Q3 2025 Credit Acceptance Corp (MI) Earnings Call

Speaker #2: Good day everyone , and welcome to the Credit Acceptance Corporation . Third quarter 2025 Earnings Call . A webcast recording and transcript of today's earnings call will be made available on Credit Acceptance website .

Speaker #2: At this time , I would like to turn the call over to Credit Acceptance Chief Financial Officer Jay Martin .

Speaker #3: Thank you . Good afternoon and welcome to the Credit Acceptance Corporation . Third quarter 2020 Earnings Call . As you read our news release posted on the Investor Relations section of our website at IR Credit Acceptance .

Speaker #3: Com and as you listen to this conference call , please recognize that both contain forward looking statements within the meaning of federal securities law .

Speaker #3: These forward looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties , many of which are beyond our control and which could cause actual results to differ materially from such statements .

Ken Booth: These risks and uncertainties include those spelled out in the cautionary statement regarding forward-looking information included in the news release. Consider all forward-looking statements in light of those and other risks and uncertainties. Additionally, I should mention that to comply with the SEC's Regulation G, please refer to the Financial Results section of our news release, which provides tables showing how non-GAAP measures reconcile to GAAP measures. At this time, I'll turn the call over to our Chief Executive Officer, Ken Booth, to discuss our Q3 results. Thanks, Jay. Our results for this quarter reflected steady execution with declines in loan performance and year-over-year originations volume, balanced by a portfolio that remains at a record high.

Speaker #3: These risks and uncertainties include those spelled out in the cautionary statement regarding forward looking information included in the news release . Consider all forward looking statements in light of those and other risks and .

Speaker #3: Additionally , I should mention that comply with the SEC's regulation G . Please refer to the financial Results section of our news release , which provides tables showing how non-GAAP measures reconcile to GAAP measures .

Speaker #3: This time , I'll turn the call over to our Chief Executive Officer , Ken Boothe , to discuss our third quarter results . Thanks , J .

Speaker #3: Our results for this quarter reflected steady execution with declines in lower performance and year over year originations . Volume balanced by a portfolio that remains at a record high loan performance declined this quarter with our 22 2022 , 2023 and 2024 vintages underperforming our expectations and our 2025 vintage exceeding our expectations .

Ken Booth: Loan performance declined this quarter with our Q2 2022, Q2 2023, and Q2 2024 vintages underperforming our expectations and our Q2 2025 vintage exceeding our expectations, while our other vintages were stable during the quarter. Overall, forecasted net cash flows declined by 0.5%, or $59 million. During the quarter, we experienced a decline in unit and dollar volumes, though our loan portfolio remained at its record high of $9.1 billion on an adjusted basis, up 2% from last Q3. Our market share in our core segment of used vehicles financed by subprime consumers was 5.1% for the first eight months of the year, down from 6.5% from the same period in 2024. Our unit volume was impacted by our Q3 2024 scorecard change that has resulted in lower advance rates and is also likely impacted by increased competition.

Speaker #3: While our other vintages were stable during the quarter . Overall forecasted net cash flows declined by 0.5% , or $59 million during the quarter .

Speaker #3: We experienced a decline in unit and dollar volumes , though our loan portfolio remained at its record high of 9.1 billion on an adjusted basis , up 2% from last Q3 our market share in our core segment of used vehicles financed by subprime consumers was 5.1% for the first eight months of the year , down from 6.5% from the same period in 2020 .

Speaker #3: For our unit, volume was impacted by the third quarter 2024 scorecard change that has resulted in lower advance rates and has also likely been impacted by increased competition.

Ken Booth: Beyond these two key drivers, we continued making progress during the quarter towards our mission of maximizing intrinsic value and positively changing the lives of our five key constituents: dealers, consumers, team members, investors, and the communities we operate in. We do this by providing a valuable product that enables dealers to sell vehicles to consumers, regardless of their credit history. This allows dealers to make incremental sales to the 55% of adults with other-than-prime credit. For these adults, it enables them to obtain a vehicle to get to their jobs, take their kids to school, et cetera. It also gives them the opportunity to improve or build their credit. Our customers are people like Becky, a single mother who has faced significant financial challenges. Her career as a chef meant that her hours and her paycheck were unpredictable.

Speaker #3: Beyond these two key drivers , we continued making progress during the quarter towards our mission of maximizing intrinsic value and positively changing the lives of our five key constituents dealers , consumers , team members , investors , and the communities we operate in .

Speaker #3: We do this by providing a valuable product that enables dealers to sell vehicles to consumers , regardless of their credit history . This allows dealers to make incremental sales to the 55% of adults with other than prime credit .

Speaker #3: For these adults , it enables them to obtain a vehicle to get to their jobs , take their kids to school , etc. it also gives them the opportunity to improve or build their credit .

Speaker #3: Our customers are people like Becky , a single mother who has faced significant financial challenges . Her career as a uncertainties chef meant that her hours and her paycheck were unpredictable .

Ken Booth: Between this and needing frequent car repairs, she was living paycheck to paycheck and was struggling with poor credit after falling behind on her bills. Determined to turn things around, she was eventually able to finance a dependable vehicle through Credit Acceptance Corporation, which gave her stability and relief despite continuing to face financial hurdles. Credit Acceptance Corporation worked with Becky to come up with a realistic payment plan and provided her the flexibility she needed to get back on track. Becky hopes to be able to purchase a home in the near future and urges others with similar struggles to look to Credit Acceptance Corporation. During the quarter, we financed almost 80,000 contracts for our dealers and consumers. We collected $1.4 billion overall and paid $52 million in dealer holdback and accelerated dealer holdback to our dealers.

Speaker #3: Between this and needing frequent car repairs , she was living paycheck to paycheck and struggling with poor credit . After falling behind on her bills .

Speaker #3: Determined to turn things around , she was eventually able to finance a dependable vehicle through credit acceptance , which gave her stability and relief .

Speaker #3: Despite continuing to face financial hurdles , Credit Acceptance worked with Becky to come up with a realistic payment plan and provided the flexibility she needed to get back on track .

Speaker #3: Becky hopes to be able to purchase a home in the near future , and urges others with similar struggles to look to credit acceptance .

Speaker #3: During the quarter , we financed almost 80,000 contracts for our dealers and consumers . We collected 1.4 billion overall and paid 52 million in dealer holdback and accelerated dealer holdback dealers .

Ken Booth: We enrolled over 1,300 new dealers and had 10,180 active dealers during the quarter. We continue to invest in our engineering team, which is focused on modernizing both our key technology architecture and how our teams perform work. The engineering team has made significant strides in modernizing our loan origination system. This modernization has laid a strong foundation for innovation, frictionless dealer experiences, and we've increased the speed that we deliver enhancements to our dealers by almost 70% compared to a year ago. This allows us to innovate faster and accelerate value to our business and customers. During the quarter, we received four awards for our amazing workplace, including being named one of the best workplaces in financial services and insurance by Great Place to Work and Fortune Magazine for the 11th year in a row.

Speaker #3: We enrolled over 1300 new dealers and had 10,180 active dealers during the quarter . We continue to invest in our engineering team , which is focused on modernizing both our key technology architecture and how our teams perform , work .

Speaker #3: The team has made significant strides in modernizing our loan origination system . This modernization has laid a strong foundation for to our innovation .

Speaker #3: Frictionless dealer experiences , and we've increased the speed that we deliver enhancements to our dealers by almost 70% compared to a year ago .

Speaker #3: This allows us to innovate faster and accelerate value to our business and customers . During the quarter , we received four awards for our amazing workplace , including being named one of the Best Workplaces in Financial Services and Insurance by the Great Place to Work and Fortune magazine for the 11th year in a row .

Ken Booth: We're proud to be one of the few companies in our industry that offers remote-first work. We work hard to ensure that every team member feels supported and connected, keeping our culture strong. In July, team members from around the country gathered in Detroit to celebrate the company's 53rd anniversary. During this celebration, we recognized eight of our team members, each of whom had been with the company for more than 30 years. Additionally, on a personal note, this will be my last Quarterly Earnings Call. After starting my career over 34 years ago, including the last 22 years at Credit Acceptance Corporation, I've decided to retire and embark on the next chapter of my life. My decision wasn't easy. I will miss working with our amazing team members, and I'm so proud of everything we've accomplished together. I believe the company is in great position for the future.

Speaker #3: We're proud to be one of few companies in our industry that offers remote first work . We work hard to ensure that every team member feels supported and connected .

Speaker #3: Keeping our culture strong . In July , team members from around the country gathered in Detroit to celebrate the company's 53rd anniversary . During the celebration , we recognized eight of our team members , each of whom had been with the company for more than 30 years .

Speaker #3: Additionally , on a personal note , this will be my last quarterly earnings call . After starting my career over 34 years ago , including the last 22 years at Credit Acceptance .

Speaker #3: I've decided to retire and embark on the next chapter of my life . My decision wasn't easy . I will miss working with our amazing team members , and I'm so proud of everything we've accomplished together .

Speaker #3: But I believe the company is in great position for the future . During his four and a half year tenure on the board , Vinayak has been an invaluable partner as we modernized our approach to the business .

Ken Booth: During his four-and-a-half-year tenure on the board, Vinayak has been an invaluable partner as we modernized our approach to the business. His strong mix of experience in technology, marketing, engineering, and product, along with a proven track record of driving transformation and growth, will be an excellent complement to our experienced management team. I look forward to both working alongside Vinayak as he transitions into his new role and continuing to serve the company as a board member going forward. At this time, Jay Martin and I will take your questions, along with Andrew Rostemi, our Chief Product and Marketing Officer; Jay Brinkley, our Senior Vice President and Treasurer; and Jeff Sutar, our Vice President and Assistant Treasurer. To ask a question, please press star 11 on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced. To withdraw your question, please press star 11 again.

Speaker #3: His strong mix of experience and technology , marketing , engineering and product , along with a proven track record of driving transformation and growth , will be an excellent complement to our experienced management team .

Speaker #3: I look forward to working alongside Vinayak as he transitions into his new role and continuing to serve the company as a board member going forward .

Speaker #3: At this time , Jay Martin and I will take your questions along with Andrew Rostami , our chief product and Marketing Officer . Jay Brinkley , our senior vice President and treasurer , and Jeff Suter , our vice president and assistant treasurer .

Speaker #2: To ask a question , please press star one . One on your telephone and wait for your name to be announced . To withdraw your question , please press star one .

Speaker #2: One again , please stand by while we compile the Q&A roster . Our first question comes from John Rohan with Janney Montgomery Scott .

Ken Booth: Please stand by while we compile the Q&A roster. Our first question comes from John Rowan with Janney Montgomery Scott. Your line is open. Good afternoon, guys. Your asset-backed securities used to have a covenant in them that said if there was a 10% forecast shortfall, that it would enter into early amortization. Does the current ABS still have that? Are you close on any of those? I mean, just looking at the 2022 vintage, it's down 8% relative to the initial forecast. Is that the right way to look at it? Just walk us through kind of the ABS covenants there. Yeah, absolutely. We still have that covenant in both our warehouse facilities and our ABS securitization debt. As you know our business well with the pooling concept, we tend to contribute loans to a securitization for our Portfolio Program, a lot of which are uncapped.

Speaker #2: Your line is open .

Speaker #4: Good afternoon guys . I'm your asset backed securities used to have a , you know , a a covenant in them . That said , if there was a 10% forecast shortfall that would enter into early amortization .

Speaker #4: Did the current ABS still have that ? And , you know , are you close on any of those ? I mean , just given , you know , look at the 2022 vintage .

Speaker #4: It's , you know , down 8% relative to the initial forecast . Is that the right way to look at it ? Just walk us through kind of the abs covenants .

Speaker #4: There .

Speaker #5: Yeah , absolutely . We still have that covenant in our both our warehouse facilities and our abs securitization debt . As you know , our business well with the pooling concept , we tend to contribute loans to a securitization for our portfolio program .

Speaker #5: A lot of which are uncapped . So as additional loans are originated , they belong to the securitization . So if you were to look at the actual performance from a collection rate standpoint , they tend to run above 100% .

Ken Booth: As additional loans are originated, they belong to the securitization. If you were to look at the actual performance from a collection rate standpoint, they tend to run above 100%. We have no outstanding securitizations that are close to the 90% trigger. Okay. G&A was still higher than I expected. Obviously, last quarter, you had a contingent loss in there, but it didn't go back to the run rate to prior quarters. Can you give us an idea if there was any kind of one-time items in the $36 million G&A expense? Yeah. I would suggest that you look at the adjusted results. We've used that to eliminate the one-time charges related to the contingent losses. I think if you look at that, you'll see G&A is fairly consistent the last several quarters as a percentage of average capital. You're right.

Speaker #5: So we have no outstanding securitizations that are close to the 90 , 90% trigger .

Speaker #4: Okay . And then G&A was still higher than I expected . Obviously , last quarter you had a contingent loss in there . But it didn't go back to like the you know , the run rate to prior quarters .

Speaker #4: Can you give us an idea if there was any kind of one time items in . The 30 , $36 million expense ?

Speaker #3: Yeah , I would say I would suggest that you look at the adjusted results . We've used that to eliminate the one time charges related to the contingent losses .

Speaker #3: So I think if you look at that , you'll see G and A is fairly consistent . The last several quarters as a percentage of average capital .

Speaker #3: But you're right . Like if you're looking at just the gap , we had a $23.4 million contingent loss in Q two , and we had an additional $15 million contingent loss this quarter .

Ken Booth: If you're looking at just the GAAP, we had a $23.4 million contingent loss in Q2, and we had an additional $15 million contingent loss this quarter. Okay. Can you let us know what your repurchase authorization is? Yep. We've got just over 2 million shares currently under the board authorization. Okay. Just last question for me. I was a little bit surprised to see the advance rate was actually up a little bit in the quarter relative to the first half of the year, but unit volume still continues to decline. Obviously, the advance rate's not back to where it was. Can you just talk us through that a little bit? Are you still having trouble competitively speaking, even at a higher advance rate? Yeah. I think it's really a little bit of a change in mix in our business. I think there's a higher percentage of purchased loans.

Speaker #4: Okay . Can you let us know where your repurchase authorization is ?

Speaker #5: Yep . We've got just over 2 million shares currently under the board authorization .

Speaker #4: Okay . And then just last question for me , there's a little bit surprised to see the advance rate was actually up a little bit in the quarter .

Speaker #4: Relative to , you know , the first half of the year . But unit volume still continues to decline . Obviously , advance rates are not back to where it was , but can you just talk us through that , that that a little bit ?

Speaker #4: Are you still having trouble ? You know , competitively speaking , even at a higher advance rate ?

Speaker #3: Yeah , I think it's really a little bit of a change in mix in our business . I think there's a higher percentage of purchase loans .

Ken Booth: I also think there's a higher percentage of our product that is designed for people with a little bit better credit, and those tend to have higher advance rates. Okay. All right. Thank you. Thank you. Our next question comes from Robert Wildhack with Autonomous Research. Your line is open. Hi, guys. Are you seeing any of your peers pull back at all in the industry? I just would love to get sort of the boots-on-the-ground view of what's happening at the industry level in the wake of some of the headlines we've seen around subprime auto in the last couple of weeks. I think overall, while there have been some that have had struggles and have pulled back, in general, the environment's very competitive right now. We're seeing a lot of competition out there. You can look at our volume per dealer, and it's down. It's a competitive market.

Speaker #3: I also think there's a higher percentage of our , our product that is designed for people with a little bit better credit , and those tend to have higher advance rates .

Speaker #4: Okay . All right . Thank you .

Speaker #2: Thank you . Our next question comes from Robert Wildhack with Autonomous Research . Your line is open .

Speaker #6: Hi , guys . Are you seeing any of your peers pull back at all in the industry ? I just would love to get sort of the boots on the ground view of what's happening at the industry level in the wake of some of the headlines we've seen around subprime auto in the last couple of weeks .

Speaker #3: Yeah , I think overall , while there have been some that have had struggles and have pulled back in general , the environment is very competitive right now .

Speaker #3: So we're seeing a lot of competition out there . I mean , you can look at our volume per dealer and it's down and it's a competitive market .

Ken Booth: Why do you think the competitive intensity hasn't really reacted to the poor credit results that we've seen for the last few vintages? I would have expected people to pull back a little bit more with the delinquencies and losses as high as they are. It's always hard to tell what our competitors are doing. The market's fragmented. Oftentimes, at the beginning of downturns, it is a competitive environment. We've lived through this before. 2021 was super competitive, and those vintages ultimately didn't turn out very well. 2016, 2007, there have been times where it's been like this. I will say this has been a long time where it's been competitive, and we're seeing underperformance. I will say we've built our business for the long run. Our goal is always to have a large margin of safety in the aggregate in our pricing.

Speaker #6: Why do you think the competitive intensity hasn't really reacted to like the poor credit results that we've seen for the last few vintages ?

Speaker #6: I would have expected people to pull back a little bit more with with the delinquencies and losses as high as they are .

Speaker #3: You know , it's always hard to tell what our competitors are doing . You know , the market's fragmented , but you know , oftentimes at the beginning of downturns , it is a competitive environment .

Speaker #3: You know , we've lived through this before . You know , 2021 was super competitive . And those vintages ultimately didn't turn out very well .

Speaker #3: 20 16,007 I mean , so there have been times where it's been like this , but I will say this has been a long time where it's been competitive and we're seeing underperformance .

Speaker #3: I will say , you know , we we build our business for the long run . You know , our goal is always to , you know , have a large margin of safety in the aggregate .

Speaker #3: And our pricing . And , you know , we're at a point where our loan portfolio is kind of at the highest . It's been .

Ken Booth: We're at a point where our loan portfolio is kind of at the highest it's been, and we'd rather do a little less volume at solid margins than chase volume. That's where we're at on that. Okay. Just quickly, we noticed that attrition had been increasing in the last few quarters. Could you comment on some of the drivers there? Is there a chance that dealers are pushing back on the scorecard change or anything like that? A little bit it could be. The way we measure attrition is if they've done a deal in the period shown. Given that we've got our lower volume, we've got some dealers that just aren't doing business with us right now. I'm sure a little bit that's the scorecard, but it's also our scorecard relative to what everybody else is doing.

Speaker #3: And , you know , we'd rather do a little less volume at solid margins than do you know , chase volume . So that's where we're at on that .

Speaker #6: Okay . And then just quickly , we noticed that attrition had been increasing in the last few quarters . I mean , could you comment on some of the drivers there ?

Speaker #6: Is there a chance that dealers are pushing back on the scorecard change or anything like that ?

Speaker #3: I mean , a little bit . It could be the way we measure attrition is if they've done a deal in the period shown and , you know , given that we've got , you know , our lower volume , we've got some dealers that just aren't doing business with us right now .

Speaker #3: So I'm sure a little bit that's the scorecard . But it's also our scorecard relative to what everybody else is doing . And like I said before , it's a large , fragmented market .

Ken Booth: Like I said before, it's a large fragmented market, so there's lots of different options out there. I would point out, though, that while it's been a challenging year for growth for Credit Acceptance, we're coming off our record year last year, and this will still end up probably—we're kind of trending towards it being our fifth best year ever. It's not like we've gone super, super far backwards. We got tough comparables. Thank you. As a reminder, to ask a question, please press star 11 on your telephone. Again, that is star 11 to ask a question. Our next question comes from Ryan Shelley with Bank of America. Your line is open. Hey, guys. Thanks for the question. I wanted to ask around the impact of tariffs. I mean, obviously, it's kind of on again, off again.

Speaker #3: So there's lots of different options out there . Yeah , I would point out , though , that well , you know , it's been a challenging year for growth for Credit Acceptance .

Speaker #3: We're coming off our record year last year and this will still end up probably you know we're kind of trending towards it being our fifth best year ever .

Speaker #3: So it's not like we've gone super , super far backwards . You know . But you know we got tough comparables .

Speaker #6: Yep . Okay . Thank you .

Speaker #2: Thank you . As a reminder to ask a question , please press star one one on your telephone . Again , that is star one one to ask a question .

Speaker #2: Our next question comes from Ryan Shelley with Bank of America . Your line is open .

Speaker #7: Hey , guys . Thanks for the question . I wanted to ask around the impact of tariffs . I mean , obviously , you know , the it's kind of on again , on again , off again .

Ken Booth: Have you guys seen any profound impact, whether it's in the marketplace or to your own business from federal policy? Just going into next year, how do you guys kind of handicap that? Thanks. Anything that impacts affordability for our consumer is a negative for us, generally. Our consumer already has affordability issues, and anything that tends to impact affordability will be a negative. It's hard to say how much the tariffs are impacting things. They seem like they change quite a bit. Anything that puts pressure on our consumers from an affordability standpoint ultimately is generally not good for us and good for people in our industry. Got it. Thanks. Just one more, if I could, on this scorecard change. Forgive me if you've already clarified this, but going forward, is there a potential for any loosening or change back, maybe come next year or the year after?

Speaker #7: But have you guys seen any you know , profound impact whether it's in the marketplace or to your own business from federal policy and just going into next year , how do you guys kind of handicap that ?

Speaker #7: Thanks .

Speaker #3: Anything that impacts affordability for our consumer is a negative for us . Generally . You know , our consumer already has affordability issues .

Speaker #3: And anything that tends to impact affordability will be a negative . You know , it's hard to say how much the tariffs are impacting things .

Speaker #3: They seem like they they change quite a bit . But anything that puts pressure on our consumers from an affordability standpoint ultimately is generally not good for us and good for people , you know , in our industry .

Speaker #7: Got it . Thanks . And then just one more . If I could , on this scorecard change . Forgive me if you've already clarified this , but going forward , is there a potential for any loosening or change back ?

Speaker #7: You know , maybe come next year or the year after ? Or is that a permanent change going forward ? Thanks .

Ken Booth: Or is that a permanent change going forward? Thanks. We always try to price to maximize the amount of economic profit we originate. We consider recent trends in loan performance and capital market conditions. We adjust our scorecard and our pricing based upon what we think we're going to collect and how we think we can maximize that economic profit originated. I don't know what the future will hold, but it's not like this is probably the permanent scorecard from now until the end of time. As the situation changes, we make updates to it. We always try to maximize economic profit originated. Got it. Thanks for the questions. Thank you. Our next question comes from Moshe Orenbuch with TD Cowen. Your line is open. Great. Thanks.

Speaker #3: You know , we always try to price to maximize the amount of economic profit we originate . So we consider recent trends and loan performance and capital market conditions .

Speaker #3: You know , we adjust our scorecard and our pricing based upon what we think we're going to collect . And you know , how we think we can maximize that economic profit originated .

Speaker #3: So I don't know what the future will hold . But it's not like this is probably a permanent scorecard from now till the end of time .

Speaker #3: As the situation changes . You know , we make updates to it and , you know , again , we always try to maximize economic profit .

Speaker #3: Originated .

Speaker #7: Got it . Thanks for the questions .

Speaker #2: Thank you . Our next question comes from Moshe Orenbuch with TD Cowen . Your line is open .

Speaker #8: Great . Thanks . Maybe just to talk to come back a little bit to the volume story and market share because I guess .

Ken Booth: Maybe just to talk, as you come back a little bit to the volume story and market share, because I guess, do you attribute it to supply of vehicles being down, or are there cars being sold and just some competitor is financing them? Because, I mean, by October, you fully anniversary the. Scorecard change and still down double-digit, maybe not as much as in Q3, but still down pretty hard. Any way to think about that? Your question's a great one. We are, I would say, anniversary down the scorecard change for sure by October. While it happened in Q3, there's a little bit of a lag. By October, it's more apples to apples. I will say that Q4 last year was one of our better quarters. It was the second best Q4 in the history of the company. It's still a little bit of a tougher comparable.

Speaker #8: Do you attribute it to , supply of vehicles being down or are you just are there cars being sold and just some competitor ?

Speaker #8: Is financing them ? Because , I mean , you know , you fully by October you fully anniversary the , you know , the scorecard change and still down double digit maybe not as much as in Q3 , but but still down pretty hard and kind of any way to think about that .

Speaker #3: Your question is a great one . I mean , it , we are I would say , anniversary on the scorecard change for sure .

Speaker #3: By October , I mean , what happened in Q3 , there's a little bit of a lag , but by by October it's , you know , it's more apples to apples .

Speaker #3: You know , I will say that Q4 last year was one of our better quarters . It was the second best Q4 in the history of the company .

Speaker #3: So it's still a little bit of a tougher , comparable , but you're right , you wouldn't have expected it to be down as much as it is other than the fact that , you know , the intensity , the competitive environment is probably higher .

Ken Booth: You're right. You wouldn't have expected it to be down as much as it is, other than the fact that the intensity of the competitive environment's probably higher. I do think, as you mentioned, affordability of vehicles has been a detriment to us. Our consumers are challenged by prices, and they're kind of getting squeezed out. If you were to look at the size of the subprime market, it has declined over the last four or five years. It seems like it's kind of stabilized somewhat right now. Our consumer has a lot of pressure on them in order to try to make purchases, which I think is impacting us negatively because we tend to be a little bit deeper in the subprime space than some other companies. Got it.

Speaker #3: I do think as you mentioned , affordability of vehicles has been a detriment to us . You know , our consumers challenged by prices and they're kind of getting squeezed out .

Speaker #3: If you were to look at the size of the subprime market , you know , it is declined over the last 4 or 5 years .

Speaker #3: It seems like it's kind of stabilized somewhat right now . But our consumer has a lot of pressure on them in order to try to make purchases , which I think is impacting us negatively because we tend to be a little bit deeper in the subprime space and some other companies .

Speaker #8: Got it , I guess , from the competitive standpoint , because the other the other aspect that's been an issue this year in the first , you know , last three quarters has been the , you know , the fact that your prepays have have slowed .

Ken Booth: I guess from the competitive standpoint, because the other aspect that's been an issue this year, the first last three quarters, has been the fact that your prepays have slowed. You still got a full quarter of the 2022 vintage still on the books, right, at the end of September. Wouldn't it stand a reason that if competition were higher, there would be somewhat more prepays, not less? Can you say the question again? I didn't quite understand what you had. Sure. One of the phenomena that you've observed this year has been that the loans are staying on the books longer. I think you had said in the second quarter call that that was an issue, that there were just fewer people who were able to either refinance or trade into another vehicle. I guess, wouldn't a competitive environment be easier to do that in as opposed to harder?

Speaker #8: I mean , you've still got a full quarter of the 22 vintage still on the books , right at the end of September .

Speaker #8: Wouldn't , wouldn't it stand to reason that if competition were higher , there would be somewhat more prepays , not less ?

Speaker #9: Is that a question ? Again , I didn't quite .

Speaker #3: Understand what you asked .

Speaker #8: Sure , yeah . I mean , one of the phenomena that you've observed this year has been that , you know , the , you know , the loans are staying on the books longer .

Speaker #8: And I think you had said , you know , in the second quarter , call that that was an issue that that there was just fewer people were able to either refinance or trade into another vehicle .

Speaker #8: But I guess , wouldn't a competitive environment be easier to do that in , as opposed to harder ?

Ken Booth: Yeah. I think, generally, over time, what you've seen is sort of a lag effect of when competition heats up, prepays tend to speed up because obligors have other options. I think what you're pointing out here, Moshe, is that we're not really seeing that. It's tough to say. There is always a natural lag. I just think we're in a unique environment right now. Got it. In terms of your leverage, if history holds true, we should see prepays tick up if competition continues. Got it. Could you, this, that $15 million contingent loss that you talked about, I guess it said it related to previously disclosed legal matters, but I guess the dollars are coming because you're making settlement offers in the lawsuit, right? I mean, that's what it says in the 10-Q, which I think is the first mention of that.

Speaker #5: Yeah , I think generally , you know , over time you've what what you've seen is sort of a lag effect of when competition heats up .

Speaker #5: Prepays tend to to speed up because obligors have other options . And I think what you're pointing out here , Moshe , is that we're not really seeing that .

Speaker #5: It's tough to say there's always a natural lag . I just think we're in a unique environment right now .

Speaker #8: Got it . In terms of your leverage .

Speaker #5: Holds true .

Speaker #8: Yeah .

Speaker #5: That's just to say , if history holds true , then we should see Prepays tick up . If competition continues .

Speaker #8: Got it . Could you the this you know , that $15 million contingent loss that you talked about . I guess it said it related to previously disclosed legal matters , but I guess the the dollars are coming because you're making settlement offers in the lawsuit , right ?

Speaker #8: I mean , that's what it says in the 10-q , which I think is the first mention of , of of that , you know , is there any way , you know , for us to kind of think about whether there are other terms that we should be aware of that might be part of that settlement ?

Ken Booth: Is there any way for us to kind of think about whether there are other terms that we should be aware of that might be part of that settlement? You're correct, this is the first time that we've mentioned that. I would tell you, since it is an ongoing legal matter, we can't comment on it beyond the disclosures we've included in the 10-Q and the earnings release. We can't provide any more detail than what's out there. Gotcha. Appreciate that. And then just last one for me, maybe just talk about your leverage and your kind of outlook, given what you're seeing, both from a growth and how that impacts your thoughts on share repurchase. Yeah. Our current leverage on an adjusted basis is at the high end of that historical range. We've tended to operate in that two to three times adjusted debt to equity range.

Speaker #3: You're correct that this is the first time that we've mentioned that would tell you , since it is an ongoing legal matter , though , we can't comment on it beyond the disclosures .

Speaker #3: We've included in the 10-q and the earnings release . So we can't provide any more detail than than what's out there .

Speaker #8: Gotcha . I appreciate that . And then just last one for me , maybe just talk about your your leverage and your , you know , kind of outlook given what you're seeing both from a growth and , you know , and how that impacts your thoughts on share repurchase .

Speaker #5: Yeah . Our current leverage on an adjusted basis is at the high end of that historical range . We've tended to operate in that 2 to 3 times , adjusted debt to equity range .

Ken Booth: As we've talked about, all else equal, we tend to generally repurchase more shares when our leverage or growth rates are lower. I would also say that our leverage is modest relative to other industry participants. I don't think there's, I would tell you there hasn't been a wholesale change in how we view the leverage on our balance sheet. As we think about repurchasing shares, leverage is certainly a key aspect of that dialogue. Got it. Thank you. Thank you. Our next question comes from Kyle Joseph with Stevens. Your line is open. Hey. Good afternoon. Thanks for taking my questions. Just wanted to get an update from you guys on kind of capital markets activity, given things that have gone on in the auto space, and just want to get a sense for what credit markets are doing.

Speaker #5: As we've talked about , you know , all else equal . You know , we tend to generally repurchase more shares when our leverage or growth rates are lower .

Speaker #5: I would also say that our leverage is modest relative to other industry participants . So I don't think there's I would tell you there hasn't been a , you know , a wholesale change in how we view the leverage on our balance sheet .

Speaker #5: But as we think about repurchasing shares , leverage is certainly a key aspect of that dialogue .

Speaker #8: Got it . Thank you .

Speaker #2: Thank you . Our next question comes from Kyle Joseph with Stephens . Your line is open .

Speaker #10: Hey , good afternoon . Thanks for taking my questions . Just wanted to get an update from you guys on on kind of capital markets activity .

Speaker #10: You know , given things that have gone on in the auto space and just want to get a sense for what , what credit markets are doing , are they really differentiating between quality operators and whatnot .

Ken Booth: Are they really differentiating between quality operators and whatnot, and kind of the investor appetite in the fixed income market? Sure. Yeah. Happy to take that one. It's generally been a fairly favorable environment for ABS issuers this year. I say ABS issuers, those of our peers, including ourselves in the subprime auto ABS market, where aside really from. A couple of weeks around Liberation Day, where everything kind of froze, spreads have been pretty tight. I will note that in recent weeks, we have seen some widening in spreads, really on the back of the Treacolor bankruptcy. That's mostly been deeper in the capital structure than where we issue. We actually have an ABS deal in the market right now. We began marketing this morning, and we're seeing a lot of demand at levels that I think you'll see comparable to our recent deals.

Speaker #10: And kind of the investor appetite in in the fixed income market ?

Speaker #5: Sure . Yeah . Happy to take that one . You know , it's generally generally been a fairly favorable environment for ABS issuers this year .

Speaker #5: And I say ABS issuers , those of our peers including ourselves in the subprime auto ABS market where aside really from a couple of weeks around Liberation Day , where everything , everything kind of froze , spreads have been pretty tight , I will note that in recent weeks , we have seen some widening in spreads .

Speaker #5: Really on the back of of the tricolor bankruptcy . But that's mostly been deeper than the capital structure than where we issue we we actually have an ABS deal in the market right now .

Speaker #5: We began marketing this morning and we're seeing a lot of demand at levels . I think you'll see comparable to our recent deals .

Ken Booth: Feel good about our access there. I would just point out as well that we think we're pretty well positioned regardless with the amount of liquidity that we keep on the books. Right now, as of quarter end, we had $1.6 billion of unused availability on our revolving credit facilities. Very helpful. Appreciate the update. Thank you. Yep. Thank you. With no further questions in the queue, I would like to turn the conference back over to Mr. Martin for any additional or closing remarks. We would like to thank everyone for their support and for joining us on the conference call today. If you have any additional follow-up questions, please direct them to our investor relations mailbox at ir@creditacceptance.com. We look forward to talking to you again next quarter. Thank you. Once again, this does conclude today's conference. We thank you for your participation.

Speaker #5: So feel good about our our access there . And I would just point out as well that we we think we're pretty well positioned regardless with the amount of liquidity that we keep on the books .

Speaker #5: So right now , as of quarter end , we had 1.6 billion of unused availability on on our revolving credit facilities .

Speaker #10: Very helpful . Appreciate the update . Thank you .

Speaker #5: Yep .

Speaker #2: Thank you. With no further questions in the queue, I would like to turn the conference back over to Mr. Martin for any additional or closing remarks.

Speaker #3: We would like to thank everyone for their support and for joining us on the conference call today . If you have any additional follow up questions , please write them to our Investor Relations mailbox at IR at Credit Acceptance .

Speaker #3: Com we look forward to talking to you again next quarter . Thank you .