13. Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurements" clarifies the principle that fair value should be based on the assumptions market participants would use when pricing an asset or liability and establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the information used to develop those assumptions. Under the standard, fair value measurements are separately disclosed by level within the fair value hierarchy.

ASC 820 defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value, establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for disclosure of fair value measurement and enhances disclosure requirements for fair value measurements. The three levels are defined as follows: level 1 - inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities in active markets; level 2 – inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument; and level 3 – inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement.

Repossessed vehicle inventory, which is included in Other assets on our consolidated balance sheet, is measured at fair value using level 2 assumptions based on our actual loss experience on sale of repossessed vehicles. At December 31, 2016, the finance receivables related to the repossessed vehicles in inventory totaled $40.1 million. We have applied a valuation adjustment, or loss allowance, of $28.9 million, which is based on a recovery rate of approximately 28%, resulting in an estimated fair value and carrying amount of $11.1 million. The fair value and carrying amount of the repossessed inventory at December 31, 2015 was $12.8 million after applying a valuation adjustment of $26.9 million.

There were no transfers in or out of level 1 or level 2 assets and liabilities for 2016 and 2015. We have no level 3 assets or liabilities that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis.

The estimated fair values of financial assets and liabilities at December 31, 2016 and 2015, were as follows:

	As of December 31, 2016
Financial Instrument	(In thousands)
	Carrying		Fair Value Measurements Using:
	Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	13,936	$	13,936	$	–	$	–	$	13,936
Restricted cash and equivalents		112,754		112,754		–		–		112,754
Finance receivables, net		2,172,365		–		–		2,104,503		2,104,503
Accrued interest receivable		36,233		–		–		36,233		36,233
Liabilities:
Warehouse lines of credit	$	103,358	$	–	$	–	$	103,358	$	103,358
Accrued interest payable		3,715		–		–		3,715		3,715
Securitization trust debt		2,080,900		–		–		2,138,892		2,138,892
Subordinated renewable notes		14,949		–		–		14,949		14,949

	As of December 31, 2015
Financial Instrument	(In thousands)
	Carrying		Fair Value Measurements Using:
	Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	19,322	$	19,322	$	–	$	–	$	19,322
Restricted cash and equivalents		106,054		106,054		–		–		106,054
Finance receivables, net		1,909,490		–		–		1,879,510		1,879,510
Accrued interest receivable		31,547		–		–		31,547		31,547
Liabilities:
Warehouse lines of credit	$	194,056	$	–	$	–	$	194,056	$	194,056
Accrued interest payable		3,260		–		–		3,260		3,260
Residual interest financing		9,042		–		–		9,042		9,042
Securitization trust debt		1,720,021		–		–		1,718,418		1,718,418
Subordinated renewable notes		15,138		–		–		15,138		15,138

The following summary presents a description of the methodologies and assumptions used to estimate the fair value of our financial instruments. Much of the information used to determine fair value is highly subjective. When applicable, readily available market information has been utilized. However, for a significant portion of our financial instruments, active markets do not exist. Therefore, significant elements of judgment were required in estimating fair value for certain items. The subjective factors include, among other things, the estimated timing and amount of cash flows, risk characteristics, credit quality and interest rates, all of which are subject to change. Since the fair value is estimated as of December 31, 2016 and 2015, the amounts that will actually be realized or paid at settlement or maturity of the instruments could be significantly different.

Cash, Cash Equivalents and Restricted Cash and Equivalents

The carrying value equals fair value.

Finance Receivables, net

The fair value of finance receivables is estimated by discounting future cash flows expected to be collected using current rates at which similar receivables could be originated.

Accrued Interest Receivable and Payable

The carrying value approximates fair value.

Warehouse Lines of Credit, Residual Interest Financing, and Subordinated Renewable Notes

The carrying value approximates fair value because the related interest rates are estimated to reflect current market conditions for similar types of secured instruments.

Securitization Trust Debt

The fair value is estimated by discounting future cash flows using interest rates that we believe reflect the current market rates.