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UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
________________________________________________________________
FORM 10-Q
________________________________________________________________
x QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2014
or
 
o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
 
For the transition period from            to            

Commission File Number: 333-170734
_____________________________________________  
SquareTwo Financial Corporation
(Exact name of Registrant as Specified in Its Charter)
_____________________________________________  
Delaware
 
84-1261849
(State or Other Jurisdiction of Incorporation or Organization)
 
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
4340 South Monaco Street, Second Floor
 
 
Denver, Colorado
 
80237
(Address of Principal Executive Offices)
 
(Zip Code)
 303-296-3345
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable
(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 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 x 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 x No o
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 o
Non-accelerated filer x
(Do not check if a smaller reporting company)
 
Smaller reporting company o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act): Yes o No x 
As of November 13, 2014, 1,000 shares of the registrant’s common stock, par value $0.001 per share, were outstanding.




TABLE OF CONTENTS
 


i


PART I

Item 1. Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.


SquareTwo Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
 
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets
 
(unaudited, in thousands except share data)
 
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Assets
 
 
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
15,912

 
$
9,379

Restricted cash
 
24,817

 
6,484

Receivables:
 
 

 
 

Trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $15 and $221, respectively
 
2,278

 
1,986

Notes receivable
 
371

 
212

Taxes receivable
 

 
275

Purchased debt, net
 
236,607

 
274,357

Property and equipment, net
 
23,226

 
24,356

Goodwill and intangible assets
 
171,348

 
171,348

Other assets
 
8,654

 
10,007

Total assets
 
$
483,213

 
$
498,404

Liabilities and equity (deficiency)
 
 

 
 

Payables:
 
 

 
 

Accounts payable, trade
 
$
2,931

 
$
3,505

Payable from trust accounts
 
1,679

 
1,933

Taxes payable
 
605

 
748

Accrued interest and other liabilities
 
33,030

 
27,861

Deferred tax liability
 
11,248

 
9,936

Line of credit
 
148,636

 
145,269

Notes payable, net of discount
 
289,385

 
289,414

Obligations under capital lease agreements
 
2,747

 
2,744

Total liabilities
 
490,261

 
481,410

Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
 


 


Equity (deficiency)
 
 

 
 

Common stock, par value $0.001 per share; 1,000 shares authorized, issued and outstanding
 

 

Additional paid-in capital
 
190,178

 
190,262

Accumulated deficit
 
(200,174
)
 
(176,354
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 
(2,634
)
 
(1,347
)
Total SquareTwo (deficiency) equity
 
(12,630
)
 
12,561

Noncontrolling interest
 
5,582

 
4,433

Total (deficiency) equity
 
(7,048
)
 
16,994

Total liabilities and (deficiency) equity
 
$
483,213

 
$
498,404

 
See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

1


SquareTwo Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations
 
(unaudited, in thousands)
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Revenues
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Purchased debt revenue, net
 
$
56,985

 
$
84,293

 
$
195,313

 
$
263,939

Other revenue
 
14

 
230

 
42

 
621

Total revenues
 
56,999

 
84,523

 
195,355

 
264,560

Expenses
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Purchased debt expense
 
31,643

 
44,266

 
101,310

 
134,901

Court costs, net
 
8,422

 
9,935

 
27,563

 
31,861

Other direct operating expense
 
4,061

 
3,083

 
11,871

 
9,175

Salaries and payroll taxes
 
7,766

 
7,142

 
22,853

 
21,147

General and administrative
 
3,549

 
3,330

 
11,130

 
10,778

Depreciation and amortization
 
1,738

 
2,103

 
5,086

 
6,014

Total operating expenses
 
57,179

 
69,859

 
179,813

 
213,876

Operating (loss) income
 
(180
)
 
14,664

 
15,542

 
50,684

Other expenses
 


 
 
 
 
 
 
Interest expense
 
11,049

 
11,392

 
33,133

 
34,775

Other expense
 
80

 
1,316

 
273

 
3,659

Total other expenses
 
11,129

 
12,708

 
33,406

 
38,434

(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(11,309
)
 
1,956

 
(17,864
)
 
12,250

Income tax expense
 
(1,699
)
 
(590
)
 
(4,807
)
 
(3,180
)
Net (loss) income
 
(13,008
)
 
1,366

 
(22,671
)
 
9,070

Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
 
409

 
387

 
1,149

 
1,053

Net (loss) income attributable to SquareTwo
 
$
(13,417
)
 
$
979

 
$
(23,820
)
 
$
8,017

 
See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


2


SquareTwo Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income
 
(unaudited, in thousands)

 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Net (loss) income
 
$
(13,008
)
 
$
1,366

 
$
(22,671
)
 
$
9,070

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency translation adjustment
 
(1,351
)
 
507

 
(1,287
)
 
(622
)
Comprehensive (loss) income
 
(14,359
)
 
1,873

 
(23,958
)
 
8,448

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
 
409

 
387

 
1,149

 
1,053

Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to SquareTwo
 
$
(14,768
)
 
$
1,486

 
$
(25,107
)
 
$
7,395


See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


3


SquareTwo Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity (Deficiency)
 
(unaudited, in thousands)
 
 
 
Common
Stock
 
Additional
Paid-In
Capital
 
Accumulated
Deficit
 
Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive Loss
 
Total
SquareTwo
Equity (Deficiency)
 
Noncontrolling
Interest
 
Total
Equity (Deficiency)
Balances, December 31, 2013
 
$

 
$
190,262

 
$
(176,354
)
 
$
(1,347
)
 
$
12,561

 
$
4,433

 
$
16,994

Net (loss) income
 

 

 
(23,820
)
 

 
(23,820
)
 
1,149

 
(22,671
)
Currency translation adjustment
 

 

 

 
(1,287
)
 
(1,287
)
 

 
(1,287
)
Distribution to Parent
 

 
(150
)
 

 

 
(150
)
 

 
(150
)
Stock option expense
 

 
66

 

 

 
66

 

 
66

Balances, September 30, 2014
 
$

 
$
190,178

 
$
(200,174
)
 
$
(2,634
)
 
$
(12,630
)
 
$
5,582

 
$
(7,048
)
 
See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements


4


SquareTwo Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
 
Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
 
(unaudited, in thousands)
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
Operating activities
 
 

 
 

Net (loss) income
 
$
(22,671
)
 
$
9,070

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

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
 
5,086

 
6,014

Amortization of loan origination fees and debt discount
 
2,202

 
2,482

Recovery of step-up in basis of purchased debt
 

 
107

Purchased debt valuation allowance charges (reversals)
 
808

 
(6,460
)
Stock option expense
 
66

 
99

Amortization of prepaid and other non-cash expenses
 
3,252

 
3,344

Deferred tax provision, net of valuation allowance
 
1,312

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 
 
 

Income tax payable/receivable
 
129

 
(2,656
)
Restricted cash
 
(18,333
)
 
(14,624
)
Other assets
 
(3,686
)
 
(4,016
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
4,788

 
11,153

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
 
(27,047
)
 
4,513

Investing activities
 
 

 
 

Investment in purchased debt
 
(97,482
)
 
(230,995
)
Proceeds applied to purchased debt principal
 
133,720

 
188,749

Payments to branch offices related to asset purchase program
 

 
(297
)
Net (investment in) proceeds from notes receivable
 
(170
)
 
27

Investment in property and equipment, including internally developed software
 
(3,028
)
 
(3,800
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 
33,040

 
(46,316
)
Financing activities
 
 

 
 

Repayments of investment by Parent
 
(150
)
 

Payments on notes payable, net
 
(568
)
 
(411
)
Proceeds from lines-of-credit
 
334,924

 
472,177

Payments on lines-of-credit
 
(331,557
)
 
(429,382
)
Origination fees on lines-of-credit
 
(257
)
 
(856
)
Payments on capital lease obligations
 
(1,279
)
 
(1,121
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
1,113

 
40,407

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents
 
7,106

 
(1,396
)
Impact of foreign currency translation on cash
 
(573
)
 
(542
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 
9,379

 
7,538

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
15,912

 
$
5,600

Supplemental cash flow information
 
 

 
 

Cash paid for interest
 
$
22,561

 
$
24,049

Cash paid for income taxes
 
3,367

 
5,837

Property and equipment financed with capital leases and notes payable
 
1,282

 
2,066

 See Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements

5


SquareTwo Financial Corporation and Subsidiaries
 
Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements
 
(unaudited, in thousands except share amounts or otherwise indicated)

1. Organization and Basis of Presentation

SquareTwo Financial Corporation (together with its subsidiaries referred to herein as “SquareTwo,” "we," "our," "us," or the “Company”) is a Delaware corporation that was organized in February 1994 and is headquartered in Denver, Colorado. On August 5, 2005, CA Holding Inc. (“Parent”) acquired 100% of the outstanding stock of SquareTwo and its subsidiaries (the “Acquisition”). The accompanying consolidated financial statements reflect Parent’s basis in SquareTwo. SquareTwo’s subsidiaries purchase domestic and Canadian charged-off receivables (referred to herein as “purchased debt”).
    
The Company is a leading purchaser of charged-off consumer and commercial receivables in the accounts receivable management industry. Our primary business is the acquisition, management and collection of charged-off consumer and commercial accounts receivable that we purchase from financial institutions, finance and leasing companies, and other issuers in the U.S. and Canada. SquareTwo, excluding our Canadian operations and SquareTwo Financial Services Corporation, serves as a network of attorney based branch offices which pursue proceeds on debt owned by the Company for a fee. Each of our branch offices is independently owned, but has executed detailed agreements that provide the legal structure for the relationship with SquareTwo.

In addition to managing the branch office network, SquareTwo places certain of its accounts for collection through its subsidiary SquareTwo Financial Services Corporation. Until August 2014, SquareTwo Financial Services Corporation was legally known as SquareTwo Financial Commercial Funding Corporation. Along with its legal name change, this entity has registered to conduct its collection activities within the United States under the d/b/a name Fresh View Solutions.
    
Our Canadian subsidiaries exclusively purchase charged-off Canadian accounts. In Canada, we utilize internal collectors and third-party non-legal and legal collection firms which exclusively service our Canadian customers.

The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Rule 10-01 of Regulation S-X promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) and, therefore, do not include all information and disclosures required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In the opinion of the Company, however, the accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contain all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s condensed consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2014, its condensed consolidated statements of operations and condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, its condensed consolidated statements of changes in equity (deficiency) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014, and its condensed consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.  The condensed consolidated statements of operations and condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income of the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 may not be indicative of future results. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the year ended December 31, 2013 included in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

2. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
 
Principles of Consolidation
 
The condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with GAAP and include the accounts of SquareTwo and its subsidiaries. SquareTwo owns the following subsidiaries: ReFinance America, Ltd.; CACV of Colorado, LLC; CACH, LLC; Collect Air, LLC; Healthcare Funding Solutions, LLC; SquareTwo Financial Services Corporation (d/b/a/ Fresh View Solutions); Collect America of Canada, LLC, and certain other inactive entities not listed. Collect America of Canada, LLC has a wholly-owned subsidiary, SquareTwo Financial Canada Corporation, which has an 86% ownership interest in CCL Financial Inc. ("CCL"). CCL is a consolidated subsidiary of the Company. As previously disclosed, Parent owns 100% of the outstanding equity of SquareTwo and all other Parent investments are dormant. All material expenses incurred by Parent on SquareTwo’s behalf have been allocated to SquareTwo and are reflected in the condensed consolidated financial statements of SquareTwo. All significant intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.

6


SquareTwo has two reportable operating segments, as defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board's ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 280, Segment Reporting (“ASC 280”): Domestic and Canada.

Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the accompanying notes.

Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company's condensed consolidated financial statements are based on a number of significant estimates, including the collectability of purchased debt and the timing of such proceeds, impairment testing of goodwill and the branch office network indefinite-lived intangible asset, and accounting for income taxes. Due to the uncertainties inherent in the estimation process, it is at least reasonably possible that the Company's estimates in connection with these items could be materially revised within the near term.

Revenue Recognition from Purchased Debt

Purchased debt represents receivables that have been charged-off as uncollectible by the originating organization and that may or may not have been subject to previous collection efforts. Through its subsidiaries, the Company purchases the rights to the unrecovered balances owed by individual customers from various financial institutions at a substantial discount from face value and records the purchase at the Company's cost to acquire the portfolio.

We account for our purchased debt under the guidance of ASC Topic 310-30, "Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality" ("ASC 310-30"). Under ASC 310-30, static pools of purchased debt may be established and accounted for under either the interest method of accounting (referred to by us as "level yield") or the cost recovery method of accounting. These pools are aggregated based on certain common risk criteria. Each static pool is recorded at cost and is accounted for as a single unit for the recognition of income, reduction of carrying value and any valuation allowance. Once a static pool is established, individual accounts are not added to or removed from the pool. Purchased debt accounted for under our level yield method of accounting is pooled each quarter, whereas purchased debt accounted for under cost recovery is pooled by each individual purchase. The cost recovery method prescribed by ASC 310-30 is required when cash proceeds on a particular purchase cannot be reasonably predicted in timing or amount. Purchased debt accounted for under the cost recovery method is comprised of Canadian portfolios acquired prior to January 1, 2012, commercial, student loan, medical, and any other purchases in the U.S. or Canada for which we do not have the necessary experience to forecast the timing and amount of cash flows. For purchased debt that we believe we can reasonably forecast the timing and amount of our cash proceeds we utilize the level yield method.

Level Yield Method

Most of our purchased debt is accounted for under the level yield method of accounting. Under the level yield method of accounting, cash proceeds on each static pool are allocated to both revenue and to reduce the carrying value (the purchased debt, net line item on the condensed consolidated balance sheets) based on an estimated gross internal rate of return ("IRR") for that pool. We determine the applicable IRR for each static pool based on our estimate of the expected cash proceeds of that pool which is based on our estimated remaining proceeds ("ERP") for the static pool, and the rate of return required to reduce the carrying value of that pool to zero over its estimated life. Each pool's IRR is typically determined using an expected life of six to nine years. As described below, if cash proceeds for a pool deviate from the forecast in timing or amount, we adjust the carrying value of the pool or its IRR (which determines our future revenue recognition), as applicable.

Purchased debt portfolios with similar economic characteristics accounted for under the level yield method are accumulated into static pools on a quarterly basis. Cash proceeds on a pool that are greater than the revenue recognized in accordance with the established IRR will reduce the carrying value of the static pool (also referred to as "amortization" of the pool). Cash proceeds on a pool that are lower than the revenue recognized in accordance with the established IRR will increase the carrying value of the static pool as required by ASC 310-30.

The expected trends of each pool are analyzed at least quarterly. If these trends are different than the original estimates, certain adjustments may be required. Each quarter, we use our ERP to determine our estimate of future cash proceeds for each pool. We then use all factors available, such as the types of assets within the pool, our experience with those assets, the age of the pool, any recent fluctuations in our recovery rates from the various channels we collect from, and where that pool is in its own collection life cycle. We use these factors for each static pool to determine a range of future proceeds, which becomes smaller as we gain more experience with each static pool. We determine our best estimate of future proceeds within that range, which may be used for adjustments to our revenue recognition, or for our determination of allowance charges.

7



Using our best estimate of future proceeds, if we estimate a reduction or delay in the receipt of the aggregate future cash proceeds on a pool, a valuation allowance may be recognized and the original IRR remains unchanged. The valuation allowance is determined to the extent that the present value (using the established IRR) of the revised future cash proceeds is less than the current carrying value of the pool. If we estimate an increase in the aggregate future cash proceeds or an acceleration of the timing of future cash proceeds on a pool, the IRR may be increased prospectively to reflect revised best estimates of those future cash proceeds over the remaining life of the pool. If there was a previous valuation allowance taken, reversal of the previously recognized valuation allowance occurs prior to any increases to the IRR. ASC 310-30 requires that each pool be evaluated independently and does not allow netting across pools. Thus, even in periods of increasing cash proceeds for our entire purchased debt portfolio, we may be required to record a valuation allowance. Allowance charges for purchased debt are included as adjustments to the purchased debt revenue, net line item in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

Canadian purchases made on or after January 1, 2012 are being accounted for under the level yield method unless we are unable to reasonably forecast the timing and amount of cash proceeds. Purchases eligible for the level yield method are being accumulated into static pools on a quarterly basis separately from U.S. purchases.

Cost Recovery Method

Treatment of cash proceeds under the cost recovery method differs from treatment under the level yield method. Under the cost recovery method, as cash proceeds, excluding court cost recoveries, less collection fees paid are received, they directly reduce the carrying value of the purchased debt. For every dollar recorded as a fee paid to the branch offices or third party collection firms, there is a corresponding dollar recorded as revenue in the purchased debt revenue, net line item in the condensed consolidated statements of operations (i.e. the expense and revenue amounts are equal). Once the purchase's carrying value has been reduced to zero, all cash proceeds, excluding court cost recoveries, are recorded as revenues. Court cost recoveries received for purchased debt accounted for under the cost recovery method of accounting are netted against court cost expenditures in the court costs, net line item in the condensed consolidated statements of operations. As compared to the level yield method of accounting, the cost recovery method of accounting generally results in a more rapid reduction in the carrying value of purchased debt and slower recognition of revenue with respect thereto.

We assess our purchased debt accounted for under the cost recovery method at least annually, or more frequently if necessary, to determine if a valuation allowance is necessary. If the carrying value of a purchase is greater than our best estimate of future cash proceeds, excluding court cost recoveries, net of the fees expected to be paid for collections on that purchase, we record a valuation allowance for the difference. In the instance that our best estimate of future cash proceeds, excluding court cost recoveries, increases for a cost recovery purchase that had a valuation allowance previously recorded, we may reverse a portion or the entire valuation allowance, as estimates indicate. Similar to our process to determine our revenue recognition, or allowance charges for our level yield pools as described above, we use all factors available, and our ERP to determine our best estimate of future cash proceeds for our purchased debt accounted for under the cost recovery method.

Reclassifications
 
Certain reclassifications have been made to prior year amounts in order to conform to the current year presentation. The Company has revised the presentation of its condensed consolidated statement of operations for all the periods presented to provide improved visibility and comparability with the current year presentation.
 
Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements
 
In May 2014, the FASB and the IASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers." ASU No. 2014-09 is a comprehensive new revenue recognition standard that supersedes virtually all existing revenue guidance under US GAAP and IFRS. The standard’s core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under current guidance. The Company will be required to apply the standard retrospectively in the first quarter of 2017.  The Company is in the process of determining the impact this standard may have on its financial statements.

In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-12, "Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period.” ASU No. 2014-12 provides explicit guidance regarding share-based payments where the performance target could be achieved post-termination of employment and will be effective for the Company in the first quarter of 2016. As the

8


Company, at times, issues these types of compensation arrangements, when applicable, this guidance will be used. ASU No. 2014-12 does not have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements at this time.
In August 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-15, "Presentation of Financial Statements-Going Concern (Subtopic 205-40).” ASU No. 2014-15 provides guidance about management's responsibility to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern and to provide related footnote disclosures. This update will be effective for the Company for the annual period ending after December 15, 2016.
3. Purchased Debt
  
The following tables show the changes in purchased debt, net for the periods presented:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
Level Yield
 
Cost Recovery
 
Totals
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
236,860

 
$
266,529

 
$
16,860

 
$
23,041

 
$
253,720

 
$
289,570

Purchases
 
27,326

 
71,915

 
2,340

 
1,829

 
29,666

 
73,744

Valuation allowance (charges) reversals
 
(872
)
 
2,709

 
(459
)
 

 
(1,331
)
 
2,709

Proceeds applied to purchased debt principal
 
(41,932
)
 
(61,568
)
 
(2,888
)
 
(4,491
)
 
(44,820
)
 
(66,059
)
Other(1)
 
(625
)
 
279

 
(3
)
 
18

 
(628
)
 
297

Balance at end of period
 
$
220,757

 
$
279,864

 
$
15,850

 
$
20,397

 
$
236,607

 
$
300,261


 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
Level Yield
 
Cost Recovery
 
Totals
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
254,419

 
$
230,773

 
$
19,938

 
$
20,909

 
$
274,357

 
$
251,682

Purchases
 
91,688

 
215,010

 
5,794

 
15,985

 
97,482

 
230,995

Valuation allowance (charges) reversals
 
(349
)
 
9,330

 
(459
)
 
(2,870
)
 
(808
)
 
6,460

Proceeds applied to purchased debt principal
 
(124,308
)
 
(174,839
)
 
(9,412
)
 
(13,910
)
 
(133,720
)
 
(188,749
)
Other(1)
 
(693
)
 
(410
)
 
(11
)
 
283

 
(704
)
 
(127
)
Balance at end of period
 
$
220,757

 
$
279,864

 
$
15,850

 
$
20,397

 
$
236,607

 
$
300,261


 (1)    Other includes impacts of the Company’s currency translation, branch office asset purchase program (discontinued), and recovery of step-up in basis on purchased debt.
 
The following tables show the relationship of purchased debt proceeds to gross revenue recognized and proceeds applied to principal for the periods presented:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
Level Yield
 
Cost Recovery
 
Totals
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Proceeds
 
$
90,251

 
$
129,835

 
$
11,850

 
$
15,458

 
$
102,101

 
$
145,293

Less:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Gross revenue recognized
 
48,319

 
68,267

 
8,650

 
10,618

 
56,969

 
78,885

Cost recovery court cost recoveries(1)
 

 

 
312

 
349

 
312

 
349

Proceeds applied to purchased debt principal
 
41,932

 
61,568

 
2,888

 
4,491

 
44,820

 
66,059

 
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$



9


 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
Level Yield
 
Cost Recovery
 
Totals
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Proceeds
 
$
288,903

 
$
390,781

 
$
37,342

 
$
48,367

 
$
326,245

 
$
439,148

Less:
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

Gross revenue recognized
 
164,595

 
215,942

 
26,982

 
33,373

 
191,577

 
249,315

Cost recovery court cost recoveries(1)
 

 

 
948

 
1,084

 
948

 
1,084

Proceeds applied to purchased debt principal
 
124,308

 
174,839

 
9,412

 
13,910

 
133,720

 
188,749

 
 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$

 (1)    Cost recovery court cost recoveries are recorded as a contra expense in the court costs, net line item in the condensed consolidated statements of operations.

The following tables reconcile gross revenue recognized to purchased debt revenues, net for the periods presented: 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
Level Yield
 
Cost Recovery
 
Totals
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Gross revenue recognized
 
$
48,319

 
$
68,267

 
$
8,650

 
$
10,618

 
$
56,969

 
$
78,885

Purchased debt royalties
 
1,128

 
2,535

 
251

 
225

 
1,379

 
2,760

Valuation allowance (charges) reversals
 
(872
)
 
2,709

 
(459
)
 

 
(1,331
)
 
2,709

Other(1)
 

 

 
(32
)
 
(61
)
 
(32
)
 
(61
)
Purchased debt revenue, net
 
$
48,575

 
$
73,511

 
$
8,410

 
$
10,782

 
$
56,985

 
$
84,293


 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
Level Yield
 
Cost Recovery
 
Totals
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Gross revenue recognized
 
$
164,595

 
$
215,942

 
$
26,982

 
$
33,373

 
$
191,577

 
$
249,315

Purchased debt royalties
 
3,932

 
7,460

 
733

 
931

 
4,665

 
8,391

Valuation allowance (charges) reversals
 
(349
)
 
9,330

 
(459
)
 
(2,870
)
 
(808
)
 
6,460

Other(1)
 

 

 
(121
)
 
(227
)
 
(121
)
 
(227
)
Purchased debt revenue, net
 
$
168,178

 
$
232,732

 
$
27,135

 
$
31,207

 
$
195,313

 
$
263,939


(1)    Other items relate to certain profit sharing items that reduce the Company’s revenue recorded on purchased debt, the branch office asset purchase program (discontinued), and recovery of step-up in basis.

     The following tables show the detail of the Company’s purchases for the periods presented: 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
Level Yield
 
Cost Recovery
 
Totals
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Purchase price
 
$
27,326

 
$
71,915

 
$
2,340

 
$
1,829

 
$
29,666

 
$
73,744

Face value
 
287,531

 
626,377

 
54,584

 
38,718

 
342,115

 
665,095

% of face
 
9.5
%
 
11.5
%
 
4.3
%
 
4.7
%
 
8.7
%
 
11.1
%


10


 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
Level Yield
 
Cost Recovery
 
Totals
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Purchase price
 
$
91,688

 
$
215,010

 
$
5,794

 
$
15,985

 
$
97,482

 
$
230,995

Face value
 
758,735

 
2,206,924

 
144,984

 
302,558

 
903,719

 
2,509,482

% of face
 
12.1
%
 
9.7
%
 
4.0
%
 
5.3
%
 
10.8
%
 
9.2
%

Accretable yield represents the difference between the ERP of our purchased debt accounted for under the level yield method and the carrying value of those assets. The ERP is used in determining our revenue recognition, and adjustments to our revenue recognition, for our purchased debt accounted for under the level yield method, which is described in further detail in Note 2.

During the three months ended September 30, 2014, the Company purchased $287.5 million in face value debt that qualified for the level yield method of accounting for a purchase price of $27.3 million. The ERP expected at acquisition for these level yield portfolios amounted to $42.2 million. The accretable yield for these purchases was $14.9 million, or the ERP of $42.2 million less the purchase price of $27.3 million.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, the Company purchased $758.7 million in face value debt that qualified for the level yield method of accounting for a purchase price of $91.7 million. The ERP expected at acquisition amounted to $135.9 million. The accretable yield for these purchases was $44.3 million, or the ERP of $135.9 million less the purchase price of $91.7 million.

The following table represents the quarterly change in accretable yield for the periods presented:
 
 
2014
 
2013
Balance at December 31, prior year
 
$
523,006

 
$
596,849

Impact from revenue recognized on purchased debt, net
 
(61,085
)
 
(75,024
)
Additions from current purchases
 
13,150

 
62,109

Reclassifications to accretable yield, including foreign currency translation
 
13,555

 
10,475

Balance at March 31,
 
$
488,626

 
$
594,409

Impact from revenue recognized on purchased debt, net
 
(55,714
)
 
(79,272
)
Additions from current purchases
 
16,241

 
72,278

Reclassifications to accretable yield, including foreign currency translation
 
(10,751
)
 
12,639

Balance at June 30,
 
$
438,402

 
$
600,054

Impact from revenue recognized on purchased debt, net
 
(47,448
)
 
(70,976
)
Additions from current purchases
 
14,866

 
48,161

Reclassifications to accretable yield, including foreign currency translation
 
(1,031
)
 
(5,317
)
Balance at September 30,
 
$
404,789

 
$
571,922

 
 
 
 
 

The following tables show the changes in the valuation allowance for the Company’s purchased debt during the periods presented:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
Level Yield
 
Cost Recovery
 
Totals
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
125,561

 
$
129,981

 
$
17,584

 
$
16,584

 
$
143,145

 
$
146,565

Valuation allowance charges (reversals)
 
872

 
(2,709
)
 
459

 

 
1,331

 
(2,709
)
Balance at end of period
 
$
126,433

 
$
127,272

 
$
18,043

 
$
16,584

 
$
144,476

 
$
143,856


11


 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
Level Yield
 
Cost Recovery
 
Totals
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Balance at beginning of period
 
$
126,084

 
$
136,602

 
$
17,584

 
$
13,714

 
$
143,668

 
$
150,316

Valuation allowance charges (reversals)
 
349

 
(9,330
)
 
459

 
2,870

 
808

 
(6,460
)
Balance at end of period
 
$
126,433

 
$
127,272

 
$
18,043

 
$
16,584

 
$
144,476

 
$
143,856


4. Goodwill and Other Intangibles
 
Indefinite lived intangible assets consist of goodwill and the value of the Company’s branch offices and were identified as part of purchase accounting at the date of the Acquisition. The Company tests its indefinite lived intangibles annually for impairment unless there is a triggering event during an interim period that would necessitate testing.

    We have two operating segments: Domestic and Canada. In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (“ASC 350”), we have deemed our operating segments to be reporting units for the purpose of testing goodwill for impairment.

The following is a summary of intangibles:
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Goodwill
 
$
146,458

 
$
146,458

Branch office intangible
 
24,890

 
24,890

Total intangible assets
 
$
171,348

 
$
171,348


5. Notes Payable and Other Borrowings
 
Line of Credit
 
The following is a listing of the Company’s outstanding line of credit borrowings, balances, and interest rates under the revolving credit facility:
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Type of Debt
 
Weighted Average Interest Rate(1)
 
Balance
 
Maturity
 
Weighted Average Interest Rate(1)
 
Balance
 
Maturity
Line of Credit US
 
4.8
%
 
$
148,636

 
April 2016
 
4.9
%
 
$
145,269

 
April 2016
Line of Credit Canada
 
5.8
%
 

 
April 2016
 
5.8
%
 

 
April 2016
Total Line of Credit
 
 

 
$
148,636

 
 
 
 

 
$
145,269

 
 
 (1)    Weighted average interest rates exclude the impact of amortization of fees associated with the origination of these instruments.

The remaining unamortized costs of the facility were $1,228 and $1,673 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and are included in the other assets line on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. These costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the remaining term of the facility. The Company had accrued interest on its lines of credit of $106 and $122 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, which are included in the accrued interest and other liabilities line item on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. 

At September 30, 2014, our availability under the line of credit facility was $59.6 million based on our borrowing base calculation.









12


Notes Payable
 
The following is a listing of the Company’s outstanding notes payable borrowings, balances, and interest rates:
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Type of Debt
 
Weighted Average Interest Rate(1)
 
Balance
 
Maturity
 
Weighted Average Interest Rate(1)
 
Balance
 
Maturity
Senior Second Lien Notes, net of $1,811 and $2,350 unamortized discount
 
11.625
%
 
$
288,189

 
April 2017
 
11.625
%
 
$
287,650

 
April 2017
Other Notes Payable
 
5.7
%
 
1,196

 
2015 - 2021
 
5.5
%
 
1,764

 
2015 - 2021
Total Notes Payable
 
 

 
$
289,385

 
 
 
 

 
$
289,414

 
 
 (1)    Weighted average interest rates exclude the impact of the amortization of fees associated with the origination of these instruments.
 
The remaining unamortized costs of the Senior Second Lien Notes were $3,224 and $4,185 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, and are included in the other assets line on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. These costs are amortized on a straight-line basis over the term of the notes.
 
The Company had accrued interest on its Senior Second Lien Notes payable of $16,856 and $8,428 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, which is included in the accrued interest and other liabilities line item on the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Covenants
 
The senior revolving credit facility, as amended, and the Senior Second Lien Notes have certain covenants and restrictions, as is customary for such facilities, with which the Company must comply. As of September 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and restrictions of the revolving credit facility and Senior Second Lien Notes.

Subsequent to September 30, 2014, SquareTwo amended its Loan Agreement to decrease the Minimum Adjusted EBITDA Covenant. Further information regarding the amendment is disclosed in Note 12.

Letters of Credit

 The Company had outstanding letters of credit totaling $492 at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013. At September 30, 2014 letters of credit totaling $492 had not been drawn on and remained outstanding. The letters of credit have been issued to provide support in connection with our licensing applications.

6. Stockholder's Equity (Deficiency)

Common Stock

As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company is authorized to issue 1,000 shares, all of which are reserved as common stock, with 1,000 shares outstanding with a par value of $0.001 per share. There are no other equity shares outstanding that would take preference over the common stock in the instance that the Company pays dividends or liquidates. The outstanding shares are voting common stock and are owned 100% by Parent.

Non-Controlling Interest

The Company holds a controlling interest of approximately 86% in its Canadian subsidiary, CCL. The portions of net income and comprehensive income attributable to the non-controlling interest in CCL are shown on our condensed consolidated statements of operations and condensed consolidated statements of comprehensive (loss) income.








13


Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, accumulated other comprehensive loss included currency translation adjustments resulting from converting transactions and balances related to our Canada segment's operations from Canadian dollars to U.S. dollars. The following is a summary of the changes in accumulated other comprehensive loss during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Currency Translation Adjustment
 
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance, December 31, 2013
 
$
(1,347
)
 
$
(1,347
)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax of $0
 
(1,287
)
 
(1,287
)
Balance, September 30, 2014
 
$
(2,634
)
 
$
(2,634
)

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
 
Currency Translation Adjustment
 
Total Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss
Balance, December 31, 2012
 
$
(111
)
 
$
(111
)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax of $0
 
(622
)
 
(622
)
Balance, September 30, 2013
 
$
(733
)
 
$
(733
)

7. Fair Value of Financial Instruments

ASC 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures", defines fair value based on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 establishes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes observable and unobservable inputs used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy consists of three broad levels, which are described below:
 
·                  Level 1-Quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities that the reporting entity can access at the measurement date.
 
·                  Level 2-Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1, that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, such as quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable market data.
 
·                  Level 3-Unobservable inputs that are supported by little, if any, market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets and liabilities. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
 
Purchased Debt Receivables
 
The Company initially records purchased debt receivables at cost. Purchased debt receivables, for which a valuation allowance has not been recorded, are subsequently recorded net of amortization under the interest method or the cost recovery method as discussed previously in Note 2. If a valuation allowance is required for a level yield pool, the Company records that portion of the total purchased debt balance by discounting the future cash flows generated by its proprietary forecasting model using the IRR as a discount rate. Valuation allowances for cost recovery pools are determined using the Company's proprietary forecasting model cash flows, which are undiscounted.










14


Estimated Fair Value
 
The following tables display the carrying value and estimated fair value of the Company's financial instruments held in accordance with ASC 820-10-50-2E at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
 
 
September 30, 2014
 
 
Carrying
amounts
 
Estimated
fair value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Purchased debt(1)
 
$
236,607

 
$
569,074

 
$

 
$

 
$
569,074

Line of credit(2)
 
148,636

 
148,636

 

 
148,636

 

Senior Second Lien Notes, net of $1,811 unamortized discount(3)
 
288,189

 
302,689

 
302,689

 

 

Other Notes Payable(4)
 
1,196

 
1,196

 

 
1,196

 

 
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
Carrying
amounts
 
Estimated
fair value
 
Level 1
 
Level 2
 
Level 3
Purchased debt(1)
 
$
274,357

 
$
658,676

 
$

 
$

 
$
658,676

Line of credit(2)
 
145,269

 
145,269

 

 
145,269

 

Senior Second Lien Notes, net of $2,350 unamortized discount(3)
 
287,650

 
295,987

 
295,987

 

 

Other Notes Payable(4)
 
1,764

 
1,764

 

 
1,764

 

(1)    The Company's estimated fair value of purchased debt has been determined using our consolidated ERP discounted using a rate that approximates our weighted average cost of capital. Our ERP expectations are based on historical data as well as assumptions about future collection rates and customer behavior. The estimated fair value of purchased debt should not be construed to represent the underlying value of the Company.
 
(2)    The Company has both a domestic and Canadian revolving credit facility. These instruments contain variable borrowing rates that are based in part on observed available market interest rates. As a result, the Company believes the carrying values of these instruments approximate fair value.

(3)    The fair value of our Senior Second Lien Notes is based on recently observed available market trading metrics.

(4)    We estimated the fair value of these notes to approximate carrying value, as the applicable interest rates of the notes approximate those of our other current borrowings, which are based in part on observable market rates.
 
The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable and payable, accrued expenses, and notes receivable are considered to approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these instruments.

8. Income Taxes
 
For financial statement reporting purposes, the Company is treated as a stand-alone entity, and therefore all components of the provision for, or benefit from income taxes as well as the deferred tax assets and liabilities recognized herein reflect only the financial results and position of SquareTwo. For income tax purposes, the Company is included in the consolidated return of Parent. Parent files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction, and various state and foreign jurisdictions. Parent's U.S. federal income tax returns were last examined for the tax year ended December 31, 2004, and Parent potentially remains subject to examination for all tax years ended on or after December 31, 2009.

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 the combined state, federal and Canadian tax expense from operations was $1.7 million and $4.8 million, respectively. These amounts are primarily comprised of foreign taxes on Canadian operations based on an effective tax rate of approximately 26.5% as well as $0.2 million and $1.4 million expense, respectively, related to those earnings in the U.S. Any tax benefits related to pretax losses generated by the Company’s ongoing U.S. operations during 2014 have been fully offset by a corresponding increase in the valuation allowance as the Company remains in a full valuation allowance position at September 30, 2014.

While virtually all U.S. tax expense associated with foreign earnings can be offset by the Company’s net operating losses or foreign tax credits available in the U.S., the $0.2 million and $1.4 million recognized during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively, relates specifically to withholding taxes on the amount of the earnings that would be applicable upon a future distribution. Therefore, to the extent the earnings deemed distributed are not actually repatriated to the U.S., the withholding tax liability will not be paid.



15


9. Commitments and Contingencies

Litigation
 
From time to time the Company is a defendant in ordinary routine litigation alleging violations of applicable state and federal laws by the Company or the branch offices acting on its behalf that is incidental to our business. These suits may include actions which may purport to be on behalf of a class of consumers. While the litigation and regulatory environment is challenging and continually changing, for the Company, our branch offices and our industry, in our opinion, such matters will not individually, or in the aggregate, result in a materially adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Management believes the range of reasonably possible loss for outstanding claims is between zero and $1.5 million. The Company accrues for loss contingencies as they become probable and estimable.

10. Segment Information

In its operation of the business, the chief operating decision maker ("CODM"), our Chief Executive Officer, reviews certain financial information, including segment statements of profitability prepared on a basis not consistent with GAAP. The segment information within this note is reported on that basis. The CODM evaluates this information in deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance. The Company has two reportable operating segments: Canada operations and Domestic operations, which have been determined based on the way our Board of Directors, the CODM, and our Senior Leadership Team review the Company's strategy and performance.

The accounting policies of our two segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies in Note 2. Canadian purchases made on or after January 1, 2012 are being accounted for under the level yield method unless we are unable to reasonably forecast the timing and amount of cash proceeds. Purchases eligible for the level yield method are accumulated into static pools on a quarterly basis separately from U.S. purchases.

The following tables present the Company's operating segment results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and September 30, 2013:
 
Cash Proceeds on Purchased Debt:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Cash Proceeds on Purchased Debt
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Domestic
 
$
91,035

 
$
133,265

 
$
293,373

 
$
402,311

Canada
 
11,066

 
12,028

 
32,872

 
36,837

Consolidated
 
$
102,101

 
$
145,293

 
$
326,245

 
$
439,148


Total Revenues:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Total Revenues
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Domestic
 
$
50,004

 
$
77,394

 
$
175,208

 
$
242,428

Canada
 
6,995

 
7,129

 
20,147

 
22,132

Consolidated
 
$
56,999

 
$
84,523

 
$
195,355

 
$
264,560


Adjusted EBITDA:
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Domestic
 
$
39,742

 
$
71,800

 
$
131,945

 
$
212,772

Canada
 
8,054

 
8,940

 
23,853

 
25,696

Consolidated
 
$
47,796

 
$
80,740

 
$
155,798

 
$
238,468


16


(1)     Segment Adjusted EBITDA is calculated consistently with the methodology used to report the Company's consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, except with regard to the costs of certain overhead items that may benefit both operating segments. The costs of these overhead items are included in the calculation of Domestic Adjusted EBITDA, but have not been allocated to Canada. This treatment of certain overhead costs is consistent with CODM review.

Segment net income or loss is not presented herein, which is consistent with the CODM's review of segment information. The table below reconciles consolidated net (loss) income to consolidated Adjusted EBITDA:
Reconciliation of Net (loss) Income to Adjusted EBITDA ($ in thousands)
 
Three Months Ended September 30,
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
2014
 
2013
Net (loss) income
 
$
(13,008
)
 
$
1,366

 
$
(22,671
)
 
$
9,070

Interest expense
 
11,049

 
11,392

 
33,133

 
34,775

Interest income
 
(44
)
 
(38
)
 
(101
)
 
(74
)
Income tax expense
 
1,699

 
590

 
4,807

 
3,180

Depreciation and amortization
 
1,738

 
2,103

 
5,086

 
6,014

EBITDA
 
1,434

 
15,413

 
20,254

 
52,965

Adjustments related to purchased debt accounting
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Proceeds applied to purchased debt principal(1)
 
44,820

 
66,059

 
133,720

 
188,749

Amortization of step-up of carrying value(2)
 

 

 

 
107

Purchased debt valuation allowance charges (reversals)(3)
 
1,331

 
(2,709
)
 
808

 
(6,460
)
Certain other or non-cash expenses
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Stock option expense(4)
 
17

 
32

 
66

 
99

Other(5)
 
194

 
1,945

 
950

 
3,008

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
47,796

 
$
80,740

 
$
155,798

 
$
238,468

(1)    Cash proceeds applied to purchased debt principal rather than recorded as revenue.
 
(2)    Non-cash amortization of a step-up in the carrying value of certain purchased debt assets related to purchase accounting adjustments resulting from the 2005 acquisition of the Company by Parent.
 
(3)    Represents non-cash valuation allowance charges (reversals) on purchased debt.

(4)    Represents the non-cash expense related to option grants of Parent’s equity granted to certain employees, directors and branch office owners.
 
(5)    Consistent with the covenant calculations within our revolving credit facility, other includes branch office note reserves, lease breakup costs, certain consulting fees, management fees paid to KRG, certain transaction expenses, recruiting expense, severance expense, and certain non-recurring items.

    
The table below reconciles net cash provided by operating activities to Adjusted EBITDA:
 Reconciliation of Cash Flow from Operations to Adjusted EBITDA ($ in thousands)
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
 
$
(27,047
)
 
$
4,513

Proceeds applied to purchased debt principal(1)
 
133,720

 
188,749

Interest expense to be paid in cash(2)
 
30,931

 
32,293

Interest income
 
(101
)
 
(74
)
Amortization of prepaid and other non-cash expenses
 
(3,252
)
 
(3,344
)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities and deferred taxes:
 
 
 
 
Restricted cash(3)
 
18,333

 
14,624

Other operating assets and liabilities and deferred taxes(4)
 
(2,543
)
 
(4,481
)
Income tax expense
 
4,807

 
3,180

Other(5)
 
950

 
3,008

Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
155,798

 
$
238,468

(1)    Cash proceeds applied to purchased debt principal are shown in the investing activities section of the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.
 

17


(2)    Represents interest expense, excluding non-cash amortization of loan origination fees and debt discount.

(3)    Represents the change in restricted cash balances for the period due to the timing of payments on our lines of credit and semi-annual interest payments on our Senior Second Lien Notes.

(4)    The amount represents timing differences due to the recognition of certain expenses and revenue items on a cash versus accrual basis.

(5)    Consistent with the covenant calculations within our revolving credit facility, other includes branch office note reserves, lease breakup costs, certain consulting fees, management fees paid to KRG, certain transaction expenses, recruiting expense, severance expense, and certain non-recurring items.

Segment assets were as follows as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013:
Total Assets
 
September 30, 2014
 
December 31, 2013
Domestic
 
$
451,651

 
$
474,175

Canada
 
31,562

 
24,229

Consolidated
 
$
483,213

 
$
498,404


Long-lived assets, excluding financial instruments and deferred taxes, of our Canada segment were not material at September 30, 2014 or December 31, 2013.

11. Supplemental Guarantor Information
 
The payment obligations under the Senior Second Lien Notes (see Note 5) are fully and unconditionally guaranteed, jointly and severally, on a senior secured basis by substantially all of SquareTwo Financial Corporation’s (the “Borrower”) 100% owned existing and future domestic subsidiaries (“Guarantor Subsidiaries”). The Senior Second Lien Notes are not guaranteed by Parent.
 
The consolidating financial information presented below reflects information regarding the Borrower, the issuer of the Senior Second Lien Notes, the Guarantor Subsidiaries, and all other subsidiaries of the Borrower (“Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries”). This basis of presentation is not intended to present the financial condition, results of operations or cash flows of the Company, the Borrower, the Guarantor Subsidiaries or the Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries for any purpose other than to comply with the specific requirements for subsidiary guarantor reporting. The consolidating information is prepared in accordance with the same accounting policies as are applied to the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements except for accounting for income taxes of the Guarantor Subsidiaries, which is reflected entirely in the Borrower’s financial statements as all material Guarantor Subsidiaries are disregarded entities for tax purposes and are combined with the Borrower in the consolidated income tax return of Parent.
 
The presentation of the Borrower’s financial statements represents the equity method of accounting for the Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries. The results of operations of the Guarantor and Non-Guarantor Subsidiaries reflects certain expense allocations from the Borrower, which are made in relation to the intercompany balances and the intercompany usage of the Borrower’s assets.

18


Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheets

 
 
September 30, 2014
 
 
Borrower
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Assets
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$
187

 
$
1,031

 
$
14,694

 
$

 
$
15,912

Restricted cash
 
16,516

 
8,301

 

 

 
24,817

Receivables:
 
 

 


 


 
 

 
 

Trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
 
1,271

 
35

 
972

 

 
2,278

Notes receivable
 
170

 

 
201

 

 
371

Purchased debt, net
 

 
221,674

 
14,933

 

 
236,607

Property and equipment, net
 
22,985

 
74

 
167

 

 
23,226

Goodwill and intangible assets
 
170,779

 

 
569

 

 
171,348

Other assets
 
6,584

 
1,227

 
843

 

 
8,654

Investment in subsidiaries
 
260,131

 

 

 
(260,131
)
 

Total assets
 
$
478,623

 
$
232,342

 
$
32,379

 
$
(260,131
)
 
$
483,213

Liabilities and equity (deficiency)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Payables:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Accounts payable, trade
 
$
2,768

 
$
123

 
$
40

 
$

 
$
2,931

Payable from trust accounts
 
1,530

 
61

 
88

 

 
1,679

Payable to Borrower
 

 
349,644

 
2,137

 
(351,781
)
 

Taxes payable
 
388

 

 
217

 

 
605

Accrued interest and other liabilities
 
31,909

 
281

 
840

 

 
33,030

Deferred tax liability (asset)
 
11,256

 

 
(8
)
 

 
11,248

Line of credit
 
148,636

 

 

 

 
148,636

Notes payable, net of discount
 
289,385

 

 

 

 
289,385

Obligations under capital lease agreements
 
2,747

 

 

 

 
2,747

Total liabilities
 
488,619

 
350,109

 
3,314

 
(351,781
)
 
490,261

Equity (deficiency)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Common stock
 

 

 

 

 

Additional paid-in capital
 
190,178

 
1,527

 
1

 
(1,528
)
 
190,178

(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings
 
(200,174
)
 
(119,294
)
 
26,116

 
93,178

 
(200,174
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 

 

 
(2,634
)
 

 
(2,634
)
Total (deficiency) equity before noncontrolling interest
 
(9,996
)
 
(117,767
)
 
23,483

 
91,650

 
(12,630
)
Noncontrolling interest
 

 

 
5,582

 

 
5,582

Total (deficiency) equity
 
(9,996
)
 
(117,767
)
 
29,065

 
91,650

 
(7,048
)
Total liabilities and (deficiency) equity
 
$
478,623

 
$
232,342

 
$
32,379

 
$
(260,131
)
 
$
483,213


19




 
 
December 31, 2013
 
 
Borrower
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Assets
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash and cash equivalents
 
$

 
$

 
$
9,379

 
$

 
$
9,379

Restricted cash
 
(647
)
 
7,131

 

 

 
6,484

Receivables:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Trade, net of allowance for doubtful accounts
 
1,113

 
9

 
864

 

 
1,986

Notes receivable
 

 

 
212

 

 
212

Taxes receivable
 

 

 
275

 

 
275

Purchased debt, net
 

 
261,714

 
12,643

 

 
274,357

Property and equipment, net
 
24,092

 
53

 
211

 

 
24,356

Goodwill and intangible assets
 
170,779

 

 
569

 

 
171,348

Other assets
 
8,023

 
1,119

 
865

 

 
10,007

Investment in subsidiaries
 
290,938

 

 

 
(290,938
)
 

Total assets
 
$
494,298

 
$
270,026

 
$
25,018

 
$
(290,938
)
 
$
498,404

Liabilities and equity (deficiency)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Payables:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Accounts payable, trade
 
$
3,507

 
$
39

 
$
(41
)
 
$

 
$
3,505

Payable from trust accounts
 
1,807

 
61

 
65

 

 
1,933

Payable to Borrower
 

 
367,463

 
337

 
(367,800
)
 

Taxes payable
 
748

 

 

 

 
748

Accrued interest and other liabilities
 
26,957

 
210

 
694

 

 
27,861

Deferred tax liability (asset)
 
9,944

 

 
(8
)
 

 
9,936

Line of credit
 
145,269

 

 

 

 
145,269

Notes payable, net of discount
 
289,414

 

 

 

 
289,414

Obligations under capital lease agreements
 
2,744

 

 

 

 
2,744

Total liabilities
 
480,390

 
367,773

 
1,047

 
(367,800
)
 
481,410

Equity (deficiency)
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Common stock
 

 

 

 

 

Additional paid-in capital
 
190,262

 
1,052

 
1

 
(1,053
)
 
190,262

(Accumulated deficit) retained earnings
 
(176,354
)
 
(98,799
)
 
20,884

 
77,915

 
(176,354
)
Accumulated other comprehensive loss
 

 

 
(1,347
)
 

 
(1,347
)
Total equity (deficiency) before noncontrolling interest
 
13,908

 
(97,747
)
 
19,538

 
76,862

 
12,561

Noncontrolling interest
 

 

 
4,433

 

 
4,433

Total equity (deficiency)
 
13,908

 
(97,747
)
 
23,971

 
76,862

 
16,994

Total liabilities and equity (deficiency)
 
$
494,298

 
$
270,026

 
$
25,018

 
$
(290,938
)
 
$
498,404












20


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Operations
 
 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
 
Borrower
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Revenues
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Purchased debt revenue, net
 
$
1,471

 
$
48,531

 
$
6,983

 
$

 
$
56,985

Other revenue
 
1

 
1

 
12

 

 
14

Total revenues
 
1,472

 
48,532

 
6,995

 

 
56,999

Expenses
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Purchased debt expense
 

 
29,106

 
2,537

 

 
31,643

Court costs, net
 

 
8,324

 
98

 

 
8,422

Other direct operating expense
 

 
3,987

 
74

 

 
4,061

Salaries and payroll taxes
 
1,232

 
6,368

 
166

 

 
7,766

General and administrative
 
103

 
2,727

 
719

 

 
3,549

Depreciation and amortization
 
554

 
1,173

 
11

 

 
1,738

Total operating expenses
 
1,889

 
51,685

 
3,605

 

 
57,179

Operating (loss) income
 
(417
)
 
(3,153
)
 
3,390

 

 
(180
)
Other expenses
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest expense
 
1,856

 
9,193

 

 

 
11,049

Other expense (income)
 
117

 

 
(37
)
 

 
80

Total other expenses
 
1,973

 
9,193

 
(37
)
 

 
11,129

(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(2,390
)
 
(12,346
)
 
3,427

 

 
(11,309
)
Income tax expense
 
(622
)
 

 
(1,077
)
 

 
(1,699
)
Loss from subsidiaries
 
(10,405
)
 

 

 
10,405

 

Net (loss) income
 
(13,417
)
 
(12,346
)
 
2,350

 
10,405

 
(13,008
)
Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
 

 

 
409

 

 
409

Net (loss) income attributable to SquareTwo
 
$
(13,417
)
 
$
(12,346
)
 
$
1,941

 
$
10,405

 
$
(13,417
)

21




 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
 
Borrower
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Revenues
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Purchased debt revenue, net
 
$
2,855

 
$
74,481

 
$
6,957

 
$

 
$
84,293

Other revenue
 
57

 
1

 
172

 

 
230

Total revenues
 
2,912

 
74,482

 
7,129

 

 
84,523

Expenses
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Purchased debt expense
 

 
41,491

 
2,775

 

 
44,266

Court costs, net
 

 
9,797

 
138

 

 
9,935

Other direct operating expense
 
1

 
3,041

 
41

 

 
3,083

Salaries and payroll taxes
 
1,205

 
5,844

 
93

 

 
7,142

General and administrative
 
696

 
1,893

 
741

 

 
3,330

Depreciation and amortization
 
1,142

 
949

 
12

 

 
2,103

Total operating expenses
 
3,044

 
63,015

 
3,800

 

 
69,859

Operating (loss) income
 
(132
)
 
11,467

 
3,329

 

 
14,664

Other expenses
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest expense
 
1,192

 
10,200

 

 

 
11,392

Other expense (income)
 
116

 
1,228

 
(28
)
 

 
1,316

Total other expenses
 
1,308

 
11,428

 
(28
)
 

 
12,708

(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(1,440
)
 
39

 
3,357

 

 
1,956

Income tax benefit (expense)
 
551

 

 
(1,141
)
 

 
(590
)
Income from subsidiaries
 
1,868

 

 

 
(1,868
)
 

Net income
 
979

 
39

 
2,216

 
(1,868
)
 
1,366

Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
 

 

 
387

 

 
387

Net income attributable to SquareTwo
 
$
979

 
$
39

 
$
1,829

 
$
(1,868
)
 
$
979



22




 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
 
Borrower
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Revenues
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Purchased debt revenue, net
 
$
4,926

 
$
170,267

 
$
20,120

 
$

 
$
195,313

Other revenue
 
8

 
7

 
27

 

 
42

Total revenues
 
4,934

 
170,274

 
20,147

 

 
195,355

Expenses
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Purchased debt expense
 

 
93,657

 
7,653

 

 
101,310

Court costs, net
 

 
27,293

 
270

 

 
27,563

Other direct operating expenses
 
4

 
11,729

 
138

 

 
11,871

Salaries and payroll taxes
 
3,828

 
18,505

 
520

 

 
22,853

General and administrative
 
1,089

 
7,776

 
2,265

 

 
11,130

Depreciation and amortization
 
1,656

 
3,397

 
33

 

 
5,086

Total operating expenses
 
6,577

 
162,357

 
10,879

 

 
179,813

Operating (loss) income
 
(1,643
)
 
7,917

 
9,268

 

 
15,542

Other expenses
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest expense
 
4,721

 
28,412

 

 

 
33,133

Other expense (income)
 
366

 

 
(93
)
 

 
273

Total other expenses
 
5,087

 
28,412

 
(93
)
 

 
33,406

(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(6,730
)
 
(20,495
)
 
9,361

 

 
(17,864
)
Income tax expense
 
(1,827
)
 

 
(2,980
)
 

 
(4,807
)
Loss from subsidiaries
 
(15,263
)
 

 

 
15,263

 

Net (loss) income
 
(23,820
)
 
(20,495
)
 
6,381

 
15,263

 
(22,671
)
Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
 

 

 
1,149

 

 
1,149

Net (loss) income attributable to SquareTwo
 
$
(23,820
)
 
$
(20,495
)
 
$
5,232

 
$
15,263

 
$
(23,820
)

23




 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
 
Borrower
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Revenues
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Purchased debt revenue, net
 
$
8,585

 
$
233,709

 
$
21,645

 
$

 
$
263,939

Other revenue
 
128

 
6

 
487

 

 
621

Total revenues
 
8,713

 
233,715

 
22,132

 

 
264,560

Expenses
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Purchased debt expense
 

 
126,736

 
8,165

 

 
134,901

Court costs, net
 

 
31,381

 
480

 

 
31,861

Other direct operating expenses
 
4

 
9,045

 
126

 

 
9,175

Salaries and payroll taxes
 
3,712

 
16,981

 
454

 

 
21,147

General and administrative
 
2,913

 
5,082

 
2,783

 

 
10,778

Depreciation and amortization
 
3,427

 
2,549

 
38

 

 
6,014

Total operating expenses
 
10,056

 
191,774

 
12,046

 

 
213,876

Operating (loss) income
 
(1,343
)
 
41,941

 
10,086

 

 
50,684

Other expenses
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Interest expense
 
4,028

 
30,747

 

 

 
34,775

Other expense
 
315

 
1,228

 
2,116

 

 
3,659

Total other expenses
 
4,343

 
31,975

 
2,116

 

 
38,434

(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(5,686
)
 
9,966

 
7,970

 

 
12,250

Income tax expense
 
(412
)
 

 
(2,768
)
 

 
(3,180
)
Income from subsidiaries
 
14,115

 

 

 
(14,115
)
 

Net income
 
8,017

 
9,966

 
5,202

 
(14,115
)
 
9,070

Less: Net income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
 

 

 
1,053

 

 
1,053

Net income attributable to SquareTwo
 
$
8,017

 
$
9,966

 
$
4,149

 
$
(14,115
)
 
$
8,017



24


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive (Loss) Income

 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
 
Borrower
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Net (loss) income
 
$
(13,417
)
 
$
(12,346
)
 
$
2,350

 
$
10,405

 
$
(13,008
)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency translation adjustment
 

 

 
(1,351
)
 

 
(1,351
)
Comprehensive (loss) income
 
(13,417
)
 
(12,346
)
 
999

 
10,405

 
(14,359
)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
 

 

 
409

 

 
409

Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to SquareTwo
 
$
(13,417
)
 
$
(12,346
)
 
$
590

 
$
10,405

 
$
(14,768
)


25




 
 
Three Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
 
Borrower
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Net income
 
$
979

 
$
39

 
$
2,216

 
$
(1,868
)
 
$
1,366

Other comprehensive income, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency translation adjustment
 

 

 
507

 

 
507

Comprehensive income
 
979

 
39

 
2,723

 
(1,868
)
 
1,873

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
 

 

 
387

 

 
387

Comprehensive income attributable to SquareTwo
 
$
979

 
$
39

 
$
2,336

 
$
(1,868
)
 
$
1,486



26




 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
 
Borrower
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Net (loss) income
 
$
(23,820
)
 
$
(20,495
)
 
$
6,381

 
$
15,263

 
$
(22,671
)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency translation adjustment
 

 

 
(1,287
)
 

 
(1,287
)
Comprehensive (loss) income
 
(23,820
)
 
(20,495
)
 
5,094

 
15,263

 
(23,958
)
Less: Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
 

 

 
1,149

 

 
1,149

Comprehensive (loss) income attributable to SquareTwo
 
$
(23,820
)
 
$
(20,495
)
 
$
3,945

 
$
15,263

 
$
(25,107
)

27




 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
 
Borrower
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Net income
 
$
8,017

 
$
9,966

 
$
5,202

 
$
(14,115
)
 
$
9,070

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Currency translation adjustment
 

 

 
(622
)
 

 
(622
)
Comprehensive income
 
8,017

 
9,966

 
4,580

 
(14,115
)
 
8,448

Less: Comprehensive income attributable to the noncontrolling interest
 

 

 
1,053

 

 
1,053

Comprehensive income attributable to SquareTwo
 
$
8,017

 
$
9,966

 
$
3,527

 
$
(14,115
)
 
$
7,395



28


Condensed Consolidating Statements of Cash Flows

 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014
 
 
Borrower
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Operating activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net (loss) income
 
$
(23,820
)
 
$
(20,495
)
 
$
6,381

 
$
15,263

 
$
(22,671
)
Adjustments to reconcile net (loss) income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
 
1,656

 
3,397

 
33

 

 
5,086

Amortization of loan origination fees and debt discount
 
2,202

 

 

 

 
2,202

Purchased debt valuation allowance charges
 

 
808

 

 

 
808

Stock option expense
 
41

 
25

 

 

 
66

Amortization of prepaid and other non-cash expenses
 
2,725

 
508

 
19

 

 
3,252

Deferred tax provision, net of valuation allowance
 
1,312

 

 

 

 
1,312

Loss from subsidiaries
 
15,263

 

 

 
(15,263
)
 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Income tax payable/receivable
 
(360
)
 

 
489

 

 
129

Restricted cash
 
(17,163
)
 
(1,170
)
 

 

 
(18,333
)
Other assets
 
(2,900
)
 
(2,443
)
 
1,657

 

 
(3,686
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
4,330

 
155

 
303

 

 
4,788

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
 
(16,714
)
 
(19,215
)
 
8,882

 

 
(27,047
)
Investing activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Investment in purchased debt
 

 
(81,840
)
 
(15,642
)
 

 
(97,482
)
Proceeds applied to purchased debt principal
 

 
121,072

 
12,648

 

 
133,720

Net investments in notes receivable
 
(170
)
 

 

 

 
(170
)
Investment in subsidiaries
 
18,951

 

 

 
(18,951
)
 

Investment in property and equipment, including internally developed software
 
(2,993
)
 
(35
)
 

 

 
(3,028
)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 
15,788

 
39,197

 
(2,994
)
 
(18,951
)
 
33,040

Financing activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Repayments of investment by Parent, net
 
(150
)
 
(18,951
)
 

 
18,951

 
(150
)
Payments on notes payable, net
 
(568
)
 

 

 

 
(568
)
Proceeds from lines-of-credit
 
334,924

 

 

 

 
334,924

Payments on lines-of-credit
 
(331,557
)
 

 

 

 
(331,557
)
Origination fees on lines-of-credit
 
(257
)
 

 

 

 
(257
)
Payments on capital lease obligations
 
(1,279
)
 

 

 

 
(1,279
)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities
 
1,113

 
(18,951
)
 

 
18,951

 
1,113

Increase in cash and cash equivalents
 
187

 
1,031

 
5,888

 

 
7,106

Impact of foreign currency translation on cash
 

 

 
(573
)
 

 
(573
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 

 

 
9,379

 

 
9,379

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$
187

 
$
1,031

 
$
14,694

 
$

 
$
15,912

Supplemental cash flow information
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash paid for interest
 
$
22,561

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
22,561

Cash paid for income taxes
 
875

 

 
2,492

 

 
3,367

Property and equipment financed with capital leases and notes payable
 
1,282

 

 

 

 
1,282



29




 
 
Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013
 
 
Borrower
 
Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Non-Guarantor
Subsidiaries
 
Eliminations
 
Total
Operating activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Net income
 
$
8,017

 
$
9,966

 
$
5,202

 
$
(14,115
)
 
$
9,070

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

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Depreciation and amortization
 
3,427

 
2,549

 
38

 

 
6,014

Amortization of loan origination fees and debt discount
 
2,482

 

 

 

 
2,482

Recovery of step-up in basis of purchased debt
 
107

 

 

 

 
107

Purchased debt valuation allowance reversals
 

 
(6,442
)
 
(18
)
 

 
(6,460
)
Stock option expense
 
63

 
36

 

 

 
99

Amortization of prepaid and other non-cash expenses
 
2,763

 
298

 
283

 

 
3,344

Income from subsidiaries
 
(14,115
)
 

 

 
14,115

 

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Income tax payable/receivable
 
(106
)
 

 
(2,550
)
 

 
(2,656
)
Restricted cash
 
(14,914
)
 
290

 

 

 
(14,624
)
Other assets
 
(2,881
)
 
4,610

 
(5,745
)
 

 
(4,016
)
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities
 
10,977

 
(673
)
 
849

 

 
11,153

Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
 
(4,180
)
 
10,634

 
(1,941
)
 

 
4,513

Investing activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Investment in purchased debt
 

 
(216,533
)
 
(14,462
)
 

 
(230,995
)
Proceeds applied to purchased debt principal
 

 
173,742

 
15,007

 

 
188,749

Payments to branch offices related to asset purchase program
 

 
(297
)
 

 

 
(297
)
Net proceeds from notes receivable
 
27

 

 

 


 
27

Investment in subsidiaries
 
(32,454
)
 

 

 
32,454

 

Investment in property and equipment including internally developed software
 
(3,800
)
 

 

 

 
(3,800
)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities
 
(36,227
)
 
(43,088
)
 
545

 
32,454

 
(46,316
)
Financing activities
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Proceeds from investment by Parent, net
 

 
32,454

 

 
(32,454
)
 

Payments on notes payable, net
 
(411
)
 

 

 

 
(411
)
Proceeds from lines-of-credit
 
472,177

 

 

 

 
472,177

Payments on lines-of-credit
 
(429,382
)
 

 

 

 
(429,382
)
Origination fees on lines-of-credit
 
(856
)
 

 

 

 
(856
)
Payments on capital lease obligations
 
(1,121
)
 

 

 

 
(1,121
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
40,407

 
32,454

 

 
(32,454
)
 
40,407

Decrease in cash and cash equivalents
 

 

 
(1,396
)
 

 
(1,396
)
Impact of foreign currency translation on cash
 

 

 
(542
)
 

 
(542
)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period
 

 

 
7,538

 

 
7,538

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period
 
$

 
$

 
$
5,600

 
$

 
$
5,600

Supplemental cash flow information
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Cash paid for interest
 
$
23,464

 
$
585

 
$

 
$

 
$
24,049

Cash paid for income tax
 
155

 

 
5,682

 

 
5,837

Property and equipment financed with capital leases and notes payable
 
2,066

 

 

 

 
2,066

 


30


12. Subsequent Events
 
Loan Amendment

On November 11, 2014, SquareTwo Financial Corporation, together with certain of its domestic and Canadian subsidiaries, entered into Amendment No. 6 to its Loan Agreement ("Amendment No. 6") for the senior revolving credit facility. Pursuant to the terms of Amendment No. 6, the Minimum Adjusted EBITDA Covenant was decreased from $200 million to $165 million for a rolling four fiscal quarter basis beginning with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2014. The remaining terms of the Loan Agreement were not impacted by Amendment No. 6.

31


Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Some of the information in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, including, without limitation, certain statements under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” may constitute forward-looking statements. In some cases you can identify these “forward-looking statements” by words like “may,” "will," “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “estimate,” “anticipate,” "plan," "foresee," “predict,” “believe,” “potential” or “continue” or, in each case, the negative or other variations or similar expressions. All forward-looking statements reflect our current beliefs and assumptions with respect to our future results, business plans and prospects, and are based on information currently available to us. Accordingly, these statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties and our actual results, business plans and prospects could differ significantly from those expressed in, or implied by, these statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, those described under “Risk Factors” in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 333- 170734). We undertake no obligation to update publicly or publicly revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information or otherwise.
 
Unless otherwise indicated, the terms (i) “SquareTwo,” “we,” “our,” “us” and the “Company” refer to SquareTwo Financial Corporation and all of its restricted subsidiaries on a consolidated basis, (ii) “SquareTwo Financial Corporation” refers to SquareTwo Financial Corporation and not to its parent company or any of its subsidiaries, and (iii) “Parent” refers to CA Holding, Inc. and not to any of its subsidiaries. You should read this discussion and analysis in conjunction with the condensed consolidated financial statements and notes that appear elsewhere in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q. Our financial information may not be indicative of our future performance and does not necessarily reflect what our financial condition and results of operations would have been had we operated as an independent, stand-alone entity during all periods presented.

Our Company
 
We are a leading purchaser of charged-off consumer and commercial receivables in the accounts receivable management industry. Our primary business is the acquisition, management and collection of charged-off consumer and commercial accounts receivable that we purchase from financial institutions, finance and leasing companies, and other issuers in the U.S. and Canada. We believe that we are one of the largest purchasers of "fresh" charged-off credit card and consumer loan receivables in the U.S. Fresh charged-off credit card and consumer loan receivables are generally 180-210 days past due at the time of sale and typically have not been subject to previous collection attempts by a third-party collection agency. The act of charging off an account is an action required by banking regulations and is an accounting action that does not release the obligor on the account from his/her responsibility to pay amounts due on the account. Because the credit issuer was unable to collect the charged-off receivables that we purchase, we are able to acquire these portfolios at a substantial discount to their face value.
 
Our business model leverages our analytical expertise, technology platform, operational experience and our network of branch offices, to purchase and then manage the recovery of charged-off receivables. Our focus throughout the recovery process is on the customer and helping the customer resolve their outstanding financial commitments, ensuring that those customers who demonstrate a significant ability to pay their validly incurred contractual obligations actually satisfy their obligations. In accordance with the Fair Square Promise, we are dedicated to treating customers fairly and ethically and maintaining stringent compliance standards, which we believe in turn allows us to liquidate more effectively. From 1999, our first full year of purchasing debt, to September 30, 2014, we have invested approximately $2.6 billion in the acquisition of charged-off receivables, representing over $37.6 billion in face value of accounts. The combination of our historical and future recovery efforts is expected to result in cumulative gross cash proceeds of approximately 2.1x our invested capital.
 
Based on our proprietary analytical models, which utilize historical and current account level data, as well as economic, pricing and collection trends, we expect that our U.S. owned charged-off receivables as of September 30, 2014 of $7.8 billion (active face value) will generate approximately $617.4 million in estimated remaining proceeds ("ERP") over the next nine years. In addition, we expect our Canadian owned charged-off receivables of $1.4 billion (active face value) to generate approximately $63.7 million in additional ERP. Therefore, the total ERP for both our U.S. and Canadian owned charged-off receivables was $681.1 million as of September 30, 2014. These expectations are based on historical data as well as assumptions about future collection rates, account sales activity and consumer behavior. We cannot guarantee that we will achieve such proceeds.

In the U.S. we primarily utilize our branch offices, which provide nationwide coverage. These offices use eAGLE, an integrated account management system that we have developed and maintain, to liquidate accounts. Each of our branch offices

32


has an executed detailed agreement that provides the legal structure for the relationship with SquareTwo, including their right to use eAGLE. Also, while we continue to utilize specialized legal collection firms in the U.S. for a small portion of our older legal accounts, we currently place all non-legal and legal consumer accounts exclusively within our network of branch offices and employ a small number of collectors focused on commercial collections.

During the quarter ended September 30, 2014, the Company continued to expand its asset recovery options by launching plans to open new locations in the fourth quarter of 2014 dedicated to consumer collections. As part of these changes, SquareTwo Financial Commercial Funding Corporation’s legal name was changed to SquareTwo Financial Services Corporation, and it registered the d/b/a name Fresh View Solutions. The financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 were not impacted materially by the ongoing efforts to expand our asset recovery options, and Fresh View Solutions’ consumer collections did not commence until after September 30, 2014.

In Canada, we utilize internal collectors and third-party non-legal and legal collection firms which exclusively service our Canadian customers.

Our Branch Offices
 
Collection efforts on our U.S. purchased debt are generally handled by our branch offices. Under the terms of our contractual arrangements, our offices license our proprietary technology and perform recovery work on our behalf in accordance with our required policies. We are under no obligation to provide accounts to any branch office. We pay our offices a fee, which varies based upon their performance against our return assumptions and is subject to adjustment based upon the performance against our operational requirements. These include providing a positive customer experience within the context of the collections industry and conformance with legal and regulatory requirements. We allocate accounts to our offices based on capacity, geographic coverage, their performance against our return expectations, and adherence to the aforementioned operational requirements.
    
We believe that our competitive account placement model and our variable fee structure are critical to our performance as they motivate each office to optimize its efforts on its allocated accounts, while at the same time providing for tight focus on both compliance with applicable laws and regulations and a positive customer experience. We believe that our law firm model promotes the highest ethical standards in the industry as our branch offices maintain both SquareTwo’s commitment to the Fair Square Promise which embodies our stringent compliance standards as well as the obligations imposed by membership in the bar associations of the respective states in which their attorneys are licensed to practice law. In addition to these compliance and collections benefits, we believe that law firms generally provide a more professional environment than traditional call centers, helping our offices to more effectively attract and retain quality collectors. Additionally, SquareTwo provides branch offices with training and comprehensive business and operational support to ensure that their relationship with our customers reflects our desire to help customers resolve their financial obligations in a respectful manner.

Underwriting and Purchasing

The success of our business depends heavily on our ability to find charged-off receivables for purchase, evaluate these assets accurately and acquire them at the appropriate pricing. We have a dedicated Business Development team that generates portfolio acquisition opportunities in the markets in which we operate and works with our Decision Science team to prepare pricing models and perform account-level analysis. Historically, we have purchased charged-off receivables from seven of the ten largest U.S. credit card issuers, as well as from super-regional and regional banks and other issuers of credit. Potential purchasing opportunities are reviewed in detail by our Decision Science department, which is responsible for preparing forecasted cash flows from each purchase based on our proprietary statistical models and our experience with similar purchases. These models and related assumptions are reviewed by our investment committee, which includes members of our senior leadership team and representatives from each key business function, to determine the appropriate purchase price for the available portfolios. We target purchases that meet return thresholds determined by our investment committee. In times of increased pricing in the market, we may accept a lower return, while still maintaining our yield-based purchasing strategy. In addition to the credit card and consumer loan business, we are actively engaged in the development of business opportunities in purchasing other forms of charged-off domestic and Canadian financial obligations.

Sources of Revenue and Expense

Sources of Revenue
 
Our primary sources of revenue are revenues recognized on our portfolio base of purchased debt assets which are driven by cash proceeds from voluntary, non-legal collections, legal collections, court cost recoveries, sales, recourse and

33


bankruptcy. Generally, we earn royalties from our branch offices ranging from 2% to 4% of each dollar collected in the non-legal channels for the use of our proprietary collection platform, eAGLE.

Expenses
 
Purchased Debt Expense
 
Purchased debt expense represents the direct costs of collections related to our purchased debt. The majority of our direct expenses represent the fees that we pay to our branch offices based on their collections on our purchased debt. The fee we pay to our branch offices varies depending on the age and type of purchased debt and certain network performance targets and other operational factors. In Canada, purchased debt expense includes the cost of our internal collectors as well as fees paid to outside agencies with whom we place certain accounts.

Court Costs, Net
 
Court costs represent court costs and related fees on accounts placed for legal action. Court costs are expensed as incurred and are reduced by court cost recoveries for purchased debt accounted for under the cost recovery method. Court cost recoveries for purchased debt accounted for under the level yield method are included in level yield proceeds which drive purchased debt revenue, net. We estimate that we recover in excess of one-third of all court costs expended.
 
Other Direct Operating Expense
 
Other direct operating expense represents other costs of collections, primarily on purchased debt. Included in other direct operating expense is direct legal compliance and certain other operating and branch office costs. Additionally, other direct operating expense includes the amounts paid to our commercial debt collectors employed by Fresh View Solutions.

Costs to Collect

We consider our true costs to collect on our purchased debt accounts to include purchased debt expense, gross court costs, and other direct operating expense. We measure our costs to collect in relation to total collections rather than revenue due to the timing differences between revenue and expense recognition for GAAP purposes.

Salaries and Payroll Taxes
 
Salaries and payroll taxes include employment-related expenses, including salaries, wages, bonuses, insurance, payroll taxes and benefits.


General and Administrative

General and administrative expenses consist of rent, utilities, marketing, information technology, property and other miscellaneous taxes, office, travel and entertainment, accounting and payroll services, consulting fees, licenses, and general insurance.
 
Depreciation and Amortization
 
We incur depreciation related to our property and equipment. We incur amortization on the value of our internally developed proprietary collection platform eAGLE, which is used by our branch offices.


34


Results of Operations

We have two reportable operating segments, as defined by the Financial Accounting Standards Board's ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification Topic 280, Segment Reporting ("ASC 280"): Domestic and Canada.

A reporting segment's operating results are regularly reviewed by the Company's Chief Operating Decision Maker ("CODM"), our Chief Executive Officer, to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance. Consistent with how the Board of Directors, the CODM, and the leadership team review the Company's results, the following discussion and analysis is primarily around consolidated results. Segment specific information reviewed by the CODM and Company directors is discussed later in this section under the heading "Segment Performance Summary".

Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 Compared to Three and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013

Purchasing Activity

The following table summarizes the purchasing activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
Purchasing Activity ($ in thousands)
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
$ Variance
 
% Variance
 
2014
 
2013
 
$ Variance
 
% Variance
Credit Card/Consumer Loan - Fresh(1)
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Face Value
 
$
135,678

 
$
483,252

 
$
(347,574
)
 
(71.9
)%
 
$
557,270

 
$
1,412,689

 
$
(855,419
)
 
(60.6
)%
Price
 
20,355

 
64,322

 
(43,967
)
 
(68.4
)%
 
81,409

 
174,596

 
(93,187
)
 
(53.4
)%
Price (%)
 
15.0
%
 
13.3
%
 
 

 
 
 
14.6
%
 
12.4
%
 
 
 
 
Credit Card/Consumer Loan - Non-Fresh(1)
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Face Value
 
151,853

 
143,125

 
8,728

 
6.1
 %
 
201,465

 
794,235

 
(592,770
)
 
(74.6
)%
Price
 
6,971

 
7,593

 
(622
)
 
(8.2
)%
 
10,279

 
40,414

 
(30,135
)
 
(74.6
)%
Price (%)
 
4.6
%
 
5.3
%
 
 

 
 
 
5.1
%
 
5.1
%
 
 
 
 
Other(2)
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Face Value
 
54,584

 
38,718

 
15,866

 
41.0
 %
 
144,984

 
302,558

 
(157,574
)
 
(52.1
)%
Price
 
2,340

 
1,829

 
511

 
27.9
 %
 
5,794

 
15,985

 
(10,191
)
 
(63.8
)%
Price (%)
 
4.3
%
 
4.7
%
 
 

 
 
 
4.0
%
 
5.3
%
 
 
 
 
Purchased Debt - Total
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Face Value
 
$
342,115

 
$
665,095

 
$
(322,980
)
 
(48.6
)%
 
$
903,719

 
$
2,509,482

 
$
(1,605,763
)
 
(64.0
)%
Price
 
29,666

 
73,744

 
(44,078
)
 
(59.8
)%
 
97,482

 
230,995

 
(133,513
)
 
(57.8
)%
Price (%)
 
8.7
%
 
11.1
%
 
 
 
 
 
10.8
%
 
9.2
%
 
 
 
 
(1)    Includes both Domestic and Canadian purchases.

(2)    Other includes commercial, student loan, medical, and other purchased debt assets.

Credit Card/Consumer Loan - Fresh

Credit card and consumer loan - fresh purchases were $135.7 million of face value receivables at a price of $20.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014, compared to $483.3 million of face value receivables at a price of $64.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2013, a decrease of 71.9% in face value and 68.4% in capital deployed. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 credit card and consumer loan - fresh purchases were $557.3 million of face value at a price of $81.4 million compared to $1.4 billion of face value at a price of $174.6 million during nine months ended September 30, 2013, a decrease of 60.6% in face value and 53.4% in capital deployed. We generally attribute the decrease in purchasing to decreased supply from certain financial institutions resulting from their anticipation and implementation of expected rules to be promulgated by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB"). While regulations continue to be better understood by the industry, thereby providing, improved clarity and direction, many banks remain almost entirely focused on enhancing internal activities to ensure they have their respective processes in order before they will reenter the market.

35


During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014, we accepted lower returns on certain purchases relative to prior years. Refer to the Supplemental Performance Data for further information regarding purchases made during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Credit Card/Consumer Loan - Non-Fresh

Credit card and consumer loan - non-fresh purchases consist of charged-off receivables that have been worked by an external agency or other party external to the originating financial institution. Credit card and consumer loan - non-fresh purchases were $151.9 million of face value receivables at a price of $7.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014, compared to $143.1 million of face value receivables at a price of $7.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2013, an increase of 6.1% in face value and a decrease of 8.2% in capital deployed. Our average price for credit card/consumer loan - non-fresh purchases decreased from 5.3% to 4.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2014. There was an increase in credit card/consumer loan - non-fresh Canadian purchasing during the three months ended September 30, 2014, as discussed in further detail in the Segment Performance Summary. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 credit card and consumer loan - non-fresh purchases were $201.5 million of face value at a price of $10.3 million compared to $794.2 million of face value at a price of $40.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, a decrease of 74.6% in face value and a decrease of 74.6% in capital deployed. These decreases were due to a reduction in the supply of charged-off receivables similar to credit card/consumer loan - fresh.

Other
Other purchases consist of commercial, student loan, and other various asset classes. Other purchases were $54.6 million in face value at a price of $2.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014, compared to $38.7 million in face value at a price of $1.8 million during the three months ended September 30, 2013, an increase of 41.0% in face value and 27.9% in capital deployed primarily related to commercial purchases.

Other purchases were $145.0 million in face value at a price of $5.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to $302.6 million in face value at a price of $16.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, a decrease of 52.1% in face value and 63.8% in capital deployed. These decreases were driven by a decrease in face value and capital deployed for commercial purchases as well as no student loan and medical purchases during the nine months ended September 30, 2014. The commercial purchase decreases were the result of reduction in the supply of charged-off receivables and increased competition in the market, similar to credit card/consumer loan - fresh. In addition, the Company is no longer actively pursuing purchases of medical accounts and has not purchased any medical portfolios since the first quarter of 2013.

Cash Proceeds on Purchased Debt

A key driver to our performance, and one of the primary metrics monitored by our management team, is cash proceeds received from our purchased debt. This measurement, and our focus on cash proceeds, is important because proceeds drive our business operations. Included in cash proceeds are voluntary non-legal collections, legal collections, the reimbursement of court costs, sales of accounts, returns of non-conforming accounts (which we refer to as recourse), and bankruptcy.
    
The following table summarizes the cash proceeds activity for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013:
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
Cash Proceeds ($ in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
$ Variance
 
% Variance
 
2014
 
2013
 
$ Variance
 
% Variance
Credit card/consumer loan collections
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Voluntary, non-legal collections
 
$
44,278

 
$
79,629

 
$
(35,351
)
 
(44.4
)%
 
$
147,189

 
$
243,634

 
$
(96,445
)
 
(39.6
)%
Legal collections
 
51,058

 
54,986

 
(3,928
)
 
(7.1
)%
 
158,321

 
161,991

 
(3,670
)
 
(2.3
)%
Other collections(1)
 
5,172

 
6,514

 
(1,342
)
 
(20.6
)%
 
15,419

 
17,866

 
(2,447
)
 
(13.7
)%
Total collections
 
100,508

 
141,129

 
(40,621
)
 
(28.8
)%
 
320,929

 
423,491

 
(102,562
)
 
(24.2
)%
Sales, recourse & bankruptcy proceeds
 
1,593

 
4,164

 
(2,571
)
 
(61.7
)%
 
5,316

 
15,657

 
(10,341
)
 
(66.0
)%
Total cash proceeds on purchased debt
 
$
102,101

 
$
145,293

 
$
(43,192
)
 
(29.7
)%
 
$
326,245

 
$
439,148

 
$
(112,903
)
 
(25.7
)%
(1)    Other includes collections and court cost recoveries on commercial, student loan, medical, and other accounts.


36


Credit Card/Consumer Loan Collections

Voluntary, Non-legal Collections

Credit card and consumer loan voluntary, non-legal collections were $44.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $79.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2013, a decrease of 44.4%. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014 credit card and consumer loan voluntary, non-legal collections were $147.2 million compared to $243.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, a decrease of 39.6%. These decreases were driven primarily by lower face value of purchases during late 2013 and 2014 and therefore less inventory in the voluntary, non-legal channel. Credit card/consumer loan non-legal collections represented 43.4% and 54.8% of total cash proceeds on purchased debt during three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively and 45.1% and 55.5% of total cash proceeds on purchased debt during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Legal Collections

Credit card and consumer loan legal collections were $51.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $55.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2013, a decrease of 7.1%. Credit card and consumer loan legal collections were $158.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $162.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, a decrease of 2.3%. Legal collections were largely unaffected by the lower purchases over the last year due to the time lag between when portfolios are acquired versus when legal action, our strategy of last resort, is commenced. Credit card/consumer loan legal collections represented 50.0% and 37.8% of total cash proceeds on purchased debt during three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively and 48.5% and 36.9% of total cash proceeds on purchased debt during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Other Collections

Other collections were $5.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $6.5 million during the three months ended September 30, 2013, a decrease of 20.6%, which is primarily attributable to a decrease in commercial collections based on the timing of commercial purchases. Other collections were $15.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $17.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, a decrease of 13.7%, which is primarily related to lower medical and student loan collections with commercial collections staying relatively consistent with prior year.

Sales, Recourse, and Bankruptcy Proceeds

Sales, recourse, and bankruptcy proceeds were $1.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $4.2 million during the three months ended September 30, 2013. Sales, recourse, and bankruptcy proceeds were $5.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $15.7 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The decrease is directly attributable to a shift in the Company's strategy away from account re-sales. Concurrent with the shift away from account re-sales, the Company made operational improvements to enhance internal bankruptcy processing capabilities.


37


Consolidated Results

The following table summarizes the results of our operations for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013:
 
 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Results ($ in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
$ Variance
 
% Variance
Revenues
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Purchased debt revenue, net
 
$
56,985

 
$
84,293

 
$
(27,308
)
 
(32.4
)%
Other revenue
 
14

 
230

 
(216
)
 
(93.9
)%
Total revenues
 
56,999

 
84,523

 
(27,524
)
 
(32.6
)%
Expenses
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Purchased debt expense
 
31,643

 
44,266

 
(12,623
)
 
(28.5
)%
Court costs, net
 
8,422

 
9,935

 
(1,513
)
 
(15.2
)%
Other direct operating expense
 
4,061

 
3,083

 
978

 
31.7
 %
Salaries and payroll taxes
 
7,766

 
7,142

 
624

 
8.7
 %
General and administrative
 
3,549

 
3,330

 
219

 
6.6
 %
Depreciation and amortization
 
1,738

 
2,103

 
(365
)
 
(17.4
)%
Total operating expenses
 
57,179

 
69,859

 
(12,680
)
 
(18.2
)%
Operating (loss) income
 
(180
)
 
14,664

 
(14,844
)
 
(101.2
)%
Other expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Interest expense
 
11,049

 
11,392

 
(343
)
 
(3.0
)%
Other expense
 
80

 
1,316

 
(1,236
)
 
(93.9
)%
Total other expenses
 
11,129

 
12,708

 
(1,579
)
 
(12.4
)%
(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(11,309
)
 
1,956

 
(13,265
)
 
(1)

Income tax expense
 
(1,699
)
 
(590
)
 
(1,109
)
 
(188.0
)%
Net (loss) income
 
$
(13,008
)
 
$
1,366

 
$
(14,374
)
 
(1)

(1)    Not meaningful.
 
Purchased Debt Revenue, Net
 
Purchased debt revenue, net was $57.0 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $84.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2013, a decrease of $27.3 million or 32.4%. This change was predominantly driven by a $19.9 million decrease in gross revenue on level yield assets. Increased purchase prices led to lower return expectations on certain 2013 and 2014 purchases, which resulted in a lower overall weighted average IRR. Also impacting gross revenue on purchased debt was a decrease in the average carrying value of level yield purchased debt assets from $273.2 million to $228.8 million. Gross revenue on cost recovery assets decreased $2.0 million which was in line with the decrease in cost recovery proceeds due to an older base of existing assets accounted for under the cost recovery method of accounting.

Also contributing to the overall decrease in purchased debt revenue, net was a decrease in net valuation allowance reversals which directly impact purchased debt revenue. During the three months ended September 30, 2014, we recorded $1.3 million net expense for non-cash valuation allowances compared to $2.7 million in reversals of non-cash valuation allowances during the three months ended September 30, 2013.

In addition, purchased debt royalties decreased $1.4 million, which was in line with the decrease in non-legal collections.

Purchased Debt Expense
 
Purchased debt expense was $31.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $44.3 million during the three months ended September 30, 2013. Purchased debt expense decreased 28.5%, which was primarily attributable to a decrease of 28.8% in total collections on purchased debt.

38


Court Costs, Net
 
Court costs, net were $8.4 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014, compared to $9.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2013. Court costs are expensed as incurred; however, partial recovery of these costs occurs over several periods. We estimate that we recover in excess of one-third of all court costs expended.

Other Direct Operating Expense

Other direct operating expense was $4.1 million during the three months ended September 30, 2014, which represented an increase of $1.0 million from the three months ended September 30, 2013. This increase was attributable to certain branch office, legal, and operational expenses, including ongoing investments in operational improvements.

Costs to Collect

We refer to the costs directly related to the collection of purchased debt as our "costs to collect", which includes purchased debt expense, gross court costs, and other direct operating expense. We measure our costs to collect in relation to total collections rather than revenue due to the timing differences between revenue and expense recognition for GAAP purposes. For the purpose of this metric, we use gross court costs in the numerator because court cost recoveries are included in total collections.

The following table summarizes our costs to collect and our costs to collect excluding court costs as a % of total collections for the three months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three months ended September 30, 2013:

 
 
Three Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
 
 
Costs to Collect ($ in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
$ Variance
 
% Variance
Total collections
 
100,508

 
141,129

 
$
(40,621
)
 
(28.8
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Costs to collect(1)
 
44,435

 
57,633

 
(13,198
)
 
(22.9
)%
Costs to collect as a % of collections
 
44.2
%
 
40.8
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Costs to collect excluding court costs
 
35,704

 
47,349

 
(11,645
)
 
(24.6
)%
Costs to collect excluding court costs as a % of collections
 
35.5
%
 
33.6
%
 
 
 
 
(1)    Excludes court cost recoveries of $0.3 million and $0.3 million, respectively, to arrive at gross court costs.

The increase in costs to collect was partially due to the mix of legal collections as a % of total proceeds having increased from 37.8% during the three months ended September 30, 2013 to 50.0% during the three months ended September 30, 2014, as well as an increase in court costs and other direct operating expenses. Excluding court costs, costs to collect were slightly higher due to the change in mix of legal collections and an increase in other direct operating expenses.

Other Expense

Other expense recognized during the three months ended September 30, 2013 was primarily related to a prepayment in satisfaction of all future obligations of a residual interest arrangement with a former lender. Previous payments under this lending arrangement were recorded in interest expense.

Income Tax Expense
 
For the three months ended September 30, 2014 the combined state, federal and Canadian tax expense from operations was $1.7 million compared to income tax expense of $0.6 million for the same period in 2013. The increase was attributable to foreign taxes, U.S. taxes on foreign earnings as well as miscellaneous U.S. state income taxes. Any tax benefit related to pretax losses generated by the Company’s U.S. operations during the three months ended September 30, 2014 has been fully offset by a corresponding increase in the valuation allowance as the Company remains in a full valuation allowance position.



39


The following table summarizes the results of our operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013:
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
 
 
Consolidated Results ($ in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
$ Variance
 
% Variance
Revenues
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 

Purchased debt revenue, net
 
$
195,313

 
$
263,939

 
$
(68,626
)
 
(26.0
)%
Other revenue
 
42

 
621

 
(579
)
 
(93.2
)%
Total revenues
 
195,355

 
264,560

 
(69,205
)
 
(26.2
)%
Expenses
 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

Purchased debt expense
 
101,310

 
134,901

 
(33,591
)
 
(24.9
)%
Court costs, net
 
27,563

 
31,861

 
(4,298
)
 
(13.5
)%
Other direct operating expense
 
11,871

 
9,175

 
2,696

 
29.4
 %
Salaries and payroll taxes
 
22,853

 
21,147

 
1,706

 
8.1
 %
General and administrative
 
11,130

 
10,778

 
352

 
3.3
 %
Depreciation and amortization
 
5,086

 
6,014

 
(928
)
 
(15.4
)%
Total operating expenses
 
179,813

 
213,876

 
(34,063
)
 
(15.9
)%
Operating (loss) income
 
15,542

 
50,684

 
(35,142
)
 
(69.3
)%
Other expenses
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

Interest expense
 
33,133

 
34,775

 
(1,642
)
 
(4.7
)%
Other expense
 
273

 
3,659

 
(3,386
)
 
(92.5
)%
Total other expenses
 
33,406

 
38,434

 
(5,028
)
 
(13.1
)%
(Loss) income before income taxes
 
(17,864
)
 
12,250

 
(30,114
)
 
(1)

Income tax expense
 
(4,807
)
 
(3,180
)
 
(1,627
)
 
(51.2
)%
Net (loss) income
 
$
(22,671
)
 
$
9,070

 
$
(31,741
)
 
(1)

(1)    Not meaningful.
 
Purchased Debt Revenue, Net
 
Purchased debt revenue, net was $195.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $263.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013, a decrease of $68.6 million or 26.0%. This change was predominantly driven by a $51.3 million decrease in gross revenue on level yield assets. Increased purchase prices led to lower return expectations on certain 2013 and 2014 purchases, which resulted in a lower overall weighted average IRR. Gross revenue on cost recovery assets decreased $6.4 million which was in line with the decrease in cost recovery proceeds due to an older base of existing assets accounted for under the cost recovery method of accounting.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recorded $0.8 million in net expense for non-cash valuation allowances compared to $6.5 million in net reversals of non-cash valuation allowances during the nine months ended September 30, 2013. In addition, purchased debt royalties decreased $3.7 million, which was in line with the decrease in non-legal collections.

Purchased Debt Expense
 
Purchased debt expense was $101.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to $134.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Purchased debt expense decreased 24.9%, which was primarily attributable to a decrease of 24.2% in total collections on purchased debt.

Court Costs, Net
 
Court costs, net were $27.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, compared to $31.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013. Court costs are expensed as incurred; however, partial recovery of these costs occurs over several periods. We estimate that we recover in excess of one-third of all court costs expended.



40


Other Direct Operating Expense

Other direct operating expense was $11.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, which represented an increase of $2.7 million from the nine months ended September 30, 2013. This increase was attributable to certain branch office, legal, and operational expenses, including ongoing investments in operational improvements. As part of the operational improvements, SquareTwo assumed certain operating costs during the second quarter of 2013 which were previously paid for by the branch offices.

Costs to Collect

We refer to the costs directly related to the collection of purchased debt as our "costs to collect", which includes purchased debt expense, gross court costs, and other direct operating expense. We measure our costs to collect in relation to total collections rather than revenue due to the timing differences between revenue and expense recognition for GAAP purposes. For the purpose of this metric, we use gross court costs in the numerator because court cost recoveries are included in total collections.

The following table summarizes our costs to collect and our costs to collect excluding court costs as a % of total collections for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2013:

 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 30,
 
 
 
 
Costs to Collect ($ in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
$ Variance
 
% Variance
Total collections
 
320,929

 
423,491

 
$
(102,562
)
 
(24.2
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Costs to collect(1)
 
141,689

 
177,021

 
(35,332
)
 
(20.0
)%
Costs to collect as a % of collections
 
44.1
%
 
41.8
%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Costs to collect excluding court costs
 
113,181

 
144,076

 
(30,895
)
 
(21.4
)%
Costs to collect excluding court costs as a % of collections
 
35.3
%
 
34.0
%
 
 
 
 
(1)    Excludes court cost recoveries of $0.9 million and $1.1 million, respectively, to arrive at gross court costs.

The increase in costs to collect was partially due to the mix of legal collections as a % of total proceeds having increased from 36.9% during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 to 48.5% during the nine months ended September 30, 2014, as well as an increase in court costs and other direct operating expenses. Excluding court costs, costs to collect were slightly higher due to the change in mix of legal collections and an increase in other direct operating expenses.

Other Expense

Other expense recognized during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 consisted of $1.5 million related to the harmonized sales tax (“HST”) assessment in Canada. In addition, we prepaid and satisfied all future obligations under a residual interest arrangement with a former lender. Previous payments under this lending arrangement were recorded as interest expense.

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense was $4.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to income tax expense of $3.2 million for the same period in 2013.  The increase was primarily attributable to a $1.4 million expense recognized in the U.S. related to Canadian earnings. While virtually all U.S. tax expense associated with foreign earnings can be offset by the Company’s net operating losses or foreign tax credits available in the U.S., the $1.4 million expense relates specifically to withholding taxes on the amount of Canadian earnings deemed distributed for income tax purposes. Therefore, no additional tax expense will be recognized in the future upon an actual repatriation of cash up to the amount of earnings recognized in 2014.

The remainder of the expense was almost entirely attributable to the Canadian operations based on an effective tax rate of approximately 26.5% as any tax expense or benefit attributable to the pre-tax income or loss in the U.S. was entirely offset by a corresponding change in the valuation allowance.

41


Adjusted EBITDA
 
Adjusted EBITDA is calculated as income before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (including amortization of the carrying value on our purchased debt), as adjusted by several items. Adjusted EBITDA generally represents cash proceeds on our owned charged-off receivables plus the contributions of our other business activities less operating expenses (other than non-cash expenses, such as depreciation and amortization) as adjusted. Adjusted EBITDA, which is a non-GAAP financial measure, should not be considered an alternative to, or more meaningful than, net income prepared on a GAAP basis. We present Adjusted EBITDA because we consider it to be an important supplemental measure of our performance. We believe Adjusted EBITDA is representative of our cash flow generation that can be used to purchase charged-off receivables, pay down or service debt, pay income taxes, and for other uses. We believe that Adjusted EBITDA is frequently used by investors and other interested parties in the evaluation of companies in our industry. In addition, the instruments governing our indebtedness use Adjusted EBITDA to measure our compliance with certain covenants and, in certain circumstances, our ability to make certain borrowings. The following table summarizes our Adjusted EBITDA for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared to the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013:

 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
Adjusted EBITDA ($ in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
$ Variance
 
% Variance
 
2014
 
2013
 
$ Variance
 
% Variance
Voluntary, non-legal collections
 
$
44,278

 
$
79,629

 
$
(35,351
)
 
(44.4
)%
 
$
147,189

 
$
243,634

 
$
(96,445
)
 
(39.6
)%
Legal collections
 
51,058

 
54,986

 
(3,928
)
 
(7.1
)%
 
158,321

 
161,991

 
(3,670
)
 
(2.3
)%
Other collections(1)
 
5,172

 
6,514

 
(1,342
)
 
(20.6
)%
 
15,419

 
17,866

 
(2,447
)
 
(13.7
)%
Sales, recourse & bankruptcy proceeds
 
1,593

 
4,164

 
(2,571
)
 
(61.7
)%
 
5,316

 
15,657

 
(10,341
)
 
(66.0
)%
Contribution of other business activities(2)
 
1,393

 
2,990

 
(1,597
)
 
(53.4
)%
 
4,707

 
9,012

 
(4,305
)
 
(47.8
)%
Total inflows
 
103,494

 
148,283

 
(44,789
)
 
(30.2
)%
 
330,952

 
448,160

 
(117,208
)
 
(26.2
)%
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Purchased debt expense
 
31,643

 
44,266

 
(12,623
)
 
(28.5
)%
 
101,310

 
134,901

 
(33,591
)
 
(24.9
)%
Court costs, net
 
8,422

 
9,935

 
(1,513
)
 
(15.2
)%
 
27,563

 
31,861

 
(4,298
)
 
(13.5
)%
Other direct operating expense
 
4,061

 
3,083

 
978

 
31.7
 %
 
11,871

 
9,175

 
2,696

 
29.4
 %
Salaries, general and administrative expenses
 
11,315

 
10,472

 
843

 
8.1
 %
 
33,983

 
31,925

 
2,058

 
6.4
 %
Other(3)
 
468

 
535

 
(67
)
 
(12.5
)%
 
1,443

 
3,708

 
(2,265
)
 
(61.1
)%
Total outflows
 
55,909

 
68,291

 
(12,382
)
 
(18.1
)%
 
176,170

 
211,570

 
(35,400
)
 
(16.7
)%
Adjustments(4)
 
211

 
748

 
(537
)
 
(71.8
)%
 
1,016

 
1,878

 
(862
)
 
(45.9
)%
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
47,796

 
$
80,740

 
$
(32,944
)
 
(40.8
)%
 
$
155,798

 
$
238,468

 
$
(82,670
)
 
(34.7
)%
(1)    Other includes collections and court cost recoveries on commercial, student loan, medical, and other accounts.

(2)    Includes royalties on purchased debt and other revenue.
 
(3)    Represents certain other items consistent with our debt covenant calculation.

(4)    Consistent with the covenant calculations within our revolving credit facility, adjustments include the non-cash expense related to option grants of Parent’s equity granted to our employees, directors and branch office owners, branch office note reserves, lease breakup costs, certain consulting fees, management fees paid to KRG, certain transaction expenses, recruiting expense, severance expense, and certain non-recurring items.
    
The table above represents cash generated by collecting debt, selling debt and other business activities, less operating and other cash expenses, resulting in Adjusted EBITDA. The table below reconciles net income to EBITDA and adjusts for certain purchasing items and other non-cash items to reconcile to Adjusted EBITDA:

42


 
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 Reconciliation of Net (Loss) Income to Adjusted EBITDA ($ in thousands)
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
$ Variance
 
% Variance
 
2014
 
2013
 
$ Variance
 
% Variance
Net (loss) income
 
$
(13,008
)
 
$
1,366

 
$
(14,374
)
 
(6)

 
$
(22,671
)
 
$
9,070

 
$
(31,741
)
 
(6)

Interest expense
 
11,049

 
11,392

 
(343
)
 
(3.0
)%
 
33,133

 
34,775

 
(1,642
)
 
(4.7
)%
Interest income
 
(44
)
 
(38
)
 
(6
)
 
(15.8
)%
 
(101
)
 
(74
)
 
(27
)
 
(36.5
)%
Income tax expense
 
1,699

 
590

 
1,109

 
188.0
 %
 
4,807

 
3,180

 
1,627

 
51.2
 %
Depreciation and amortization
 
1,738

 
2,103

 
(365
)
 
(17.4
)%
 
5,086

 
6,014

 
(928
)
 
(15.4
)%
EBITDA
 
1,434

 
15,413

 
(13,979
)
 
(90.7
)%
 
20,254

 
52,965

 
(32,711
)
 
(61.8
)%
Adjustments related to purchased debt accounting
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 

 
 
Proceeds applied to purchased debt principal(1)
 
44,820

 
66,059

 
(21,239
)
 
(32.2
)%
 
133,720

 
188,749

 
(55,029
)
 
(29.2
)%
Amortization of step-up of carrying value(2)
 

 

 

 

 

 
107

 
(107
)
 
(100.0
)%
Purchased debt valuation allowance charges (reversals)(3)
 
1,331

 
(2,709
)
 
4,040

 
(6)

 
808

 
(6,460
)
 
7,268

 
(6)

Certain other or non-cash expenses
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 

 
 
 
 
Stock option expense(4)
 
17

 
32

 
(15
)
 
(46.9
)%
 
66

 
99

 
(33
)
 
(33.3
)%
Other(5)
 
194

 
1,945

 
(1,751
)
 
(90.0
)%
 
950

 
3,008

 
(2,058
)
 
(68.4
)%
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
47,796

 
$
80,740

 
$
(32,944
)
 
(40.8
)%
 
$
155,798

 
$
238,468

 
$
(82,670
)
 
(34.7
)%
(1)    Cash proceeds applied to purchased debt principal rather than recorded as revenue.
 
(2)    Non-cash amortization of a step-up in the carrying value of certain purchased debt assets related to purchase accounting adjustments resulting from the 2005 acquisition of the Company by Parent.
 
(3)    Represents non-cash valuation allowance charges (reversals) on purchased debt.

(4)    Represents the non-cash expense related to option grants of Parent’s equity granted to certain employees, directors and branch office owners.
 
(5)    Consistent with the covenant calculations within our revolving credit facility, other includes branch office note reserves, lease breakup costs, certain consulting fees, management fees paid to KRG, certain transaction expenses, recruiting expense, severance expense, and certain non-recurring items.

(6)    Not meaningful.

The table below reconciles net cash used in operating activities to Adjusted EBITDA:
 
 
Nine Months Ended
Reconciliation of Cash Flow from Operations to Adjusted EBITDA ($ in thousands)
 
September 30,
 
2014
 
2013
 
$ Variance
 
% Variance
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
 
$
(27,047
)
 
$
4,513

 
$
(31,560
)
 
(6)

Proceeds applied to purchased debt principal(1)
 
133,720

 
188,749

 
(55,029
)
 
(29.2
)%
Interest expense to be paid in cash(2)
 
30,931

 
32,293

 
(1,362
)
 
(4.2
)%
Interest income
 
(101
)
 
(74
)
 
(27
)
 
(36.5
)%
Amortization of prepaid and other non-cash expenses
 
(3,252
)
 
(3,344
)
 
92

 
2.8
 %
Changes in operating assets and liabilities and deferred taxes:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Restricted cash(3)
 
18,333

 
14,624

 
3,709

 
25.4
 %
Other operating assets and liabilities and deferred taxes(4)
 
(2,543
)
 
(4,481
)
 
1,938

 
43.2
 %
Income tax expense
 
4,807

 
3,180

 
1,627

 
51.2
 %
Other(5)
 
950

 
3,008

 
(2,058
)
 
(68.4
)%
Adjusted EBITDA
 
$
155,798

 
$
238,468

 
$
(82,670
)
 
(34.7
)%
(1)    Cash proceeds applied to purchased debt principal are shown in the investing activities section of the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows.
 
(2)    Represents interest expense, excluding non-cash amortization of loan origination fees and debt discount.

(3)    Represents the change in restricted cash balances for the period due to the timing of payments on our lines of credit and semi-annual interest payments on our Senior Second Lien Notes.

43


(4)    The amount represents timing differences due to the recognition of certain expenses and revenue items on a cash versus accrual basis.

(5)    Consistent with the covenant calculations within our revolving credit facility, other includes branch office note reserves, lease breakup costs, certain consulting fees, management fees paid to KRG, certain transaction expenses, recruiting expense, severance expense, and certain non-recurring items.

(6)     Not meaningful.

Segment Performance Summary

We have two reportable segments in accordance with the GAAP criteria for segment reporting: Domestic and Canada. A reporting segment's operating results are regularly reviewed by the CODM to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance. The segment operating results discussed in this section are presented on a basis consistent with our current management reporting being reviewed by our Board of Directors and the CODM.

Domestic Performance Summary
    
The following table presents selected financial data for our Domestic operating segment for the following periods:

Domestic Segment Performance Summary
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
($ in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
$ Variance
 
% Variance
 
2014
 
2013
 
$ Variance
 
% Variance
Purchases - face value
 
$
184,475

 
$
598,506

 
$
(414,031
)
 
(69.2
)%
 
$
665,222

 
$
2,323,982

 
$
(1,658,760
)
 
(71.4
)%
Purchases - price
 
21,570

 
69,309

 
(47,739
)
 
(68.9
)%
 
81,839

 
216,533

 
(134,694
)
 
(62.2
)%
Purchases - price (%)
 
11.7
%
 
11.6
%
 
 
 
 
 
12.3
%
 
9.3
%
 
 
 
 
Cash proceeds on purchased debt
 
91,035

 
133,265

 
(42,230
)
 
(31.7
)%
 
293,373

 
402,311

 
(108,938
)
 
(27.1
)%
Total revenues
 
50,004

 
77,394

 
(27,390
)
 
(35.4
)%
 
175,208

 
242,428

 
(67,220
)
 
(27.7
)%
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
 
39,742

 
71,800

 
(32,058
)
 
(44.6
)%
 
131,945

 
212,772

 
(80,827
)
 
(38.0
)%
(1)     Segment Adjusted EBITDA is calculated consistently with the methodology used to report the Company's consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, except with regard to the costs of certain overhead items that may benefit both operating segments. The costs of these overhead items are included in the calculation of Domestic Adjusted EBITDA, but have not been allocated to Canada. This treatment of certain overhead costs is consistent with CODM review.

Purchases

Three months ended September 30, 2014 compared with three months ended September 30, 2013

Total domestic purchases decreased $414.0 million or 69.2% in face value and $47.7 million or 68.9% in capital deployed. Credit card/consumer loan - fresh debt purchases decreased $345.2 million in face value and $43.7 million in capital deployed. In addition, credit card/consumer loan - non-fresh debt purchases decreased $84.7 million in face value and $4.5 million in capital deployed. We generally attribute the decrease in purchasing to decreased supply from certain financial institutions resulting from their anticipation and implementation of expected rules to be promulgated by the CFPB. While regulations continue to be better understood by the industry, thereby providing, improved clarity and direction, many banks remain almost entirely focused on enhancing internal activities to ensure they have their respective processes in order before they will reenter the market.

Nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared with nine months ended September 30, 2013

Total domestic purchases decreased $1.7 billion or 71.4% in face value and $134.7 million or 62.2% in capital deployed. Credit card/consumer loan - fresh debt decreased $840.6 million in face value and $91.6 million in capital deployed. In addition, credit card/consumer loan - non-fresh debt decreased $660.6 million in face value and $32.9 million in capital deployed and purchases of commercial accounts decreased $124.9 million in face value and $6.0 million in capital deployed. We generally attribute the decrease in purchasing to decreased supply from certain financial institutions resulting from their anticipation and implementation of expected rules to be promulgated by the CFPB. While regulations continue to be better understood by the industry, thereby providing, improved clarity and direction, many banks remain almost entirely focused on enhancing internal activities to ensure they have their respective processes in order before they will reenter the market.





44


Cash Proceeds

Three months ended September 30, 2014 compared with three months ended September 30, 2013

Domestic cash proceeds on purchased debt decreased $42.2 million or 31.7%. The largest driver was a decrease of $34.1 million or 49.5% in credit card and consumer loan voluntary, non-legal collections, due to lower face value of purchases in late 2013 and 2014 and therefore less inventory in the voluntary, non-legal channel. In addition, sales decreased $3.5 million due to a shift in the Company's strategy away from account re-sales.

Nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared with nine months ended September 30, 2013

Domestic cash proceeds on purchased debt decreased $108.9 million or 27.1%. The largest driver was a decrease of $92.0 million or 43.6% in credit card and consumer loan voluntary, non-legal collections, due to lower face value of purchases in late 2013 and 2014 and therefore less inventory in the voluntary, non-legal channel. In addition, sales decreased $12.6 million due to a shift in the Company's strategy away from account re-sales.

Total Revenues

Three months ended September 30, 2014 compared with three months ended September 30, 2013

Total revenues attributable to our Domestic segment decreased $27.4 million or 35.4%. Gross revenue on level yield assets decreased by $21.0 million. Increased purchase prices led to lower return expectations on certain 2013 and 2014 purchases, which resulted in a lower overall weighted average IRR. In addition, gross revenue on cost recovery assets decreased $0.9 million, which was in line with the decrease in cost recovery proceeds. During the three months ended September 30, 2014, we recorded $1.3 million net expense for non-cash valuation allowances compared to $2.7 million in reversals of non-cash valuation allowances during the three months ended September 30, 2013. The remaining difference was a $1.4 million decrease in purchased debt royalties, which was in line with the decrease in domestic voluntary, non-legal collections.

Nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared with nine months ended September 30, 2013

Total revenues attributable to our Domestic segment decreased $67.2 million or 27.7%. Gross revenue on level yield assets decreased by $53.1 million. Increased purchase prices led to lower return expectations on certain 2013 and 2014 purchases, which resulted in a lower overall weighted average IRR. In addition, gross revenue on cost recovery assets decreased $3.1 million, which was in line with the decrease in cost recovery proceeds. During the nine months ended September 30, 2014, we recorded $0.8 million in net expense for non-cash valuation allowances compared to $6.5 million in net reversals of non-cash valuation allowances during the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The remaining difference was a $3.7 million decrease in purchased debt royalties, which was in line with the decrease in domestic voluntary, non-legal collections.

Adjusted EBITDA

Three months ended September 30, 2014 compared with three months ended September 30, 2013
    
Domestic Adjusted EBITDA decreased $32.1 million or 44.6%. This was due primarily to a decrease in cash proceeds on purchased debt of $42.2 million, which resulted in a partially offsetting $12.9 million decrease in costs to collect.

Nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared with nine months ended September 30, 2013
    
Domestic Adjusted EBITDA decreased $80.8 million or 38.0%. This was due primarily to a decrease in cash proceeds on purchased debt of $108.9 million, which resulted in a partially offsetting $34.5 million decrease in costs to collect.









45


Canada Performance Summary
    
The following table presents selected financial data for our Canada operating segment for the following periods:
Canada Segment Performance Summary
 
Three Months Ended
 
Nine Months Ended
 
September 30,
 
September 30,
($ in thousands)
 
2014
 
2013
 
$ Variance
 
% Variance
 
2014
 
2013
 
$ Variance
 
% Variance
Purchases - face value
 
$
157,640

 
$
66,589

 
$
91,051

 
136.7
 %
 
$
238,497

 
$
185,500

 
$
52,997

 
28.6
 %
Purchases - price
 
8,096

 
4,435

 
3,661

 
82.5
 %
 
15,643

 
14,462

 
1,181

 
8.2
 %
Purchases - price (%)
 
5.1
%
 
6.7
%
 
 
 
 
 
6.6
%
 
7.8
%
 
 
 
 
Cash proceeds on purchased debt
 
11,066

 
12,028

 
(962
)
 
(8.0
)%
 
32,872

 
36,837

 
(3,965
)
 
(10.8
)%
Total revenues
 
6,995

 
7,129

 
(134
)
 
(1.9
)%
 
20,147

 
22,132

 
(1,985
)
 
(9.0
)%
Adjusted EBITDA(1)
 
8,054

 
8,940

 
(886
)
 
(9.9
)%
 
23,853

 
25,696

 
(1,843
)
 
(7.2
)%
(1)     Segment Adjusted EBITDA is calculated consistently with the methodology used to report the Company's consolidated Adjusted EBITDA, except with regard to the costs of certain overhead items that may benefit both operating segments. The costs of these overhead items are included in the calculation of Domestic Adjusted EBITDA, but have not been allocated to Canada. This treatment of certain overhead costs is consistent with CODM review.

Purchases

Three months ended September 30, 2014 compared with three months ended September 30, 2013

Purchases by our Canada segment increased $91.1 million in face value and $3.7 million in capital deployed due to greater acquisition opportunities in the quarter in credit card/consumer loan - non-fresh that met our return criteria.

Nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared with nine months ended September 30, 2013

Purchases by our Canada segment increased slightly with an additional $53.0 million in face value and $1.2 million in capital deployed for the nine months ended September 30, 2014.

Cash Proceeds

Three months ended September 30, 2014 compared with three months ended September 30, 2013

Canada cash proceeds on purchased debt decreased $1.0 million or 8.0%, primarily driven by a decrease in voluntary, non-legal collections, due to lower face value of purchases in late 2013 and 2014 and therefore less inventory in the voluntary, non-legal channel.

Nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared with nine months ended September 30, 2013

Canada cash proceeds on purchased debt decreased $4.0 million or 10.8%, primarily driven by a decrease in voluntary, non-legal collections, due to lower face value of purchases in late 2013 and 2014 and therefore less inventory in the voluntary, non-legal channel.

Total Revenues

Three months ended September 30, 2014 compared with three months ended September 30, 2013

Total revenues from our Canada segment were $7.0 million, which was relatively consistent with total revenues in the corresponding period in 2013.

Nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared with nine months ended September 30, 2013

Total revenues from our Canada segment decreased $2.0 million or 9.0%. The decrease was due primarily to a $3.3 million decrease in gross revenue on cost recovery assets, which was in line with the decrease in cost recovery proceeds and our cost recovery asset base, as we started placing our Canadian asset purchases on level yield accounting in January 2012. The decrease in gross revenues on cost recovery assets was partially offset by a $1.8 million increase in level yield revenue.


46


Adjusted EBITDA

Three months ended September 30, 2014 compared with three months ended September 30, 2013

Adjusted EBITDA decreased $0.9 million or 9.9%. Cash proceeds on purchased debt decreased $1.0 million, which resulted in an offsetting $0.3 million decrease in costs to collect.

Nine months ended September 30, 2014 compared with nine months ended September 30, 2013

Adjusted EBITDA decreased $1.8 million or 7.2%. Cash proceeds on purchased debt decreased $4.0 million, which resulted in an offsetting $0.8 million decrease in costs to collect. In addition, during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 there was a $1.5 million one time harmonized sales tax payment in Canada.



47


Supplemental Performance Data
 
Our Owned Portfolios
 
As of September 30, 2014, our active owned charged-off receivables in the U.S. and Canada totaled $9.2 billion in face value and consisted of approximately 2.3 million accounts. We believe that these accounts will represent a significant base of cash flows for us over the next nine years. The following table sets forth summary information on our active owned charged-off receivables as of September 30, 2014.
Account Type
 
# of Active Accts
(in thousands)
 
Avg. Bal.
per Acct.
 
Active Face
Value
($ in millions)
 
Active Face
Value
(% of Total)
 
Capital
Deployed(1)
($ in millions)
 
Capital
Deployed(1)
(% of Total)
Credit Card/Consumer Loan - Fresh
 
1,436

 
$
3,986

 
$
5,724

 
62.4
%
 
$
2,077

 
81.3
%
Credit Card/Consumer Loan - Non-Fresh
 
733

 
3,267

 
2,395

 
26.1
%
 
343

 
13.4
%
Other(2)
 
106

 
9,972

 
1,057

 
11.5
%
 
134

 
5.2
%
Total/Average
 
2,275

 
$
4,033

 
$
9,176

 
100.0
%
 
$
2,554

 
100.0
%
(1)    Capital Deployed is an aggregate life-to-date total by account type. It is a representation of resource allocation and includes active and inactive accounts.

(2)    Other includes commercial, student loan, medical and other purchased debt assets.

Owned Portfolio Performance
 
The following tables show certain data related to our purchased debt portfolios. These tables describe purchase price, cash proceeds received to date, estimated remaining cash proceeds, and related gross return on investment.

The gross ROIs for 2007 and 2008 shown below are lower in comparison to most of our historical multiples. These lower ROIs were generally caused by increased market pricing and an overall deterioration in the macroeconomic environment. The gross ROIs for 2013 and 2014 purchases are also lower in comparison to most of our historical returns, primarily due to lower supply that has resulted in increased market competition and rising prices.

U.S. Purchased Debt Portfolio as of September 30, 2014 ($ in thousands)
Purchase Period
 
Purchase
Price(1)
 
Valuation
Allowance
(2)
 
Purchased
Debt, net
Carrying
Value(3)
 
% of
Carrying
Value
Unamortized(4)
 
Actual
Proceeds
Life to
Date
 
Estimated
Remaining
Proceeds
 
Total
Estimated
Proceeds(5)
 
Gross
ROI(6)
2006 and prior
 
$
896,340

 
$
(4,235
)
 
$
1,797

 
%
 
$
2,102,662

 
$
4,918

 
$
2,107,580

 
2.35x
2007
 
236,005

 
(58,282
)
 
3,523

 
1
%
 
349,677

 
4,696

 
354,373

 
1.50x
2008
 
226,030

 
(67,808
)
 
6,340

 
3
%
 
337,476

 
11,255

 
348,731

 
1.54x
2009
 
105,157

 
(699
)
 
2,574

 
2
%
 
210,208

 
13,867

 
224,075

 
2.13x
2010
 
164,117

 
(1,975
)
 
1,339

 
1
%
 
390,138

 
49,002

 
439,140

 
2.68x
2011
 
244,959

 
(3,071
)
 
9,462

 
4
%
 
528,009

 
95,599

 
623,608

 
2.55x
2012
 
246,011

 
(4,026
)
 
34,303

 
14
%
 
409,374

 
135,936

 
545,310

 
2.22x
2013
 
240,595

 
(4,380
)
 
105,547

 
44
%
 
217,674

 
209,249

 
426,923

 
1.77x
2014
 
81,839

 

 
57,924

 
71
%
 
28,283

 
92,882

 
121,165

 
1.48x
Total
 
$
2,441,053

 
$
(144,476
)
 
$
222,809

 

 
$
4,573,501

 
$
617,404

 
$
5,190,905

 
2.13x
 
(1)    Purchase price represents cost of each purchase.
 
(2)    Valuation allowance represents the total valuation allowance on our purchased debt, net of reversals.
 
(3)    Portfolio carrying value represents the net book value of our purchased debt portfolios excluding the impact of the branch office asset purchase program (discontinued).
 
(4)    Percentage of carrying value unamortized represents the carrying value divided by the purchase price.
 
(5)    Total estimated proceeds represent actual proceeds life to date plus the estimated remaining proceeds.
 
(6)    Gross ROI represents the total estimated proceeds divided by purchase price.


48


Canada Purchased Debt Portfolio as of September 30, 2014 (U.S. dollars in thousands)
Purchase Period
 
Purchase
Price(1)
 
Valuation
Allowance
 
Purchased
Debt, net
Carrying
Value
 
% of
Carrying
Value
Unamortized
 
Actual
Proceeds
Life to
Date(1)
 
Estimated
Remaining
Proceeds(2)
 
Total
Estimated
Proceeds
 
Gross
ROI
2006 and prior
 
$
5,885

 
$

 
$

 
%
 
$
9,418

 
$
35

 
$
9,453

 
1.61x
2007
 
7,889

 

 

 
%
 
14,879

 
176

 
15,055

 
1.91x
2008
 
6,282

 

 

 
%
 
9,457

 
246

 
9,703

 
1.54x
2009
 
3,350

 

 

 
%
 
9,249

 
711

 
9,960

 
2.97x
2010
 
7,706

 

 

 
%
 
28,493

 
3,435

 
31,928

 
4.14x
2011
 
22,745

 

 
106

 
%
 
57,006

 
7,538

 
64,544

 
2.84x
2012
 
26,746

 

 
1,002

 
4
%
 
46,454

 
9,840

 
56,294

 
2.10x
2013
 
17,515

 

 
3,542

 
20
%
 
20,998

 
17,056

 
38,054

 
2.17x
2014
 
15,643

 

 
10,283

 
66
%
 
7,132

 
24,697

 
31,829

 
2.03x
Total
 
$
113,761

 
$

 
$
14,933

 
 
 
$
203,086

 
$
63,734

 
$
266,820

 
2.35x
(1)    Converted to U.S. dollars using average historical exchange rates effective in the month of activity.

(2)    Converted to U.S. dollars using the exchange rate as of September 30, 2014.

Consolidated Purchased Debt Portfolio as of September 30, 2014 (U.S. dollars in thousands)
Purchase Period
 
Purchase
Price(1)
 
Valuation
Allowance
 
Purchased
Debt, net
Carrying
Value(3)
 
% of
Carrying
Value
Unamortized
 
Actual
Proceeds
Life to
Date(1)
 
Estimated
Remaining
Proceeds(2)
 
Total
Estimated
Proceeds
 
Gross
ROI
2006 and prior
 
$
902,225

 
$
(4,235
)
 
$
1,797

 
%
 
$
2,112,080

 
$
4,953

 
$
2,117,033

 
2.35x
2007
 
243,894

 
(58,282
)
 
3,523

 
1
%
 
364,556

 
4,872

 
369,428

 
1.51x
2008
 
232,312

 
(67,808
)
 
6,340

 
3
%
 
346,933

 
11,501

 
358,434

 
1.54x
2009
 
108,507

 
(699
)
 
2,574

 
2
%
 
219,457

 
14,578

 
234,035

 
2.16x
2010
 
171,823

 
(1,975
)
 
1,339

 
1
%
 
418,631

 
52,437

 
471,068

 
2.74x
2011
 
267,704

 
(3,071
)
 
9,568

 
4
%
 
585,015

 
103,137

 
688,152

 
2.57x
2012
 
272,757

 
(4,026
)
 
35,305

 
13
%
 
455,828

 
145,776

 
601,604

 
2.21x
2013
 
258,110

 
(4,380
)
 
109,089

 
42
%
 
238,672

 
226,305

 
464,977

 
1.80x
2014
 
97,482

 

 
68,207

 
70
%
 
35,415

 
117,579

 
152,994

 
1.57x
Total
 
$
2,554,814

 
$
(144,476
)
 
$
237,742

 
 
 
$
4,776,587

 
$
681,138

 
$
5,457,725

 
2.14x
(1)    Canadian amounts converted to U.S. dollars using average historical exchange rates effective in the month of activity.

(2)    Canadian amounts converted to U.S. dollars using the exchange rate as of September 30, 2014.

(3)     Portfolio carrying value represents the net book value of our purchased debt portfolios excluding the impact of the branch office asset purchase program (discontinued).




49


Estimated Remaining Proceeds

Based on our proprietary models and analytics, we have developed detailed cash flow forecasts for our charged-off receivables. As outlined in the tables below, we anticipate that our U.S. owned charged-off receivables as of September 30, 2014 will generate a total of approximately $617.4 million of gross cash proceeds over the next nine years. Our ERP expectations are based on historical data as well as assumptions about future collection rates and consumer behavior and are subject to a variety of factors that are beyond our control, and we cannot guarantee that we will achieve these results.
 
U.S. Purchased Debt Calendar Year Estimated Remaining Proceeds by Year of Purchase ($ in thousands)
Purchase Year
 
2014
 
2015
 
2016
 
2017
 
2018
 
2019
 
2020
 
2021 and thereafter
 
Total
2006 and prior(1)
 
$
1,097

 
$
2,287

 
$
1,065

 
$
368

 
$
87

 
$
14

 
$

 
$

 
$
4,918

2007
 
1,258

 
3,009

 
429

 

 

 

 

 

 
4,696

2008
 
2,350

 
6,681

 
1,969

 
255

 

 

 

 

 
11,255

2009
 
1,740

 
5,833

 
3,943

 
2,007

 
344

 

 

 

 
13,867

2010
 
5,401

 
17,513

 
12,706

 
8,472

 
4,221

 
689

 

 

 
49,002

2011
 
11,359

 
31,261

 
21,351

 
15,730

 
10,349

 
4,891

 
658

 

 
95,599

2012
 
17,712

 
47,519

 
26,201

 
17,827

 
13,196

 
8,683

 
4,060

 
738

 
135,936

2013
 
25,592

 
79,505

 
43,377

 
22,831

 
15,896

 
11,105

 
7,200

 
3,743

 
209,249

2014
 
8,285

 
32,013

 
20,901

 
11,959

 
6,713

 
4,329

 
3,165

 
5,517

 
92,882

Total
 
$74,794
 
$225,621
 
$131,942
 
$79,449
 
$50,806
 
$29,711
 
$15,083
 
$9,998
 
$617,404
Cumulative Percent
 
12.1
%
 
48.7
%
 
70.0
%
 
82.9
%
 
91.1
%
 
95.9
%
 
98.4
%
 
100.0
%
 
 



U.S. Purchased Debt Rolling Twelve Months Estimated Remaining Proceeds by Year of Purchase ($ in thousands)
Purchase Year
 
0 - 12 Months
 
13 - 24 Months
 
25 - 36 Months
 
37 - 48 Months
 
49 - 60 Months
 
61 - 72 Months
 
73 - 84 Months
 
85 - 108 Months
 
Total
2006 and prior(1)
 
$
2,949

 
$
1,320

 
$
492

 
$
133

 
$
24

 
$

 
$

 
$

 
$
4,918

2007
 
3,819

 
875

 
2

 

 

 

 

 

 
4,696

2008
 
7,862

 
2,878

 
514

 
1

 

 

 

 

 
11,255

2009
 
6,284

 
4,428

 
2,491

 
663

 
1

 

 

 

 
13,867

2010
 
19,039

 
13,817

 
9,517

 
5,284

 
1,341

 
4

 

 

 
49,002

2011
 
36,337

 
22,861

 
17,072

 
11,705

 
6,255

 
1,364

 
5

 

 
95,599

2012
 
56,320

 
29,696

 
19,214

 
14,364

 
9,807

 
5,215

 
1,110

 
210

 
135,936

2013
 
89,470

 
50,875

 
26,191

 
17,243

 
12,114

 
8,182

 
4,250

 
924

 
209,249

2014
 
32,993

 
24,090

 
13,666

 
7,765

 
4,741

 
3,390

 
2,652

 
3,585

 
92,882

Total
 
$255,073
 
$150,840
 
$89,159
 
$57,158
 
$34,283
 
$18,155
 
$8,017
 
$4,719
 
$617,404
Cumulative Percent
 
41.3
%
 
65.7
%
 
80.2
%
 
89.4
%
 
95.0
%
 
97.9
%
 
99.2
%
 
100.0
%
 
 

(1)    Represents estimated remaining proceeds for purchased debt acquired during the years 2004-2006.


50


Historical Proceeds

The following table demonstrates our ability to realize continuing cash flow streams on our purchased debt, showing our cash proceeds by year, and year of purchase.
 
U.S. Period of Proceeds ($ in thousands)
Purchase Year
2006 & Prior(2)
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Total
2006 & Prior(1)
$
1,329,748

$
338,808

$
180,830

$
96,778

$
61,165

$
40,410

$
26,238

$
18,207

$
10,478

$
2,102,662

2007

98,929

111,049

54,363

34,500

21,178

14,424

9,919

5,315

349,677

2008


98,025

88,017

65,471

38,416

24,983

15,024

7,540

337,476

2009



49,074

71,698

41,300

27,948

13,681

6,507

210,208

2010




90,429

130,132

94,374

53,213

21,990

390,138

2011





163,304

196,236

120,068

48,401

528,009

2012






176,605

163,096

69,673

409,374

2013







122,488

95,186

217,674

2014








28,283

28,283

Total
$
1,329,748

$
437,737

$
389,904

$
288,232

$
323,263

$
434,740

$
560,808

$
515,696

$
293,373

$
4,573,501

(1)    Represents purchase vintage years 1998-2006.

(2)    Represents proceeds from purchased debt during the years 1998-2006.

The following chart represents our historical proceeds on owned debt by quarter, with collections shown in black and sales, recourse & bankruptcy proceeds in gray.

Quarterly Cash Proceeds ($ in millions)

51


Liquidity and Capital Resources
 
Working Capital
 
Our primary sources of working capital are cash flows from operations, excess cash balances and bank borrowings. Our working capital levels fluctuate throughout the year based on purchasing volumes and are generally positively affected by first and second quarter collections each year when we historically tend to have higher collections. Generally, these higher first and second quarter collections are driven by tax refunds, patterns of seasonal employment, and the impact of reductions in consumer spending following the holiday season. We use our working capital to purchase charged-off receivables, service our indebtedness, and fund our operations to generate long-term growth.
 
Under our current borrowing structure, our lines of credit are managed separately within our domestic and Canadian operations. Our domestic operation sweeps all cash proceeds obtained to pay down our domestic line of credit daily. As a result, we maintain minimal domestic cash balances on hand, excluding our restricted cash. Domestically and in Canada, we borrow from our line of credit only as needed to reduce overall interest costs on our outstanding borrowings. Our line of credit, in total for both domestic and Canadian operations, is subject to a borrowing base and is described further in our condensed consolidated financial statements. To the extent our Canadian cash flow exceeds the cash flow needs of our Canadian operation including purchasing new assets, the excess Canadian cash flow, after paying down the Canadian line of credit to zero, is held in our Canadian bank accounts or used to pay down our domestic line of credit.

The Company from time to time enters into forward flow purchase agreements with various debt sellers to purchase specified amounts of debt for designated prices. These contracts typically cover a year or less and can generally be canceled by the Company at its discretion with 30-60 days’ notice. At September 30, 2014, the Company did not have any significant non-cancelable forward flow purchase agreements.
 
Based on our current level of operations, we have ample liquidity to fund our operations through the next twelve months. Our purchasing volumes and proceeds in any period fluctuate based on pricing and other macro-economic factors. We view our liquidity as our availability to borrow on our domestic and Canadian line of credit, plus our domestic and Canadian non-restricted cash balances, which primarily includes excess Canadian cash on hand. As of September 30, 2014, our total availability under our line of credit was $59.6 million based on our borrowing base calculation, and our non-restricted cash balances were $15.9 million, resulting in liquidity as of September 30, 2014 of $75.5 million.

Cash Flows
 
Our primary sources of liquidity are cash proceeds from purchased debt, cash from operations, excess cash balances, and borrowings on our senior revolving credit facility. Our primary uses of liquidity are to purchase additional charged-off receivables, fund operating expenses, and service our indebtedness. Our total indebtedness, net of discount, at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 was $440.8 million and $437.4 million, respectively, including obligations under capital leases. Our ability to service our debt and to fund planned purchases of charged-off receivables will depend on our ability to generate cash proceeds in the future, which, to a certain extent, is subject to general economic, financial, competitive, legislative, regulatory and other factors beyond our control.
 
The following table provides a summary of the components of cash flow for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013:
 
 
 
Nine Months Ended
 
 
September 30,
$ in thousands
 
2014
 
2013
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities
 
$
(27,047
)
 
$
4,513

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities
 
33,040

 
(46,316
)
Net cash provided by financing activities
 
1,113

 
40,407

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents (1)
 
$
7,106

 
$
(1,396
)
 (1)    Before the impact of foreign currency translation on cash of $(573) and $(542), respectively.
 




52


Operating Activities
 
Cash generated from operations is dependent upon our ability to generate proceeds on our purchased debt. Many factors, including the economy and our branch offices' ability to maintain low collector turnover and adequate liquidation rates, are essential to our ability to generate cash proceeds. Fluctuations in these factors that cause volatility in our business could have a material impact on our expected future cash flows. Proceeds on purchased debt recorded as revenue are included in the operating activities, while proceeds recorded as amortization of purchased debt principal are included in the investing activities. See the reconciliation of cash flow from operations to Adjusted EBITDA in the Results of Operations section herein.
 
Our operating activities used net cash of $27.0 million and provided $4.5 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, resulting in a net increase in cash used in operating activities of $31.6 million. The increase in cash used was primarily due to a $57.7 million decrease in gross revenue recognized on purchased debt assets. This was partially offset by a corresponding decrease in costs to collect including court costs of $35.3 million. The remaining change in net cash provided by operating activities was due to normal changes in operating assets and liabilities.
 
Investing Activities
 
Our investing activities provided net cash of $33.0 million and used $46.3 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Cash used in investing activities is primarily driven by investments in charged-off receivables offset by cash proceeds applied to the carrying value of our purchased debt. The increase in cash provided by investing activities of $79.4 million was due primarily to a $133.5 million decrease in investments in purchased debt, partially offset by a $55.0 million decrease in cash proceeds recorded as a reduction of our purchased debt carrying value.

Financing Activities
 
Financing activities provided net cash of $1.1 million and $40.4 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Financing activities are primarily driven by purchasing volume (which drives our incremental borrowing), payments on our revolving credit facility, capital lease obligations, and payments of origination fees on our revolving line of credit. Cash is provided by draws on our revolving credit facility and proceeds are used to pay down the revolving credit facility. The increase in cash used by financing activities of $39.3 million was due to a decrease of $137.3 million in draws on our revolving credit facility used to fund purchases and overhead costs. Lower purchasing resulted in lower collections which led to a $97.8 million decrease in payments on our revolving credit facility.

Long-term Financing
 
Senior Revolving Credit Facility and Senior Second Lien Notes
 
As of September 30, 2014, there were no material changes to the Company's revolving credit facility or its Senior Second Lien Notes from the information previously disclosed except for additional draws and repayments on the revolving credit facility. The balance of the outstanding line of credit under the revolving facility was $148.6 million and $145.3 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively; a decrease of $3.4 million. At September 30, 2014, our availability under the line of credit was $59.6 million based on our borrowing base calculation.

Subsequent to September 30, 2014, the Company entered into Amendment No. 6 to its Loan Agreement, ("Amendment No. 6") for the senior revolving credit facility, which decreased the Minimum Adjusted EBITDA Covenant from $200 million to $165 million for a rolling four fiscal quarter basis beginning with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2014.











53


Company Debt Outstanding as a Multiple of TTM Adjusted EBITDA
We believe the metric of debt outstanding as a multiple of TTM Adjusted EBITDA is representative of the Company's business model operating leverage. The ratio increased from 1.5x at September 30, 2013 to 2.0x at September 30, 2014 as a result of a 28.4% decrease in our TTM Adjusted EBITDA and a 5.7% decrease in our total debt. Adjusted EBITDA declined primarily due to lower cash proceeds on purchased debt.

Covenants
 
The senior revolving credit facility and the Senior Second Lien Notes have certain covenants and restrictions, as is customary for such facilities, with which the Company must comply. Some of the financial covenants under the revolving credit facility include: minimum Adjusted EBITDA, capital expenditures limits, and maximum operating lease obligations. The minimum Adjusted EBITDA covenant, as defined in detail in the revolving credit facility agreement is $200 million for each of the trailing twelve month periods following the fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2012. The maximum capital expenditures covenant for any fiscal year, as further described in the revolving credit facility agreement, is $8 million and is subject to provisions set forth in the agreement. Maximum aggregate rent expense and certain other operating lease obligations, excluding a certain operating lease, are $3 million in any fiscal year.

As of September 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all covenants and restrictions of the revolving credit facility and Senior Second Lien Notes.
 
As noted above, the Minimum Adjusted EBITDA Covenant was decreased from $200 million to $165 million for a rolling four fiscal quarter basis beginning with the fiscal quarter ending December 31, 2014.

Capital Leases
 
We had outstanding capital lease obligations relating to computer and office equipment of $2.0 million and software agreements of $0.8 million as of September 30, 2014.

Related Party Loans
 
During 2001, we entered into two promissory notes with two individuals related to a co-founder and member of our Board of Directors, P. Scott Lowery. The notes were issued to repurchase common stock of SquareTwo held by these related parties. These notes bear interest at a fixed rate of 8.0% and require us to make monthly principal and interest payments of less than $0.1 million. As of September 30, 2014, these notes had outstanding balances of $0.4 million and $0.3 million, respectively. The notes mature on January 15, 2016, and August 15, 2021, respectively.

54



Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements
 
As of September 30, 2014, we did not have any off balance sheet arrangements as defined by Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K.

Critical Accounting Policies

The preparation of financial statements and related disclosures in conformity with GAAP and our discussion and analysis of our financial condition and results of operations require our management to make judgments, assumptions and estimates that affect the amounts reported in our condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. We base our estimates on historical experience and on various other assumptions we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ from these estimates and such differences may be material.

Management believes our critical accounting policies and estimates are those related to revenue recognition, accounting estimates, valuation of acquired intangibles and goodwill and income taxes. Management believes these policies to be critical because they are both important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results, and they require management to make judgments and estimates about matters that are inherently uncertain.

Revenue

We account for our purchased debt under the guidance of ASC Topic 310-30, “Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality” (“ASC 310-30”). Under ASC 310-30, static pools of purchased debt, aggregated based on certain common risk criteria, can be accounted for under either the interest method of accounting or the cost recovery method of accounting. Revenue recognition under ASC 310-30 is based in part on life-to-date performance of our static pools as well as our forecasts of future proceeds on those pools, which reflect our judgments and various assumptions and estimates made quarterly. See accounting for income recognized on purchased debt discussed in detail in "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" as well as Note 2 to the condensed consolidated financial statements.

Accounting Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the financial statements and the accompanying notes. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Our condensed consolidated financial statements are based on a number of significant estimates, including the collectability of purchased debt and the timing of such proceeds. Due to the uncertainties inherent in the estimation process, it is at least reasonably possible that our estimates in connection with these items could be materially revised within the near term.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill represents the cost of acquired businesses in excess of the fair value assigned to the net tangible and identifiable intangible assets acquired. As prescribed by ASC Topic 350, "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other", goodwill is not amortized. We review goodwill for impairment annually, or more frequently, if indicators of possible impairment arise. Potential impairment is indicated when the book value of a reporting unit, including goodwill, exceeds its fair value. Significant judgments are required to estimate the fair value of reporting units and intangible assets including estimating future cash flows, and determining appropriate discount rates, growth rates, and other assumptions. If potential impairment exists, the fair value of the reporting unit is compared to the fair value of its assets and liabilities, excluding goodwill, to estimate the implied value of the reporting unit's goodwill. An impairment loss is recognized for any excess of the book value of the reporting unit's goodwill over the implied fair value.

In connection with the Acquisition, certain intangible assets were identified. The branch office intangible, with a value of $24.9 million, was deemed to have an indefinite life and, therefore, is not being amortized. We perform an impairment test annually, or more frequently, if events or changes in circumstances indicate impairment of intangible assets. Our judgments regarding the existence of impairment indicators and future cash flows related to intangible assets are based on operational performance of our businesses, market conditions and other factors.



55


Income Taxes

The Company uses the liability method of accounting for income taxes in accordance with the authoritative guidance for income taxes. When the Company prepares its consolidated financial statements, it estimates income taxes based on the various jurisdictions where it conducts business. This requires the Company to estimate current tax exposure and to assess temporary differences that result from differing treatments of certain items for tax and accounting purposes. Deferred income taxes are recognized based on the difference between the financial statements and income tax bases of assets and liabilities using the enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which the differences are expected to reverse. The Company then assesses the likelihood that deferred tax assets will be realized. Valuation allowances are established, when necessary, to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be realized. When the Company establishes a valuation allowance or increases this allowance in an accounting period, it records a corresponding tax expense in the consolidated statements of operations. The Company includes interest and penalties related to the income taxes within its provision for income taxes. See Note 8 for additional discussion of income taxes.

Management must make significant judgments to determine the provision for income taxes, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and any valuation allowance to be recorded against the deferred tax assets.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk.

Market Risk

We are exposed to various types of market risk in the normal course of business, including the impact of interest rate changes, foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, changes in corporate tax rates, and inflation. From time to time, we employ risk management strategies that may include the use of derivatives, such as interest rate swap agreements. We do not enter into derivatives for trading purposes.

For additional discussion of market risks affecting SquareTwo Financial, see "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosure About Market Risk" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our exposure to market risk has not changed materially since the filing of our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures.

Under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, we have evaluated the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as such term is defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer have concluded that these disclosure controls and procedures were effective as of the end of the period covered by this report. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the three months ended September 30, 2014 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.


56


PART II

Item 1. Legal Proceedings.

From time to time the Company is a defendant in ordinary routine litigation alleging violations of applicable state and federal laws by the Company or the branch offices acting on its behalf that is incidental to our business. These suits may include actions which may purport to be on behalf of a class of consumers. While the litigation and regulatory environment is challenging and continually changing, for the Company, our branch offices and our industry, in our opinion, such matters will not individually, or in the aggregate, result in a materially adverse effect on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. Management believes the range of reasonably possible loss for outstanding claims is between zero and $1.5 million. The Company accrues for loss contingencies as they become probable and estimable.

Item 1A. Risk Factors.
    
In addition to the other information set forth in this report, you should carefully consider the factors discussed in the section entitled "Risk Factors" in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

There have been no material changes to risk factors previously disclosed in our most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds.

None.

Item 3. Defaults Upon Senior Securities.

None.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

Item 5. Other Information.

None.

Item 6. Exhibits.
Exhibit No.
Description
 
 
31.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
31.2
Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
32.1
Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
 
 
101.INS
XBRL Instance Document
 
 
101.SCH
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
 
 
101.CAL
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
 
 
101.LAB
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
 
 
101.PRE
XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

57


SIGNATURES
 
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
 
 
SQUARETWO FINANCIAL CORPORATION
 
 
November 13, 2014
By:
/s/ Paul A. Larkins
 
Name:
Paul A. Larkins
 
Title:
Chief Executive Officer
 
 
(Principal Executive Officer)
 
 
 
November 13, 2014
By:
/s/ John D. Lowe
 
Name:
John D. Lowe
 
Title:
Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
 
 
(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

    




58