Atlanticus Holdings Corp
For the period ended Dec 31, 2025. Filed Mar 12, 2026.
View on SEC.govAbout this filing
A company's yearly report to the SEC, with audited financial statements. It is the fullest account a company gives of its business, its finances and the risks it sees.
FY2025 · Filed Mar 12, 2026
What changed in Risk Factors?
Read the current filingPrevious report: 10-K
Period ended 2024-12-31; filed 2025-03-13.
0001437749-25-007559
Item 1A. Risk FactorsCurrent report: 10-K
Period ended 2025-12-31; filed 2026-03-12.
0001437749-26-007972
Item 1A. Risk FactorsThe baseline is this issuer’s latest earlier reporting period of the same form that was filed before the current report. A previous 10-Q is a different quarter, not a year-over-year comparison. Amendments are excluded.
Compared 121 previous paragraphs and 120 current paragraphs.
88 unchanged; 19 reworded; 12 added; 14 removed; 0 previous and 1 current paragraphs rearranged.
Tables are not compared: 5 previous and 6 current tables excluded. Dates, whitespace, punctuation and numbering changes are ignored; changes to financial figures remain significant.
A changed paragraph is not evidence that risk increased or decreased. An unchanged paragraph does not establish that risk stayed the same.
Added paragraphs (12)
Current report
In addition, the current regulatory environment could be impacted by future legislative developments that significantly impact financial services companies like ours. For example, in February and March 2025, bipartisan legislation was introduced in both the United States Senate and House, respectively, seeking to amend the Truth in Lending Act (“TILA”) to cap credit card interest rates at 10% effective January 1, 2031. Thereafter, in January 2026, the current presidential administration proposed a 10% cap on credit card interest rates for one year. Additional bills have been introduced in Congress in 2026 that seek to cap interest rates in other ways, such as US S3721, which would amend TILA to cap interest rates on all consumer credit products at the maximum amount permitted in the state where the customer resides, and US S3793, which would extend the Military Lending Act’s 36% military annual percentage rate cap and related protections to all consumers in connection with all consumer credit products subject to only limited exceptions for residential mortgages, certain secured auto loans, and federal credit unions. Any temporary or permanent implementation of a specific interest rate cap on consumer credit cards or more broadly across all consumer credit products could have a material adverse effect on our business and operations. New laws and regulations such as these could significantly lower or eliminate the profitability of operations going forward by, among other things, reducing the amount of interest and fees we charge in connection with any financial products that are offered or otherwise available to consumers.
Current report
Failure to realize the expected benefits of our acquisition of Mercury could adversely affect our business and the value of our securities.
Current report
Although we expect significant benefits to result from the acquisition of Mercury, we may not actually realize any of them or realize them within the anticipated timeframe. Achieving these benefits will depend, in part, on our ability to integrate Mercury's business successfully and efficiently. The challenges involved in this integration, which will be complex and time consuming, include the following:
Current report
If we do not successfully manage these risks and the other challenges inherent in integrating an acquired business, then we may not achieve the anticipated benefits of the acquisition of Mercury on our anticipated timeframe or at all and our revenue, expenses, operating results, financial condition and the prices of our securities could be materially adversely affected. The successful integration of the Mercury business will require significant management attention and may divert it from our business and operational issues.
Current report
Our existing and future levels of indebtedness could adversely affect our financial health, our ability to obtain financing in the future, our ability to react to changes in our business and our ability to fulfill our obligations under the existing indebtedness. As of December 31, 2025, we had $934.9 million of recourse indebtedness outstanding and $5,629.6 million of indebtedness outstanding under warehouse facilities and asset backed securities, all of which is non-recourse indebtedness.
Current report
Any of the foregoing impacts of our level of indebtedness could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations.
Current report
Recently, the financial services industry has experienced rapid developments in artificial intelligence, including agentic artificial intelligence. The use of artificial intelligence models developed by third parties introduces risks related to how those models are developed, trained, and deployed, including unauthorized material in training data and limited visibility into risk mitigation steps. The legal and regulatory environment for artificial intelligence is uncertain and rapidly evolving, potentially increasing compliance costs and risks of noncompliance. We may be exposed to the risk that generative artificial intelligence models may produce incorrect outputs, release confidential information, reflect biases, or otherwise cause harm. Their complexity may make it challenging to understand all outputs and comply with documentation or explanation requirements. Any of these risks could adversely affect our business, expose us to liability or other adverse legal or regulatory consequences, or otherwise adversely affect our financial results.
Current report
We use models in our business, and we could be adversely affected if our design, implementation, or use of models is flawed. The use of statistical and quantitative models and other quantitatively based analyses is central to our operations. We use quantitative models to price products and services, measure risk, calculate the quantitative portion of our allowance for loan losses, assess liquidity, create financial forecasts, and otherwise conduct our business and operations. We anticipate that model-derived insights will penetrate further into our decision-making processes, and particularly our risk management efforts. While these quantitative techniques and approaches improve our decision-making, they also create the possibility that faulty data or flawed quantitative approaches could yield adverse outcomes or regulatory scrutiny. Additionally, because of the complexity inherent in these approaches, misunderstanding or misuse of their outputs could similarly result in suboptimal decision-making. Some models we use employ methodologies based on artificial intelligence or machine learning. These models may have unique complexities when compared to more traditional models, such as the need for large and representative datasets for training, the increased potential for bias, and the difficulty in interpreting model decisions and implementing model adjustments. We also rely on model inputs that are provided by third parties. To the extent that any flawed models or inaccurate model outputs are used in reports to regulatory agencies or the public, we could be subjected to supervisory actions, private litigation, and other proceedings that may adversely affect our business, financial condition, and results of operations. If our models fail to produce reliable results on an ongoing basis, we may not make appropriate risk management, capital planning or other business or financial decisions.
Current report
There is an increasing focus by legislators, courts and regulators regarding the collection, use and sharing of data by websites, including the CCPA. Recent and evolving interpretations of existing state laws, including existing wiretapping laws such as the California Invasion of Privacy Act, have expanded to include the use of cookies, pixels and third-party ad-tracking technologies, and which may carry statutory penalties. This may result in potential exposure relating to our use of technology and our implementation of related safeguards.
Current report
The agreements and instruments governing our debt contain restrictions and limitations that could significantly impact our ability to operate our business. The indenture that governs the 2030 Senior Notes contains restrictive covenants that, among other things, limit our ability and the ability of our restricted subsidiaries to:
Current report
The restrictions in this indenture may prevent us from taking actions that we believe would be in the best interest of our business and may make it difficult for us to successfully execute our business strategy or effectively compete with companies that are not similarly restricted. In addition, the restrictions in the indenture are subject to certain important exceptions and may not protect the lenders or the holders of the 2030 Senior Notes from certain significant transactions. We may also incur future debt obligations that might subject us to additional restrictive covenants that could affect our financial and operational flexibility.
Removed paragraphs (14)
Previous report
In addition to true lender challenges, a question regarding the applicability of state usury rates may arise when a loan is sold from a bank to a non-bank entity. In Madden v. Midland Funding, LLC, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit held that the federal preemption of state usury laws did not extend to the purchaser of a loan issued by a national bank. In its brief urging the U.S. Supreme Court to deny certiorari, the U.S. Solicitor General, joined by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency ("OCC"), noted that the Second Circuit (Connecticut, New York and Vermont) analysis was incorrect. On remand, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York concluded on February 27, 2017, that New York’s state usury law, not Delaware’s state usury law, was applicable and that the plaintiff’s claims under the FDCPA and state unfair and deceptive acts and practices could proceed. To that end, the court granted Madden’s motion for class certification. At this time, it is unknown whether Madden will be applied outside of the defaulted debt context in which it arose. The facts in Madden are not directly applicable to our business, as we do not engage in practices similar to those at issue in Madden. However, to the extent that the holding in Madden is broadened to cover circumstances applicable to our business, or if other litigation on related theories were brought against us or others and were successful, or we otherwise were found to be the "true lender," we could become subject to state usury limits and state licensing laws, in addition to the state consumer protection laws to which we are already subject, in a greater number of states, loans in such states could be deemed void and unenforceable, and we could be subject to substantial penalties in connection with such loans.
Previous report
In response to the uncertainty Madden created as to the validity of interest rates of bank-originated loans sold in the secondary market, in May 2020 and June 2020, the OCC and the FDIC, respectively, issued final rules that reaffirmed the "valid when made" doctrine and clarified that when a bank sells, assigns, or otherwise transfers a loan, the interest rates permissible prior to the transfer continue to be permissible following the transfer. In the summer of 2020, a number of state attorneys general filed suits against the OCC and the FDIC, challenging these "valid when made" rules. In February 2022, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California entered two orders granting summary judgement in favor of the OCC and the FDIC. The court held that the bank regulators had the power to issue the rules reaffirming the "valid when made" doctrine. Although the practical consequences of Madden have diminished since the initial ruling, uncertainty remains in this area of law.
Previous report
The CFPB recently issued a final rule regarding credit card late fees, which represents a significant departure from the rules that are currently in effect. Should this rule be implemented, the rule would have an adverse impact on our business, results of operations and financial condition for at least the short term and, depending on the effectiveness of our actions taken in response to the rule, potentially over the long term.
Previous report
In March 2024, the CFPB published a final rule that would significantly reduce the safe harbor amount for late fees that credit card issuers are authorized to charge. This rule is currently on hold, pending litigation. The rule, if implemented, would: (i) decrease the safe harbor amount for credit card late fees to $8 and eliminate a higher safe harbor dollar amount for subsequent late payments; and (ii) eliminate the annual inflation adjustments that currently exist for the late fee safe harbor dollar amounts. The "safe harbor" dollar amounts referenced in the CFPB’s rulemaking refer to the amounts that credit card issuers may charge as late fees under the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009 (the "CARD Act") without reference to the issuer’s cost to collect. Under the CARD Act, these safe harbor amounts, since their initial implementation, have been subject to annual adjustment based on changes in the Consumer Price Index, and the safe harbor amounts are currently set at $30 for an initial late fee and $41 for subsequent late fees incurred in one of the next six billing cycles. Accordingly, the $8 safe harbor amount on late fees (and the elimination of the annual inflation-based adjustment thereto) would represent a significant decrease from the current safe harbor amounts. The final rule was slated to become effective on May 14, 2024, subject to any court-imposed injunction resulting from litigation.
Previous report
Shortly after the final rule was published, a lawsuit was filed in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas (Ft. Worth Division) by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the American Bankers Association and various other parties, challenging the rule and seeking a preliminary injunction enjoining the rule from becoming effective during the pendency of the litigation. The lawsuit asserts that the rule would ultimately harm those consumers the CFPB is charged with protecting and seeks to have the rule vacated on various grounds, including that the CFPB (i) violated the CARD Act by preventing issuers from collecting reasonable and proportional late fees when cardholders do not pay their bills on time, and (ii) violated the Administrative Procedure Act by promulgating a final rule that is arbitrary and capricious, relying on inappropriate, incomplete and non-public data. An injunction against implementation was entered on May 10, 2024.
Previous report
Assuming these legal challenges are not successful and the CFPB’s final rule becomes effective, this rule would represent an approximately 75% reduction in the amount of late fees that may be charged under the CARD Act safe harbor. We have already executed on a number of strategies designed to limit the impact of the final rule on us and we continue to evaluate various other mitigating strategies, but it may not be feasible for us to fully implement these strategies in the short term, and these efforts ultimately may not be successful even if and when fully implemented. Moreover, the final rule (and certain of our mitigating strategies) may present other risks and adverse impacts to our business, results of operations and financial condition, which could include, without limitation, the loss of customers due to tightened underwriting standards or negative customer response to higher rates and fees, impacts to customer payment behavior due to decreased incentives to pay, further regulatory action in response to mitigating strategies that may be employed by us or other credit card issuers, adverse impacts to or disputes with our brand partners, strategic non-renewals of certain brand partner relationships that cease to be profitable, and balance sheet impairments, including of goodwill, long-lived assets and other prepaid or intangible assets.
Previous report
Over the last two years, prices for energy and food have been particularly volatile in light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the resulting trade restrictions and sanctions imposed on Russia by the U.S. and other countries. These events have increased inflationary pressures.
Previous report
Our level of indebtedness could have important consequences to holders of the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes, because:
Previous report
However, no event of default under the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes would result from a default or acceleration of, or suit, other exercise of remedies or collection proceeding by holders of, our other outstanding debt, if any. As a result, all or substantially all of our assets may be used to satisfy claims of holders of our other outstanding debt, if any, without the holders of the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes having any rights to such assets.
Previous report
The indenture governing the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes contains limited protection for holders of the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes. The indenture under which the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes were issued offers limited protection to holders of the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes. The terms of the indenture and the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes do not restrict our or any of our subsidiaries’ ability to engage in, or otherwise be a party to, a variety of corporate transactions, circumstances or events that could have an adverse impact on the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes. In particular, the terms of the indenture and the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes do not place any restrictions on our or our subsidiaries’ ability to:
Previous report
In addition, the indenture does not include any protection against certain events, such as a change of control, a leveraged recapitalization or "going private" transaction (which may result in a significant increase of our indebtedness levels), restructuring or similar transactions. Furthermore, the terms of the indenture and the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes do not protect holders of the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes in the event that we experience changes (including significant adverse changes) in our financial condition, results of operations or credit ratings, as they do not require that we or our subsidiaries adhere to any financial tests or ratios or specified levels of net worth, revenues, income, cash flow, or liquidity. Also, an event of default or acceleration under our other indebtedness would not necessarily result in an "event of default" under the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes.
Previous report
Our ability to recapitalize, incur additional debt and take a number of other actions that are not limited by the terms of the indenture may have important consequences for holders of the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes, including making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes or negatively affecting the trading value of the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes.
Previous report
Other debt we issue or incur in the future could contain more protections for its holders than the indenture and the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes, including additional covenants and events of default. The issuance or incurrence of any such debt with incremental protections could affect the market for and trading levels and prices of the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes.
Previous report
We may issue additional notes. Under the terms of the indenture governing the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes, we may from time to time without notice to, or the consent of, the holders of the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes, create and issue additional notes which may rank equally with the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes. If any such additional notes are not fungible with the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes initially offered hereby for U.S. federal income tax purposes, such additional notes will have one or more separate CUSIP numbers.
Reworded paragraphs (19)
Previous wording
Our portfolio of receivables is not diversified and primarily originates from consumers whose creditworthiness is considered less than prime. Historically, we have invested in receivables in one of two ways—we have either (i) invested in receivables originated by lenders who utilize our services or (ii) invested in or purchased pools of receivables from other issuers. In either case, substantially all of our receivables are from borrowers represented by credit risks that regulators classify as less than prime. Our reliance on these receivables may in the future negatively impact our performance.
Current wording
***Our portfolio of receivables has limited diversification and primarily originates from consumers whose creditworthiness is considered less than prime.***Historically, we have invested in receivables in one of two ways—we have either (i) invested in receivables originated by lenders who utilize our services or (ii) invested in or purchased pools of receivables from other issuers. In either case, the majority of our receivables are from borrowers represented by credit risks that regulators classify as less than prime. Our reliance on these receivables may in the future negatively impact our performance.
Previous wording
The recent growth of our investments in private label credit and general purpose credit card receivables may not be indicative of our ability to grow such receivables in the future. Our period-end managed receivables balance for private label credit and general purpose credit card receivables grew to $2,724.8 million at December 31, 2024, from $2,411.3 million at December 31, 2023. The amount of such receivables has fluctuated significantly over the course of our operating history. Furthermore, even if such receivables continue to increase, the rate of such growth could decline. If we cannot manage the growth in receivables effectively, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Current wording
The recent growth of our investments in private label credit and general purpose credit card receivables may not be indicative of our ability to grow such receivables in the future. Our period-end managed receivables balance for private label credit and general purpose credit card receivables grew to $6,953.4 million at December 31, 2025, from $2,724.8 million at December 31, 2024. The amount of such receivables has fluctuated significantly over the course of our operating history. Furthermore, even if such receivables continue to increase, the rate of such growth could decline. If we cannot manage the growth in receivables effectively, it could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, results of operations, financial condition or cash flows.
Previous wording
Reliance upon relationships with a few large retailers in the private label credit operations may adversely affect our revenues and operating results from these operations. Our five largest retail partners accounted for over 75% of our outstanding private label credit receivables as of December 31, 2024. Although we are adding new retail partners on a regular basis, it is likely that we will continue to derive a significant portion of this operations’ receivables base and corresponding revenue from a relatively small number of partners in the future. If a significant partner reduces or terminates its relationship with us, these operations’ revenue could decline significantly and our operating results and financial condition could be harmed.
Current wording
Reliance upon relationships with a few large retailers in the private label credit operations may adversely affect our revenues and operating results from these operations. Our five largest retail partners accounted for 85% of our outstanding private label credit receivables as of December 31, 2025. Although we are adding new retail partners on a regular basis, it is likely that we will continue to derive a significant portion of this operations’ receivables base and corresponding revenue from a relatively small number of partners in the future. If a significant partner reduces or terminates its relationship with us, these operations’ revenue could decline significantly and our operating results and financial condition could be harmed.
Previous wording
Changes in bankruptcy, privacy or other consumer protection laws, or to the prevailing interpretation thereof, may expose us to litigation, adversely affect our ability to collect receivables, or otherwise adversely affect our operations. Similarly, regulatory changes could adversely affect the ability or willingness of lenders who utilize our technology platform and related services to market credit products and services to consumers. Also, the accounting rules that apply to our business are exceedingly complex, difficult to apply and in a state of flux. As a result, how we value our receivables and otherwise account for our business is subject to change depending upon the changes in, and interpretation of, those rules. Some of these issues are discussed more fully below.
Current wording
Changes in bankruptcy, privacy or other federal or state consumer protection laws, or to the prevailing interpretation thereof, may expose us to litigation, adversely affect our ability to collect receivables, or otherwise adversely affect our operations. Similarly, regulatory changes could adversely affect the ability or willingness of lenders who utilize our technology platform and related services to market credit products and services to consumers. Also, the accounting rules that apply to our business are exceedingly complex, difficult to apply and in a state of flux. As a result, how we value our receivables and otherwise account for our business is subject to change depending upon the changes in, and interpretation of, those rules. Some of these issues are discussed more fully below.
Previous wording
Changes to consumer protection laws or changes in their interpretation may impede collection efforts or otherwise adversely impact our business practices. Federal and state consumer protection laws regulate the creation and enforcement of consumer credit card receivables and other loans. Many of these laws (and the related regulations) are focused on non-prime lenders and are intended to prohibit or curtail industry-standard practices as well as non-standard practices. For instance, Congress enacted legislation that regulates loans to military personnel through imposing interest rate and other limitations and requiring new disclosures, all as regulated by the Department of Defense. Similarly, in 2009 Congress enacted legislation that required changes to a variety of marketing, billing and collection practices, and the Federal Reserve adopted significant changes to a number of practices through its issuance of regulations. While our practices are in compliance with these changes, some of the changes (e.g., limitations on the ability to assess up-front fees) have significantly affected the viability of certain credit products within the U.S. Changes in the consumer protection laws could result in the following:
Current wording
Changes to consumer protection laws or changes in their interpretation may impede collection efforts or otherwise adversely impact our business practices. Federal and state consumer protection laws regulate the creation and enforcement of consumer credit card receivables and other loans. Many of these laws (and the related regulations) are focused on non-prime lenders and are intended to prohibit or curtail industry-standard practices as well as non-standard practices. For instance, Congress enacted legislation that regulates loans to military personnel through imposing interest rate and other limitations and requiring new disclosures, all as regulated by the Department of Defense. Similarly, in 2009 Congress enacted legislation that required changes to a variety of marketing, billing and collection practices, and the Federal Reserve adopted significant changes to a number of practices through its issuance of regulations. While our practices are in compliance with these changes, some of the changes (e.g., limitations on the ability to assess up-front fees) have significantly affected the viability of certain credit products within the U.S.
Previous wording
We are remediating a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. If we experience additional material weaknesses in the future, our business may be harmed. Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting and for evaluating and reporting on the effectiveness of our system of internal control. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). As a public company, we are required to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other rules that govern public companies. In particular, we are required to certify our compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which requires us to furnish annually a report by management on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.
Current wording
We recently remediated a material weakness in our internal control over financial reporting. If we experience additional material weaknesses in the future, our business may be harmed. Our management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial reporting and for evaluating and reporting on the effectiveness of our system of internal control. Our internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external reporting purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States (“GAAP”). As a public company, we are required to comply with the Sarbanes-Oxley Act and other rules that govern public companies. In particular, we are required to certify our compliance with Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, which requires us to furnish annually a report by management on the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting.
Previous wording
Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 and concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2024 due to a material weakness described under Part II, Item 9A “Controls and Procedures” in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Current wording
Management assessed the effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2024 and concluded that our internal control over financial reporting was not effective as of December 31, 2024 due to a material weakness described under Part II, Item 9A “Controls and Procedures” on our Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. Based on the successful monitoring of these remediation efforts, the Company concluded that the material weakness identified above was remediated, as disclosed in the September 30, 2025 Form 10-Q.
Previous wording
In addition, in November 2020, California voters approved the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020 (the "CPRA") ballot initiative, which became effective on January 1, 2023. The CPRA established the California Privacy Protection Agency to implement and enforce the CCPA and CPRA. We anticipate that the CPRA and certain regulations promulgated by the California Privacy Protection Agency will apply to our business and we will work to ensure compliance with such laws and regulations by their effective dates.
Current wording
In addition, in November 2020, California voters approved the California Privacy Rights Act of 2020 (the "CPRA") ballot initiative, which became effective on January 1, 2023. The CPRA established the California Privacy Protection Agency to implement and enforce the CCPA and CPRA. We anticipate that the CPRA and certain regulations promulgated by the California Privacy Protection Agency will apply to our business and we will work to ensure compliance with such laws and regulations by their effective dates. Other states, including but not limited to Texas, Colorado, Connecticut, Oregon, Montana, Utah and Virginia, have adopted privacy laws with similarities to the CCPA, all of which are expected to be implemented by the end of 2026.
Previous wording
In addition to the foregoing enhanced data security requirements, various federal banking regulatory agencies, and all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, have enacted data security regulations and laws requiring varying levels of consumer notification in the event of a security breach. Also, federal legislators and regulators are increasingly pursuing new guidelines, laws and regulations that, if adopted, could further restrict how we collect, use, share and secure consumer information, possibly impacting some of our current or planned business initiatives.
Current wording
In addition to the foregoing enhanced privacy and data security requirements, various federal banking regulatory agencies, and all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, have enacted privacy and data security regulations and laws requiring varying levels of consumer notification in the event of a security breach. Also, federal legislators and regulators are increasingly pursuing new guidelines, laws and regulations that, if adopted, could further restrict how we collect, use, share and secure consumer information, possibly impacting some of our current or planned business initiatives.
Previous wording
We elected the fair value option for newly originated assets, effective as of January 1, 2020, and for all remaining assets associated with our private label credit and general purpose credit card platform as of January 1, 2022. We use estimates in determining the fair value of our loans. If our estimates prove incorrect, we may be required to write down the value of these assets, adversely affecting our results of operations. Our ability to measure and report our financial position and results of operations is influenced by the need to estimate the impact or outcome of future events on the basis of information available at the time of the issuance of the financial statements. Further, most of these estimates are determined using Level 3 inputs for which changes could significantly impact our fair value measurements. A variety of factors including, but not limited to, estimated yields on consumer receivables, customer default rates, the timing of expected payments, estimated costs to service the portfolio, interest rates, and valuations of comparable portfolios may ultimately affect the fair values of our loans and finance receivables. If actual results differ from our judgments and assumptions, then it may have an adverse impact on the results of operations and cash flows. Management has processes in place to monitor these judgments and assumptions, but these processes may not ensure that our judgments and assumptions are accurate.
Current wording
We use estimates in determining the fair value of our loans. If our estimates prove incorrect, we may be required to write down the value of these assets, adversely affecting our results of operations. Our ability to measure and report our financial position and results of operations is influenced by the need to estimate the impact or outcome of future events on the basis of information available at the time of the issuance of the financial statements. Further, most of these estimates are determined using Level 3 inputs for which changes could significantly impact our fair value measurements. A variety of factors including, but not limited to, estimated yields on consumer receivables, customer default rates, the timing of expected payments, estimated costs to service the portfolio, interest rates, and valuations of comparable portfolios may ultimately affect the fair values of our loans and finance receivables. If actual results differ from our judgments and assumptions, then it may have an adverse impact on the results of operations and cash flows. Management has processes in place to monitor these judgments and assumptions, but these processes may not ensure that our judgments and assumptions are accurate.
Previous wording
The Series B preferred stock rank junior to our Series A preferred stock and all of our indebtedness and other liabilities and are effectively junior to all indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries. In the event of our bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our affairs, our assets will be available to pay obligations on the Series B preferred stock only after all of our indebtedness and other liabilities have been paid and the liquidation preference of the Series A preferred stock has been satisfied. The rights of holders of the Series B preferred stock to participate in the distribution of our assets will rank junior to the prior claims of our current and future creditors, the Series A preferred stock and any future series or class of preferred stock we may issue that ranks senior to the Series B preferred stock. Our Articles of Incorporation authorize us to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series on terms determined by our board of directors, and as of December 31, 2024, we had outstanding 400,000 shares of Series A preferred stock and 3,301,179 shares of Series B preferred stock. As of December 31, 2024, we could issue up to 6,298,821 additional shares of preferred stock.
Current wording
The Series B preferred stock rank junior to our Series A preferred stock and all of our indebtedness and other liabilities and are effectively junior to all indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries. In the event of our bankruptcy, liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of our affairs, our assets will be available to pay obligations on the Series B preferred stock only after all of our indebtedness and other liabilities have been paid and the liquidation preference of the Series A preferred stock has been satisfied. The rights of holders of the Series B preferred stock to participate in the distribution of our assets will rank junior to the prior claims of our current and future creditors, the Series A preferred stock and any future series or class of preferred stock we may issue that ranks senior to the Series B preferred stock. Our Articles of Incorporation authorize us to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series on terms determined by our board of directors, and as of December 31, 2025, we had outstanding 400,000 shares of Series A preferred stock and 3,584,131 shares of Series B preferred stock. As of December 31, 2025, we could issue up to 6,015,869 additional shares of preferred stock.
Previous wording
We may issue additional shares of the Series B preferred stock and additional series of preferred stock that rank on a parity with the Series B preferred stock as to dividend rights, rights upon liquidation or voting rights. We are allowed to issue additional shares of Series B preferred stock and additional series of preferred stock that would rank on a parity with the Series B preferred stock as to dividend payments and rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs pursuant to our Articles of Incorporation and the Amended and Restated Articles of Amendment Establishing the Series B preferred stock without any vote of the holders of the Series B preferred stock. Our Articles of Incorporation authorize us to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series on terms determined by our board of directors, and as of December 31, 2024, we had outstanding 400,000 shares of Series A preferred stock and 3,301,179 shares of Series B preferred stock. As of December 31, 2024, we could issue up to 6,298,821 additional shares of preferred stock. The issuance of additional shares of Series B preferred stock and additional series of parity preferred stock could have the effect of reducing the amounts available to the holders of Series B preferred stock upon our liquidation or dissolution or the winding up of our affairs. It also may reduce dividend payments on the Series B preferred stock if we do not have sufficient funds to pay dividends on all Series B preferred stock outstanding and other classes of stock with equal priority with respect to dividends.
Current wording
We may issue additional shares of the Series B preferred stock and additional series of preferred stock that rank on a parity with the Series B preferred stock as to dividend rights, rights upon liquidation or voting rights. We are allowed to issue additional shares of Series B preferred stock and additional series of preferred stock that would rank on a parity with the Series B preferred stock as to dividend payments and rights upon our liquidation, dissolution or winding up of our affairs pursuant to our Articles of Incorporation and the Amended and Restated Articles of Amendment Establishing the Series B preferred stock without any vote of the holders of the Series B preferred stock. Our Articles of Incorporation authorize us to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock in one or more series on terms determined by our board of directors, and as of December 31, 2025, we had outstanding 400,000 shares of Series A preferred stock and 3,584,131 shares of Series B preferred stock. As of December 31, 2025, we could issue up to 6,015,869 additional shares of preferred stock. The issuance of additional shares of Series B preferred stock and additional series of parity preferred stock could have the effect of reducing the amounts available to the holders of Series B preferred stock upon our liquidation or dissolution or the winding up of our affairs. It also may reduce dividend payments on the Series B preferred stock if we do not have sufficient funds to pay dividends on all Series B preferred stock outstanding and other classes of stock with equal priority with respect to dividends.
Previous wording
The indenture governing the 2026 Senior Notes and the 2029 Senior Notes does not prohibit us from incurring additional indebtedness. If we incur any additional indebtedness that ranks equally with the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes, the holders of that debt will be entitled to share ratably with holders of the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes in any proceeds distributed in connection with any insolvency, liquidation, reorganization or dissolution. This may have the effect of reducing the amount of proceeds paid to holders of 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes. Incurrence of additional debt would also further reduce the cash available to invest in operations, as a result of increased debt service obligations. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could intensify.
Current wording
The indentures governing our indebtedness do not prohibit us from incurring additional indebtedness, subject to certain limitations. If we incur any additional indebtedness that ranks equally with our exiting senior notes, the holders of that new debt will be entitled to share ratably with holders of our existing senior notes in any proceeds distributed in connection with any insolvency, liquidation, reorganization or dissolution. This may have the effect of reducing the amount of proceeds paid to holders of existing senior notes. Incurrence of additional debt would also further reduce the cash available to invest in operations, as a result of increased debt service obligations. If new debt is added to our current debt levels, the related risks that we now face could intensify.
Previous wording
Our operations may not generate sufficient cash to enable us to service our debt. If we fail to make a payment on the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes, we could be in default on the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes, and this default could cause us to be in default on other indebtedness, to the extent outstanding. Conversely, a default under any other indebtedness, if not waived, could result in acceleration of the debt outstanding under the related agreement and entitle the holders thereof to bring suit for the enforcement thereof or exercise other remedies provided thereunder. In addition, such default or acceleration may result in an event of default and acceleration of other indebtedness, entitling the holders thereof to bring suit for the enforcement thereof or exercise other remedies provided thereunder. If a judgment is obtained by any such holders, such holders could seek to collect on such judgment from the assets of Atlanticus. If that should occur, we may not be able to pay all such debt or to borrow sufficient funds to refinance it. Even if new financing were then available, it may not be on terms that are acceptable to us.
Current wording
Our operations may not generate sufficient cash to enable us to service our debt. If we fail to make a payment on our existing senior notes, we could be in default on such senior notes, and this default could cause us to be in default on other indebtedness, to the extent outstanding. Conversely, a default under any other indebtedness, if not waived, could result in acceleration of the debt outstanding under the related agreement and entitle the holders thereof to bring suit for the enforcement thereof or exercise other remedies provided thereunder. In addition, such default or acceleration may result in an event of default and acceleration of other indebtedness, entitling the holders thereof to bring suit for the enforcement thereof or exercise other remedies provided thereunder. If a judgment is obtained by any such holders, such holders could seek to collect on such judgment from the assets of Atlanticus. If that should occur, we may not be able to pay all such debt or to borrow sufficient funds to refinance it. Even if new financing were then available, it may not be on terms that are acceptable to us.
Previous wording
The 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes are unsecured and therefore are effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness that we currently have or that we may incur in the future. The 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes are not secured by any of our assets or any of the assets of our subsidiaries. As a result, the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes are effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness that we or our subsidiaries have currently outstanding or may incur in the future to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. The indenture governing the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes does not prohibit us or our subsidiaries from incurring additional secured (or unsecured) indebtedness in the future. In any liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or other similar proceeding, the holders of any of our existing or future secured indebtedness and the secured indebtedness of our subsidiaries may assert rights against the assets pledged to secure that indebtedness and may consequently receive payment from these assets before they may be used to pay other creditors, including the holders of the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes.
Current wording
Our senior notes are unsecured and therefore are effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness that we currently have or that we may incur in the future. Our senior notes are not secured by any of our assets or any of the assets of our subsidiaries. As a result, the senior notes are effectively subordinated to any secured indebtedness that we or our subsidiaries have currently outstanding or may incur in the future to the extent of the value of the assets securing such indebtedness. Under the indentures governing the terms of the senior notes, we and our subsidiaries can incur additional secured (or unsecured) indebtedness in the future, subject to certain limitations. In any liquidation, dissolution, bankruptcy or other similar proceeding, the holders of any of our existing or future secured indebtedness and the secured indebtedness of our subsidiaries may assert rights against the assets pledged to secure that indebtedness and may consequently receive payment from these assets before they may be used to pay other creditors, including the holders of our senior notes.
Previous wording
The 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes are structurally subordinated to the indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries. The 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes are obligations exclusively of Atlanticus and not of any of our subsidiaries. None of our subsidiaries is a guarantor of the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes, and the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes are not required to be guaranteed by any subsidiaries we may acquire or create in the future. Therefore, in any bankruptcy, liquidation or similar proceeding, all claims of creditors (including trade creditors) of our subsidiaries will have priority over our equity interests in such subsidiaries (and therefore the claims of our creditors, including holders of the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes) with respect to the assets of such subsidiaries. Even if we are recognized as a creditor of one or more of our subsidiaries, our claims would still be effectively subordinated to any security interests in the assets of any such subsidiary and to any indebtedness or other liabilities of any such subsidiary senior to our claims. Consequently, the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes are structurally subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities (including trade payables) of any of our subsidiaries and any subsidiaries that we may in the future acquire or establish as financing vehicles or otherwise. The indenture governing the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes does not prohibit us or our subsidiaries from incurring additional indebtedness in the future or granting liens on our assets or the assets of our subsidiaries to secure any such additional indebtedness. In addition, future debt and security agreements entered into by our subsidiaries may contain various restrictions, including restrictions on payments by our subsidiaries to us and the transfer by our subsidiaries of assets pledged as collateral.
Current wording
The 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes are structurally subordinated to the indebtedness and other liabilities of our subsidiaries. The 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes are obligations exclusively of Atlanticus and not of any of our subsidiaries. None of our subsidiaries is a guarantor of the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes, and the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes are not required to be guaranteed by any subsidiaries we may acquire or create in the future. Therefore, in any bankruptcy, liquidation or similar proceeding, all claims of creditors (including trade creditors) of our subsidiaries will have priority over our equity interests in such subsidiaries (and therefore the claims of our creditors, including holders of the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes) with respect to the assets of such subsidiaries. Even if we are recognized as a creditor of one or more of our subsidiaries, our claims would still be effectively subordinated to any security interests in the assets of any such subsidiary and to any indebtedness or other liabilities of any such subsidiary senior to our claims. Consequently, the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes are structurally subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities (including trade payables) of any of our subsidiaries and any subsidiaries that we may in the future acquire or establish as financing vehicles or otherwise. The indentures governing the terms of our senior notes do not prohibit us or our subsidiaries from incurring additional indebtedness in the future or granting liens on our assets or the assets of our subsidiaries to secure any such additional indebtedness, subject to certain limitations. In addition, future debt and security agreements entered into by our subsidiaries may contain various restrictions, including restrictions on payments by our subsidiaries to us and the transfer by our subsidiaries of assets pledged as collateral.
Previous wording
We may not maintain a level of cash flow from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness. If our cash flow and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek to obtain additional equity capital or restructure our debt. In the future, our cash flow and capital resources may not be sufficient for payments of interest on, and principal of, our debt, and such alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. We may not be able to refinance any of our indebtedness or obtain additional financing. In the absence of such operating results and resources, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations. We may not be able to consummate those sales, or if we do, at an opportune time, the proceeds that we realize may not be adequate to meet debt service obligations when due. Repayment of our indebtedness, to a certain degree, is also dependent on the generation of cash flows by our subsidiaries (none of which are guarantors of the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes) and their ability to make such cash available to us, by dividend, loan, debt repayment, or otherwise. Our subsidiaries may not be able to, or be permitted to, make distributions or other payments to enable us to make payments in respect of our indebtedness. Each of our subsidiaries is a distinct legal entity and, under certain circumstances, applicable U.S. and foreign legal and contractual restrictions may limit our ability to obtain cash from our subsidiaries. In the event that we do not receive distributions or other payments from our subsidiaries, we may be unable to make required payments on our indebtedness.
Current wording
We may not maintain a level of cash flow from operating activities sufficient to permit us to pay the principal, premium, if any, and interest on our indebtedness. If our cash flow and capital resources are insufficient to fund our debt service obligations, we may be forced to reduce or delay capital expenditures, sell assets, seek to obtain additional equity capital or restructure our debt. In the future, our cash flow and capital resources may not be sufficient for payments of interest on, and principal of, our debt, and such alternative measures may not be successful and may not permit us to meet our scheduled debt service obligations. We may not be able to refinance any of our indebtedness or obtain additional financing. In the absence of such operating results and resources, we could face substantial liquidity problems and might be required to dispose of material assets or operations to meet our debt service and other obligations. We may not be able to consummate those sales, or if we do, at an opportune time, the proceeds that we realize may not be adequate to meet debt service obligations when due. Repayment of our indebtedness, to a certain degree, is also dependent on the generation of cash flows by our subsidiaries and their ability to make such cash available to us, by dividend, loan, debt repayment, or otherwise. Our subsidiaries may not be able to, or be permitted to, make distributions or other payments to enable us to make payments in respect of our indebtedness. Each of our subsidiaries is a distinct legal entity and, under certain circumstances, applicable U.S. and foreign legal and contractual restrictions may limit our ability to obtain cash from our subsidiaries. In the event that we do not receive distributions or other payments from our subsidiaries, we may be unable to make required payments on our indebtedness.
Previous wording
An increase in market interest rates could result in a decrease in the value of the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes. In general, as market interest rates rise, notes bearing interest at a fixed rate decline in value. Consequently, if market interest rates increase, the market value of the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes may decline.
Current wording
An increase in market interest rates could result in a decrease in the value of the senior notes. In general, as market interest rates rise, notes bearing interest at a fixed rate decline in value. Consequently, if market interest rates increase, the market value of the senior notes may decline.
Previous wording
The ratings for the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes could at any time be revised downward or withdrawn entirely at the discretion of the issuing rating agency. Ratings only reflect the views of the issuing rating agency or agencies and such ratings could at any time be revised downward or withdrawn entirely at the discretion of the issuing rating agency. A rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes. Ratings do not reflect market prices or suitability of a security for a particular investor and the ratings of the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes may not reflect all risks related to us and our business, or the structure or market value of the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes. We may elect to issue other securities for which we may seek to obtain a rating in the future. If we issue other securities with a rating, such ratings, if they are lower than market expectations or are subsequently lowered or withdrawn, could adversely affect the market for or the market value of the 2026 Senior Notes and 2029 Senior Notes.
Current wording
The ratings for the senior notes could at any time be revised downward or withdrawn entirely at the discretion of the issuing rating agency. Ratings only reflect the views of the issuing rating agency or agencies and such ratings could at any time be revised downward or withdrawn entirely at the discretion of the issuing rating agency. A rating is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold the senior notes. Ratings do not reflect market prices or suitability of a security for a particular investor and the ratings of the senior notes may not reflect all risks related to us and our business, or the structure or market value of the senior notes. We may elect to issue other securities for which we may seek to obtain a rating in the future. If we issue other securities with a rating, such ratings, if they are lower than market expectations or are subsequently lowered or withdrawn, could adversely affect the market for or the market value of the existing senior notes.
Rearranged current paragraphs (1)
Current report — wording carried from elsewhere
Changes in the consumer protection laws could result in the following: