PRA GROUP INC - Quarter Report: 2017 September (Form 10-Q)

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

ý Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2017

¨ 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: 000-50058

PRA Group, Inc.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)



Delaware		75-3078675
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

120 Corporate Boulevard, Norfolk, Virginia	23502	(888) 772-7326
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)	(Registrant's Telephone No., 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 þ NO ¨

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 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). YES þ NO ¨

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

Large accelerated filer þ Accelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨ Smaller reporting company ¨ Emerging growth company ¨

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

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

The number of shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding as of November 3, 2017 was 45,169,039.

Table of Contents



Part I. Financial Information

Item 1.	Financial Statements	3
	Consolidated Balance Sheets	3
	Consolidated Income Statements	4
	Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss)	5
	Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity	6
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows	7
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	8
	1. Organization and Business	8
	2. Finance Receivables, net	9
	3. Investments	10
	4. Borrowings	11
	5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net	14
	6. Income Taxes	15
	7. Earnings per Share	16
	8. Commitments and Contingencies	16
	9. Fair Value	18
	10. Recent Accounting Pronouncements	20
	11. Sale of Subsidiaries	22
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	23
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	44
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	45

Part II. Other Information

Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	46
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	46
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	46
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	46
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	46
Item 5.	Other Information	46
Item 6.	Exhibits	46

Signatures		47

Part I. Financial Information

Item 1. Financial Statements

PRA Group, Inc.

Consolidated Balance Sheets

September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016

(Amounts in thousands)



	(unaudited)
	September 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
Assets
Cash and cash equivalents	$	113,754		$	94,287
Investments	75,512			68,543
Finance receivables, net	2,577,831			2,307,969
Other receivables, net	10,919			11,650
Income taxes receivable	3,877			9,427
Net deferred tax asset	41,183			28,482
Property and equipment, net	36,428			38,744
Goodwill	538,337			499,911
Intangible assets, net	25,527			27,935
Other assets	37,409			33,808
Assets held for sale	—			43,243
Total assets	$	3,460,777		$	3,163,999
Liabilities and Equity
Liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	3,605		$	2,459
Accrued expenses	82,445			82,699
Income taxes payable	4,069			19,631
Net deferred tax liability	237,044			258,344
Interest-bearing deposits	96,395			76,113
Borrowings	1,963,504			1,784,101
Other liabilities	1,213			10,821
Liabilities held for sale	—			4,220
Total liabilities	2,388,275			2,238,388
Redeemable noncontrolling interest	8,620			8,448
Equity:
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 2,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and outstanding	—			—
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000 shares authorized, 45,169 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2017; 100,000 shares authorized, 46,356 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2016	452			464
Additional paid-in capital	52,049			66,414
Retained earnings	1,124,762			1,049,367
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(166,397		)	(251,944		)
Total stockholders' equity - PRA Group, Inc.	1,010,866			864,301
Noncontrolling interest	53,016			52,862
Total equity	1,063,882			917,163
Total liabilities and equity	$	3,460,777		$	3,163,999

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

PRA Group, Inc.

Consolidated Income Statements

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016

(unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017			2016			2017			2016
Revenues:
Income recognized on finance receivables, net	$	197,248		$	202,639		$	582,626		$	613,154
Fee income	2,671			17,597			18,873			56,210
Other revenue	1,091			1,748			6,401			5,958
Total revenues	201,010			221,984			607,900			675,322
Operating expenses:
Compensation and employee services	68,541			65,898			203,780			197,456
Legal collection expenses	27,626			33,447			90,556			97,476
Agency fees	7,599			12,034			27,653			34,227
Outside fees and services	15,631			14,731			46,977			46,415
Communication	8,713			7,814			25,104			26,119
Rent and occupancy	3,668			3,875			10,838			11,709
Depreciation and amortization	4,841			6,184			15,097			18,339
Other operating expenses	10,140			10,513			32,071			32,443
Total operating expenses	146,759			154,496			452,076			464,184
Income from operations	54,251			67,488			155,824			211,138
Other income and (expense):
Gain on sale of subsidiaries	307			—			48,474			—
Interest expense, net	(25,899		)	(19,310		)	(69,662		)	(59,838		)
Foreign exchange (loss)/gain	(1,084		)	5,004			(1,421		)	5,183
Income before income taxes	27,575			53,182			133,215			156,483
Provision for income taxes	10,682			16,664			52,857			50,244
Net income	16,893			36,518			80,358			106,239
Adjustment for net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,338			2,212			4,963			3,494
Net income attributable to PRA Group, Inc.	$	15,555		$	34,306		$	75,395		$	102,745
Net income per common share attributable to PRA Group, Inc.:
Basic	$	0.34		$	0.74		$	1.64		$	2.22
Diluted	$	0.34		$	0.74		$	1.64		$	2.21
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic	45,168			46,343			45,838			46,307
Diluted	45,286			46,434			45,991			46,403

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

PRA Group, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income/(Loss)

For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016

(unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands)



	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016			2017			2016
Net income	$	16,893	$	36,518		$	80,358		$	106,239
Other comprehensive income:
Change in foreign currency translation	39,548		13,721			81,393			37,435
Total comprehensive income	56,441		50,239			161,751			143,674
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest:
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	1,338		2,212			4,963			3,494
Change in foreign currency translation	1,730		(324		)	(4,156		)	8,462
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interest	3,068		1,888			807			11,956
Comprehensive income attributable to PRA Group, Inc.	$	53,373	$	48,351		$	160,944		$	131,718

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

PRA Group, Inc.

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017

(unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands)



	Common Stock					Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Noncontrolling Interest			Total Equity
	Shares		Amount			Additional Paid-in Capital			Retained Earnings		Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss			Noncontrolling Interest			Total Equity
Balance at December 31, 2016	46,356		$	464		$	66,414		$	1,049,367	$	(251,944	)	$	52,862		$	917,163
Components of comprehensive income:
Net income	—		—			—			75,395		—			5,962			81,357
Foreign currency translation adjustment	—		—			—			—		85,547			(4,379		)	81,168
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interest	—		—			—			—		—			(1,429		)	(1,429		)
Equity component of convertible debt	—		—			44,910			—		—			—			44,910
Deferred taxes on equity component of convertible debt	—		—			(18,213		)	—		—			—			(18,213		)
Vesting of nonvested shares	125		1			(1		)	—		—			—			—
Repurchase and cancellation of common stock	(1,312	)	(13		)	(44,896		)	—		—			—			(44,909		)
Amortization of share-based compensation	—		—			6,263			—		—			—			6,263
Employee stock relinquished for payment of taxes	—		—			(2,428		)	—		—			—			(2,428		)
Balance at September 30, 2017	45,169		$	452		$	52,049		$	1,124,762	$	(166,397	)	$	53,016		$	1,063,882

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

PRA Group, Inc.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016

(unaudited)

(Amounts in thousands)



	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017			2016
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$	80,358		$	106,239
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization of share-based compensation	6,263			9,468
Depreciation and amortization	15,097			18,339
Gain on sale of subsidiaries	(48,474		)	—
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs	12,828			7,450
Deferred tax benefit	(49,974		)	(724		)
Net foreign currency transaction loss/(gain)	1,303			(5,489		)
Other	(3,113		)	—
Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
Other assets	(274		)	3,531
Other receivables, net	1,342			7,181
Accounts payable	1,242			(1,479		)
Income taxes payable, net	(10,692		)	(13,832		)
Accrued expenses	(7,198		)	(12,344		)
Other liabilities	(9,628		)	565
Net cash (used in)/provided by operating activities	(10,920		)	118,905
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(10,054		)	(11,542		)
Acquisition of finance receivables, net of buybacks	(718,553		)	(697,794		)
Collections applied to principal on finance receivables	553,713			530,081
Business acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			(66,961		)
Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries, net	93,304			—
Purchase of investments	(3,569		)	(380		)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments	7,482			10,299
Net cash used in investing activities	(77,677		)	(236,297		)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from lines of credit	905,841			858,368
Principal payments on lines of credit	(1,392,176		)	(895,161		)
Repurchases of common stock	(44,909		)	—
Tax withholdings related to share-based payments	(2,428		)	(2,478		)
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interest	(1,429		)	(934		)
Principal payments on long-term debt	(12,515		)	(187,264		)
Proceeds from long-term debt	310,000			297,893
Payments of debt issuance costs	(18,240		)	(17,526		)
Net increase in interest-bearing deposits	10,140			40,198
Proceeds from convertible debt	345,000			—
Net cash provided by financing activities	99,284			93,096
Effect of exchange rate on cash	8,780			44,715
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	19,467			20,419
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	94,287			71,372
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	$	113,754		$	91,791
Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:
Cash paid for interest	$	60,229		$	49,492
Cash paid for income taxes	114,603			59,164

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

PRA Group, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. Organization and Business:

As used herein, the terms "PRA Group," "the Company," or similar terms refer to PRA Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

PRA Group, Inc., a Delaware corporation, and its subsidiaries, is a global financial and business services company with operations in the Americas and Europe. The Company's primary business is the purchase, collection and management of portfolios of nonperforming loans. The Company also provides the following fee-based services: class action claims recovery services and purchases; servicing of consumer bankruptcy accounts in the United States ("U.S."); and, to a lesser extent, contingent collections of nonperforming loans in Europe and South America.

The consolidated financial statements of the Company are prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP") and include the accounts of all of its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Under the guidance of the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 280 "Segment Reporting" ("ASC 280"), the Company has determined that it has several operating segments that meet the aggregation criteria of ASC 280, and, therefore, it has one reportable segment, accounts receivable management, based on similarities among the operating units, including economic characteristics, the nature of the products and services, the nature of the production processes, the types or class of customer for their products and services, the methods used to distribute their products and services and the nature of the regulatory environment.

The following table shows the amount of revenue generated for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, and long-lived assets held at September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively, both for the U.S., the Company's country of domicile, and outside of the U.S. (amounts in thousands):



	As Of And For The				As Of And For The
	Three Months Ended September 30, 2017				Three Months Ended September 30, 2016
	Revenues		Long-Lived Assets		Revenues		Long-Lived Assets
United States	$	137,323	$	28,585	$	153,114	$	33,898
Outside the United States	63,687		7,843		68,870		10,456
Total	$	201,010	$	36,428	$	221,984	$	44,354

	As Of And For The				As Of And For The
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017				Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
	Revenues		Long-Lived Assets		Revenues		Long-Lived Assets
United States	$	415,761	$	28,585	$	489,260	$	33,898
Outside the United States	192,139		7,843		186,062		10,456
Total	$	607,900	$	36,428	$	675,322	$	44,354

Revenues are attributed to countries based on the location of the related operations. Long-lived assets consist of net property and equipment. The Company reports revenues earned from its debt purchasing and collection activities and its fee-based services. It is impracticable for the Company to report further breakdowns of revenues from external customers by product or service.

The accompanying interim financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the instructions for Form 10-Q and, therefore, do not include all information and notes to the consolidated financial statements necessary for a complete presentation of financial position, results of operations, comprehensive income and cash flows in conformity with GAAP. In the opinion of management, all adjustments, consisting of normal and recurring items, necessary for the fair presentation of the Company's consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2017, its consolidated income statements and statements of comprehensive income/(loss) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, its consolidated statement of changes in equity for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, and its consolidated statements of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, have been included. The consolidated income statements of the Company for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 may not be indicative of future results. Certain prior period amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the current period presentation. These unaudited consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto included in the Company's 2016 Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2017.

PRA Group, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

2. Finance Receivables, net:

Changes in finance receivables, net for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows (amounts in thousands):



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017			2016			2017			2016
Balance at beginning of period	$	2,520,883		$	2,399,949		$	2,307,969		$	2,202,113
Acquisitions of finance receivables ⁽¹⁾	203,052			159,546			716,586			741,402
Foreign currency translation adjustment	38,482			1,974			106,989			(21,026		)
Cash collections applied to principal and net allowance charges	(184,586		)	(169,061		)	(553,713		)	(530,081		)
Balance at end of period	$	2,577,831		$	2,392,408		$	2,577,831		$	2,392,408


(1)	Acquisitions of finance receivables are net of buybacks and include certain capitalized acquisition related costs. They also include the acquisition date finance receivables portfolios that are acquired in connection with certain business acquisitions.

During the three months ended September 30, 2017, the Company purchased finance receivables portfolios with a face value of $1.4 billion for $210.9 million. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, the Company purchased finance receivables portfolios with a face value of $3.0 billion for $161.3 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, the Company purchased finance receivables portfolios with a face value of $5.1 billion for $734.4 million. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company purchased finance receivables portfolios with a face value of $8.9 billion for $747.5 million. At September 30, 2017, the estimated remaining collections ("ERC") on the receivables purchased during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were $333.2 million and $208.5 million, respectively. At September 30, 2017, the ERC on the receivables purchased during the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were $1.1 billion and $975.4 million, respectively. At September 30, 2017 and 2016, total ERC was $5.4 billion and $5.3 billion, respectively.

At the time of acquisition, the life of each pool is estimated based on projected amounts and timing of cash collections. Based upon current projections, cash collections expected to be applied to principal on finance receivables as of September 30, 2017 are estimated to be as follows for the 12 months in the periods ending September 30, (amounts in thousands):



2018	$	734,967
2019	585,527
2020	454,002
2021	366,386
2022	230,393
2023	110,818
2024	42,604
2025	24,762
2026	17,871
2027	10,501
Total ERC expected to be applied to principal	$	2,577,831

At September 30, 2017, the Company had aggregate net finance receivables balances in pools accounted for under the cost recovery method of $109.3 million; at December 31, 2016, the amount was $105.5 million.

Accretable yield represents the amount of income recognized on finance receivables the Company can expect to generate over the remaining life of its existing portfolios based on estimated future cash flows as of the balance sheet date. Additions represent the original expected accretable yield, on portfolios purchased during the period, to be earned by the Company. Net reclassifications from nonaccretable difference to accretable yield primarily result from the increase in the Company's estimate of future cash flows. When applicable, net reclassifications to nonaccretable difference from accretable yield result from the decrease in the Company's estimates of future cash flows and allowance charges that together exceed the increase in the Company's estimate of future cash flows.

PRA Group, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Changes in accretable yield for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 were as follows (amounts in thousands):



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017			2016			2017			2016
Balance at beginning of period	$	2,803,590		$	2,931,426		$	2,740,006		$	2,727,204
Income recognized on finance receivables, net	(197,248		)	(202,639		)	(582,626		)	(613,154		)
Additions	127,829			121,643			477,018			581,583
Reclassifications from nonaccretable difference	68,715			5,936			93,343			95,904
Foreign currency translation adjustment	43,231			673			118,376			65,502
Balance at end of period	$	2,846,117		$	2,857,039		$	2,846,117		$	2,857,039

The following is a summary of activity within the Company's valuation allowance account, all of which relates to loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (amounts in thousands):



	Three Months Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017			2016			2017			2016
Beginning balance	$	218,775		$	136,752		$	211,465		$	114,861
Allowance charges	3,824			14,246			9,973			37,686
Reversal of previously recorded allowance charges	(412		)	(1,100		)	(561		)	(1,722		)
Net allowance charges	3,412			13,146			9,412			35,964
Foreign currency translation adjustment	678			(328		)	1,988			(1,255		)
Ending balance	$	222,865		$	149,570		$	222,865		$	149,570

3. Investments:

Investments consist of the following at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (amounts in thousands):



	September 30, 2017		December 31, 2016
Available-for-sale
Government bonds and mutual funds	$	3,769	$	2,138
Held-to-maturity
Securitized assets	57,031		51,407
Other investments
Private equity funds	14,712		14,998
Total investments	$	75,512	$	68,543

Available-for-Sale

Government bonds and mutual funds: The Company's investments in government bonds and mutual funds are classified as available-for-sale and are stated at fair value. Fair value is determined using quoted market prices. Unrealized gains and losses are included in comprehensive income and reported in equity.

Held-to-Maturity

Investments in securitized assets: The Company holds a majority interest in a closed-end Polish investment fund. The certificates, which provide a preferred return based on the expected net income of the portfolios, are accounted for as a beneficial interest in securitized financial assets and stated at amortized cost. The Company has determined it has the ability and intent to hold these certificates until maturity, which occurs when the fund terminates or liquidates its assets. The preferred return is not a guaranteed return. Income is recognized under FASB ASC Topic 325-40, "Beneficial Interest in Securitized Financial Assets" ("ASC 325-40"). Prior to April 1, 2017, income was recognized using the effective yield method. Effective April 1, 2017, the Company determined that it could not reasonably forecast the timing of future cash flows and accordingly began using the cost recovery method to recognize income.

PRA Group, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The underlying securities have both known principal repayment terms as well as unknown principal repayments due to potential borrower pre-payments. Accordingly, it is difficult to accurately predict the final maturity date of these investments. Revenues recognized on these investments are recorded in Other Revenue in the consolidated income statements. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, revenues recognized on these investments were $0 and $1.3 million, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, revenues recognized on these investments were $1.5 million and $4.7 million, respectively.

Other Investments

Investments in private equity funds: Investments in private equity funds represent limited partnerships in which the Company has less than a 3% interest and are carried at cost. Distributions received from the partnerships are included in Other Revenue in the consolidated income statements. Distributions received in excess of the Company's proportionate share of accumulated earnings are applied as a reduction of the cost of the investment. The aggregate carrying amount of cost-method investments for which cost exceeded fair value but for which an impairment loss was not recognized was $14.7 million and $15.0 million at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. We evaluate the investments based on our estimated allocable share of the expected remaining cash flows of the funds as reported by the investment manager. Distributions received from these investments were $1.2 million and $5.1 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017, respectively. Distributions received from these investments were $0.0 million and $0.6 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for sale and held-to-maturity investments at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 were as follows (amounts in thousands):



	September 30, 2017
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Available-for-sale
Government bonds and mutual funds	$	3,783	$	37	$	51	$	3,769
Held-to-maturity
Securitized assets	57,031		—		14,471		42,560

	December 31, 2016
	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Available-for-sale
Government bonds and mutual funds	$	2,161	$	—	$	23	$	2,138
Held-to-maturity
Securitized assets	51,407		4,147		—		55,554

4. Borrowings:

The Company's borrowings consisted of the following as of the dates indicated (amounts in thousands):



	September 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
North American revolving credit	$	275,432		$	695,088
Term loans	762,902			430,764
European revolving credit	373,758			401,780
Convertible senior notes	632,500			287,500
Less: Debt discount and issuance costs	(81,088		)	(31,031		)
Total	$	1,963,504		$	1,784,101

PRA Group, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The following principal payments are due on the Company's borrowings as of September 30, 2017 for the 12 month periods ending September 30, (amounts in thousands):



2018	$	10,000
2019	10,000
2020	297,500
2021	699,160
2022	682,932
Thereafter	345,000
Total	$	2,044,592

The Company believes it was in compliance with the covenants of its material financing arrangements as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

North American Revolving Credit and Term Loan

On May 5, 2017, the Company amended and restated its existing credit agreement (as amended, and modified from time to time, the “North American Credit Agreement”) with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, Bank of America, National Association, acting through its Canada branch, as the Canadian administrative agent, and a syndicate of lenders named therein. The total credit facility under the North American Credit Agreement includes an aggregate principal amount of $1.2 billion (subject to compliance with a borrowing base and applicable debt covenants), which consists of (i) a fully-funded $447.5 million term loan, (ii) a $705.0 million domestic revolving credit facility, and (iii) a $50.0 million Canadian revolving credit facility. The facility includes an accordion feature for up to $45.0 million in additional commitments (at the option of the lender) and also provides for up to $25.0 million of letters of credit and a $25.0 million swingline loan sublimit that would reduce amounts available for borrowing. The term and revolving loans accrue interest, at the option of the Company, at either the base rate or the Eurodollar rate (as defined in the North American Credit Agreement) for the applicable term plus 2.50% per annum in the case of the Eurodollar rate loans and 1.50% in the case of the base rate loans. The base rate is the highest of (a) the Federal Funds Rate (as defined in the North American Credit Agreement) plus 0.50%, (b) Bank of America's prime rate, or (c) the one month Eurodollar rate plus 1.00%. Canadian Prime Rate Loans will bear interest at a rate per annum equal to the Canadian Prime Rate plus 1.50%. The loans under the North American Credit Agreement mature as of May 5, 2022. As of September 30, 2017, the unused portion of the North American Credit Agreement was $479.6 million. Considering borrowing base restrictions, as of September 30, 2017, the amount available to be drawn was $453.5 million.

The North American Credit Agreement is secured by a first priority lien on substantially all of the Company's assets. The North American Credit Agreement contains restrictive covenants and events of default, which are defined in the North American Credit Agreement, including the following:

•

borrowings under each of the domestic revolving loan facility and the Canadian revolving loan facility are subject to separate borrowing base calculations and may not exceed 35% of the ERC of all domestic or Canadian, as applicable, core eligible asset pools, plus 55% of ERC of domestic or Canadian, as applicable, insolvency eligible asset pools, plus 75% of domestic or Canadian, as applicable, eligible accounts receivable;


•	the consolidated total leverage ratio cannot exceed 2.75 to 1.0 as of the end of any fiscal quarter;


•	the consolidated senior secured leverage ratio cannot exceed 2.25 to 1.0 as of the end of any fiscal quarter;


•	subject to no default or event of default, cash dividends and distributions during any fiscal year cannot exceed $20.0 million;


•	subject to no default or event of default, stock repurchases during any fiscal year cannot exceed $100.0 million plus 50% of the prior year's net income;


•	permitted acquisitions during any fiscal year cannot exceed $250.0 million (with a $50.0 million per year sublimit for permitted acquisitions by non-loan parties);


•	indebtedness in the form of senior, unsecured convertible notes or other unsecured financings cannot exceed $750.0 million in the aggregate (without respect to the 2020 Notes (as defined below));


•	the Company must maintain positive consolidated income from operations during any fiscal quarter; and


•	restrictions on changes in control.

The revolving credit facility also bears an unused line fee of 0.375% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears.

PRA Group, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

European Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan

On October 23, 2014, European subsidiaries of the Company ("PRA Europe") entered into a credit agreement with DNB Bank ASA for a Multicurrency Revolving Credit Facility (such agreement as later amended or modified, the "European Credit Agreement"). Under the terms of the European Credit Agreement, the credit facility includes an aggregate amount of approximately $1.2 billion (subject to the borrowing base), of which 267.0 million EURO (approximately $315.4 million) is a term loan, accrues interest at the Interbank Offered Rate ("IBOR") plus 2.80%-3.90% under the revolving facility and 4.25%-4.50% under the term loan facility (as determined by the loan-to-value ratio ("LTV Ratio") as defined in the European Credit Agreement), bears an unused line fee, currently 1.26% per annum, of 35% of the margin, is payable monthly in arrears, and matures on February 19, 2021. The European Credit Agreement also includes an overdraft facility in the aggregate amount of $40.0 million (subject to the borrowing base), which accrues interest (per currency) at the daily rates as published by the facility agent, bears a facility line fee of 0.125% per quarter, payable quarterly in arrears, and also matures February 19, 2021. As of September 30, 2017, the unused portion of the European Credit Agreement (including the overdraft facility) was $566.2 million. Considering borrowing base restrictions and other covenants, as of September 30, 2017, the amount available to be drawn under the European Credit Agreement (including the overdraft facility) was $165.4 million.

The European Credit Agreement is secured by the shares of most of the Company's European subsidiaries and all intercompany loan receivables in Europe. The European Credit Agreement also contains restrictive covenants and events of default, which are defined in the European Credit Agreement, including the following:


•	the LTV Ratio cannot exceed 75%;


•	the gross interest-bearing debt ratio in Europe cannot exceed 3.25 to 1.0 as of the end of any fiscal quarter;


•	interest bearing deposits in AK Nordic AB cannot exceed SEK 1,500,000,000; and


•	PRA Europe's cash collections must exceed 95% of PRA Europe's ERC for the same set of portfolios, measured on a quarterly basis.

Convertible Senior Notes due 2020

On August 13, 2013, the Company completed the private offering of $287.5 million in aggregate principal amount of its 3.00% Convertible Senior Notes due 2020 (the "2020 Notes"). The 2020 Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated August 13, 2013 (the "2013 Indenture"), between the Company and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee. The 2013 Indenture contains customary terms and covenants, including certain events of default after which the 2020 Notes may be due and payable immediately. The 2020 Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company. Interest on the 2020 Notes is payable semi-annually, in arrears, on February 1 and August 1 of each year, beginning on February 1, 2014. Prior to February 1, 2020, the 2020 Notes will be convertible only upon the occurrence of specified events. On or after February 1, 2020, the 2020 Notes will be convertible at any time. The Company does not have the right to redeem the 2020 Notes prior to maturity. As of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, none of the conditions allowing holders of the 2020 Notes to convert their notes had occurred.

The conversion rate for the 2020 Notes is initially 15.2172 shares per $1,000 principal amount of 2020 Notes, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $65.72 per share of the Company's common stock, and is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances pursuant to the 2013 Indenture. Upon conversion, holders of the 2020 Notes will receive cash, shares of the Company's common stock or a combination of cash and shares of the Company's common stock, at the Company's election. The Company's current intent is to settle conversions through combination settlement (i.e., the 2020 Notes would be converted into cash up to the aggregate principal amount, and shares of the Company's common stock or a combination of cash and shares of the Company's common stock, at the Company's election, for the remainder). As a result and in accordance with authoritative guidance related to derivatives and hedging and earnings per share, only the conversion spread is included in the diluted earnings per share calculation, if dilutive. Under such method, the settlement of the conversion spread has a dilutive effect when the average share price of the Company's common stock during any quarter exceeds $65.72.

The Company determined that the fair value of the 2020 Notes at the date of issuance was approximately $255.3 million, and designated the residual value of approximately $32.2 million as the equity component. Additionally, the Company allocated approximately $7.3 million of the $8.2 million 2020 Notes issuance cost as debt issuance cost and the remaining $0.9 million as equity issuance cost.

Convertible Senior Notes due 2023

On May 26, 2017, the Company completed the private offering of $345.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 3.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2023 (the "2023 Notes" and, together with the 2020 Notes, the "Notes"). The 2023 Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated May 26, 2017 (the "2017 Indenture"), between the Company and Regions Bank, as trustee. The 2017 Indenture contains customary terms and covenants, including certain events of default after which the 2023 Notes may be

PRA Group, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

due and payable immediately. The 2023 Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company. Interest on the 2023 Notes is payable semi-annually, in arrears, on June 1 and December 1 of each year, beginning on December 1, 2017. Prior to March 1, 2023, the 2023 Notes will be convertible only upon the occurrence of specified events. On or after March 1, 2023, the 2023 Notes will be convertible at any time. The Company has the right, at its election, to redeem all or any part of the outstanding notes at any time on or after June 1, 2021 for cash, but only if the last reported sale price (as defined in the 2017 Indenture) exceeds 130% of the conversion price on each of at least 20 trading days during the 30 consecutive trading days ending on and including the trading day immediately before the date the Company sends the related redemption notice. As of September 30, 2017, none of the conditions allowing holders of the 2023 Notes to convert their notes had occurred.

The conversion rate for the 2023 Notes is initially 21.6275 shares per $1,000 principal amount of 2023 Notes, which is equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $46.24 per share of the Company's common stock, and is subject to adjustment in certain circumstances pursuant to the 2017 Indenture. Upon conversion, holders of the 2023 Notes will receive cash, shares of the Company's common stock or a combination of cash and shares of the Company's common stock, at the Company's election. The Company's current intent is to settle conversions through combination settlement (i.e., the 2023 Notes would be converted into cash up to the aggregate principal amount, and shares of the Company's common stock or a combination of cash and shares of the Company's common stock, at the Company's election, for the remainder). As a result and in accordance with authoritative guidance related to derivatives and hedging and earnings per share, only the conversion spread is included in the diluted earnings per share calculation, if dilutive. Under such method, the settlement of the conversion spread has a dilutive effect when the average share price of the Company's common stock during any quarter exceeds $46.24.

The Company determined that the fair value of the 2023 Notes at the date of issuance was approximately $298.8 million, and designated the residual value of approximately $46.2 million as the equity component. Additionally, the Company allocated approximately $8.3 million of the $9.6 million 2023 Notes issuance cost as debt issuance cost and the remaining $1.3 million as equity issuance cost.

The balances of the liability and equity components of the Notes outstanding were as follows as of the dates indicated (amounts in thousands):



	September 30, 2017			December 31, 2016
Liability component - principal amount	$	632,500		$	287,500
Unamortized debt discount	(58,360		)	(17,930		)
Liability component - net carrying amount	$	574,140		$	269,570
Equity component	$	76,216		$	31,306

The debt discount is being amortized into interest expense over the remaining life of the 2020 Notes and the 2023 Notes using the effective interest rate, which is 4.92% and 6.20%, respectively.

Interest expense related to the Notes was as follows for the periods indicated (amounts in thousands):



	Three Months Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
Interest expense - stated coupon rate	$	5,175	$	2,156	$	10,695	$	6,468
Interest expense - amortization of debt discount	2,796		1,127		5,760		3,336
Total interest expense - convertible senior notes	$	7,971	$	3,283	$	16,455	$	9,804

5. Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net:

In connection with the Company's business acquisitions, the Company acquired certain tangible and intangible assets. Intangible assets resulting from these acquisitions include client and customer relationships, non-compete agreements, trademarks and technology. The Company performs an annual review of goodwill as of October 1 of each year or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist.

PRA Group, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The following table represents the changes in goodwill for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (amounts in thousands):



	Three Months Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016			2017			2016
Balance at beginning of period:
Goodwill	$	516,165	$	550,734		$	506,308		$	501,553
Accumulated impairment loss	—		(6,397		)	(6,397		)	(6,397		)
	516,165		544,337			499,911			495,156
Changes:
Acquisitions	—		1,193			—			28,711
Foreign currency translation adjustment	22,172		14,975			38,426			36,638
Net change in goodwill	22,172		16,168			38,426			65,349

Goodwill	538,337		566,902			538,337			566,902
Accumulated impairment loss	—		(6,397		)	—			(6,397		)
Balance at end of period:	$	538,337	$	560,505		$	538,337		$	560,505

The change in accumulated impairment loss during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, is related to the June 2017 sale of PRA Location Services, LLC ("PLS"), the goodwill of which was fully impaired during 2013.

The $1.2 million addition to goodwill during the three months ended September 30, 2016, was attributable to an immaterial acquisition. The goodwill recognized from this acquisition is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

The $28.7 million addition to goodwill during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, was mainly attributable to the acquisition of DTP S.A. ("DTP") during the second quarter of 2016 and the acquisition of Recovery Management Systems Corporation ("RMSC") in the first quarter of 2016. The goodwill recognized from the DTP acquisition is not expected to be deductible for tax purposes while the goodwill recognized from the RMSC acquisition is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

6. Income Taxes:

The Company follows the guidance of FASB ASC Topic 740 "Income Taxes" ("ASC 740") as it relates to the provision for income taxes and uncertainty in income taxes. The guidance prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for the financial statement recognition and measurement of a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return.

For tax purposes, the Company utilized the cost recovery method of accounting through December 31, 2016. Under the cost recovery method, collections on finance receivables are applied first to principal to reduce the finance receivables balance to zero before taxable income is recognized. The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") examined the Company's 2005 through 2012 tax returns and asserted that tax revenue recognition using the cost recovery method did not clearly reflect taxable income and therefore issued Notices of Deficiency to the Company for tax years ended December 31, 2005 through 2012 (the "Notices"). In response to the Notices, the Company filed petitions in the U.S. Tax Court (the “Tax Court”) challenging the deficiencies and the Tax Court set the trial to begin on May 15, 2017. On May 10, 2017, the Company reached a settlement with the IRS in regards to the Notices. Under the settlement, both parties agreed that no amounts were due for years 2005 through 2012 and the Tax Court entered decisions to that effect on June 22, 2017. Also, under the settlement, the Company will utilize a new tax accounting method to recognize net finance receivables revenue effective with tax year 2017. Under the new method, a portion of the annual collections amortize principal and the remaining portion is taxable income. The Company will not be required to pay any interest or penalties related to the prior periods. The deferred tax liability related to the difference in timing between the new method and the cost recovery method will be incorporated evenly into the Company’s tax filings over four years with no associated interest.

At September 30, 2017, the tax years subject to examination by the major federal, state and international taxing jurisdictions are 2013 and subsequent years.

The Company intends for predominantly all foreign earnings to be indefinitely reinvested in its foreign operations. If foreign earnings were repatriated, the Company would need to accrue and pay taxes, although foreign tax credits may be available to partially reduce U.S. income taxes. The amount of cash on hand related to foreign operations with indefinitely reinvested earnings was $95.3 million and $73.6 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively.

PRA Group, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7. Earnings per Share:

Basic earnings per share ("EPS") are computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders of PRA Group, Inc. by weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS are computed using the same components as basic EPS with the denominator adjusted for the dilutive effect of the Notes and nonvested share awards, if dilutive. For the Notes, only the conversion spread is included in the diluted EPS calculation, if dilutive. Under such method, the settlement of the conversion spread has a dilutive effect when the average share price of the Company's common stock during any quarter exceeds $65.72 for the 2020 Notes or $46.24 for the 2023 Notes, neither of which occurred during the respective periods from which the Notes were issued through September 30, 2017. Share-based awards that are contingent upon the attainment of performance goals are included in the computation of diluted EPS if the effect is dilutive. The dilutive effect of nonvested shares is computed using the treasury stock method, which assumes any proceeds that could be obtained upon the vesting of nonvested shares would be used to purchase common shares at the average market price for the period. The assumed proceeds include the tax benefit that would be realized upon assumed exercise.

The following table provides a reconciliation between the computation of basic EPS and diluted EPS for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):



	For the Three Months Ended September 30,
	2017					2016
	Net income attributable to PRA Group, Inc.		Weighted Average Common Shares	EPS		Net income attributable to PRA Group, Inc.		Weighted Average Common Shares	EPS
Basic EPS	$	15,555	45,168	$	0.34	$	34,306	46,343	$	0.74
Dilutive effect of nonvested share awards			118	—				91	—
Diluted EPS	$	15,555	45,286	$	0.34	$	34,306	46,434	$	0.74

	For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017					2016
	Net income attributable to PRA Group, Inc.		Weighted Average Common Shares	EPS		Net income attributable to PRA Group, Inc.		Weighted Average Common Shares	EPS
Basic EPS	$	75,395	45,838	$	1.64	$	102,745	46,307	$	2.22
Dilutive effect of nonvested share awards			153	—				96	(0.01		)
Diluted EPS	$	75,395	45,991	$	1.64	$	102,745	46,403	$	2.21

There were no antidilutive options outstanding for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016.

8. Commitments and Contingencies:

Employment Agreements:

The Company has entered into employment agreements with all of its U.S. executive officers and with several members of its U.S. senior management group. Such agreements provide for base salary payments as well as potential discretionary bonuses that are based on the attainment of a combination of financial and management goals. At September 30, 2017, estimated future compensation under these agreements was approximately $11.8 million. The agreements also contain confidentiality and non-compete provisions. Outside the U.S., employment agreements are in place with employees pursuant to local country regulations. Generally, these agreements do not have expiration dates and therefore it is impractical to estimate the amount of future compensation under these agreements. Accordingly, the future compensation under these agreements is not included in the $11.8 million total above.

Leases:

The Company is party to various operating leases with respect to its facilities and equipment. The future minimum lease payments at September 30, 2017 totaled approximately $43.8 million.

PRA Group, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Forward Flow Agreements:

The Company is party to several forward flow agreements that allow for the purchase of nonperforming loans at pre-established prices. The maximum remaining amount to be purchased under forward flow agreements at September 30, 2017 was approximately $413.6 million.

Finance Receivables:

Certain agreements for the purchase of finance receivables portfolios contain provisions that may, in limited circumstances, require the Company to refund a portion or all of the collections subsequently received by the Company on particular accounts.

Litigation and Regulatory Matters:

The Company is from time to time subject to routine legal claims, proceedings and regulatory matters, most of which are incidental to the ordinary course of its business. The Company initiates lawsuits against customers and is occasionally countersued by them in such actions. Also, customers, either individually, as members of a class action, or through a governmental entity on behalf of customers, may initiate litigation against the Company in which they allege that the Company has violated a state or federal law in the process of collecting on an account. From time to time, other types of lawsuits are brought against the Company. Additionally, the Company receives subpoenas and other requests or demands for information from regulators or governmental authorities who are investigating the Company's debt collection activities.

The Company accrues for potential liability arising from legal proceedings and regulatory matters when it is probable that such liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated. This determination is based upon currently available information for those proceedings in which the Company is involved, taking into account the Company's best estimate of such losses for those cases for which such estimates can be made. The Company's estimate involves significant judgment, given the varying stages of the proceedings (including the fact that many of them are currently in preliminary stages), the number of unresolved issues in many of the proceedings (including issues regarding class certification and the scope of many of the claims), and the related uncertainty of the potential outcomes of these proceedings. In making determinations of the likely outcome of pending litigation, the Company considers many factors, including, but not limited to, the nature of the claims, the Company's experience with similar types of claims, the jurisdiction in which the matter is filed, input from outside legal counsel, the likelihood of resolving the matter through alternative mechanisms, the matter's current status and the damages sought or demands made. Accordingly, the Company's estimate will change from time to time, and actual losses could be more than the current estimate.

The Company believes that the estimate of the aggregate range of reasonably possible losses in excess of the amount accrued for its legal proceedings outstanding at September 30, 2017 was not material.

In certain legal proceedings, the Company may have recourse to insurance or third-party contractual indemnities to cover all or portions of its litigation expenses, judgments, or settlements. Loss estimates and accruals for potential liability related to legal proceedings are typically exclusive of potential recoveries, if any, under the Company's insurance policies or third-party indemnities. The Company had not recorded any potential recoveries under the Company's insurance policies or third-party indemnities as of September 30, 2017.

The matters described below fall outside of the normal parameters of the Company's routine legal proceedings.

Multi-State Investigation

The Company previously received Civil Investigative Demands from multiple state Attorneys General offices broadly relating to its debt collection practices in the U.S. The Company, which has fully cooperated with the investigation, has discussed potential resolution of the investigation with this coalition of Attorneys General, which could include penalties, restitution and/or the adoption of new practices and controls in the conduct of the Company's business. In these discussions, the state Attorneys General offices have taken positions with which the Company disagrees. If the Company is unable to resolve its differences with this multi-state coalition, it is possible that individual state Attorneys General offices may file claims against the Company.

Internal Revenue Service Audit

The IRS examined the Company's 2005 through 2012 tax returns and asserted that tax revenue recognition using the cost recovery method did not clearly reflect taxable income and therefore issued Notices of Deficiency to the Company for tax years ended December 31, 2005 through 2012 (the "Notices"). In response to the Notices, the Company filed petitions in the Tax Court challenging the deficiencies and the Tax Court set the trial to begin on May 15, 2017. On May 10, 2017, the Company reached a settlement with the IRS in regards to the Notices. Under the settlement, both parties agreed that no amounts were due for years 2005 through 2012 and the Tax Court entered decisions to that effect on June 22, 2017. Also, under the settlement, the Company

PRA Group, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

agreed to utilize a new tax accounting method to recognize net finance receivables revenue effective with tax year 2017. Under the new method, a portion of the annual collections will amortize principal and the remaining portion will be considered taxable income. The Company will not be required to pay any interest or penalties related to the prior periods. The deferred tax liability related to the difference in timing between the new method and the prior method will be incorporated evenly into the Company’s tax filings over four years with no associated interest.

9. Fair Value:

As defined by FASB ASC Topic 820, "Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures" ("ASC 820"), fair value is 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 also requires the consideration of differing levels of inputs in the determination of fair values.

Those levels of input are summarized as follows:


•	Level 1: Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities.


•	Level 2: Observable inputs other than Level 1 quoted prices, such as quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active, and model-based valuation techniques for which all significant assumptions are observable in the market.


•	Level 3: Unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity. Level 3 assets and liabilities include financial instruments whose value is determined using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques as well as instruments for which the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.

The level in the fair value hierarchy within which a fair value measurement in its entirety falls is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

Financial Instruments Not Required To Be Carried at Fair Value

In accordance with the disclosure requirements of FASB ASC Topic 825, "Financial Instruments" ("ASC 825"), the table below summarizes fair value estimates for the Company's financial instruments not required to be carried at fair value. The total of the fair value calculations presented does not represent, and should not be construed to represent, the underlying value of the Company.

The carrying amounts of the financial instruments in the following table are recorded in the consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (amounts in thousands):



	September 30, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Estimated Fair Value
Financial assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	113,754	$	113,754	$	94,287	$	94,287
Held-to-maturity investments	57,031		42,559		51,407		55,554
Other investments	14,712		9,709		14,998		12,573
Finance receivables, net	2,577,831		2,884,171		2,307,969		2,708,582
Financial liabilities:
Interest-bearing deposits	96,395		96,395		76,113		76,113
Revolving lines of credit	649,190		649,190		1,096,868		1,096,868
Term loans	762,902		762,902		430,764		430,764
Convertible senior notes	574,140		579,764		269,570		270,825

Disclosure of the estimated fair values of financial instruments often requires the use of estimates. The carrying amount and estimates of the fair value of the Company's debt obligations outlined above do not include any related debt issuance costs associated with the debt obligations. The Company uses the following methods and assumptions to estimate the fair value of the financial instruments in the above table:

Cash and cash equivalents: The carrying amount approximates fair value and quoted prices for identical assets can be found in active markets. Accordingly, the Company estimates the fair value of cash and cash equivalents using Level 1 inputs.

PRA Group, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Held-to-maturity investments: Fair value of the Company's investment in the certificates of a closed-end Polish investment fund is estimated using proprietary pricing models that the Company utilizes to make portfolio purchase decisions. Accordingly, the Company estimates the fair value of its held-to-maturity investments using Level 3 inputs as there is little observable market data available and management is required to use significant judgment in its estimates.

Other investments: This class of investments consists of private equity funds that invest primarily in loans and securities including single-family residential debt; corporate debt products; and financially-oriented, real-estate-rich and other operating companies in the Americas, Western Europe, and Japan. These investments are subject to certain restrictions regarding transfers and withdrawals. The investments can never be redeemed with the funds. Instead, the nature of the investments in this class is that distributions are received through the liquidation of the underlying assets of the fund. The fair value of the Company's interest is valued by the fund managers; accordingly, the Company estimates the fair value of these investments using Level 3 inputs. The investments are expected to be returned through distributions as a result of liquidations of the funds' underlying assets over 1 to 4 years.

Finance receivables, net: The Company computed the estimated fair value of these receivables using proprietary pricing models that the Company utilizes to make portfolio purchase decisions. Accordingly, the Company's fair value estimates use Level 3 inputs as there is limited observable market data available and management is required to use significant judgment in its estimates.

Interest-bearing deposits: The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of the deposits and the observable quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets. Accordingly, the Company uses Level 2 inputs for its fair value estimates.

Revolving lines of credit: The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of the interest rate periods and the observable quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets. Accordingly, the Company uses Level 2 inputs for its fair value estimates.

Term loans: The carrying amount approximates fair value due to the short-term nature of the interest rate periods and the observable quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets. Accordingly, the Company uses Level 2 inputs for its fair value estimates.

Convertible notes: The Notes are carried at historical cost, adjusted for the debt discount. The fair value estimates for the Notes incorporate quoted market prices which were obtained from secondary market broker quotes which were derived from a variety of inputs including client orders, information from their pricing vendors, modeling software, and actual trading prices when they occur. Accordingly, the Company uses Level 2 inputs for its fair value estimates. Furthermore, in the table above, carrying amount represents the portion of the Notes classified as debt, while estimated fair value pertains to the face amount of the Notes.

Financial Instruments Required To Be Carried At Fair Value

The carrying amounts in the following table are measured at fair value on a recurring basis in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets at September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016 (amounts in thousands):



	Fair Value Measurements as of September 30, 2017
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Available-for-sale investments	$	3,769	$	—	$	—	$	3,769
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap contracts (recorded in accrued expenses)	—		701		—		701

	Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2016
	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Available-for-sale investments	$	2,138	$	—	$	—	$	2,138
Liabilities:
Interest rate swap contracts (recorded in accrued expenses)	—		2,825		—		2,825

Available-for-sale investments: Fair value of the Company's investment in government bonds and mutual funds is estimated using quoted market prices. Accordingly, the Company uses Level 1 inputs.

PRA Group, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Interest rate swap contracts: The interest rate swap contracts are carried at fair value which is determined by using industry standard valuation models. These models project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to a present value using market-based observable inputs, including interest rate curves and other factors. Accordingly, the Company uses Level 2 inputs for its fair value estimates.

10. Recent Accounting Pronouncements:

In May 2014, FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, "Revenue from Contracts with Customers" ("ASU 2014-09") that updates the principles for recognizing revenue. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The guidance specifically excludes revenue received for servicing finance receivables. ASU 2014-09 also amends the required disclosures of the nature, amount, timing and uncertainty of revenue and cash flows arising from contracts with customers. ASU 2014-09 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2017, and can be adopted either retrospectively to each prior reporting period presented or as a cumulative-effect adjustment as of the date of adoption, with early application not permitted. The Company believes that the revenue generated by its subsidiary Claims Compensation Bureau, LLC ("CCB") is within the scope of this standard. Based on the Company's evaluation, the Company believes the new standard will not impact the accounting for revenue generated by CCB.

In January 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-01, "Financial Instruments - Overall: Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities" ("ASU 2016-01"), which provides new guidance on the recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial assets and liabilities. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted only for certain provisions. Under this standard, changes in fair value of the Company's investments currently classified as available-for-sale will be reported in earnings rather than as an adjustment to Other Comprehensive Income/(Loss). The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of 2016-01 on its Other Investments.

In February 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-02, "Leases (Topic 842) Section A - Leases: Amendments to the FASB Account Standards Codification" ("ASU 2016-02"). ASU 2016-02 requires that a lessee should recognize a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term on the balance sheet. It is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years, using a modified retrospective approach and early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of ASU 2016-02 on its consolidated financial statements. The Company has approximately $43.8 million in operating lease obligations as disclosed in its contractual obligations table in Part I, Item 2 of this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q and is in the process of evaluating those contracts as well as other existing arrangements to determine if they qualify for lease accounting under the new standard. The Company does not plan to adopt the standard early.

In March 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-06, "Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815), Contingent Put and Call Options in Debt Instruments" ("ASU 2016-06"). Topic 815 requires that embedded derivatives be separated from the host contract and accounted for separately as derivatives if certain criteria are met, including the "clearly and closely related" criterion. ASU 2016-06 clarifies the requirements for assessing whether contingent call (put) options that can accelerate the payment of principal on debt instruments are clearly and closely related to their debt hosts. An entity performing the assessment under the amendments is required to assess the embedded call (put) options solely in accordance with the four-step decision sequence. The amendments in ASU 2016-06 apply to all entities that are issuers of or investors in debt instruments (or hybrid financial instruments that are determined to have a debt host) with embedded call (put) options. For public entities, this update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company adopted ASU 2016-06 in the first quarter of 2017 which had no material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-09, "Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting" ("ASU 2016-09"). The guidance eliminates additional paid in capital ("APIC") pools and requires companies to recognize all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the income statement when the awards vest or are settled. It also addresses the presentation of excess tax benefits and employee taxes paid on the statement of cash flows. Further, the new guidance eliminates the requirement to estimate forfeitures during the vesting period. Instead, companies can elect to account for actual forfeitures as they occur and record any previously unrecognized compensation expense for estimated forfeitures up to the period of adoption as a retrospective adjustment to beginning retained earnings. ASU 2016-09 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those fiscal years and early adoption is permitted. The Company prospectively adopted ASU 2016-09 in the first quarter of 2017, which increased its provision for income taxes by $0.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, as a result of the recognition of all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in its income statement. ASU 2016-09 requires that excess tax benefits be presented as an operating activity in the statement of cash

PRA Group, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

flows, so with its prospective adoption, prior periods have not been restated. The Company also elected to use an estimated forfeiture rate, based on historical data, to record its share-based compensation expense, which is consistent with its previous accounting treatment with respect to forfeitures. None of the other provisions of ASU 2016-09 had a material impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-13, "Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326)" ("ASU 2016-13"). ASU 2016-13 requires the measurement of expected credit losses for financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable forecasts. The main objective of ASU 2016-13 is to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. ASU 2016-13 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019, including interim periods within those fiscal years and allows for early adoption as of the beginning of an interim or annual reporting period beginning after December 15, 2018. ASU 2016-13 supersedes ASC Topic 310-30, which the Company currently follows to account for revenue on its finance receivables. ASU 2016-13 could have a significant impact on how the Company measures and records net revenue on its finance receivables. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of ASU 2016-13 on its consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-15, "Statement of Cash Flows - Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments (Topic 230)" ("ASU 2016-15"). ASU 2016-15 reduces diversity in practice of how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. The new guidance clarifies the classification of cash activity related to debt prepayment or debt extinguishment costs, settlement of zero-coupon debt instruments, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination, proceeds from the settlement of insurance claims, proceeds from the settlement of corporate and bank-owned life insurance policies, distributions received from equity-method investments, and beneficial interests in securitization transactions. The guidance also describes a predominance principle in which cash flows with aspects of more than one class that cannot be separated should be classified based on the activity that is likely to be the predominant source or use of cash flow. ASU 2016-15 is effective for the Company for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. Early adoption is permitted, including adoption in an interim period, but requires all elements of the amendments to be adopted at once rather than individually. The new standard must be adopted using a retrospective transition method. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of ASU 2016-15 on its consolidated financial statements.

In October 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-16, "Income Taxes - Intra-Entity Transfers of Assets Other Than Inventory" ("ASU 2016-16"), which requires entities to recognize the income tax consequences of an intra-entity transfer of an asset other than inventory when the transfer occurs. The standard is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of a fiscal year. The new standard must be adopted using a modified retrospective transition method which is a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first effective reporting period. The Company has determined the adoption of this standard will not have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements.

In January 2017, FASB issued ASU-2017-01, "Business Combinations - Clarifying the Definition of a Business (Topic 805)" ("ASU 2017-01"). ASU 2017-01 clarifies the definition of a business with the objective of adding guidance to assist companies with evaluating whether transactions should be accounted for as acquisitions (or disposals) of assets or businesses. The new guidance is expected to reduce the number of transactions that need to be further evaluated as businesses. The guidance applies to transactions that occur on or after an entity’s adoption date, the earliest of which is January 1, 2017. The Company has not completed a business combination in 2017.

In January 2017, FASB issued ASU No. 2017-04, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for Goodwill Impairment" ("ASU 2017-04"). ASU 2017-04 eliminates Step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. Instead, an entity should perform its annual or interim goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount. An entity should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. An entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment test is necessary. ASU 2017-04 is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed after January 1, 2017. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of ASU 2017-04 on its consolidated financial statements.

In May 2017, FASB issued ASU No. 2017-09, “Compensation–Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Scope of Modification Accounting” (ASU 2017-09"). ASU 2017-09 clarifies when a change to the terms or conditions of a share-based payment award must be accounted for as a modification. The new guidance requires modification accounting if the fair value, vesting condition or the classification of the award is not the same immediately before and after a change to the terms and conditions of the award.

PRA Group, Inc.

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The new guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. This new guidance is not expected to have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

In August 2017, FASB issued ASU No. 2017-12, "Derivatives and Hedging - Targeted Improvements to Accounting for Hedging Activities" ("ASU 2017-12"). ASU 2017-12 modifies the presentation and disclosure of hedging results. Further, it provides partial relief on the timing of certain aspects of hedge documentation and eliminates the requirement to recognize hedge ineffectiveness separately in income. The amendments in ASU 2017-12 are effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018 and for interim periods therein. The Company is currently in the process of evaluating the impact of adoption of ASU 2017-12 on its consolidated financial statements.

The Company does not expect that any other recently issued accounting pronouncements will have a material effect on its consolidated financial statements.

11. Sale of Subsidiaries:

As part of the Company’s strategy to focus on its primary business, the purchase, collection and management of portfolios of nonperforming loans, the Company decided in the fourth quarter of 2016 to sell its government services businesses: PRA Government Services, LLC; MuniServices, LLC; and PRA Professional Services, LLC. On January 24, 2017, the Company completed the sale of its government services businesses for $91.5 million in cash plus additional consideration for certain balance sheet items. The impact of the transaction was reported in the first quarter of 2017. The gain on sale was approximately $46.8 million.

During the second quarter of 2017, the Company sold its vehicle location, skip tracing and collateral recovery business, PLS, for $4.5 million which resulted in a gain on sale of approximately $1.6 million.

The assets and liabilities of the businesses that were sold during 2017 consisted of the following (amounts in thousands):



	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017
Other receivables, net	$	8,277
Property and equipment, net	4,559
Goodwill	29,683
Intangible assets, net	1,711
Other assets	772
Total assets	$	45,002

Accrued expenses	$	3,123
Total liabilities	$	3,123

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

Forward-Looking Statements:

This Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q (this "Quarterly Report") contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding overall cash collection trends, gross margin trends, operating cost trends, liquidity and capital needs and other statements of expectations, beliefs, future plans and strategies, anticipated events or trends, and similar expressions concerning matters that are not historical facts. The risks, uncertainties and assumptions referred to above may include the following:


•	a prolonged economic recovery or a deterioration in the economic or inflationary environment in the Americas or Europe, including the interest rate environment;


•	changes in the credit or capital markets, which affect our ability to borrow money or raise capital;


•	our ability to replace our nonperforming loans with additional portfolios;


•	our ability to purchase nonperforming loans at appropriate prices;


•	changes in, or interpretations of, federal, state, local, or foreign laws or the administrative practices of various bankruptcy courts, which may impact our ability to collect on our nonperforming loans;


•	our ability to collect sufficient amounts on our nonperforming loans;


•	the possibility that we could incur significant allowance charges on our finance receivables;


•	changes in, or interpretations of, bankruptcy or collection laws that could negatively affect our business, including by causing an increase in certain types of bankruptcy filings involving liquidations, which may cause our collections to decrease;


•	our ability to manage risks associated with our international operations;


•	changes in tax laws regarding earnings of our subsidiaries located outside of the United States ("U.S.");


•	the possibility that we could incur goodwill or other intangible asset impairment charges;


•	adverse effects from the vote by the United Kingdom ("UK") to leave the European Union ("EU");


•	adverse outcomes in pending litigations or administrative proceedings;


•	our loss contingency accruals may not be adequate to cover actual losses;


•	the possibility that class action suits and other litigation could divert our management's attention and increase our expenses;


•	the possibility that we could incur business or technology disruptions or cyber incidents;


•	our ability to collect and enforce our finance receivables may be limited under federal, state, local and foreign laws;


•	our ability to comply with existing and new regulations of the collection industry, the failure of which could result in penalties, fines, litigation, damage to our reputation, or the suspension or termination of or required modification to our ability to conduct our business;


•	investigations or enforcement actions by governmental authorities, including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB"), which could result in changes to our business practices; negatively impact our portfolio purchasing volume; make collection of account balances more difficult or expose us to the risk of fines, penalties, restitution payments, and litigation;


•	the possibility that compliance with foreign and U.S. laws and regulations that apply to our international operations could increase our cost of doing business in international jurisdictions;


•	our ability to raise the funds necessary to repurchase the convertible senior notes or to settle conversions in cash;


•	our ability to maintain, renegotiate or replace our credit facilities;


•	changes in interest or exchange rates, which could reduce our net income, and the possibility that future hedging strategies may not be successful, which could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition, as could our failure to comply with hedge accounting principles and interpretations; and


•	the risk factors discussed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC").

You should assume that the information appearing in this Quarterly Report is accurate only as of the date it was issued. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

You should carefully consider the factors listed above and review the following "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations," as well as the "Risk Factors" section and "Business" section of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2016, filed with the SEC on March 1, 2017 ("2016 Form 10-K").

Our forward-looking statements could be wrong in light of these and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions. The future events, developments or results described in, or implied by, this Quarterly Report could turn out to be materially different. Except as required by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update or revise our forward-looking statements after the date of this Quarterly Report and you should not expect us to do so.

Investors should also be aware that while we do, from time to time, communicate with securities analysts and others, we do not, by policy, selectively disclose to them any material nonpublic information or other confidential commercial information. Accordingly, investors should not assume that we agree with any statement or report issued by any analyst regardless of the content of the statement or report. We do not, by policy, confirm forecasts or projections issued by others. Thus, to the extent that reports issued by securities analysts contain any projections, forecasts or opinions, such reports are not our responsibility.

Frequently Used Terms

We use the following terminology throughout this Quarterly Report:


•	"Allowance charges" refers to a reduction in income recognized on finance receivables on pools of finance receivables due to a decrease in cash collection estimates or a delay in the expected timing of the cash collections.


•	"Amortization rate" refers to cash collections applied to principal on finance receivables as a percentage of total cash collections.


•	"Buybacks" refers to purchase price refunded by the seller due to the return of ineligible accounts.


•	"Cash collections" refers to collections on our owned finance receivables portfolios.


•	"Core" accounts or portfolios refer to accounts or portfolios that are nonperforming loans and are not in an insolvent status upon purchase. These accounts are aggregated separately from insolvency accounts.


•	"Estimated remaining collections" or "ERC" refers to the sum of all future projected cash collections on our owned finance receivables portfolios.


•	"Fee income" refers to revenues generated from our fee-for-service businesses.


•	"Income recognized on finance receivables" refers to income derived from our owned finance receivables portfolios.


•	"Income recognized on finance receivables, net" refers to income derived from our owned finance receivables portfolios and is shown net of allowance charges/reversals.


•	"Insolvency" accounts or portfolios refer to accounts or portfolios of receivables that are in an insolvent status when we purchase them and as such are purchased as a pool of insolvent accounts. These include Individual Voluntary Arrangements ("IVAs"), Trust Deeds in the UK, Consumer Proposals in Canada and bankruptcy accounts in the U.S., Canada, Germany and the UK.


•	"Net finance receivable balance" is recorded on our balance sheet and refers to the purchase price less principal amortization and net allowance charges/reversals.


•	"Nonperforming loans" refers to the loans that we purchase, which consist generally of defaulted, unpaid obligations of individuals that have been charged-off by the credit grantor.


•	"Principal amortization" refers to cash collections applied to principal on finance receivables.


•	"Purchase price" refers to the cash paid to a seller to acquire nonperforming loans, plus certain capitalized costs, less buybacks.


•	"Purchase price multiple" refers to the total estimated collections (as defined below) on owned finance receivables portfolios divided by purchase price.


•	"Total estimated collections" or "TEC" refers to actual cash collections, including cash sales, plus estimated remaining collections on our finance receivables portfolios.

All references in this Quarterly Report to "PRA Group," "our," "we," "us," the "Company" or similar terms are to PRA Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries.

Overview

We are a global financial and business services company with operations in the Americas and Europe. Our primary business is the purchase, collection and management of portfolios of nonperforming loans. As discussed in Note 11, we sold our government services businesses in January 2017 and PLS in June 2017.

We are headquartered in Norfolk, Virginia, and as of September 30, 2017 employ 4,555 full time equivalents. Our shares of common stock are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "PRAA."

Earnings Summary

During the three months ended September 30, 2017, net income attributable to PRA Group, Inc. was $15.6 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, compared with $34.3 million, or $0.74 per diluted share, in the three months ended September 30, 2016. Total revenues decreased 9.5% to $201.0 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016. Revenues in the three months ended September 30, 2017 consisted of $197.2 million in income recognized on finance receivables, net; $2.7 million in fee income; and $1.1 million in other revenue. Revenues in the three months ended September 30, 2016 consisted of $202.6 million in income recognized on finance receivables, net; $17.6 million in fee income; and $1.7 million in other revenue. Income recognized on finance receivables, net, in the three months ended September 30, 2017 decreased $5.4 million, or 2.7%, over the three months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to a reduction in revenue generated by our Americas Insolvency portfolio which has declined due to lower volumes of purchasing during fiscal years 2014 to 2016. Cash collections were $381.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017, up 2.7%, or $10.1 million, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016.

A summary of the sources of our revenue during the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 is presented below (amounts in thousands):



	For the Three Months Ended September 30,
	2017			2016
Cash collections	$	381,834		$	371,700
Principal amortization	(181,174		)	(155,915		)
Net allowance charges	(3,412		)	(13,146		)
Income recognized on finance receivables, net	197,248			202,639
Fee income	2,671			17,597
Other revenue	1,091			1,748
Total revenues	$	201,010		$	221,984

Operating expenses were $146.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $7.7 million or 5.0%, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016. This decrease was primarily due to a decrease in legal collection expenses, mainly due to a reduction in the number of accounts brought into the legal collection process in the Americas, in addition to a decrease in agency fees, due primarily to the sale of PLS in June 2017, as well as a decrease in third-party collection fees incurred by our foreign operations.

During the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, we acquired finance receivables portfolios at a cost of $210.9 million and $161.3 million, respectively. In any period, we acquire nonperforming loans that can vary dramatically in their age, type and ultimate collectability. We may pay significantly different purchase prices relative to face value for purchased receivables within any period as a result of this quality fluctuation. In addition, market forces can increase or decrease pricing, irrespective of other quality fluctuations. As a result, the average purchase price paid relative to face value for any given period can fluctuate dramatically. However, regardless of the average purchase price, we intend to target a similar net income margin in pricing our portfolio acquisitions during any given period. Therefore, the price paid relative to face value is not necessarily indicative of profitability.

Results of Operations

The results of operations include the financial results of the Company and all of its subsidiaries. The following table sets forth consolidated income statement amounts as a percentage of total revenues for the periods indicated:



	For the Three Months Ended September 30,				For the Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2017		2016		2017		2016
Revenues:
Income recognized on finance receivables, net	98.1	%	91.3	%	95.8	%	90.8	%
Fee income	1.3	%	7.9	%	3.1	%	8.3	%
Other revenue	0.6	%	0.8	%	1.1	%	0.9	%
Total revenues	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%	100.0	%
Operating expenses:
Compensation and employee services	34.1	%	29.7	%	33.5	%	29.2	%
Legal collection expenses	13.7	%	15.1	%	14.9	%	14.4	%
Agency fees	3.8	%	5.4	%	4.5	%	5.1	%
Outside fees and services	7.9	%	6.6	%	7.8	%	6.9	%
Communication	4.3	%	3.5	%	4.1	%	3.9	%
Rent and occupancy	1.8	%	1.7	%	1.8	%	1.7	%
Depreciation and amortization	2.4	%	2.8	%	2.5	%	2.7	%
Other operating expenses	5.0	%	4.7	%	5.3	%	4.8	%
Total operating expenses	73.0	%	69.6	%	74.4	%	68.7	%
Income from operations	27.0	%	30.4	%	25.6	%	31.3	%
Other income and (expense):
Gain on sale of subsidiaries	0.2	%	—	%	8.0	%	—	%
Interest expense, net	(12.9	)%	(8.7	)%	(11.5	)%	(8.9	)%
Foreign exchange (loss)/gain	(0.6	)%	2.3	%	(0.2	)%	0.8	%
Income before income taxes	13.7	%	24.0	%	21.9	%	23.2	%
Provision for income taxes	5.3	%	7.5	%	8.7	%	7.4	%
Net income	8.4	%	16.5	%	13.2	%	15.7	%
Adjustment for net income attributable to noncontrolling interest	0.7	%	1.0	%	0.8	%	0.5	%
Net income attributable to PRA Group, Inc.	7.7	%	15.5	%	12.4	%	15.2	%

Three Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared To Three Months Ended September 30, 2016

Revenues

Total revenues were $201.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $21.0 million, or 9.5%, compared to total revenues of $222.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Income Recognized on Finance Receivables, net

Income recognized on finance receivables, net was $197.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $5.4 million, or 2.7%, compared to income recognized on finance receivables, net, of $202.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease was due to a variety of factors. Income generated by our Americas Insolvency portfolios declined due primarily to lower volumes of purchasing during fiscal years 2014 to 2016. Income generated by our European portfolios declined due primarily to the impact of the current competitive pricing environment which has resulted in lower yields on new portfolios. Also, elevated allowance charges incurred during 2016 reduced the income-earning principal balances of our portfolios, particularly the Americas Core portfolios. This was offset by overperformance on select Americas Core and European Core portfolios which resulted in yield increases on certain pools, as well as a decline in net allowance charges, which were $3.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $13.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Cash collections were $381.8 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017, up $10.1 million, or 2.7%, as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in cash collections was mainly caused by increases in our European Core and Americas Core portfolio collections, which increased $6.7 million and $2.2 million, respectively. Cash collections on fully amortized pools were $14.1 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017, up $6.4 million or 83.1%, compared to $7.7 million in the three months ended September 30, 2016. Cash collections on pools on cost recovery were $8.1 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017, up $1.4 million or 20.9%, compared to $6.7 million in the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Income recognized on finance receivables, net, is shown net of changes in valuation allowances which are recorded for significant decreases in expected cash flows or a change in timing of cash flows which would otherwise require a reduction in the stated yield on a pool of accounts. For the three months ended September 30, 2017, we recorded net allowance charges of $3.4 million, consisting of $2.4 million on our Americas portfolios and $1.0 million on our European portfolios. For the three months ended September 30, 2016, we recorded net allowance charges of $13.1 million, consisting of $12.4 million on our Americas portfolios and $0.7 million on our European portfolios.

During the three months ended September 30, 2017, we reclassified $68.7 million from nonaccretable difference to accretable yield primarily due to increased cash collection forecasts relating mainly to certain Americas Core and European Core pools. During the three months ended September 30, 2016, we reclassified $5.9 million from nonaccretable difference to accretable yield primarily due to increased cash collection forecasts relating mainly to certain European Core pools, partially offset by decreases in cash collection forecasts relating mainly to certain Americas Core pools.

Fee Income

Fee income was $2.7 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $14.9 million or 84.7%, compared to $17.6 million in the three months ended September 30, 2016. This was primarily due to a decrease in fee income resulting from the sale of our government services businesses in January 2017 and the sale of PLS in June 2017.

Other Revenue

Other revenue decreased to $1.1 million in the three months ended September 30, 2017 from $1.7 million in the three months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to a decrease in revenue generated by our investments.

Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses were $146.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $7.7 million or 5.0%, compared to operating expenses of $154.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Compensation and Employee Services

Compensation and employee services expenses were $68.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, an increase of $2.6 million, or 3.9%, compared to compensation and employee services expenses of $65.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. Compensation expense increased primarily as a result of larger average staff sizes, partially offset by a decrease resulting from the sale of our government services businesses in January 2017 and the sale of PLS in June 2017. In the U.S., we have hired approximately 700 net new collectors since September 30, 2016. Total full-time equivalents increased to 4,555 as of September 30, 2017, compared to 3,859 as of September 30, 2016.

Legal Collection Expenses

Legal collection expenses represent costs paid to courts where a lawsuit is filed, contingent fees incurred for the cash collections generated for us by independent third-party attorneys, and the cost of documents paid to sellers of portfolios. Legal collection expenses were $27.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $5.8 million or 17.4%, compared to legal collection expenses of $33.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in costs paid to courts where a lawsuit is filed, mainly due to a decrease in the number of accounts brought into the legal collection process in the Americas. Our costs paid to courts were $17.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $6.1 million or 26.1% compared to $23.4 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. Additionally, our costs paid to sellers of nonperforming loans for documents were $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $0.4 million or 57.1% compared to $0.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease was primarily the result of sellers providing more account documents to us when we purchase portfolios, mainly as a result of regulatory requirements. This was partially offset by an increase in legal collection expenses paid to third-party attorneys. Our costs paid to third-party attorneys were $10.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, an increase of $0.8 million or 8.6% compared to $9.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Agency Fees

Agency fees primarily represent third-party collection fees and costs paid to repossession agents to repossess vehicles. Agency fees were $7.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $12.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease was primarily due to the impact of the sale of PLS in June 2017 in addition to a decrease in third-party collection fees incurred by our foreign operations.

Outside Fees and Services

Outside fees and services expenses were $15.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, an increase of $0.9 million, or 6.1%, compared to outside fees and services expenses of $14.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. This increase was primarily due to a $1.7 million increase in consulting fees, partially offset by a $0.8 million decrease in corporate legal and other professional fees.

Communication

Communication expenses were $8.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, an increase of $0.9 million or 11.5%, compared to communication expenses of $7.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. This increase was primarily due to a $1.0 million increase in postage expenses. This was partially offset by a $0.1 million decrease in telephone expense.

Rent and Occupancy

Rent and occupancy expenses were $3.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $0.2 million or 5.1%, compared to rent and occupancy expense of $3.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease was primarily due to the impact of the sale of our government services businesses in January 2017 and the sale of PLS in June 2017.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expenses were $4.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $1.4 million, or 22.6%, compared to depreciation and amortization expenses of $6.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease was primarily due to the impact of the sale of our government services businesses in January 2017 and the sale of PLS in June 2017.

Other Operating Expenses

Other operating expenses were $10.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $0.4 million, or 3.8%, compared to other operating expenses of $10.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Gain on Sale of Subsidiaries

Gain on sale of subsidiaries was $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $0 for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The amount relates to a purchase price true-up on the sale of PLS.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net was $25.9 million during the three months ended September 30, 2017, an increase of $6.6 million or 34.2%, compared to $19.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The increase was primarily due to the additional interest incurred as a result of the issuance of our new convertible senior notes, which we issued and sold on May 26, 2017, as well as increases in interest rates and unused line fees. This was partially offset by a decrease in interest expense caused by our interest rate swaps and a decrease in the average borrowings outstanding on our revolving credit facilities and term loans.

Interest expense, net consisted of the following for the three months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (amounts in thousands):



	Three Months Ended September 30,
	2017			2016			Change
Stated interest on debt obligations and unused line fees	$	17,945		$	16,600		$	1,345
Coupon interest on convertible debt	5,175			2,156			3,019
Amortization of convertible debt discount	2,796			1,127			1,669
Amortization of loan fees and other loan costs	2,505			1,647			858
Interest rate swap agreements	(1,025		)	(669		)	(356		)
Interest income	(1,497		)	(1,551		)	54
Interest expense, net	$	25,899		$	19,310		$	6,589

Net Foreign Currency Transaction (Losses)/Gains

Net foreign currency transaction losses were $1.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017 compared to net foreign currency transaction gains of $5.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. In any given period, our foreign entities conduct operations in currencies different from their functional currency which generate foreign currency transaction gains and losses.

Provision for Income Taxes

Provision for income taxes was $10.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $6.0 million, or 35.9%, compared to provision for income taxes of $16.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease was primarily due to a $25.6 million decrease in income before income taxes for the three months ended September 30, 2017 as compared to the three months ended September 30, 2016, partially offset by an increase in our effective tax rate. During the three months ended September 30, 2017, our effective tax rate was 38.7%, compared to 32.2% for full-year 2016. The increase was due primarily to changes in the mix of projected taxable income between tax jurisdictions and an increase in the estimated blended rate for U.S. state taxes. The blended rate for U.S. state taxes increase was due to changes in the mix of earnings, dispositions of subsidiaries, and other factors.

Nine Months Ended September 30, 2017 Compared To Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016

Revenues

Total revenues were $607.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $67.4 million, or 10.0%, compared to total revenues of $675.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Income Recognized on Finance Receivables, net

Income recognized on finance receivables, net was $582.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $30.6 million, or 5.0%, compared to income recognized on finance receivables, net, of $613.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease was due to a variety of factors. Income generated by our Americas Insolvency portfolios declined due primarily to lower volumes of purchasing during fiscal years 2014 to 2016. Income generated by our European portfolios declined due primarily to the impact of the current competitive pricing environment which has resulted in lower yields on new portfolios. Also, elevated allowance charges incurred during 2016 reduced the income-earning principal balances of our portfolios, particularly the Americas Core portfolios. This was offset by overperformance on select Americas Core and European Core portfolios which resulted in yield increases on certain pools, as well as a decline in net allowance charges, which were $9.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $36.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Cash collections were $1,136.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $1,143.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, a decrease of $6.9 million, or 0.6%. The decrease in cash collections was mainly caused by a decrease in our Americas Insolvency portfolio collections, which decreased $33.4 million or 17.0%, due primarily to lower volumes of purchasing during 2014 to 2016. This was partially offset by increases in our Americas Core and European cash collections. Cash collections on fully amortized pools were $40.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, up $15.1 million or 60.2%, compared to $25.1 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Cash collections on pools on cost recovery were $25.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, up $3.2 million or 14.7%, compared to $21.8 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we recorded net allowance charges of $9.4 million, consisting of $4.8 million on our Americas Core portfolios and $1.1 million on our Americas Insolvency portfolios. We also recorded net allowance charges of $3.5 million on our European portfolios. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, we recorded net allowance charges of $36.0 million, consisting of $32.3 million on our Americas Core portfolios and $0.3 million on our Americas Insolvency portfolios. We also recorded net allowance charges of $3.4 million on our European portfolios.

During the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, the Company reclassified $93.3 million and $95.9 million, respectively, from nonaccretable difference to accretable yield due primarily to increased cash collection forecasts relating mainly to certain Americas Core pools, Americas Insolvency pools and European Core pools during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, and certain Americas Insolvency pools and European Core pools during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Fee Income

Fee income was $18.9 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $37.3 million or 66.4%, compared to $56.2 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016. This was primarily due to a decrease in fee income resulting from the sale of our government services businesses in January 2017 and the sale of PLS in June 2017.

Other Revenue

Other revenue increased to $6.4 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2017 from $6.0 million in the nine months ended September 30, 2016, primarily due to an increase in revenue generated by our investments.

Operating Expenses

Operating expenses were $452.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $12.1 million or 2.6%, compared to operating expenses of $464.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Compensation and Employee Services

Compensation and employee services expenses were $203.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, an increase of $6.3 million, or 3.2% compared to compensation and employee services expenses of $197.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Compensation expense increased primarily as a result of larger average staff sizes, partially offset by a decrease resulting from the sale of our government services businesses in January 2017 and the sale of PLS in June 2017. In the U.S., we have hired approximately 700 net new collectors since September 30, 2016. Total full-time equivalents increased to 4,555 as of September 30, 2017, compared to 3,859 as of September 30, 2016.

Legal Collection Expenses

Legal collection expenses were $90.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $6.9 million, or 7.1%, compared to legal collection expenses of $97.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease was primarily due to a decrease in legal collection expenses paid to third-party attorneys, primarily as a result of a decrease in domestic external legal collections. Our costs paid to third-party attorneys were $33.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $4.1 million or 11.0% compared to $37.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Additionally, our costs paid to sellers of nonperforming loans for documents were $1.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $3.0 million or 75.0% compared to $4.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease was primarily the result of sellers providing more account documents to us when we purchase portfolios, mainly as a result of regulatory requirements. This was offset by an increase in costs paid to courts where a lawsuit is filed mainly related to the expansion of the number of accounts brought into the legal channel in Europe during the nine months ended September 30, 2017. Our costs paid to courts were $56.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, an increase of $0.2 million or 0.4% compared to $56.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Agency Fees

Agency fees were $27.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $34.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease was primarily due to the impact of the sale of PLS in June 2017 and a decrease in third-party collection fees incurred by our foreign operations.

Outside Fees and Services

Outside fees and services expenses were $47.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, an increase of $0.6 million, or 1.3%, compared to outside fees and services expenses of $46.4 million for the nine months ended September 30,

2016. The increase was primarily the result of a $1.1 million increase in payment processing fees and database fees. This was partially offset by a $0.5 million decrease in consulting and other outside professional fees.

Communication

Communication expenses were $25.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $1.0 million, or 3.8%, compared to communication expenses of $26.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. This decrease was primarily due to the impact of the sale of our government services businesses in January 2017.

Rent and Occupancy

Rent and occupancy expenses were $10.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $0.9 million, or 7.7%, compared to rent and occupancy expenses of $11.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease was primarily due to the impact of the sale of our government services businesses in January 2017 and the sale of PLS in June 2017.

Depreciation and Amortization

Depreciation and amortization expenses were $15.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $3.2 million, or 17.5%, compared to depreciation and amortization expenses of $18.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease was primarily due to the impact of the sale of our government services businesses in January 2017.

Other Operating Expenses

Other operating expenses were $32.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, a decrease of $0.3 million, or 0.9%, compared to other operating expenses of $32.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Gain on Sale of Subsidiaries

Gain on sale of subsidiaries was $48.5 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to $0 for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, we sold our government services businesses and PLS which resulted in gains of $46.9 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net was $69.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, an increase of $9.9 million or 16.6%, compared to $59.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase was primarily due to the additional interest incurred as a result of the issuance of our new convertible senior notes, which we issued and sold on May 26, 2017, as well as increases in interest rates and unused line fees. This was partially offset by a decrease in interest expense caused by our interest rate swaps and a decrease in the average borrowings outstanding on our revolving credit facilities and term loans.

Interest expense, net consisted of the following for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016 (amounts in thousands):



	Nine months ended September 30,
	2017			2016			Change
Stated interest on debt obligations and unused line fees	$	52,863		$	45,429		$	7,434
Coupon interest on convertible debt	10,695			6,468			4,227
Amortization of convertible debt discount	5,760			3,336			2,424
Amortization of loan fees and other loan costs	7,068			6,187			881
Interest rate swap agreements	(2,445		)	2,287			(4,732		)
Interest income	(4,279		)	(3,869		)	(410		)
Interest expense, net	$	69,662		$	59,838		$	9,824

Net Foreign Currency Transaction (Losses)/Gains

Net foreign currency transaction losses were $1.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to net foreign currency transaction gains of $5.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. In any given period, our foreign entities conduct operations in currencies different from their functional currency which generate foreign currency transaction gains and losses.

Provision for Income Taxes

Provision for income taxes was $52.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, an increase of $2.7 million, or 5.4%, compared to provision for income taxes of $50.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase was primarily due to an increase in our effective tax rate. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, our effective tax rate was 39.7%, compared to 32.2% for full year 2016. The increase was due primarily to changes in the mix of projected taxable income between tax jurisdictions caused in large part by gains on sales of subsidiaries and to an increase in the estimated blended rate for U.S. state taxes which was caused by changes in the mix of earnings, dispositions of subsidiaries, and other factors. This was partially offset by a decrease in income before income taxes of $23.3 million, or 14.9%, for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Supplemental Performance Data

Finance Receivables Portfolio Performance

The following tables show certain data related to our finance receivables portfolio. Certain adjustments, as noted in the footnotes to these tables, have been made to reduce the impact of foreign currency fluctuations on ERC and purchase price multiples.

These tables disclose our Americas and European Core and Insolvency portfolios. The accounts represented in the Insolvency tables are those portfolios of accounts that were in an insolvency status at the time of purchase. This contrasts with accounts in our Core portfolios that file for bankruptcy/insolvency protection after we purchase them, which continue to be tracked in their corresponding Core portfolio. Core customers sometimes file for bankruptcy/insolvency protection subsequent to our purchase of the related Core portfolio. When this occurs, we adjust our collection practices accordingly to comply with bankruptcy/insolvency rules and procedures; however, for accounting purposes, these accounts remain in the related Core portfolio. Conversely, Insolvency accounts may be dismissed voluntarily or involuntarily subsequent to our purchase of the related Insolvency portfolio. Dismissal occurs when the terms of the bankruptcy are not met by the petitioner. When this occurs, we are typically free to pursue collection outside of bankruptcy procedures; however, for accounting purposes, these accounts remain in the related Insolvency pool.

Purchase price multiples can vary over time due to a variety of factors, including pricing competition, supply levels, age of the receivables purchased, and changes in our operational efficiency. For example, increased pricing competition during the 2005 to 2008 period negatively impacted purchase price multiples of our Core portfolio compared to prior years. Conversely, during the 2009 to 2011 period, pricing disruptions occurred as a result of the economic downturn. This created unique and advantageous purchasing opportunities, particularly within the Insolvency market, relative to the prior four years. Purchase price multiples can also vary among types of finance receivables. For example, we generally incur lower collection costs on our Insolvency portfolio compared with our Core portfolio. This allows us, in general, to pay more for an Insolvency portfolio and experience lower purchase price multiples, while generating similar net income margins when compared with a Core portfolio.

When competition increases and/or supply decreases, pricing often becomes negatively impacted relative to expected collections, and yields tend to trend lower. The opposite tends to occur when competition decreases and/or supply increases.

Within a given portfolio type, to the extent that lower purchase price multiples are the result of more competitive pricing and lower yields, this will generally lead to higher amortization rates and lower profitability. As portfolio pricing becomes more favorable on a relative basis, our profitability will tend to increase. Profitability within given Core portfolio types may also be impacted by the age and quality of the receivables, which impact the cost to collect those accounts. Fresher accounts, for example, typically carry lower associated collection expenses, while older accounts and lower balance accounts typically carry higher costs and as a result require higher purchase price multiples to achieve the same net profitability as fresher accounts.

Revenue recognition under Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") Accounting Standards Codification 310-30, "Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality" ("ASC 310-30") is driven by estimates of total collections as well as the timing of those collections. We record new portfolio purchases based on our best estimate of the cash flows expected at acquisition, which reflects the uncertainties inherent in the purchase of nonperforming loans and the results of our underwriting process. Subsequent to the initial booking, as we gain collection experience and confidence with a pool of accounts, we regularly update ERC. As a result, our estimate of total collections has often increased as pools have aged. These processes have tended to cause the ratio of ERC to purchase price for any given year of buying to gradually increase over time. Thus, all factors being equal in terms of pricing, one would typically tend to see a higher collection to purchase price ratio from a pool of accounts that was six years from purchase than a pool that was just two years from purchase.

The numbers presented in the following tables represent gross cash collections and do not reflect any costs to collect; therefore, they may not represent relative profitability. Due to all the factors described above, readers should be cautious when making comparisons of purchase price multiples among periods and between types of receivables.

We hold a majority interest in a closed-end Polish investment fund that purchases and services finance receivables. Our investment in this fund is classified in our consolidated balance sheets as "Investments" and as such is not included in the following tables. The equivalent of the estimated remaining collections of the portfolios, expected to be received by us, was $61.3 million at September 30, 2017.

Purchase Price Multiples as of September 30, 2017 Amounts in thousands

Purchase Period	Purchase Price ⁽¹⁾⁽³⁾		Net Finance Receivables ⁽⁴⁾		ERC-Historical Period Exchange Rates ⁽⁵⁾		Total Estimated Collections ⁽⁶⁾		ERC-Current Period Exchange Rates ⁽⁷⁾		Current Estimated Purchase Price Multiple		Original Estimated Purchase Price Multiple ⁽²⁾
Americas-Core
1996-2006	$	458,635	$	2,948	$	16,991	$	1,605,551	$	16,991	350	%	246	%
2007	179,826		4,862		20,426		442,487		20,426		246	%	227	%
2008	166,444		5,088		16,869		374,936		16,869		225	%	220	%
2009	125,156		1,089		35,328		461,678		35,328		369	%	252	%
2010	148,210		4,720		55,421		539,054		55,421		364	%	247	%
2011	209,654		14,337		77,717		723,855		77,717		345	%	245	%
2012	254,447		28,508		112,688		678,461		112,688		267	%	226	%
2013	391,612		82,257		244,721		971,832		244,721		248	%	211	%
2014	405,910		133,709		366,519		980,208		363,541		241	%	204	%
2015	445,198		209,558		460,239		951,890		463,015		214	%	205	%
2016	456,426		309,426		632,022		964,260		639,433		211	%	201	%
2017	377,203		356,961		668,675		728,881		668,889		193	%	193	%
Subtotal	3,618,721		1,153,463		2,707,616		9,423,093		2,715,039
Americas-Insolvency
1996-2006	54,396		—		404		91,147		404		168	%	145	%
2007	78,524		79		305		106,067		305		135	%	150	%
2008	108,578		469		979		168,971		979		156	%	163	%
2009	155,996		—		3,604		471,952		3,604		303	%	214	%
2010	208,963		—		5,017		548,234		5,017		262	%	184	%
2011	180,479		—		508		366,720		508		203	%	155	%
2012	251,471		—		4,504		386,491		4,504		154	%	136	%
2013	227,999		13,703		29,349		347,301		29,349		152	%	133	%
2014	148,769		33,306		49,021		210,471		48,975		141	%	124	%
2015	63,223		36,365		45,053		81,445		45,053		129	%	125	%
2016	92,486		57,870		69,697		112,436		70,216		122	%	123	%
2017	236,201		215,968		269,794		294,724		269,795		125	%	125	%
Subtotal	1,807,085		357,760		478,235		3,185,959		478,709
Total Americas	5,425,806		1,511,223		3,185,851		12,609,052		3,193,748
Europe-Core
2012	20,451		—		2,388		37,126		1,966		182	%	187	%
2013	20,365		668		1,596		22,933		1,290		113	%	119	%
2014	797,808		349,722		1,112,324		2,072,020		1,003,317		260	%	208	%
2015	423,412		255,365		497,625		720,188		468,229		170	%	160	%
2016	348,867		302,569		488,745		587,387		516,385		168	%	167	%
2017	97,295		94,865		140,656		150,084		147,488		154	%	154	%
Subtotal	1,708,198		1,003,189		2,243,334		3,589,738		2,138,675
Europe-Insolvency
2014	10,876		2,529		6,608		18,393		6,223		169	%	129	%
2015	19,418		8,994		16,654		28,872		15,044		149	%	139	%
2016	42,222		30,030		41,601		57,791		42,764		137	%	130	%
2017	21,402		21,866		26,793		27,142		27,643		127	%	127	%
Subtotal	93,918		63,419		91,656		132,198		91,674
Total Europe	1,802,116		1,066,608		2,334,990		3,721,936		2,230,349
Total PRA Group	$	7,227,922	$	2,577,831	$	5,520,841	$	16,330,988	$	5,424,097


(1)	The amount reflected in the Purchase Price also includes the acquisition date finance receivables portfolios that were acquired through our various business acquisitions.


(2)	The Original Estimated Purchase Price Multiple represents the purchase price multiple at the end of the year of acquisition.


(3)	For our international amounts, Purchase Price is presented at the exchange rate at the end of the quarter in which the pool was purchased. In addition, any purchase price adjustments that occur throughout the life of the pool are presented at the period-end exchange rate for the respective quarter of purchase.


(4)	For our international amounts, Net Finance Receivables are presented at the September 30, 2017 exchange rate.


(5)	For our international amounts, ERC-Historical Period Exchange Rates is presented at the period-end exchange rate for the respective quarter of purchase.


(6)	For our international amounts, TEC is presented at the period-end exchange rate for the respective quarter of purchase.


(7)	For our international amounts, ERC-Current Period Exchange Rates is presented at the September 30, 2017 exchange rate.

Portfolio Financial Information Year-to-date as of September 30, 2017 Amounts in thousands

Purchase Period	Purchase Price ⁽¹⁾⁽³⁾		Cash Collections ⁽²⁾		Gross Revenue ⁽²⁾		Amortization ⁽²⁾		Allowance ⁽²⁾			Net Revenue ⁽²⁾		Net Finance Receivables as of September 30, 2017⁽⁴⁾
Americas-Core
1996-2006	$	458,635	$	6,116	$	4,608	$	1,508	$	—		$	4,608	$	2,948
2007	179,826		4,539		2,997		1,542		330			2,667		4,862
2008	166,444		4,757		2,647		2,110		145			2,502		5,088
2009	125,156		8,724		7,000		1,724		200			6,800		1,089
2010	148,210		12,546		8,813		3,733		—			8,813		4,720
2011	209,654		25,782		20,386		5,396		285			20,101		14,337
2012	254,447		31,838		20,292		11,546		—			20,292		28,508
2013	391,612		62,833		43,993		18,840		1,605			42,388		82,257
2014	405,910		90,971		61,881		29,090		1,114			60,767		133,709
2015	445,198		148,469		73,109		75,360		814			72,295		209,558
2016	456,426		199,942		107,138		92,804		288			106,850		309,426
2017	377,203		60,165		39,831		20,334		—			39,831		356,961
Subtotal	3,618,721		656,682		392,695		263,987		4,781			387,914		1,153,463
Americas-Insolvency
1996-2006	54,396		113		113		—		—			113		—
2007	78,524		148		77		71		—			77		79
2008	108,578		251		105		146		100			5		469
2009	155,996		1,284		1,284		—		—			1,284		—
2010	208,963		1,966		1,913		53		20			1,893		—
2011	180,479		3,135		3,135		—		—			3,135		—
2012	251,471		26,053		16,825		9,228		—			16,825		—
2013	227,999		37,763		10,210		27,553		—			10,210		13,703
2014	148,769		28,976		7,818		21,158		(12		)	7,830		33,306
2015	63,223		15,106		3,141		11,965		—			3,141		36,365
2016	92,486		23,686		4,679		19,007		1,030			3,649		57,870
2017	236,201		24,931		4,697		20,234		—			4,697		215,968
Subtotal	1,807,085		163,412		53,997		109,415		1,138			52,859		357,760
Total Americas	5,425,806		820,094		446,692		373,402		5,919			440,773		1,511,223
Europe-Core
2012	20,451		1,501		1,501		—		—			1,501		—
2013	20,365		911		627		284		62			565		668
2014	797,808		165,299		91,086		74,213		1,070			90,016		349,722
2015	423,412		64,096		24,264		39,832		1,387			22,877		255,365
2016	348,867		58,373		20,856		37,517		840			20,016		302,569
2017	97,295		9,703		2,877		6,826		—			2,877		94,865
Subtotal	1,708,198		299,883		141,211		158,672		3,359			137,852		1,003,189
Europe-Insolvency
2014	10,876		2,464		1,117		1,347		—			1,117		2,529
2015	19,418		3,875		1,014		2,861		134			880		8,994
2016	42,222		9,669		1,859		7,810		—			1,859		30,030
2017	21,402		354		145		209		—			145		21,866
Subtotal	93,918		16,362		4,135		12,227		134			4,001		63,419
Total Europe	1,802,116		316,245		145,346		170,899		3,493			141,853		1,066,608
Total PRA Group	$	7,227,922	$	1,136,339	$	592,038	$	544,301	$	9,412		$	582,626	$	2,577,831


(1)	The amount reflected in the Purchase Price also includes the acquisition date finance receivables portfolios that were acquired through our various business acquisitions.


(2)	For our international amounts, Cash Collections are presented using the average exchange rates during the current reporting period.


(3)	For our international amounts, Purchase Price is presented at the exchange rate at the end of the quarter in which the pool was purchased. In addition, any purchase price adjustments that occur throughout the life of the pool are presented at the period-end exchange rate for the respective quarter of purchase.


(4)	For our international amounts, Net Finance Receivables are presented at the September 30, 2017 exchange rate.

The following table, which excludes any proceeds from cash sales of finance receivables, illustrate historical cash collections, by year, on our portfolios.

Cash Collections by Year, By Year of Purchase ⁽²⁾ as of September 30, 2017 Amounts in thousands

			Cash Collections
Purchase Period	Purchase Price ⁽¹⁾⁽³⁾		1996- 2006		2007		2008		2009		2010		2011		2012		2013		2014		2015		2016		2017		Total
Americas-Core
1996-2006	$	458,635	$	861,003	$	195,738	$	135,589	$	99,674	$	77,459	$	64,555	$	49,820	$	35,711	$	25,488	$	18,293	$	11,862	$	6,116	$	1,581,308
2007	179,826		—		39,412		87,039		69,175		60,230		50,996		39,585		28,244		19,759		14,198		8,883		4,539		422,060
2008	166,444		—		—		47,253		72,080		62,363		53,654		42,850		31,307		21,027		13,786		8,989		4,757		358,066
2009	125,156		—		—		—		40,703		95,627		84,339		69,385		51,121		35,555		24,896		16,000		8,724		426,350
2010	148,210		—		—		—		—		47,076		113,554		109,873		82,014		55,946		38,110		24,515		12,546		483,634
2011	209,654		—		—		—		—		—		61,971		174,461		152,908		108,513		73,793		48,711		25,782		646,139
2012	254,447		—		—		—		—		—		—		56,901		173,589		146,198		97,267		59,981		31,838		565,774
2013	391,612		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		101,614		247,849		194,026		120,789		62,833		727,111
2014	405,910		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		92,660		253,448		170,311		90,971		607,390
2015	445,198		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		116,951		228,432		148,469		493,852
2016	456,426		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		138,723		199,942		338,665
2017	377,203		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		60,165		60,165
Subtotal	3,618,721		861,003		235,150		269,881		281,632		342,755		429,069		542,875		656,508		752,995		844,768		837,196		656,682		6,710,514
Americas-Insolvency
1996-2006	54,396		34,138		24,166		14,822		8,212		4,518		2,141		1,023		678		437		302		193		113		90,743
2007	78,524		—		2,850		27,972		25,630		22,829		16,093		7,551		1,206		714		500		270		148		105,763
2008	108,578		—		—		14,024		35,894		37,974		35,690		28,956		11,650		1,884		1,034		635		251		167,992
2009	155,996		—		—		—		16,635		81,780		102,780		107,888		95,725		53,945		5,781		2,531		1,284		468,349
2010	208,963		—		—		—		—		39,486		104,499		125,020		121,717		101,873		43,649		5,008		1,966		543,218
2011	180,479		—		—		—		—		—		15,218		66,379		82,752		85,816		76,915		35,996		3,135		366,211
2012	251,471		—		—		—		—		—		—		17,388		103,610		94,141		80,079		60,715		26,053		381,986
2013	227,999		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		52,528		82,596		81,679		63,386		37,763		317,952
2014	148,769		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		37,045		50,880		44,313		28,976		161,214
2015	63,223		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		3,395		17,892		15,106		36,393
2016	92,486		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		18,869		23,686		42,555
2017	236,201		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		24,931		24,931
Subtotal	1,807,085		34,138		27,016		56,818		86,371		186,587		276,421		354,205		469,866		458,451		344,214		249,808		163,412		2,707,307
Total Americas	5,425,806		895,141		262,166		326,699		368,003		529,342		705,490		897,080		1,126,374		1,211,446		1,188,982		1,087,004		820,094		9,417,821
Europe-Core
2012	20,451		—		—		—		—		—		—		11,604		8,995		5,641		3,175		2,198		1,501		33,114
2013	20,365		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		7,068		8,540		2,347		1,326		911		20,192
2014	797,808		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		153,180		291,980		246,365		165,299		856,824
2015	423,412		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		45,760		100,263		64,096		210,119
2016	348,867		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		40,368		58,373		98,741
2017	97,295		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		9,703		9,703
Subtotal	1,708,198		—		—		—		—		—		—		11,604		16,063		167,361		343,262		390,520		299,883		1,228,693
Europe-Insolvency
2014	10,876		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		5		4,297		3,921		2,464		10,687
2015	19,418		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		2,954		4,366		3,875		11,195
2016	42,222		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		6,175		9,669		15,844
2017	21,402		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		354		354
Subtotal	93,918		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		—		5		7,251		14,462		16,362		38,080
Total Europe	1,802,116		—		—		—		—		—		—		11,604		16,063		167,366		350,513		404,982		316,245		1,266,773
Total PRA Group	$	7,227,922	$	895,141	$	262,166	$	326,699	$	368,003	$	529,342	$	705,490	$	908,684	$	1,142,437	$	1,378,812	$	1,539,495	$	1,491,986	$	1,136,339	$	10,684,594


(1)	The amount reflected in the Purchase Price also includes the acquisition date finance receivables portfolios that were acquired through our various business acquisitions.


(2)	For our international amounts, Cash Collections are presented using the average exchange rates during the cash collection period.


(3)	For our international amounts, Purchase Price is presented at the exchange rate at the end of the quarter in which the portfolio was purchased. In addition, any purchase price adjustments that occur throughout the life of the pool are presented at the period end exchange rate for the respective quarter of purchase.

Estimated Remaining Collections

The following chart shows our ERC by geographical region at September 30, 2017 (amounts in millions).

Seasonality

Cash collections in the Americas tend to be higher in the first and second quarters of the year and lower in the third and fourth quarters of the year; cash collections in Europe tend to be higher in the third and fourth quarters of the year. Customer payment patterns are affected by seasonal employment trends, income tax refunds and holiday spending habits geographically.

The following table displays our quarterly cash collections by geography and portfolio type, for the periods indicated.

Cash Collections by Geography and Type Amounts in thousands

	2017						2016								2015
	Q3		Q2		Q1		Q4		Q3		Q2		Q1		Q4
Americas-Core	$	212,756	$	217,020	$	226,906	$	193,360	$	210,524	$	213,741	$	219,571	$	195,835
Americas-Insolvency	60,436		53,163		49,813		52,988		60,429		67,745		68,646		73,842
Europe-Core	102,681		99,121		98,081		97,429		96,028		102,972		94,091		97,149
Europe-Insolvency	5,961		5,371		5,030		4,974		4,719		2,744		2,025		2,545
Total Cash Collections	$	381,834	$	374,675	$	379,830	$	348,751	$	371,700	$	387,202	$	384,333	$	369,371

The following tables provides additional details on the composition of our U.S. Core cash collections for the periods indicated.

Domestic Portfolio Core Cash Collections by Source Amounts in thousands

	2017						2016								2015
	Q3		Q2		Q1		Q4		Q3		Q2		Q1		Q4
Call Center and Other Collections	$	123,009	$	122,780	$	127,368	$	103,595	$	115,454	$	119,568	$	127,851	$	108,979
External Legal Collections	35,042		37,863		40,267		35,231		36,415		40,369		43,203		42,432
Internal Legal Collections	31,761		32,511		34,937		31,458		33,206		34,505		39,080		38,998
Total Domestic Core Cash Collections	$	189,812	$	193,154	$	202,572	$	170,284	$	185,075	$	194,442	$	210,134	$	190,409

Collections Productivity (Domestic Portfolio)

The following tables display collections productivity measures that we track.

Cash Collections per Collector Hour Paid Domestic Portfolio

	Total domestic core cash collections ⁽¹⁾
	2017		2016		2015		2014		2013
First Quarter	$	254	$	274	$	247	$	223	$	193
Second Quarter	202		269		245		220		190
Third Quarter	191		281		250		217		191
Fourth Quarter	—		248		239		203		190

	Call center and other cash collections ⁽²⁾
	2017		2016		2015		2014		2013
First Quarter	$	161	$	168	$	143	$	119	$	107
Second Quarter	129		167		141		107		104
Third Quarter	125		177		145		112		104
Fourth Quarter	—		153		139		110		100

(1)

Represents total cash collections less Insolvency cash collections from trustee-administered accounts. This metric includes cash collections from Insolvency accounts administered by the Core call centers as well as cash collections generated by our internal staff of legal collectors. This calculation does not include hours paid to our internal staff of legal collectors or to employees processing the required notifications to trustees on Insolvency accounts.


(2)	Represents total cash collections less internal legal cash collections, external legal cash collections, and Insolvency cash collections from trustee-administered accounts.

Portfolio Purchasing

The following graph shows the purchase price of our portfolios by year since 2007. It also includes the acquisition date finance receivable portfolios that were acquired through our various business acquisitions.

Our ability to profitably purchase and liquidate pools of Insolvency accounts provides diversity to our nonperforming loan purchasing business. Although we generally purchase Insolvency portfolios from many of the same consumer lenders from whom we acquire Core customer portfolios, the volumes and pricing characteristics as well as the competitors are different. Based upon market dynamics, the profitability of portfolios purchased in the Insolvency and Core markets may differ over time. We have found periods when Insolvency accounts were more profitable and other times when Core accounts were more profitable. When pricing becomes more competitive due to reduced portfolios available for purchase or increased demand from competitors entering or increasing their presence in the market, prices tend to go up, driving down the purchase price multiples and lowering the overall expected returns. When pricing relaxes due to market dynamics, purchase price multiples tend to increase, thereby increasing the expected returns.

In order to collect our Core portfolios, we generally need to employ relatively higher amounts of labor and incur additional collection costs to generate each dollar of cash collections as compared with Insolvency portfolios. In order to achieve acceptable levels of net return on investment (after direct expenses), we are generally targeting a higher Total Estimated Collections to purchase price multiple for Core portfolios. On the other hand, Insolvency accounts generate the majority of their cash collections through the efforts of insolvency courts and trustees. In this process, cash is remitted to our Company with no corresponding cost other than the cost of filing claims at the time of purchase, court fees associated with the filing of ownership claim transfers and general administrative costs for monitoring the progress of each account through the insolvency process. As a result, collection costs are much lower for us when liquidating a pool of Insolvency accounts as compared to a pool of Core accounts, but conversely the price we pay for Insolvency accounts is generally higher than Core accounts. We generally target similar net income margins for Insolvency and Core portfolios at any given point in the market cycles. However, because of the lower related collection costs, we can pay more for Insolvency portfolios, which causes the Total Estimated Collections to purchase price multiples of Insolvency pools generally to be lower. In summary, compared to a similar investment in a pool of Core accounts, to the extent both pools had identical targeted net income margins, the Insolvency pool would be expected to generate less revenue, less direct expenses, similar operating income, and a higher operating margin. From time to time, especially in Europe, we purchase Core portfolios which consist of a majority of previously charged-off accounts which are now paying based on established payment plans. These portfolios have some of the same financial dynamics as Insolvency accounts, with lower collection costs and lower purchase price multiples.

We utilize a long-term approach to collecting our receivables. This approach has historically caused us to realize significant cash collections and revenues from purchased portfolios of finance receivables years after they are originally acquired. As a result, we have in the past been able to temporarily reduce our level of current period acquisitions without a material negative current period impact on cash collections and revenue.

The following table displays our quarterly portfolio purchases for the periods indicated.

Portfolio Purchases by Geography and Type Amounts in thousands

	2017						2016								2015
	Q3		Q2		Q1		Q4		Q3		Q2		Q1		Q4
Americas-Core	$	115,572	$	144,871	$	115,166	$	91,800	$	95,452	$	130,529	$	136,057	$	120,554
Americas-Insolvency	73,497		100,040		67,123		20,929		16,760		33,723		22,952		20,589
Europe-Core	14,695		42,876		39,505		80,129		34,240		68,835		171,038		79,735
Europe-Insolvency	7,146		7,860		6,020		6,943		14,803		16,410		6,731		4,976
Total Portfolio Purchases	$	210,910	$	295,647	$	227,814	$	199,801	$	161,255	$	249,497	$	336,778	$	225,854

Portfolio Purchases by Stratifications (Domestic Only)

The following table categorizes our quarterly domestic portfolio purchases for the periods indicated into major asset type and delinquency category. Over the past 20 years, we have acquired more than 46 million customer accounts in the U.S. alone.

Domestic Portfolio Purchases by Major Asset Type Amounts in thousand

	2017						2016								2015
	Q3		Q2		Q1		Q4		Q3		Q2		Q1		Q4
Major Credit Cards	$	54,892	$	65,177	$	57,615	$	35,306	$	38,858	$	48,471	$	68,072	$	32,734
Consumer Finance	3,308		7,354		7,987		5,678		1,309		1,616		2,533		2,616
Private Label Credit Cards	78,609		101,162		73,473		56,681		54,969		86,331		62,104		93,660
Auto Related	49,741		67,701		30,191		6,104		—		831		411		7,032
Total	$	186,550	$	241,394	$	169,266	$	103,769	$	95,136	$	137,249	$	133,120	$	136,042

Domestic Portfolio Purchases by Delinquency Category Amounts in thousand

	2017						2016								2015
	Q3		Q2		Q1		Q4		Q3		Q2		Q1		Q4
Fresh ⁽¹⁾	$	67,540	$	73,813	$	43,786	$	30,919	$	30,114	$	42,048	$	37,036	$	37,450
Primary ⁽²⁾	1,623		4,314		726		2,672		1,568		29,990		26,240		37,994
Secondary ⁽³⁾	43,366		52,217		49,794		48,005		51,630		51,019		43,841		36,804
Tertiary ⁽³⁾	524		—		1,111		557		—		—		1,843		2,298
Insolvency	73,497		100,040		67,123		20,930		11,145		13,702		22,952		20,589
Other ⁽⁴⁾	—		11,010		6,726		686		679		490		1,208		907
Total	$	186,550	$	241,394	$	169,266	$	103,769	$	95,136	$	137,249	$	133,120	$	136,042


(1)	Fresh accounts are typically past due 120 to 270 days, charged-off by the credit originator and are either being sold prior to any post-charge-off collection activity or placement with a third-party for the first time.


(2)	Primary accounts are typically 360 to 450 days past due and charged-off and have been previously placed with one contingent fee servicer.


(3)	Secondary and tertiary accounts are typically more than 660 days past due and charged-off and have been placed with two or three contingent fee servicers.


(4)	Other accounts are typically two to three years or more past due and charged-off and have previously been worked by four or more contingent fee servicers.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

We manage our liquidity to help provide access to sufficient funding to meet our business needs and financial obligations. As of September 30, 2017, cash and cash equivalents totaled $113.8 million. Of the cash and cash equivalent balance as of September 30, 2017, $95.3 million consisted of cash on hand related to foreign operations with indefinitely reinvested earnings. See the "Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries" section below for more information.

At September 30, 2017, we had approximately $2.0 billion in borrowings outstanding with $1.0 billion of availability under all our credit facilities (subject to the borrowing base and applicable debt covenants). Considering borrowing base restrictions, as of September 30, 2017, the amount available to be drawn was $618.8 million. Of the $1.0 billion of borrowing availability, $566.2 million was available under our European credit facility and $479.6 million was available under our North American credit facility. Of the $618.8 million available considering borrowing base restrictions, $165.4 million was available under our European credit facility and $453.5 million was available under our North American credit facility. The primary borrowing base under both credit facilities is ERC of the respective finance receivables portfolios. For more information, see Note 4.

An additional funding source is interest-bearing deposits generated in Europe. Per the terms of our European credit facility, we are permitted to obtain interest-bearing deposit funding of up to SEK 1.5 billion (approximately $183.9 million as of September 30, 2017). Interest-bearing deposits as of September 30, 2017 were $96.4 million.

We believe we were in compliance with the covenants of our material financing arrangements as of September 30, 2017.

As discussed in Note 11, we sold our government services business in January 2017 for approximately $91.5 million and our vehicle location, skip tracing and collateral recovery business in June 2017 for approximately $4.5 million.

We have the ability to slow the purchasing of finance receivables if necessary, with low impact to current year cash collections. For example, the portfolios purchased in 2016 generated $204.1 million of cash collections, representing only 13.7% of 2016 cash collections.

Contractual obligations over the next year are primarily related to debt maturities and purchase commitments. Our North American credit facility expires in May 2022. Our European credit facility expires in February 2021. Of our $762.9 million in long-term debt outstanding at September 30, 2017, $10.0 million is due within one year.

We have in place forward flow commitments for the purchase of nonperforming loans over the next 12 months with a maximum purchase price of $413.6 million as of September 30, 2017. We may also enter into new or renewed flow commitments and close on spot transactions in addition to the aforementioned flow agreements.

For tax purposes, we utilized the cost recovery method of accounting through December 31, 2016. The Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") examined our 2005 through 2012 tax returns and asserted that tax revenue recognition using the cost recovery method did not clearly reflect taxable income and therefore issued Notices of Deficiency to us for tax years ended December 31, 2005 through 2012 (the "Notices"). In response to the Notices, we filed petitions in the U.S. Tax Court (the "Tax Court") challenging the deficiencies and the Tax Court set the trial to begin on May 15, 2017. On May 10, 2017, we reached a settlement with the IRS in regards to the Notices. Under the settlement, both parties agreed that no amounts were due for years 2005 through 2012 and the Tax Court entered decisions to that effect on June 22, 2017. Also, under the settlement, we agreed to utilize a new tax accounting method to recognize net finance receivables revenue effective with tax year 2017. Under the new method, a portion of the annual collections will amortize principal and the remaining portion will be considered taxable income. We will not be required to pay any interest or penalties related to the prior periods. The deferred tax liability related to the difference in timing between the new method and the prior method will be incorporated evenly into our tax filings over four years with no associated interest. Based on current tax rates, we estimate the related tax payments to be approximately $14.5 million per quarter.

On October 22, 2015, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program to purchase up to $125.0 million of our outstanding shares of common stock. Repurchases depend on prevailing market conditions and other factors. The repurchase program may be suspended or discontinued at any time. During the second quarter of 2017, we repurchased approximately $44.9 million of our outstanding shares of common stock. At September 30, 2017, the maximum remaining purchase price for share repurchases under the program was approximately $0.1 million.

We believe that funds generated from operations and from cash collections on finance receivables, together with existing cash and available borrowings under our revolving credit facilities will be sufficient to finance our operations, planned capital expenditures, forward flow purchase commitments, and additional portfolio purchasing during the next 12 months. Business acquisitions, adverse outcomes in pending litigation or higher than expected levels of portfolio purchasing could require additional financing from other sources.

Cash Flows Analysis

Our operating activities used cash of $10.9 million and provided cash of $118.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Key drivers of the change included cash collections recognized as revenue, income tax payments, changes in accrued expenses and other liabilities, and interest payments. Cash collections recognized as revenue declined $30.6 million, as previously described in the revenues discussion and analysis. Cash paid for income taxes increased $55.4 million, and included $23.4 million related to the sale of our government services business. Income tax payments also included $43.8 million related to payment of the deferred tax liability discussed earlier in this section. Accrued expenses decreased $7.2 million and $12.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Decreases in accrued expenses for both periods were due to various factors including litigation settlement payments. Other liabilities decreased $9.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to an increase of $0.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The decrease in other liabilities during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, was mainly due to deferred payments for portfolio purchases. The increase in other liabilities during the nine months ended September 30, 2016, was mainly due to the timing of client remittances in our fee-based businesses. Interest payments increased $10.7 million due primarily to increased borrowings including the 2023 Notes issued in May 2017, and to increases in interest rates and unused line fees.

Our investing activities used cash of $77.7 million and $236.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Cash provided by investing activities is primarily driven by cash collections applied to principal on finance receivables. Cash used in investing activities is primarily driven by acquisitions of nonperforming loans. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities is primarily due to the sale of subsidiaries during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, which provided us with net proceeds of $93.3 million; a decrease in business acquisitions, which totaled $0.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $67.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016; and an increase in the amounts of acquisitions of finance receivables, which totaled $718.6 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $697.8 million during nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Our financing activities provided cash of $99.3 million and $93.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Cash for financing activities is normally provided by draws on our lines of credit. Cash used in financing activities is primarily driven by principal payments on our lines of credit and long-term debt. The change in cash provided by financing activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2017 compared to nine months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to an increase in the rate of growth of our borrowings, offset partially by repurchases of our common stock. During the nine months ended September 30, 2017, net proceeds from borrowing activities was $156.1 million compared to $73.8 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Repurchases of our common stock totaled $44.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2017, compared to $0.0 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. Additionally, during the the nine months ended September 30, 2017 we had a increase in interest bearing deposits of $10.1 million, compared to $40.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

Undistributed Earnings of Foreign Subsidiaries

We intend to use predominantly all of our accumulated and future undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries to expand operations outside the U.S.; therefore, such undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries are considered to be indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. Accordingly, no provision for federal and state income tax has been provided thereon. If management's intentions change and eligible undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries are repatriated, we would be subject to additional U.S. income taxes and withholding taxes payable to various foreign jurisdictions, where applicable. This could result in a higher effective tax rate in the period in which such a decision is made to repatriate accumulated or future undistributed foreign earnings. The amount of cash on hand related to foreign operations with indefinitely reinvested earnings was $95.3 million and $73.6 million as of September 30, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively. Refer to the Note 6 for further information related to our income taxes and undistributed foreign earnings.

Contractual Obligations

Our contractual obligations as of September 30, 2017 were as follows (amounts in thousands):



	Payments due by period
Contractual Obligations	Total		Less than 1 year		1 - 3 years		3 - 5 years		More than 5 years
Operating leases	$	43,807	$	11,305	$	14,179	$	9,243	$	9,080
Revolving credit ⁽¹⁾	804,782		40,749		80,176		682,530		1,327
Long-term debt ⁽²⁾	1,714,142		61,660		409,299		886,108		357,075
Purchase commitments ⁽³⁾	413,570		413,570		—		—		—
Employment agreements	11,794		6,419		4,250		1,125		—
Total	$	2,988,095	$	533,703	$	507,904	$	1,579,006	$	367,482


(1)	This amount includes estimated interest and unused line fees due on our revolving credit and assumes that the outstanding balances on the revolving credit remain constant from the September 30, 2017 balances to maturity.


(2)	This amount includes scheduled interest and principal payments on our term loans and convertible senior notes.


(3)	This amount includes the maximum remaining amount to be purchased under forward flow and other contracts for the purchase of nonperforming loans in the amount of approximately $413.6 million.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as defined by Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation S-K promulgated under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act").

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

For a summary of recent accounting pronouncements and the anticipated effects on our consolidated financial statements see Note 10.

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles. Our significant accounting policies are discussed in Note 1 to our consolidated financial statements included in Part II, Item 8 of our 2016 Form 10-K. Our significant accounting policies are fundamental to understanding our results of operations and financial condition because they require that we use estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets, and liabilities.

Three of these policies are considered to be critical because they are important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results, and because they require management to make judgments and estimates that are difficult, subjective, and complex regarding matters that are inherently uncertain.

We base our estimates on historical experience, current trends and on various other assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances, the results of which form the basis for making judgments about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. If these estimates differ significantly from actual results, the impact on our consolidated financial statements may be material.

Management has reviewed these critical accounting policies with the Audit Committee of our board of directors.

Revenue Recognition - Finance Receivables

We account for our investment in finance receivables under the guidance of ASC 310-30. Revenue recognition for finance receivables accounted for under ASC 310-30 involves the use of estimates and the exercise of judgment on the part of management. These estimates include projections of the quantity and timing of future cash flows and economic lives of our pools of finance receivables. Significant changes in such estimates could result in increased revenue or decreased revenue through the incurrence of allowance charges.

We implement the accounting for income recognized on finance receivables under ASC 310-30 as follows:

We create each accounting pool using our projections of estimated cash flows and expected economic life. We then compute the effective yield that fully amortizes the pool over a reasonable expectation of its economic life based on the current projections of estimated cash flows. As actual cash flow results are recorded, we balance those results to the data contained in our proprietary models to ensure accuracy, then review each pool watching for trends, actual performance versus projections and curve shape (a graphical depiction of the timing of cash flows), regularly re-forecasting future cash flows utilizing our statistical models. The review process is primarily performed by our finance staff; however, our operational and statistical staff are also involved, providing updated statistical input and cash projections to the finance staff. Significant judgment is used in evaluating whether overperformance is due to an increase in projected cash flows or an acceleration of cash flows (a timing difference). If determined to be a significant increase in expected cash flows, we will recognize the effect of the increase prospectively first through an adjustment to any previously recognized valuation allowance for that pool and then through an increase in yield. If the overperformance is determined to be due to a timing difference, we will: a) adjust estimated future cash flows downward which effectively extends the amortization period to fall within a reasonable expectation of the pool's economic life; b) adjust future cash flow projections as noted previously coupled with an increase in yield in order for the amortization period to fall within a reasonable expectation of the pool's economic life; or c) take no action at all if the amortization period falls within a reasonable expectation of the pool's expected economic life. To the extent there is underperformance, we will record an allowance if the underperformance is significant and causes us to significantly decrease estimated future cash flows or delay the expected timing of the cash flows, or take no action if the pool's amortization period is reasonable and falls within the currently projected economic life.

Valuation of Acquired Intangibles and Goodwill

In accordance with FASB ASC Topic 350, "Intangibles-Goodwill and Other" ("ASC 350"), we amortize intangible assets over their estimated useful lives. Goodwill, pursuant to ASC 350, is not amortized but rather evaluated for impairment annually and more frequently if indicators of potential impairment exist. Goodwill is reviewed for potential impairment at the reporting unit level. A reporting unit is an operating segment or one level below an operating segment.

Goodwill is evaluated for impairment either under the qualitative assessment option or the two-step test approach depending on facts and circumstances of a reporting unit, including the excess of fair value over carrying amount in the last valuation or changes in business environment. If we qualitatively determine it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying amount, the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. Otherwise, goodwill is evaluated for impairment using the two-step test, where the carrying amount of a reporting unit is compared to its fair value in Step 1; if the fair value exceeds the carrying amount, Step 2 is unnecessary. If the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value, this could indicate potential impairment and Step 2 of the goodwill evaluation process is required to determine if goodwill is impaired and to measure the amount of impairment loss to recognize, if any. When Step 2 is necessary, the fair value of individual assets and liabilities is determined using valuations (which in some cases may be based in part on third-party valuation reports), or other observable sources of fair value, as appropriate. If the carrying amount of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, the excess is recognized as an impairment loss.

We determine the fair value of a reporting unit by applying the approaches prescribed under the fair value measurement accounting framework: the income approach and the market approach. Depending on the availability of public data and suitable comparables, we may or may not use the market approach or we may emphasize the results from the approach differently. Under the income approach, we estimate the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated future cash flows and a residual terminal value. Cash flow projections are based on management's estimates of revenue growth rates, operating margins, necessary working capital, and capital expenditure requirements, taking into consideration industry and market conditions. The discount rate used is based on the weighted-average cost of capital adjusted for the relevant risk associated with business-specific characteristics and the uncertainty related to the reporting unit's ability to execute on the projected cash flows. Under the market approach, we estimate fair value based on prices and other relevant market transactions involving comparable publicly-traded companies with operating and investment characteristics similar to the reporting unit.

Income Taxes

We are subject to the income tax laws of the various jurisdictions in which we operate, including U.S. federal, state, local, and international jurisdictions. These tax laws are complex and are subject to different interpretations by the taxpayer and the relevant government taxing authorities. When determining our domestic and foreign income tax expense, we must make judgments about the application of these inherently complex laws.

We follow the guidance of FASB ASC Topic 740 "Income Taxes" ("ASC 740") as it relates to the provision for income taxes and uncertainty in income taxes. Accordingly, we record a tax provision for the anticipated tax consequences of the reported results of operations. In accordance with ASC 740, the provision for income taxes is computed using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities, and for operating losses and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the currently enacted tax rates that apply to taxable income in effect for the years in which those tax assets are expected to be realized or settled. The evaluation of a tax position in accordance with the guidance is a two-step process. The first step is recognition: the enterprise determines whether it is more-likely-than-not that a tax position will be sustained upon examination, including resolution of any related appeals or litigation processes, based on the technical merits of the position. In evaluating whether a tax position has met the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold, the enterprise should presume that the position will be examined by the appropriate taxing authority that would have full knowledge of all relevant information. The second step is measurement: a tax position that meets the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold is measured to determine the amount of benefit to recognize in the financial statements. The tax position is measured as the largest amount of benefit that is greater than fifty percent likely of being realized upon ultimate settlement. Tax positions that previously failed to meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be recognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is met. Previously recognized tax positions that no longer meet the more-likely-than-not recognition threshold should be derecognized in the first subsequent financial reporting period in which that threshold is no longer met. We record interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits as a component of income tax expense.

In the event that all or part of the deferred tax assets are determined not to be realizable in the future, a valuation allowance would be established and charged to earnings in the period such determination is made. If we subsequently realize deferred tax assets that were previously determined to be unrealizable, the respective valuation allowance would be reversed, resulting in a positive adjustment to earnings in the period such determination is made. The establishment or release of a valuation allowance does not have an impact on cash, nor does such an allowance preclude the use of loss carry-forwards or other deferred tax assets in future periods. The calculation of tax liabilities involves significant judgment in estimating the impact of uncertainties in the application of complex tax laws. Resolution of these uncertainties in a manner inconsistent with our expectations could have a material impact on our results of operations and financial position.

Our international operations require the use of material estimates and interpretations of complex tax laws in multiple jurisdictions, and increases the complexity of our accounting for income taxes.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Interest Rate Risk

We are subject to interest rate risk from outstanding borrowings on our variable rate credit facilities. As such, our consolidated financial results are subject to fluctuations due to changes in the market rate of interest. We assess this interest rate risk by estimating the increase or decrease in interest expense that would occur due to a change in short-term interest rates. The borrowings on our variable rate credit facilities were approximately $1.4 billion as of September 30, 2017. Assuming a 50 basis point decrease in interest rates, for example, interest expense over the following 12 months would decrease by an estimated $5.3 million. Assuming a 50 basis point increase in interest rates, interest expense over the following 12 months would increase by an estimated $5.3 million.

To reduce the exposure to changes in the market rate of interest, we have entered into interest rate swap agreements for a portion of our floating rate financing arrangements. The terms of the interest rate swap agreements require us to receive a variable interest rate and pay a fixed interest rate. For the majority of our floating rate financing arrangements, we have no interest rate swap agreements in place. The sensitivity calculations above consider the impact of our interest rate swap agreements.

The fair value of our interest rate swap agreements was a net liability of $0.7 million at September 30, 2017. A hypothetical 50 basis point decrease in interest rates would cause a decrease in the estimated fair value of our interest rate swap agreements and the resulting estimated fair value would be a liability of $6.0 million at September 30, 2017. Conversely, a hypothetical 50 basis point increase in interest rates would cause an increase in the estimated fair value of our interest rate swap agreements and the resulting estimated fair value would be an asset of $4.1 million at September 30, 2017.

Currency Exchange Risk

We operate internationally and enter into transactions denominated in foreign currencies, including the European Union euro, the Great British pound, the Canadian dollar, Norwegian kroner, Swiss franc, Danish kroner, Swedish kroner, Polish zloty, and Brazilian real. In the three months ended September 30, 2017, we generated $63.7 million of revenues from operations outside the U.S. and used eight functional currencies. Weakness in one particular currency might be offset by strength in other currencies over time.

As a result of our international operations, fluctuations in foreign currencies could cause us to incur foreign currency exchange gains and losses, and could adversely affect our comprehensive income and stockholders' equity. Additionally, our reported financial results could change from period to period due solely to fluctuations between currencies.

Foreign currency exchange gains and losses are primarily the result of the re-measurement of account balances in certain currencies into an entity's functional currency. Foreign currency gains and losses are included as a component of other income and (expense) in our consolidated income statements.

When an entity's functional currency is different than the reporting currency of its parent, foreign currency translation adjustments may occur. Foreign currency translation adjustments are included as a component of other comprehensive income/(loss) in our consolidated statements of comprehensive income and as a component of equity in our consolidated balance sheets.

We have taken measures to mitigate the impact of foreign currency fluctuations. We have restructured our European operations so that portfolio ownership and collections generally occur within the same entity. Our European credit facility is a multi-currency facility, allowing us to better match funding and portfolio investments by currency. We strive to maintain the distribution of our European borrowings within defined thresholds based on the currency composition of our finance receivables portfolios. When those thresholds are exceeded, we engage in foreign exchange spot transactions to mitigate our risk.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures. We maintain disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) that are designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in our Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily was required to apply its judgment in evaluating the cost-benefit relationship of possible controls and procedures. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. We conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our principal executive officer and principal financial officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Quarterly Report. Based on this evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that, as of September 30, 2017, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the quarter ended September 30, 2017 that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Part II. Other Information

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

For information regarding legal proceedings as of September 30, 2017, refer to Note 8.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

There have been no material changes to the risk factors disclosed in our 2016 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



3.1	Fourth Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation of PRA Group, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-50058) filed on October 29, 2014).
3.2	Amended and Restated By-Laws of PRA Group, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-50058) filed on May 22, 2015).
4.1	Form of Common Stock Certificate (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of Amendment No. 1 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-99225) filed on October 15, 2002).
4.2	Form of Warrant (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.2 of Amendment No. 2 to the Registration Statement on Form S-1 (Registration No. 333-99225) filed on October 30, 2002).
4.3	Indenture dated August 13, 2013 between Portfolio Recovery Associates, Inc. and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-50058) filed on August 14, 2013).
4.4	Indenture dated May 26, 2017 between PRA Group, Inc. and Regions Bank, as trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K (File No. 000-50058) filed on May 26, 2017).
31.1	Section 302 Certifications of Chief Executive Officer.
31.2	Section 302 Certifications of Chief Financial Officer.
32.1	Section 906 Certifications of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer.
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkable Document
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkable Document
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkable Document
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements 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.




	PRA Group, Inc.
	(Registrant)

November 8, 2017	By:	/s/ Kevin P. Stevenson
		Kevin P. Stevenson
		President and Chief Executive Officer
		(Principal Executive Officer)





November 8, 2017	By:	/s/ Peter M. Graham
		Peter M. Graham
		Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
		(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)