10-K

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549

________________

FORM 10-K

☒ ANNUAL REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017

Commission file number: 001-14116

CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

California	33-0459135
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
3800 Howard Hughes Pkwy, Las Vegas, NV	89169
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (949) 753-6800

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

Title of Each Class	Name of Each Exchange on Which Registered
Common Stock, no par value	The Nasdaq Stock Market LLC (Global Market)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.    Yes o        No ☒

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Exchange Act during the past 12 months (or for such shorter period 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 o

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 Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes  ☒No o

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. ☒

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Large accelerated filer	o	Accelerated filer	þ
Non-accelerated filer	o (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)	Smaller reporting company	o
Emerging growth company	o

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes o        No þ

The aggregate market value of the 16,978,704 shares of the registrant’s common stock held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2017, based upon the closing price of the registrant’s common stock of $4.55 per share reported by Nasdaq for that date, was approximately $77,253,103. For purposes of this computation, a registrant sponsored pension plan and all directors and executive officers are deemed to be affiliates. Such determination is not an admission that such plan, directors and executive officers are, in fact, affiliates of the registrant. The number of shares of the registrant's Common Stock outstanding on March 1, 2018 was 21,620,233.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The proxy statement for registrant’s 2018 annual shareholders meeting is incorporated by reference into Part III hereof.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

			Page
PART I
	Item 1.	Business	1
	Item 1A.	Risk Factors	12
	Item 1B.	Unresolved Staff Comments	not applicable
	Item 2.	Properties	21
	Item 3.	Legal Proceedings	21
	Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	not applicable
		Executive Officers of the Registrant	22
PART II
	Item 5	Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities	23
	Item 6.	Selected Financial Data	24
	Item 7.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	26
	Item 7A.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	41
	Item 8.	Financial Statements and Supplementary Data	41
	Item 9.	Changes in and Disagreements With Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure	41
	Item 9A.	Controls and Procedures	42
	Item 9B.	Other Information	42
PART III
	Item 10.	Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance	43
	Item 11.	Executive Compensation	43
	Item 12.	Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters	43
	Item 13.	Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence	43
	Item 14.	Principal Accountant Fees and Services	43
PART IV
	Item 15.	Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules	44

PART I

Item 1. Business

Overview

We are a specialty finance company. Our primary business is to purchase and service retail automobile contracts originated primarily by franchised automobile dealers and select independent dealers in the United States in the sale of new and used automobiles, light trucks and passenger vans. Through our automobile contract purchases, we provide indirect financing to the customers of dealers who have limited credit histories or past credit problems, who we refer to as sub-prime customers. We serve as an alternative source of financing for dealers, facilitating sales to customers who otherwise might not be able to obtain financing from traditional sources, such as commercial banks, credit unions and the captive finance companies affiliated with major automobile manufacturers. In addition to purchasing installment purchase contracts directly from dealers, we have also acquired installment purchase contracts in four merger and acquisition transactions. We also offer financing directly to sub-prime consumers to facilitate their purchase of a new or used automobile, light truck or passenger van. In this report, we refer to all of such contracts and loans as "automobile contracts" and all such purchases or acquisitions as “originations” or “acquisitions”.

We were incorporated and began our operations in March 1991. We consist of Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively, “we,” “us,” “CPS” or “the Company”). From inception through December 31, 2017, we have purchased a total of approximately $14.3 billion of automobile contracts from dealers. In addition, we acquired a total of approximately $822.3 million of automobile contracts in mergers and acquisitions in 2002, 2003, 2004 and, most recently in September 2011. The September 2011 acquisition consisted of approximately $217.8 million of automobile contracts that we purchased from Fireside Bank of Pleasanton, California. In 2004 and 2009, we were appointed as a third-party servicer for certain portfolios of automobile contracts originated and owned by non-affiliated entities. Contract purchase volumes and managed portfolio levels for the five years ended December 31, 2017 are shown in the table below. Managed portfolio comprises both contracts we owned and those we were servicing for non-affiliates.

Contract Purchases and Outstanding Managed Portfolio
	$ in thousands
Year	Contracts Purchased in Period		Managed Portfolio at Period End
2013		764,087		1,231,422
2014		944,944		1,643,920
2015		1,060,538		2,031,136
2016		1,088,785		2,308,070
2017		859,069		2,333,530

Our principal executive offices are in Las Vegas, Nevada. Most of our operational and administrative functions take place in Irvine, California. Credit and underwriting functions are performed primarily in our California branch with certain of these functions also performed in our Florida and Nevada branches. We service our automobile contracts from our California, Nevada, Virginia, Florida and Illinois branches.

The majority of our contract acquisitions volume results from our purchases of retail installment sales contracts from franchised or independent automobile dealers. We establish relationships with dealers through our employee marketing representatives, who contact prospective dealers to explain our automobile contract purchase programs, and thereafter provide dealer training and support services. Our marketing representatives represent us exclusively. They may be located in our Irvine branch, in our Las Vegas branch, or in the field, in which case they work from their homes and support dealers in their geographic area. Our marketing representatives present dealers with a marketing package, which includes our promotional material containing the terms offered by us for the purchase of automobile contracts, a copy of our standard-form dealer agreement, and required documentation relating to automobile contracts. As of December 31, 2017, we had 76 marketing representatives and in that month we received applications from 5,715 dealers in 46 states. As of December 31, 2017, approximately 73% of our active dealers were franchised new car dealers that sell both new and used vehicles, and the remainder were independent used car dealers.

We also solicit credit applications directly from prospective automobile consumers through the internet under a program we refer to as our direct lending platform. For qualified applicants we offer terms similar to those that we offer through dealers, though without a down payment requirement and with more restrictive loan-to-value and credit score requirements. Applicants approved in this fashion are free to shop for and purchase a vehicle from a dealer of their choosing, after which we enter into a note and security agreement directly with the consumer. Regardless of whether an automobile contract is originated from one of our dealers or through our direct lending platform, the discussion that follows regarding our acquisitions guidelines, procedures and demographic statistics applies to all of our originated contracts. During the year ended December 31, 2017 automobile contracts originated under the direct lending platform represented 1.8% of our total acquisitions and represented 0.9% of our outstanding managed portfolio.

1

For the year ended December 31, 2017, approximately 75% of the automobile contracts originated under our programs consisted of financing for used cars and 25% consisted of financing for new cars, as compared to 76% financing for used cars and 24% for new cars in the year ended December 31, 2016.

We originate automobile contracts with the intention of financing them on a long-term basis through securitizations. Securitizations are transactions in which we sell a specified pool of automobile contracts to a special purpose subsidiary of ours. The subsidiary in turn issues (or contributes to a trust that issues) asset-backed securities, which are purchased by institutional investors. Since 1994, we have completed 76 term securitizations of approximately $12.3 billion in automobile contracts. We depend upon the availability of short-term warehouse credit facilities as interim financing for our contract purchases prior to the time we pool those contracts for a securitization. As of December 31, 2017 we have three such short-term warehouse facilities, each with a maximum borrowing amount of $100 million.

Sub-Prime Auto Finance Industry

Automobile financing is the second largest consumer finance market in the United States. The automobile finance industry can be considered a continuum where participants choose to provide financing to consumers in various segments of the spectrum of creditworthiness depending on each participant’s business strategy. We operate in a segment of the spectrum that is frequently referred to as sub-prime since we provide financing to less credit-worthy borrowers at higher rates of interest than more credit-worthy borrowers are likely to obtain.

Traditional automobile finance companies, such as banks, their subsidiaries, credit unions and captive finance subsidiaries of automobile manufacturers, generally lend to the most creditworthy, or so-called prime, borrowers, although some traditional lenders are significant participants in the sub-prime segment in which we operate. Historically, independent companies specializing in sub-prime automobile financing and subsidiaries of larger financial services companies have competed in the sub-prime segment which we believe remains highly fragmented, with no single company having a dominant position in the market.

Our automobile financing programs are designed to serve sub-prime customers, who generally have limited credit histories or past credit problems. Because we serve customers who are unable to meet certain credit standards, we incur greater risks, and generally receive interest rates higher than those charged in the prime credit market. We also sustain a higher level of credit losses because of the higher risk customers we serve.

Contract Acquisitions

When a retail automobile buyer elects to obtain financing from a dealer, the dealer takes a credit application to submit to its financing sources. Typically, a dealer will submit the buyer's application to more than one financing source for review. We believe the dealer’s decision to choose a financing source is based primarily on: (i) the interest rate and monthly payment made available to the dealer's customer; (ii) any fees to be charged to (or paid to) the dealer by the financing source; (iii) the timeliness, consistency and predictability of response; (iv) funding turnaround time; (v) any conditions to purchase; and (vi) the financial stability of the financing source. Dealers can send credit applications to us by entering the necessary data on our website or through one of two third-party application aggregators. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we received approximately 74% of all applications through DealerTrack (the industry leading dealership application aggregator), 3% via our website and 23% via another aggregator, Route One. Our automated application decisioning system produced our initial decision within seconds on approximately 99% of those applications.

Upon receipt of information from a dealer, we immediately order two credit reports to document the buyer's credit history. If, upon review by our proprietary automated decisioning system, or in some cases, one of our credit analysts, we determine that the automobile contract meets our underwriting criteria, we advise the dealer of our decision to approve the contract and the terms under which we will purchase it. In some cases where we don’t grant an approval, we may suggest alternatives from the terms proposed by the dealer or request and review further information from the dealer.

Dealers with which we do business are under no obligation to submit any automobile contracts to us, nor are we obligated to purchase any automobile contracts from them. During the year ended December 31, 2017, no dealer accounted for as much as 1% of the total number of automobile contracts we purchased.

Under our direct lending platform, the applicant submits a credit application directly to us via our website, or in some cases, through a third-party who accepts such applications and refers them to us for a fee. In either case, we order two credit reports and process the application with the same automated application decisioning process as described above for applications from dealers. We then advise the applicant as to whether or not we would grant them credit and on what terms.

2

The following table sets forth the geographical sources of the automobile contracts we originated (based on the addresses of the customers as stated on our records) during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

	Contracts Purchased During the Year Ended
	December 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Number		Percent (1)		Number		Percent (1)
Texas		3,907		7.4%		4,889		7.3%
Ohio		3,871		7.4%		4,492		6.8%
California		3,762		7.1%		4,807		7.2%
Florida		3,130		5.9%		3,750		5.6%
North Carolina		3,041		5.8%		3,539		5.3%
Pennsylvania		2,887		5.5%		3,426		5.1%
Other States		32,045		60.9%		41,624		62.6%
Total		52,643		100.0%		66,527		100.0%

(1) Percentages may not total to 100.0% due to rounding.

The following table sets forth the geographic concentrations of our outstanding managed portfolio as of December 31, 2017 and 2016.

	December 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Amount		Percent (1)		Amount		Percent (1)
State Based on Obligor's Residence	($ in millions)
California	$	191.8		8.2%	$	203.6		8.8%
Texas		183.8		7.9%		188.3		8.2%
Ohio		150.1		6.4%		138.8		6.0%
Florida		129.2		5.5%		119.5		5.2%
Georgia		123.6		5.3%		127.9		5.5%
All others		1,555.0		66.6%		1,530.0		66.3%
Total	$	2,333.5		100.0%	$	2,308.1		100.0%

(1) Percentages may not total to 100.0% due to rounding.

We purchase automobile contracts from dealers at a price generally computed as the total amount financed under the automobile contracts, adjusted for an acquisition fee, which may either increase or decrease the automobile contract purchase price we pay. The amount of the acquisition fee, and whether it results in an increase or decrease to the automobile contract purchase price, is based on the perceived credit risk of and, in some cases, the interest rate on the automobile contract. The following table summarizes the average net acquisition fees we charged dealers and the weighted average annual percentage rate on our purchased contracts for the periods shown:

	2017			2016		2015		2014		2013
Average net acquisition fee charged (paid) to dealers (1)	$	(34	)	$	15	$	56	$	162	$	418
Average net acquisition fee as % of amount financed (1)		-0.2%			0.1%		0.3%		1.0%		2.7%
Weighted average annual percentage interest rate		19.1%			19.2%		19.3%		19.6%		20.1%
(1) Not applicable to direct lending platform

We believe that levels of acquisition fees are determined partially by competition in the marketplace, which has increased over the periods presented, and also by our pricing strategy. Our pricing strategy is driven by our objectives for new contract purchase quantities and yield.

We offer eight different financing programs, and price each program according to the relative credit risk. Our programs cover a wide band of the credit spectrum and are labeled as follows:

Bravo - this program accommodates an applicant with significant past non-performing credit including recent derogatory credit.  Advance rates are lowest of all of our programs to offset the greater risk.  To offset the low up-front advance to the dealer, we agree to pay the dealer a portion of future payments we receive from the obligor, depending on loan performance. The Bravo program was introduced in November of 2015. During the 12 months ended December 31, 2017 it represented only 0.9% of our total acquisitions.

3

First Time Buyer – This program accommodates an applicant who has limited significant past credit history, such as a previous auto loan. Since the applicant has limited credit history, the contract interest rate and dealer acquisition fees tend to be higher, and the loan amount, loan-to-value ratio, down payment and payment-to-income ratio requirements tend to be more restrictive compared to our other programs.

Mercury / Delta – This program accommodates an applicant who may have had significant past non-performing credit including recent derogatory credit. As a result, the contract interest rate and dealer acquisition fees tend to be higher, and the loan amount, loan-to-value ratio, down payment, and payment-to-income ratio requirements tend to be more restrictive compared to our other programs.

Standard – This program accommodates an applicant who may have significant past non-performing credit, but who has also exhibited some performing credit in their history. The contract interest rate and dealer acquisition fees are comparable to the First Time Buyer and Mercury/Delta programs, but the loan amount and loan-to-value ratio requirements are somewhat less restrictive.

Alpha – This program accommodates applicants who may have a discharged bankruptcy, but who have also exhibited performing credit. In addition, the program allows for homeowners who may have had other significant non-performing credit in the past. The contract interest rate and dealer acquisition fees are lower than the Standard program, down payment and payment-to-income ratio requirements are somewhat less restrictive.

Alpha Plus – This program accommodates applicants with past non-performing credit, but with a stronger history of recent performing credit, such as auto or mortgage related credit, and higher incomes than the Alpha program. Contract interest rates and dealer acquisition fees are lower than the Alpha program.

Super Alpha – This program accommodates applicants with past non-performing credit, but with a somewhat stronger history of recent performing credit, including auto or mortgage related credit, and higher incomes than the Alpha Plus program. Contract interest rates and dealer acquisition fees are lower, and the maximum loan amount is somewhat higher, than the Alpha Plus program.

Preferred - This program accommodates applicants with past non-performing credit, but who demonstrate a somewhat stronger history of recent performing credit than the Super Alpha program. Contract interest rates and dealer acquisition fees are lower, and the maximum loan amount is somewhat higher than the Super Alpha program.

Our upper credit tier products, which are our Preferred, Super Alpha, Alpha Plus and Alpha programs, accounted for approximately 73% of our new contract acquisitions in 2017, 73% in 2016 and 77% in 2015, measured by aggregate amount financed.

The following table identifies the credit program, sorted from highest to lowest credit quality, under which we originated automobile contracts during the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016.

	Contracts Purchased During the Year Ended (1)
	December 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	(dollars in thousands)
Program	Amount Financed		Percent (1)		Amount Financed		Percent (1)
Preferred	$	30,239		3.5%	$	37,758		3.5%
Super Alpha		62,159		7.2%		99,951		9.2%
Alpha Plus		149,918		17.5%		153,826		14.1%
Alpha		386,554		45.0%		506,951		46.6%
Standard		111,963		13.0%		148,931		13.7%
Mercury / Delta		71,453		8.3%		103,670		9.5%
First Time Buyer		38,779		4.5%		31,992		2.9%
Bravo		8,004		0.9%		5,706		0.5%
	$	859,069		100.0%	$	1,088,785		100.0%

(1) Percentages may not total to 100.0% due to rounding.

We attempt to control misrepresentation regarding the customer's credit worthiness by carefully screening the automobile contracts we originate, by establishing and maintaining professional business relationships with dealers, and by including certain representations and warranties by the dealer in the dealer agreement. Pursuant to the dealer agreement, we may require the dealer to repurchase any automobile contract in the event that the dealer breaches its representations or warranties. There can be no assurance, however, that any dealer will have the willingness or the financial resources to satisfy its repurchase obligations to us.

4

Underwriting

For automobile contracts that we purchase from dealers, we require that the contract be originated by a dealer that has entered into a dealer agreement with us. Under our direct lending platform, we require the customer to sign a note and security agreement. In each case, the contract is secured by a first priority lien on a new or used automobile, light truck or passenger van and must meet our underwriting criteria. In addition, each automobile contract requires the customer to maintain physical damage insurance covering the financed vehicle and naming us as a loss payee. We may, nonetheless, suffer a loss upon theft or physical damage of any financed vehicle if the customer fails to maintain insurance as required by the automobile contract and is unable to pay for repairs to or replacement of the vehicle.

We believe that our underwriting criteria enable us to evaluate effectively the creditworthiness of sub-prime customers and the adequacy of the financed vehicle as security for an automobile contract. The underwriting criteria include standards for price, term, amount of down payment, installment payment and interest rate; mileage, age and type of vehicle; principal amount of the automobile contract in relation to the value of the vehicle; customer income level, employment and residence stability, credit history and debt service ability, as well as other factors. Specifically, our underwriting guidelines generally limit the maximum principal amount of a purchased automobile contract to 115% of wholesale book value in the case of used vehicles or to 115% of the manufacturer's invoice in the case of new vehicles, plus, in each case, sales tax, licensing and, when the customer purchases such additional items, a service contract or a product to supplement the customer’s casualty policy in the event of a total loss of the related vehicle. We generally do not finance vehicles that are more than 11 model years old or have in excess of 150,000 miles. The maximum term of a purchased contract is 72 months, although we consider the loan to value and mileage as significant factors in determining the maximum term of a contract. Automobile contract purchase criteria are subject to change from time to time as circumstances may warrant. Prior to purchasing an automobile contract, our underwriters verify the customer's employment, income, residency, insurance coverage, and credit information by contacting various parties noted on the customer's application, credit information bureaus and other sources. In addition, we contact each customer by telephone to confirm that the customer understands and agrees to the terms of the related automobile contract. During this "welcome call," we also ask the customer a series of open ended questions about his application and the contract, which may uncover potential misrepresentations.

Credit Scoring.  We use proprietary scoring models to assign each automobile contract two internal "credit scores" at the time the application is received and the customer's credit information is retrieved from the credit reporting agencies. These proprietary scores are used to help determine whether or not we want to approve the application and, if so, the program and pricing we will offer either to the dealer, or in the case of our direct lending platform, directly to the customer. Our internal credit scores are based on a variety of parameters including the customer's credit history, length of employment, residence stability and total income. Once a vehicle is selected by the customer and a proposed deal structure is provided to us, our scores will then consider various deal structure parameters such as down payment amount, loan to value and the make and mileage of the vehicle. We have developed our credit scores utilizing statistical risk management techniques and historical performance data from our managed portfolio. We believe this improves our allocation of credit evaluation resources, enhances our competitiveness in the marketplace and manages the risk inherent in the sub-prime market.

Characteristics of Contracts.  All of the automobile contracts we purchase are fully amortizing and provide for level payments over the term of the automobile contract. All automobile contracts may be prepaid at any time without penalty. The table below compares certain characteristics, at the time of origination, of our contract purchases for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:

	Contracts Purchased During the Year Ended
	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
Average Original Amount Financed	$	16,319	$	16,366
Average Original Term		68 months		67 months
Average Down Payment Percent		10.6%		11.3%
Average Vehicle Purchase Price	$	16,044	$	16,273
Average Age of Vehicle		4 years		4 years
Average Age of Customer		43 years		42 years
Average Time in Current Job		6 years		6 years
Average Household Annual Income	$	51,000	$	51,000

Dealer Compliance.  The dealer agreement and related assignment contain representations and warranties by the dealer that an application for state registration of each financed vehicle, naming us as secured party with respect to the vehicle, was effected by the time of sale of the related automobile contract to us, and that all necessary steps have been taken to obtain a perfected first priority security interest in each financed vehicle in favor of us under the laws of the state in which the financed vehicle is registered. To the extent that we do not receive such state registration within three months of purchasing the automobile contract, our dealer compliance group will work with the dealer in an attempt to rectify the situation. If these efforts are unsuccessful, we generally will require the dealer to repurchase the automobile contract.

5

Servicing and Collection

We currently service all automobile contracts that we own as well as those automobile contracts that are included in portfolios that we have sold in securitizations or service for third parties. We organize our servicing activities based on the tasks performed by our personnel. Our servicing activities consist of mailing monthly billing statements; collecting, accounting for and posting of all payments received; responding to customer inquiries; taking all necessary action to maintain the security interest granted in the financed vehicle or other collateral; investigating delinquencies; communicating with the customer to obtain timely payments; repossessing and liquidating the collateral when necessary; collecting deficiency balances; and generally monitoring each automobile contract and the related collateral. We are typically entitled to receive a base monthly servicing fee equal to 2.5% per annum computed as a percentage of the declining outstanding principal balance of the non-charged-off automobile contracts in the securitization pools. The servicing fee is included in interest income for contracts that are pledged to a warehouse credit facility or a securitization transaction.

Collection Procedures.  We believe that our ability to monitor performance and collect payments owed from sub-prime customers is primarily a function of our collection approach and support systems. We believe that if payment problems are identified early and our collection staff works closely with customers to address these problems, it is possible to correct many problems before they deteriorate further. To this end, we utilize pro-active collection procedures, which include making early and frequent contact with delinquent customers; educating customers as to the importance of maintaining good credit; and employing a consultative and customer service approach to assist the customer in meeting his or her obligations, which includes attempting to identify the underlying causes of delinquency and cure them whenever possible. In support of our collection activities, we maintain a computerized collection system specifically designed to service automobile contracts with sub-prime customers.

We attempt to make telephonic contact with delinquent customers from one to 20 days after their monthly payment due date, depending on our assessment of the customer’s likelihood of payment during early stages of delinquency. If a customer has authorized us to do so, we may also send automated text message reminders at various stages of delinquency and our collectors may also choose to contact a customer via text message instead of, or in addition to, via telephone. Our contact priorities may be based on the customers' physical location, stage of delinquency, size of balance or other parameters. Our collectors inquire of the customer the reason for the delinquency and when we can expect to receive the payment. The collector will attempt to get the customer to make an electronic payment over the phone or a promise for the payment for a time generally not to exceed one week from the date of the call. If the customer makes such a promise, the account is routed to a promise queue and is not contacted until the outcome of the promise is known. If the payment is made by the promise date and the account is no longer delinquent, the account is routed out of the collection system. If the payment is not made, or if the payment is made, but the account remains delinquent, the account is returned to a collector’s queue for subsequent contacts.

If a customer fails to make or keep promises for payments, or if the customer is uncooperative or attempts to evade contact or hide the vehicle, a supervisor will review the collection activity relating to the account to determine if repossession of the vehicle is warranted. Generally, such a decision will occur between the 60th and 90th day past the customer's payment due date, but could occur sooner or later, depending on the specific circumstances. At the time the vehicle is repossessed we will stop accruing interest on this automobile contract, and reclassify the remaining automobile contract balance to other assets. In addition we will apply a specific reserve to this automobile contract so that the net balance represents the estimated fair value less costs to sell.

If we elect to repossess the vehicle, we assign the task to an independent local repossession service. Such services are licensed and/or bonded as required by law. When the vehicle is recovered, the repossession service delivers it to a wholesale automobile auction, where it is kept until sold. Financed vehicles that have been repossessed are generally resold through unaffiliated automobile auctions, which are attended principally by car dealers. Net liquidation proceeds are applied to the customer's outstanding obligation under the automobile contract. Such proceeds usually are insufficient to pay the customer's obligation in full, resulting in a deficiency. In most cases we will continue to contact our customers to recover all or a portion of this deficiency for up to several years after charge-off. From time to time, we sell certain charged off accounts to unaffiliated purchasers who specialize in collecting such accounts.

Once an automobile contract becomes greater than 90 days delinquent, we do not recognize additional interest income until the borrower makes sufficient payments to be less than 90 days delinquent. Any payments received by a borrower that are greater than 90 days delinquent are first applied to accrued interest and then to principal reduction.

We generally charge off the balance of any contract by the earlier of the end of the month in which the automobile contract becomes five scheduled installments past due or, in the case of repossessions, the month that after we receive the proceeds from the liquidation of the financed vehicle or if the vehicle has been in repossession inventory for more than three months. In the case of repossession, the amount of the charge-off is the difference between the outstanding principal balance of the defaulted automobile contract and the net repossession sale proceeds.

6

Credit Experience

Our primary method of monitoring ongoing credit quality of our portfolio is to closely review monthly delinquency, default and net charge off activity and the related trends. Our internal credit performance data consistently show that new receivables have lower levels of delinquency and losses early in their lives, with delinquencies increasing throughout their lives and losses gradually increasing to a peak between 36 and 42 months, after which they gradually decrease. The weighted average seasoning of our total owned portfolio, represented in the tables below, was 21 months, 18 months and 16 months as of December 31, 2017, December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively. Our financial results are dependent on the performance of the automobile contracts in which we retain an ownership interest. Broad economic factors such as recession and significant changes in unemployment levels influence the credit performance of our portfolio, as does the weighted average age of the receivables at any given time. In addition, in June 2014 we became subject to a consent decree that required that we implement procedural changes in our servicing practices, which changes may have contributed to somewhat higher delinquencies, extensions and net losses compared to prior periods. The tables below document the delinquency, repossession and net credit loss experience of all such automobile contracts that we were servicing as of the respective dates shown. The tables do not include the experience of third party servicing portfolios, because we do not bear the credit risk on such portfolios.

Delinquency, Repossession and Extension Experience

Delinquency and Extension Experience (1)

Total Owned Portfolio

	December 31, 2017				December 31, 2016				December 31, 2015
	Number of Contracts		Amount		Number of Contracts		Amount		Number of Contracts		Amount
Delinquency Experience	(Dollars in thousands)
Gross servicing portfolio (1)		173,998	$	2,333,524		169,720	$	2,308,058		149,138	$	2,031,099
Period of delinquency (2)
31-60 days		10,163		138,395		8,673		116,073		5,375		70,041
61-90 days		4,741		63,081		3,998		52,403		3,140		41,142
91+ days		2,295		27,515		3,407		44,384		3,364		43,484
Total delinquencies (2)		17,199		228,991		16,078		212,860		11,879		154,667
Amount in repossession (3)		2,630		33,679		3,162		40,125		3,138		38,939
Total delinquencies and amount in repossession (2)		19,829	$	262,670		19,240	$	252,985		15,017	$	193,606
Delinquencies as a percentage of gross servicing portfolio		9.9%		9.8%		9.5%		9.2%		8.0%		7.6%
Total delinquencies and amount in repossession as a percentage of gross servicing portfolio		11.4%		11.3%		11.3%		11.0%		10.1%		9.5%
Extension Experience
Contracts with one extension, accruing (4)		31,708	$	430,801		34,354	$	479,237		26,682	$	361,338
Contracts with two or more extensions, accruing (4)		55,203		756,561		30,450		407,631		16,638		219,175
		86,911		1,187,362		64,804		886,868		43,320		580,513
Contracts with one extension, non-accrual (4)		1,032		12,241		1,676		22,335		1,784		22,725
Contracts with two or more extensions, non-accrual (4)		2,701		35,626		1,999		25,617		1,444		18,527
		3,733		47,867		3,675		47,952		3,228		41,252
Total accounts with extensions		90,644	$	1,235,229		68,479	$	934,820		46,548	$	621,765

(1) All amounts and percentages are based on the amount remaining to be repaid on each automobile contract. The information in the table represents the gross principal amount of all automobile contracts we purchased, including automobile contracts we subsequently sold in securitization transactions that we continue to service. The table does not include certain contracts we have serviced for third-parties on which we earn servicing fees only, and have no credit risk.

(2) We consider an automobile contract delinquent when an obligor fails to make at least 90% of a contractually due payment by the following due date, which date may have been extended within limits specified in the servicing agreements. The period of delinquency is based on the number of days payments are contractually past due. Automobile contracts less than 31 days delinquent are not included. The delinquency aging categories shown in the tables reflect the effect of extensions.

(3) Amount in repossession represents the contract balance on financed vehicles that have been repossessed but not yet liquidated.

(4) We do not recognize interest income on accounts past due more than 90 days.

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Net Credit Loss Experience (1)

Total Owned Portfolio

		Year Ended December 31,
		2017		2016		2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
Average servicing portfolio outstanding		$	2,334,008	$	2,226,056	$	1,847,764
Net charge-offs as a percentage of average
servicing portfolio (2)			7.7%		7.0%		6.4%

(1) All amounts and percentages are based on the principal amount scheduled to be paid on each automobile contract contracts. The information in the table represents all automobile contracts we service, excluding certain contracts we have serviced for third-parties on which we earn servicing fees only, and have no credit risk.

(2) Net charge-offs include the remaining principal balance, after the application of the net proceeds from the liquidation of the vehicle (excluding accrued and unpaid interest) and amounts collected subsequent to the date of charge-off, including some recoveries which have been classified as other income in the accompanying financial statements.

Extensions

In certain circumstances we will grant obligors one-month payment extensions to assist them with temporary cash flow problems. In general, an obligor would not be entitled to more than two such extensions in any 12-month period and no more than six over the life of the contract. The only modification of terms is to advance the obligor’s next due date by one month and extend the maturity date of the receivable by one month. In some cases, a two-month extension may be granted. 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.

The basic question in deciding to grant an extension is whether or not we will (a) be delaying an inevitable repossession and liquidation or (b) risk losing the vehicle as a result of not being able to locate the obligor and vehicle. In both of those situations, the loss would likely be higher than if the vehicle had been repossessed without the extension. The benefits of granting an extension include minimizing current losses and delinquencies, minimizing lifetime losses, getting the obligor’s account current (or close to it) and building goodwill with the obligor so that he might prioritize us over other creditors on future payments. Our servicing staff are trained to identify when a past due obligor is facing a temporary problem that may be resolved with an extension. In most cases, the extension will be granted in conjunction with our receiving a past due payment (and where allowed by law, a nominal fee) from the obligor, thereby indicating an additional monetary and psychological commitment to the contract on the obligor’s part. Fees collected in conjunction with an extension are credited to obligors’ outstanding accrued interest.

The credit assessment for granting an extension is initially made by our collector, who bases the recommendation on the collector’s discussions with the obligor. In such assessments the collector will consider, among other things, the following factors: (1) the reason the obligor has fallen behind in payments; (2) whether or not the reason for the delinquency is temporary, and if it is, have conditions changed such that the obligor can begin making regular monthly payments again after the extension; (3) the obligor's past payment history, including past extensions if applicable; and (4) the obligor’s willingness to communicate and cooperate on resolving the delinquency. If the collector believes the obligor is a good candidate for an extension, he must obtain approval from his supervisor, who will review the same factors stated above prior to offering the extension to the obligor. After receiving an extension, an account remains subject to our normal policies and procedures for interest accrual, reporting delinquency and recognizing charge-offs.

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We believe that a prudent extension program is an integral component to mitigating losses in our portfolio of sub-prime automobile receivables. The table below summarizes the status, as of December 31, 2017, for accounts that received extensions from 2008 through 2016:

Period of Extension	# of Extensions Granted		Active or Paid Off at December 31, 2017		% Active or Paid Off at December 31, 2017		Charged Off > 6 Months After Extension		% Charged Off > 6 Months After Extension		Charged Off <= 6 Months After Extension		% Charged Off <= 6 Months After Extension		Avg Months to Charge Off Post Extension
2008		35,588		10,710		30.1%		20,059		56.4%		4,819		13.5%		19
2009		32,226		10,276		31.9%		16,167		50.2%		5,783		17.9%		17
2010		26,167		12,167		46.5%		12,001		45.9%		1,999		7.6%		19
2011		18,786		10,982		58.5%		6,872		36.6%		932		5.0%		19
2012		18,783		11,411		60.8%		6,576		35.0%		796		4.2%		17
2013		23,398		12,140		51.9%		10,282		43.9%		976		4.2%		19
2014		25,773		13,190		51.2%		11,757		45.6%		826		3.2%		18
2015		53,319		33,424		62.7%		18,813		35.3%		1,082		2.0%		14
2016		80,897		64,334		79.5%		14,630		18.1%		1,933		2.4%		10

We view these results as a confirmation of the effectiveness of our extension program. We consider accounts that have had extensions and were active or paid off at December 31, 2017 to be successful. Successful extensions result in continued payments of interest and principal (including payment in full in many cases). Without the extension, however, the account may have defaulted and we would have likely incurred a substantial loss and no additional interest revenue.

For extension accounts that ultimately charged off, we consider accounts that charged off more than six months after the extension to be at least partially successful. In such cases, in spite of the ultimate loss, we received additional payments of principal and interest that otherwise we would not have received.

Additional information about our extensions is provided in the tables below:

	For the Year Ended
	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
Average number of extensions granted per month		11,157		6,741		4,443
Average number of outstanding accounts		173,137		163,050		137,306
Average monthly extensions as % of average outstandings		6.4%		4.1%		3.2%

	December 31, 2017				December 31, 2016				December 31, 2015
	Number of Contracts		Amount		Number of Contracts		Amount		Number of Contracts		Amount
	(Dollars in thousands)
Contracts with one extension		32,740	$	443,042		36,030	$	501,572		28,466	$	384,064
Contracts with two extensions		24,375		335,643		17,800		242,216		11,763		156,840
Contracts with three extensions		16,378		227,980		8,794		116,929		4,567		59,255
Contracts with four extensions		9,506		129,795		4,032		52,368		1,401		17,734
Contracts with five extensions		5,096		67,703		1,426		17,190		301		3,351
Contracts with six extensions		2,549		31,067		397		4,545		50		521
		90,644	$	1,235,229		68,479	$	934,820		46,548	$	621,765
Gross servicing portfolio		173,998	$	2,333,524		169,720	$	2,308,058		149,138	$	2,031,099

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Non-Accrual Receivables

It is not uncommon for our obligors to fall behind in their payments. However, with the diligent efforts of our servicing staff and systems for managing our collection efforts, we regularly work with our customers to resolve delinquencies. Our staff is trained to employ a counseling approach to assist our customers with their cash flow management skills and help them to prioritize their payment obligations in order to avoid losing their vehicle to repossession. Through our experience, we have learned that once a contract becomes greater than 90 days past due, it is more likely than not that the delinquency will not be resolved and will ultimately result in a charge-off. As a result, we do not recognize any interest income for contracts that are greater than 90 days past due.

If an obligor exceeds the 90 days past due threshold at the end of one period, and then makes the necessary payments such that it becomes equal to or below 90 days delinquent at the end of a subsequent period, the related contract would be restored to full accrual status for our financial reporting purposes. At the time a contract is restored to full accrual in this manner, there can be no assurance that full repayment of interest and principal will ultimately be made. However, we monitor each obligor’s payment performance and are aware of the severity of his delinquency at any time. The fact that the delinquency has been reduced below the 90-day threshold is a positive indicator. Should the contract again exceed the 90-day delinquency level at the end of any reporting period, it would again be reflected as a non-accrual account.

Our policy for placing a contract on non-accrual status is independent of our policy to grant an extension. In practice, it would be an uncommon circumstance where an extension was granted and the account remained in a non-accrual status, since the goal of the extension is to bring the contract current (or nearly current).

Securitization of Automobile Contracts

Throughout the period for which information is presented in this report, we have purchased automobile contracts with the intention of financing them on a long-term basis through securitizations, and on an interim basis through warehouse credit facilities. All such financings have involved identification of specific automobile contracts, sale of those automobile contracts (and associated rights) to one of our special-purpose subsidiaries, and issuance of asset-backed securities to be purchased by institutional investors. Depending on the structure, these transactions may be accounted for under generally accepted accounting principles as sales of the automobile contracts or as secured financings.

When structured to be treated as a secured financing for accounting purposes, the subsidiary is consolidated with us. Accordingly, the sold automobile contracts and the related debt appear as assets and liabilities, respectively, on our consolidated balance sheet. We then periodically (i) recognize interest and fee income on the contracts, (ii) recognize interest expense on the securities issued in the transaction and (iii) record as expense a provision for credit losses on the contracts.

Since 1994 we have conducted 76 term securitizations of automobile contracts that we originated under our regular programs. As of December 31, 2017, 18 of those securitizations are active and all are structured as secured financings. We have generally conducted our securitizations on a quarterly basis, near the end of each calendar quarter, resulting in four securitizations per calendar year. In recent years, we have found that the securitizations we conducted in December of those years, had a tendency toward less investor demand in the related bonds than the securitizations we conducted in other times of the year. As a result, in 2015, we elected to defer what would have been our December securitization in favor of a securitization in January 2016, and since then have conducted our securitizations near the beginning of each calendar quarter.

Our history of term securitizations, over the most recent ten years, is summarized in the table below:

Recent Asset-Backed Securitizations

Period	Number of Term Securitizations	Amount of Receivables
		$ in thousands
2007	4		1,118,097
2008	2		509,022
2009	0		–
2010	1		103,772
2011	3		335,593
2012	4		603,500
2013	4		778,000
2014	4		923,000
2015	3		795,000
2016	4		1,214,997
2017	4		870,000

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From time to time we have also completed financings of our residual interests in other securitizations that we and our affiliates previously sponsored. As of December 31, 2015 we had one such residual interest financing outstanding which was repaid in full in November 2016.

Generally, prior to a securitization transaction we fund our automobile contract acquisitions primarily with proceeds from warehouse credit facilities. Our current short-term funding capacity is $300 million, comprising three credit facilities. The first $100 million credit facility was established in May 2012. This facility was renewed in August 2016, extending the revolving period to August 2018, and adding an amortization period through August 2019. In April 2017, we entered into a $100 million facility with a revolving period extending to April 2019 followed by an amortization period to April 2021. In November 2017, we entered into a third $100 million facility, which has a revolving period extending to November 2019, followed by an amortization period to November 2021.

In a securitization and in our warehouse credit facilities, we are required to make certain representations and warranties, which are generally similar to the representations and warranties made by dealers in connection with our purchase of the automobile contracts. If we breach any of our representations or warranties, we may be required to repurchase the automobile contract at a price equal to the principal balance plus accrued and unpaid interest. We may then be entitled under the terms of our dealer agreement to require the selling dealer to repurchase the contract at a price equal to our purchase price, less any principal payments made by the customer. Subject to any recourse against dealers, we will bear the risk of loss on repossession and resale of vehicles under automobile contracts that we repurchase.

Whether a securitization is treated as a secured financing or as a sale for financial accounting purposes, the related special purpose subsidiary may be unable to release excess cash to us if the credit performance of the securitized automobile contracts falls short of pre-determined standards. Such releases represent a material portion of the cash that we use to fund our operations. An unexpected deterioration in the performance of securitized automobile contracts could therefore have a material adverse effect on both our liquidity and results of operations, regardless of whether such automobile contracts are treated as having been sold or as having been financed.

Certain of our securitization transactions and our warehouse credit facilities contain various financial covenants requiring certain minimum financial ratios and results. Such covenants include maintaining minimum levels of liquidity and net worth and not exceeding maximum leverage levels. In addition, certain securitization and non-securitization related debt contain cross-default provisions that would allow certain creditors to declare a default if a default occurred under a different facility. As of December 31, 2017 we were in compliance with all such covenants.

Competition

The automobile financing business is highly competitive. We compete with a number of national, regional and local finance companies with operations similar to ours. In addition, competitors or potential competitors include other types of financial services companies, such as banks, leasing companies, credit unions providing retail loan financing and lease financing for new and used vehicles, and captive finance companies affiliated with major automobile manufacturers. Many of our competitors and potential competitors possess substantially greater financial, marketing, technical, personnel and other resources than we do. Moreover, our future profitability will be directly related to the availability and cost of our capital in relation to the availability and cost of capital to our competitors. Our competitors and potential competitors include far larger, more established companies that have access to capital markets for unsecured commercial paper and investment grade-rated debt instruments and to other funding sources that may be unavailable to us. Many of these companies also have long-standing relationships with dealers and may provide other financing to dealers, including floor plan financing for the dealers' purchase of automobiles from manufacturers, which we do not offer.

We believe that the principal competitive factors affecting a dealer's decision to offer automobile contracts for sale to a particular financing source are the monthly payment amount made available to the dealer’s customer, the purchase price offered for the automobile contracts, the timeliness of the response to the dealer upon submission of the initial application, the amount of required documentation, the consistency and timeliness of purchases and the financial stability of the funding source. While we believe that we can obtain from dealers sufficient automobile contracts for purchase at attractive prices by consistently applying reasonable underwriting criteria and making timely purchases of qualifying automobile contracts, there can be no assurance that we will do so.

Regulation

Numerous federal and state consumer protection laws, including the federal Truth-In-Lending Act, the federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act, the federal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act and the Federal Trade Commission Act, regulate consumer credit transactions. These laws mandate certain disclosures with respect to finance charges on automobile contracts and impose certain other restrictions. In most states, a license is required to engage in the business of purchasing automobile contracts from dealers. In addition, laws in a number of states impose limitations on the amount of finance charges that may be charged by dealers on credit sales. The so-called Lemon Laws enacted by various states provide certain rights to purchasers with respect to automobiles that fail to satisfy express warranties. The application of Lemon Laws or violation of such other federal and state laws may give rise to a claim or defense of a customer against a dealer and its assignees, including us and those who purchase automobile contracts from us. The dealer agreement contains representations by the dealer that, as of the date of assignment of automobile contracts, no such claims or defenses have been asserted or threatened with respect to the automobile contracts and that all requirements of such federal and state laws have been complied with in all material respects. Although a dealer would be obligated to repurchase automobile contracts that involve a breach of such warranty, there can be no assurance that the dealer will have the financial resources to satisfy its repurchase obligations. Certain of these laws also regulate our servicing activities, including our methods of collection.

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The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) was enacted in July 2010, and many of its provisions became effective in July 2011. The Dodd-Frank Act restructured the regulation and supervision of the financial services industry and created the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (the “CFPB”). The CFPB has rulemaking, supervisory and enforcement authority over “non-banks,” including us. The CFPB is specifically authorized, among other things, to take actions to prevent companies from engaging in “unfair, deceptive or abusive” acts or practices in connection with consumer financial products and services, and to issue rules requiring enhanced disclosures for consumer financial products or services.   The CFPB also has authority to interpret, enforce and issue regulations implementing enumerated consumer laws, including certain laws that apply to us.  Further, the CFPB has general supervisory and examination authority over non-depository “larger participants” in the market for automotive finance companies. We are subject to such supervision and examination.

The Dodd-Frank Act and related regulations are likely to affect our cost of doing business, may limit or expand our permissible activities, may affect the competitive balance within our industry and market areas and could have a material adverse effect on us. For example, in March 2013, the CFPB stated its view that policies of indirect auto lenders that allow auto dealers to mark up lender-established buy rates and that compensate dealers for those markups could present a risk of impermissible pricing disparities on the basis of race and national origin, and potentially other prohibited bases. We continue to assess the Dodd-Frank Act’s probable effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations, and to monitor developments involving the entities charged with promulgating regulations. However, the ultimate effect of the Dodd-Frank Act on the financial services industry in general, and on us in particular, is uncertain at this time.

In addition to the CFPB, other state and federal agencies have the ability to regulate aspects of our business. For example, the Dodd-Frank Act provides a mechanism for state Attorneys General to investigate us. In addition, the Federal Trade Commission has jurisdiction to investigate aspects of our business. We expect that regulatory investigation by both state and federal agencies will continue, and there can be no assurance that the results of such investigations will not have a material adverse effect on us.

We believe that we are currently in material compliance with applicable statutes and regulations; however, there can be no assurance that we are correct, nor that we will be able to maintain such compliance. The past or future failure to comply with applicable statutes and regulations could have a material adverse effect on us. Furthermore, the adoption of additional statutes and regulations, changes in the interpretation and enforcement of current statutes and regulations or the expansion of our business into jurisdictions that have adopted more stringent regulatory requirements than those in which we currently conduct business could have a material adverse effect on us. In addition, due to the consumer-oriented nature of our industry and the application of certain laws and regulations, industry participants are regularly named as defendants in litigation involving alleged violations of federal and state laws and regulations and consumer law torts, including fraud. Many of these actions involve alleged violations of consumer protection laws. A significant judgment against us or within the industry in connection with any such litigation could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition, results of operations or liquidity.

Employees

As of December 31, 2017, we had 999 employees. The breakdown of the employees is as follows: 10 were senior management personnel; 572 were servicing personnel; 212 were automobile contract origination personnel; 120 were marketing personnel and program development (76 of whom were marketing representatives); 85 were various administration personnel including human resources, legal, accounting and systems. We believe that our relations with our employees are good. We are not a party to any collective bargaining agreement.

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

Our business, operating results and financial condition could be adversely affected by any of the following specific risks. The trading price of our common stock could decline due to any of these risks and other industry risks. This listing of risks by its nature cannot be exhaustive, and the order in which the risks appear is not intended as an indication of their relative weight or importance. In addition to the risks described below, we may encounter risks that we do not currently recognize or that we currently deem immaterial, which may also impair our business operations and the value of our common stock.

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Risks Related to Our Business

We Require a Substantial Amount of Cash to Service Our Substantial Debt.

To service our existing substantial indebtedness, we require a significant amount of cash. Our ability to generate cash depends on many factors, including our successful financial and operating performance. Our financial and operational performance depends upon a number of factors, many of which are beyond our control. These factors include, without limitation:

· the economic and competitive conditions in the asset-backed securities market;

· the performance of our current and future automobile contracts;

· the performance of our residual interests from our securitizations and warehouse credit facilities;

· any operating difficulties or pricing pressures we may experience;

· our ability to obtain credit enhancement for our securitizations;

· our ability to establish and maintain dealer relationships;

· the passage of laws or regulations that affect us adversely;

· our ability to compete with our competitors; and

· our ability to acquire and finance automobile contracts.

Depending upon the outcome of one or more of these factors, we may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow from operations or obtain sufficient funding to satisfy all of our obligations. Such factors may result in our being unable to pay our debts timely or as agreed. If we were unable to pay our debts, we would be required to pursue one or more alternative strategies, such as selling assets, refinancing or restructuring our indebtedness or selling additional equity capital. These alternative strategies might not be feasible at the time, might prove inadequate, or could require the prior consent of our lenders. If executed, these strategies could reduce the earnings available to our shareholders.

We Need Substantial Liquidity to Operate Our Business.

We have historically funded our operations principally through internally generated cash flows, sales of debt and equity securities, including through securitizations and warehouse credit facilities, borrowings under senior secured debt agreements and sales of subordinated notes. However, we may not be able to obtain sufficient funding for our future operations from such sources. During 2008, 2009 and much of 2010, our access to the capital markets was impaired with respect to both short-term and long-term funding. While our access to such funding has improved since then, our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows have been and may continue to be materially and adversely affected. We require a substantial amount of cash liquidity to operate our business. Among other things, we use such cash liquidity to:

· acquire automobile contracts;

· fund overcollateralization in warehouse credit facilities and securitizations;

· pay securitization fees and expenses;

· fund spread accounts in connection with securitizations;

· satisfy working capital requirements and pay operating expenses;

· pay taxes; and

· pay interest expense.

Historically we have matched our liquidity needs to our available sources of funding by reducing our acquisition of new automobile contracts, at times to merely nominal levels. There can be no assurance that we will continue to be successful with that strategy.

Periods of Significant Losses.

From time to time throughout our history we have incurred net losses, most recently over the period beginning with the quarter ended September 30, 2008 and ending with the quarter ended September 30, 2011. We were adversely affected by the economic recession affecting the United States as a whole, for a time by increased financing costs and decreased availability of capital to fund our purchases of automobile contracts, and by a decrease in the overall level of sales of automobiles and light trucks. Similar periods of losses began in the quarter ended March 31, 1999 through the quarter ended December 31, 2000 and also from the quarter ended September 30, 2003 through the quarter ended March 31, 2005.

We expect to earn quarterly profits during 2018; however, there can be no assurance as to that expectation. Our expectation of profitability is a forward-looking statement. We discuss the assumptions underlying that expectation under the caption “Forward-Looking Statements” in this report. We identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ, generally in the “Risk Factors” section of this report, and also under the caption “Forward-Looking Statements.” One reason for our expectation is that we have had positive net income throughout the six years ended December 31, 2017.

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Our Results of Operations Will Depend on Our Ability to Secure and Maintain Adequate Credit and Warehouse Financing on Favorable Terms.

Our business strategy requires that warehouse credit facilities be available in order to purchase significant volumes of receivables.

Historically, our primary sources of day-to-day liquidity have been our warehouse credit facilities, in which we sell and contribute automobile contracts, as often as twice a week, to special-purpose subsidiaries, where they are "warehoused" until they are financed on a long-term basis through the issuance and sale of asset-backed notes. Upon sale of the notes, funds advanced under one or more warehouse credit facilities are repaid from the proceeds. Our current short-term funding capacity is $300 million, comprising three credit facilities, each with a maximum credit limit of $100 million. Each of the three warehouse credit facilities includes a revolving period during which we may receive advances secured by contributed automobile contracts, followed by an amortization period during which no further advances may be made, but prior to which outstanding advances are due and payable. See “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations – Liquidity and Capital Resources – Liquidity”.

If we are unable to maintain warehouse financing on acceptable terms, we might curtail or cease our purchases of new automobile contracts, which could lead to a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Our Results of Operations Will Depend on Our Ability to Securitize Our Portfolio of Automobile Contracts.

We depend upon our ability to obtain permanent financing for pools of automobile contracts by conducting term securitization transactions. By "permanent financing" we mean financing that extends to cover the full term during which the underlying automobile contracts are outstanding and requires repayment as the underlying automobile contracts are repaid or charged off. By contrast, our warehouse credit facilities permit us to borrow against the value of such receivables only for limited periods of time. Our past practice and future plan has been and is to repay loans made to us under our warehouse credit facilities with the proceeds of securitizations. There can be no assurance that any securitization transaction will be available on terms acceptable to us, or at all. The timing of any securitization transaction is affected by a number of factors beyond our control, any of which could cause substantial delays, including, without limitation:

· market conditions;

· the approval by all parties of the terms of the securitization;

· our ability to acquire a sufficient number of automobile contracts for securitization.

As stated elsewhere in this report, during 2008 and 2009 we observed adverse changes in the market for securitized pools of automobile contracts, which made permanent financing in the form of securitization transactions difficult to obtain and more costly than in prior periods. These changes included reduced liquidity and reduced demand for asset-backed securities, particularly for securities carrying a financial guaranty or for securities backed by sub-prime automobile receivables. Although we have seen improvements in the capital markets from 2010 and thereafter, as compared to 2008 and 2009, if the market conditions for asset-backed securitizations should reverse, we could expect a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our Results of Operations Will Depend on Cash Flows from Our Residual Interests in Our Securitization Program and Our Warehouse Credit Facilities.

When we finance our automobile contracts through securitizations and warehouse credit facilities, we receive cash and retain a residual interest in the assets financed. Those financed assets are owned by the special-purpose subsidiary that is formed for the related securitization. This residual interest represents the right to receive the future cash flows to be generated by the automobile contracts in excess of (i) the interest and principal paid to investors or lenders on the indebtedness issued in connection with the financing, (ii) the costs of servicing the automobile contracts and (iii) certain other costs incurred in connection with completing and maintaining the securitization or warehouse credit facility. We sometimes refer to these future cash flows as "excess spread cash flows."

Under the financial structures we have used to date in our securitizations and warehouse credit facilities, excess spread cash flows that would otherwise be paid to the holder of the residual interest are first used to increase overcollateralization or are retained in a spread account within the securitization trusts or the warehouse facility to provide liquidity and credit enhancement for the related securities.

While the specific terms and mechanics vary among transactions, our securitization and warehousing agreements generally provide that we will receive excess spread cash flows only if the amount of overcollateralization and spread account balances have reached specified levels and/or the delinquency, defaults or net losses related to the automobile contracts in the automobile contract pools are below certain predetermined levels. In the event delinquencies, defaults or net losses on automobile contracts exceed these levels, the terms of the securitization or warehouse credit facility:

· may require increased credit enhancement, including an increase in the amount required to be on deposit in the spread account to be accumulated for the particular pool; and

· in certain circumstances, may permit affected parties to require the transfer of servicing on some or all of the securitized or warehoused contracts from us to an unaffiliated servicer.

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We typically retain residual interests or use them as collateral to borrow cash. In any case, the future excess spread cash flow received in respect of the residual interests is integral to the financing of our operations. The amount of cash received from residual interests depends in large part on how well our portfolio of securitized and warehoused automobile contracts performs. If our portfolio of securitized and warehoused automobile contracts has higher delinquency and loss ratios than expected, then the amount of money realized from our retained residual interests, or the amount of money we could obtain from the sale or other financing of our residual interests, would be reduced. Such higher than expected losses occurred in 2008 through 2010, which had an adverse effect on our operations, financial condition and cash flows. Should significant increases in losses reoccur, such recurrence might have material adverse effects on our future results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

If We Are Unable to Obtain Credit Enhancement for Our Securitizations Upon Favorable Terms, Our Results of Operations Would Be Impaired.

In our securitizations from 1994 through 2008, we utilized credit enhancement in the form of one or more financial guaranty insurance policies issued by financial guaranty insurance companies. Each of these policies unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed timely interest and ultimate principal payments on the senior classes of the securities issued in those securitizations. These guarantees enabled those securities to achieve the highest credit rating available. This form of credit enhancement reduced the costs of our securitizations relative to alternative forms of credit enhancement available to us at the time. Due to significantly reduced investor demand for securities carrying such a financial guaranty, this form of credit enhancement may not be economical for us in the future. The 27 securitization transactions we executed from 2010 through 2017 did not utilize financial guaranty insurance policies. Prior to the second quarter of 2014, none of the securities issued in those transactions received the highest possible credit rating from any rating agency. As we pursue future securitizations, we may not be able to obtain:

· credit enhancement in any form on terms acceptable to us, or at all; or

· similar highest available credit ratings for senior classes of securities to be issued in future securitizations.

The credit spread between the interest rates payable on our securitization trust debt and the rates payable on risk-free investments has varied. As of the date of this report, it is the consensus of market observers that interest rates on risk-free debt will rise within the next year. If interest rates on risk-free debt do increase, or if our spread above risk-free rates should increase, or both, we would expect increased interest expense, which would adversely affect our results of operations.

If We Are Unable to Compete Successfully with our Competitors, Our Results of Operations May Be Impaired.

The automobile financing business is highly competitive. We compete with a number of national, regional and local finance companies. In addition, competitors or potential competitors include other types of financial services companies, such as commercial banks, savings and loan associations, leasing companies, credit unions providing retail loan financing and lease financing for new and used vehicles and captive finance companies affiliated with major automobile manufacturers, such as Ford Motor Credit Corporation. Many of our competitors and potential competitors possess substantially greater financial, marketing, technical, personnel and other resources than we do, including greater access to capital markets for unsecured commercial paper and investment grade rated debt instruments, and to other funding sources which may be unavailable to us. Moreover, our future profitability will be directly related to the availability and cost of our capital relative to that of our competitors. Many of these companies also have long-standing relationships with automobile dealers and may provide other financing to dealers, including floor plan financing for the dealers' purchases of automobiles from manufacturers, which we do not offer. There can be no assurance that we will be able to continue to compete successfully and, as a result, we may not be able to purchase automobile contracts from dealers at a price acceptable to us, which could result in reductions in our revenues or the cash flows available to us.

If Our Dealers Do Not Submit a Sufficient Number of Suitable Automobile Contracts to Us for Purchase, Our Results of Operations May Be Impaired.

We are dependent upon establishing and maintaining relationships with a large number of unaffiliated automobile dealers to supply us with automobile contracts. During the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, no single dealer accounted for as much as 1% of the automobile contracts we purchased. The agreements we have with dealers to purchase automobile contracts do not require dealers to submit a minimum number of automobile contracts for purchase. The failure of dealers to submit automobile contracts that meet our underwriting criteria could result in reductions in our revenues or the cash flows available to us, and, therefore, could have an adverse effect on our results of operations.

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If a Significant Number of Our Automobile Contracts Experience Defaults, Our Results of Operations May Be Impaired.

We specialize in the purchase and servicing of automobile contracts to finance automobile purchases by sub-prime customers, those who have limited credit history, low income, or past credit problems. Such automobile contracts entail a higher risk of non-performance, higher delinquencies and higher losses than automobile contracts with more creditworthy customers. While we believe that our pricing of the automobile contracts and the underwriting criteria and collection methods we employ enable us to control, to a degree, the higher risks inherent in automobile contracts with sub-prime customers, no assurance can be given that such pricing, criteria and methods will afford adequate protection against such risks.

If automobile contracts that we purchase and hold experience defaults to a greater extent than we have anticipated, this could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and liquidity. Our results of operations, financial condition, cash flows and liquidity, depend, to a material extent, on the performance of automobile contracts that we purchase, warehouse and securitize. A portion of the automobile contracts that we acquire will default or prepay. In the event of payment default, the collateral value of the vehicle securing an automobile contract realized by us in a repossession will generally not cover the outstanding principal balance on that automobile contract and the related costs of recovery. We maintain an allowance for credit losses on automobile contracts held on our balance sheet, which reflects our estimates of probable credit losses that can be reasonably estimated for securitizations that are accounted for as financings and warehoused automobile contracts. If the allowance is inadequate, then we would recognize the losses in excess of the allowance as an expense and our results of operations could be adversely affected. In addition, under the terms of our warehouse credit facilities, we are not able to borrow against defaulted automobile contracts, including automobile contracts that are, at the time of default, funded under our warehouse credit facilities, which will reduce the overcollateralization of those warehouse credit facilities and possibly reduce the amount of cash flows available to us.

If We Lose Servicing Rights on Our Portfolio of Automobile Contracts, Our Results of Operations Would Be Impaired.

We are entitled to receive servicing fees only while we act as servicer under the applicable sale and servicing agreements governing our warehouse credit facilities and securitizations. Under such agreements, we may be terminated as servicer upon the occurrence of certain events, including:

· our failure generally to observe and perform our responsibilities and other covenants;

· certain bankruptcy events; or

· the occurrence of certain events of default under the documents governing the facilities.

The loss of our servicing rights could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows. Our results of operations, financial condition and cash flow, would be materially and adversely affected if we were to be terminated as servicer with respect to a material portion of our managed portfolio.

If We Lose Key Personnel, Our Results of Operations May Be Impaired.

Our senior management team averages over 20 years of service with us. Charles E. Bradley, Jr., our President and CEO, has been our President since our formation in 1991. Our future operating results depend in significant part upon the continued service of our key senior management personnel, none of whom is bound by an employment agreement. Our future operating results also depend in part upon our ability to attract and retain qualified management, technical, sales and support personnel for our operations. Competition for such personnel is intense. We cannot assure you that we will be successful in attracting or retaining such personnel. Conversely, adverse general economic conditions may have had a countervailing effect. The loss of any key employee, the failure of any key employee to perform in his or her current position or our inability to attract and retain skilled employees, as needed, could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and cash flow.

If We Fail to Comply with Regulations, Our Results of Operations May Be Impaired.

Failure to materially comply with all laws and regulations applicable to us could materially and adversely affect our ability to operate our business. Our business is subject to numerous federal and state consumer protection laws and regulations, which, among other things:

· require us to obtain and maintain certain licenses and qualifications;

· limit the interest rates, fees and other charges we are allowed to charge;

· limit or prescribe certain other terms of our automobile contracts;

· require specific disclosures to our customers;

· define our rights to repossess and sell collateral; and

· maintain safeguards designed to protect the security and confidentiality of customer information.

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Our industry is also at times investigated by regulators and offices of state attorneys general, which could lead to enforcement actions, fines and penalties, or the assertion of private claims and law suits against us. The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) has the authority to investigate consumer complaints against us, to conduct inquiries at its own instance, and to recommend enforcement actions and seek monetary penalties. The FTC has conducted an inquiry into our practices, and proposed remedial action against us in 2014, to which we consented. The CFPB has adopted regulations that place us and other companies similar to us under its supervision. Our industry has also been under investigation by the United States Department of Justice, which is conducting an inquiry that appears to be focused on securitization practices. In that inquiry, we received a subpoena in January 2015, which required that we produce specified documents. We have been advised by the Department of Justice that we have provided such information as is required, and that no enforcement action against us is recommended. Although the inquiry commenced January 2015 is thus completed as to us, no assurance can be given as to whether some other government agency may commence inquiries into or actions against us, nor as to whether the DOJ may recommence its investigation, any of which hypothetical proceedings might materially and adversely affect us.

If we fail to comply with applicable laws and regulations, such failure could result in penalties, litigation losses and expenses, damage to our reputation, or the suspension or termination of our licenses to conduct business, which would materially adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition and stock price. In addition, new federal and state laws or regulations or changes in the ways that existing rules or laws are interpreted or enforced could limit our activities in the future or significantly increase the cost of compliance. Furthermore, judges or regulatory bodies could interpret current rules or laws differently than the way we do, leading to such adverse consequences as described above. The resolution of such matters may require considerable time and expense, and if not resolved in our favor, may result in fines or damages, and possibly an adverse effect on our financial condition.

We believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with all such laws and regulations, and that such laws and regulations have had no material adverse effect on our ability to operate our business. However, we may be materially and adversely affected if we fail to comply with:

· applicable laws and regulations;

· changes in existing laws or regulations;

· changes in the interpretation of existing laws or regulations; or

· any additional laws or regulations that may be enacted in the future.

Changes in Law and Regulations May Have an Adverse Effect on Our Business.

The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act ("Dodd-Frank"), adopted in 2010, made numerous changes to the laws applicable to the consumer financial services industry. Among other things, Dodd-Frank created the CFPB, which is authorized to promulgate and enforce consumer protection regulations relating to financial products and mandated that other federal agencies adopt rules implementing risk retention requirements in securitizations.

We are also subject to regulation by each state in which we operate, and such states’ laws and regulations, and the interpretations thereof, also change from time to time.

Compliance with new laws and regulations may be or likely will be costly and can affect operating results. Compliance requires forms, processes, procedures, controls and the infrastructure to support these requirements. Compliance may create operational constraints and place limits on pricing. Laws in the financial services industry are designed primarily for the protection of consumers. The failure to comply could result in significant statutory civil and criminal penalties, monetary damages, attorneys’ fees and costs, possible revocation of licenses and damage to reputation, brand and valued customer relationships.

At this time, it is difficult to predict the extent to which new regulations or amendments will affect our business. However, compliance with these new laws and regulations may result in additional cost and expenses, which may adversely affect our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity.

United States Risk Retention Rules May Limit Our Liquidity and Increase Our Capital Requirements.

Securitizations of automobile receivables after December 2016 are subject to rick retention requirements, which generally require that sponsors of asset-backed securities (ABS), such as us, retain not less than five percent of the credit risk of the assets collateralizing the ABS issuance. The rule also sets forth prohibitions on transferring or hedging the credit risk that the sponsor is required to retain. Because the rule places an upper limit on the degree to which we may use financial leverage in our securitization structures may require more capital of us, or may release less cash to us, than might be the case in the absence of such rule.

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If We Experience Unfavorable Litigation Results, Our Results of Operations May Be Impaired.

We operate in a litigious society and currently are, and may in the future be, named as defendants in litigation, including individual and class action lawsuits under consumer credit, consumer protection, theft, privacy, data security, automated dialing equipment, debt collections and other laws. Many of these cases present novel issues on which there is no clear legal precedent, which increases the difficulty in predicting both the potential outcomes and costs of defending these cases. We are subject to regulatory examinations, investigations, inquiries, litigation, and other actions by licensing authorities, state attorneys general, the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and other governmental bodies relating to our activities. The litigation and regulatory actions to which we are or may become subject involve or may involve potential compensatory or punitive damage claims, fines, sanctions or injunctive relief that, if granted, could require us to pay damages or make other expenditures in amounts that could have a material adverse effect on our financial position and our results of operations. We have recorded loss contingencies in our financial statements only for matters on which losses are probable and can be reasonably estimated. Our assessments of these matters involve significant judgments, and may change from time to time. Actual losses incurred by us in connection with judgments or settlements of these matters may be more than our associated reserves. Furthermore, defending lawsuits and responding to governmental inquiries or investigations, regardless of their merit, could be costly and divert management’s attention from the operation of our business. Unfavorable outcomes in any such current or future proceedings could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial conditions and cash flows. As a consumer finance company, we are subject to various consumer claims and litigation seeking damages and statutory penalties based upon, among other things, disclosure inaccuracies and wrongful repossession, which could take the form of a plaintiff's class action complaint. We, as the assignee of finance contracts originated by dealers, may also be named as a co-defendant in lawsuits filed by consumers principally against dealers. We are also subject to other litigation common to the automobile industry and to businesses in general. The damages and penalties claimed by consumers and others in these types of matters can be substantial. The relief requested by the plaintiffs varies but includes requests for compensatory, statutory and punitive damages.

While we intend to vigorously defend ourselves against such proceedings, there is a chance that our results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be materially and adversely affected by unfavorable outcomes.

Negative publicity associated with litigation, governmental investigations, regulatory actions, and other public statements could damage our reputation.

From time to time there are negative news stories about the “sub-prime” credit industry. Such stories may follow the announcements of litigation or regulatory actions involving us or others in our industry. Negative publicity about our alleged or actual practices or about our industry generally could adversely affect our stock price and our ability to retain and attract employees.

If We Experience Problems with Our Originations, Accounting or Collection Systems, Our Results of Operations May Be Impaired.

We are dependent on our receivables originations, accounting and collection systems to service our portfolio of automobile contracts. Such systems are vulnerable to damage or interruption from natural disasters, power loss, telecommunication failures, terrorist attacks, computer viruses and other events. A significant number of our systems are not redundant, and our disaster recovery planning is not sufficient for every eventuality. Our systems are also subject to break-ins, sabotage and intentional acts of vandalism by internal employees and contractors as well as third parties. Despite any precautions we may take, such problems could result in interruptions in our services, which could harm our reputation and financial condition. We do not carry business interruption insurance sufficient to compensate us for losses that may result from interruptions in our service as a result of system failures. Such systems problems could materially and adversely affect our results of operations, financial conditions and cash flows.

A breach in the security of our systems could result in the disclosure of confidential information or subject us to liability

We hold in our systems confidential financial and other personal data with respect to our customers, which may be of value to identity thieves and others if revealed. Although we endeavor to protect the security of our computer systems and the confidentiality of customer information entrusted to us, there can be no assurance that our security measures will provide adequate security.

It is possible that we may not be able to anticipate, detect or recognize threats to our systems or to implement effective preventive measures against all security breaches, especially because the techniques used change frequently or are not recognized until launched, and because cyberattacks can originate from a wide variety of sources, including third parties outside the Company such as persons who are associated with external service providers or who are or may be involved in organized crime or linked to terrorist organizations.

Such persons may also attempt to fraudulently induce employees or other users of our systems to disclose sensitive information in order to gain access to our data or that of our customers.

These risks may increase in the future as we continue to increase our mobile-payment and other internet-based product offerings and expands our use of web-based products and applications.

A successful penetration of the security of our systems could cause serious negative consequences, including disruption of our operations, misappropriation of confidential information, or damage to our computers or systems, and could result in violations of applicable privacy and other laws, financial loss to us or to our customers, customer dissatisfaction, significant litigation exposure and harm to our reputation, any or all of which could have a material adverse effect on us.

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We Have Substantial Indebtedness.

We currently have and will continue to have a substantial amount of indebtedness. At December 31, 2017, we had approximately $2,212.2 million of debt outstanding. Such debt consisted primarily of $2,083.2 million of securitization trust debt, $112.4 million of warehouse lines of credit and $16.6 million in subordinated renewable notes. We are also currently offering the subordinated renewable notes to the public on a continuous basis, and such notes have maturities that range from three months to 10 years.

Our substantial indebtedness could adversely affect our financial condition by, among other things:

· increasing our vulnerability to general adverse economic and industry conditions;

· requiring us to dedicate a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations to payments on our indebtedness, thereby reducing amounts available for working capital, capital expenditures and other general corporate purposes;

· limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate;

· placing us at a competitive disadvantage compared to our competitors that have less debt; and

· limiting our ability to borrow additional funds.

Although we believe we are able to service and repay such debt, there is no assurance that we will be able to do so. If we do not generate sufficient operating profits, our ability to make required payments on our debt would be impaired. Failure to pay our indebtedness when due would give rise to various remedies in favor of any unpaid creditors, and creditors’ exercise of such remedies could have a material adverse effect on our earnings.

Because We Are Subject to Many Restrictions in Our Existing Credit Facilities and Securitization Transactions, Our Ability to Pay Dividends or Engage in Specified Transactions May Be Impaired.

The terms of our existing credit facilities, term securitizations and our other outstanding debt impose significant operating and financial restrictions on us and our subsidiaries and require us to meet certain financial tests. These restrictions may have an adverse effect on our business activities, results of operations and financial condition. These restrictions may also significantly limit or prohibit us from engaging in certain transactions, including the following:

· incurring or guaranteeing additional indebtedness;

· making capital expenditures in excess of agreed upon amounts;

· paying dividends or other distributions to our shareholders or redeeming, repurchasing or retiring our capital stock or subordinated obligations;

· making investments;

· creating or permitting liens on our assets or the assets of our subsidiaries;

· issuing or selling capital stock of our subsidiaries;

· transferring or selling our assets;

· engaging in mergers or consolidations;

· permitting a change of control of our company;

· liquidating, winding up or dissolving our company;

· changing our name or the nature of our business, or the names or nature of the business of our subsidiaries; and

· engaging in transactions with our affiliates outside the normal course of business.

These restrictions may limit our ability to obtain additional sources of capital, which may limit our ability to generate earnings. In addition, the failure to comply with any of the covenants of one or more of our debt agreements could cause a default under other debt agreements that may be outstanding from time to time. A default, if not waived, could result in acceleration of the related indebtedness, in which case such debt would become immediately due and payable. A continuing default or acceleration of one or more of our credit facilities or any other debt agreement, would likely cause a default under other debt agreements that otherwise would not be in default, in which case all such related indebtedness could be accelerated. If this occurs, we may not be able to repay our debt or borrow sufficient funds to refinance our indebtedness. Even if any new financing is available, it may not be on terms that are acceptable to us or it may not be sufficient to refinance all of our indebtedness as it becomes due.

In addition, the transaction documents for our securitizations restrict our securitization subsidiaries from declaring or making payment to us of (i) any dividend or other distribution on or in respect of any shares of their capital stock, or (ii) any payment on account of the purchase, redemption, retirement or acquisition of any option, warrant or other right to acquire shares of their capital stock unless (in each case) at the time of such declaration or payment (and after giving effect thereto) no amount payable under any transaction document with respect to the related securitization is then due and owing, but unpaid. These restrictions may limit our ability to receive distributions in respect of the residual interests from our securitization facilities, which may limit our ability to generate earnings.

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Risks Related to General Factors

If The Economy of All or Certain Regions of the United States Falls into Recession, Our Results of Operations May Be Impaired.

Our business is directly related to sales of new and used automobiles, which are sensitive to employment rates, prevailing interest rates and other domestic economic conditions. Delinquencies, repossessions and losses generally increase during economic slowdowns or recessions. Because of our focus on sub-prime customers, the actual rates of delinquencies, repossessions and losses on our automobile contracts could be higher under adverse economic conditions than those experienced in the automobile finance industry in general, particularly in the states of California, Texas, Ohio, Florida, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, states in which our automobile contracts are geographically concentrated. Any sustained period of economic slowdown or recession could adversely affect our ability to acquire suitable automobile contracts, or to securitize pools of such automobile contracts. The timing of any economic changes is uncertain, and weakness in the economy could have an adverse effect on our business and that of the dealers from which we purchase automobile contracts and result in reductions in our revenues or the cash flows available to us.

Our Results of Operations May Be Impaired as a Result of Natural Disasters.

Our automobile contracts are geographically concentrated in the states of California and Texas. Such states may be particularly susceptible to natural disasters: earthquake in the case of California, and hurricanes and flooding in Texas. Natural disasters, in those states or others, could cause a material number of our vehicle purchasers to lose their jobs, or could damage or destroy vehicles that secure our automobile contracts. In either case, such events could result in our receiving reduced collections on our automobile contracts, and could thus result in reductions in our revenues or the cash flows available to us.

If an Increase in Interest Rates Results in a Decrease in Our Cash Flows from Excess Spread, Our Results of Operations May Be Impaired.

Our profitability is largely determined by the difference, or "spread," between the effective interest rate we receive on the automobile contracts that we acquire and the interest rates payable under warehouse credit facilities and on the asset-backed securities issued in our securitizations. In the past, disruptions in the market for asset-backed securities resulted in an increase in the interest rates we paid on asset-backed securities. Should similar disruptions take place in the future, we may pay higher interest rates on asset-backed securities issued in the future. Although we have the ability to partially offset increases in our cost of funds by increasing fees we charge to dealers when purchasing automobile contracts, or by demanding higher interest rates on automobile contracts we purchase, there is no assurance that such actions will materially offset increases in interest we pay to finance our managed portfolio. As a result, an increase in prevailing interest rates could cause us to receive less excess spread cash flows on automobile contracts, and thus could adversely affect our earnings and cash flows. See “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk - Interest Rate Risk.”

Risks Related to Our Common Stock

Our Common Stock Is Thinly-Traded.

Our stock is thinly-traded, which means investors will have limited opportunities to sell their shares of common stock in the open market. Limited trading of our common stock also contributes to more volatile price fluctuations. Because there historically has been low trading volume in our common stock, there can be no assurance that our stock price will not decline as additional shares are sold in the public market. As of December 31, 2017, our directors and executive officers collectively owned 5,186,796 shares of our common stock, or approximately 24%.

We Do Not Intend to Pay Dividends on Our Common Stock.

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. We currently intend to retain any future earnings and do not expect to pay any dividends in the foreseeable future. See "Dividend Policy".

Forward-Looking Statements

Discussions of certain matters contained in this report may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act") and Section 21E of the Exchange Act, and as such, may involve risks and uncertainties. These forward-looking statements relate to, among other things, expectations of the business environment in which we operate, projections of future performance, perceived opportunities in the market and statements regarding our mission and vision. You can generally identify forward-looking statements as statements containing the words "will," "would," "believe," "may," "could," "expect," "anticipate," "intend," "estimate," "assume" or other similar expressions. Our actual results, performance and achievements may differ materially from the results, performance and achievements expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. The discussion under "Risk Factors" identifies some of the factors that might cause such a difference, including the following:

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· changes in general economic conditions;

· changes in performance of our automobile contracts;

· increases in interest rates;

· our ability to generate sufficient operating and financing cash flows;

· competition;

· level of losses incurred on contracts in our managed portfolio; and

· adverse decisions by courts or regulators

Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of performance. They involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Actual results may differ from expectations due to many factors beyond our ability to control or predict, including those described herein, and in documents incorporated by reference in this report. For these statements, we claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking information. You are advised to consult any additional disclosure we make in our periodic reports filed with the SEC. See "Where You Can Find More Information" and "Documents Incorporated by Reference."

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

Not applicable.

Item 2. Properties

Our principal executive offices are located in Las Vegas, Nevada, where we currently lease approximately 38,000 square feet of general office space from an unaffiliated lessor. The annual base rent is approximately $1.3 million, increasing to approximately $1.5 million through 2022.

Our operating headquarters are located in Irvine, California, where we currently lease approximately 129,000 square feet of general office space from an unaffiliated lessor. The annual base rent is approximately $3.9 million, increasing to approximately $4.5 million through 2022.

The remaining three regional servicing centers occupy a total of approximately 57,000 square feet of leased space in Chesapeake, Virginia; Maitland, Florida; and Lombard, Illinois. The termination dates of such leases range from 2019 to 2025. The annual base rent for these facilities total approximately $1.0 million increasing to approximately $1.3 million through 2025.

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

Consumer Litigation. We are routinely involved in various legal proceedings resulting from our consumer finance activities and practices, both continuing and discontinued. Consumers can and do initiate lawsuits against us alleging violations of law applicable to collection of receivables, and such lawsuits sometimes allege that resolution as a class action is appropriate.

For the most part, we have legal and factual defenses to consumer claims, which we routinely contest or settle (for immaterial amounts) depending on the particular circumstances of each case.

Department of Justice Industry Inquiry. In January 2015, we were served with a subpoena by the U.S. Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) directing us to produce certain documents relating to our and our subsidiaries’ and affiliates’ origination and securitization of sub-prime automobile contracts since 2005, in connection with an investigation by the DOJ in contemplation of a civil proceeding for potential violations of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989. The DOJ in its investigation requested information relating, among other matters, to the underwriting criteria used to originate these automobile contracts and to the representations and warranties relating to those underwriting criteria that were made in connection with the securitization of the automobile contracts. We are among several other securitizers of sub-prime automobile receivables who received such subpoenas in 2014, 2015 and 2016. We have provided the required information, and we were advised by the DOJ in February 2018 that no further information is required of us and that no enforcement action is recommended.

Although the inquiry commenced January 2015 is thus completed as to us, no assurance can be given as to whether some other government agency may commence inquiries into or actions against us, nor as to whether the DOJ may recommence its investigation, any of which hypothetical proceedings might materially and adversely affect us.

In General. There can be no assurance as to the outcomes of the matters described or referenced above. We record at each measurement date, most recently as of December 31, 2017, our best estimate of probable incurred losses for legal contingencies, including each of the matters described or referenced above. The amount of losses that may ultimately be incurred cannot be estimated with certainty. However, based on such information as is available to us, we believe that the total of probable incurred losses for legal contingencies as of December 31, 2017 is immaterial, and that the range of reasonably possible losses for the legal proceedings and contingencies we face, including those described or referenced above, as of the same date does not exceed $1 million.

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Accordingly, we believe that the ultimate resolution of such legal proceedings and contingencies should not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition. We note, however, that in light of the uncertainties inherent in contested proceedings, the wide discretion vested in the DOJ and other government agencies, and the deference that courts may give to assertions made by government litigants, there can be no assurance that the ultimate resolution of contingencies will not be material to our operating results for a particular period, depending on, among other factors, the size of the loss or liability imposed and the level of our income for that period.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

Charles E. Bradley, Jr., 58, has been our President and a director since our formation in March 1991, and was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors in July 2001. In January 1992, Mr. Bradley was appointed Chief Executive Officer. From April 1989 to November 1990, he served as Chief Operating Officer of Barnard and Company, a private investment firm. From September 1987 to March 1989, Mr. Bradley, Jr. was an associate of The Harding Group, a private investment banking firm. Mr. Bradley does not currently serve on the board of directors of any other publicly-traded companies.

Jeffrey P. Fritz, 58, has been Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since March 2014. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer since April 2006.  He was Senior Vice President of Accounting from August 2004 through March 2006 and served as a consultant to us from May 2004 to August 2004. He also served as our Chief Financial Officer from our inception through May 1999. He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant and has previously practiced public accounting.

Michael T. Lavin, 45, has been Executive Vice President - Chief Legal Officer since March 2014. Prior to that, he was our Senior Vice President – General Counsel since March 2013, Senior Vice President and Corporate Counsel since May 2009 and our Vice President- Legal since joining the Company in November of 2001.  Mr. Lavin was previously engaged as a law clerk and an associate with the San Diego based large law firm (now defunct) of Edwards, Sooy & Byron from 1996 through 2000 and then as an associate with the Orange County based firm of Trachtman & Trachtman from 2000 through 2001.  Mr. Lavin also clerked for the San Diego District Attorney’s office and Orange County Public Defender’s office.

Curtis K. Powell, 61, has been Senior Vice President – Project Development since May 2010. Previously he was our Senior Vice President – Marketing from March 2007 to May 2010. Prior to that, he was our Senior Vice President of Originations from June 2001 to March 2007. Prior to that, he was our Senior Vice President – Marketing, from April 1995 to June 2001. He joined us in January 1993 as an independent marketing representative until being appointed Regional Vice President of Marketing for Southern California in November 1994. From June 1985 through January 1993, Mr. Powell was in the retail automobile sales and leasing business.

Mark A. Creatura, 58, has been Senior Vice President – General Counsel since October 1996. From October 1993 through October 1996, he was Vice President and General Counsel at Urethane Technologies, Inc., a polyurethane chemicals formulator. Mr. Creatura was previously engaged in the private practice of law with the Los Angeles law firm of Troy & Gould Professional Corporation, from October 1985 through October 1993.

Christopher Terry, 50, has been Senior Vice President of Risk Management since May 2017. Prior to that he was our Senior Vice President of Servicing from May 2005 to August 2013. He was Senior Vice President of Asset Recovery from August 2013 to May 2017 and from January 2003 to May 2005. He joined us in January 1995 as a loan officer, held a series of successively more responsible positions, and was promoted to Vice President - Asset Recovery in June 1999. Mr. Terry was previously a branch manager with Norwest Financial from 1990 to October 1994.

Teri L. Robinson, 55, has been Senior Vice President of Originations since April 2007. Prior to that, she held the position of Vice President of Originations since August 1998. She joined the Company in June 1991 as an Operations Specialist, and held a series of successively more responsible positions. Previously, Ms. Robinson held an administrative position at Greco & Associates.

Laurie A. Straten, 51, has been Senior Vice President of Servicing since August 2013. Prior to that, she was our Senior Vice President of Asset Recovery since April 2013, and before that she held the position of Vice President of Asset Recovery starting in April 2005. She started with the Company in March 1996 as a bankruptcy specialist and took on more responsibility within Asset Recovery over time.  Prior to joining CPS she worked for the FDIC and served in the United States Marine Corps.

John P. Harton, 53, has been Senior Vice President - Marketing since March 2014.  Prior to that, he held the position of Vice President – Marketing since April 2010. He joined the Company in April 1996 as a loan officer, held a series of successively more responsible positions, and was promoted to Vice President - Originations in June 2007. Mr. Harton was previously a branch manager with American General Finance from 1990 to March 1996.

Danny Bharwani, 50, has been Senior Vice President – Finance since April 2016. Previously, he was our Vice President – Finance from June 2002. He joined us as Assistant Controller in August 1997. Mr. Bharwani was previously employed as Assistant Controller at The Todd-AO Corporation, from 1989 to 1997.

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PART II

Item 5. Market for Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters, and Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

The Company’s Common Stock is traded on the Nasdaq Global Market, under the symbol "CPSS." The following table sets forth the high and low sale prices as reported by Nasdaq for our Common Stock for the periods shown.

	High		Low
January 1 - March 31, 2016	$	5.11	$	3.64
April 1 - June 30, 2016		4.50		3.31
July 1 - September 30, 2016		4.65		3.58
October 1 - December 31, 2016		6.05		3.94
January 1 - March 31, 2017		5.69		4.37
April 1 - June 30, 2017		5.21		4.06
July 1 - September 30, 2017		4.86		3.66
October 1 - December 31, 2017		4.82		4.00

As of January 1, 2018, there were 30 holders of record of the Company’s Common Stock. To date, we have not declared or paid any dividends on our Common Stock. The payment of future dividends, if any, on our Common Stock is within the discretion of the Board of Directors and will depend upon our income, capital requirements and financial condition, and other relevant factors. The instruments governing our outstanding debt place certain restrictions on the payment of dividends. We do not intend to declare any dividends on our Common Stock in the foreseeable future, but instead intend to retain any cash flow for use in our operations.

The table below presents information regarding outstanding options to purchase our Common Stock as of December 31, 2017:

Plan category	Number of securities to be issued upon exercise of outstanding options, warrants and rights		Weighted average exercise price of outstanding options, warrants and rights		Number of securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders		13,135,149	$	4.66		2,473,581
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders		–		–		–
Total		13,135,149	$	4.66		2,473,581

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities in the Fourth Quarter

Period(1)	Total Number of Shares Purchased		Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(2)		Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs
October 2017		102,923	$	4.72		102,923	$	13,885,083
November 2017		117,280		4.19		117,280		13,393,569
December 2017		181,289		4.21		181,289		12,630,508
Total		401,492	$	4.33		401,492

(1) Each monthly period is the calendar month.

(2) Through December 31, 2017, our board of directors had authorized the purchase of up to $74.5 million of our outstanding securities, which program was first announced in our annual report for the year 2002, filed on March 26, 2003. All purchases described in the table above were under the plan announced in March 2003, which has no fixed expiration date. As of December 31, 2017, we have purchased $5.0 million in principal amount of debt securities and $56.9 million of our common stock representing 16,011,857 shares.

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The following table presents our selected consolidated financial data and operating data as of and for the dates indicated. The data under the captions "Statement of Income Data" and "Balance Sheet Data" have been derived from our audited consolidated financial statements. The remainder is derived from other records of ours. You should read the selected consolidated financial data together with "Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" and our audited and unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto that are included in this report, and in our quarterly and periodic filings.

	As of and
	For the Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands, except per share data)	2017		2016		2015		2014		2013
Statement of Income Data
Revenues:
Interest income	$	424,174	$	408,996	$	349,912	$	286,734	$	231,330
Other income		10,209		13,286		13,738		13,522		13,498
Gain on cancellation of debt		–		–		–		–		10,947
Total revenues		434,383		422,282		363,650		300,256		255,775
Expenses:
Employee costs		72,967		65,549		59,556		50,129		42,960
General and administrative		50,287		48,620		42,349		39,262		32,753
Interest expense		92,345		79,941		57,745		50,395		58,179
Provision for credit losses		186,713		178,511		142,618		108,228		76,869
Provision for contingent liabilities		–		–		–		–		7,841
Total expenses		402,312		372,621		302,268		248,014		218,602
Income before income tax expense		32,071		49,661		61,382		52,242		37,173
Income tax expense		28,306		20,361		26,701		22,726		16,168
Net income	$	3,765	$	29,300	$	34,681	$	29,516	$	21,005
Earnings per share-basic	$	0.17	$	1.20	$	1.34	$	1.18	$	0.98
Earnings per share-diluted	$	0.14	$	1.01	$	1.10	$	0.92	$	0.67
Pre-tax income per share-basic (1)	$	1.41	$	2.04	$	2.37	$	2.09	$	1.73
Pre-tax income per share-diluted (2)	$	1.18	$	1.71	$	1.94	$	1.63	$	1.18
Weighted average shares outstanding-basic		22,687		24,356		25,935		25,040		21,538
Weighted average shares outstanding-diluted		27,214		29,035		31,584		32,032		31,574
Balance Sheet Data
Total assets	$	2,424,841	$	2,410,402	$	2,128,925	$	1,833,058	$	1,396,366
Cash and cash equivalents		12,731		13,936		19,322		17,859		22,112
Restricted cash and equivalents		111,965		112,754		106,054		175,382		132,284
Finance receivables, net		2,195,797		2,172,365		1,909,490		1,534,496		1,115,437
Finance receivables measured at fair value		–		4		61		1,664		14,476
Warehouse lines of credit		112,408		103,358		194,056		56,839		9,452
Residual interest financing		–		–		9,042		12,327		19,096
Debt secured by receivables measured at fair value		–		–		–		1,250		13,117
Securitization trust debt		2,083,215		2,080,900		1,720,021		1,598,496		1,177,559
Long-term debt		16,566		14,949		15,138		15,233		57,701
Shareholders' equity		183,937		186,218		161,159		127,253		94,602

(1) Income before income tax benefit divided by weighted average shares outstanding-basic. Included for illustrative purposes because some of the periods presented include significant income tax expense.

(2) Income before income tax benefit divided by weighted average shares outstanding-diluted. Included for illustrative purposes because some of the periods presented include significant income tax expense.

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			As of and
			For the Year Ended December 31,
(in thousands)	2017		2016		2015		2014		2013
Contract Originations / Securitizations
Automobile contract originations	$	859,069	$	1,088,785	$	1,060,538	$	944,944	$	764,087
Automobile contracts securitized		870,000		1,214,997		795,000		924,000		778,000
Managed Portfolio Data
Contracts held by consolidated subsidiaries	$	2,333,497	$	2,307,956	$	2,030,652	$	1,640,536	$	1,207,694
Fireside portfolio		–		3		61		1,664		14,786
Contracts held by non-consolidated subsidiaries		–		9		40		390		4,074
Third party portfolios (1)		33		102		383		1,330		4,868
Total managed portfolio	$	2,333,530	$	2,308,070	$	2,031,136	$	1,643,920	$	1,231,422
Average managed portfolio		2,334,015		2,226,073		1,847,945		1,422,870		1,081,936
Weighted average fixed effective interest rate (total managed portfolio) (2)		19.2%		19.4%		19.5%		19.8%		20.0%
Core operating expenses (% of average managed portfolio) (3)		5.3%		5.1%		5.5%		6.3%		7.0%
Allowance for finance credit losses	$	109,187	$	95,578	$	75,603	$	61,460	$	39,626
Allowance for finance credit losses (of of total contracts held by subsidiaries)		4.7%		4.1%		3.7%		3.7%		3.3%
Aggregate allowance for finance credit losses and repossessions in inventory	$	133,211	$	124,503	$	102,557	$	79,289	$	54,405
Aggregate allowance for finance credit losses (% of repossessions in inventory and contracts held by consolidated subsidiaries)		5.7%		5.4%		5.1%		4.8%		4.5%
Total delinquencies (2) (4)		9.8%		9.2%		7.6%		5.5%		4.8%
Total delinquencies and repossessions in inventory (2) (4)		11.2%		11.0%		9.5%		7.2%		6.8%
Net charge-offs (2) (5)		7.7%		7.0%		6.4%		5.8%		4.7%

(1) Receivables related to the third party portfolios, on which we earn only a servicing fee.

(2) Excludes receivables related to the third party portfolios.

(3) Total expenses excluding provision for credit losses, provision for contingent liabilities, interest expense, loss on sale of receivables and impairment loss on residual assets.

(4) For further information regarding delinquencies and the managed portfolio, see the table captioned "Delinquency Experience," in Item 1, Part I of this report and the notes to that table.

(5) Net charge-offs include the remaining principal balance, after the application of the net proceeds from the liquidation of the vehicle (excluding accrued and unpaid interest) and amounts collected subsequent to the date of the charge-off, including some recoveries which have been classified as other income in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. For further information regarding charge-offs, see the table captioned "Net Charge-Off Experience," in Item I, Part I of this report and the notes to that table.

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Item 7. Management’s Discussion And Analysis Of Financial Condition And Results Of Operations

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and notes thereto and other information included or incorporated by reference herein.

Overview

We are a specialty finance company. Our business is to purchase and service retail automobile contracts originated primarily by franchised automobile dealers and, to a lesser extent, by select independent dealers in the United States in the sale of new and used automobiles, light trucks and passenger vans. Through our automobile contract purchases, we provide indirect financing to the customers of dealers who have limited credit histories, low incomes or past credit problems, who we refer to as sub-prime customers. We serve as an alternative source of financing for dealers, facilitating sales to customers who otherwise might not be able to obtain financing from traditional sources, such as commercial banks, credit unions and the captive finance companies affiliated with major automobile manufacturers. In addition to purchasing installment purchase contracts directly from dealers, we have also (i) acquired installment purchase contracts in four merger and acquisition transactions, (ii) purchased immaterial amounts of vehicle purchase money loans from non-affiliated lenders, and (iii) directly originated an immaterial amount of vehicle purchase money loans by lending money directly to consumers. In this report, we refer to all of such contracts and loans as "automobile contracts."

We were incorporated and began our operations in March 1991. From inception through December 31, 2017, we have originated a total of approximately $14.3 billion of automobile contracts, primarily by purchasing retail installment sales contracts from dealers, and to a lesser degree, by originating loans secured by automobiles directly with consumers. In addition, we acquired a total of approximately $822.3 million of automobile contracts in mergers and acquisitions in 2002, 2003, 2004 and, most recently, in September 2011. The September 2011 acquisition consisted of approximately $217.8 million of automobile contracts that we purchased from Fireside Bank of Pleasanton, California. In 2004 and 2009, we were appointed as a third-party servicer for certain portfolios of automobile contracts originated and owned by non-affiliated entities. Recent contract purchase volumes and managed portfolio levels are shown in the table below:

Contract Purchases and Outstanding Managed Portfolio

	$ in thousands
Year	Contracts Purchased in Period		Managed Portfolio at Period End
2008	$	296,817	$	1,664,122
2009		8,599		1,194,722
2010		113,023		756,203
2011		284,236		794,649
2012		551,742		897,575
2013		764,087		1,231,422
2014		944,944		1,643,920
2015		1,060,538		2,031,136
2016		1,088,785		2,308,070
2017		859,069		2,333,530

Our principal executive offices are in Las Vegas, Nevada. Most of our operational and administrative functions take place in Irvine, California. Credit and underwriting functions are performed primarily in that California branch with certain of these functions also performed in our Florida and Nevada branches. We service our automobile contracts from our California, Nevada, Virginia, Florida and Illinois branches.

The programs we offer to dealers and consumers are intended to serve a wide range of sub-prime customers, primarily through franchised new car dealers. We originate automobile contracts with the intention of financing them on a long-term basis through securitizations. Securitizations are transactions in which we sell a specified pool of contracts to a special purpose subsidiary of ours, which in turn issues asset-backed securities to fund the purchase of the pool of contracts from us.

Securitization and Warehouse Credit Facilities

Throughout the period for which information is presented in this report, we have purchased automobile contracts with the intention of financing them on a long-term basis through securitizations, and on an interim basis through warehouse credit facilities. All such financings have involved identification of specific automobile contracts, sale of those automobile contracts (and associated rights) to one of our special-purpose subsidiaries, and issuance of asset-backed securities to be purchased by institutional investors. Depending on the structure, these transactions may be accounted for under generally accepted accounting principles as sales of the automobile contracts or as secured financings.

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When structured to be treated as a secured financing for accounting purposes, the subsidiary is consolidated with us. Accordingly, the sold automobile contracts and the related debt appear as assets and liabilities, respectively, on our consolidated balance sheet. We then periodically (i) recognize interest and fee income on the contracts, (ii) recognize interest expense on the securities issued in the transaction and (iii) record as expense a provision for credit losses on the contracts.

Since 1994 we have conducted 76 term securitizations of automobile contracts that we originated. As of December 31, 2017, 18 of those securitizations are active and are structured as secured financings. From 1994 through April 2008 we generally utilized financial guarantees for the senior asset-backed notes issued in the securitization. Since September 2010 we have utilized senior subordinated structures without any financial guarantees. We have generally conducted our securitizations on a quarterly basis, near the end of each calendar quarter, resulting in four securitizations per calendar year. However, in 2015, we elected to defer what would have been our December securitization in favor of a securitization in January 2016, and since that time have generally conducted our securitizations near the beginning of each calendar quarter.

Our history of term securitizations, over the most recent ten years, is summarized in the table below:

Recent Asset-Backed Term Securitizations

	$ in thousands
Period	Number of Term Securitizations		Amount of Receivables
2008		2		509,022
2009		0		–
2010		1		103,772
2011		3		335,593
2012		4		603,500
2013		4		778,000
2014		4		923,000
2015		3		795,000
2016		4		1,214,997
2017		4		870,000

Generally, prior to a securitization transaction we fund our automobile contract purchases primarily with proceeds from warehouse credit facilities. Our current short-term funding capacity is $300 million, comprising three credit facilities. The first $100 million credit facility was established in May 2012. This facility was renewed in August 2016, extending the revolving period to August 2018, and adding an amortization period through August 2019. In April 2015, we entered into a second $100 million facility. This facility was renewed in April 2017, extending the revolving period to April 2019, followed by an amortization period to April 2021. In November 2015, we entered into a third $100 million facility. This facility was renewed in November 2017, extending the revolving period to November 2019, followed by an amortization period to November 2021.

In a securitization and in our warehouse credit facilities, we are required to make certain representations and warranties, which are generally similar to the representations and warranties made by dealers in connection with our purchase of the automobile contracts. If we breach any of our representations or warranties, we will be obligated to repurchase the automobile contract at a price equal to the principal balance plus accrued and unpaid interest. We may then be entitled under the terms of our dealer agreement to require the selling dealer to repurchase the contract at a price equal to our purchase price, less any principal payments made by the customer. Subject to any recourse against dealers, we will bear the risk of loss on repossession and resale of vehicles under automobile contracts that we repurchase.

Whether a securitization is treated as a secured financing or as a sale for financial accounting purposes, the related special purpose subsidiary may be unable to release excess cash to us if the credit performance of the securitized automobile contracts falls short of pre-determined standards. Such releases represent a material portion of the cash that we use to fund our operations. An unexpected deterioration in the performance of securitized automobile contracts could therefore have a material adverse effect on both our liquidity and results of operations, regardless of whether such automobile contracts are treated as having been sold or as having been financed.

Critical Accounting Policies

We believe that our accounting policies related to (a) Allowance for Finance Credit Losses, (b) Amortization of Deferred Origination Costs and Acquisition Fees, (c) Term Securitizations, (d) Accrual for Contingent Liabilities and (e) Income Taxes are the most critical to understanding and evaluating our reported financial results. Such policies are described below.

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Finance Receivables at Fair Value

In January 2018 the Company adopted the fair value method of accounting for finance receivables acquired after 2017.

Allowance for Finance Credit Losses

In order to estimate an appropriate allowance for losses incurred on finance receivables, we use a loss allowance methodology commonly referred to as "static pooling," which stratifies our finance receivable portfolio into separately identified pools based on the period of origination. Using analytical and formula driven techniques, we estimate an allowance for finance credit losses, which we believe is adequate for probable incurred credit losses that can be reasonably estimated in our portfolio of automobile contracts. For each monthly pool of contracts that we originate, we begin establishing the allowance in the month of acquisition and increase it over the subsequent 11 months, through a provision for credit losses charged to our consolidated statement of operations, with the goal of establishing an allowance that approximates the next 12 months of expected net losses. Net losses incurred on finance receivables are charged to the allowance. We evaluate the adequacy of the allowance by examining current delinquencies, the characteristics of the portfolio, prospective liquidation values of the underlying collateral and general economic and market conditions. As circumstances change, our level of provisioning and/or allowance may change as well. Receivables acquired after 2017, are accounted for using fair value and will have no allowance for finance credit losses in accordance with the fair value method of accounting for finance receivables.

Broad economic factors such as recession and significant changes in unemployment levels influence the credit performance of our portfolio, as does the weighted average age of the receivables at any given time. Our internal credit performance data consistently show that new receivables have lower levels of delinquency and losses early in their lives, with delinquencies increasing throughout their lives and losses gradually increasing to a peak between 36 and 42 months, after which they gradually decrease. The historical weighted average seasoning of our total owned portfolio excluding Fireside, is summarized in the table below:

December 31,	Weighted Average Age in Months of Owned Portfolio
2009	33
2010	37
2011	27
2012	18
2013	14
2014	14
2015	16
2016	18
2017	21

The credit performance of our portfolio is also significantly influenced by our underwriting guidelines and credit criteria we use when evaluating contracts for purchase from dealers. We regularly evaluate our portfolio credit performance and modify our purchase criteria to maximize the credit performance of our portfolio, while maintaining competitive programs and levels of service for our dealers.

Amortization of Deferred Originations Costs and Acquisition Fees

Upon purchase of a contract from a dealer, we generally either charge or advance the dealer an acquisition fee. In addition, we incur certain direct costs associated with acquisitions of our contracts. All such acquisition fees and direct costs are applied to the carrying value of finance receivables and are accreted into earnings as an adjustment to the yield over the estimated life of the contract using the interest method. Receivables acquired after 2017 are accounted for using fair value. In accordance with the fair value method of accounting for finance receivables, any dealer acquisition fees will be incorporated into acquisition price of the receivables and no direct costs will be deferred.

Term Securitizations

Our term securitization structure has generally been as follows:

We sell automobile contracts we acquire to a wholly-owned special purpose subsidiary, which has been established for the limited purpose of buying and reselling our automobile contracts. The special-purpose subsidiary then transfers the same automobile contracts to another entity, typically a statutory trust. The trust issues interest-bearing asset-backed securities, in a principal amount equal to or less than the aggregate principal balance of the automobile contracts. We typically sell these automobile contracts to the trust at face value and without recourse, except that representations and warranties similar to those provided by the dealer to us are provided by us to the trust. One or more investors purchase the asset-backed securities issued by the trust; the proceeds from the sale of the asset-backed securities are then used to purchase the automobile contracts from us. We may retain or sell subordinated asset-backed securities issued by the trust or by a related entity.

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We structure our securitizations to include internal credit enhancement for the benefit the investors (i) in the form of an initial cash deposit to an account ("spread account") held by the trust, (ii) in the form of overcollateralization of the senior asset-backed securities, where the principal balance of the senior asset-backed securities issued is less than the principal balance of the automobile contracts, (iii) in the form of subordinated asset-backed securities, or (iv) some combination of such internal credit enhancements. The agreements governing the securitization transactions require that the initial level of internal credit enhancement be supplemented by a portion of collections from the automobile contracts until the level of internal credit enhancement reaches specified levels, which are then maintained. The specified levels are generally computed as a percentage of the principal amount remaining unpaid under the related automobile contracts. The specified levels at which the internal credit enhancement is to be maintained will vary depending on the performance of the portfolios of automobile contracts held by the trusts and on other conditions, and may also be varied by agreement among us, our special purpose subsidiary, the insurance company, if any, and the trustee. Such levels have increased and decreased from time to time based on performance of the various portfolios, and have also varied from one transaction to another. The agreements governing the securitizations generally grant us the option to repurchase the sold automobile contracts from the trust when the aggregate outstanding balance of the automobile contracts has amortized to a specified percentage of the initial aggregate balance.

Our warehouse credit facility structures are similar to the above, except that (i) our special-purpose subsidiaries that purchase the automobile contracts pledge the automobile contracts to secure promissory notes that they issue, and (ii) no increase in the required amount of internal credit enhancement is contemplated. Our current maximum revolving warehouse financing capacity is $300 million.

Upon each transfer of automobile contracts in a transaction structured as a secured financing for financial accounting purposes, whether a term securitization or a warehouse financing, we retain on our consolidated balance sheet the related automobile contracts as assets and record the asset-backed notes or loans issued in the transaction as indebtedness.

We receive periodic base servicing fees for the servicing and collection of the automobile contracts. Under our securitization structures treated as secured financings for financial accounting purposes, such servicing fees are included in interest income from the automobile contracts. In addition, we are entitled to the cash flows from the trusts that represent collections on the automobile contracts in excess of the amounts required to pay principal and interest on the asset-backed securities, base servicing fees, and certain other fees and expenses (such as trustee and custodial fees). Required principal payments on the asset-backed notes are generally defined as the payments sufficient to keep the principal balance of such notes equal to the aggregate principal balance of the related automobile contracts (excluding those automobile contracts that have been charged off), or a pre-determined percentage of such balance. Where that percentage is less than 100%, the related securitization agreements require accelerated payment of principal until the principal balance of the asset-backed securities is reduced to the specified percentage. Such accelerated principal payment is said to create overcollateralization of the asset-backed notes.

If the amount of cash required for payment of fees, expenses, interest and principal on the senior asset-backed notes exceeds the amount collected during the collection period, the shortfall is withdrawn from the spread account, if any. If the cash collected during the period exceeds the amount necessary for the above allocations plus required principal payments on the subordinated asset-backed notes, and there is no shortfall in the related spread account or the required overcollateralization level, the excess is released to us. If the spread account and overcollateralization is not at the required level, then the excess cash collected is retained in the trust until the specified level is achieved. Although spread account balances are held by the trusts on behalf of our special-purpose subsidiaries as the owner of the residual interests (in the case of securitization transactions structured as sales for financial accounting purposes) or the trusts (in the case of securitization transactions structured as secured financings for financial accounting purposes), we are restricted in use of the cash in the spread accounts. Cash held in the various spread accounts is invested in high quality, liquid investment securities, as specified in the securitization agreements. The interest rate payable on the automobile contracts is significantly greater than the interest rate on the asset-backed notes. As a result, the residual interests described above historically have been a significant asset of ours.

In all of our term securitizations and warehouse credit facilities, whether treated as secured financings or as sales, we have sold the automobile contracts (through a subsidiary) to the securitization entity. The difference between the two structures is that in securitizations that are treated as secured financings we report the assets and liabilities of the securitization trust on our consolidated balance sheet. Under both structures, recourse to us by holders of the asset-backed securities and by the trust, for failure of the automobile contract obligors to make payments on a timely basis, is limited to the automobile contracts included in the securitizations or warehouse credit facilities, the spread accounts and our retained interests in the respective trusts.

Accrual for Contingent Liabilities

We are routinely involved in various legal proceedings resulting from our consumer finance activities and practices, both continuing and discontinued. Our legal counsel has advised us on such matters where, based on information available at the time of this report, there is an indication that it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably determined.

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We have recorded a liability as of December 31, 2017, which represents our best estimate of probable incurred losses for legal contingencies at that date. The amount of losses that may ultimately be incurred cannot be estimated with certainty. However, based on such information as is available to us, we believe that the range of reasonably possible losses for the legal proceedings and contingencies described or referenced above, as of December 31, 2017, and in excess of the liability we have recorded, does not exceed $1 million.

Accordingly, we believe that the ultimate resolution of such legal proceedings and contingencies, after taking into account our current litigation reserves, should not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition. We note, however, that in light of the uncertainties inherent in contested proceedings, there can be no assurance that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not significantly exceed the reserves we have accrued; as a result, the outcome of a particular matter may be material to our operating results for a particular period, depending on, among other factors, the size of the loss or liability imposed and the level of our income for that period.

Income Taxes

We account for income taxes under the asset and liability method, which requires the recognition of deferred tax assets and liabilities for the expected future tax consequences of events that have been included in the financial statements. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on the differences between the financial statements and tax basis of assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The effect of a change in tax rates on deferred tax assets and liabilities is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date.

Deferred tax assets are recognized subject to management’s judgment that realization is more likely than not. A valuation allowance is recognized for a deferred tax asset if, based on the weight of the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In making such judgements, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified.

Our net deferred tax asset of $32.4 million consists of approximately $22.8 million of net U.S. federal deferred tax assets and $9.6 million of net state deferred tax assets. The major components of the deferred tax asset are $5.8 million in net operating loss carryforwards and built in losses and $23.2 million in net deductions which have not yet been taken on a tax return.

As of December 31, 2017, we had net operating loss carryforwards for state income tax purposes of $12.3 million. These state net operating losses begin to expire in 2018.

In determining the possible future realization of deferred tax assets, we have considered future taxable income from the following sources: (a) reversal of taxable temporary differences; and (b) forecasted future net earnings from operations. Based upon those considerations, we have concluded that it is more likely than not that the U.S. and state net operating loss carryforward periods provide enough time to utilize the deferred tax assets pertaining to the existing net operating loss carryforwards and any net operating loss that would be created by the reversal of the future net deductions which have not yet been taken on a tax return. Our estimates of taxable income are forward-looking statements, and there can be no assurance that our estimates of such taxable income will be correct. Factors discussed under "Risk Factors," and in particular under the subheading "Risk Factors -- Forward-Looking Statements" may affect whether such projections prove to be correct.

We recognize interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits within the income tax expense line in the accompanying consolidated statements of operations. Accrued interest and penalties are included within the related tax liability line in the consolidated balance sheets.

On December 22, 2017, the U.S. government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the “Tax Act”). The Tax Act reduces the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% which, beginning in 2018, will decrease our income tax expense. While the Tax Act will positively impact our earnings in future periods, the lower tax rate required us to remeasure our federal deferred tax assets and liabilities. This resulted in an income tax charge of $15.1 million for 2017.

Uncertainty of Capital Markets and General Economic Conditions

We depend upon the availability of warehouse credit facilities and access to long-term financing through the issuance of asset-backed securities collateralized by our automobile contracts. Since 1994, we have completed 76 term securitizations of approximately $12.3 billion in contracts. From the fourth quarter of 2007 through the end of 2009, we observed unprecedented adverse changes in the market for securitized pools of automobile contracts. These changes included reduced liquidity, and reduced demand for asset-backed securities, particularly for securities carrying a financial guaranty and for securities backed by sub-prime automobile receivables. Moreover, during that period many of the firms that previously provided financial guarantees, which were an integral part of our securitizations, suspended offering such guarantees. These adverse changes caused us to conserve liquidity by significantly reducing our purchases of automobile contracts. However, since September 2009 we have established new funding facilities and gradually increased our contract purchases and the frequency and amount of our term securitizations.

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Financial Covenants

Certain of our securitization transactions and our warehouse credit facilities contain various financial covenants requiring certain minimum financial ratios and results. Such covenants include maintaining minimum levels of liquidity and net worth and not exceeding maximum leverage levels. In addition, certain securitization and non-securitization related debt contain cross-default provisions that would allow certain creditors to declare a default if a default occurred under a different facility. As of December 31, 2017 we were in compliance with all such financial covenants.

Results of Operations

Comparison of Operating Results for the year ended December 31, 2017 with the year ended December 31, 2016

Revenues.  During the year ended December 31, 2017, our revenues were $434.4 million, an increase of $12.1 million, or 2.9%, from the prior year revenues of $422.3 million. The primary reason for the increase in revenues is an increase in interest income. Interest income for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased $15.2 million, or 3.7%, to $424.2 million from $409.0 million in the prior year. The primary reason for the increase in interest income is the increase in finance receivables held by consolidated subsidiaries, which increased from $2,307.9 million at December 31, 2016 to $2,333.5 million at December 31, 2017.

Other income decreased by $3.1 million, or 23.2%, to $10.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2017 from $13.3 million during the prior year. The decrease in other income resulted from a decrease of $2.8 million in revenues associated with direct mail and other related products and services that we offer to our dealers, a decrease of $245,000 in payments from third-party providers of convenience fees paid by our customers for web based and other electronic payments and a decrease of $203,000 in recoveries on previously charged off receivables.

Expenses.  Our operating expenses consist largely of provision for credit losses, interest expense, employee costs and general and administrative expenses. Provision for credit losses and interest expense are significantly affected by the volume of automobile contracts we purchased during the trailing 12-month period and by the outstanding balance of finance receivables held by consolidated subsidiaries. Employee costs and general and administrative expenses are incurred as applications and automobile contracts are received, processed and serviced. Factors that affect margins and net income include changes in the automobile and automobile finance market environments, and macroeconomic factors such as interest rates and changes in the unemployment level.

Employee costs include base salaries, commissions and bonuses paid to employees, and certain expenses related to the accounting treatment of outstanding stock options, and are one of our most significant operating expenses. These costs (other than those relating to stock options) generally fluctuate with the level of applications and automobile contracts processed and serviced.

Other operating expenses consist largely of facilities expenses, telephone and other communication services, credit services, computer services, marketing and advertising expenses, and depreciation and amortization.

Total operating expenses were $402.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $372.6 million for the prior year, an increase of $29.7 million, or 8.0%. The increase is primarily due to the increase in interest expense, provision for credit losses and servicing costs.

Employee costs increased by $7.4 million or 11.3%, to $73.0 million during the year ended December 31, 2017, representing 18.1% of total operating expenses, from $65.5 million for the prior year, or 17.6% of total operating expenses. During the year ended December 31, 2017, we added Servicing staff to accommodate the increase in the number of accounts in our managed portfolio. The table below summarizes our employees by category as well as contract purchases and units in our managed portfolio as of, and for the years ended, December 31, 2017 and 2016:

	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	Amount		Amount
	($ in millions)
Contracts purchased (dollars)	$	859.1	$	1,088.8
Contracts purchased (units)		52,643		66,527
Managed portfolio outstanding (dollars)	$	2,333.5	$	2,308.1
Managed portfolio outstanding (units)		177,760		169,720
Number of Originations staff		212		215
Number of Marketing staff		120		114
Number of Servicing staff		572		542
Number of other staff		95		89
Total number of employees		999		960

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General and administrative expenses include costs associated with purchasing and servicing our portfolio of finance receivables, including expenses for facilities, credit services, and telecommunications. General and administrative expenses were $26.6 million, an increase of $1.8 million, or 7.0%, compared to the previous year and represented 6.6% of total operating expenses.

Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2017 increased by $12.4 million to $92.3 million, or 15.5%, compared to $79.9 million in the previous year.

Interest on securitization trust debt increased by $13.9 million, or 20.1%, for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the prior year. The average balance of securitization trust debt increased 4.7% to $2,172.1 million at December 31, 2017 compared to $2,075.1 million at December 31, 2016. In addition, the blended interest rates on our term securitizations have generally increased since June 2014. As a result, the cost of securitization debt during the year ended December 31, 2017 was 3.8%, compared to 3.3% in the prior year period. For any particular quarterly securitization transaction, the blended cost of funds is ultimately the result of many factors including the market interest rates for benchmark swaps of various maturities against which our bonds are priced and the margin over those benchmarks that investors are willing accept, which in turn, is influenced by investor demand for our bonds at the time of the securitization. These and other factors have resulted in a general trend toward higher securitization trust debt interest costs since June 2014, although that trend has reversed somewhat since July 2016. The blended interest rates of our recent securitizations are summarized in the table below:

Blended Cost of Funds on Recent Asset-Backed Term Securitizations

Period	Blended Cost of Funds
June 2014	2.37%
September 2014	2.71%
December 2014	3.07%
March 2015	3.04%
June 2015	3.18%
September 2015	3.78%
January 2016	4.34%
April 2016	4.65%
July 2016	4.48%
October 2016	3.66%
January 2017	3.91%
April 2017	3.45%
July 2017	3.52%
October 2017	3.39%

The annualized average rate on our securitization trust debt was 3.8% for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to 3.3% in the prior year. The annualized average rate is influenced by the manner in which the underlying securitization trust bonds are repaid. The rate tends to increase over time on any particular securitization since the structures of our securitization trusts generally provide for sequential repayment of the shorter term, lower interest rate bonds before the longer term, higher interest rate bonds.

Interest expense on our subordinated debt decreased by $20,000, or 1.5%, for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the prior year. The reduction was the result of a decrease in the average interest rate on our subordinated renewable notes from 8.3% for the year ended December 31, 2017 to 8.9% for the year ended December 31, 2016. This decrease was mostly offset by an increase in the average balance of the notes from $15.1 million in the prior year to $16.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2017.

Interest expense on residual interest financing was $6.4 million in the year ended December 31, 2016. This debt was repaid in full in November 2016.

Interest expense on warehouse lines of credit decreased by $636,000, or 7.4% for the year ended December 31, 2017 compared to the prior year. The decrease is due primarily to lower utilization of our warehouse lines in 2017 compared to 2016.

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The following table presents the components of interest income and interest expense and a net interest yield analysis for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017						2016
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Average Balance (1)		Interest		Annualized Average Yield/Rate		Average Balance (1)		Interest		Annualized Average Yield/Rate
Interest Earning Assets
Finance receivables gross (2)	$	2,299,218	$	424,174		18.4%	$	2,188,852	$	408,996		18.7%
Interest Bearing Liabilities
Warehouse lines of credit	$	62,353		7,933		12.7%	$	76,208		8,569		11.2%
Residual interest financing		–		–		–		6,413		846		13.2%
Securitization trust debt		2,172,145		83,084		3.8%		2,075,127		69,178		3.3%
Subordinated renewable notes		16,028		1,328		8.3%		15,062		1,348		8.9%
	$	2,250,526		92,345		4.1%	$	2,172,810		79,941		3.7%
Net interest income/spread			$	331,829					$	329,055
Net interest margin (3)						14.4%						15.0%
Ratio of average interest earning assets to average interest bearing liabilities		102%						101%

(1) Average balances are based on month end balances except for warehouse lines of credit, which are based on daily balances.

(2) Net of deferred fees and direct costs.

(3) Net interest income divided by average interest earning assets.

	Year Ended December 31, 2017 Compared to December 31, 2016
	Total Change			Change Due to Volume			Change Due to Rate
Interest Earning Assets	(In thousands)
Finance receivables gross	$	15,178		$	20,622		$	(5,444	)
Interest Bearing Liabilities
Warehouse lines of credit		(636	)		(1,558	)		922
Residual interest financing		(846	)		(846	)		–
Securitization trust debt		13,906			3,234			10,672
Subordinated renewable notes		(20	)		86			(106	)
		12,404			916			11,488
Net interest income/spread	$	2,774		$	19,706		$	(16,932	)

Provision for credit losses was $186.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2017, an increase of $8.2 million, or 4.6% compared to the prior year and represented 46.4% of total operating expenses. The provision for credit losses maintains the allowance for finance credit losses at levels that we feel are adequate for probable incurred credit losses that can be reasonably estimated. Our approach for establishing the allowance requires greater amounts of provision for credit losses early in the terms of our finance receivables, and also takes into account the performance of the receivables. Consequently, the increase in provision expense is the result of the larger portfolio owned by our consolidated subsidiaries compared to the prior year and an adverse trend in the performance of our receivables.

Marketing expenses consist primarily of commission-based compensation paid to our employee marketing representatives. Our marketing representatives earn a salary plus commissions based on volume of contract purchases and sales of ancillary products and services that we offer our dealers, such as training programs, internet lead sales, and direct mail products. Marketing expenses decreased by $2.2 million, or 12.4%, to $15.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2017, compared to $17.8 million in the prior year, and represented 3.9% of total operating expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2017, we purchased 52,643 contracts representing $859.1 million in receivables compared to 66,527 contracts representing $1,088.8 million in receivables in the prior year.

Occupancy expenses increased by $2.0 million or 38.1%, to $7.2 million compared to $5.2 million in the previous year and represented 1.8% of total operating expenses. The increase in occupancy expense is a result of leases for additional office space in Irvine, California and Las Vegas, Nevada.

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased by $157,000 or 20.2%, to $934,000 compared to $777,000 in the previous year and represented 0.1% of total operating expenses.

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For the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded income tax expense of $28.3 million, representing an effective income tax rate of 88.3%. This includes $15.1 million of income tax expense related to the effects of the Tax Act, which are required to be recorded in the period of enactment. Excluding the impact of the Tax Act, the effective tax rate for 2017 would have been 41.1%. In 2016, we recorded $20.4 million of income tax expense, representing a 41.0% effective income tax rate.

Comparison of Operating Results for the year ended December 31, 2016 with the year ended December 31, 2015

Revenues.  During the year ended December 31, 2016, our revenues were $422.3 million, an increase of $58.6 million, or 16.1%, from the prior year revenues of $363.7 million. The primary reason for the increase in revenues is an increase in interest income. Interest income for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased $59.1 million, or 16.9%, to $409.0 million from $349.9 million in the prior year. The primary reason for the increase in interest income is the increase in finance receivables held by consolidated subsidiaries, which increased from $2,031.1 million at December 31, 2015 to $2,307.9 million at December 31, 2016. The table below shows the average balances of our portfolio held by consolidated subsidiaries for the year ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:

	Average Balances for the Year Ended
	December 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
	Amount		Amount
Finance Receivables Owned by Consolidated Subsidiaries	($ in millions)
CPS Originated Receivables	$	2,225.9	$	1,844.5
Fireside		–		0.4
Total	$	2,225.9	$	1,844.9

Other income decreased by $452,000, or 3.3%, to $13.3 million in the year ended December 31, 2016 from $13.7 million during the prior year. The decrease consists of an decrease of $532,000 in servicing fees and recoveries we earn on portfolios we service for third parties and a decrease of $465,000 in payments from third-party providers of convenience fees paid by our customers for web based and other electronic payments. The decreases were somewhat offset by increases of $275,000 associated with direct mail and other related products and services that we offer to our dealers and an increase of $195,000 in sales tax refunds.

Expenses.  Our operating expenses consist largely of provision for credit losses, interest expense, employee costs and general and administrative expenses. Provision for credit losses and interest expense are significantly affected by the volume of automobile contracts we purchased during the trailing 12-month period and by the outstanding balance of finance receivables held by consolidated subsidiaries. Employee costs and general and administrative expenses are incurred as applications and automobile contracts are received, processed and serviced. Factors that affect margins and net income include changes in the automobile and automobile finance market environments, and macroeconomic factors such as interest rates and changes in the unemployment level.

Employee costs include base salaries, commissions and bonuses paid to employees, and certain expenses related to the accounting treatment of outstanding stock options, and are one of our most significant operating expenses. These costs (other than those relating to stock options) generally fluctuate with the level of applications and automobile contracts processed and serviced.

Other operating expenses consist largely of facilities expenses, telephone and other communication services, credit services, computer services, marketing and advertising expenses, and depreciation and amortization.

Total operating expenses were $372.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $302.3 million for the prior year, an increase of $70.4 million, or 23.3%. The increase is primarily due to the increase in the amount of new contracts we purchased, the resulting increase in our consolidated portfolio and associated interest expense, servicing costs, and the related increase in our provision for credit losses.

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Employee costs increased by $6.0 million or 10.1%, to $65.5 million during the year ended December 31, 2016, representing 17.6% of total operating expenses, from $59.6 million for the prior year, or 19.7% of total operating expenses. Since 2010, we have added employees in our Originations and Marketing departments to accommodate the increase in contract purchases. More recently, we have also added Servicing staff to accommodate the increase in the number of accounts in our managed portfolio. The table below summarizes our employees by category as well as contract purchases and units in our managed portfolio as of, and for the years ended, December 31, 2016 and 2015:

	December 31, 2016		December 31, 2015
	Amount		Amount
	($ in millions)
Contracts purchased (dollars)	$	1,088.8	$	1,060.5
Contracts purchased (units)		66,527		64,130
Managed portfolio outstanding (dollars)	$	2,308.1	$	2,031.1
Managed portfolio outstanding (units)		169,720		149,158
Number of Originations staff		215		243
Number of Marketing staff		114		140
Number of Servicing staff		542		487
Number of other staff		89		65
Total number of employees		960		935

General and administrative expenses include costs associated with purchasing and servicing our portfolio of finance receivables, including expenses for facilities, credit services, and telecommunications. General and administrative expenses were $24.8 million, an increase of $4.7 million, or 23.2%, compared to the previous year and represented 6.7% of total operating expenses.

Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2016 increased by $22.2 million to $79.9 million, or 38.4%, compared to $57.7 million in the previous year.

Interest on securitization trust debt increased by $20.5 million, or 42.3%, for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the prior year. The average balance of securitization trust debt increased 22.2% to $2,075.1 million at December 31, 2016 compared to $1,698.8 million at December 31, 2015. In addition, the blended interest rates on our term securitizations have generally increased since June 2014. As a result, the cost of securitization debt during the year ended December 31, 2016 was 3.3%, compared to 2.9% in the prior year period. For any particular quarterly securitization transaction, the blended cost of funds is ultimately the result of many factors including the market interest rates for benchmark swaps of various maturities against which our bonds are priced and the margin over those benchmarks that investors are willing accept, which in turn, is influenced by investor demand for our bonds at the time of the securitization. These and other factors have resulted in a general trend toward higher securitization trust debt interest costs since June 2014, although that trend has reversed somewhat since July 2016. The blended interest rates of our recent securitizations are summarized in the table below:

Blended Cost of Funds on Recent Asset-Backed Term Securitizations

Period	Blended Cost of Funds
June 2014	2.37%
September 2014	2.71%
December 2014	3.07%
March 2015	3.04%
June 2015	3.18%
September 2015	3.78%
January 2016	4.34%
April 2016	4.65%
July 2016	4.48%
October 2016	3.66%

Interest expense on our subordinated debt decreased by $234,000, or 14.8%, for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the prior year. The reduction was the result of our decreasing the average interest rate on our subordinated renewable notes from 10.5% for the year ended December 31, 2015 to 8.9% for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Interest expense on residual interest financing decreased $559,000, or 39.7% in the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the prior year. The decrease is due to the repayments on that facility during the year, including repayment in full in November 2016.

Interest expense on warehouse lines of credit increased by $2.4 million, or 39.9% for the year ended December 31, 2016 compared to the prior year. The increase is due primarily to greater utilization of our warehouse lines in 2016 compared to 2015 as a result of our change from conducting our term securitizations primarily at the beginning of the calendar quarter in 2016 rather than at the end of the calendar quarter as we did in 2015.

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The following table presents the components of interest income and interest expense and a net interest yield analysis for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2016						2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
	Average Balance (1)		Interest		Annualized Average Yield/Rate		Average Balance (1)		Interest		Annualized Average Yield/Rate
Interest Earning Assets
Finance receivables gross (2)	$	2,188,852	$	408,996		18.7%	$	1,819,071	$	349,912		19.2%
Interest Bearing Liabilities
Warehouse lines of credit	$	76,208		8,569		11.2%	$	62,104		6,127		9.9%
Residual interest financing		6,413		846		13.2%		10,948		1,405		12.8%
Securitization trust debt		2,075,127		69,178		3.3%		1,698,777		48,631		2.9%
Subordinated renewable notes		15,062		1,348		8.9%		15,102		1,582		10.5%
	$	2,172,810		79,941		3.7%	$	1,786,931		57,745		3.2%
Net interest income/spread			$	329,055					$	292,167
Net interest margin (3)						15.0%						16.1%
Ratio of average interest earning assets to average interest bearing liabilities		101%						102%

(1) Average balances are based on month end balances except for warehouse lines of credit, which are based on daily balances.

(2) Net of deferred fees and direct costs.

(3) Net interest income divided by average interest earning assets.

	Year Ended December 31, 2016 Compared to December 31, 2015
	Total Change			Change Due to Volume			Change Due to Rate
Interest Earning Assets	(In thousands)
Finance receivables gross	$	59,084		$	71,130		$	(12,046	)
Interest Bearing Liabilities
Warehouse lines of credit		2,442			1,391			1,051
Residual interest financing		(559	)		(582	)		23
Securitization trust debt		20,547			10,774			9,773
Subordinated renewable notes		(234	)		(4	)		(230	)
		22,196			11,579			10,617
Net interest income/spread	$	36,888		$	59,551		$	(22,663	)

Provision for credit losses was $178.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, an increase of $35.9 million, or 25.2% compared to the prior year and represented 47.9% of total operating expenses. The provision for credit losses maintains the allowance for finance credit losses at levels that we feel are adequate for probable incurred credit losses that can be reasonably estimated. Our approach for establishing the allowance requires greater amounts of provision for credit losses early in the terms of our finance receivables, and also takes into account the performance of the receivables. Consequently, the increase in provision expense is the result of the increase in contract purchases during the last year, the larger portfolio owned by our consolidated subsidiaries compared to the prior year, and an adverse trend in the performance of our receivables, which we believe is consistent with the aging of our portfolio and may also be related to certain procedural changes in our servicing practices that were required by a consent decree to which we became subject in June 2014.

Marketing expenses consist primarily of commission-based compensation paid to our employee marketing representatives. Our marketing representatives earn a salary plus commissions based on volume of contract purchases and sales of ancillary products and services that we offer our dealers, such as training programs, internet lead sales, and direct mail products. Marketing expenses increased by $348,000, or 2.0%, to $17.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $17.5 million in the prior year, and represented 4.8% of total operating expenses. For the year ended December 31, 2016, we purchased 66,527 contracts representing $1,088.8 million in receivables compared to 64,130 contracts representing $1,060.5 million in receivables in the prior year.

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Occupancy expenses increased by $1.1 million or 27.0%, to $5.2 million compared to $4.1 million in the previous year and represented 1.4% of total operating expenses. In July 2015, we entered into a lease for additional office space in Irvine, California. We then occupied that space, and incurred incremental occupancy expense, in phases. The first phase was in July 2015 and the second and final phase was in April 2016.

Depreciation and amortization expenses increased by $140,000 or 22.0%, to $777,000 compared to $637,000 in the previous year and represented 0.2% of total operating expenses.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, we recorded income tax expense of $20.4 million, representing a 41.0% effective income tax rate. In the prior year, we recorded $26.7 million of income tax expense, representing a 43.5% effective income tax rate.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Liquidity

Our business requires substantial cash to support our acquisitions of automobile contracts and other operating activities. Our primary sources of cash have been cash flow from operating activities, including proceeds from term securitization transactions and other sales of automobile contracts, amounts borrowed under warehouse credit facilities, servicing fees on portfolios of automobile contracts previously sold in securitization transactions or serviced for third parties, customer payments of principal and interest on finance receivables, fees for origination of automobile contracts, and releases of cash from securitized portfolios of automobile contracts in which we have retained a residual ownership interest and the related spread accounts. Our primary uses of cash have been the acquisitions of automobile contracts, repayment of securitization trust debt, repayment of amounts borrowed under warehouse credit facilities, operating expenses such as employee, interest, occupancy expenses and other general and administrative expenses, the establishment of spread accounts and initial overcollateralization, if any, and the increase of credit enhancement to required levels in securitization transactions, and income taxes. There can be no assurance that internally generated cash will be sufficient to meet our cash demands. The sufficiency of internally generated cash will depend on the performance of securitized pools (which determines the level of releases from those portfolios and their related spread accounts), the rate of expansion or contraction in our managed portfolio, and the terms upon which we are able to purchase, sell, and borrow against automobile contracts.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $215.6 million, $196.3 million and $187.6 million, respectively. Net cash from operating activities is generally provided by net income from operations adjusted for significant non-cash items such as our provision for credit losses and accretion of deferred acquisition fees.

Net cash used in investing activities for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $209.8 million, $444.5 million and $441.3 million, respectively. Cash provided by investing activities primarily results from principal payments and other proceeds received on finance receivables held for investment. Cash used in investing activities generally relates to acquisitions of finance receivables. Acquisitions of finance receivables held for investment were $859.1 million, $1,088.8 million and $1,060.5 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The results for 2015 also reflect a decrease of $69.3 million in restricted cash. Our restricted cash balance at December 31, 2014 included $85.3 million from the proceeds of the sale of the asset-backed notes that were held by the trustee pending delivery of the remaining receivables. Since we did not do a securitization in December 2015, 2016 or 2017, there was no related amount of restricted cash representing the pre-funding proceeds.

Net cash used in financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2017 was $7.0 million. Net cash provided by financing activities for the years ended December 31, 2016 and 2015 was $242.8 million and $255.2 million, respectively. Cash used or provided by financing activities is primarily attributable to the repayment or issuance of debt, and in particular, securitization trust debt and portfolio acquisition financing. We issued $852.6 million in new securitization trust debt in 2017 compared to $1,197.5 million in 2016 and $795.0 million in 2015. Repayments of securitization debt were $851.2 million, $834.9 million and $662.0 million in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

We purchase automobile contracts from dealers for a cash price approximating their principal amount, adjusted for an acquisition fee which may either increase or decrease the automobile contract purchase price. Those automobile contracts generate cash flow, however, over a period of years. As a result, we have been dependent on warehouse credit facilities to purchase automobile contracts and on access to the asset-backed securitization market for long-term financing of our portfolio of automobile contracts. In addition, from time to time, we have relied on the availability of cash from outside sources in order to finance our continuing operations, as well as to fund the portion of automobile contract purchase prices not financed under revolving warehouse credit facilities.

The acquisition of automobile contracts for subsequent financing in securitization transactions, and the need to fund spread accounts and initial overcollateralization, if any, and increase credit enhancement levels when those transactions take place, results in a continuing need for capital. The amount of capital required is most heavily dependent on the rate of our automobile contract purchases, the required level of initial credit enhancement in securitizations, and the extent to which the previously established trusts and their related spread accounts either release cash to us or capture cash from collections on securitized automobile contracts. Of those, the factor most subject to our control is the rate at which we acquire automobile contracts.

37

We are and may in the future be limited in our ability to purchase automobile contracts due to limits on our capital. As of December 31, 2017, we had unrestricted cash of $12.7 million. We had an aggregate of $187.6 million available under our three $100 million warehouse credit facilities (subject to available eligible collateral and our own capital). During 2017 we completed four securitizations aggregating $870.0 million of receivables, and we intend to continue completing securitizations regularly during 2018, although there can be no assurance that we will be able to do so. Our plans to manage our liquidity include maintaining our rate of automobile contract purchases at a level that matches our available capital, and, as appropriate, minimizing our operating costs. If we are unable to complete such securitizations, we may be unable to increase our rate of automobile contract purchases, in which case our interest income and other portfolio related income could decrease.

Our liquidity will also be affected by releases of cash from the trusts established with our securitizations. While the specific terms and mechanics of each spread account vary among transactions, our securitization agreements generally provide that we will receive excess cash flows, if any, only if the amount of credit enhancement has reached specified levels and the delinquency, defaults or net losses related to the automobile contracts in the pool are below certain predetermined levels. In the event delinquencies, defaults or net losses on the automobile contracts exceed such levels, the terms of the securitization: (i) may require increased credit enhancement to be accumulated for the particular pool; or (ii) in certain circumstances, may permit the transfer of servicing on some or all of the automobile contracts to another servicer. There can be no assurance that collections from the related trusts will continue to generate sufficient cash.

We have and will continue to have a substantial amount of indebtedness. At December 31, 2017, we had approximately $2,212.2 million of debt outstanding. Such debt consisted primarily of $2,083.2 million of securitization trust debt, $112.4 million of warehouse lines of credit, and $16.6 million in subordinated renewable notes. We are also currently offering the subordinated notes to the public on a continuous basis, and such notes have maturities that range from three months to 10 years.

Although we believe we are able to service and repay our debt, there is no assurance that we will be able to do so. If our plans for future operations do not generate sufficient cash flows and earnings, our ability to make required payments on our debt would be impaired. Failure to pay our indebtedness when due could have a material adverse effect and may require us to issue additional debt or equity securities.

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our material contractual obligations as of December 31, 2017 (dollars in thousands):

	Payment Due by Period (1)
			Less than		2 to 3		4 to 5		More than
	Total		1 Year		Years		Years		5 Years
Long Term Debt (2)	$	16,566	$	8,406	$	4,558	$	1,973	$	1,629
Operating Leases	$	33,932	$	6,493	$	13,500	$	12,323	$	1,616

(1) Securitization trust debt, in the aggregate amount of $2,083.2 million as of December 31, 2017, is omitted from this table because it becomes due as and when the related receivables balance is reduced by payments and charge-offs. Expected payments, which will depend on the performance of such receivables, as to which there can be no assurance, are $873.7 million in 2018, $612.3 million in 2019, $362.5 million in 2020, $179.3 million in 2021, $49.5 million in 2022, and $5.9 million in 2023.

(2) Long-term debt represents subordinated renewable notes.

We anticipate repaying debt due in 2018 with a combination of cash flows from operations and the potential issuance of new debt.

Warehouse Credit Facilities

The terms on which credit has been available to us for purchase of automobile contracts have varied in recent years, as shown in the following summary of our warehouse credit facilities:

38

Facility Established in May 2012. On May 11, 2012, we entered into a $100 million one-year warehouse credit line with Citibank, N.A. The facility is structured to allow us to fund a portion of the purchase price of automobile contracts by borrowing from a credit facility to our consolidated subsidiary Page Eight Funding, LLC. The facility provides for effective advances up to 86.0% of eligible finance receivables. The loans under the facility accrue interest at one-month LIBOR plus 5.50% per annum, with a minimum rate of 6.25% per annum. In August 2016, this facility was amended to extend the revolving period to August 2018 and to include an amortization period through August 2019 for any receivables pledged to the facility at the end of the revolving period. At December 31, 2017 there was $77.5 million outstanding under this facility.

Facility Established in April 2015. On April 17, 2015, we entered into an additional $100 million one-year warehouse credit line with Fortress Investment Group. The facility is structured to allow us to fund a portion of the purchase price of automobile contracts by borrowing from a credit facility to our consolidated subsidiary Page Six Funding, LLC. The facility provides for effective advances up to 88.0% of eligible finance receivables. The loans under the facility accrue interest at one-month LIBOR plus 5.50% per annum, with a minimum rate of 6.50% per annum. In April 2017, this facility was amended to extend the revolving period to April 2019 followed by an amortization period through April 2021 for any receivables pledged to the facility at the end of the revolving period. At December 31, 2017 there was $25.6 million outstanding under this facility.

Facility Established in November 2015. On November 24, 2015, we entered into an additional $100 million one-year warehouse credit line with affiliates of Credit Suisse Group and Ares Management LP. The facility is structured to allow us to fund a portion of the purchase price of automobile contracts by borrowing from a credit facility to our consolidated subsidiary Page Nine Funding, LLC. The facility provides for effective advances up to 88.0% of eligible finance receivables, or up to 80.0% for certain other receivables. The loans under the facility accrue interest at a commercial paper rate plus 6.75% per annum, with a minimum rate of 7.75% per annum. In November 2017, this facility was amended to extend the revolving period to November 2019 followed by an amortization period through November 2021 for any receivables pledged to the facility at the end of the revolving period. At December 31, 2017 there was $11.1 million outstanding under this facility.

Capital Resources

Securitization trust debt is repaid from collections on the related receivables, and becomes due in accordance with its terms as the principal amount of the related receivables is reduced. Although the securitization trust debt also has alternative final maturity dates, those dates are significantly later than the dates at which repayment of the related receivables is anticipated, and at no time in our history have any of our sponsored asset-backed securities reached those alternative final maturities.

The acquisition of automobile contracts for subsequent transfer in securitization transactions, and the need to fund spread accounts and initial overcollateralization, if any, when those transactions take place, results in a continuing need for capital. The amount of capital required is most heavily dependent on the rate of our automobile contract purchases, the required level of initial credit enhancement in securitizations, and the extent to which the trusts and related spread accounts either release cash to us or capture cash from collections on securitized automobile contracts. We plan to adjust our levels of automobile contract purchases and the related capital requirements to match anticipated releases of cash from the trusts and related spread accounts.

39

Capitalization

Over the period from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2017 we have managed our capitalization by issuing and refinancing debt as summarized in the following table:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
	(Dollars in thousands)
RESIDUAL INTEREST FINANCING:
Beginning balance	$	–		$	9,042		$	12,327
Issuances		–			–			–
Payments		–			(9,042	)		(3,285	)
Ending balance	$	–		$	–		$	9,042
SECURITIZATION TRUST DEBT:
Beginning balance	$	2,080,900		$	1,731,598		$	1,598,496
Issuances		852,615			1,197,515			795,000
Payments		(851,193	)		(834,880	)		(661,960	)
Amortization of discount		–			20			62
Reclassification of deferred financing costs		–			(11,579	)		–
Capitalization of deferred financing costs		(6,104	)		(8,367	)		–
Amortization of deferred financing costs		6,997			6,593			–
Ending balance	$	2,083,215		$	2,080,900		$	1,731,598
SUBORDINATED RENEWABLE NOTES:
Beginning balance	$	14,949		$	15,138		$	15,233
Issuances		4,083			2,911			1,551
Payments		(2,466	)		(3,100	)		(1,646	)
Ending balance	$	16,566		$	14,949		$	15,138
DEBT SECURED BY RECEIVABLES MEASURED AT FAIR VALUE:
Beginning balance	$	–		$	–		$	1,250
Payments		–			–			(1,250	)
Accretion of premium		–			–			–
Mark to fair value		–			–			–
Ending balance	$	–		$	–		$	–

Residual Interest Financing.  

In April 2013, we established a five-year $20 million term residual facility. The facility is secured by eligible residual interests in two previously securitized pools of automobile receivables. The facility provides for effective advances up to 70.0% of the related borrowing base. Notes issued under the facility accrue interest at one-month LIBOR plus 11.75% per annum. The facility was repaid in full in November 2016.

Securitization Trust Debt.   Since 2011, we treated all 26 of our securitizations of automobile contracts as secured financings for financial accounting purposes, and the asset-backed securities issued in such securitizations remain on our consolidated balance sheet as securitization trust debt. We had $2,083.2 million of securitization trust debt outstanding at December 31, 2017.

Subordinated Renewable Notes Debt.   In June 2005, we began issuing registered subordinated renewable notes in an ongoing offering to the public. Upon maturity, the notes are automatically renewed for the same term as the maturing notes, unless we repay the notes or the investor notifies us within 15 days after the maturity date of his note that he wants it repaid. Renewed notes bear interest at the rate we are offering at that time to other investors with similar note maturities. Based on the terms of the individual notes, interest payments may be required monthly, quarterly, annually or upon maturity. At December 31, 2017 there were $16.6 million of such notes outstanding.

We must comply with certain affirmative and negative covenants related to debt facilities, which require, among other things, that we maintain certain financial ratios related to liquidity, net worth, capitalization, investments, acquisitions, restricted payments and certain dividend restrictions. In addition, certain securitization and non-securitization related debt contain cross-default provisions that would allow certain creditors to declare default if a default occurred under a different facility. As of December 31, 2017, we were in compliance with all such covenants.

40

Forward-looking Statements

This report on Form 10-K includes certain "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "anticipates," "expects," "plans," "estimates," or words of like meaning. As to the specifically identified forward-looking statements, factors that could affect charge-offs and recovery rates include changes in the general economic climate, which could affect the willingness or ability of obligors to pay pursuant to the terms of contracts, changes in laws respecting consumer finance, which could affect our ability to enforce rights under contracts, and changes in the market for used vehicles, which could affect the levels of recoveries upon sale of repossessed vehicles. Factors that could affect our revenues in the current year include the levels of cash releases from existing pools of contracts, which would affect our ability to purchase contracts, the terms on which we are able to finance such purchases, the willingness of dealers to sell contracts to us on the terms that it offers, and the terms on which we are able to complete term securitizations once contracts are acquired. Factors that could affect our expenses in the current year include competitive conditions in the market for qualified personnel, investor demand for asset-backed securities and interest rates (which affect the rates that we pay on asset-backed securities issued in our securitizations). The statements concerning structuring securitization transactions as secured financings and the effects of such structures on financial items and on future profitability also are forward-looking statements. Any change to the structure of our securitization transaction could cause such forward-looking statements to be inaccurate. Both the amount of the effect of the change in structure on our profitability and the duration of the period in which our profitability would be affected by the change in securitization structure are estimates. The accuracy of such estimates will be affected by the rate at which we purchase and sell contracts, any changes in that rate, the credit performance of such contracts, the financial terms of future securitizations, any changes in such terms over time, and other factors that generally affect our profitability.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

We are subject to interest rate risk during the period between when contracts are purchased from dealers and when such contracts become part of a term securitization. Specifically, the interest rate due on our warehouse credit facilities are adjustable while the interest rates on the contracts are fixed. Therefore, if interest rates increase, the interest we must pay to our lenders under warehouse credit facilities is likely to increase while the interest we receive from warehoused automobile contracts remains the same. As a result, excess spread cash flow would likely decrease during the warehousing period. Additionally, automobile contracts warehoused and then securitized during a rising interest rate environment may result in less excess spread cash flow to us. Historically, our securitization facilities have paid fixed rate interest to security holders set at prevailing interest rates at the time of the closing of the securitization, which may not take place until several months after we purchased those contracts. Our customers, on the other hand, pay fixed rates of interest on the automobile contracts, set at the time they purchase the underlying vehicles. A decrease in excess spread cash flow could adversely affect our earnings and cash flow.

To mitigate, but not eliminate, the short-term risk relating to interest rates payable under the warehouse facilities, we have historically held automobile contracts in the warehouse credit facilities for less than four months. To mitigate, but not eliminate, the long-term risk relating to interest rates payable by us in securitizations, we have structured our term securitization transactions to include pre-funding structures, whereby the amount of notes issued exceeds the amount of contracts initially sold to the trusts. We expect to continue to use pre-funding structures in our securitizations. In pre-funding, the proceeds from the pre-funded portion are held in an escrow account until we sell the additional contracts to the trust. In pre-funded securitizations, we lock in the borrowing costs with respect to the contracts we subsequently deliver to the securitization trust. However, we incur an expense in pre-funded securitizations equal to the difference between the money market yields earned on the proceeds held in escrow prior to subsequent delivery of contracts and the interest rate paid on the notes outstanding. The amount of such expense may vary. Despite these mitigation strategies, an increase in prevailing interest rates would cause us to receive less excess spread cash flows on automobile contracts, and thus could adversely affect our earnings and cash flows.

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

This report includes Consolidated Financial Statements, notes thereto and an Independent Auditors’ Report, at the pages indicated below, in the "Index to Financial Statements."

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Not applicable.

41

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

Disclosure Controls and Procedures.  Under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, management of the Company has evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the "Exchange Act") as of December 31, 2017 (the "Evaluation Date"). Based upon that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that, as of the Evaluation Date, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective (i) to ensure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission; and (ii) to ensure that information required to be disclosed in the reports that the Company files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to our management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosures. The certifications of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer required under Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act have been filed as Exhibits 31.1 and 31.2 to this report.

Internal Control. Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting is included in this Annual Report, immediately below. During the fiscal quarter ended December 31, 2017, there were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting.  We are responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our internal control over financial reporting is designed to provide reasonable assurance to our management and Board of Directors regarding the preparation and fair presentation of published financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Therefore, even those systems determined to be effective can only provide reasonable assurance with respect to financial statement preparation and presentation.

Management, with the participation of the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officers, assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017. In making this assessment, we used the criteria set forth by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in the 2013 Internal Control — Integrated Framework. Based on this assessment, management, with the participation of the Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officers, believes that, as of December 31, 2017, our internal control over financial reporting is effective based on those criteria.

Our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, has been audited by Crowe Horwath LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report which is included herein.

Item 9B. Other Information

Not Applicable.

42

PART III

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers and Corporate Governance

Information regarding directors of the registrant is incorporated by reference to the registrant’s definitive proxy statement for its annual meeting of shareholders to be held in 2018 (the "2018 Proxy Statement"). The 2018 Proxy Statement will be filed not later than April 30, 2018. Information regarding executive officers of the registrant appears in Part I of this report, and is incorporated herein by reference.

Item 11. Executive Compensation

Incorporated by reference to the 2018 Proxy Statement.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Incorporated by reference to the 2018 Proxy Statement.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Incorporated by reference to the 2018 Proxy Statement.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Incorporated by reference to the 2018 Proxy Statement.

43

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

The financial statements listed below under the caption "Index to Financial Statements" are filed as a part of this report. No financial statement schedules are filed as the required information is inapplicable or the information is presented in the Consolidated Financial Statements or the related notes. Separate financial statements of the Company have been omitted as the Company is primarily an operating company and its subsidiaries are wholly owned and do not have minority equity interests held by any person other than the Company in amounts that together exceed 5% of the total consolidated assets as shown by the most recent year-end Consolidated Balance Sheet.

The exhibits listed below are filed as part of this report, whether filed herewith or incorporated by reference to an exhibit filed with the report identified in the parentheses following the description of such exhibit. Unless otherwise indicated, each such identified report was filed by or with respect to the registrant.

Exhibit Number	Description (“**” indicates compensatory plan or agreement.)
3.1	Restated Articles of Incorporation  (Exhibit 3.1 to Form 10-K filed March 31, 2009)
3.1.1	Certificate of Designation re Series B Preferred (Exhibit 3.1.1 to Form 8-K filed by the registrant on December 30, 2010)
3.2	Amended and Restated Bylaws (Exhibit 3.3 to Form 8-K filed July 20, 2009)
4.	Instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of certain consolidated subsidiaries of the registrant are omitted pursuant to the exclusion set forth in subdivision (b)(iv)(iii)(A) of Item 601 of Regulation S-K (17 CFR 229.601). The registrant agrees to provide copies of such instruments to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission upon request.
4.1	Form of Indenture re Renewable Unsecured Subordinated Notes (“RUS Notes”). (Exhibit 4.1 to Form S-2, no. 333-121913)
4.2.1	Form of RUS Notes  (Exhibit 4.2 to Form S-2, no. 333-121913)
4.3	Form of Indenture re additional Renewable Unsecured Subordinated Notes (“ARUS Notes”) (Exhibit 4.1 to Form S-1, no. 333-168976)
4.3.1	Form of ARUS Notes (Exhibit 4.2 to Form S-1, no. 333-168976)
4.4	Supplement dated December 7, 2010 to Indenture re ARUS Notes (Exhibit 4.3 to Form S-1, no. 333-168976)
4.4	Supplement dated January 22, 2014 to Indenture re ARUS Notes (Exhibit 4.4 to Form S-1, no. 333-190766)
10.2	1997 Long-Term Incentive Stock Plan ("1997 Plan") (Exhibit 10.20 to Form S-2, no. 333-121913) **
10.2.1	Form of Option Agreement under 1997 Plan (Exhibit 10.2.1 to Form 10-K filed March 13, 2006) **
10.14	2006 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan as amended May 18, 2015 (Incorporated by reference to pages A-1 through A-10 of the definitive proxy statement filed by the registrant on April 27, 2015)**
10.14.1	Form of Option Agreement under the 2006 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (Exhibit 10.14.1 to registrant's Form 10-K filed March 9, 2007)**
10.14.2	Form of Option Agreement under the 2006 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (Exhibit 99.(D)(2) to registrant's Schedule TO filed November 12, 2009)**
10.14.2	Form of Option Agreement under the 2006 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (Exhibit 99.(D)(3) to registrant's Schedule TO filed November 12, 2009)**
10.23	Warrant dated July 10, 2008, issued to Citigroup Global Markets Inc. (Exhibit 10.23 to registrant's Form 10-Q filed August 11, 2008)
10.61	Revolving Credit Agreement dated April 17, 2015 among the registrant, its subsidiary Page Six Funding, LLC, and Fortress Credit Co LLC ("Fortress") (Exhibit 10.61 to registrant's Form 8-K filed April 23, 2015)
10.62	Receivables Purchase Agreement dated April 17, 2015 between the registrant and its subsidiary Page Six Funding, LLC (Exhibit 10.62 to registrant's Form 8-K filed April 23, 2015)
14	Registrant’s Code of Ethics for Senior Financial Officers (Exhibit 14 to Form 10-K filed March 13, 2006)
21	List of subsidiaries of the registrant (filed herewith)
23.1	Consent of Crowe Horwath LLP (filed herewith)
31.1	Rule 13a-14(a) certification by Chief Executive Officer (filed herewith)
31.2	Rule 13a-14(a) certification by Chief Financial Officer (filed herewith)
32	Section 1350 certification (filed herewith)

101.INS	XBRL Instances Document
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

44

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

	CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC. (registrant)
March 7, 2018	By:	/s/ CHARLES E. BRADLEY, JR.
		Charles E. Bradley, Jr., President

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

March 7, 2018	/s/ CHARLES E. BRADLEY, JR.
	Charles E. Bradley, Jr., Director, President and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)
March 7, 2018	/s/ CHRIS A. ADAMS
	Chris A. Adams, Director
March 7, 2018	/s/ BRIAN J. RAYHILL
	Brian J. Rayhill, Director
March 7, 2018	/s/ GREGORY S. WASHER
	Gregory S. Washer, Director
March 7, 2018	/s/ DANIEL S. WOOD
	Daniel S. Wood, Director
March 7, 2018	/s/ JEFFREY P. FRITZ
	Jeffrey P. Fritz, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Accounting Officer)

45

INDEX TO FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

	Page Reference
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	F-2
Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 31, 2017 and 2016	F-3
Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015	F-4
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015	F-5
Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015	F-6
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015	F-7
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.	F-8

F-1

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders

Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries

Las Vegas, Nevada

Opinions on the Financial Statements and Internal Control over Financial Reporting

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc. and Subsidiaries (the "Company") as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, the related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017, and the related notes (collectively referred to as the "financial statements"). We also have audited the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO).

In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2017 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2017, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework: (2013) issued by COSO.

Basis for Opinions

The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting, and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company’s financial statements and an opinion on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) ("PCAOB") and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement, whether due to error or fraud, and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects.

Our audits of the financial statements included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the financial statements. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinions.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

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

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

/s/ CROWE HORWATH LLP

Costa Mesa, California

March 7, 2018

We have served as the Company's auditor since 2008.

F-2

CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

(In thousands, except share and per share data)

	December 31,			December 31,
	2017			2016
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$	12,731		$	13,936
Restricted cash and equivalents		111,965			112,754
Finance receivables		2,304,984			2,267,943
Less: Allowance for finance credit losses		(109,187	)		(95,578	)
Finance receivables, net		2,195,797			2,172,365
Furniture and equipment, net		1,752			2,017
Deferred tax assets, net		32,446			42,845
Accrued interest receivable		46,753			36,233
Other assets		23,397			30,252
	$	2,424,841		$	2,410,402
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	$	28,715		$	24,977
Warehouse lines of credit		112,408			103,358
Securitization trust debt		2,083,215			2,080,900
Subordinated renewable notes		16,566			14,949
		2,240,904			2,224,184
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred stock, $1 par value; authorized 4,998,130 shares; none issued		–			–
Series A preferred stock, $1 par value; authorized 5,000,000 shares; none issued		–			–
Series B preferred stock, $1 par value; authorized 1,870 shares; none issued		–			–
Common stock, no par value; authorized 75,000,000 shares; 21,488,589 and 23,587,126 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively		71,582			77,128
Retained earnings		119,537			115,772
Accumulated other comprehensive loss		(7,182	)		(6,682	)
		183,937			186,218
	$	2,424,841		$	2,410,402

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-3

CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(In thousands, except per share data)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
Revenues:
Interest income	$	424,174	$	408,996	$	349,912
Other income		10,209		13,286		13,738
		434,383		422,282		363,650
Expenses:
Employee costs		72,967		65,549		59,556
General and administrative		26,578		24,840		20,160
Interest		92,345		79,941		57,745
Provision for credit losses		186,713		178,511		142,618
Marketing		15,613		17,818		17,470
Occupancy		7,162		5,185		4,082
Depreciation and amortization		934		777		637
		402,312		372,621		302,268
Income before income tax expense		32,071		49,661		61,382
Income tax expense		28,306		20,361		26,701
Net income	$	3,765	$	29,300	$	34,681
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.17	$	1.20	$	1.34
Diluted		0.14		1.01		1.10
Number of shares used in computing earnings per share:
Basic		22,687		24,356		25,935
Diluted		27,214		29,035		31,584

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-4

CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(In thousands)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
Net income	$	3,765		$	29,300		$	34,681
Other comprehensive income (loss); change in funded status of pension plan, net of $232, $7 and $1,016 in tax for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively		(500	)		(32	)		(1,599	)
Comprehensive income	$	3,265		$	29,268		$	33,082

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-5

CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(In thousands)

	Common Stock						Retained		Accumulated Other Comprehensive
	Shares			Amount			Earnings		Loss			Total
Balance at January 1, 2015		25,541		$	80,513		$	51,791	$	(5,051	)	$	127,253
Common stock issued upon exercise of options and warrants		1,140			1,726			–		–			1,726
Repurchase of common stock		(1,064	)		(5,926	)		–		–			(5,926	)
Pension benefit obligation		–			–			–		(1,599	)		(1,599	)
Stock-based compensation		–			5,024			–		–			5,024
Net income		–			–			34,681		–			34,681
Balance at December 31, 2015		25,617		$	81,337		$	86,472	$	(6,650	)	$	161,159
Common stock issued upon exercise of options and warrants		448			706			–		–			706
Repurchase of common stock		(2,478	)		(10,468	)		–		–			(10,468	)
Pension benefit obligation		–			–			–		(32	)		(32	)
Stock-based compensation		–			5,553			–		–			5,553
Net income		–			–			29,300		–			29,300
Balance at December 31, 2016		23,587		$	77,128		$	115,772	$	(6,682	)	$	186,218
Common stock issued upon exercise of options and warrants		647			1,085			–		–			1,085
Repurchase of common stock		(2,745	)		(12,346	)		–		–			(12,346	)
Pension benefit obligation		–			–			–		(500	)		(500	)
Stock-based compensation		–			5,715			–		–			5,715
Net income		–			–			3,765		–			3,765
Balance at December 31, 2017		21,489		$	71,582		$	119,537	$	(7,182	)	$	183,937

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-6

CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(In thousands)

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	3,765		$	29,300		$	34,681
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Accretion of deferred acquisition fees		1,305			(2,980	)		(8,954	)
Amortization of discount on securitization trust debt		–			20			62
Depreciation and amortization		934			777			637
Amortization of deferred financing costs		8,738			8,389			7,017
Provision for credit losses		186,713			178,511			142,618
Stock-based compensation expense		5,715			5,553			5,024
Interest income on residual assets		–			–			(92	)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accrued interest receivable		(10,520	)		(4,686	)		(8,175	)
Other assets		5,361			(8,739	)		3,237
Deferred tax assets, net		10,399			(5,248	)		5,250
Accounts payable and accrued expenses		3,238			(4,564	)		6,250
Net cash provided by operating activities		215,648			196,333			187,555
Cash flows from investing activities:
Originations of finance receivables held for investment		(859,069	)		(1,088,785	)		(1,060,538	)
Payments received on finance receivables held for investment		647,619			650,379			551,880
Payments on receivables portfolio at fair value		4			58			1,603
Change in repossessions held in inventory		1,490			1,629			(2,369	)
Decreases (increases) in restricted cash and cash equivalents, net		789			(6,700	)		69,328
Purchase of furniture and equipment		(669	)		(1,079	)		(1,191	)
Net cash used in investing activities		(209,836	)		(444,498	)		(441,287	)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of securitization trust debt		852,615			1,197,515			795,000
Proceeds from issuance of subordinated renewable notes		4,083			2,911			1,551
Payments on subordinated renewable notes		(2,466	)		(3,100	)		(1,646	)
Net proceeds from (repayments of) warehouse lines of credit		9,309			(91,496	)		139,622
Repayments of residual interest financing debt		–			(9,042	)		(3,285	)
Repayment of securitization trust debt		(851,193	)		(834,880	)		(661,960	)
Repayment of debt secured by receivables measured at fair value		–			–			(1,250	)
Payment of financing costs		(8,104	)		(9,367	)		(8,637	)
Repurchase of common stock		(12,346	)		(10,468	)		(5,926	)
Exercise of options and warrants		1,085			706			1,726
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(7,017	)		242,779			255,195
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		(1,205	)		(5,386	)		1,463
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year		13,936			19,322			17,859
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	12,731		$	13,936		$	19,322
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	$	83,110		$	71,077		$	50,019
Income taxes		9,319			32,909			13,690
Non-cash financing activities:
Pension benefit obligation, net		500			32			1,599

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

F-7

CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc. ("CPS") was incorporated in California on March 8, 1991. CPS and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") specialize in purchasing and servicing retail automobile installment sale contracts ("Contracts") originated by licensed motor vehicle dealers ("Dealers") located throughout the United States. Dealers located in Texas, Ohio, California, Florida and North Carolina represented 7.4%, 7.4%, 7.1%, 5.9% and 5.8%, respectively, of contracts purchased during 2017 compared with 7.3%, 6.8%, 7.2%, 5.6% and 5.3% respectively in 2016. No other state had a concentration in excess of 5.8% in 2017. We specialize in contracts with vehicle purchasers who generally would not be expected to qualify for traditional financing provided by commercial banks or automobile manufacturers’ captive finance companies.

We are subject to various regulations and laws as they relate to the extension of credit in consumer credit transactions. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, certain of which are special purpose subsidiaries ("SPS"), formed to accommodate the structures under which we purchase and securitize our contracts. The Consolidated Financial Statements also include the accounts of CPS Leasing, Inc., an 80% owned subsidiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the statements of cash flows, we consider all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and due from banks and money market accounts. Substantially all of our cash is deposited at three financial institutions. We maintain cash due from banks in excess of the banks' insured deposit limits. We do not believe we are exposed to any significant credit risk on these deposits. As part of certain financial covenants related to debt facilities, we are required to maintain a minimum unrestricted cash balance. As of December 31, 2017, our unrestricted cash balance was $12.7 million, which exceeded the minimum amounts required by our financial covenants.

Finance Receivables

Finance receivables, which we have the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff, are presented at cost. All finance receivable contracts are held for investment. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income using the interest method without anticipating prepayments. Generally, payments received on finance receivables are restricted to certain securitized pools, and the related contracts cannot be resold. Finance receivables are charged off pursuant to the controlling documents of certain securitized pools, generally as described below under Charge Off Policy. Management may authorize an extension of payment terms if collection appears likely during the next calendar month.

Our portfolio of finance receivables consists of small-balance homogeneous contracts that are collectively evaluated for impairment on a portfolio basis. We report delinquency on a contractual basis. Once a Contract becomes greater than 90 days delinquent, we do not recognize additional interest income until the obligor under the Contract makes sufficient payments to be less than 90 days delinquent. Any payments received on a Contract that is greater than 90 days delinquent are first applied to accrued interest and then to principal reduction.

Allowance for Finance Credit Losses

In order to estimate an appropriate allowance for losses likely incurred on finance receivables, we use a loss allowance methodology commonly referred to as "static pooling," which stratifies the finance receivable portfolio into separately identified pools based on their period of origination, then uses historical performance of seasoned pools to estimate future losses on current pools. Historical loss experience is adjusted as necessary for current economic conditions. We consider our portfolio of finance receivables to be relatively homogenous and consequently we analyze credit performance primarily in the aggregate rather than stratification by any particular credit quality indicator. Using analytical and formula driven techniques, we estimate an allowance for finance credit losses, which we believe is adequate for probable incurred credit losses that can be reasonably estimated in our portfolio of finance receivable contracts. For each monthly pool of contracts that we purchase, we begin establishing the allowance in the month of acquisition and increase it over the subsequent 11 months, through a provision for credit losses charged to our Consolidated Statement of Income. Net losses incurred on finance receivables are charged to the allowance. We evaluate the adequacy of the allowance by examining current delinquencies, the characteristics of the portfolio, the value of the underlying collateral and historical loss trends. As conditions change, our level of provisioning and/or allowance may change.

F-8

CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Charge Off Policy

Delinquent contracts for which the related financed vehicle has been repossessed are generally charged off at the earliest of (1) the month in which the proceeds from the sale of the financed vehicle are received, (2) the month in which 90 days have passed from the date of repossession or (3) the month in which the Contract becomes seven scheduled payments past due (see Repossessed and Other Assets below). The amount charged off is the remaining principal balance of the Contract, after the application of the net proceeds from the liquidation of the financed vehicle. With respect to delinquent contracts for which the related financed vehicle has not been repossessed, the remaining principal balance is generally charged off no later than the end of the month that the Contract becomes five scheduled payments past due.

Contract Acquisition Fees and Origination Costs

Upon purchase of a Contract from a Dealer, we generally either charge or advance the Dealer an acquisition fee. Dealer acquisition fees and deferred origination costs are applied to the carrying value of finance receivables and are accreted into earnings as an adjustment to the yield over the estimated life of the Contract using the interest method.

Repossessed and Other Assets

If a Contract obligor fails to make or keep promises for payments, or if the obligor is uncooperative or attempts to evade contact or hide the vehicle, a supervisor will review the collection activity relating to the account to determine if repossession of the vehicle is warranted. Generally, such a decision is made between the 60th and 90th day past the obligor’s payment due date, but could occur sooner or later, depending on the specific circumstances. At the time the vehicle is repossessed we stop accruing interest on the Contract, and reclassify the remaining Contract balance to the line item "Other Assets" on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at its estimated fair value less costs to sell. Included in other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets are repossessed vehicles pending sale of $9.7 million and $11.1 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Treatment of Securitizations

Our term securitization structure has generally been as follows:

We sell contracts we acquire to a wholly-owned SPS, which has been established for the limited purpose of buying and reselling our contracts. The SPS then transfers the same contracts to another entity, typically a statutory trust ("Trust"). The Trust issues interest-bearing asset-backed securities ("Notes"), in a principal amount equal to or less than the aggregate principal balance of the contracts. We typically sell these contracts to the Trust at face value and without recourse, except representations and warranties that we make to the Trust that are similar to those provided to us by the Dealer. One or more investors (the "Noteholders") purchase the Notes issued by the Trust; the proceeds from the sale of the Notes are then used to purchase the contracts from us. We may retain or sell subordinated Notes issued by the Trust. In addition, we have provided "Credit Enhancement" for the benefit of the Noteholders in three forms: (1) an initial cash deposit to a bank account (a "Spread Account") held by the Trust, (2) overcollateralization of the Notes, where the principal balance of the Notes issued is less than the principal balance of the contracts, and (3) in the form of subordinated Notes. The agreements governing the securitization transactions (collectively referred to as the "Securitization Agreements") require that the initial level of Credit Enhancement be supplemented by a portion of collections from the contracts until the level of Credit Enhancement reaches specified levels, which are then maintained. The specified levels are generally computed as a percentage of the principal amount remaining unpaid under the related contracts. The specified levels at which the Credit Enhancement is to be maintained will vary depending on the performance of the portfolios of contracts held by the Trusts and on other conditions. Such levels have increased and decreased from time to time based on performance of the various portfolios, and have also varied from one Trust to another.

Our warehouse securitization structures are similar to the above, except that (i) the SPS that purchases the contracts pledges the contracts to secure promissory notes or loans that it issues, and (ii) no increase in the required amount of Credit Enhancement is contemplated. Upon each sale of contracts in a securitization structured as a secured financing, we retain as assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet the securitized contracts and record as indebtedness the Notes issued in the transaction.

We have the power to direct the most significant activities of the SPS. In addition, we have the obligation to absorb losses and the rights to receive benefits from the SPS, both of which could be potentially significant to the SPS. These types of securitization structures are treated as secured financings, in which the receivables remain on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, and the debt issued by the SPS is shown as a securitization trust debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

F-9

CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

We receive periodic base servicing fees for the servicing and collection of the contracts. In addition, we are entitled to the cash flows from the Trusts that represent collections on the contracts in excess of the amounts required to pay principal and interest on the Notes, the base servicing fees, and certain other fees (such as trustee and custodial fees). Required principal payments on the Notes are generally defined as the payments sufficient to keep the principal balance of the Notes equal to the aggregate principal balance of the related contracts (excluding those contracts that have been charged off), or a pre-determined percentage of such balance. Where that percentage is less than 100%, the related Securitization Agreements require accelerated payment of principal until the principal balance of the Notes is reduced to the specified percentage. Such accelerated principal payment is said to create "overcollateralization" of the Notes.

If the amount of cash required for payment of fees, interest and principal on the senior Notes exceeds the amount collected during the collection period, the shortfall is generally withdrawn from the Spread Account, if any. If the cash collected during the period exceeds the amount necessary for the above allocations plus required principal payments on the subordinated Notes, if any, and there is no shortfall in the related Spread Account or other form of Credit Enhancement, the excess is released to us. If the total Credit Enhancement amount is not at the required level, then the excess cash collected is retained in the Trust until the specified level is achieved. Cash in the Spread Accounts is restricted from our use. Cash held in the various Spread Accounts is invested in high quality, liquid investment securities, as specified in the Securitization Agreements. In all of our term securitizations we have transferred the receivables (through a subsidiary) to the securitization Trust. We report the assets and liabilities of the securitization Trust on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Noteholders’ and the related securitization Trusts’ recourse against us for failure of the contract obligors to make payments on a timely basis is limited, in general, to our Finance Receivables, and Spread Accounts.

Servicing

We consider the contractual servicing fee received on our managed portfolio held by non-consolidated subsidiaries to be equal to adequate compensation. Additionally, we consider that these fees would fairly compensate a substitute servicer, should one be required. As a result, no servicing asset or liability has been recognized. Servicing fees received on the managed portfolio held by non-consolidated subsidiaries are reported as income when earned. Servicing fees received on the managed portfolio held by consolidated subsidiaries are included in interest income when earned. Servicing costs are charged to expense as incurred. Servicing fees receivable, which are included in Other Assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, represent fees earned but not yet remitted to us by the trustee.

Furniture and Equipment

Furniture and equipment are stated at cost net of accumulated depreciation. We calculate depreciation using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from three to five years. Assets held under capital leases and leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the related lease terms. Amortization expense on assets acquired under capital lease is included with depreciation expense on owned assets.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of

Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

Other Income

The following table presents the primary components of Other Income:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Direct mail revenues	$	6,432	$	9,202	$	8,927
Convenience fee revenue		1,900		2,145		2,610
Recoveries on previously charged-off contracts		563		766		1,079
Sales tax refunds		866		811		616
Other		448		362		506
	$	10,209	$	13,286	$	13,738

F-10

CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Earnings Per Share

The following table illustrates the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Numerator:
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share	$	3,765	$	29,300	$	34,681
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year		22,687		24,356		25,935
Incremental common shares attributable to exercise of outstanding options and warrants		4,527		4,679		5,649
Denominator for diluted earnings per share		27,214		29,035		31,584
Basic earnings per share	$	0.17	$	1.20	$	1.34
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.14	$	1.01	$	1.10

Incremental shares of 7.5 million, 7.9 million and 6.8 million related to stock options and warrants have been excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, because the effect is anti-dilutive.

Deferral and Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs

Costs related to the issuance of debt are deferred and amortized using the interest method over the contractual or expected term of the related debt. Unamortized debt issuance costs are presented as a direct deduction to the carrying amount of the related debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Income Taxes

The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return and combined or stand-alone state franchise tax returns for certain states. We utilize the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes, under which deferred income taxes are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the differences between the financial statement values of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We estimate a valuation allowance against that portion of the deferred tax asset whose utilization in future periods is not more than likely.

Purchases of Company Stock

We record purchases of our own common stock at cost and treat the shares as retired.

Stock Option Plan

We recognize compensation costs in the financial statements based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718 “Stock Compensation”. Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reported periods. These material estimates that could be susceptible to changes in the near term and, accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassification

Certain amounts for the prior year have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation with no effect on previously reported earnings or shareholders’ equity.

F-11

CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Financial Covenants

Certain of our securitization transactions, our residual interest financing and our warehouse credit facilities contain various financial covenants requiring certain minimum financial ratios and results. Such covenants include maintaining minimum levels of liquidity and net worth and not exceeding maximum leverage levels. In addition, certain securitization and non-securitization related debt contain cross-default provisions that would allow certain creditors to declare a default if a default occurred under a different facility. As of December 31, 2017 we were in compliance with all such financial covenants.

Provision for Contingent Liabilities

We are routinely involved in various legal proceedings resulting from our consumer finance activities and practices, both continuing and discontinued. Our legal counsel has advised us on such matters where, based on information available at the time of this report, there is an indication that it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably determined.

We have recorded a liability as of December 31, 2017, which represents our best estimate of the immaterial aggregate probable incurred losses for legal contingencies. The amount of losses that may ultimately be incurred, over and above such losses as are probable, cannot be estimated with certainty.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In February 2018, as a result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act), the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the reclassification of certain tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. The guidance is effective January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the new guidance along with any impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows, none of which are expected to be material.

In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13 - Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The revised accounting guidance changes the criteria under which credit losses are measured. The amendment introduces a new credit reserving model known as the Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) model, which replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current U.S. GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to establish credit loss estimates. This new accounting guidance will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of ASU No. 2016-13, however, it is expected that the new CECL model will alter the assumptions used in calculating the Company's credit losses, given the change to estimated losses for the estimated life of the financial asset, and will likely result in a material effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), superseding the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605. This ASU requires an entity to recognize revenue for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The amendment includes a five-step process to assist an entity in achieving the main principle(s) of revenue recognition under ASC 605. The Company has adopted this ASU in the first quarter of 2018 and expects the new guidance will not have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

(2) Restricted Cash

Restricted cash consists of cash and cash equivalent accounts relating to our outstanding securitization trusts and credit facilities. The amount of restricted cash on our Consolidated Balance Sheets was $112.0 million and $112.8 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Our securitization transactions and one of our warehouse credit facilities require that we establish cash reserves, or spread accounts, as additional credit enhancement. These cash reserves, which are included in restricted cash, were $45.7 million and $40.8 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

(3) Finance Receivables

Our portfolio of finance receivables consists of small-balance homogeneous contracts comprising a single segment and class that is collectively evaluated for impairment on a portfolio basis according to delinquency status. Our contract purchase guidelines are designed to produce a homogenous portfolio. We report delinquency on a contractual basis. Once a contract becomes greater than 90 days delinquent, we do not recognize additional interest income until the obligor under the contract makes sufficient payments to be less than 90 days delinquent. Any payments received on a contract that is greater than 90 days delinquent are first applied to accrued interest and then to principal reduction.

F-12

CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The following table presents the components of finance receivables, net of unearned interest:

	December 31,
	2017		2016
Finance receivables		(In thousands)
Automobile finance receivables, net of unearned interest	$	2,298,608	$	2,266,619
Unearned acquisition fees, discounts and deferred origination costs, net		6,376		1,324
Finance receivables	$	2,304,984	$	2,267,943

We consider an automobile contract delinquent when an obligor fails to make at least 90% of a contractually due payment by the following due date, which date may have been extended within limits specified in the servicing agreements. The period of delinquency is based on the number of days payments are contractually past due, as extended where applicable. Automobile contracts less than 31 days delinquent are not reported as delinquent. In certain circumstances we will grant obligors one-month payment extensions. The only modification of terms is to advance the obligor’s next due date by one month and extend the maturity date of the receivable by one month. In certain limited cases, a two-month extension may be granted. 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.

The following table summarizes the delinquency status of finance receivables as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

	December 31,
	2017		2016
	(In thousands)
Delinquency Status
Current	$	2,069,617	$	2,053,759
31 - 60 days		138,395		116,073
61 - 90 days		63,081		52,404
91 + days		27,515		44,383
	$	2,298,608	$	2,266,619

Finance receivables totaling $27.5 million and $44.4 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, have been placed on non-accrual status as a result of their delinquency status.

The following table presents a summary of the activity for the allowance for finance credit losses, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

	December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
				(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of year	$	95,578		$	75,603		$	61,460
Provision for credit losses		186,713			178,511			142,618
Charge-offs		(211,948	)		(192,366	)		(156,553	)
Recoveries		38,844			33,830			28,078
Balance at end of year	$	109,187		$	95,578		$	75,603

Excluded from finance receivables are contracts that were previously classified as finance receivables but were reclassified as other assets because we have repossessed the vehicle securing the Contract. The following table presents a summary of such repossessed inventory together with the allowance for losses on repossessed inventory:

	December 31,
	2017			2016
	(In thousands)
Gross balance of repossessions in inventory	$	33,679		$	40,069
Allowance for losses on repossessed inventory		(24,024	)		(28,924	)
Net repossessed inventory included in other assets	$	9,655		$	11,145

F-13

CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(4) Furniture and Equipment

The following table presents the components of furniture and equipment:

	December 31,
	2017			2016
	(In thousands)
Furniture and fixtures	$	1,566		$	1,566
Computer and telephone equipment		5,470			4,907
Leasehold improvements		1,260			1,154
		8,296			7,627
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		(6,544	)		(5,610	)
	$	1,752		$	2,017

Depreciation expense totaled $934,000, $777,000 and $637,000 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

(5) Securitization Trust Debt

We have completed numerous term securitization transactions that are structured as secured borrowings for financial accounting purposes. The debt issued in these transactions is shown on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as “Securitization trust debt,” and the components of such debt are summarized in the following table:

Series	Final Scheduled Payment Date (1)	Receivables Pledged at December 31, 2017 (2)		Initial Principal		Outstanding Principal at December 31, 2017		Outstanding Principal at December 31, 2016		Weighted Average Interest Rate at December 31, 2017
		(Dollars in thousands)
CPS 2012-C	December 2019		–		147,000		–		14,421		–
CPS 2012-D	March 2020		–		160,000		–		17,865		–
CPS 2013-A	June 2020		–		185,000		–		28,661		–
CPS 2013-B	September 2020		21,251		205,000		18,407		37,570		2.09%
CPS 2013-C	December 2020		26,518		205,000		25,559		46,830		5.88%
CPS 2013-D	March 2021		26,921		183,000		24,917		46,345		5.11%
CPS 2014-A	June 2021		33,120		180,000		30,521		54,988		4.33%
CPS 2014-B	September 2021		46,600		202,500		44,516		75,140		3.67%
CPS 2014-C	December 2021		73,634		273,000		71,174		116,280		3.87%
CPS 2014-D	March 2022		80,784		267,500		79,099		127,307		4.17%
CPS 2015-A	June 2022		89,171		245,000		87,194		134,466		3.73%
CPS 2015-B	September 2022		104,354		250,000		102,873		153,893		3.63%
CPS 2015-C	December 2022		142,703		300,000		141,362		207,636		4.15%
CPS 2016-A	March 2023		182,657		329,460		180,761		262,260		4.45%
CPS 2016-B	June 2023		206,881		332,690		201,199		284,752		4.50%
CPS 2016-C	September 2023		208,815		318,500		203,504		285,618		4.06%
CPS 2016-D	April 2024		153,671		206,325		149,671		200,221		3.14%
CPS 2017-A	April 2024		166,693		206,320		161,892		–		3.31%
CPS 2017-B	December 2023		198,860		225,170		186,594		–		2.90%
CPS 2017-C	September 2024		207,158		224,825		197,155		–		2.83%
CPS 2017-D	June 2024		193,957		196,300		189,277		–		2.74%
		$	2,163,746	$	4,842,590	$	2,095,675	$	2,094,253

_________________________

(1) The Final Scheduled Payment Date represents final legal maturity of the securitization trust debt. Securitization trust debt is expected to become due and to be paid prior to those dates, based on amortization of the finance receivables pledged to the Trusts. Expected payments, which will depend on the performance of such receivables, as to which there can be no assurance, are $873.7 million in 2018, $612.3 million in 2019, $362.5 million in 2020, $179.3 million in 2021, $49.5 million in 2022, and $5.9 million in 2023.

(2) Includes repossessed assets that are included in Other Assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

F-14

CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Debt issuance costs of $12.5 million and $13.4 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, have been excluded from the table above. These debt issuance costs are presented as a direct deduction to the carrying amount of the Securitization trust debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

All of the securitization trust debt was issued in private placement transactions to qualified institutional investors. The debt was issued by our wholly-owned, bankruptcy remote subsidiaries and is secured by the assets of such subsidiaries, but not by any of our other assets.

The terms of the various securitization agreements related to the issuance of the securitization trust debt require that certain delinquency and credit loss criteria be met with respect to the collateral pool, and require that we maintain minimum levels of liquidity and net worth and not exceed maximum leverage levels. We were in compliance with all such covenants as of December 31, 2017.

We are responsible for the administration and collection of the contracts. The securitization agreements also require certain funds be held in restricted cash accounts to provide additional credit enhancement for the Notes or to be applied to make payments on the securitization trust debt. As of December 31, 2017, restricted cash under the various agreements totaled approximately $112.0 million. Interest expense on the securitization trust debt is composed of the stated rate of interest plus amortization of additional costs of borrowing. Additional costs of borrowing include facility fees, insurance premiums, amortization of deferred financing costs, and amortization of discounts required on the notes at the time of issuance. Deferred financing costs related to the securitization trust debt are amortized using the interest method. Accordingly, the effective cost of borrowing of the securitization trust debt is greater than the stated rate of interest.

Our wholly-owned, bankruptcy remote subsidiaries were formed to facilitate the above asset-backed financing transactions. Similar bankruptcy remote subsidiaries issue the debt outstanding under our warehouse line of credit. Bankruptcy remote refers to a legal structure in which it is expected that the applicable entity would not be included in any bankruptcy filing by its parent or affiliates. All of the assets of these subsidiaries have been pledged as collateral for the related debt. All such transactions, treated as secured financings for accounting and tax purposes, are treated as sales for all other purposes, including legal and bankruptcy purposes. None of the assets of these subsidiaries are available to pay any of our other creditors.

(6) Debt

The terms of our debt outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are summarized below:

			Amount Outstanding at
			December 31,		December 31,
			2017		2016
			(In thousands)
Description	Interest Rate	Revolving Maturity
Warehouse lines of credit	5.50% over one month Libor (Minimum 6.50%)	April 2019	$	25,629	$	64,352
	5.50% over one month Libor (Minimum 6.25%)	August 2018		77,546		26,445
	6.75% over a commercial paper rate (Minimum 7.75%)	November 2019		11,100		14,168
Subordinated renewable notes	Weighted average rate of 7.99% and 7.50% at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively	Weighted average maturity of March 2020 and January 2019 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively		16,566		14,949
			$	130,841	$	119,914

Debt issuance costs of $1.9 million and $1.6 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, have been excluded from the table above. These debt issuance costs are presented as a direct deduction to the carrying amount of the Warehouse lines of credit on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

F-15

CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

On May 11, 2012, we entered into a $100 million one-year warehouse credit line with Citibank, N.A. The facility is structured to allow us to fund a portion of the purchase price of automobile contracts by borrowing from a credit facility to our consolidated subsidiary Page Eight Funding, LLC. The facility provides for effective advances up to 86.0% of eligible finance receivables. The loans under the facility accrue interest at one-month LIBOR plus 5.50% per annum, with a minimum rate of 6.25% per annum. In August 2016, this facility was amended to extend the revolving period to August 2018 and to include an amortization period through August 2019 for any receivables pledged to the facility at the end of the revolving period. At December 31, 2017 there was $77.5 million outstanding under this facility.

On April 17, 2015, we entered into an additional $100 million one-year warehouse credit line with Fortress Investment Group. The facility is structured to allow us to fund a portion of the purchase price of automobile contracts by borrowing from a credit facility to our consolidated subsidiary Page Six Funding, LLC. The facility provides for effective advances up to 88.0% of eligible finance receivables. The loans under the facility accrue interest at one-month LIBOR plus 5.50% per annum, with a minimum rate of 6.50% per annum. In April 2017, this facility was amended to extend the revolving period to April 2019 followed by an amortization period through April 2021 for any receivables pledged to the facility at the end of the revolving period. At December 31, 2017 there was $25.6 million outstanding under this facility.

On November 24, 2015, we entered into an additional $100 million one-year warehouse credit line with affiliates of Credit Suisse Group and Ares Management LP. The facility is structured to allow us to fund a portion of the purchase price of automobile contracts by borrowing from a credit facility to our consolidated subsidiary Page Nine Funding, LLC. The facility provides for effective advances up to 88.0% of eligible finance receivables, or up to 80.0% for certain other receivables. The loans under the facility accrue interest at a commercial paper rate plus 6.75% per annum, with a minimum rate of 7.75% per annum. In November 2017, this facility was amended to extend the revolving period to November 2019 followed by an amortization period through November 2021 for any receivables pledged to the facility at the end of the revolving period. At December 31, 2017 there was $11.1 million outstanding under this facility.

The total outstanding debt on our three warehouse lines of credit was $114.3 million as of December 31, 2017, compared to $105.0 million outstanding as of December 31, 2016.

The costs incurred in conjunction with the above debt are recorded as deferred financing costs on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and are more fully described in Note 1.

We must comply with certain affirmative and negative covenants related to debt facilities, which require, among other things, that we maintain certain financial ratios related to liquidity, net worth and capitalization. Further covenants include matters relating to investments, acquisitions, restricted payments and certain dividend restrictions. See the discussion of financial covenants in Note 1.

The following table summarizes the contractual and expected maturity amounts of long term debt as of December 31, 2017:

Contractual maturity date	Subordinated renewable  notes
2018	$	8,406
2019		1,942
2020		2,616
2021		1,515
2022		458
Thereafter		1,629
Total	$	16,566

(7) Shareholders’ Equity

Common Stock

Holders of common stock are entitled to such dividends as our board of directors, in its discretion, may declare out of funds available, subject to the terms of any outstanding shares of preferred stock and other restrictions. In the event of liquidation of the Company, holders of common stock are entitled to receive, pro rata, all of the assets of the Company available for distribution, after payment of any liquidation preference to the holders of outstanding shares of preferred stock. Holders of the shares of common stock have no conversion or preemptive or other subscription rights and there are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock.

Stock Purchases

For the year ending December 31, 2017, we purchased 2,745,493 shares of our common stock at an average price of $4.49. We purchased 2,693,562 shares of our stock in the open market for $12.1 million. In October 2017 our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $10 million of our common stock. There was $4.7 million of board authorization remaining in our repurchase plans from prior authorizations at December 31, 2016. There is approximately $12.6 million of board authorization remaining under such plans, which have no expiration date.

F-16

CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

The remaining purchases of 51,931 shares were related to net exercises of outstanding options and warrants. In transactions during the year ended December 31, 2017, the holders of options and warrants to purchase 110,000 shares of our common stock paid the aggregate $241,000 exercise price by surrender to us of 51,931 of such 110,000 shares.

Options and Warrants

In 2006, the Company adopted and its shareholders approved the CPS 2006 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”) pursuant to which our Board of Directors, or a duly-authorized committee thereof, may grant stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and stock appreciation rights to our employees or employees of our subsidiaries, to directors of the Company, and to individuals acting as consultants to the Company or its subsidiaries. In June 2008, May 2012, April 2013 and again in May 2015, the shareholders of the Company approved an amendment to the 2006 Plan to increase the maximum number of shares that may be subject to awards under the 2006 Plan to 5,000,000, 7,200,000, 12,200,000 and 17,200,000, respectively, in each case plus shares authorized under prior plans and not issued. Options that have been granted under the 2006 Plan and a previous plan approved in 1997 have been granted at an exercise price equal to (or greater than) the stock’s fair value at the date of the grant, with terms generally of 7-10 years and vesting generally over 4-5 years.

The per share weighted-average fair value of stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $1.32, $1.38 and $2.41, respectively. That fair value was estimated using a binomial option pricing model using the weighted average assumptions noted in the following table. We use historical data to estimate the expected term of each option. The volatility estimate is based on the historical and implied volatility of our stock over the period that equals the expected life of the option. Volatility assumptions ranged from 35% to 37% for 2017, 44% to 51% for 2016, and 47% to 51% for 2015. The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield on a U.S. Treasury bond with a maturity comparable to the expected life of the option. The dividend yield is estimated to be zero based on our intention not to issue dividends for the foreseeable future.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
Expected life (years)		4.02		4.04		4.21
Risk-free interest rate		1.59%		1.09%		1.35%
Volatility		36%		51%		51%
Expected dividend yield		–		–		–

For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we recorded stock-based compensation costs in the amount of $5.7 million, $5.6 million and $5.0 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, the unrecognized stock-based compensation costs to be recognized over future periods was equal to $5.8 million. This amount will be recognized as expense over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, options outstanding had intrinsic values of $10.4 million and $17.8 million, respectively. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, options exercisable had intrinsic values of $9.5 million and $14.2 million, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $1.9 million and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. New shares were issued for all options exercised during the year ended December 2017 and cash of $1.1 million was received. A tax benefit of $178,000 was recorded for the options exercised in 2017. At December 31, 2017, there were a total of 2.5 million additional shares available for grant under the 2006 Plan.

Stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2017 for stock options under the 2006 and 1997 plans is as follows:

	Number of Shares (in thousands)			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Options outstanding at the beginning of period		12,595		$	4.56	N/A
Granted		1,470			4.35	N/A
Exercised		(647	)		1.68	N/A
Forfeited/Expired		(283	)		5.62	N/A
Options outstanding at the end of period		13,135		$	4.66	4.45 years
Options exercisable at the end of period		8,789		$	4.51	4.04 years

We did not issue any stock options with an exercise price above or below the market price of the stock on the grant date for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

F-17

CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

In connection with the amendment to and partial repayment of our residual interest financing in July 2008, we issued warrants exercisable for 2,500,000 common shares for $4,071,429. The warrants represent the right to purchase 2,500,000 CPS common shares at a nominal exercise price, at any time prior to July 10, 2018. In March 2010 we repurchased warrants for 500,000 of these shares for $1.0 million. Warrants to purchase 2,000,000 shares remain outstanding as of December 31, 2017.

(8) Interest Income and Interest Expense

The following table presents the components of interest income:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Interest on finance receivables	$	423,567	$	408,723	$	349,796
Other interest income		607		273		116
Interest income	$	424,174	$	408,996	$	349,912

The following table presents the components of interest expense:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Securitization trust debt	$	83,084	$	69,178	$	48,631
Warehouse lines of credit		7,933		8,569		6,127
Residual interest financing		–		846		1,405
Subordinated renewable notes		1,328		1,348		1,582
Interest expense	$	92,345	$	79,941	$	57,745

(9) Income Taxes

Income taxes consist of the following:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Current federal tax expense	$	14,369	$	22,872		$	18,653
Current state tax expense		3,305		2,671			1,146
Deferred federal tax expense		10,131		(6,329	)		4,233
Deferred state tax expense		501		1,147			2,669
Income tax expense	$	28,306	$	20,361		$	26,701

Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 differs from the amount determined by applying the statutory federal rate of 35% to income before income taxes as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Expense at federal tax rate	$	11,225		$	17,381		$	21,484
State taxes, net of federal income tax effect		1,831			2,679			3,235
Stock-based compensation		682			824			1,560
Non-deductible expenses		171			145			107
Effect of change in tax rate		15,117			–			–
Other		(720	)		(668	)		315
	$	28,306		$	20,361		$	26,701

F-18

CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded income tax expense of $28.3 million which includes $15.1 of income tax expense related to the effects of the Tax Act, which are required to be recorded in the period of enactment. Excluding the impact of the Tax Act, income tax expense for 2017 would have been $13.2 million.

The tax effected cumulative temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:

	December 31,
	2017			2016
	(In thousands)
Deferred Tax Assets:
Finance receivables	$	23,034		$	28,986
Accrued liabilities		206			2,322
NOL carryforwards		529			1,697
Built in losses		5,277			8,915
Pension accrual		1,654			2,107
Stock compensation		3,642			–
Other		582			2,343
Total deferred tax assets		34,924			46,370
					$
Deferred Tax Liabilities:		$
Deferred loan costs		(2,233	)		(3,223	)
Furniture and equipment		(245	)		(302	)
Total deferred tax liabilities		(2,478	)		(3,525	)
					$
Net deferred tax asset	$	32,446		$	42,845

We acquired certain net operating losses and built-in loss assets as part of our acquisitions of MFN Financial Corp. (“MFN”) in 2002 and TFC Enterprises, Inc. (“TFC”) in 2003. Moreover, both MFN and TFC have undergone an ownership change for purposes of Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) Section 382. In general, IRC Section 382 imposes an annual limitation on the ability of a loss corporation (that is, a corporation with a net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward, credit carryforward, or certain built-in losses (“BILs”)) to utilize its pre-change NOL carryforwards or BILs to offset taxable income arising after an ownership change.

In determining the possible future realization of deferred tax assets, we have considered future taxable income from the following sources: (a) reversal of taxable temporary differences; and (b) tax planning strategies that, if necessary, would be implemented to accelerate taxable income into years in which net operating losses might otherwise expire.

Deferred tax assets are recognized subject to management’s judgment that realization is more likely than not. A valuation allowance is recognized for a deferred tax asset if, based on the weight of the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In making such judgements, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. Although realization is not assured, we believe that the realization of the recognized net deferred tax asset of $32.4 million as of December 31, 2017 is more likely than not based on forecasted future net earnings. Our net deferred tax asset of $32.4 million consists of approximately $22.8 million of net U.S. federal deferred tax assets and $9.6 million of net state deferred tax assets. The major components of the deferred tax asset are $5.8 million in net operating loss carryforwards and built in losses and $23.2 million in net deductions which have not yet been taken on a tax return.

As of December 31, 2017, we had net operating loss carryforwards for state income tax purposes of $12.3 million. These state net operating losses begin to expire in 2018.

We recognize a tax position as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. We recognize potential interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. At December 31, 2017, we had no unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions.

We are subject to taxation in the US and various state jurisdictions. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, or local examinations by tax authorities for years before 2014.

F-19

CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(10) Related Party Transactions

In December 2007, one of our directors purchased a $4.0 million subordinated renewable note pursuant to our ongoing program of issuing such notes to the public. The note was purchased through the registered agent and under the same terms and conditions, including the interest rate, that were offered to other purchasers at the time the note was issued. As of December 31, 2017, $4.0 million remains outstanding on this note.

(11) Commitments and Contingencies

Leases

The Company leases its facilities and certain computer equipment under non-cancelable operating leases, which expire through 2025. Future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2017, under these leases are due during the years ended December 31 as follows:

	Amount
	(In thousands)
2018	$	6,493
2019		6,790
2020		6,710
2021		6,858
2022		5,465
Thereafter		1,616
Total minimum lease payments	$	33,932

Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, was $6.3 million, $5.2 million and $4.1 million, respectively.

Our facility leases contain certain rental concessions and escalating rental payments, which are recognized as adjustments to rental expense and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases.

Legal Proceedings

Consumer Litigation. We are routinely involved in various legal proceedings resulting from our consumer finance activities and practices, both continuing and discontinued. Consumers can and do initiate lawsuits against us alleging violations of law applicable to collection of receivables, and such lawsuits sometimes allege that resolution as a class action is appropriate.

For the most part, we have legal and factual defenses to consumer claims, which we routinely contest or settle (for immaterial amounts) depending on the particular circumstances of each case.

Department of Justice Industry Inquiry. In January 2015, we were served with a subpoena by the U.S. Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) directing us to produce certain documents relating to our and our subsidiaries’ and affiliates’ origination and securitization of sub-prime automobile contracts since 2005, in connection with an investigation by the DOJ in contemplation of a civil proceeding for potential violations of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989. The DOJ in its investigation requested information relating, among other matters, to the underwriting criteria used to originate these automobile contracts and to the representations and warranties relating to those underwriting criteria that were made in connection with the securitization of the automobile contracts. We are among several other securitizers of sub-prime automobile receivables who received such subpoenas in 2014, 2015 and 2016. We have provided the required information, and we were advised by the DOJ in February 2018 that no further information is required of us and that no enforcement action is recommended.

Although the inquiry commenced January 2015 is thus completed as to us, no assurance can be given as to whether some other government agency may commence inquiries into or actions against us, nor as to whether the DOJ may recommence its investigation, any of which hypothetical proceedings might materially and adversely affect us.

In General. There can be no assurance as to the outcomes of the matters described or referenced above. We record at each measurement date, most recently as of December 31, 2017, our best estimate of probable incurred losses for legal contingencies, including each of the matters described or referenced above. The amount of losses that may ultimately be incurred cannot be estimated with certainty. However, based on such information as is available to us, we believe that the total of probable incurred losses for legal contingencies as of December 31, 2017 is immaterial, and that the range of reasonably possible losses for the legal proceedings and contingencies we face, including those described or referenced above, as of December 31, 2017 does not exceed $1 million.

F-20

CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Accordingly, we believe that the ultimate resolution of such legal proceedings and contingencies should not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition. We note, however, that in light of the uncertainties inherent in contested proceedings, the wide discretion vested in the DOJ and other government agencies, and the deference that courts may give to assertions made by government litigants, there can be no assurance that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not be material to our operating results for a particular period, depending on, among other factors, the size of the loss or liability imposed and the level of our income for that period.

(12) Employee Benefits

We sponsor a pretax savings and profit sharing plan (the “401(k) Plan”) qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under the 401(k) Plan, eligible employees are able to contribute up to the maximum allowed under the law. We may, at our discretion, match 100% of employees’ contributions up to $2,000 per employee per calendar year. Our matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan were $1.2 million, $929,000, and $838,000, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

We also sponsor a defined benefit plan, the MFN Financial Corporation Pension Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan benefits were frozen on June 30, 2001.

The following tables represents a reconciliation of the change in the plan’s benefit obligations, fair value of plan assets, and funded status at December 31, 2017 and 2016:

	December 31,
	2017			2016
	(In thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	$	21,515		$	21,385
Service cost		–			–
Interest cost		855			882
Assumption changes		1,535			95
Actuarial (gain) loss		(298	)		89
Settlements		–			–
Benefits paid		(1,045	)		(936	)
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	$	22,562		$	21,515
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	$	16,243		$	16,374
Return on assets		1,508			1,031
Employer contribution		–			–
Expenses		(260	)		(226	)
Settlements		–			–
Benefits paid		(1,045	)		(936	)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$	16,446		$	16,243
Funded Status at end of year	$	(6,116	)	$	(5,272	)

Additional Information

Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and cost at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

	December, 31
	2017		2016
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate		3.50%		4.05%
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate		4.05%		4.20%
Expected return on plan assets		7.25%		7.50%

Our overall expected long-term rate of return on assets is 7.25% per annum as of December 31, 2017. The expected long-term rate of return is based on the weighted average of historical returns on individual asset categories, which are described in more detail below.

F-21

CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

	December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Amounts recognized on Consolidated Balance Sheet
Other assets	$	–		$	–		$	–
Other liabilities		(6,116	)		(5,272	)		(5,011	)
Net amount recognized	$	(6,116	)	$	(5,272	)	$	(5,011	)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of:
Net loss	$	11,350		$	10,618		$	10,592
Unrecognized transition asset		–			–			–
Net amount recognized	$	11,350		$	10,618		$	10,592
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Interest cost	$	855		$	882		$	843
Expected return on assets		(1,149	)		(1,199	)		(1,508	)
Amortization of transition asset		–			–			–
Amortization of net loss		405			553			349
Net periodic benefit cost		111			236			(316	)
Settlement (gain)/loss		–			–			–
Total	$	111		$	236		$	(316	)
Benefit Obligation Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss (Income)
Net loss (gain)	$	732		$	25		$	2,615
Prior service cost (credit)		–			–			–
Amortization of prior service cost		–			–			–
Net amount recognized in other comprehensive loss (income)	$	732		$	25		$	2,615

The estimated net loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost in 2018 is $443,000.

The weighted average asset allocation of our pension benefits at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

	December 31,
	2017		2016
Weighted Average Asset Allocation at Year-End
Asset Category
Equity securities		83%		85%
Debt securities		17%		15%
Cash and cash equivalents		0%		0%
Total		100%		100%

Our investment policies and strategies for the pension benefits plan utilize a target allocation of 75% equity securities and 25% fixed income securities (excluding Company stock). Our investment goals are to maximize returns subject to specific risk management policies. We address risk management and diversification by the use of a professional investment advisor and several sub-advisors which invest in domestic and international equity securities and domestic fixed income securities. Each sub-advisor focuses its investments within a specific sector of the equity or fixed income market. For the sub-advisors focused on the equity markets, the sectors are differentiated by the market capitalization, the relative valuation and the location of the underlying issuer. For the sub-advisors focused on the fixed income markets, the sectors are differentiated by the credit quality and the maturity of the underlying fixed income investment. The investments made by the sub-advisors are readily marketable and can be sold to fund benefit payment obligations as they become payable.

F-22

CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Cash Flows

Estimated Future Benefit Payments (In thousands)
2018	$	822
2019		854
2020		895
2021		936
2022		981
Years 2023 - 2027		5,449
Anticipated Contributions in 2018	$	–

The fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2017 and 2016, by asset category, is as follows:

	December 31, 2017
	Level 1 (1)		Level 2 (2)		Level 3 (3)		Total
Investment Name:	(in thousands)
Company Common Stock	$	3,633	$	–	$	–	$	3,633
Large Cap Value		–		2,324		–		2,324
Mid Cap Index		–		654		–		654
Small Cap Growth		–		657		–		657
Small Cap Value		–		647		–		647
Large Cap Blend		–		661		–		661
Growth		–		2,313		–		2,313
International Growth		–		2,683		–		2,683
Core Bond		–		1,870		–		1,870
High Yield		–		373		–		373
Inflation Protected Bond		–		505		–		505
Money Market		–		126		–		126
Total	$	3,633	$	12,813	$	–	$	16,446

	December 31, 2016
	Level 1 (1)		Level 2 (2)		Level 3 (3)		Total
Investment Name:	(in thousands)
Company Common Stock	$	4,581	$	–	$	–	$	4,581
Large Cap Value		–		2,238		–		2,238
Mid Cap Index		–		625		–		625
Small Cap Growth		–		621		–		621
Small Cap Value		–		687		–		687
Focus Value		–		676		–		676
Growth		–		1,980		–		1,980
International Growth		–		2,392		–		2,392
Core Bond		–		1,644		–		1,644
High Yield		–		356		–		356
Inflation Protected Bond		–		433		–		433
Money Market		–		10		–		10
Total	$	4,581	$	11,662	$	–	$	16,243

_______________________

(1) Company common stock is classified as level 1 and valued using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.

(2) All other plan assets in stock, bond and money market funds are classified as level 2 and valued using significant observable inputs.

(3) There are no plan assets classified as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy as a result of having significant unobservable inputs.

F-23

CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(13) 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, 2017, the finance receivables related to the repossessed vehicles in inventory totaled $33.7 million. We have applied a valuation adjustment, or loss allowance, of $24.0 million, which is based on a recovery rate of approximately 29%, resulting in an estimated fair value and carrying amount of $9.7 million. The fair value and carrying amount of the repossessed inventory at December 31, 2016 was $11.1 million after applying a valuation adjustment of $28.9 million.

There were no transfers in or out of level 1 or level 2 assets and liabilities for 2017 and 2016. 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, 2017 and 2016, were as follows:

	As of December 31, 2017
Financial Instrument	(In thousands)
	Carrying		Fair Value Measurements Using:
	Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	12,731	$	12,731	$	–	$	–	$	12,731
Restricted cash and equivalents		111,965		111,965		–		–		111,965
Finance receivables, net		2,195,797		–		–		2,171,846		2,171,846
Accrued interest receivable		46,753		–		–		46,753		46,753
Liabilities:
Warehouse lines of credit	$	112,408	$	–	$	–	$	112,408	$	112,408
Accrued interest payable		4,212		–		–		4,212		4,212
Securitization trust debt		2,083,215		–		–		2,089,678		2,089,678
Subordinated renewable notes		16,566		–		–		16,566		16,566

F-24

CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

	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

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, 2017 and 2016, 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.

F-25

CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(14) Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

		Quarter Ended
		March 31,		June 30,		September 30,		December 31,
		(In thousands, except per share data)
2017
Revenues	$	107,598	$	110,072	$	109,488	$	107,225
Income before income tax expense		7,792		7,952		8,109		8,217
Net income (loss)		4,480		4,572		4,663		(9,951	)
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	0.19	$	0.20	$	0.21	$	(0.46	)
Diluted		0.16		0.17		0.17		(0.46	)
2016
Revenues	$	100,649	$	104,933	$	108,516	$	108,183
Income before income tax expense		12,229		12,325		12,455		12,651
Net income		7,214		7,272		7,348		7,465
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.29	$	0.30	$	0.31	$	0.31
Diluted		0.24		0.25		0.26		0.26
2015
Revenues	$	85,989	$	88,361	$	93,991	$	95,308
Income before income tax expense		14,749		15,200		15,649		15,783
Net income		8,333		8,537		8,843		8,967
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.33	$	0.33	$	0.34	$	0.35
Diluted		0.26		0.27		0.28		0.29

(15) Subsequent Events

On January 16, 2018 we executed our first securitization of 2018. In the transaction, qualified institutional buyers purchased $190.0 million of asset-backed notes secured by $193.6 million in automobile receivables purchased by us. The sold notes, issued by CPS Auto Receivables Trust 2018-A, consist of five classes. Ratings of the notes were provided by Standard & Poor’s, and DBRS and were based on the structure of the transaction, the historical performance of similar receivables and our experience as a servicer. The weighted average yield on the notes is approximately 3.46%.

The 2018-A transaction has initial credit enhancement consisting of a cash deposit equal to 1.00% of the original receivable pool balance. The final enhancement level requires accelerated payment of principal on the notes to reach overcollateralization of the lesser of 6.80% of the original receivable pool balance, or 18.50% of the then outstanding pool balance. The transaction utilizes a pre-funding structure, in which CPS sold approximately $121.3 million of receivables on January 16, 2018 and sold $72.3 million of additional receivables on February 9, 2018. The transaction was a private offering of securities, not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, or any state securities law.

In January 2018 the Company adopted the fair value method of accounting for finance receivables acquired after 2017. Under fair value, direct originations cost will not be deferred and there will be no allowance for credit losses associated with these receivables. The Company will make estimates regarding expected finance charge revenue, and the timing and magnitude of credit losses, to establish the fair value of the receivables on a quarterly basis, with changes in fair value recorded through the statement of income. In addition, the fair value may be impacted by market conditions.

F-26

EX-21

Exhibit 21

Registrant Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc.

Subsidiaries of the Registrant

Name	Jurisdiction of Organization
CPS Receivables Five LLC	Delaware
Page Six Funding LLC	Delaware
Page Seven Funding LLC	Delaware
Page Nine Funding LLC	Delaware
Folio Residual Holdings LLC	Delaware

Other subsidiaries, which would not constitute a significant subsidiary if considered collectively as a single subsidiary, are omitted.

EX-23.1

Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

We consent to the incorporation by reference in Registration Statement Nos. 333-190766 and 333-168976 on Form S-1, Nos. 333-152969 and 333-204492 on Form S-3, and Nos. 333-58199, 333-35758, 333-75594, 333-115622, 333-135907, 333-161448, 333-166892, and 333-193926 on Form S-8 of Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc. of our report dated March 7, 2018 relating to the financial statements and effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, appearing in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.

/s/ Crowe Horwath LLP

CROWE HORWATH LLP

Costa Mesa, California

March 7, 2018

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Charles E. Bradley, Jr., certify that: 

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 of Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 7, 2018

/s/ Charles E. Bradley, Jr.

Charles E. Bradley, Jr.

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 302 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

I, Jeffrey P. Fritz, Jr., certify that: 

1. I have reviewed this Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 of Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

Date: March 7, 2018

/s/ Jeffrey P. Fritz

Jeffrey P. Fritz

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-32

EXHIBIT 32

CERTIFICATIONS PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the Annual Report of Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc. (“Registrant”) on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017, as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 7, 2018 (the “Report”), Charles E. Bradley, Jr., chairman, president and chief executive officer, and Jeffrey P. Fritz , chief financial officer and executive vice president, each hereby certifies, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to his knowledge:

(1) the Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2) the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations as of December 31, 2017.

March 7, 2018

/s/ Charles E. Bradley, Jr.

Charles E. Bradley, Jr.

Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer

March 7, 2018

/s/ Jeffrey P. Fritz

Jeffrey P. Fritz

Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President

XML

Document and Entity Information - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 01, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document And Entity Information
Entity Registrant Name	CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES INC
Entity Central Index Key	0000889609
Document Type	10-K
Trading Symbol	CPSS
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Amendment Flag	false
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity a Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity a Voluntary Filer	No
Entity's Reporting Status Current	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 77,253,103
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		21,620,233
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2017

XML

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 12,731	$ 13,936
Restricted cash and equivalents	111,965	112,754
Finance receivables	2,304,984	2,267,943
Less: Allowance for finance credit losses	(109,187)	(95,578)
Finance receivables, net	2,195,797	2,172,365
Furniture and equipment, net	1,752	2,017
Deferred tax assets, net	32,446	42,845
Accrued interest receivable	46,753	36,233
Other assets	23,397	30,252
Total	2,424,841	2,410,402
Liabilities
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	28,715	24,977
Warehouse lines of credit	112,408	103,358
Securitization trust debt	2,083,215	2,080,900
Subordinated renewable notes	16,566	14,949
Total	2,240,904	2,224,184
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred stock	0	0
Common stock, no par value; authorized 75,000,000 shares; 21,488,589 and 23,587,126 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively	71,582	77,128
Retained earnings	119,537	115,772
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(7,182)	(6,682)
Total stockholders' equity	183,937	186,218
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	2,424,841	2,410,402
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred stock	0	0
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred stock	$ 0	$ 0

XML

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, authorized	4,998,130	4,998,130
Preferred stock, issued	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding	0	0
Common stock, no par value (in dollars per share)
Common stock, authorized	75,000,000	75,000,000
Common stock, issued	21,488,589	23,587,126
Common stock, outstanding	21,488,589	23,587,126
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, issued	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding	0	0
Series B Preferred Stock [Member]
Shareholders' Equity
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, authorized	1,870	1,870
Preferred stock, issued	0	0
Preferred stock, outstanding	0	0

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues:
Interest income	$ 424,174	$ 408,996	$ 349,912
Other income	10,209	13,286	13,738
Total revenues	434,383	422,282	363,650
Expenses:
Employee costs	72,967	65,549	59,556
General and administrative	26,578	24,840	20,160
Interest	92,345	79,941	57,745
Provision for credit losses	186,713	178,511	142,618
Marketing	15,613	17,818	17,470
Occupancy	7,162	5,185	4,082
Depreciation and amortization	934	777	637
Total operating expenses	402,312	372,621	302,268
Income before income tax expense	32,071	49,661	61,382
Income tax expense	28,306	20,361	26,701
Net income	$ 3,765	$ 29,300	$ 34,681
Earnings per share:
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 0.17	$ 1.20	$ 1.34
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 0.14	$ 1.01	$ 1.10
Number of shares used in computing earnings per share:
Basic (in shares)	22,687	24,356	25,935
Diluted (in shares)	27,214	29,035	31,584

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 3,765	$ 29,300	$ 34,681
Other comprehensive income (loss); change in funded status of pension plan, net of $232, $7 and $1,016 in tax for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively	(500)	(32)	(1,599)
Comprehensive income	$ 3,265	$ 29,268	$ 33,082

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Other comprehensive income (loss); change in funded status of pension plan, tax	$ 232	$ 7	$ 1,016

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss [Member]	Total
Balance at beginning at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 80,513	$ 51,791	$ (5,051)	$ 127,253
Balance at beginning (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2014	25,541
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock issued upon exercise of options and warrants	$ 1,726			1,726
Common stock issued upon exercise of options and warrants (in shares)	1,140
Repurchase of common stock	$ (5,926)			(5,926)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	(1,064)
Pension benefit obligation			(1,599)	(1,599)
Stock-based compensation	5,024			5,024
Net income		34,681		34,681
Balance at end at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 81,337	86,472	(6,650)	161,159
Balance at end (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2015	25,617
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock issued upon exercise of options and warrants	$ 706			706
Common stock issued upon exercise of options and warrants (in shares)	448
Repurchase of common stock	$ (10,468)			(10,468)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	(2,478)
Pension benefit obligation			(32)	(32)
Stock-based compensation	5,553			5,553
Net income		29,300		29,300
Balance at end at Dec. 31, 2016	$ 77,128	115,772	(6,682)	186,218
Balance at end (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2016	23,587
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Common stock issued upon exercise of options and warrants	$ 1,085			1,085
Common stock issued upon exercise of options and warrants (in shares)	647
Repurchase of common stock	$ (12,346)			(12,346)
Repurchase of common stock (in shares)	(2,745)
Pension benefit obligation			(500)	(500)
Stock-based compensation	5,715			5,715
Net income		3,765		3,765
Balance at end at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 71,582	$ 119,537	$ (7,182)	$ 183,937
Balance at end (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2017	21,489

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 3,765	$ 29,300	$ 34,681
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Accretion of deferred acquisition fees	1,305	(2,980)	(8,954)
Amortization of discount on securitization trust debt	0	20	62
Depreciation and amortization	934	777	637
Amortization of deferred financing costs	8,738	8,389	7,017
Provision for credit losses	186,713	178,511	142,618
Stock-based compensation expense	5,715	5,553	5,024
Interest income on residual assets	0	0	(92)
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Accrued interest receivable	(10,520)	(4,686)	(8,175)
Other assets	5,361	(8,739)	3,237
Deferred tax assets, net	10,399	(5,248)	5,250
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	3,238	(4,564)	6,250
Net cash provided by operating activities	215,648	196,333	187,555
Cash flows from investing activities:
Originations of finance receivables held for investment	(859,069)	(1,088,785)	(1,060,538)
Payments received on finance receivables held for investment	647,619	650,379	551,880
Payments on receivables portfolio at fair value	4	58	1,603
Change in repossessions held in inventory	1,490	1,629	(2,369)
Decreases (increases) in restricted cash and cash equivalents, net	789	(6,700)	69,328
Purchase of furniture and equipment	(669)	(1,079)	(1,191)
Net cash used in investing activities	(209,836)	(444,498)	(441,287)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from issuance of securitization trust debt	852,615	1,197,515	795,000
Proceeds from issuance of subordinated renewable notes	4,083	2,911	1,551
Payments on subordinated renewable notes	(2,466)	(3,100)	(1,646)
Net proceeds from (repayments of) warehouse lines of credit	9,309	(91,496)	139,622
Repayments of residual interest financing debt	0	(9,042)	(3,285)
Repayment of securitization trust debt	(851,193)	(834,880)	(661,960)
Repayment of debt secured by receivables measured at fair value	0	0	(1,250)
Payment of financing costs	(8,104)	(9,367)	(8,637)
Repurchase of common stock	(12,346)	(10,468)	(5,926)
Exercise of options and warrants	1,085	706	1,726
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(7,017)	242,779	255,195
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(1,205)	(5,386)	1,463
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	13,936	19,322	17,859
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	12,731	13,936	19,322
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest	83,110	71,077	50,019
Income taxes	9,319	32,909	13,690
Non-cash financing activities:
Pension benefit obligation, net	$ 500	$ 32	$ 1,599

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1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

(1) Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc. ("CPS") was incorporated in California on March 8, 1991. CPS and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") specialize in purchasing and servicing retail automobile installment sale contracts ("Contracts") originated by licensed motor vehicle dealers ("Dealers") located throughout the United States. Dealers located in Texas, Ohio, California, Florida and North Carolina represented 7.4%, 7.4%, 7.1%, 5.9% and 5.8%, respectively, of contracts purchased during 2017 compared with 7.3%, 6.8%, 7.2%, 5.6% and 5.3% respectively in 2016. No other state had a concentration in excess of 5.8% in 2017. We specialize in contracts with vehicle purchasers who generally would not be expected to qualify for traditional financing provided by commercial banks or automobile manufacturers’ captive finance companies.

We are subject to various regulations and laws as they relate to the extension of credit in consumer credit transactions. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, certain of which are special purpose subsidiaries ("SPS"), formed to accommodate the structures under which we purchase and securitize our contracts. The Consolidated Financial Statements also include the accounts of CPS Leasing, Inc., an 80% owned subsidiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the statements of cash flows, we consider all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and due from banks and money market accounts. Substantially all of our cash is deposited at three financial institutions. We maintain cash due from banks in excess of the banks' insured deposit limits. We do not believe we are exposed to any significant credit risk on these deposits. As part of certain financial covenants related to debt facilities, we are required to maintain a minimum unrestricted cash balance. As of December 31, 2017, our unrestricted cash balance was $12.7 million, which exceeded the minimum amounts required by our financial covenants.

Finance Receivables

Finance receivables, which we have the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff, are presented at cost. All finance receivable contracts are held for investment. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income using the interest method without anticipating prepayments. Generally, payments received on finance receivables are restricted to certain securitized pools, and the related contracts cannot be resold. Finance receivables are charged off pursuant to the controlling documents of certain securitized pools, generally as described below under Charge Off Policy. Management may authorize an extension of payment terms if collection appears likely during the next calendar month.

Our portfolio of finance receivables consists of small-balance homogeneous contracts that are collectively evaluated for impairment on a portfolio basis. We report delinquency on a contractual basis. Once a Contract becomes greater than 90 days delinquent, we do not recognize additional interest income until the obligor under the Contract makes sufficient payments to be less than 90 days delinquent. Any payments received on a Contract that is greater than 90 days delinquent are first applied to accrued interest and then to principal reduction.

Allowance for Finance Credit Losses

In order to estimate an appropriate allowance for losses likely incurred on finance receivables, we use a loss allowance methodology commonly referred to as "static pooling," which stratifies the finance receivable portfolio into separately identified pools based on their period of origination, then uses historical performance of seasoned pools to estimate future losses on current pools. Historical loss experience is adjusted as necessary for current economic conditions. We consider our portfolio of finance receivables to be relatively homogenous and consequently we analyze credit performance primarily in the aggregate rather than stratification by any particular credit quality indicator. Using analytical and formula driven techniques, we estimate an allowance for finance credit losses, which we believe is adequate for probable incurred credit losses that can be reasonably estimated in our portfolio of finance receivable contracts. For each monthly pool of contracts that we purchase, we begin establishing the allowance in the month of acquisition and increase it over the subsequent 11 months, through a provision for credit losses charged to our Consolidated Statement of Income. Net losses incurred on finance receivables are charged to the allowance. We evaluate the adequacy of the allowance by examining current delinquencies, the characteristics of the portfolio, the value of the underlying collateral and historical loss trends. As conditions change, our level of provisioning and/or allowance may change.

Charge Off Policy

Delinquent contracts for which the related financed vehicle has been repossessed are generally charged off at the earliest of (1) the month in which the proceeds from the sale of the financed vehicle are received, (2) the month in which 90 days have passed from the date of repossession or (3) the month in which the Contract becomes seven scheduled payments past due (see Repossessed and Other Assets below). The amount charged off is the remaining principal balance of the Contract, after the application of the net proceeds from the liquidation of the financed vehicle. With respect to delinquent contracts for which the related financed vehicle has not been repossessed, the remaining principal balance is generally charged off no later than the end of the month that the Contract becomes five scheduled payments past due.

Contract Acquisition Fees and Origination Costs

Upon purchase of a Contract from a Dealer, we generally either charge or advance the Dealer an acquisition fee. Dealer acquisition fees and deferred origination costs are applied to the carrying value of finance receivables and are accreted into earnings as an adjustment to the yield over the estimated life of the Contract using the interest method.

Repossessed and Other Assets

If a Contract obligor fails to make or keep promises for payments, or if the obligor is uncooperative or attempts to evade contact or hide the vehicle, a supervisor will review the collection activity relating to the account to determine if repossession of the vehicle is warranted. Generally, such a decision is made between the 60th and 90th day past the obligor’s payment due date, but could occur sooner or later, depending on the specific circumstances. At the time the vehicle is repossessed we stop accruing interest on the Contract, and reclassify the remaining Contract balance to the line item "Other Assets" on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at its estimated fair value less costs to sell. Included in other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets are repossessed vehicles pending sale of $9.7 million and $11.1 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Treatment of Securitizations

Our term securitization structure has generally been as follows:

We sell contracts we acquire to a wholly-owned SPS, which has been established for the limited purpose of buying and reselling our contracts. The SPS then transfers the same contracts to another entity, typically a statutory trust ("Trust"). The Trust issues interest-bearing asset-backed securities ("Notes"), in a principal amount equal to or less than the aggregate principal balance of the contracts. We typically sell these contracts to the Trust at face value and without recourse, except representations and warranties that we make to the Trust that are similar to those provided to us by the Dealer. One or more investors (the "Noteholders") purchase the Notes issued by the Trust; the proceeds from the sale of the Notes are then used to purchase the contracts from us. We may retain or sell subordinated Notes issued by the Trust. In addition, we have provided "Credit Enhancement" for the benefit of the Noteholders in three forms: (1) an initial cash deposit to a bank account (a "Spread Account") held by the Trust, (2) overcollateralization of the Notes, where the principal balance of the Notes issued is less than the principal balance of the contracts, and (3) in the form of subordinated Notes. The agreements governing the securitization transactions (collectively referred to as the "Securitization Agreements") require that the initial level of Credit Enhancement be supplemented by a portion of collections from the contracts until the level of Credit Enhancement reaches specified levels, which are then maintained. The specified levels are generally computed as a percentage of the principal amount remaining unpaid under the related contracts. The specified levels at which the Credit Enhancement is to be maintained will vary depending on the performance of the portfolios of contracts held by the Trusts and on other conditions. Such levels have increased and decreased from time to time based on performance of the various portfolios, and have also varied from one Trust to another.

Our warehouse securitization structures are similar to the above, except that (i) the SPS that purchases the contracts pledges the contracts to secure promissory notes or loans that it issues, and (ii) no increase in the required amount of Credit Enhancement is contemplated. Upon each sale of contracts in a securitization structured as a secured financing, we retain as assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet the securitized contracts and record as indebtedness the Notes issued in the transaction.

We have the power to direct the most significant activities of the SPS. In addition, we have the obligation to absorb losses and the rights to receive benefits from the SPS, both of which could be potentially significant to the SPS. These types of securitization structures are treated as secured financings, in which the receivables remain on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, and the debt issued by the SPS is shown as a securitization trust debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

We receive periodic base servicing fees for the servicing and collection of the contracts. In addition, we are entitled to the cash flows from the Trusts that represent collections on the contracts in excess of the amounts required to pay principal and interest on the Notes, the base servicing fees, and certain other fees (such as trustee and custodial fees). Required principal payments on the Notes are generally defined as the payments sufficient to keep the principal balance of the Notes equal to the aggregate principal balance of the related contracts (excluding those contracts that have been charged off), or a pre-determined percentage of such balance. Where that percentage is less than 100%, the related Securitization Agreements require accelerated payment of principal until the principal balance of the Notes is reduced to the specified percentage. Such accelerated principal payment is said to create "overcollateralization" of the Notes.

If the amount of cash required for payment of fees, interest and principal on the senior Notes exceeds the amount collected during the collection period, the shortfall is generally withdrawn from the Spread Account, if any. If the cash collected during the period exceeds the amount necessary for the above allocations plus required principal payments on the subordinated Notes, if any, and there is no shortfall in the related Spread Account or other form of Credit Enhancement, the excess is released to us. If the total Credit Enhancement amount is not at the required level, then the excess cash collected is retained in the Trust until the specified level is achieved. Cash in the Spread Accounts is restricted from our use. Cash held in the various Spread Accounts is invested in high quality, liquid investment securities, as specified in the Securitization Agreements. In all of our term securitizations we have transferred the receivables (through a subsidiary) to the securitization Trust. We report the assets and liabilities of the securitization Trust on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Noteholders’ and the related securitization Trusts’ recourse against us for failure of the contract obligors to make payments on a timely basis is limited, in general, to our Finance Receivables, and Spread Accounts.

Servicing

We consider the contractual servicing fee received on our managed portfolio held by non-consolidated subsidiaries to be equal to adequate compensation. Additionally, we consider that these fees would fairly compensate a substitute servicer, should one be required. As a result, no servicing asset or liability has been recognized. Servicing fees received on the managed portfolio held by non-consolidated subsidiaries are reported as income when earned. Servicing fees received on the managed portfolio held by consolidated subsidiaries are included in interest income when earned. Servicing costs are charged to expense as incurred. Servicing fees receivable, which are included in Other Assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, represent fees earned but not yet remitted to us by the trustee.

Furniture and Equipment

Furniture and equipment are stated at cost net of accumulated depreciation. We calculate depreciation using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from three to five years. Assets held under capital leases and leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the related lease terms. Amortization expense on assets acquired under capital lease is included with depreciation expense on owned assets.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of

Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

Other Income

The following table presents the primary components of Other Income:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Direct mail revenues	$	6,432	$	9,202	$	8,927
Convenience fee revenue		1,900		2,145		2,610
Recoveries on previously charged-off contracts		563		766		1,079
Sales tax refunds		866		811		616
Other		448		362		506
	$	10,209	$	13,286	$	13,738

Earnings Per Share

The following table illustrates the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Numerator:
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share	$	3,765	$	29,300	$	34,681
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year		22,687		24,356		25,935
Incremental common shares attributable to exercise of outstanding options and warrants		4,527		4,679		5,649
Denominator for diluted earnings per share		27,214		29,035		31,584
Basic earnings per share	$	0.17	$	1.20	$	1.34
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.14	$	1.01	$	1.10

Incremental shares of 7.5 million, 7.9 million and 6.8 million related to stock options and warrants have been excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, because the effect is anti-dilutive.

Deferral and Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs

Costs related to the issuance of debt are deferred and amortized using the interest method over the contractual or expected term of the related debt. Unamortized debt issuance costs are presented as a direct deduction to the carrying amount of the related debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Income Taxes

The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return and combined or stand-alone state franchise tax returns for certain states. We utilize the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes, under which deferred income taxes are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the differences between the financial statement values of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We estimate a valuation allowance against that portion of the deferred tax asset whose utilization in future periods is not more than likely.

Purchases of Company Stock

We record purchases of our own common stock at cost and treat the shares as retired.

Stock Option Plan

We recognize compensation costs in the financial statements based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718 “Stock Compensation”. Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reported periods. These material estimates that could be susceptible to changes in the near term and, accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassification

Certain amounts for the prior year have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation with no effect on previously reported earnings or shareholders’ equity.

Financial Covenants

Certain of our securitization transactions, our residual interest financing and our warehouse credit facilities contain various financial covenants requiring certain minimum financial ratios and results. Such covenants include maintaining minimum levels of liquidity and net worth and not exceeding maximum leverage levels. In addition, certain securitization and non-securitization related debt contain cross-default provisions that would allow certain creditors to declare a default if a default occurred under a different facility. As of December 31, 2017 we were in compliance with all such financial covenants.

Provision for Contingent Liabilities

We are routinely involved in various legal proceedings resulting from our consumer finance activities and practices, both continuing and discontinued. Our legal counsel has advised us on such matters where, based on information available at the time of this report, there is an indication that it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably determined.

We have recorded a liability as of December 31, 2017, which represents our best estimate of the immaterial aggregate probable incurred losses for legal contingencies. The amount of losses that may ultimately be incurred, over and above such losses as are probable, cannot be estimated with certainty.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In February 2018, as a result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act), the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the reclassification of certain tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. The guidance is effective January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the new guidance along with any impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows, none of which are expected to be material.

In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13 - Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The revised accounting guidance changes the criteria under which credit losses are measured. The amendment introduces a new credit reserving model known as the Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) model, which replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current U.S. GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to establish credit loss estimates. This new accounting guidance will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of ASU No. 2016-13, however, it is expected that the new CECL model will alter the assumptions used in calculating the Company's credit losses, given the change to estimated losses for the estimated life of the financial asset, and will likely result in a material effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), superseding the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605. This ASU requires an entity to recognize revenue for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The amendment includes a five-step process to assist an entity in achieving the main principle(s) of revenue recognition under ASC 605. The Company has adopted this ASU in the first quarter of 2018 and expects the new guidance will not have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

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2. Restricted Cash

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Cash and Cash Equivalents [Abstract]

Restricted Cash

(2) Restricted Cash

Restricted cash consists of cash and cash equivalent accounts relating to our outstanding securitization trusts and credit facilities. The amount of restricted cash on our Consolidated Balance Sheets was $112.0 million and $112.8 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Our securitization transactions and one of our warehouse credit facilities require that we establish cash reserves, or spread accounts, as additional credit enhancement. These cash reserves, which are included in restricted cash, were $45.7 million and $40.8 million as of December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

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3. Finance Receivables

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Finance Receivables

Finance Receivables

(3) Finance Receivables

Our portfolio of finance receivables consists of small-balance homogeneous contracts comprising a single segment and class that is collectively evaluated for impairment on a portfolio basis according to delinquency status. Our contract purchase guidelines are designed to produce a homogenous portfolio. We report delinquency on a contractual basis. Once a contract becomes greater than 90 days delinquent, we do not recognize additional interest income until the obligor under the contract makes sufficient payments to be less than 90 days delinquent. Any payments received on a contract that is greater than 90 days delinquent are first applied to accrued interest and then to principal reduction.

The following table presents the components of finance receivables, net of unearned interest:

	December 31,
	2017		2016
Finance receivables		(In thousands)
Automobile finance receivables, net of unearned interest	$	2,298,608	$	2,266,619
Unearned acquisition fees, discounts and deferred origination costs, net		6,376		1,324
Finance receivables	$	2,304,984	$	2,267,943

We consider an automobile contract delinquent when an obligor fails to make at least 90% of a contractually due payment by the following due date, which date may have been extended within limits specified in the servicing agreements. The period of delinquency is based on the number of days payments are contractually past due, as extended where applicable. Automobile contracts less than 31 days delinquent are not reported as delinquent. In certain circumstances we will grant obligors one-month payment extensions. The only modification of terms is to advance the obligor’s next due date by one month and extend the maturity date of the receivable by one month. In certain limited cases, a two-month extension may be granted. 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.

The following table summarizes the delinquency status of finance receivables as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

	December 31,
	2017		2016
	(In thousands)
Delinquency Status
Current	$	2,069,617	$	2,053,759
31 - 60 days		138,395		116,073
61 - 90 days		63,081		52,404
91 + days		27,515		44,383
	$	2,298,608	$	2,266,619

Finance receivables totaling $27.5 million and $44.4 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, have been placed on non-accrual status as a result of their delinquency status.

The following table presents a summary of the activity for the allowance for finance credit losses, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

	December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
				(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of year	$	95,578		$	75,603		$	61,460
Provision for credit losses		186,713			178,511			142,618
Charge-offs		(211,948	)		(192,366	)		(156,553	)
Recoveries		38,844			33,830			28,078
Balance at end of year	$	109,187		$	95,578		$	75,603

Excluded from finance receivables are contracts that were previously classified as finance receivables but were reclassified as other assets because we have repossessed the vehicle securing the Contract. The following table presents a summary of such repossessed inventory together with the allowance for losses on repossessed inventory:

	December 31,
	2017			2016
	(In thousands)
Gross balance of repossessions in inventory	$	33,679		$	40,069
Allowance for losses on repossessed inventory		(24,024	)		(28,924	)
Net repossessed inventory included in other assets	$	9,655		$	11,145

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4. Furniture and Equipment

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Furniture and Equipment

(4) Furniture and Equipment

The following table presents the components of furniture and equipment:

	December 31,
	2017			2016
	(In thousands)
Furniture and fixtures	$	1,566		$	1,566
Computer and telephone equipment		5,470			4,907
Leasehold improvements		1,260			1,154
		8,296			7,627
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		(6,544	)		(5,610	)
	$	1,752		$	2,017

Depreciation expense totaled $934,000, $777,000 and $637,000 for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

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5. Securitization Trust Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Securitization Trust Debt

Securitization Trust Debt

(5) Securitization Trust Debt

We have completed numerous term securitization transactions that are structured as secured borrowings for financial accounting purposes. The debt issued in these transactions is shown on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as “Securitization trust debt,” and the components of such debt are summarized in the following table:

Series	Final Scheduled Payment Date (1)	Receivables Pledged at December 31, 2017 (2)		Initial Principal		Outstanding Principal at December 31, 2017		Outstanding Principal at December 31, 2016		Weighted Average Interest Rate at December 31, 2017
		(Dollars in thousands)
CPS 2012-C	December 2019		–		147,000		–		14,421		–
CPS 2012-D	March 2020		–		160,000		–		17,865		–
CPS 2013-A	June 2020		–		185,000		–		28,661		–
CPS 2013-B	September 2020		21,251		205,000		18,407		37,570		2.09%
CPS 2013-C	December 2020		26,518		205,000		25,559		46,830		5.88%
CPS 2013-D	March 2021		26,921		183,000		24,917		46,345		5.11%
CPS 2014-A	June 2021		33,120		180,000		30,521		54,988		4.33%
CPS 2014-B	September 2021		46,600		202,500		44,516		75,140		3.67%
CPS 2014-C	December 2021		73,634		273,000		71,174		116,280		3.87%
CPS 2014-D	March 2022		80,784		267,500		79,099		127,307		4.17%
CPS 2015-A	June 2022		89,171		245,000		87,194		134,466		3.73%
CPS 2015-B	September 2022		104,354		250,000		102,873		153,893		3.63%
CPS 2015-C	December 2022		142,703		300,000		141,362		207,636		4.15%
CPS 2016-A	March 2023		182,657		329,460		180,761		262,260		4.45%
CPS 2016-B	June 2023		206,881		332,690		201,199		284,752		4.50%
CPS 2016-C	September 2023		208,815		318,500		203,504		285,618		4.06%
CPS 2016-D	April 2024		153,671		206,325		149,671		200,221		3.14%
CPS 2017-A	April 2024		166,693		206,320		161,892		–		3.31%
CPS 2017-B	December 2023		198,860		225,170		186,594		–		2.90%
CPS 2017-C	September 2024		207,158		224,825		197,155		–		2.83%
CPS 2017-D	June 2024		193,957		196,300		189,277		–		2.74%
		$	2,163,746	$	4,842,590	$	2,095,675	$	2,094,253

___________________

(1) The Final Scheduled Payment Date represents final legal maturity of the securitization trust debt. Securitization trust debt is expected to become due and to be paid prior to those dates, based on amortization of the finance receivables pledged to the Trusts. Expected payments, which will depend on the performance of such receivables, as to which there can be no assurance, are $873.7 million in 2018, $612.3 million in 2019, $362.5 million in 2020, $179.3 million in 2021, $49.5 million in 2022, and $5.9 million in 2023.

(2) Includes repossessed assets that are included in Other Assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Debt issuance costs of $12.5 million and $13.4 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, have been excluded from the table above. These debt issuance costs are presented as a direct deduction to the carrying amount of the Securitization trust debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

All of the securitization trust debt was issued in private placement transactions to qualified institutional investors. The debt was issued by our wholly-owned, bankruptcy remote subsidiaries and is secured by the assets of such subsidiaries, but not by any of our other assets.

The terms of the various securitization agreements related to the issuance of the securitization trust debt require that certain delinquency and credit loss criteria be met with respect to the collateral pool, and require that we maintain minimum levels of liquidity and net worth and not exceed maximum leverage levels. We were in compliance with all such covenants as of December 31, 2017.

We are responsible for the administration and collection of the contracts. The securitization agreements also require certain funds be held in restricted cash accounts to provide additional credit enhancement for the Notes or to be applied to make payments on the securitization trust debt. As of December 31, 2017, restricted cash under the various agreements totaled approximately $112.0 million. Interest expense on the securitization trust debt is composed of the stated rate of interest plus amortization of additional costs of borrowing. Additional costs of borrowing include facility fees, insurance premiums, amortization of deferred financing costs, and amortization of discounts required on the notes at the time of issuance. Deferred financing costs related to the securitization trust debt are amortized using the interest method. Accordingly, the effective cost of borrowing of the securitization trust debt is greater than the stated rate of interest.

Our wholly-owned, bankruptcy remote subsidiaries were formed to facilitate the above asset-backed financing transactions. Similar bankruptcy remote subsidiaries issue the debt outstanding under our warehouse line of credit. Bankruptcy remote refers to a legal structure in which it is expected that the applicable entity would not be included in any bankruptcy filing by its parent or affiliates. All of the assets of these subsidiaries have been pledged as collateral for the related debt. All such transactions, treated as secured financings for accounting and tax purposes, are treated as sales for all other purposes, including legal and bankruptcy purposes. None of the assets of these subsidiaries are available to pay any of our other creditors.

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6. Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Debt

(6) Debt

The terms of our debt outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are summarized below:

			Amount Outstanding at
			December 31,		December 31,
			2017		2016
			(In thousands)
Description	Interest Rate	Revolving Maturity
Warehouse lines of credit	5.50% over one month Libor (Minimum 6.50%)	April 2019	$	25,629	$	64,352
	5.50% over one month Libor (Minimum 6.25%)	August 2018		77,546		26,445
	6.75% over a commercial paper rate (Minimum 7.75%)	November 2019		11,100		14,168
Subordinated renewable notes	Weighted average rate of 7.99% and 7.50% at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively	Weighted average maturity of March 2020 and January 2019 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively		16,566		14,949
			$	130,841	$	119,914

Debt issuance costs of $1.9 million and $1.6 million as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, have been excluded from the table above. These debt issuance costs are presented as a direct deduction to the carrying amount of the Warehouse lines of credit on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

On May 11, 2012, we entered into a $100 million one-year warehouse credit line with Citibank, N.A. The facility is structured to allow us to fund a portion of the purchase price of automobile contracts by borrowing from a credit facility to our consolidated subsidiary Page Eight Funding, LLC. The facility provides for effective advances up to 86.0% of eligible finance receivables. The loans under the facility accrue interest at one-month LIBOR plus 5.50% per annum, with a minimum rate of 6.25% per annum. In August 2016, this facility was amended to extend the revolving period to August 2018 and to include an amortization period through August 2019 for any receivables pledged to the facility at the end of the revolving period. At December 31, 2017 there was $77.5 million outstanding under this facility.

On April 17, 2015, we entered into an additional $100 million one-year warehouse credit line with Fortress Investment Group. The facility is structured to allow us to fund a portion of the purchase price of automobile contracts by borrowing from a credit facility to our consolidated subsidiary Page Six Funding, LLC. The facility provides for effective advances up to 88.0% of eligible finance receivables. The loans under the facility accrue interest at one-month LIBOR plus 5.50% per annum, with a minimum rate of 6.50% per annum. In April 2017, this facility was amended to extend the revolving period to April 2019 followed by an amortization period through April 2021 for any receivables pledged to the facility at the end of the revolving period. At December 31, 2017 there was $25.6 million outstanding under this facility.

On November 24, 2015, we entered into an additional $100 million one-year warehouse credit line with affiliates of Credit Suisse Group and Ares Management LP. The facility is structured to allow us to fund a portion of the purchase price of automobile contracts by borrowing from a credit facility to our consolidated subsidiary Page Nine Funding, LLC. The facility provides for effective advances up to 88.0% of eligible finance receivables, or up to 80.0% for certain other receivables. The loans under the facility accrue interest at a commercial paper rate plus 6.75% per annum, with a minimum rate of 7.75% per annum. In November 2017, this facility was amended to extend the revolving period to November 2019 followed by an amortization period through November 2021 for any receivables pledged to the facility at the end of the revolving period. At December 31, 2017 there was $11.1 million outstanding under this facility.

The total outstanding debt on our three warehouse lines of credit was $114.3 million as of December 31, 2017, compared to $105.0 million outstanding as of December 31, 2016.

The costs incurred in conjunction with the above debt are recorded as deferred financing costs on the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets and are more fully described in Note 1.

We must comply with certain affirmative and negative covenants related to debt facilities, which require, among other things, that we maintain certain financial ratios related to liquidity, net worth and capitalization. Further covenants include matters relating to investments, acquisitions, restricted payments and certain dividend restrictions. See the discussion of financial covenants in Note 1.

The following table summarizes the contractual and expected maturity amounts of long term debt as of December 31, 2017:

Contractual maturity date	Subordinated renewable  notes
2018	$	8,406
2019		1,942
2020		2,616
2021		1,515
2022		458
Thereafter		1,629
Total	$	16,566

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7. Shareholders' Equity

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Equity [Abstract]

Shareholders' Equity

(7) Shareholders’ Equity

Common Stock

Holders of common stock are entitled to such dividends as our board of directors, in its discretion, may declare out of funds available, subject to the terms of any outstanding shares of preferred stock and other restrictions. In the event of liquidation of the Company, holders of common stock are entitled to receive, pro rata, all of the assets of the Company available for distribution, after payment of any liquidation preference to the holders of outstanding shares of preferred stock. Holders of the shares of common stock have no conversion or preemptive or other subscription rights and there are no redemption or sinking fund provisions applicable to the common stock.

Stock Purchases

For the year ending December 31, 2017, we purchased 2,745,493 shares of our common stock at an average price of $4.49. We purchased 2,693,562 shares of our stock in the open market for $12.1 million. In October 2017 our board of directors authorized the repurchase of up to $10 million of our common stock. There was $4.7 million of board authorization remaining in our repurchase plans from prior authorizations at December 31, 2016. There is approximately $12.6 million of board authorization remaining under such plans, which have no expiration date.

The remaining purchases of 51,931 shares were related to net exercises of outstanding options and warrants. In transactions during the year ended December 31, 2017, the holders of options and warrants to purchase 110,000 shares of our common stock paid the aggregate $241,000 exercise price by surrender to us of 51,931 of such 110,000 shares.

Options and Warrants

In 2006, the Company adopted and its shareholders approved the CPS 2006 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan (the “2006 Plan”) pursuant to which our Board of Directors, or a duly-authorized committee thereof, may grant stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and stock appreciation rights to our employees or employees of our subsidiaries, to directors of the Company, and to individuals acting as consultants to the Company or its subsidiaries. In June 2008, May 2012, April 2013 and again in May 2015, the shareholders of the Company approved an amendment to the 2006 Plan to increase the maximum number of shares that may be subject to awards under the 2006 Plan to 5,000,000, 7,200,000, 12,200,000 and 17,200,000, respectively, in each case plus shares authorized under prior plans and not issued. Options that have been granted under the 2006 Plan and a previous plan approved in 1997 have been granted at an exercise price equal to (or greater than) the stock’s fair value at the date of the grant, with terms generally of 7-10 years and vesting generally over 4-5 years.

The per share weighted-average fair value of stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $1.32, $1.38 and $2.41, respectively. That fair value was estimated using a binomial option pricing model using the weighted average assumptions noted in the following table. We use historical data to estimate the expected term of each option. The volatility estimate is based on the historical and implied volatility of our stock over the period that equals the expected life of the option. Volatility assumptions ranged from 35% to 37% for 2017, 44% to 51% for 2016, and 47% to 51% for 2015. The risk-free interest rate is based on the yield on a U.S. Treasury bond with a maturity comparable to the expected life of the option. The dividend yield is estimated to be zero based on our intention not to issue dividends for the foreseeable future.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
Expected life (years)		4.02		4.04		4.21
Risk-free interest rate		1.59%		1.09%		1.35%
Volatility		36%		51%		51%
Expected dividend yield		–		–		–

For the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, we recorded stock-based compensation costs in the amount of $5.7 million, $5.6 million and $5.0 million, respectively. As of December 31, 2017, the unrecognized stock-based compensation costs to be recognized over future periods was equal to $5.8 million. This amount will be recognized as expense over a weighted-average period of 1.9 years.

At December 31, 2017 and 2016, options outstanding had intrinsic values of $10.4 million and $17.8 million, respectively. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, options exercisable had intrinsic values of $9.5 million and $14.2 million, respectively. The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $1.9 million and $1.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. New shares were issued for all options exercised during the year ended December 2017 and cash of $1.1 million was received. A tax benefit of $178,000 was recorded for the options exercised in 2017. At December 31, 2017, there were a total of 2.5 million additional shares available for grant under the 2006 Plan.

Stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2017 for stock options under the 2006 and 1997 plans is as follows:

	Number of Shares (in thousands)			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Options outstanding at the beginning of period		12,595		$	4.56	N/A
Granted		1,470			4.35	N/A
Exercised		(647	)		1.68	N/A
Forfeited/Expired		(283	)		5.62	N/A
Options outstanding at the end of period		13,135		$	4.66	4.45 years
Options exercisable at the end of period		8,789		$	4.51	4.04 years

We did not issue any stock options with an exercise price above or below the market price of the stock on the grant date for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

In connection with the amendment to and partial repayment of our residual interest financing in July 2008, we issued warrants exercisable for 2,500,000 common shares for $4,071,429. The warrants represent the right to purchase 2,500,000 CPS common shares at a nominal exercise price, at any time prior to July 10, 2018. In March 2010 we repurchased warrants for 500,000 of these shares for $1.0 million. Warrants to purchase 2,000,000 shares remain outstanding as of December 31, 2017.

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8. Interest Income and Interest Expense

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Interest Income And Interest Expense

Interest Income and Interest Expense

(8) Interest Income and Interest Expense

The following table presents the components of interest income:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Interest on finance receivables	$	423,567	$	408,723	$	349,796
Other interest income		607		273		116
Interest income	$	424,174	$	408,996	$	349,912

The following table presents the components of interest expense:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Securitization trust debt	$	83,084	$	69,178	$	48,631
Warehouse lines of credit		7,933		8,569		6,127
Residual interest financing		–		846		1,405
Subordinated renewable notes		1,328		1,348		1,582
Interest expense	$	92,345	$	79,941	$	57,745

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9. Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

(9) Income Taxes

Income taxes consist of the following:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Current federal tax expense	$	14,369	$	22,872		$	18,653
Current state tax expense		3,305		2,671			1,146
Deferred federal tax expense		10,131		(6,329	)		4,233
Deferred state tax expense		501		1,147			2,669
Income tax expense	$	28,306	$	20,361		$	26,701

Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 differs from the amount determined by applying the statutory federal rate of 35% to income before income taxes as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Expense at federal tax rate	$	11,225		$	17,381		$	21,484
State taxes, net of federal income tax effect		1,831			2,679			3,235
Stock-based compensation		682			824			1,560
Non-deductible expenses		171			145			107
Effect of change in tax rate		15,117			–			–
Other		(720	)		(668	)		315
	$	28,306		$	20,361		$	26,701

For the year ended December 31, 2017, we recorded income tax expense of $28.3 million which includes $15.1 of income tax expense related to the effects of the Tax Act, which are required to be recorded in the period of enactment. Excluding the impact of the Tax Act, income tax expense for 2017 would have been $13.2 million.

The tax effected cumulative temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:

	December 31,
	2017			2016
	(In thousands)
Deferred Tax Assets:
Finance receivables	$	23,034		$	28,986
Accrued liabilities		206			2,322
NOL carryforwards		529			1,697
Built in losses		5,277			8,915
Pension accrual		1,654			2,107
Stock compensation		3,642			–
Other		582			2,343
Total deferred tax assets		34,924			46,370
					$
Deferred Tax Liabilities:		$
Deferred loan costs		(2,233	)		(3,223	)
Furniture and equipment		(245	)		(302	)
Total deferred tax liabilities		(2,478	)		(3,525	)
					$
Net deferred tax asset	$	32,446		$	42,845

We acquired certain net operating losses and built-in loss assets as part of our acquisitions of MFN Financial Corp. (“MFN”) in 2002 and TFC Enterprises, Inc. (“TFC”) in 2003. Moreover, both MFN and TFC have undergone an ownership change for purposes of Internal Revenue Code (“IRC”) Section 382. In general, IRC Section 382 imposes an annual limitation on the ability of a loss corporation (that is, a corporation with a net operating loss (“NOL”) carryforward, credit carryforward, or certain built-in losses (“BILs”)) to utilize its pre-change NOL carryforwards or BILs to offset taxable income arising after an ownership change.

In determining the possible future realization of deferred tax assets, we have considered future taxable income from the following sources: (a) reversal of taxable temporary differences; and (b) tax planning strategies that, if necessary, would be implemented to accelerate taxable income into years in which net operating losses might otherwise expire.

Deferred tax assets are recognized subject to management’s judgment that realization is more likely than not. A valuation allowance is recognized for a deferred tax asset if, based on the weight of the available evidence, it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. In making such judgements, significant weight is given to evidence that can be objectively verified. Although realization is not assured, we believe that the realization of the recognized net deferred tax asset of $32.4 million as of December 31, 2017 is more likely than not based on forecasted future net earnings. Our net deferred tax asset of $32.4 million consists of approximately $22.8 million of net U.S. federal deferred tax assets and $9.6 million of net state deferred tax assets. The major components of the deferred tax asset are $5.8 million in net operating loss carryforwards and built in losses and $23.2 million in net deductions which have not yet been taken on a tax return. 

As of December 31, 2017, we had net operating loss carryforwards for state income tax purposes of $12.3 million. These state net operating losses begin to expire in 2018.

We recognize a tax position as a benefit only if it is “more likely than not” that the tax position would be sustained in a tax examination, with a tax examination being presumed to occur. The amount recognized is the largest amount of tax benefit that is greater than 50% likely of being realized on examination. For tax positions not meeting the “more likely than not” test, no tax benefit is recorded. We recognize potential interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as income tax expense. At December 31, 2017, we had no unrecognized tax benefits for uncertain tax positions.

We are subject to taxation in the US and various state jurisdictions. With few exceptions, we are no longer subject to U.S. federal, state, or local examinations by tax authorities for years before 2014.

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10. Related Party Transactions

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

Related Party Transactions

(10) Related Party Transactions

In December 2007, one of our directors purchased a $4.0 million subordinated renewable note pursuant to our ongoing program of issuing such notes to the public. The note was purchased through the registered agent and under the same terms and conditions, including the interest rate, that were offered to other purchasers at the time the note was issued. As of December 31, 2017, $4.0 million remains outstanding on this note.

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11. Commitments and Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments and Contingencies

(11) Commitments and Contingencies

Leases

The Company leases its facilities and certain computer equipment under non-cancelable operating leases, which expire through 2025. Future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2017, under these leases are due during the years ended December 31 as follows:

	Amount
	(In thousands)
2018	$	6,493
2019		6,790
2020		6,710
2021		6,858
2022		5,465
Thereafter		1,616
Total minimum lease payments	$	33,932

Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, was $6.3 million, $5.2 million and $4.1 million, respectively.

Our facility leases contain certain rental concessions and escalating rental payments, which are recognized as adjustments to rental expense and are amortized on a straight-line basis over the terms of the leases.

Legal Proceedings

Consumer Litigation. We are routinely involved in various legal proceedings resulting from our consumer finance activities and practices, both continuing and discontinued. Consumers can and do initiate lawsuits against us alleging violations of law applicable to collection of receivables, and such lawsuits sometimes allege that resolution as a class action is appropriate.

For the most part, we have legal and factual defenses to consumer claims, which we routinely contest or settle (for immaterial amounts) depending on the particular circumstances of each case.

Department of Justice Industry Inquiry. In January 2015, we were served with a subpoena by the U.S. Department of Justice (the “DOJ”) directing us to produce certain documents relating to our and our subsidiaries’ and affiliates’ origination and securitization of sub-prime automobile contracts since 2005, in connection with an investigation by the DOJ in contemplation of a civil proceeding for potential violations of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989. The DOJ in its investigation requested information relating, among other matters, to the underwriting criteria used to originate these automobile contracts and to the representations and warranties relating to those underwriting criteria that were made in connection with the securitization of the automobile contracts. We are among several other securitizers of sub-prime automobile receivables who received such subpoenas in 2014, 2015 and 2016. We have provided the required information, and we were advised by the DOJ in February 2018 that no further information is required of us and that no enforcement action is recommended.

Although the inquiry commenced January 2015 is thus completed as to us, no assurance can be given as to whether some other government agency may commence inquiries into or actions against us, nor as to whether the DOJ may recommence its investigation, any of which hypothetical proceedings might materially and adversely affect us.

In General. There can be no assurance as to the outcomes of the matters described or referenced above. We record at each measurement date, most recently as of December 31, 2017, our best estimate of probable incurred losses for legal contingencies, including each of the matters described or referenced above. The amount of losses that may ultimately be incurred cannot be estimated with certainty. However, based on such information as is available to us, we believe that the total of probable incurred losses for legal contingencies as of December 31, 2017 is immaterial, and that the range of reasonably possible losses for the legal proceedings and contingencies we face, including those described or referenced above, as of December 31, 2017 does not exceed $1 million.

Accordingly, we believe that the ultimate resolution of such legal proceedings and contingencies should not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition. We note, however, that in light of the uncertainties inherent in contested proceedings, the wide discretion vested in the DOJ and other government agencies, and the deference that courts may give to assertions made by government litigants, there can be no assurance that the ultimate resolution of these matters will not be material to our operating results for a particular period, depending on, among other factors, the size of the loss or liability imposed and the level of our income for that period.

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12. Employee Benefits

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Employee Benefits

Employee Benefits

(12) Employee Benefits

We sponsor a pretax savings and profit sharing plan (the “401(k) Plan”) qualified under Section 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. Under the 401(k) Plan, eligible employees are able to contribute up to the maximum allowed under the law. We may, at our discretion, match 100% of employees’ contributions up to $2,000 per employee per calendar year. Our matching contributions to the 401(k) Plan were $1.2 million, $929,000, and $838,000, respectively, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

We also sponsor a defined benefit plan, the MFN Financial Corporation Pension Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan benefits were frozen on June 30, 2001.

The following tables represents a reconciliation of the change in the plan’s benefit obligations, fair value of plan assets, and funded status at December 31, 2017 and 2016:

	December 31,
	2017			2016
	(In thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	$	21,515		$	21,385
Service cost		–			–
Interest cost		855			882
Assumption changes		1,535			95
Actuarial (gain) loss		(298	)		89
Settlements		–			–
Benefits paid		(1,045	)		(936	)
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	$	22,562		$	21,515
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	$	16,243		$	16,374
Return on assets		1,508			1,031
Employer contribution		–			–
Expenses		(260	)		(226	)
Settlements		–			–
Benefits paid		(1,045	)		(936	)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$	16,446		$	16,243
Funded Status at end of year	$	(6,116	)	$	(5,272	)

Additional Information

Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and cost at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

	December, 31
	2017		2016
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate		3.50%		4.05%
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate		4.05%		4.20%
Expected return on plan assets		7.25%		7.50%

Our overall expected long-term rate of return on assets is 7.25% per annum as of December 31, 2017. The expected long-term rate of return is based on the weighted average of historical returns on individual asset categories, which are described in more detail below.

	December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Amounts recognized on Consolidated Balance Sheet
Other assets	$	–		$	–		$	–
Other liabilities		(6,116	)		(5,272	)		(5,011	)
Net amount recognized	$	(6,116	)	$	(5,272	)	$	(5,011	)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of:
Net loss	$	11,350		$	10,618		$	10,592
Unrecognized transition asset		–			–			–
Net amount recognized	$	11,350		$	10,618		$	10,592
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Interest cost	$	855		$	882		$	843
Expected return on assets		(1,149	)		(1,199	)		(1,508	)
Amortization of transition asset		–			–			–
Amortization of net loss		405			553			349
Net periodic benefit cost		111			236			(316	)
Settlement (gain)/loss		–			–			–
Total	$	111		$	236		$	(316	)
Benefit Obligation Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss (Income)
Net loss (gain)	$	732		$	25		$	2,615
Prior service cost (credit)		–			–			–
Amortization of prior service cost		–			–			–
Net amount recognized in other comprehensive loss (income)	$	732		$	25		$	2,615

The estimated net loss that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income into net periodic benefit cost in 2018 is $443,000.

The weighted average asset allocation of our pension benefits at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

	December 31,
	2017		2016
Weighted Average Asset Allocation at Year-End
Asset Category
Equity securities		83%		85%
Debt securities		17%		15%
Cash and cash equivalents		0%		0%
Total		100%		100%

Our investment policies and strategies for the pension benefits plan utilize a target allocation of 75% equity securities and 25% fixed income securities (excluding Company stock). Our investment goals are to maximize returns subject to specific risk management policies. We address risk management and diversification by the use of a professional investment advisor and several sub-advisors which invest in domestic and international equity securities and domestic fixed income securities. Each sub-advisor focuses its investments within a specific sector of the equity or fixed income market. For the sub-advisors focused on the equity markets, the sectors are differentiated by the market capitalization, the relative valuation and the location of the underlying issuer. For the sub-advisors focused on the fixed income markets, the sectors are differentiated by the credit quality and the maturity of the underlying fixed income investment. The investments made by the sub-advisors are readily marketable and can be sold to fund benefit payment obligations as they become payable.

Cash Flows

Estimated Future Benefit Payments (In thousands)
2018	$	822
2019		854
2020		895
2021		936
2022		981
Years 2023 - 2027		5,449
Anticipated Contributions in 2018	$	–

The fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2017 and 2016, by asset category, is as follows:

	December 31, 2017
	Level 1 (1)		Level 2 (2)		Level 3 (3)		Total
Investment Name:	(in thousands)
Company Common Stock	$	3,633	$	–	$	–	$	3,633
Large Cap Value		–		2,324		–		2,324
Mid Cap Index		–		654		–		654
Small Cap Growth		–		657		–		657
Small Cap Value		–		647		–		647
Large Cap Blend		–		661		–		661
Growth		–		2,313		–		2,313
International Growth		–		2,683		–		2,683
Core Bond		–		1,870		–		1,870
High Yield		–		373		–		373
Inflation Protected Bond		–		505		–		505
Money Market		–		126		–		126
Total	$	3,633	$	12,813	$	–	$	16,446

	December 31, 2016
	Level 1 (1)		Level 2 (2)		Level 3 (3)		Total
Investment Name:	(in thousands)
Company Common Stock	$	4,581	$	–	$	–	$	4,581
Large Cap Value		–		2,238		–		2,238
Mid Cap Index		–		625		–		625
Small Cap Growth		–		621		–		621
Small Cap Value		–		687		–		687
Focus Value		–		676		–		676
Growth		–		1,980		–		1,980
International Growth		–		2,392		–		2,392
Core Bond		–		1,644		–		1,644
High Yield		–		356		–		356
Inflation Protected Bond		–		433		–		433
Money Market		–		10		–		10
Total	$	4,581	$	11,662	$	–	$	16,243

_______________________

(1) Company common stock is classified as level 1 and valued using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.

(2) All other plan assets in stock, bond and money market funds are classified as level 2 and valued using significant observable inputs.

(3) There are no plan assets classified as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy as a result of having significant unobservable inputs.

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13. Fair Value Measurements

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

(13) 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, 2017, the finance receivables related to the repossessed vehicles in inventory totaled $33.7 million. We have applied a valuation adjustment, or loss allowance, of $24.0 million, which is based on a recovery rate of approximately 29%, resulting in an estimated fair value and carrying amount of $9.7 million. The fair value and carrying amount of the repossessed inventory at December 31, 2016 was $11.1 million after applying a valuation adjustment of $28.9 million.

There were no transfers in or out of level 1 or level 2 assets and liabilities for 2017 and 2016. 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, 2017 and 2016, were as follows:

	As of December 31, 2017
Financial Instrument	(In thousands)
	Carrying		Fair Value Measurements Using:
	Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	12,731	$	12,731	$	–	$	–	$	12,731
Restricted cash and equivalents		111,965		111,965		–		–		111,965
Finance receivables, net		2,195,797		–		–		2,171,846		2,171,846
Accrued interest receivable		46,753		–		–		46,753		46,753
Liabilities:
Warehouse lines of credit	$	112,408	$	–	$	–	$	112,408	$	112,408
Accrued interest payable		4,212		–		–		4,212		4,212
Securitization trust debt		2,083,215		–		–		2,089,678		2,089,678
Subordinated renewable notes		16,566		–		–		16,566		16,566

	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

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, 2017 and 2016, 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.

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14. Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)

(14) Quarterly Financial Data (unaudited)

		Quarter Ended
		March 31,		June 30,		September 30,		December 31,
		(In thousands, except per share data)
2017
Revenues	$	107,598	$	110,072	$	109,488	$	107,225
Income before income tax expense		7,792		7,952		8,109		8,217
Net income (loss)		4,480		4,572		4,663		(9,951	)
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	0.19	$	0.20	$	0.21	$	(0.46	)
Diluted		0.16		0.17		0.17		(0.46	)
2016
Revenues	$	100,649	$	104,933	$	108,516	$	108,183
Income before income tax expense		12,229		12,325		12,455		12,651
Net income		7,214		7,272		7,348		7,465
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.29	$	0.30	$	0.31	$	0.31
Diluted		0.24		0.25		0.26		0.26
2015
Revenues	$	85,989	$	88,361	$	93,991	$	95,308
Income before income tax expense		14,749		15,200		15,649		15,783
Net income		8,333		8,537		8,843		8,967
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.33	$	0.33	$	0.34	$	0.35
Diluted		0.26		0.27		0.28		0.29

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15. Subsequent Events

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events

(15) Subsequent Events

On January 16, 2018 we executed our first securitization of 2018. In the transaction, qualified institutional buyers purchased $190.0 million of asset-backed notes secured by $193.6 million in automobile receivables purchased by us. The sold notes, issued by CPS Auto Receivables Trust 2018-A, consist of five classes. Ratings of the notes were provided by Standard & Poor’s, and DBRS and were based on the structure of the transaction, the historical performance of similar receivables and our experience as a servicer. The weighted average yield on the notes is approximately 3.46%.

The 2018-A transaction has initial credit enhancement consisting of a cash deposit equal to 1.00% of the original receivable pool balance. The final enhancement level requires accelerated payment of principal on the notes to reach overcollateralization of the lesser of 6.80% of the original receivable pool balance, or 18.50% of the then outstanding pool balance. The transaction utilizes a pre-funding structure, in which CPS sold approximately $121.3 million of receivables on January 16, 2018 and sold $72.3 million of additional receivables on February 9, 2018. The transaction was a private offering of securities, not registered under the Securities Act of 1933, or any state securities law.

In January 2018 the Company adopted the fair value method of accounting for finance receivables acquired after 2017. Under fair value, direct originations cost will not be deferred and there will be no allowance for credit losses associated with these receivables. The Company will make estimates regarding expected finance charge revenue, and the timing and magnitude of credit losses, to establish the fair value of the receivables on a quarterly basis, with changes in fair value recorded through the statement of income. In addition, the fair value may be impacted by market conditions.

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1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Description of Business

Description of Business

Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc. ("CPS") was incorporated in California on March 8, 1991. CPS and its subsidiaries (collectively, the "Company") specialize in purchasing and servicing retail automobile installment sale contracts ("Contracts") originated by licensed motor vehicle dealers ("Dealers") located throughout the United States. Dealers located in Texas, Ohio, California, Florida and North Carolina represented 7.4%, 7.4%, 7.1%, 5.9% and 5.8%, respectively, of contracts purchased during 2017 compared with 7.3%, 6.8%, 7.2%, 5.6% and 5.3% respectively in 2016. No other state had a concentration in excess of 5.8% in 2017. We specialize in contracts with vehicle purchasers who generally would not be expected to qualify for traditional financing provided by commercial banks or automobile manufacturers’ captive finance companies.

We are subject to various regulations and laws as they relate to the extension of credit in consumer credit transactions. Failure to comply with such laws and regulations could have a material adverse effect on the Company.

Principles of Consolidation

Principles of Consolidation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, certain of which are special purpose subsidiaries ("SPS"), formed to accommodate the structures under which we purchase and securitize our contracts. The Consolidated Financial Statements also include the accounts of CPS Leasing, Inc., an 80% owned subsidiary. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

For purposes of the statements of cash flows, we consider all highly liquid debt instruments with original maturities of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Cash equivalents consist of cash on hand and due from banks and money market accounts. Substantially all of our cash is deposited at three financial institutions. We maintain cash due from banks in excess of the banks' insured deposit limits. We do not believe we are exposed to any significant credit risk on these deposits. As part of certain financial covenants related to debt facilities, we are required to maintain a minimum unrestricted cash balance. As of December 31, 2017, our unrestricted cash balance was $12.7 million, which exceeded the minimum amounts required by our financial covenants.

Finance Receivables

Finance Receivables

Finance receivables, which we have the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff, are presented at cost. All finance receivable contracts are held for investment. Interest income is accrued on the unpaid principal balance. Origination fees, net of certain direct origination costs, are deferred and recognized in interest income using the interest method without anticipating prepayments. Generally, payments received on finance receivables are restricted to certain securitized pools, and the related contracts cannot be resold. Finance receivables are charged off pursuant to the controlling documents of certain securitized pools, generally as described below under Charge Off Policy. Management may authorize an extension of payment terms if collection appears likely during the next calendar month.

Our portfolio of finance receivables consists of small-balance homogeneous contracts that are collectively evaluated for impairment on a portfolio basis. We report delinquency on a contractual basis. Once a Contract becomes greater than 90 days delinquent, we do not recognize additional interest income until the obligor under the Contract makes sufficient payments to be less than 90 days delinquent. Any payments received on a Contract that is greater than 90 days delinquent are first applied to accrued interest and then to principal reduction.

Allowance for Finance Credit Losses

Allowance for Finance Credit Losses

In order to estimate an appropriate allowance for losses likely incurred on finance receivables, we use a loss allowance methodology commonly referred to as "static pooling," which stratifies the finance receivable portfolio into separately identified pools based on their period of origination, then uses historical performance of seasoned pools to estimate future losses on current pools. Historical loss experience is adjusted as necessary for current economic conditions. We consider our portfolio of finance receivables to be relatively homogenous and consequently we analyze credit performance primarily in the aggregate rather than stratification by any particular credit quality indicator. Using analytical and formula driven techniques, we estimate an allowance for finance credit losses, which we believe is adequate for probable incurred credit losses that can be reasonably estimated in our portfolio of finance receivable contracts. For each monthly pool of contracts that we purchase, we begin establishing the allowance in the month of acquisition and increase it over the subsequent 11 months, through a provision for credit losses charged to our Consolidated Statement of Income. Net losses incurred on finance receivables are charged to the allowance. We evaluate the adequacy of the allowance by examining current delinquencies, the characteristics of the portfolio, the value of the underlying collateral and historical loss trends. As conditions change, our level of provisioning and/or allowance may change.

Charge Off Policy

Charge Off Policy

Delinquent contracts for which the related financed vehicle has been repossessed are generally charged off at the earliest of (1) the month in which the proceeds from the sale of the financed vehicle are received, (2) the month in which 90 days have passed from the date of repossession or (3) the month in which the Contract becomes seven scheduled payments past due (see Repossessed and Other Assets below). The amount charged off is the remaining principal balance of the Contract, after the application of the net proceeds from the liquidation of the financed vehicle. With respect to delinquent contracts for which the related financed vehicle has not been repossessed, the remaining principal balance is generally charged off no later than the end of the month that the Contract becomes five scheduled payments past due.

Contract Acquisition Fees and Origination Costs

Contract Acquisition Fees and Origination Costs

Upon purchase of a Contract from a Dealer, we generally either charge or advance the Dealer an acquisition fee. Dealer acquisition fees and deferred origination costs are applied to the carrying value of finance receivables and are accreted into earnings as an adjustment to the yield over the estimated life of the Contract using the interest method.

Repossessed and Other Assets

Repossessed and Other Assets

If a Contract obligor fails to make or keep promises for payments, or if the obligor is uncooperative or attempts to evade contact or hide the vehicle, a supervisor will review the collection activity relating to the account to determine if repossession of the vehicle is warranted. Generally, such a decision is made between the 60th and 90th day past the obligor’s payment due date, but could occur sooner or later, depending on the specific circumstances. At the time the vehicle is repossessed we stop accruing interest on the Contract, and reclassify the remaining Contract balance to the line item "Other Assets" on our Consolidated Balance Sheet at its estimated fair value less costs to sell. Included in other assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets are repossessed vehicles pending sale of $9.7 million and $11.1 million at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively.

Treatment of Securitizations

Treatment of Securitizations

Our term securitization structure has generally been as follows:

We sell contracts we acquire to a wholly-owned SPS, which has been established for the limited purpose of buying and reselling our contracts. The SPS then transfers the same contracts to another entity, typically a statutory trust ("Trust"). The Trust issues interest-bearing asset-backed securities ("Notes"), in a principal amount equal to or less than the aggregate principal balance of the contracts. We typically sell these contracts to the Trust at face value and without recourse, except representations and warranties that we make to the Trust that are similar to those provided to us by the Dealer. One or more investors (the "Noteholders") purchase the Notes issued by the Trust; the proceeds from the sale of the Notes are then used to purchase the contracts from us. We may retain or sell subordinated Notes issued by the Trust. In addition, we have provided "Credit Enhancement" for the benefit of the Noteholders in three forms: (1) an initial cash deposit to a bank account (a "Spread Account") held by the Trust, (2) overcollateralization of the Notes, where the principal balance of the Notes issued is less than the principal balance of the contracts, and (3) in the form of subordinated Notes. The agreements governing the securitization transactions (collectively referred to as the "Securitization Agreements") require that the initial level of Credit Enhancement be supplemented by a portion of collections from the contracts until the level of Credit Enhancement reaches specified levels, which are then maintained. The specified levels are generally computed as a percentage of the principal amount remaining unpaid under the related contracts. The specified levels at which the Credit Enhancement is to be maintained will vary depending on the performance of the portfolios of contracts held by the Trusts and on other conditions. Such levels have increased and decreased from time to time based on performance of the various portfolios, and have also varied from one Trust to another.

Our warehouse securitization structures are similar to the above, except that (i) the SPS that purchases the contracts pledges the contracts to secure promissory notes or loans that it issues, and (ii) no increase in the required amount of Credit Enhancement is contemplated. Upon each sale of contracts in a securitization structured as a secured financing, we retain as assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet the securitized contracts and record as indebtedness the Notes issued in the transaction.

We have the power to direct the most significant activities of the SPS. In addition, we have the obligation to absorb losses and the rights to receive benefits from the SPS, both of which could be potentially significant to the SPS. These types of securitization structures are treated as secured financings, in which the receivables remain on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, and the debt issued by the SPS is shown as a securitization trust debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

We receive periodic base servicing fees for the servicing and collection of the contracts. In addition, we are entitled to the cash flows from the Trusts that represent collections on the contracts in excess of the amounts required to pay principal and interest on the Notes, the base servicing fees, and certain other fees (such as trustee and custodial fees). Required principal payments on the Notes are generally defined as the payments sufficient to keep the principal balance of the Notes equal to the aggregate principal balance of the related contracts (excluding those contracts that have been charged off), or a pre-determined percentage of such balance. Where that percentage is less than 100%, the related Securitization Agreements require accelerated payment of principal until the principal balance of the Notes is reduced to the specified percentage. Such accelerated principal payment is said to create "overcollateralization" of the Notes.

If the amount of cash required for payment of fees, interest and principal on the senior Notes exceeds the amount collected during the collection period, the shortfall is generally withdrawn from the Spread Account, if any. If the cash collected during the period exceeds the amount necessary for the above allocations plus required principal payments on the subordinated Notes, if any, and there is no shortfall in the related Spread Account or other form of Credit Enhancement, the excess is released to us. If the total Credit Enhancement amount is not at the required level, then the excess cash collected is retained in the Trust until the specified level is achieved. Cash in the Spread Accounts is restricted from our use. Cash held in the various Spread Accounts is invested in high quality, liquid investment securities, as specified in the Securitization Agreements. In all of our term securitizations we have transferred the receivables (through a subsidiary) to the securitization Trust. We report the assets and liabilities of the securitization Trust on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Noteholders’ and the related securitization Trusts’ recourse against us for failure of the contract obligors to make payments on a timely basis is limited, in general, to our Finance Receivables, and Spread Accounts.

Servicing

Servicing

We consider the contractual servicing fee received on our managed portfolio held by non-consolidated subsidiaries to be equal to adequate compensation. Additionally, we consider that these fees would fairly compensate a substitute servicer, should one be required. As a result, no servicing asset or liability has been recognized. Servicing fees received on the managed portfolio held by non-consolidated subsidiaries are reported as income when earned. Servicing fees received on the managed portfolio held by consolidated subsidiaries are included in interest income when earned. Servicing costs are charged to expense as incurred. Servicing fees receivable, which are included in Other Assets in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets, represent fees earned but not yet remitted to us by the trustee.

Furniture and Equipment

Furniture and Equipment

Furniture and equipment are stated at cost net of accumulated depreciation. We calculate depreciation using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which range from three to five years. Assets held under capital leases and leasehold improvements are amortized over the lesser of the estimated useful lives of the assets or the related lease terms. Amortization expense on assets acquired under capital lease is included with depreciation expense on owned assets.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of

Long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles are reviewed for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

Other Income

Other Income

The following table presents the primary components of Other Income:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Direct mail revenues	$	6,432	$	9,202	$	8,927
Convenience fee revenue		1,900		2,145		2,610
Recoveries on previously charged-off contracts		563		766		1,079
Sales tax refunds		866		811		616
Other		448		362		506
	$	10,209	$	13,286	$	13,738

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share

The following table illustrates the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Numerator:
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share	$	3,765	$	29,300	$	34,681
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year		22,687		24,356		25,935
Incremental common shares attributable to exercise of outstanding options and warrants		4,527		4,679		5,649
Denominator for diluted earnings per share		27,214		29,035		31,584
Basic earnings per share	$	0.17	$	1.20	$	1.34
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.14	$	1.01	$	1.10

Incremental shares of 7.5 million, 7.9 million and 6.8 million related to stock options and warrants have been excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, because the effect is anti-dilutive.

Deferral and Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs

Deferral and Amortization of Debt Issuance Costs

Costs related to the issuance of debt are deferred and amortized using the interest method over the contractual or expected term of the related debt. Unamortized debt issuance costs are presented as a direct deduction to the carrying amount of the related debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return and combined or stand-alone state franchise tax returns for certain states. We utilize the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes, under which deferred income taxes are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to the differences between the financial statement values of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. The effect on deferred taxes of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. We estimate a valuation allowance against that portion of the deferred tax asset whose utilization in future periods is not more than likely.

Purchases of Company Stock

Purchases of Company Stock

We record purchases of our own common stock at cost and treat the shares as retired.

Stock Option Plan

Stock Option Plan

We recognize compensation costs in the financial statements based on the grant date fair value estimated in accordance with the provisions of ASC 718 “Stock Compensation”. Compensation cost is recognized over the required service period, generally defined as the vesting period.

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities as of the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of income and expenses during the reported periods. These material estimates that could be susceptible to changes in the near term and, accordingly, actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassification

Reclassification

Certain amounts for the prior year have been reclassified to conform to the current year’s presentation with no effect on previously reported earnings or shareholders’ equity.

Financial Covenants

Financial Covenants

Certain of our securitization transactions, our residual interest financing and our warehouse credit facilities contain various financial covenants requiring certain minimum financial ratios and results. Such covenants include maintaining minimum levels of liquidity and net worth and not exceeding maximum leverage levels. In addition, certain securitization and non-securitization related debt contain cross-default provisions that would allow certain creditors to declare a default if a default occurred under a different facility. As of December 31, 2017 we were in compliance with all such financial covenants.

Provision for Contingent Liabilities

Provision for Contingent Liabilities

We are routinely involved in various legal proceedings resulting from our consumer finance activities and practices, both continuing and discontinued. Our legal counsel has advised us on such matters where, based on information available at the time of this report, there is an indication that it is both probable that a liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably determined.

We have recorded a liability as of December 31, 2017, which represents our best estimate of the immaterial aggregate probable incurred losses for legal contingencies. The amount of losses that may ultimately be incurred, over and above such losses as are probable, cannot be estimated with certainty.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In February 2018, as a result of the enactment of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the Tax Act), the FASB issued new accounting guidance on the reclassification of certain tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings. The guidance is effective January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The Company is evaluating the new guidance along with any impact on the Company’s financial position, results of operations and cash flows, none of which are expected to be material.

In June 2016, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-13 - Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The revised accounting guidance changes the criteria under which credit losses are measured. The amendment introduces a new credit reserving model known as the Current Expected Credit Loss (CECL) model, which replaces the incurred loss impairment methodology in current U.S. GAAP with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses and requires consideration of a broader range of reasonable and supportable information to establish credit loss estimates. This new accounting guidance will be effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the provisions of ASU No. 2016-13, however, it is expected that the new CECL model will alter the assumptions used in calculating the Company's credit losses, given the change to estimated losses for the estimated life of the financial asset, and will likely result in a material effect on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), superseding the revenue recognition requirements in ASC 605. This ASU requires an entity to recognize revenue for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The amendment includes a five-step process to assist an entity in achieving the main principle(s) of revenue recognition under ASC 605. The Company has adopted this ASU in the first quarter of 2018 and expects the new guidance will not have a material effect on its financial position, results of operations and cash flows.

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1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule of other income

The following table presents the primary components of Other Income:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Direct mail revenues	$	6,432	$	9,202	$	8,927
Convenience fee revenue		1,900		2,145		2,610
Recoveries on previously charged-off contracts		563		766		1,079
Sales tax refunds		866		811		616
Other		448		362		506
	$	10,209	$	13,286	$	13,738

Schedule of computation of earnings per share

The following table illustrates the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(In thousands, except per share data)
Numerator:
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share	$	3,765	$	29,300	$	34,681
Denominator:
Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year		22,687		24,356		25,935
Incremental common shares attributable to exercise of outstanding options and warrants		4,527		4,679		5,649
Denominator for diluted earnings per share		27,214		29,035		31,584
Basic earnings per share	$	0.17	$	1.20	$	1.34
Diluted earnings per share	$	0.14	$	1.01	$	1.10

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3. Finance Receivables (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Finance Receivables

Schedule of finance receivables

The following table presents the components of finance receivables, net of unearned interest:

	December 31,
	2017		2016
Finance receivables		(In thousands)
Automobile finance receivables, net of unearned interest	$	2,298,608	$	2,266,619
Unearned acquisition fees, discounts and deferred origination costs, net		6,376		1,324
Finance receivables	$	2,304,984	$	2,267,943

Schedule of delinquency status of finance receivables

The following table summarizes the delinquency status of finance receivables as of December 31, 2017 and 2016:

	December 31,
	2017		2016
	(In thousands)
Delinquency Status
Current	$	2,069,617	$	2,053,759
31 - 60 days		138,395		116,073
61 - 90 days		63,081		52,404
91 + days		27,515		44,383
	$	2,298,608	$	2,266,619

Schedule of allowance for credit losses

The following table presents a summary of the activity for the allowance for finance credit losses, for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015:

	December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
				(In thousands)
Balance at beginning of year	$	95,578		$	75,603		$	61,460
Provision for credit losses		186,713			178,511			142,618
Charge-offs		(211,948	)		(192,366	)		(156,553	)
Recoveries		38,844			33,830			28,078
Balance at end of year	$	109,187		$	95,578		$	75,603

Schedule of allowance for losses on repossessed inventory

The following table presents a summary of such repossessed inventory together with the allowance for losses on repossessed inventory: 

	December 31,
	2017			2016
	(In thousands)
Gross balance of repossessions in inventory	$	33,679		$	40,069
Allowance for losses on repossessed inventory		(24,024	)		(28,924	)
Net repossessed inventory included in other assets	$	9,655		$	11,145

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4. Furniture and Equipment (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]

Schedule of furniture and equipment

The following table presents the components of furniture and equipment:

	December 31,
	2017			2016
	(In thousands)
Furniture and fixtures	$	1,566		$	1,566
Computer and telephone equipment		5,470			4,907
Leasehold improvements		1,260			1,154
		8,296			7,627
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization		(6,544	)		(5,610	)
	$	1,752		$	2,017

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5. Securitization Trust Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Securitization Trust Debt

Schedule of securitization trust debt

The debt issued in these transactions is shown on our Consolidated Balance Sheets as “Securitization trust debt,” and the components of such debt are summarized in the following table:

Series	Final Scheduled Payment Date (1)	Receivables Pledged at December 31, 2017 (2)		Initial Principal		Outstanding Principal at December 31, 2017		Outstanding Principal at December 31, 2016		Weighted Average Interest Rate at December 31, 2017
		(Dollars in thousands)
CPS 2012-C	December 2019		–		147,000		–		14,421		–
CPS 2012-D	March 2020		–		160,000		–		17,865		–
CPS 2013-A	June 2020		–		185,000		–		28,661		–
CPS 2013-B	September 2020		21,251		205,000		18,407		37,570		2.09%
CPS 2013-C	December 2020		26,518		205,000		25,559		46,830		5.88%
CPS 2013-D	March 2021		26,921		183,000		24,917		46,345		5.11%
CPS 2014-A	June 2021		33,120		180,000		30,521		54,988		4.33%
CPS 2014-B	September 2021		46,600		202,500		44,516		75,140		3.67%
CPS 2014-C	December 2021		73,634		273,000		71,174		116,280		3.87%
CPS 2014-D	March 2022		80,784		267,500		79,099		127,307		4.17%
CPS 2015-A	June 2022		89,171		245,000		87,194		134,466		3.73%
CPS 2015-B	September 2022		104,354		250,000		102,873		153,893		3.63%
CPS 2015-C	December 2022		142,703		300,000		141,362		207,636		4.15%
CPS 2016-A	March 2023		182,657		329,460		180,761		262,260		4.45%
CPS 2016-B	June 2023		206,881		332,690		201,199		284,752		4.50%
CPS 2016-C	September 2023		208,815		318,500		203,504		285,618		4.06%
CPS 2016-D	April 2024		153,671		206,325		149,671		200,221		3.14%
CPS 2017-A	April 2024		166,693		206,320		161,892		–		3.31%
CPS 2017-B	December 2023		198,860		225,170		186,594		–		2.90%
CPS 2017-C	September 2024		207,158		224,825		197,155		–		2.83%
CPS 2017-D	June 2024		193,957		196,300		189,277		–		2.74%
		$	2,163,746	$	4,842,590	$	2,095,675	$	2,094,253

 ____________________

(1) The Final Scheduled Payment Date represents final legal maturity of the securitization trust debt. Securitization trust debt is expected to become due and to be paid prior to those dates, based on amortization of the finance receivables pledged to the Trusts. Expected payments, which will depend on the performance of such receivables, as to which there can be no assurance, are $873.7 million in 2018, $612.3 million in 2019, $362.5 million in 2020, $179.3 million in 2021, $49.5 million in 2022, and $5.9 million in 2023.

(2) Includes repossessed assets that are included in Other Assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

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6. Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of debt outstanding

The terms of our debt outstanding at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are summarized below:

			Amount Outstanding at
			December 31,		December 31,
			2017		2016
			(In thousands)
Description	Interest Rate	Revolving Maturity
Warehouse lines of credit	5.50% over one month Libor (Minimum 6.50%)	April 2019	$	25,629	$	64,352
	5.50% over one month Libor (Minimum 6.25%)	August 2018		77,546		26,445
	6.75% over a commercial paper rate (Minimum 7.75%)	November 2019		11,100		14,168
Subordinated renewable notes	Weighted average rate of 7.99% and 7.50% at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively	Weighted average maturity of March 2020 and January 2019 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively		16,566		14,949
			$	130,841	$	119,914

Schedule of expected maturity amounts for long-term debt

The following table summarizes the contractual and expected maturity amounts of long term debt as of December 31, 2017:

Contractual maturity date	Subordinated renewable  notes
2018	$	8,406
2019		1,942
2020		2,616
2021		1,515
2022		458
Thereafter		1,629
Total	$	16,566

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7. Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Equity [Abstract]

Schedule of assumptions for stock options

The dividend yield is estimated to be zero based on our intention not to issue dividends for the foreseeable future.

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
Expected life (years)		4.02		4.04		4.21
Risk-free interest rate		1.59%		1.09%		1.35%
Volatility		36%		51%		51%
Expected dividend yield		–		–		–

Schedule of option activity

Stock option activity for the year ended December 31, 2017 for stock options under the 2006 and 1997 plans is as follows:

	Number of Shares (in thousands)			Weighted Average Exercise Price		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Options outstanding at the beginning of period		12,595		$	4.56	N/A
Granted		1,470			4.35	N/A
Exercised		(647	)		1.68	N/A
Forfeited/Expired		(283	)		5.62	N/A
Options outstanding at the end of period		13,135		$	4.66	4.45 years
Options exercisable at the end of period		8,789		$	4.51	4.04 years

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8. Interest Income and Interest Expense (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Interest Income And Interest Expense

Schedule of interest income

The following table presents the components of interest income:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Interest on finance receivables	$	423,567	$	408,723	$	349,796
Other interest income		607		273		116
Interest income	$	424,174	$	408,996	$	349,912

Schedule of interest expense

The following table presents the components of interest expense:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016		2015
	(In thousands)
Securitization trust debt	$	83,084	$	69,178	$	48,631
Warehouse lines of credit		7,933		8,569		6,127
Residual interest financing		–		846		1,405
Subordinated renewable notes		1,328		1,348		1,582
Interest expense	$	92,345	$	79,941	$	57,745

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9. Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of income tax expense

Income taxes consist of the following:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017		2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Current federal tax expense	$	14,369	$	22,872		$	18,653
Current state tax expense		3,305		2,671			1,146
Deferred federal tax expense		10,131		(6,329	)		4,233
Deferred state tax expense		501		1,147			2,669
Income tax expense	$	28,306	$	20,361		$	26,701

Schedule of reconciliation of income taxes

Income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 differs from the amount determined by applying the statutory federal rate of 35% to income before income taxes as follows:

	Year Ended December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Expense at federal tax rate	$	11,225		$	17,381		$	21,484
State taxes, net of federal income tax effect		1,831			2,679			3,235
Stock-based compensation		682			824			1,560
Non-deductible expenses		171			145			107
Effect of change in tax rate		15,117			–			–
Other		(720	)		(668	)		315
	$	28,306		$	20,361		$	26,701

Schedule of deferred tax assets and liabilities

The tax effected cumulative temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:

	December 31,
	2017			2016
	(In thousands)
Deferred Tax Assets:
Finance receivables	$	23,034		$	28,986
Accrued liabilities		206			2,322
NOL carryforwards		529			1,697
Built in losses		5,277			8,915
Pension accrual		1,654			2,107
Stock compensation		3,642			–
Other		582			2,343
Total deferred tax assets		34,924			46,370
					$
Deferred Tax Liabilities:		$
Deferred loan costs		(2,233	)		(3,223	)
Furniture and equipment		(245	)		(302	)
Total deferred tax liabilities		(2,478	)		(3,525	)
					$
Net deferred tax asset	$	32,446		$	42,845

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11. Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of future minimum lease payments

Future minimum lease payments at December 31, 2017, under these leases are due during the years ended December 31 as follows:

	Amount
	(In thousands)
2018	$	6,493
2019		6,790
2020		6,710
2021		6,858
2022		5,465
Thereafter		1,616
Total minimum lease payments	$	33,932

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12. Employee Benefits (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Employee Benefits

Schedule of reconciliation of the change in the plan's benefit obligations

The following tables represents a reconciliation of the change in the plan’s benefit obligations, fair value of plan assets, and funded status at December 31, 2017 and 2016:

	December 31,
	2017			2016
	(In thousands)
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	$	21,515		$	21,385
Service cost		–			–
Interest cost		855			882
Assumption changes		1,535			95
Actuarial (gain) loss		(298	)		89
Settlements		–			–
Benefits paid		(1,045	)		(936	)
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	$	22,562		$	21,515
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	$	16,243		$	16,374
Return on assets		1,508			1,031
Employer contribution		–			–
Expenses		(260	)		(226	)
Settlements		–			–
Benefits paid		(1,045	)		(936	)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	$	16,446		$	16,243
Funded Status at end of year	$	(6,116	)	$	(5,272	)

Schedule of weighted average assumptions used to determine pension benefit obligations

Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations and cost at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

	December, 31
	2017		2016
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate		3.50%		4.05%
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate		4.05%		4.20%
Expected return on plan assets		7.25%		7.50%

Schedule of components of net periodic benefit cost

	December 31,
	2017			2016			2015
	(In thousands)
Amounts recognized on Consolidated Balance Sheet
Other assets	$	–		$	–		$	–
Other liabilities		(6,116	)		(5,272	)		(5,011	)
Net amount recognized	$	(6,116	)	$	(5,272	)	$	(5,011	)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of:
Net loss	$	11,350		$	10,618		$	10,592
Unrecognized transition asset		–			–			–
Net amount recognized	$	11,350		$	10,618		$	10,592
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Interest cost	$	855		$	882		$	843
Expected return on assets		(1,149	)		(1,199	)		(1,508	)
Amortization of transition asset		–			–			–
Amortization of net loss		405			553			349
Net periodic benefit cost		111			236			(316	)
Settlement (gain)/loss		–			–			–
Total	$	111		$	236		$	(316	)
Benefit Obligation Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss (Income)
Net loss (gain)	$	732		$	25		$	2,615
Prior service cost (credit)		–			–			–
Amortization of prior service cost		–			–			–
Net amount recognized in other comprehensive loss (income)	$	732		$	25		$	2,615

Schedule of weighted average asset allocation of our pension benefits

The weighted average asset allocation of our pension benefits at December 31, 2017 and 2016 were as follows:

	December 31,
	2017		2016
Weighted Average Asset Allocation at Year-End
Asset Category
Equity securities		83%		85%
Debt securities		17%		15%
Cash and cash equivalents		0%		0%
Total		100%		100%

Schedule of estimated Future Benefit Payments

Estimated Future Benefit Payments (In thousands)
2018	$	822
2019		854
2020		895
2021		936
2022		981
Years 2023 - 2027		5,449
Anticipated Contributions in 2018	$	–

Schedule of fair value of plan assets

The fair value of plan assets at December 31, 2017 and 2016, by asset category, is as follows:

	December 31, 2017
	Level 1 (1)		Level 2 (2)		Level 3 (3)		Total
Investment Name:	(in thousands)
Company Common Stock	$	3,633	$	–	$	–	$	3,633
Large Cap Value		–		2,324		–		2,324
Mid Cap Index		–		654		–		654
Small Cap Growth		–		657		–		657
Small Cap Value		–		647		–		647
Large Cap Blend		–		661		–		661
Growth		–		2,313		–		2,313
International Growth		–		2,683		–		2,683
Core Bond		–		1,870		–		1,870
High Yield		–		373		–		373
Inflation Protected Bond		–		505		–		505
Money Market		–		126		–		126
Total	$	3,633	$	12,813	$	–	$	16,446

	December 31, 2016
	Level 1 (1)		Level 2 (2)		Level 3 (3)		Total
Investment Name:	(in thousands)
Company Common Stock	$	4,581	$	–	$	–	$	4,581
Large Cap Value		–		2,238		–		2,238
Mid Cap Index		–		625		–		625
Small Cap Growth		–		621		–		621
Small Cap Value		–		687		–		687
Focus Value		–		676		–		676
Growth		–		1,980		–		1,980
International Growth		–		2,392		–		2,392
Core Bond		–		1,644		–		1,644
High Yield		–		356		–		356
Inflation Protected Bond		–		433		–		433
Money Market		–		10		–		10
Total	$	4,581	$	11,662	$	–	$	16,243

______________________

(1) Company common stock is classified as level 1 and valued using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.

(2) All other plan assets in stock, bond and money market funds are classified as level 2 and valued using significant observable inputs.

(3) There are no plan assets classified as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy as a result of having significant unobservable inputs.

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13. Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of estimated fair values of financial assets and liabilities

The estimated fair values of financial assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017 and 2016, were as follows:

	As of December 31, 2017
Financial Instrument	(In thousands)
	Carrying		Fair Value Measurements Using:
	Value		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	12,731	$	12,731	$	–	$	–	$	12,731
Restricted cash and equivalents		111,965		111,965		–		–		111,965
Finance receivables, net		2,195,797		–		–		2,171,846		2,171,846
Accrued interest receivable		46,753		–		–		46,753		46,753
Liabilities:
Warehouse lines of credit	$	112,408	$	–	$	–	$	112,408	$	112,408
Accrued interest payable		4,212		–		–		4,212		4,212
Securitization trust debt		2,083,215		–		–		2,089,678		2,089,678
Subordinated renewable notes		16,566		–		–		16,566		16,566

	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

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14. Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]

Schedule of quarterly financial data table

		Quarter Ended
		March 31,		June 30,		September 30,		December 31,
		(In thousands, except per share data)
2017
Revenues	$	107,598	$	110,072	$	109,488	$	107,225
Income before income tax expense		7,792		7,952		8,109		8,217
Net income (loss)		4,480		4,572		4,663		(9,951	)
Earnings (loss) per share:
Basic	$	0.19	$	0.20	$	0.21	$	(0.46	)
Diluted		0.16		0.17		0.17		(0.46	)
2016
Revenues	$	100,649	$	104,933	$	108,516	$	108,183
Income before income tax expense		12,229		12,325		12,455		12,651
Net income		7,214		7,272		7,348		7,465
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.29	$	0.30	$	0.31	$	0.31
Diluted		0.24		0.25		0.26		0.26
2015
Revenues	$	85,989	$	88,361	$	93,991	$	95,308
Income before income tax expense		14,749		15,200		15,649		15,783
Net income		8,333		8,537		8,843		8,967
Earnings per share:
Basic	$	0.33	$	0.33	$	0.34	$	0.35
Diluted		0.26		0.27		0.28		0.29

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1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details - Other income) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Primary components of Other Income
Other income for the period	$ 10,209	$ 13,286	$ 13,738
Direct Mail Revenues [Member]
Primary components of Other Income
Other income for the period	6,432	9,202	8,927
Convenience Fee Revenue [Member]
Primary components of Other Income
Other income for the period	1,900	2,145	2,610
Recoveries on Previously Charged-Off Contracts [Member]
Primary components of Other Income
Other income for the period	563	766	1,079
Sales Tax Refunds [Member]
Primary components of Other Income
Other income for the period	866	811	616
Other Income [Member]
Primary components of Other Income
Other income for the period	$ 448	$ 362	$ 506

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1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details - Earnings Per Share) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per share	$ (9,951)	$ 4,663	$ 4,572	$ 4,480	$ 7,465	$ 7,348	$ 7,272	$ 7,214	$ 8,967	$ 8,843	$ 8,537	$ 8,333	$ 3,765	$ 29,300	$ 34,681
Denominator for basic earnings per share - weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year													22,687	24,356	25,935
Incremental common shares attibutable to exercise of outstanding options and warrants													4,527	4,679	5,649
Denominator for diluted earnings per share													27,214	29,035	31,584
Basic earnings per share	$ (0.46)	$ 0.21	$ 0.20	$ 0.19	$ 0.31	$ 0.31	$ 0.30	$ 0.29	$ 0.35	$ 0.34	$ 0.33	$ 0.33	$ 0.17	$ 1.20	$ 1.34
Diluted earnings per share	$ (0.46)	$ 0.17	$ 0.17	$ 0.16	$ 0.26	$ 0.26	$ 0.25	$ 0.24	$ 0.29	$ 0.28	$ 0.27	$ 0.26	$ 0.14	$ 1.01	$ 1.10

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1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details Narrative) - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Unrestricted cash balance	$ 12,731	$ 13,936	$ 19,322	$ 17,859
Other assets	$ 23,397	$ 30,252
Incremental shares excluded from EPS calculation	7,500	7,900	6,800
CPS Leasing, Inc. [Member]
Ownership percentage in subsidiary	80.00%
Repossessed Vehicles [Member]
Other assets	$ 9,700	$ 11,100
Dealer concentration [Member] | Geographic Concentration [Member] | TEXAS
Concentration percentage	7.40%	7.30%
Dealer concentration [Member] | Geographic Concentration [Member] | OHIO
Concentration percentage	7.40%	6.80%
Dealer concentration [Member] | Geographic Concentration [Member] | CALIFORNIA
Concentration percentage	7.10%	7.20%
Dealer concentration [Member] | Geographic Concentration [Member] | FLORIDA
Concentration percentage	5.90%	5.60%
Dealer concentration [Member] | Geographic Concentration [Member] | NORTH CAROLINA
Concentration percentage	5.80%	5.30%

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2. Restricted Cash (Details Narrative) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Securitizations and Credit Facility Reserves [Member]
Restricted cash	$ 45,700	$ 40,800

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3. Finance Receivables (Details - Components of Finance Receivables) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Finance receivables
Automobile finance receivables, net of unearned interest	$ 2,298,608	$ 2,266,619
Unearned acquisition fees, discounts and deferred origination costs, net	6,376	1,324
Finance receivables	$ 2,304,984	$ 2,267,943

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3. Finance Receivables (Details - Delinquency status) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Delinquency Status
Finance receivables, past due	$ 2,298,608	$ 2,266,619
Current [Member]
Delinquency Status
Finance receivables, past due	2,069,617	2,053,759
31 to 60 Days [Member]
Delinquency Status
Finance receivables, past due	138,395	116,073
61 to 90 Days [Member]
Delinquency Status
Finance receivables, past due	63,081	52,404
91 + Days [Member]
Delinquency Status
Finance receivables, past due	$ 27,515	$ 44,383

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3. Finance Receivables (Details - Summary of activity) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Finance Receivables
Balance at beginning of year	$ 95,578	$ 75,603	$ 61,460
Provision for credit losses	186,713	178,511	142,618
Charge-offs	(211,948)	(192,366)	(156,553)
Recoveries	38,844	33,830	28,078
Balance at end of year	$ 109,187	$ 95,578	$ 75,603

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3. Finance Receivables (Details - Repossessed inventory) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Finance Receivables
Gross balance of repossessions in inventory	$ 33,679	$ 40,069
Allowance for losses on repossessed inventory	(24,024)	(28,924)
Net repossessed inventory included in other assets	$ 9,655	$ 11,145

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3. Finance Receivables (Details Narrative) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Finance Receivables
Finance receivables	$ 27,500	$ 44,400

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4. Furniture and Equipment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Furniture and equipment, gross	$ 8,296	$ 7,627
Less: accumulated depreciation and amortization	(6,544)	(5,610)
Furniture and equipment, net	1,752	2,017
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Furniture and equipment, gross	1,566	1,566
Computer and Telephone Equipment [Member]
Furniture and equipment, gross	5,470	4,907
Leasehold Improvements [Member]
Furniture and equipment, gross	$ 1,260	$ 1,154

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4. Furniture and Equipment (Details Narrative) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Depreciation expense	$ 934	$ 777	$ 637

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5. Securitization Trust Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
"Securitization trust debt," and components of debt
Receivables Pledged at end of period	[1]	$ 2,163,746
Initial Principal		4,842,590
Outstanding Principal		$ 2,095,675	$ 2,094,253
CPS 2012-C [Member]
"Securitization trust debt," and components of debt
Final Scheduled Payment Date	[2]	December 2019
Receivables Pledged at end of period	[1]	$ 0
Initial Principal		147,000
Outstanding Principal		$ 0	14,421
Weighted Average Contractual Interest Rate		0.00%
CPS 2012-D [Member]
"Securitization trust debt," and components of debt
Final Scheduled Payment Date	[2]	March 2020
Receivables Pledged at end of period	[1]	$ 0
Initial Principal		160,000
Outstanding Principal		$ 0	17,865
Weighted Average Contractual Interest Rate		0.00%
CPS 2013-A [Member]
"Securitization trust debt," and components of debt
Final Scheduled Payment Date	[2]	June 2020
Receivables Pledged at end of period	[1]	$ 0
Initial Principal		185,000
Outstanding Principal		$ 0	28,661
Weighted Average Contractual Interest Rate		0.00%
CPS 2013-B [Member]
"Securitization trust debt," and components of debt
Final Scheduled Payment Date	[2]	September 2020
Receivables Pledged at end of period	[1]	$ 21,251
Initial Principal		205,000
Outstanding Principal		$ 18,407	37,570
Weighted Average Contractual Interest Rate		2.09%
CPS 2013-C [Member]
"Securitization trust debt," and components of debt
Final Scheduled Payment Date	[2]	December 2020
Receivables Pledged at end of period	[1]	$ 26,518
Initial Principal		205,000
Outstanding Principal		$ 25,559	46,830
Weighted Average Contractual Interest Rate		5.88%
CPS 2013-D [Member]
"Securitization trust debt," and components of debt
Final Scheduled Payment Date	[2]	March 2021
Receivables Pledged at end of period	[1]	$ 26,921
Initial Principal		183,000
Outstanding Principal		$ 24,917	46,345
Weighted Average Contractual Interest Rate		5.11%
CPS 2014-A [Member]
"Securitization trust debt," and components of debt
Final Scheduled Payment Date	[2]	June 2021
Receivables Pledged at end of period	[1]	$ 33,120
Initial Principal		180,000
Outstanding Principal		$ 30,521	54,988
Weighted Average Contractual Interest Rate		4.33%
CPS 2014-B [Member]
"Securitization trust debt," and components of debt
Final Scheduled Payment Date	[2]	September 2021
Receivables Pledged at end of period	[1]	$ 46,600
Initial Principal		202,500
Outstanding Principal		$ 44,516	75,140
Weighted Average Contractual Interest Rate		3.67%
CPS 2014-C [Member]
"Securitization trust debt," and components of debt
Final Scheduled Payment Date	[2]	December 2021
Receivables Pledged at end of period	[1]	$ 73,634
Initial Principal		273,000
Outstanding Principal		$ 71,174	116,280
Weighted Average Contractual Interest Rate		3.87%
CPS 2014-D [Member]
"Securitization trust debt," and components of debt
Final Scheduled Payment Date	[2]	March 2022
Receivables Pledged at end of period	[1]	$ 80,784
Initial Principal		267,500
Outstanding Principal		$ 79,099	127,307
Weighted Average Contractual Interest Rate		4.17%
CPS 2015-A [Member]
"Securitization trust debt," and components of debt
Final Scheduled Payment Date	[2]	June 2022
Receivables Pledged at end of period	[1]	$ 89,171
Initial Principal		245,000
Outstanding Principal		$ 87,194	134,466
Weighted Average Contractual Interest Rate		3.73%
CPS 2015-B [Member]
"Securitization trust debt," and components of debt
Final Scheduled Payment Date	[2]	September 2022
Receivables Pledged at end of period	[1]	$ 104,354
Initial Principal		250,000
Outstanding Principal		$ 102,873	153,893
Weighted Average Contractual Interest Rate		3.63%
CPS 2015-C [Member]
"Securitization trust debt," and components of debt
Final Scheduled Payment Date	[2]	December 2022
Receivables Pledged at end of period	[1]	$ 142,703
Initial Principal		300,000
Outstanding Principal		$ 141,362	207,636
Weighted Average Contractual Interest Rate		4.15%
CPS 2016-A [Member]
"Securitization trust debt," and components of debt
Final Scheduled Payment Date	[2]	March 2023
Receivables Pledged at end of period	[1]	$ 182,657
Initial Principal		329,460
Outstanding Principal		$ 180,761	262,260
Weighted Average Contractual Interest Rate		4.45%
CPS 2016-B [Member]
"Securitization trust debt," and components of debt
Final Scheduled Payment Date	[2]	June 2023
Receivables Pledged at end of period	[1]	$ 206,881
Initial Principal		332,690
Outstanding Principal		$ 201,199	284,752
Weighted Average Contractual Interest Rate		4.50%
CPS 2016-C [Member]
"Securitization trust debt," and components of debt
Final Scheduled Payment Date	[2]	September 2023
Receivables Pledged at end of period	[1]	$ 208,815
Initial Principal		318,500
Outstanding Principal		$ 203,504	285,618
Weighted Average Contractual Interest Rate		4.06%
CPS 2016-D [Member]
"Securitization trust debt," and components of debt
Final Scheduled Payment Date	[2]	April 2024
Receivables Pledged at end of period	[1]	$ 153,671
Initial Principal		206,325
Outstanding Principal		$ 149,671	200,221
Weighted Average Contractual Interest Rate		3.14%
CPS 2017-A [Member]
"Securitization trust debt," and components of debt
Final Scheduled Payment Date	[2]	April 2024
Receivables Pledged at end of period	[1]	$ 166,693
Initial Principal		206,320
Outstanding Principal		$ 161,892	0
Weighted Average Contractual Interest Rate		3.31%
CPS 2017-B [Member]
"Securitization trust debt," and components of debt
Final Scheduled Payment Date	[2]	December 2023
Receivables Pledged at end of period	[1]	$ 198,860
Initial Principal		225,170
Outstanding Principal		$ 186,594	0
Weighted Average Contractual Interest Rate		2.90%
CPS 2017-C [Member]
"Securitization trust debt," and components of debt
Final Scheduled Payment Date	[2]	September 2024
Receivables Pledged at end of period	[1]	$ 207,158
Initial Principal		224,825
Outstanding Principal		$ 197,155	0
Weighted Average Contractual Interest Rate		2.83%
CPS 2017-D [Member]
"Securitization trust debt," and components of debt
Final Scheduled Payment Date	[2]	June 2024
Receivables Pledged at end of period	[1]	$ 193,957
Initial Principal		196,300
Outstanding Principal		$ 189,277	$ 0
Weighted Average Contractual Interest Rate		2.74%

[1] Includes repossessed assets that are included in Other Assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.

[2] The Final Scheduled Payment Date represents final legal maturity of the securitization trust debt. Securitization trust debt is expected to become due and to be paid prior to those dates, based on amortization of the finance receivables pledged to the Trusts. Expected payments, which will depend on the performance of such receivables, as to which there can be no assurance, are $873.7 million in 2018, $612.3 million in 2019, $362.5 million in 2020, $179.3 million in 2021, $49.5 million in 2022, and $5.9 million in 2023.

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5. Securitization Trust Debt (Details Narrative) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Expected finance receivable payments 2018	$ 873,700
Expected finance receivable payments 2019	612,300
Expected finance receivable payments 2020	362,500
Expected finance receivable payments 2021	179,300
Expected finance receivable payments 2022	49,500
Expected finance receivable payments 2023	5,900
Restricted cash under various agreements	112,000
Securitization Trust Debt [Member]
Debt issuance costs	$ 12,500	$ 13,400

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6. Debt (Details - Debt outstanding) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Warehouse lines of credit	$ 112,408	$ 103,358
Subordinated renewable notes	16,566	14,949
Total debt outstanding	$ 130,841	119,914
Subordinated Renewable Notes [Member]
Interest rate	Weighted average rate of 7.99% and 7.50% at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively
Maturity date	Weighted average maturity of March 2020 and January 2019 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively
Warehouse Lines Of Credit [Member]
Warehouse lines of credit	$ 25,629	64,352
Interest rate	5.50% over one month Libor (Minimum 6.50%)
Maturity date	April 2019
Warehouse Lines Of Credit (2) [Member]
Warehouse lines of credit	$ 77,546	26,445
Interest rate	5.50% over one month Libor (Minimum 6.25%)
Maturity date	August 2018
Warehouse Lines Of Credit (3) [Member]
Warehouse lines of credit	$ 11,100	14,168
Interest rate	6.75% over a commercial paper rate (Minimum 7.75%)
Maturity date	November 2019
Subordinated Renewable Notes [Member]
Subordinated renewable notes	$ 16,566	$ 14,949

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6. Debt (Details - Debt maturity schedule) - Subordinated Renewable Notes [Member] $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
2018	$ 8,406
2019	1,942
2020	2,616
2021	1,515
2022	458
Thereafter	1,629
Total	$ 16,566

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6. Debt (Details Narrative) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Nov. 24, 2015	Apr. 17, 2015	May 11, 2012	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt issuance costs				$ 1,900	$ 1,600
Warehouse lines of credit				112,408	103,358
Warehouse Credit Facility [Member] | Citibank [Member]
Credit line maximum			$ 100,000
Warehouse lines of credit				77,500
Credit line maturity date			Aug. 31, 2018
Warehouse Credit Facility [Member] | Fortress Investment Group [Member]
Credit line maximum		$ 100,000
Warehouse lines of credit				25,600
Credit line maturity date		Apr. 30, 2019
Warehouse Credit Facility [Member] | Credit Suisse AG and Ares Agent Services [Member]
Credit line maximum	$ 100,000
Warehouse lines of credit				11,100
Credit line maturity date	Nov. 30, 2019
Three Warehouse Lines Of Credit [Member]
Warehouse lines of credit				$ 114,300	$ 105,000

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7. Shareholders' Equity (Details - Assumptions)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Expected life (years)	4 years 7 days	4 years 14 days	4 years 2 months 16 days
Risk-free interest rate	1.59%	1.09%	1.35%
Volatility	36.00%	51.00%	51.00%
Expected dividend yield	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

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7. Shareholders' Equity (Details - Option activity) shares in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017 $ / shares shares
Number of Shares
Options outstanding at the beginning of period | shares	12,595
Granted | shares	1,470
Exercised | shares	(647)
Forfeited/Expired | shares	(283)
Options outstanding at the end of period | shares	13,135
Options exercisable at the end of period | shares	8,789
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Options outstanding at the beginning of period | $ / shares	$ 4.56
Granted | $ / shares	4.35
Exercised | $ / shares	1.68
Forfeited/Expired | $ / shares	5.62
Options outstanding at the end of period | $ / shares	4.66
Options exercisable at the end of period | $ / shares	$ 4.51
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term
Weighted average remaining contractual term, end of period	4 years 5 months 12 days
Weighted average remaining contractual term, exercisable at the end of period	4 years 14 days

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7. Shareholders' Equity (Details Narrative) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Repurchase of common stock, value	$ (12,346)	$ (10,468)	$ (5,926)
Proceeds from exercises	$ 1,085	$ 706	$ 1,726
Weighted average exercise price of stock options granted	$ 1.32	$ 1.38	$ 2.41
Voliatility assumptions, minimum	35.00%	44.00%	47.00%
Voliatility assumptions, maximum	37.00%	51.00%	51.00%
Stock-based compensation	$ 5,715	$ 5,553	$ 5,024
Unrecognized stock-based compensation costs	$ 5,800
Weighted-average period for unrecognized costs	1 year 10 months 24 days
Intrinsic value options outstanding	$ 10,400	17,800
Intrinsic value of options exercisable	9,500	14,200
Intrinsic value of options exercised	1,900	$ 1,300
Proceeds from options exercised	1,100
Tax benefit from options exercised	$ 178
Warrants outstanding	2,000,000
Common Stock [Member]
Repurchase of common stock, shares	2,745,493
Average price per share of common stock repurchased (in dollars per share)	$ 4.49
Common Stock [Member] | Open Market [Member]
Repurchase of common stock, shares	2,693,562
Repurchase of common stock, value	$ 12,100
Common Stock [Member] | Net Exercises of Outstanding Options and Warrants [Member]
Repurchase of common stock, shares	51,931
Proceeds from exercises	$ 241
Authorizations prior to December 31, 2016 [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Amount remaining of stock repurchase authorized amount	4,700
No expiration [Member] | Common Stock [Member]
Amount remaining of stock repurchase authorized amount	$ 12,600
2006 Plan [Member]
Shares available for grant	2,500,000

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8. Interest Income and Interest Expense (Details - Interest income) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Components of interest income
Interest on finance receivables	$ 423,567	$ 408,723	$ 349,796
Other interest income	607	273	116
Interest income	$ 424,174	$ 408,996	$ 349,912

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8. Interest Income and Interest Expense (Details - Interest expense) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Total interest expense	$ 92,345	$ 79,941	$ 57,745
Securitization Trust Debt [Member]
Total interest expense	83,084	69,178	48,631
Warehouse Lines Of Credit [Member]
Total interest expense	7,933	8,569	6,127
Residual interest financing [Member]
Total interest expense	0	846	1,405
Subordinated Renewable Notes [Member]
Total interest expense	$ 1,328	$ 1,348	$ 1,582

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9. Income Taxes (Details - Income tax expense) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Current federal tax expense	$ 14,369	$ 22,872	$ 18,653
Current state tax expense	3,305	2,671	1,146
Deferred federal tax expense	10,131	(6,329)	4,233
Deferred state tax expense (benefit)	501	1,147	2,669
Income tax expense	$ 28,306	$ 20,361	$ 26,701

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9. Income Taxes (Details - Tax rate effect) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Expense at federal tax rate	$ 11,225	$ 17,381	$ 21,484
State taxes, net of federal income tax effect	1,831	2,679	3,235
Stock-based compensation	682	824	1,560
Non-deductible expenses	171	145	107
Effect of change in tax rate	15,117	0	0
Other	(720)	(668)	315
Income tax expense	$ 28,306	$ 20,361	$ 26,701

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9. Income Taxes (Details - Deferred taxes) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred Tax Assets:
Finance receivables	$ 23,034	$ 28,986
Accrued liabilities	206	2,322
NOL carryforwards	529	1,697
Built in losses	5,277	8,915
Pension accrual	1,654	2,107
Stock compensation	3,642	0
Other	582	2,343
Total deferred tax assets	34,924	46,370
Deferred Tax Liabilities:
Deferred loan costs	(2,233)	(3,223)
Furniture and Equipment	(245)	(302)
Total deferred tax liabilities	(2,478)	(3,525)
Net deferred tax asset	$ 32,446	$ 42,845

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9. Income Taxes (Details Narrative) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Net deferred tax asset	$ 32,400
Unrecognized tax benefits	$ 0
Statutory federal rate	35.00%
Income tax expense	$ 28,306	$ 20,361	$ 26,701
Effect of change in tax rate	15,117	$ 0	$ 0
Excluding the impact of the Tax Act, income tax expense	13,200
Operating Income (Loss) [Member]
Net deferred tax asset	5,800
State [Member]
Net deferred tax asset	9,600
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 12,300
Net operating losses expire	Dec. 31, 2018
Federal [Member]
Net deferred tax asset	$ 22,800

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10. Related Party Transactions (Details Narrative) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related party amounts outstanding	$ 4,000

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11. Commitments and Contingencies (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
2018	$ 6,493
2019	6,790
2020	6,710
2021	6,858
2022	5,465
Thereafter	1,616
Total minimum lease payments	$ 33,932

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11. Commitments and Contingencies (Details Narrative) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Rent expense	$ 6,300	$ 5,200	$ 4,100
Liability for losses due to legal proceedings, maximum	$ 1,000

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12. Employee Benefits (Details - Reconciliation) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Change in Projected Benefit Obligation
Projected benefit obligation, beginning of year	$ 21,515	$ 21,385	$ 22,559
Service cost	0	0
Interest cost	855	882	843
Assumption changes	1,535	95
Actuarial (gain) loss	(298)	89
Settlements	0	0
Benefits paid	(1,045)	(936)
Projected benefit obligation, end of year	22,562	21,515	21,385
Change in Plan Assets
Fair value of plan assets, beginning of year	16,243	16,374
Return on assets	1,508	1,031
Employer contribution	0	0
Expenses	(260)	(226)
Settlements	0	0
Benefits paid	(1,045)	(936)
Fair value of plan assets, end of year	16,446	16,243	$ 16,374
Funded Status at end of year	$ (6,116)	$ (5,272)

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12. Employee Benefits (Details - Weighted average assumptions)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Weighted average assumptions used to determine benefit obligations
Discount rate	3.50%	4.05%
Weighted average assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost
Discount rate	4.05%	4.20%
Expected return on plan assets	7.25%	7.50%

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12. Employee Benefits (Details - Amounts recognized) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Amounts recognized on Consolidated Balance Sheet
Other assets	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Other liabilities	(6,116)	(5,272)	(5,011)
Net amount recognized	(6,116)	(5,272)	(5,011)
Amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss consists of:
Net loss	11,350	10,618	10,592
Unrecognized transition asset	0	0	0
Net amount recognized	11,350	10,618	10,592
Components of net periodic benefit cost
Interest Cost	855	882	843
Expected return on assets	(1,149)	(1,199)	(1,508)
Amortization of transition asset	0	0	0
Amortization of net loss	405	553	349
Net periodic benefit cost	111	236	(316)
Settlement (gain)/loss	0	0	0
Total	111	236	(316)
Benefit Obligation Recognized in Other Comprehensive Loss (Income)
Net loss (gain)	732	25	2,615
Prior service cost (credit)	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0	0
Net amount recognized in other comprehensive loss (income)	$ 732	$ 25	$ 2,615

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12. Employee Benefits (Details - Asset allocation)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Weighted Average Asset Allocation at Year-End	100.00%	100.00%
Equity Securities [Member]
Weighted Average Asset Allocation at Year-End	83.00%	85.00%
Debt Securities [Member]
Weighted Average Asset Allocation at Year-End	17.00%	15.00%
Cash And Cash Equivalents [Member]
Weighted Average Asset Allocation at Year-End	0.00%	0.00%

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12. Employee Benefits (Details - Estimated future benefit payments) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017 USD ($)
Estimated Future Benefit Payments (In thousands)
2018	$ 822
2019	854
2020	895
2021	936
2022	981
Years 2023-2027	5,449
Anticipated Contributions in 2018	$ 0

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12. Employee Benefits (Details - Fair value of plan assets) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair value of plan assets		$ 16,446	$ 16,243	$ 16,374
Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	3,633	4,581
Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	12,813	11,662
Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0
Company Common Stock [Member]
Fair value of plan assets		3,633	4,581
Company Common Stock [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	3,633	4,581
Company Common Stock [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	0
Company Common Stock [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0
Large Cap Value [Member]
Fair value of plan assets		2,324	2,238
Large Cap Value [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	0
Large Cap Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	2,324	2,238
Large Cap Value [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0
Mid Cap Index [Member]
Fair value of plan assets		654	625
Mid Cap Index [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	0
Mid Cap Index [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	654	625
Mid Cap Index [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0
Small Cap Growth [Member]
Fair value of plan assets		657	621
Small Cap Growth [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	0
Small Cap Growth [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	657	621
Small Cap Growth [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0
Small Cap Value [Member]
Fair value of plan assets		647	687
Small Cap Value [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	0
Small Cap Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	647	687
Small Cap Value [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0
Large Cap Blend [Member]
Fair value of plan assets		661
Large Cap Blend [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	0
Large Cap Blend [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	661
Large Cap Blend [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0
Growth [Member]
Fair value of plan assets		2,313	1,980
Growth [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	0
Growth [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	2,313	1,980
Growth [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0
International Growth [Member]
Fair value of plan assets		2,683	2,392
International Growth [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	0
International Growth [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	2,683	2,392
International Growth [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0
Core Bond [Member]
Fair value of plan assets		1,870	1,644
Core Bond [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	0
Core Bond [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	1,870	1,644
Core Bond [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0
High Yield [Member]
Fair value of plan assets		373	356
High Yield [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	0
High Yield [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	354	356
High Yield [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0
Inflation Protected Bond [Member]
Fair value of plan assets		505	433
Inflation Protected Bond [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	0
Inflation Protected Bond [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	505	433
Inflation Protected Bond [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	0
Money Market [Member]
Fair value of plan assets		126	10
Money Market [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]	0
Money Market [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]	126	10
Money Market [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]	$ 0
Focus Value [Member]
Fair value of plan assets			676
Focus Value [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[1]
Focus Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[2]		676
Focus Value [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair value of plan assets	[3]

[1] Company common stock is classified as level 1 and valued using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.

[2] All other plan assets in stock, bond and money market funds are classified as level 2 and valued using significant observable inputs.

[3] There are no plan assets classified as level 3 in the fair value hierarchy as a result of having significant unobservable inputs.

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12. Employee Benefits (Details Narrative) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Employee Benefits Details Narrative
401(k) plan contributions	$ 1,200	$ 929	$ 838
Expected long term rate of return	7.25%	7.50%
Estimated net loss amortized into net periodic benefit cost	$ 443

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13. Fair Value Measurements (Details - Fair values) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 12,731	$ 13,936	$ 19,322	$ 17,859
Restricted cash and equivalents	111,965	112,754
Finance receivables, net	2,171,846	2,104,503
Accrued interest receivable	46,753	36,233
Liabilities:
Warehouse lines of credit	112,408	103,358
Accrued interest payable	4,212	3,715
Securitization trust debt	2,089,678	2,138,892
Subordinated renewable notes	16,566	14,949
Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	12,731	13,936
Restricted cash and equivalents	111,965	112,754
Finance receivables, net	0	0
Accrued interest receivable	0	0
Liabilities:
Warehouse lines of credit	0	0
Accrued interest payable	0	0
Securitization trust debt	0	0
Subordinated renewable notes	0	0
Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Restricted cash and equivalents	0	0
Finance receivables, net	0	0
Accrued interest receivable	0	0
Liabilities:
Warehouse lines of credit	0	0
Accrued interest payable	0	0
Securitization trust debt	0	0
Subordinated renewable notes	0	0
Level 3 [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	0	0
Restricted cash and equivalents	0	0
Finance receivables, net	2,171,846	2,104,503
Accrued interest receivable	46,753	36,233
Liabilities:
Warehouse lines of credit	112,408	103,358
Accrued interest payable	4,212	3,715
Securitization trust debt	2,089,678	2,138,892
Subordinated renewable notes	16,566	14,949
Carrying Value [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	12,731
Restricted cash and equivalents	111,965
Finance receivables, net	2,195,797
Accrued interest receivable	46,753
Liabilities:
Warehouse lines of credit	112,408
Accrued interest payable	4,212
Securitization trust debt	2,083,215
Subordinated renewable notes	$ 16,566
Total Amount [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents		13,936
Restricted cash and equivalents		112,754
Finance receivables, net		2,172,365
Accrued interest receivable		36,233
Liabilities:
Warehouse lines of credit		103,358
Accrued interest payable		3,715
Securitization trust debt		2,080,900
Subordinated renewable notes		$ 14,949

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13. Fair Value Measurements (Details Narrative) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value Measurements Details Narrative
Finance receivables related to reposessed vehicles in inventory	$ 33,679	$ 40,069
Valuation adjustment, loss allowance	$ 24,024	28,924
Recovery rate	29.00%
Estimated fair value and carrying amount of repossed inventory	$ 9,655	$ 11,145

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14.Quarterly Financial Data (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended												12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Revenues	$ 107,225	$ 109,488	$ 110,072	$ 107,598	$ 108,183	$ 108,516	$ 104,933	$ 100,649	$ 95,308	$ 93,991	$ 88,361	$ 85,989	$ 434,383	$ 422,282	$ 363,650
Income before income tax expense	8,217	8,109	7,952	7,792	12,651	12,455	12,325	12,229	15,783	15,649	15,200	14,749	32,071	49,661	61,382
Net income (loss)	$ (9,951)	$ 4,663	$ 4,572	$ 4,480	$ 7,465	$ 7,348	$ 7,272	$ 7,214	$ 8,967	$ 8,843	$ 8,537	$ 8,333	$ 3,765	$ 29,300	$ 34,681
Earnings per share - basic	$ (0.46)	$ 0.21	$ 0.20	$ 0.19	$ 0.31	$ 0.31	$ 0.30	$ 0.29	$ 0.35	$ 0.34	$ 0.33	$ 0.33	$ 0.17	$ 1.20	$ 1.34
Earnings per share - diluted	$ (0.46)	$ 0.17	$ 0.17	$ 0.16	$ 0.26	$ 0.26	$ 0.25	$ 0.24	$ 0.29	$ 0.28	$ 0.27	$ 0.26	$ 0.14	$ 1.01	$ 1.10

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15. Subsequent Events (Details Narrative) - Asset-backed Securities [Member] - Subsequent Event [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended
	Feb. 09, 2018	Jan. 16, 2018
Asset-backed notes sold		$ 190,000
Asset-backed notes secured by automobile receivables		$ 193,600
Weighted average yield on notes		3.46%
Receivables sold	$ 72,300	$ 121,300