Press Releases

<<  Back
Feb 4, 2010

Credit Acceptance Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2009 Earnings

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Feb 4, 2010 (GlobeNewswire via COMTEX News Network) -- Credit Acceptance Corporation (Nasdaq:CACC) (referred to as the "Company", "we", "our", or "us") announced consolidated net income of $40.3 million, or $1.27 per diluted share, for the three months ended December 31, 2009 compared to consolidated net income of $18.6 million, or $0.60 per diluted share, for the same period in 2008. For the year ended December 31, 2009, consolidated net income was $146.3 million, or $4.62 per diluted share, compared to consolidated net income of $67.2 million, or $2.16 per diluted share, for the same period in 2008.

Adjusted net income, a non-GAAP financial measure, for the three months ended December 31, 2009 was $35.5 million, or $1.11 per diluted share, compared to $23.6 million, or $0.76 per diluted share, for the same period in 2008. For the year ended December 31, 2009, adjusted net income was $125.0 million, or $3.95 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net income of $82.8 million, or $2.66 per diluted share, for the same period in 2008.

Webcast Details

We will host a webcast on February 4, 2010 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time to discuss fourth quarter and full year 2009 results. The webcast can be accessed live by visiting the "Investor Relations" section of our website at creditacceptance.com or by dialing 888-637-7734. Additionally, a replay and transcript of the webcast will be archived in the "Investor Relations" section of our website.

Consumer Loan Performance

At the time of consumer loan acceptance or purchase, we forecast future expected cash flows from the consumer loan. Based on these forecasts, an advance or one-time payment is made to the related dealer-partner at a price designed to achieve an acceptable return on capital. If consumer loan performance equals or exceeds our original expectation, it is likely our target return on capital will be achieved.

We use a statistical model to estimate the expected collection rate for each consumer loan at inception. We continue to evaluate the expected collection rate of each consumer loan subsequent to inception. Our evaluation becomes more accurate as the consumer loans age, as we use actual performance data in our forecast. By comparing our current expected collection rate for each consumer loan with the rate we projected at the time of assignment, we are able to assess the accuracy of our initial forecast. The following table compares our forecast of consumer loan collection rates as of December 31, 2009, with the forecasts as of September 30, 2009, as of December 31, 2008 and at the time of assignment, segmented by year of assignment:


                                                              Variance in Forecasted
                Forecasted Collection Percentage as of      Collection Percentage from
               -----------------------------------------  ------------------------------

   Consumer
     Loan       December   September  December             September  December
   Assignment     31,         30,        31,     Initial     30,         31,     Initial
     Year         2009        2009      2008    Forecast     2009       2008    Forecast
  -----------  ----------  ---------  --------  --------  ----------  --------  --------
         2000       72.5%      72.6%     72.5%     72.8%       -0.1%      0.0%     -0.3%
         2001       67.5%      67.4%     67.4%     70.4%        0.1%      0.1%     -2.9%
         2002       70.4%      70.4%     70.4%     67.9%        0.0%      0.0%      2.5%
         2003       73.7%      73.7%     73.8%     72.0%        0.0%     -0.1%      1.7%
         2004       73.1%      73.1%     73.4%     73.0%        0.0%     -0.3%      0.1%
         2005       73.7%      73.9%     74.1%     74.0%       -0.2%     -0.4%     -0.3%
         2006       70.3%      70.5%     70.3%     71.4%       -0.2%      0.0%     -1.1%
         2007       68.3%      68.4%     67.9%     70.7%       -0.1%      0.4%     -2.4%
         2008       70.0%      69.0%     67.9%     69.7%        1.0%      2.1%      0.3%
     2009 (1)       75.6%      73.9%        --     71.9%        1.7%        --      3.7%

  (1) The forecasted collection rate for 2009 consumer loans as of December 31, 2009
  includes both consumer loans that were in our portfolio as of September 30, 2009 and
  consumer loans assigned during the most recent quarter.The following table provides
  forecasted collection rates for each of these segments:


                                                   Forecasted Collection
                                                      Percentage as of
                                                   ---------------------

                                                    December   September
                                                      31,         30,
       2009 Consumer Loan Assignment Period           2009        2009    Variance
  -----------------------------------------------  ----------  ---------  --------
  January 1, 2009 through September 30, 2009            76.0%      73.9%      2.1%
  October 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009             74.4%         --        --

Consumer loan performance for the three months and year ended December 31, 2009 exceeded our forecasts at September 30, 2009 and December 31, 2008. As a general rule, for GAAP results, improvements in forecasted collection rates are recorded over time as yield adjustments. However, when forecasted collection rates improve on previously impaired loan pools, the improvement is recorded as a reversal of previously recorded provision for credit losses. During the three months and year ended December 31, 2009, forecasted collection rates increased and a portion of this increase was recorded as a reversal of previously recorded provision for credit losses. This reversal positively impacted 2009 GAAP results and is primarily what caused GAAP net income to exceed adjusted net income for 2009.

As a result of current economic conditions and uncertainty about future conditions, our forecasts of future collection rates are subject to a greater than normal degree of risk. Our pricing strategy considers this in that we have established advance rates that are intended to allow us to achieve acceptable levels of profitability, even if collection rates are less than we currently forecast.

During 2008, our forecasted collection rates declined as payment patterns were worse than historical payment patterns for consumer loans with similar attributes. During the latter part of 2008, we adjusted the expected collection rate of new consumer loan assignments downward to reflect this unfavorable trend in consumer loan performance. During 2009, payment patterns improved for consumer loans assigned during both 2008 and 2009. The improvement in payment patterns, together with our reduced expectations, have caused our forecasted collection rates to exceed our initial forecast for consumer loans assigned during 2008 and 2009.

The following table presents forecasted consumer loan collection rates, advance rates (includes amounts paid to acquire purchased loans), the spread (the forecasted collection rate less the advance rate), and the percentage of the forecasted collections that had been realized as of December 31, 2009. Payments of dealer holdback and accelerated payments of dealer holdback are not included in the advance percentage paid to the dealer-partner. All amounts are presented as a percentage of the initial balance of the consumer loan (principal + interest). The table includes both dealer loans and purchased loans.


                     As of December 31, 2009
              -------------------------------------

              Forecasted                     % of
     Loan                                  Forecast
  Assignment  Collection  Advance  Spread
     Year          %         %        %    Realized
  ----------  ----------  -------  ------  --------
        2000       72.5%    47.9%   24.6%     99.6%
        2001       67.5%    46.0%   21.5%     99.2%
        2002       70.4%    42.2%   28.2%     99.0%
        2003       73.7%    43.4%   30.3%     98.8%
        2004       73.1%    44.0%   29.1%     98.3%
        2005       73.7%    46.9%   26.8%     97.8%
        2006       70.3%    46.6%   23.7%     93.2%
        2007       68.3%    46.5%   21.8%     77.2%
        2008       70.0%    44.6%   25.4%     53.4%
        2009       75.6%    43.9%   31.7%     21.4%

The risk of a material change in our forecasted collection rate declines as the consumer loans age. For 2006 and prior originations, the risk of a material forecast variance is modest, as we have currently realized in excess of 90% of the expected collections. Conversely, the forecasted collection rate for 2007, 2008 and 2009 originations are less certain as a significant portion of our forecast has not been realized.

The following table presents forecasted consumer loan collection rates, advance rates (includes amounts paid to acquire purchased loans), and the spread (the forecasted collection rate less the advance rate) as of December 31, 2009 for purchased loans and dealer loans separately:


                         Consumer      Forecasted
                           Loan
                        Assignment     Collection     Advance     Spread
                           Year             %            %           %
                        ----------     ----------     -------     ------
  Purchased loans             2007          68.7%       48.7%      20.0%
                              2008          69.3%       46.4%      22.9%
                              2009          76.1%       45.8%      30.3%

  Dealer loans                2007          68.3%       45.9%      22.4%
                              2008          70.5%       43.6%      26.9%
                              2009          75.5%       43.5%      32.0%

Although the advance rate on purchased loans is higher as compared to the advance rate on dealer loans, purchased loans do not require the Company to pay dealer holdback. The increase in the spread between the forecasted collection rate and the advance rate during 2008 and 2009 occurred as a result of pricing changes implemented during the first nine months of 2008 and improving forecasted collection rates during 2009. The positive impact of these two factors on the spread for 2009 was partially offset by pricing changes implemented during the last four months of 2009.

Access to Capital

During the fourth quarter of 2009, we completed a $110.5 million asset-backed secured financing, and on February 1, 2010, we issued $250.0 million of first priority senior secured notes. The net proceeds from these financings were used to repay outstanding indebtedness under our revolving credit facility and our $325.0 million secured warehouse facility. After these repayments, we have over $450.0 million in available borrowing capacity. Our first priority is to ensure we have the available capacity to fund expected new consumer loan assignments. While the successful completion of these financings will improve our position in that regard, we intend to continue to work to (1) secure additional borrowing capacity, (2) increase the diversity of our funding sources, and (3) extend the term of one or more of our revolving credit facility and our revolving secured warehouse facilities. To the extent we determine our ability to fund expected new consumer loan assignments has been effectively provided for, we may then consider share repurchases or cash dividends, for which borrowed funds could be used if then available.

Consumer Loan Volume

Our ability to maintain and grow consumer loan volume is impacted by our pricing strategy, the number of dealer-partners actively participating in our programs, and the competitive environment. The following table summarizes changes in consumer loan dollar and unit volume in each of the last eight quarters as compared to the same period in the previous year:

                              Consumer Loans

                              Year over Year
                              Percent Change
                             ----------------

                              Dollar    Unit
    Three Months Ended        Volume   Volume
  ----------------------     --------  ------
  March 31, 2008                28.5%   16.0%
  June 30, 2008                 40.6%   26.1%
  September 30, 2008            27.5%   26.9%
  December 31, 2008            -21.0%  -13.4%
  March 31, 2009               -26.3%  -13.0%
  June 30, 2009                -30.2%  -16.2%
  September 30, 2009           -13.6%   -5.7%
  December 31, 2009              2.1%    7.6%

Dollar and unit volume declined during the first three quarters of 2009 as compared to the same periods in 2008 due to pricing changes implemented during the first nine months of 2008. The growth in dollar and unit volume during the fourth quarter of 2009 was the result of pricing changes implemented during the last four months of 2009 that reduced per unit profitability in exchange for increased loan volume.

As a result of our success in renewing our debt facilities during the third quarter of 2009 and securing additional financing during the fourth quarter of 2009 and February 2010, we are now in position to grow year over year unit volumes. We will continue to monitor unit volumes and will make additional pricing changes with an objective to maximize economic profit given the capital we have available. Future growth rates will depend on how unit volumes respond to pricing changes, which will be influenced to a large degree by how quickly competition returns to our market. During January 2010, unit volume declined by 5.3% as compared to January 2009.

The following table summarizes the changes in consumer loan unit volume and active dealer-partners:


                                                              Three Months Ended
                                                                 December 31,
                                                           ------------------------

                                                                                %
                                                             2009     2008   change
                                                           --------  ------  ------

  Consumer loan unit volume                                  23,450  21,792    7.6%

  Active dealer-partners (1)                                  2,170   2,134
                                                           --------  ------    1.7%
  Average volume per active dealer-partner                     10.8    10.2    5.9%

  Consumer loan unit volume from dealer-partners active
   both periods                                              16,243  16,327   -0.5%

  Dealer-partners active both periods                         1,269   1,269
                                                           --------  ------      --
  Average volume per dealer-partners active both periods       12.8    12.9   -0.5%

  Consumer loan unit volume from new dealer-partners          1,159   1,404  -17.5%

  New active dealer-partners (2)                                211     264
                                                           --------  ------  -20.1%
  Average volume per new active dealer-partners                 5.5     5.3    3.8%

  Attrition (3)                                              -25.4%  -25.6%

  (1)  Active dealer-partners are dealer-partners who have received funding for at
   least one dealer loan or purchased loan during the period.

  (2)  New active dealer-partners are dealer-partners who enrolled in our program
   and have received funding for their first dealer loan or purchased loan from us
   during the period.

  (3)  Attrition is measured according to the following formula:decrease in
   consumer loan unit volume from dealer-partners who have received funding for at
   least one dealer loan or purchased loan during the comparable period of the
   prior year but did not receive funding for any dealer loans or purchased loans
   during the current period divided by prior year comparable period consumer loan
   unit volume.

Consumer loans are assigned to us through either our portfolio program or our purchase program. The following table summarizes the portion of our consumer loan volume that was assigned to us through our purchase program:


                                                                                 Three Months
                                                                                     Ended         Years Ended
                                                                                 December 31,     December 31,
                                                                                ---------------  ---------------

                                                                                  2009     2008    2009     2008
                                                                                --------  -----  --------  -----

  New purchased loan unit volume as a percentage of total unit volume               9.2%  21.8%     13.4%  29.8%

  New purchased loan dollar volume as a percentage of total dollar volume          11.3%  26.2%     16.2%  34.8%

For the three months and year ended December 31, 2009, new purchased loan unit and dollar volume as a percentage of total unit and dollar volume, respectively, decreased as compared to 2008 due to pricing changes implemented during 2008.

As of December 31, 2009 and 2008, the net purchased loans receivable balance was 27.5% and 30.3%, respectively, of the total net loans receivable balance.

Adjusted Financial Results

Adjusted financial results are provided to help shareholders understand our financial performance. The financial data below is non-GAAP, unless labeled otherwise. We use adjusted financial information internally to measure financial performance and to determine incentive compensation. The table below shows our results following adjustments to reflect non-GAAP accounting methods. Material adjustments are explained in the table footnotes and the subsequent "Floating Yield Adjustment" and "Program Fee Yield Adjustment" sections. Measures such as adjusted average capital, adjusted net income, adjusted net income per diluted share, adjusted net income plus interest expense after-tax, adjusted return on capital, adjusted revenue, operating expenses, and economic profit are all non-GAAP financial measures. These non-GAAP financial measures should be viewed in addition to, and not as an alternative for, our reported results prepared in accordance with GAAP.

Adjusted financial results for the three months and year ended December 31, 2009, compared to the same period in 2008, include the following:


                                                    Three Months Ended                 Years Ended
                                                       December 31,                    December 31,
                                              ------------------------------  ------------------------------

  (Dollars in thousands, except per share                                %                               %
   data)                                         2009        2008     Change     2009        2008     Change
                                              ----------  ----------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------
  Adjusted average capital                      $989,804  $1,014,071   -2.4%    $998,719    $974,976    2.4%
  Adjusted net income                            $35,508     $23,572   50.6%    $125,044     $82,792   51.0%
  Adjusted interest expense (after-tax)           $5,767      $6,994  -17.5%     $20,933     $26,990  -22.4%
  Adjusted net income plus interest expense
   (after-tax)                                   $41,275     $30,566   35.0%    $145,977    $109,782   33.0%
  Adjusted return on capital                       16.7%       12.1%   38.0%       14.6%       11.3%   29.2%
  Cost of capital                                   7.3%        6.3%   15.9%        6.7%        6.4%    4.7%
  Economic profit                                $23,205     $14,559   59.4%     $79,099     $47,025   68.2%

  GAAP diluted weighted average shares
   outstanding                                31,868,441  31,038,088    2.7%  31,668,895  31,105,043    1.8%
  Adjusted net income per diluted share            $1.11       $0.76   46.1%       $3.95       $2.66   48.5%

Economic profit increased 59.4% for the three months ended December 31, 2009, and increased 68.2% for the year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to the same periods in 2008. Economic profit is a function of the return on capital in excess of the cost of capital and the amount of capital invested in the business. The following table summarizes the impact each of these components had on the increases in economic profit for the three months and year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to the same periods in 2008:


                                                 Year over Year
                                               Change in Economic
                                                     Profit
                                               ------------------

                                                Three
                                                Months     Year
                                                Ended     Ended
                                               December  December
  (Dollars in thousands)                       31, 2009  31, 2009
                                               --------  --------
  Increase in adjusted return on capital        $11,440   $33,522
  Increase in cost of capital                   (2,446)   (2,593)
  (Decrease) increase in adjusted average
   capital                                        (348)     1,145
                                               --------  --------

  Increase in economic profit                    $8,646   $32,074
                                               ========  ========

The increases in economic profit for the three months and year ended December 31, 2009, as compared to the same periods in 2008, were primarily the result of increases in our adjusted returns on capital, which increased 460 basis points for the three month period and 330 basis points for the year primarily due to the following:

  --  Finance charges increased adjusted returns on capital by 430 basis
      points for the three month period and 250 basis points for the year
      ended December 31, 2009, as compared to the same periods in 2008. These
      increases were due to pricing changes implemented during the first nine
      months of 2008 and an increase in forecasted collection rates during
      2009, partially offset by pricing changes implemented during the last
      four months of 2009.

  --  The impact of the formation of VSC Re during the fourth quarter of 2008
      increased adjusted returns on capital by 50 basis points for the three
      month period and 60 basis points for the year ended December 31, 2009,
      as compared to the same periods in 2008.  The VSC Re earnings are
      recognized on an accrual basis and recorded as premiums earned less
      premium tax and provision for claims. Previously, earnings on vehicle
      service contracts, excluding our commissions, were recorded as other
      income and realized when profit sharing payments were received from
      third party administrators. The following table shows the after-tax
      earnings from VSC Re and profit sharing payments received and recorded
      as other income for the three months and year ended December 31, 2009
      and 2008:



                                                   Three Months
                                                  Ended December      Years Ended
                                                        31,          December 31,
                                                 ----------------  ----------------

  (Dollars in thousands)                           2009     2008     2009     2008
                                                 --------  ------  --------  ------
  Premiums earned less premium tax and
  provision for claims (after-tax)                 $2,526    $754    $8,814    $754
  Earnings from profit sharing payments
   (after-tax)                                         --     524        74   1,928
                                                 --------  ------  --------  ------

                                                   $2,526  $1,278    $8,888  $2,682
                                                 ========  ======  ========  ======

The financial results from VSC Re for the year ended December 31, 2009 include $2.1 million of after-tax earnings related to a revision in our timing used to recognize premiums earned. During the third quarter of 2009, we revised our timing in order to better match the timing of our revenue recognition with our expected costs of servicing our vehicle service contracts, which is based on our historical claims experience.

The following table shows adjusted revenue and operating expenses as a percentage of adjusted average capital and the percentage change in adjusted average capital for each of the last eight quarters, compared to the same periods in the prior year:


                                                                Three Months Ended
                                             -------------------------------------------------------

                                              Dec.   Sept.   Jun.   Mar.   Dec.  Sept.   Jun.   Mar.
                                              31,     30,    30,    31,    31,    30,    30,    31,
                                              2009    2009   2009   2009   2008   2008   2008   2008
                                             ------  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----  -----
  Adjusted revenue as a percentage of
  adjusted average capital                    37.7%  36.6%  32.7%  30.7%  30.2%  28.9%  28.5%  30.7%
                                             ======  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====

  Operating expenses as a percentage of
  adjusted average capital                    11.2%  11.3%  10.7%  11.6%  11.1%  10.8%  11.3%  13.7%
                                             ======  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====


  Adjusted return on capital                  16.7%  16.0%  13.9%  12.0%  12.1%  11.4%  10.8%  10.7%
                                             ======  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====

  Percentage change in adjusted average
  capital compared to the same period in
  the prior year                              -2.4%  -3.0%   1.9%  15.2%  30.4%  42.3%  39.6%  37.5%
                                             ======  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====  =====

The following tables show how non-GAAP measures reconcile to GAAP measures. All after-tax adjustments are calculated using a 37% tax rate as we estimate that to be our long term average effective tax rate. Amounts do not recalculate due to rounding.


                                         Three Months Ended             Years Ended December
                                            December 31,                        31,
                                       ----------------------          ----------------------

  (Dollars in thousands, except per                               %                               %
   share data)                            2009        2008     Change     2009        2008     Change
                                       ----------  ----------  ------  ----------  ----------  ------


  Adjusted net income
  -----------------------------------
  GAAP net income                         $40,335     $18,556  117.4%    $146,255     $67,177  117.7%
  Floating yield adjustment
   (after-tax)                            (4,679)       4,125            (19,523)      13,079
  Program fee yield adjustment
   (after-tax)                                121         372                 796       2,075
  (Gain) loss from discontinued
   United Kingdom segment (after-tax)       (263)         221               (209)       (109)
  Interest expense related to
   interest rate swap agreement
   (after-tax)                               (68)         242               (522)         220

  Adjustment to record taxes at 37%            62          56             (1,753)         350
                                       ----------  ----------          ----------  ----------

   Adjusted net income                    $35,508     $23,572            $125,044     $82,792
                                       ==========  ==========   50.6%  ==========  ==========   51.0%


  Adjusted net income per diluted
   share
  -----------------------------------       $1.11       $0.76   46.1%       $3.95       $2.66   48.5%
  Diluted weighted average shares
   outstanding                         31,868,441  31,038,088    2.7%  31,668,895  31,105,043    1.8%


  Adjusted average capital
  -----------------------------------
  GAAP average debt                      $510,123    $665,635  -23.4%    $575,482    $660,804  -12.9%
  GAAP average shareholders' equity       474,984     331,402   43.3%     411,041     302,765   35.8%
  Floating yield adjustment                 5,394      18,643              13,150      13,762

  Program fee yield adjustment              (697)     (1,609)               (954)     (2,355)
                                       ----------  ----------          ----------  ----------

   Adjusted average capital              $989,804  $1,014,071            $998,719    $974,976
                                       ==========  ==========   -2.4%  ==========  ==========    2.4%


  Adjusted return on capital
  -----------------------------------
  Adjusted net income                     $35,508     $23,572            $125,044     $82,792
  Adjusted interest expense
   (after-tax)                              5,767       6,994              20,933      26,990
                                       ----------  ----------          ----------  ----------
   Adjusted net income plus interest
    expense (after-tax)                   $41,275     $30,566            $145,977    $109,782
                                       ==========  ==========   35.0%  ==========  ==========   33.0%


   Adjusted return on capital (1)           16.7%       12.1%               14.6%       11.3%
                                       ==========  ==========   38.0%  ==========  ==========   29.2%


  Economic profit
  -----------------------------------
  Adjusted return on capital                16.7%       12.1%               14.6%       11.3%

  Cost of capital (2)                        7.3%        6.3%                6.7%        6.4%
                                       ----------  ----------          ----------  ----------
  Adjusted return on capital in
   excess of cost of capital                 9.4%        5.8%                7.9%        4.9%

  Adjusted average capital               $989,804  $1,014,071            $998,719    $974,976
                                       ----------  ----------          ----------  ----------

   Economic profit                        $23,205     $14,559             $79,099     $47,025
                                       ----------  ----------   59.4%  ----------  ----------   68.2%

  (1)  Adjusted return on capital is defined as annualized adjusted net income plus adjusted interest
   expense after-tax divided by adjusted average capital.

  (2)  The cost of capital includes both a cost of equity and a cost of debt.The cost of equity
   capital is determined based on a formula that considers the risk of the business and the risk
   associated with our use of debt.The formula utilized for determining the cost of equity capital is
   as follows: (the average 30 year treasury rate + 5%) + [(1 -- tax rate) x (the average 30 year
   treasury rate + 5% -- pre-tax average cost of debt rate) x average debt/(average equity + average
   debt x tax rate)].For the three months ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, the average 30 year
   treasury rate was 4.3% and 3.8%, respectively.The adjusted pre-tax average cost of debt was 7.2%
   and 6.7%, respectively.For the year ended December 31, 2009 and 2008, the average 30 year treasury
   rate was 4.0% and 4.3%, respectively.The adjusted pre-tax average cost of debt was 5.8% and 6.5%,
   respectively.


                                                                    Three Months Ended
                                  --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

                                  Dec. 31,   Sept. 30,   Jun. 30,   Mar. 31,   Dec. 31,    Sept. 30,  Jun. 30,  Mar. 31,
  (Dollars in thousands)            2009       2009        2009       2009       2008        2008       2008      2008
                                  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  --------


  Adjusted net income
  ------------------------------
  GAAP net income                  $40,335     $40,734     $36,185   $29,001     $18,556     $20,657   $10,344   $17,620
  Floating yield adjustment
   (after-tax)                     (4,679)     (4,617)     (5,882)   (4,345)       4,125       1,183     9,536   (1,765)
  Program fee yield adjustment
   (after-tax)                         121         152         203       320         372         506       653       544
  (Gain) loss from discontinued
   United Kingdom segment
   (after-tax)                       (263)          78        (35)        11         221       (326)        35      (39)
  Interest expense related to
   interest rate swap agreement
   (after-tax)                        (68)        (94)       (147)     (213)         242       (179)     (375)       532
  Adjustment to record taxes at
   37%                                  62     (1,562)       (193)      (60)          56         419       (2)     (123)
                                  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  --------

   Adjusted net income             $35,508     $34,691     $30,131   $24,714     $23,572     $22,260   $20,191   $16,769
                                  ========  ==========  ==========  ========  ==========  ==========  ========  ========


  Adjusted revenue
  ------------------------------
  GAAP total revenue              $100,135    $100,268     $92,373   $87,888     $86,296     $80,107   $75,005   $70,778
  Floating yield adjustment        (7,426)     (7,329)     (9,336)   (6,898)       6,546       1,880    15,137   (2,800)
  Program fee yield adjustment         191         242         322       507         590         804     1,036       863
  Provision for credit losses        4,942       3,433       3,766     (167)    (14,252)     (8,278)  (20,782)   (2,479)

  Provision for claims             (4,513)     (5,148)     (4,829)   (4,809)     (2,650)          13       (9)       (5)
                                  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  --------

   Adjusted revenue                $93,329     $91,466     $82,296   $76,521     $76,530     $74,526   $70,387   $66,357
                                  ========  ==========  ==========  ========  ==========  ==========  ========  ========


  Adjusted average capital
  ------------------------------
  GAAP average debt               $510,123    $562,663    $604,863  $624,279    $665,635    $706,637  $686,148  $584,794
  GAAP average shareholders'
   equity                          474,984     428,377     388,242   352,562     331,402     308,990   295,771   274,897
  Floating yield adjustment          5,394      10,134      15,243    21,829      18,643      18,002     9,326     9,076

  Program fee yield adjustment       (697)       (834)     (1,012)   (1,274)     (1,609)     (2,048)   (2,626)   (3,136)
                                  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  --------

   Adjusted average capital       $989,804  $1,000,340  $1,007,336  $997,396  $1,014,071  $1,031,581  $988,619  $865,631
                                  ========  ==========  ==========  ========  ==========  ==========  ========  ========

  Adjusted revenue as a
   percentage of adjusted
   average capital                   37.7%       36.6%       32.7%     30.7%       30.2%       28.9%     28.5%     30.7%
                                  ========  ==========  ==========  ========  ==========  ==========  ========  ========


  Adjusted return on capital
  ------------------------------
  Adjusted net income              $35,508     $34,691     $30,131   $24,714     $23,572     $22,260   $20,191   $16,769
  Adjusted interest expense
   (after-tax)                       5,767       5,225       4,736     5,205       6,994       7,081     6,602     6,313
                                  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  --------
   Adjusted net income plus
    interest expense (after-tax)   $41,275     $39,916     $34,867   $29,919     $30,566     $29,341   $26,793   $23,082
                                  ========  ==========  ==========  ========  ==========  ==========  ========  ========


  Adjusted return on capital         16.7%       16.0%       13.9%     12.0%       12.1%       11.4%     10.8%     10.7%
                                  ========  ==========  ==========  ========  ==========  ==========  ========  ========


  Operating expenses
  ------------------------------
  GAAP salaries and wages          $16,395     $16,862     $16,515   $17,121     $17,788     $16,766   $16,699   $17,740
  GAAP general and
   administrative                    7,633       7,869       6,894     7,995       6,795       6,977     6,627     7,137

  GAAP sales and marketing           3,788       3,533       3,566     3,921       3,446       4,103     4,556     4,671
                                  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  ----------  ----------  --------  --------

   Operating expenses              $27,816     $28,264     $26,975   $29,037     $28,029     $27,846   $27,882   $29,548
                                  ========  ==========  ==========  ========  ==========  ==========  ========  ========

  Operating expenses as a
   percentage of adjusted
   average capital                   11.2%       11.3%       10.7%     11.6%       11.1%       10.8%     11.3%     13.7%
                                  ========  ==========  ==========  ========  ==========  ==========  ========  ========

  Percentage change in adjusted
   average capital compared to
   the same period in the prior
   year                              -2.4%       -3.0%        1.9%     15.2%       30.4%       42.3%     39.6%     37.5%
                                  ========  ==========  ==========  ========  ==========  ==========  ========  ========

Floating Yield Adjustment

The purpose of this adjustment is to modify the calculation of our GAAP-based finance charge revenue so that favorable and unfavorable changes in expected cash flows from loans receivable are treated consistently. To make the adjustment understandable, we must first explain how GAAP requires us to account for finance charge revenue, our primary revenue source.

Finance charge revenue equals the cash inflows from our loan portfolio less cash outflows to acquire the loans. Our GAAP finance charge revenue is based on estimates of future cash flows and is recognized on a level-yield basis over the estimated life of the loan. With the level-yield approach, the amount of finance charge revenue recognized from a loan in a given period, divided by the loan asset, is a constant percentage. Under GAAP, favorable changes in expected cash flows are treated as increases to the yield and are recognized over time, while unfavorable changes are recorded as a current period expense. The non-GAAP methodology that we use (the "floating yield" method) is identical to the GAAP approach except that, under the "floating yield" method, all changes in expected cash flows (both positive and negative) are treated as yield adjustments and therefore impact earnings over time. The GAAP treatment always results in a lower carrying value of the loan receivable asset, but may result in either higher or lower earnings for any given period depending on the timing and amount of expected cash flow changes.

We believe floating yield earnings are a more accurate reflection of the performance of our business, since both favorable and unfavorable changes in estimated cash flows are treated consistently.

Program Fee Yield Adjustment

The purpose of this adjustment is to make revenue from program fees comparable across time periods. In 2001, we began charging dealer-partners a monthly program fee. Effective January 1, 2007, we implemented a change in the way these fees are charged designed to positively impact dealer-partner attrition. We continue to charge a monthly program fee, but instead of collecting the fee in the current period, we collect it from future dealer holdback payments.

As a result of this change, (as of January 1, 2007) we record program fees on a GAAP basis as a yield adjustment, recognizing these fees as finance charge revenue over the term of the dealer loan because collection is dependent on the future cash flows of the loan. Previously, we had recorded the fee as program fee revenue in the month the fee was charged. The current GAAP treatment is more consistent with the cash economics of the business.

To allow for proper comparisons between periods, we make an adjustment to our financial results as though program fees had always been recorded as a yield adjustment. The program fee yield adjustment will become less significant in future periods. We believe the adjustment will be immaterial starting in 2010.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

We claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for all of our forward-looking statements. Statements in this release that are not historical facts, such as those using terms like "may," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "assume," "forecast," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "target" and those regarding our future results, plans and objectives, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements represent our outlook only as of the date of this release. Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements since the statements are based on our current expectations, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, the factors set forth in Exhibit 99.2 to our Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 19, 2010, other risk factors discussed herein or listed from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the following:

  --  Our inability to accurately forecast and estimate the amount and timing
      of future collections could have a material adverse effect on results of
      operations.

  --  We may be unable to execute our business strategy due to current
      economic conditions.

  --  We may be unable to continue to access or renew funding sources and
      obtain capital needed to maintain and grow our business.

  --  The terms of our debt limit how we conduct our business.

  --  The conditions of the U.S. and international capital markets may
      adversely affect lenders with which we have relationships, causing us to
      incur additional costs and reducing our sources of liquidity, which may
      adversely affect our financial position, liquidity and results of
      operations.

  --  Our substantial debt could negatively impact our business, prevent us
      from satisfying our debt obligations and adversely affect our financial
      condition.

  --  Due to competition from traditional financing sources and
      non-traditional lenders, we may not be able to compete successfully.

  --  We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flows to service our
      outstanding debt and fund operations and may be forced to take other
      actions to satisfy our obligations under such debt.

  --  Interest rate fluctuations may adversely affect our borrowing costs,
      profitability and liquidity.

  --  Reduction in our credit rating could increase the cost of our funding
      from, and restrict our access to, the capital markets and adversely
      affect our liquidity, financial condition and results of operations.

  --  We may incur substantially more debt and other liabilities. This could
      exacerbate further the risks associated with our current debt levels.

  --  The regulation to which we are or may become subject could result in a
      material adverse effect on our business.

  --  Adverse changes in economic conditions, the automobile or finance
      industries or the non-prime consumer market could adversely affect our
      financial position, liquidity and results of operations, the ability of
      key vendors that we depend on to supply us with services, and our
      ability to enter into future financing transactions.

  --  Litigation we are involved in from time to time may adversely affect our
      financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

  --  Our operations are dependent on technology.

  --  We are dependent on our senior management and the loss of any of these
      individuals or an inability to hire additional team members could
      adversely affect our ability to operate profitably.

  --  Our reputation is a key asset to our business, and our business may be
      affected by how we are perceived in the marketplace.

  --  The concentration of our dealer-partners in several states could
      adversely affect us.

  --  Failure to properly safeguard confidential consumer information could
      subject us to liability, decrease our profitability and damage our
      reputation.

  --  Our founder controls a majority of our common stock, has the ability to
      control matters requiring shareholder approval and has interests which
      may conflict with the interests of our other security holders.

  --  Reliance on our outsourced business functions could adversely affect our
      business.

  --  Natural disasters, acts of war, terrorist attacks and threats or the
      escalation of military activity in response to these attacks or
      otherwise may negatively affect our business, financial condition and
      results of operations.

  --  We have received comments from the staff of the SEC that remain
      unresolved.


Other factors not currently anticipated by management may also materially and adversely affect our results of operations. We do not undertake, and expressly disclaim any obligation, to update or alter our statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

Description of Credit Acceptance Corporation

Since 1972, Credit Acceptance has provided auto loans to consumers, regardless of their credit history. Our product is offered through a nationwide network of automobile dealers who benefit from sales of vehicles to consumers who otherwise could not obtain financing; from repeat and referral sales generated by these same customers; and from sales to customers responding to advertisements for our product, but who actually end up qualifying for traditional financing.

Without our product, consumers are often unable to purchase a vehicle or they purchase an unreliable one. Further, as we report to the three national credit reporting agencies, an important ancillary benefit of our program is that we provide a significant number of our consumers with an opportunity to improve their lives by improving their credit score and move on to more traditional sources of financing. Credit Acceptance is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol CACC. For more information, visit creditacceptance.com.

                         CREDIT ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
                         CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS



  (Dollars in thousands,        Three Months Ended          Years Ended
   except per share data)         December 31,             December 31,
                             -----------------------  -----------------------

                                2009         2008        2009         2008
                             -----------  ----------  -----------  ----------
                                   (Unaudited)        (Unaudited)
  Revenue:
   Finance charges               $87,098     $76,704     $329,437    $286,823
   Premiums earned                 8,348       3,902       33,605       3,967

   Other income                    4,689       5,690       17,622      21,396
                             -----------  ----------  -----------  ----------

    Total revenue                100,135      86,296      380,664     312,186
                             -----------  ----------  -----------  ----------
  Costs and expenses:
   Salaries and wages             16,395      17,788       66,893      68,993
   General and
    administrative                 7,633       6,795       30,391      27,536
   Sales and marketing             3,788       3,446       14,808      16,776
   Provision for credit
    losses                       (4,947)      14,237     (12,164)      46,029
   Interest                        9,047      11,487       32,399      43,189

   Provision for claims            4,513       2,650       19,299       2,651
                             -----------  ----------  -----------  ----------
    Total costs and
     expenses                     36,429      56,403      151,626     205,174
                             -----------  ----------  -----------  ----------
  Income from continuing
   operations before
   provision for income
   taxes                          63,706      29,893      229,038     107,012
                             -----------  ----------  -----------  ----------
   Provision for income
    taxes                         23,634      11,116       82,992      39,944
                             -----------  ----------  -----------  ----------
  Income from continuing
   operations                     40,072      18,777      146,046      67,068
                             -----------  ----------  -----------  ----------
  Discontinued operations
   Gain (loss) from
    discontinued United
    Kingdom operations               116       (241)          137         307
   (Credit) provision for
    income taxes                   (147)        (20)         (72)         198
                             -----------  ----------  -----------  ----------
   Gain (loss) from
    discontinued operations          263       (221)          209         109
                             -----------  ----------  -----------  ----------

  Net income                     $40,335     $18,556     $146,255     $67,177
                             ===========  ==========  ===========  ==========

  Net income per common
   share:

   Basic                           $1.31       $0.61        $4.78       $2.22
                             ===========  ==========  ===========  ==========

   Diluted                         $1.27       $0.60        $4.62       $2.16
                             ===========  ==========  ===========  ==========

  Income from continuing
   operations per common
   share:

   Basic                           $1.30       $0.62        $4.77       $2.22
                             ===========  ==========  ===========  ==========

   Diluted                         $1.26       $0.60        $4.61       $2.16
                             ===========  ==========  ===========  ==========

  Gain (loss) from
   discontinued operations
   per common share:

   Basic                           $0.01     $(0.01)        $0.01         $--
                             ===========  ==========  ===========  ==========

   Diluted                         $0.01     $(0.01)        $0.01         $--
                             ===========  ==========  ===========  ==========

  Weighted average shares
   outstanding:
   Basic                      30,798,119  30,327,802   30,590,142  30,249,783
   Diluted                    31,868,441  31,038,088   31,668,895  31,105,043

                CREDIT ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
                 CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

  (Dollars in thousands, except
   per share data)                     As of December 31,
                                    -----------------------

                                       2009         2008
                                    -----------  ----------
                                    (Unaudited)
               ASSETS:
  Cash and cash equivalents              $2,170      $3,154
  Restricted cash and cash
   equivalents                           82,456      80,333
  Restricted securities available
   for sale                               3,121       3,345

  Loans receivable (including
   $12,674 and $15,383 from
   affiliates as of December 31,
   2009 and December 31, 2008,
   respectively)                      1,167,558   1,148,752

  Allowance for credit losses         (117,545)   (130,835)
                                    -----------  ----------

   Loans receivable, net              1,050,013   1,017,917
                                    -----------  ----------

  Property and equipment, net            18,735      21,049
  Income taxes receivable                 3,956          --

  Other assets                           15,785      13,556
                                    -----------  ----------

   Total Assets                      $1,176,236  $1,139,354
                                    ===========  ==========

   LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS'
               EQUITY:
  Liabilities:
   Accounts payable and accrued
    liabilities                         $77,295     $83,948
   Line of credit                        97,300      61,300
   Secured financing                    404,597     574,175
   Mortgage note and capital lease
    obligations                           5,082       6,239
   Deferred income taxes, net            93,752      75,060

   Income taxes payable                      --         881
                                    -----------  ----------

     Total Liabilities                  678,026     801,603
                                    -----------  ----------


  Shareholders' Equity:
   Preferred stock, $.01 par
    value, 1,000,000 shares
    authorized, none issued                  --          --
   Common stock, $.01 par value,
    80,000,000 shares authorized,
    31,158,217 and 30,666,691
    shares issued and outstanding
    as of December 31, 2009 and
    December 31, 2008,
    respectively                            311         306
   Paid-in capital                       24,370      11,829
   Retained earnings                    474,433     328,178
   Accumulated other comprehensive
    loss, net of tax of $526 and
    $1,478 at December 31, 2009
    and December 31, 2008,
    respectively                          (904)     (2,562)
                                    -----------  ----------

     Total Shareholders' Equity         498,210     337,751
                                    -----------  ----------
     Total Liabilities and
      Shareholders' Equity           $1,176,236  $1,139,354
                                    ===========  ==========

                     CREDIT ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
                 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


                                                 Years Ended December
  (Dollars in thousands)                                 31,
                                                ----------------------

                                                   2009         2008
                                                -----------  ---------
                                                (Unaudited)
  Cash Flows From Operating Activities:
   Net income                                      $146,255    $67,177
   Adjustments to reconcile cash provided by
    operating activities:
    Provision for credit losses                    (12,164)     46,029
    Depreciation                                      5,139      5,342
    Loss on retirement of property and
     equipment                                          100         74
    Provision for deferred income taxes              17,740     11,777
    Stock-based compensation                          6,805      4,309
   Change in operating assets and liabilities:
    (Decrease) increase in accounts payable
     and accrued liabilities                        (4,029)         46
    (Increase) decrease in income taxes
     receivable / increase (decrease) in
     income taxes payable                           (4,837)     21,593

    Increase in other assets                        (2,229)      (867)
                                                -----------  ---------

     Net cash provided by operating activities      152,780    155,480
                                                -----------  ---------
  Cash Flows From Investing Activities:
   Increase in restricted cash and cash
    equivalents                                     (2,123)    (6,231)
   Purchases of restricted securities
    available for sale                              (1,451)    (1,514)
   Proceeds from sale of restricted securities
    available for sale                                   --        373
   Maturities of restricted securities
    available for sale                                1,661      1,094
   Principal collected on loans receivable          661,246    610,029
   Advances to dealers and accelerated
    payments of dealer holdback                   (533,465)  (524,496)
   Purchases of consumer loans                    (103,283)  (280,326)
   Payments of dealer holdback                     (44,269)   (58,503)
   Net increase in other loans                        (152)      (120)

   Purchases of property and equipment              (2,925)    (6,341)
                                                -----------  ---------

     Net cash used in investing activities         (24,761)  (266,035)
                                                -----------  ---------
  Cash Flows From Financing Activities:
   Borrowings under line of credit                  630,900    809,700
   Repayments under line of credit                (594,900)  (784,700)
   Proceeds from secured financing                  397,000    605,700
   Repayments of secured financing                (566,578)  (519,590)
   Principal payments under mortgage note and
    capital lease obligations                       (1,157)    (1,526)
   Repurchase of common stock                         (541)       (66)
   Proceeds from stock options exercised              1,941      2,375
   Tax benefits from stock based compensation
    plans                                             4,341      1,081
                                                -----------  ---------
    Net cash (used in) provided by financing
     activities                                   (128,994)    112,974
                                                -----------  ---------

    Effect of exchange rate changes on cash             (9)         23
                                                -----------  ---------
   Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash
    equivalents                                       (984)      2,442
   Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of
    period                                            3,154        712
                                                -----------  ---------

   Cash and cash equivalents, end of period          $2,170     $3,154
                                                ===========  =========

  Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow
   Information:
   Cash paid during the period for interest         $32,080    $43,255
   Cash paid during the period for income
    taxes                                           $67,563     $3,681

                  CREDIT ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
                     SUMMARY FINANCIAL DATA

  Loans Receivable

  A summary of changes in Loans receivable is as follows (in
   thousands):


                                For the Year Ended December 31,
                                             2009
                               --------------------------------

                                Dealer    Purchased
                                 Loans      Loans       Total
                               ---------  ---------  ----------
       Balance, beginning of
        period                  $823,567   $325,185  $1,148,752
       New loans                 533,465    103,283     636,748
       Transfers                (14,935)     14,935          --
       Dealer holdback
        payments                  44,269         --      44,269
       Net cash collections
        on loans               (515,847)  (145,399)   (661,246)
       Write-offs                (4,234)       (95)     (4,329)
       Recoveries                  2,996         46       3,042
       Net change in other
        loans                        152         --         152

       Currency translation          170         --         170
                               ---------  ---------  ----------

       Balance, end of period   $869,603   $297,955  $1,167,558
                               =========  =========  ==========


                                For the Year Ended December 31,
                                             2008
                               --------------------------------

                                Dealer    Purchased
                                 Loans      Loans       Total
                               ---------  ---------  ----------
       Balance, beginning of
        period                  $804,245   $140,453    $944,698
       New loans                 524,496    280,326     804,822
       Transfers                 (7,953)      7,953          --
       Dealer holdback
        payments                  58,503         --      58,503
       Net cash collections
        on loans               (506,600)  (103,429)   (610,029)
       Write-offs               (48,966)      (146)    (49,112)
       Recoveries                     --         28          28
       Net change in other
        loans                        120         --         120

       Currency translation        (278)         --       (278)
                               ---------  ---------  ----------

       Balance, end of period   $823,567   $325,185  $1,148,752
                               =========  =========  ==========


  A summary of changes in the Allowance for credit losses is as
   follows (in thousands):


                                For the Year Ended December 31,
                                             2009
                               --------------------------------

                                Dealer    Purchased
                                 Loans      Loans       Total
                               ---------  ---------  ----------
       Balance, beginning of
        period                  $113,831    $17,004    $130,835
       Provision for credit
        losses                   (3,962)    (8,202)    (12,164)
       Write-offs                (4,234)       (95)     (4,329)
       Recoveries                  2,996         46       3,042

       Currency translation          161         --         161
                               ---------  ---------  ----------

       Balance, end of period   $108,792     $8,753    $117,545
                               =========  =========  ==========


                                For the Year Ended December 31,
                                             2008
                               --------------------------------

                                Dealer    Purchased
                                 Loans      Loans       Total
                               ---------  ---------  ----------
       Balance, beginning of
        period                  $133,201       $944    $134,145
       Provision for credit
        losses                    29,851     16,178      46,029
       Write-offs               (48,966)      (146)    (49,112)
       Recoveries                     --         28          28

       Currency translation        (255)         --       (255)
                               ---------  ---------  ----------

       Balance, end of period   $113,831    $17,004    $130,835
                               =========  =========  ==========

This news release was distributed by GlobeNewswire, www.globenewswire.com

SOURCE: Credit Acceptance Corporation

CONTACT:  Credit Acceptance Corporation
Investor Relations:
Douglas W. Busk, Senior Vice President and Treasurer
(248) 353-2700 Ext. 4432
IR@creditacceptance.com

(C) Copyright 2010 GlobeNewswire, Inc. All rights reserved.

News Provided by COMTEX