage in speculative or leveraged transactions, nor does it hold or issue financial instruments for trading purposes.Not Applicable.

Interest rate risk

Management’s objective is to minimize the cost of borrowing through an appropriate mix of fixed and floating rate debt. Derivative financial instruments, such as interest rate swap agreements, may be used to managing fluctuating interest rate exposures that exist from ongoing business operations. The Company does not use interest rate swap agreements for speculative purposes and does not currently have any active agreements.

As of December 31, 2017, $178.0 million, or 100.00% of our total debt, was subject to floating interest rates. As a result, a hypothetical increase in LIBOR of 1% or 100 basis points (based on actual LIBOR rates of 1.57% as of December 31, 2017) would have resulted in an annualafter-tax increase of interest expense of approximately $1.2 million.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Evaluation of disclosure controlsDisclosure Controls and procedures. Procedures

In accordance with Rule13a-15(b) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”), as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report on Form10-Q, the Company’s management evaluated, with the participation of the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer and PrincipalChief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule13a-15(e) under the Exchange Act).

Based upon theiron that evaluation, of these disclosure controls and procedures, the Principalour Chief Executive Officer and the PrincipalChief Financial Officer have concluded that theour disclosure controls and procedures were not effective at a reasonable level of assurance as of June 30, 2023 because of a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting relating to the enddesign of the period covered bycontrols over accounting for credit losses in accordance with FASB ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) (CECL), including the operation of these controls.

We will take certain measures to remediate the material weakness related to the design of the controls related to application of the CECL accounting standard, including designing and implementing formal procedures and controls related to secondary review of data input, model calculations, journal entries, and financial statement disclosures.

While we believe that our efforts for remediation will improve the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting, these remediation efforts will be ongoing and will require time to operate for management to be able to conclude that the design is effective to remediate the material weakness identified. We may conclude that additional measures are necessary to remediate the material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting, which may necessitate additional evaluation and implementation time.

Notwithstanding the material weakness, the Company has concluded that the condensed consolidated financial statements included in this report present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position and results of operations of the Company as of and for the three months ended June 30, 2023 in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States of America. The Company filed its Quarterly Report on Form10-Q. 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2023 on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, which was two business days following the filing deadline as extended pursuant to Rule 12b-25 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended.

Changes in internal control over financial reporting. There have

In connection with the adoption of CECL, management in the process of establishing and is refining its internal procedures and controls to ensure finance receivables are appropriately accounted for in the accordance with FASB ASC Topic 326 and that required disclosures are complete and accurate. This includes procedures and controls over inputs and assumptions used in the estimation process, the use of third parties, and other risk-based considerations.

Other than described above, during the most recent fiscal quarter, there has been no changeschange in the Company’sour internal controlcontrols over financial reporting, that occurred duringas defined in Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) under the Company’s last fiscal quarterExchange Act, that have materially affected or are reasonably likely to materially affect the Company’s internal controlcontrols over financial reporting.

25

26


PART II - II—OTHER INFORMATION

The Company currently is not a party to any pendinginvolved in certain claims and legal proceedings other than ordinary routine litigation incidental to itsin the normal course of business none of which one, if decided adversely to the Company, would, in the opinion of management, have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

Specifically, the Company has been sued together with several other defendants, in a lawsuit styled: Nicholas Financial, Inc. v. Jeremiah Gross, No. 21CY-CV02148-01, 7th Judicial Circuit, Clay County, Missouri. On March 9, 2021 the Company filed suit against Jeremiah Gross for a deficiency balance owed to the Company following the 2018 surrender and sale of his motor vehicle which secured a loan from the Company. On April 22, 2021 a default judgment for $7,984.18 was entered against Mr. Gross. On December 22, 2021 Mr. Gross filed a motion to set aside the default judgment. The Court granted his motion on March 23, 2022. In his answer he asserted a class-action counterclaim against the Company seeking to represent a nationwide class of the Company’s customers who received allegedly deficient notices regarding the sale of their vehicles and whose vehicles were recovered and sold by the Company, and on behalf of Missouri customers who received allegedly deficient notices from the Company regarding the sale of their recovered vehicles and the calculation of the deficiency owed the Company. The Company filed its answer to the counterclaim on May 13, 2022. On September 9, 2022 the Company filed a motion for summary judgment as to all counts of the counterclaim and the Company's claim against Mr. Gross. The motion was argued on February 16, 2023. On March 27, 2023 the Court entered an order granting the motion in part and denying the motion in part. The Court found in favor of the Company as to the counterclaim regarding presale notices and prejudgment interest, and in Mr. Gross’s favor for the counterclaim as to post-sale notices. The Court denied the Company’s motion for summary judgment as to its claim for a deficiency against Mr. Gross. The remaining claim relates to post-sale notices sent to Missouri customers. The Company’s insurer has accepted the defense of this litigation under a reservation of rights.

ITEM 1A. RISK FACTORSRisk Factors

In addition to the risk factorsRisk Factor below and the other information set forth in this report, especially in the section “PART I – Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Forward Looking Statements,” you should carefully consider the factors discussed in Part I “Item 1A. Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form10-K for the year ended March 31, 2017,2023, which could materially affect our business, financial condition or future results. The risks described below, elsewhere in this report and in the Form10-K are not the only risks facing the Company. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to the Company or that the Company currently deems to be immaterial also may materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and/or operating results.

Our business depends on our continued access to bank financing on acceptable terms.

Our businessAs part of its restructuring and change in operating strategy, the Company has outsourced its servicing, collection and recovery operations and is particularlysubstantially dependent on our abilityWestlake for generation of revenue and debt financing.

As part of the Company’s restructuring and change in operating strategy, in December 2022, Westlake began servicing all receivables held by the Company under its Contracts and Direct Loans, except for charged-off and certain other receivables. The Company expects to access bank financing at competitive rates. We currently useadd additional Contract receivables to the receivables pool covered under the servicing agreement with Westlake from time to time in the future, but will no longer originate Direct Loans. As a $225.0 million lineresult, the Company has significantly reduced its footprint, closing all of its branches and retaining only 16 employees as of June 2023.

In January 2023, two of the Company’s subsidiaries entered into a loan agreement with Westlake, pursuant to which Westlake is providing a senior secured revolving credit facility (the “Line”)in the principal amount of up to $50 million. This facility replaced the Company’s prior facility with a consortiumWells Fargo.

Additional details on the servicing agreement, restructuring activities and loan agreement are incorporated herein by reference to “Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of lendersFinancial Condition and Results of Operations – Restructuring and Change in Operating Strategy” in this quarterly report on Form 10-Q.

The Company’s restructuring and change in operating strategy is subject to finance a large portionvarious risks, including without limitation: the risk that anticipated benefits of our Contract purchasesthe restructuring and Direct Loans. This Line has a maturity datechange in operating strategy, including the servicing and financing arrangements with Westlake (including without limitation the expected reduction in overhead, streamlining of March 31, 2018.    Effective November 8, 2017,operations or reduction in compliance risk), do not materialize to the extent expected or at all, or do not materialize within the timeframe targeted by management;
the risk that the actual servicing fees paid by the Company executed amendment 7 tounder the Line,Westlake servicing agreement, which extended the maturity date to March 31, 2018 and increased the pricing of the Line to 400 basis points above 30 day LIBOR, while maintaining the 1% floor on LIBOR. The amendment also increased the voting stock ownership limit from 20% to 30% and revised the calculation of availability and the minimum interest coverage ratio. The threshold for the minimum interest coverage ratio was lowered for the period ending December 31, 2017.

We can provide no assurances that the lenders will approve the further renewal or extension of the Line past March 31, 2018 or, assuming that they will approve it, that the facility will not be on terms less favorable than the current agreement. If the Company is unableclassifying as administrative costs on its financial statements, exceed the range estimated;

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the risk that the actual interest payments made by the Company under the Westlake loan agreement exceed the range estimated;
risks arising from the loss of control over servicing, collection or recovery processes that we have controlled in the past and potentially, termination of these services by Westlake (a failure of Westlake to renewperform their services under the servicing agreement or replace the facility or find alternative financing, or to do so on acceptable terms, it will be unable to finance the same or similar level of Contract purchases or Direct Loans, and will likely be required to curtail portions of its strategic plan. Thisloan agreement in turn woulda satisfactory manner may have a materialsignificant adverse effect on its liquidity, capital resources and results of operations.

Pledged as collateral for our business);

the Line are substantially allrisk that the actual costs of the assets of the Company. The Line requires compliance with certain financial ratios and covenants and satisfaction of specified financial tests, including maintenance of asset quality and performance tests. Had the Company not entered into amendment 6 and amendment 7 to the credit agreement, the Company would not have beenrestructuring activities in complianceconnection with the minimum interest coverage ratioconsolidation of 1.5:1 asworkforce and closure of June 30, 2017, September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2017, respectively. Failure to meet any financial ratios, covenantsoffices exceed the Company’s estimates or financial tests could result in an event of default under that such activities are not completed on a timely basis;
the Line. If an event of default occurs, our lenders could increase our borrowing costs, restrict our ability to obtain additional borrowings under the facility, accelerate all amounts outstanding under the facility, or enforce their interest against collateral pledged under the facility.

Since the borrowings available under the Line are calculated every month based on individual loan criteria as defined in the credit agreement, no assurances can be givenrisk that the Company will maintain sufficient availability. As disclosedunderestimates the staffing and other resources needed to operate effectively after consolidating its workforce and closing offices;

uncertainties surrounding the Company’s success in Note 4developing and executing on a new business plan;
uncertainties surrounding the Company’s ability to the financial statements, the qualityuse any excess capital to increase shareholder returns, including without limitation, by acquiring loan portfolios or businesses or investing outside of the Company’s loan portfolio has generally been deteriorating, which has resulted in an increase innon-performing loans, an increase in delinquencies (with a decrease limited to the quarter ended December 31, 2017) and other factors, which in turn has resulted in increased net charge-offs and an increase in the provision for credit losses. These conditions have resulted in a reduction in net earnings and have affected our borrowing capacity under the Line.

traditional business.

The Company may also determine to seek alternative financing, including but not limited through the issuance of equity or debt. We may not be able to raise additional funds on acceptable terms, or at all. If we are unable to secure sufficient capital to fund our operating activities, we may be required to curtail portions of our strategic plan. Any equity financings may cause substantial dilution to our stockholders and could involve the issuance of securities with rights senior to the common stock. Any allowed debt financings may require us to comply with onerous financial covenants and restrict our business operations. Our ability to complete additional financings is dependent on, among other things, the state of the capital markets at the timematerialization of any proposed offering, market reception of the Company and the likelihood of the success of our business model, and the offering terms, among other things.

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Changes in U.S. federal, state and local tax law or interpretations of existing tax law could increase our tax burden or otherwisethese risks may adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.operations or financial position, potentially to a material extent.

We are subjectITEM 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

In May 2019, the Company’s Board of Directors (“Board”) authorized a new stock repurchase program allowing for the repurchase of up to taxation at the federal, state and local levels in the United States. On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “TCJA”). The changes included in the TCJA are broad and complex. The final transition impacts$8.0 million of the TCJACompany’s outstanding shares of common stock in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions, or through other structures in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. The authorization was effective immediately.

The timing and actual number of sharers will depend on a variety of factors, including stock price, corporate and regulatory requirements and other market and economic conditions. The Company’s stock repurchase program may differ frombe suspended or discontinued at any time.

In August 2019, the estimates provided elsewhere in this report, possibly materially, dueCompany’s Board authorized additional repurchase of up to among other things, changes in interpretations$1.0 million of the TCJA, any legislative action to address questions that arise because of the TCJA, any changes in accounting standards for income taxes or related interpretations in response to the TCJA, or any updates or changes to estimates the Company has utilized to calculate the transition impacts, including impacts from changes to current year earnings estimates. The estimated impact of the new law is based on management’s current knowledge and assumptions and recognized impacts could be materially different from current estimates based on our actual results in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2018 and our further analysis of the new law.

Company’s outstanding shares.

ITEM 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities

27None.

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Item

ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

Exhibit

No.

Description

10.1

  31.1

Employment Agreement, dated December  12, 2017, between Nicholas Financial, Inc. and Douglas Marohn, President and Chief Executive Officer (incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 to the Company’s Current Report on Form8-K filed on December 11, 2017)*

10.2Form of Dealer Agreement and Schedule thereto listing dealers that are parties to such agreements
31.1Certification of the Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

31.2

Certification of the Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002

32.11

Certification of the Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350

32.21

Certification of the Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. § 1350

101.INS

Inline XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

101.LAB

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Labels Linkbase Document

101.PRE

Inline XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

*Represents a management contract or compensatory plan, contract or arrangement in which a director or named executive officer of the Company participated

1This certification accompanies

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (embedded within the Quarterly Report on Form10-Q and is not filed as part of it.Inline XBRL document)

+ Portions of this exhibit have been redacted in accordance with Item 601(b)(10)(iv) of Regulations S-K.

1 This certification accompanies the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and is not filed as part of it.

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SIGNATURES

SIGNATURES

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

NICHOLAS FINANCIAL, INC.

(Registrant)

Date: August 16, 2023

/s/ Mike Rost

Mike Rost

Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

Date: February 09, 2018

August 16, 2023

/s/ Doug MarohnIrina Nashtatik

Doug Marohn
President and Chief Executive Officer
(Principal Executive Officer)
Date: February 09, 2018

/s/ Katie L. MacGillivary

Irina Nashtatik

Katie L. MacGillivary
Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

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