Credit Acceptance Announces Third Quarter 2008 Earnings


SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Oct. 31, 2008 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Credit Acceptance Corporation (Nasdaq:CACC) (referred to as the "Company", "we", "our", or "us") announced consolidated net income of $20.7 million, or $0.67 per diluted share, for the three months ended September 30, 2008, compared to consolidated net income of $14.7 million, or $0.47 per diluted share, for the same period in 2007. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 consolidated net income was $48.6 million, or $1.57 per diluted share, compared to consolidated net income of $42.4 million, or $1.36 per diluted share, for the same period in 2007.

Adjusted net income, a non-GAAP financial measure, for the three months ended September 30, 2008 was $22.3 million, or $0.72 per diluted share, compared to $15.8 million, or $0.51 per diluted share, for the same period in 2007. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008 adjusted net income was $59.2 million, or $1.91 per diluted share, compared to adjusted net income of $46.8 million, or $1.50 per diluted share, for the same period in 2007.

Refer to our Form 10-Q, filed today with the Securities and Exchange Commission and included on our website at creditacceptance.com, for a complete discussion of the results of operations and financial data for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008.



 Operating Results
 -----------------

Results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to the same periods in 2007, include the following:



                                                  % Change
                                     ---------------------------------
                                       Three Months      Nine Months
                                          Ended             Ended
                                      Sept. 30, 2008    Sept. 30, 2008
                                     ---------------   ---------------

 Consumer loan unit volume                     26.9%             22.0%
 Consumer loan dollar volume                   27.5%             32.0%
 Number of active dealer-partners              16.2%             19.2%
 Average loans receivable balance, net         37.7%             35.0%



 Loan Performance
 ----------------

The following table compares our forecast of consumer loan collection rates as of September 30, 2008, with the forecasts as of June 30, 2008, as of December 31, 2007, and at the time of assignment, segmented by year of assignment:



            Forecasted Collection              Variance in Forecasted
 Loan          Percentage as of              Collection Percentage from
 Assign-----------------------------------   ------------------------
 ment   Sept. 30, June 30, Dec. 31, Initial  June 30, Dec. 31, Initial
 Year   2008      2008     2007(1)  Forecast 2008     2007     Forecast
 ------ ------    ------   ------   ------   ------   ------   ------
 1999    72.1%    72.1%    72.0%    73.6%     0.0%     0.1%   -1.5%
 2000    72.5%    72.5%    72.4%    72.8%     0.0%     0.1%   -0.3%
 2001    67.4%    67.4%    67.3%    70.4%     0.0%     0.1%   -3.0%
 2002    70.4%    70.4%    70.6%    67.9%     0.0%    -0.2%    2.5%
 2003    73.9%    74.0%    74.1%    72.0%    -0.1%    -0.2%    1.9%
 2004    73.5%    73.5%    73.5%    73.0%     0.0%     0.0%    0.5%
 2005    74.1%    74.1%    73.8%    74.0%     0.0%     0.3%    0.1%
 2006    70.3%    70.2%    70.9%    71.4%     0.1%    -0.6%   -1.1%
 2007    68.2%    68.2%    71.1%    70.7%     0.0%    -2.9%   -2.5%
 2008    68.2%    69.0%      --     69.7%    -0.8%      --    -1.5%


 (1) These forecasted collection percentages differ from those
     previously reported in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the
     year ended December 31, 2007 and our 2007 earnings release as
     they have been revised for a new methodology for forecasting
     future collections on loans that we implemented during the first
     quarter of 2008.

Both GAAP net income and adjusted net income for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008 were negatively impacted by a reduction in our forecasted collection rates during the second quarter of 2008. We forecast future loan cash flows by comparing loans in our current portfolio to historical loans with the same attributes. The attributes include both variables captured at loan origination, like credit bureau data, application data, loan data and vehicle data, as well as variables captured subsequent to loan origination, such as collection and delinquency data. Our forecast as of March 31, 2008 assumed that loans within our current portfolio would produce similar collection rates as produced by historical loans with the same attributes. During the second quarter of 2008, we modified our forecasting methodology, which now assumes that loans originated in 2006, 2007 and 2008 will perform 100 to 300 basis points worse than historical loans with the same attributes.

During the third quarter, actual loan performance for 2007 and prior originations was consistent with our revised forecast. As a result, forecasted collection rates on 2007 and prior loans remained consistent with our forecasts for these same loans three months ago. Actual loan performance was slightly worse than expected for 2008 originations. As a result, the table above shows a decline in the forecasted collection rate for 2008 loans from 69.0% to 68.2%. The forecasted collection rate for 2008 loans as of September 30, 2008 includes both loans that were in our portfolio as of June 30, 2008 and loans received during the most recent quarter. The following table summarizes the change in our forecast for each of these segments:



                                Forecasted Collection Percentage as of
                                --------------------------------------
                                September 30,    June 30,    
  2008 Loan Assignment Period       2008           2008      Variance
 -----------------------------  -------------    --------   ----------

 January 1, 2008 through
  June 30, 2008                    68.3%           69.0%      -0.7%
 July 1, 2008 through
  September 30, 2008               68.0%             --         --

As a result of the current economic uncertainty, we are cautious about our forecasts of future collection percentages. However, we believe our current estimates are reasonable for the following reasons:



    * Our forecasts start with the assumption that loans in our
      current portfolio will perform like historical loans with
      similar attributes.
    * We reduced our forecasts during the second quarter on loans
      originated in 2006 through 2008 by 100 to 300 basis points based
      on recent trends and a concern about the worsening economic
      environment.
    * Actual loan performance during the third quarter was consistent
      with our forecast as of June 30, 2008 for loans originated in
      2007 and prior periods.
    * Actual loan performance during the third quarter was slightly
      below our forecast as of June 30, 2008 for loans originated
      during the first six months of 2008, and our forecasted
      collection rate for these loans was reduced accordingly.
    * We have reduced the forecasted collection rate used at loan
      inception to price new loan originations.  As of September 1, 
      2008, the forecasted collection rate used at loan inception is
      approximately 300 basis points lower than identical loans
      originated a year ago.
    * Our current forecasting methodology, when applied against
      historical data, produces a consistent result as the loans age.

If the economic environment continues to deteriorate, our loan collection rates may continue to decline. Knowing this, we set prices at loan inception to increase the likelihood of achieving an acceptable return on capital, even if collection results are worse than we currently forecast. A 100 basis point change in the collection rate impacts the after-tax return on capital by approximately 30 basis points for dealer loans and approximately 65 basis points for purchased loans.

The following table presents forecasted consumer loan collection rates, advance rates (includes amounts paid to acquire purchased loans), the spread (the forecasted collection rate less the advance rate), and the percentage of the forecasted collections that had been realized as of September 30, 2008. Payments of dealer holdback and accelerated payments of dealer holdback are not included in the advance percentage paid to the dealer-partner. All amounts are presented as a percentage of the initial balance of the consumer loan (principal + interest). The table includes both dealer loans and purchased loans.



                                  As of September 30, 2008
                       -----------------------------------------------

                        Forecasted                       % of Forecast
 Loan Assignment Year  Collection%   Advance%   Spread%     Realized
 --------------------  -----------  ----------  -------  -------------
        1999              72.1%        48.7%     23.4%       99.6%
        2000              72.5%        47.9%     24.6%       99.2%
        2001              67.4%        46.0%     21.4%       98.7%
        2002              70.4%        42.2%     28.2%       98.3%
        2003              73.9%        43.4%     30.5%       97.8%
        2004              73.5%        44.0%     29.5%       96.7%
        2005              74.1%        46.9%     27.2%       94.0%
        2006              70.3%        46.6%     23.7%       78.5%
        2007              68.2%        46.5%     21.7%       48.1%
        2008              68.2%        44.9%     23.3%       15.1%

The following table presents forecasted consumer loan collection rates, advance rates (includes amounts paid to acquire purchased loans), and the spread (the forecasted collection rate less the advance rate) as of September 30, 2008 for purchased loans and dealer loans separately:



                     Loan
                   Assignment  Forecasted
                     Year      Collection %  Advance %    Spread %
                  -----------  -----------  -----------  -----------
Purchased loans      2007        68.0%         48.9%       19.1%
                     2008        67.5%         47.2%       20.3%

Dealer loans         2007        68.2%         45.9%       22.3%
                     2008        68.6%         43.7%       24.9%

Although the advance rate on purchased loans is higher as compared to the advance rate on dealer loans, purchased loans do not require the Company to pay dealer holdback. The increase in the spread between the forecasted collection rate and the advance rate occurred as a result of pricing changes implemented during the first nine months of 2008.



 Loan Volume
 -----------

The Company experienced strong demand for its product during the quarter. During 2008, the competitive environment has allowed the Company to reduce advance rates and maintain strong growth in unit volumes. The following table summarizes changes in loan volume and active dealer-partners during the most recent quarter:



                                                Three Months Ended
                                                   September 30,
                                             -------------------------
                                              2008      2007   % change
                                             ------    ------   ------

 Consumer loan unit volume                   27,636    21,784    26.9%
 Active dealer-partners (1)                   2,270     1,953    16.2%
                                             ------    ------
 Average volume per active dealer-partner      12.2      11.2     8.9%

 Consumer loan unit volume from dealer-
  partners active both periods               18,393    17,293     6.4%
 Dealer-partners active both periods          1,244     1,244     0.0%
                                             ------    ------
 Average volume per dealer-partners active
  both periods                                 14.8      13.9     6.4%

 Consumer loan unit volume from new
  dealer-partners                             1,792     1,190    50.6%
 New active dealer-partners (2)                 300       258    16.3%
                                             ------    ------
 Average volume per new active dealer-
  partners                                      6.0       4.6    30.4%

 Attrition (3)                                 20.6%     19.5%


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

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

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

The increase in unit volume for the quarter resulted from increased volume per active dealer-partner as well as an increase in the number of active dealer-partners.

The following table summarizes consumer loan dollar growth in each of the last seven quarters compared with the same period in the previous year:



                            Year over Year
                Growth in Consumer Loan Dollar Volume
                ------------------------------------- 
                   Three Months Ended     % Change
                -------------------------------------
                March 31, 2007                  41.1%
                June 30, 2007                   43.9%
                September 30, 2007               2.2%
                December 31, 2007               23.3%
                March 31, 2008                  28.5%
                June 30, 2008                   40.6%
                September 30, 2008              27.5%
                

Unit volume and dollar volume grew at roughly the same rate during the third quarter of 2008 due to various pricing changes implemented at the end of the second quarter and in the third quarter of 2008 that have reduced the average loan size.

The following table summarizes key information regarding purchased loans:



                                       Three Months        Nine Months
                                      Ended Sept. 30,    Ended Sept. 30,
                                      ---------------    ---------------
                                       2008     2007      2008     2007
                                      ------   ------    ------   ------

 New purchased loan unit volume
  as a percentage of total unit
  volume                               30.8%    25.5%     31.6%    14.0%

 Net purchased loan receivable
  balance as a percentage of the
  total net receivable balance as
  of the end of the period             30.0%    12.1%     30.0%    12.1%


 Access to Capital
 -----------------

Since the beginning of 2008, we have:



    * Expanded our bank line of credit to $153.5 million and renewed
      to June 2010
    * Renewed our $325.0 million warehouse facility to August 2009
    * Completed a $150.0 million asset-backed secured financing with
      an institutional investor
    * Completed a $50.0 million two-year revolving warehouse facility
      with another institutional investor
    * Renewed our $50.0 million residual credit facility to August 2009

Based on our available capital, we are targeting a 10% reduction in year-over-year consumer loan unit volume for the fourth quarter of 2008. Our target growth rate in 2009 will depend on our success in securing additional financing and renewing our existing debt facilities. If no additional capital is obtained, during the first six months of 2009, we expect to continue to target unit volumes that are approximately 10% lower than the prior year comparable period.

In August of 2009, our $325.0 million warehouse facility and our $50.0 million residual credit facility (collectively referred to as the "maturing facilities") mature. If we are unsuccessful in renewing the maturing facilities, and alternative financing cannot be obtained, additional reductions in loan origination volumes will be required. Given current conditions in the credit markets, there can be no assurance that the maturing facilities will be renewed or that alternative financing will be obtained. In the event that the maturing facilities are not renewed, no further advances would be made under the maturing facilities. Assuming the Company continues to be in compliance with all debt covenants, the amount outstanding would be repaid over time as the collections on the loans securing the maturing facilities are received.

The following table summarizes targeted loan origination volumes under two scenarios: (1) the maturing facilities are renewed (or replaced) but no other additional capital is obtained during 2009; and (2) no additional capital is obtained during 2009 and the maturing facilities are not renewed.



                          Estimated Loan Origination Volume
                           for the Years Ended December 31,
                ------------------------------------------------------
                                              2009
                             -----------------------------------------
                              Assuming Maturing      Assuming Maturing
 (Dollars in                    Facilities are       Facilities are Not
  thousands)       2008      Renewed (or Replaced)  Renewed (or Replaced)
                ----------   ---------------------  --------------------
 Loan dollar
  volume        $  800,000            $  600,000            $  550,000

 Average loans
  receivable
  balance, net  $1,000,000            $1,100,000            $1,050,000



 Adjusted Financial Results
 --------------------------

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

Adjusted financial results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, compared to the same periods in 2007, include the following:



                                              Three Months Ended
                                                 September 30,
 (Dollars in thousands,              ----------------------------------
  except per share data)                 2008          2007    % Change
                                     ----------------------------------
 Adjusted average capital            $ 1,031,581   $   724,884    42.3%
 Adjusted net income                 $    22,260   $    15,754    41.3%
 Adjusted interest expense after-tax $     7,081   $     5,689    24.5%
 Adjusted net income plus interest
  expense after-tax                  $    29,341   $    21,443    36.8%
 Adjusted return on capital                 11.4%         11.8%   -3.4%
 Cost of capital                             6.5%          7.1%   -8.5%
 Economic profit                     $    12,636   $     8,606    46.8%
 GAAP diluted weighted average
  shares outstanding                  31,024,455    31,139,612    -0.4%
 Adjusted net income per diluted
  share                              $      0.72   $      0.51    41.2%


                                              Nine Months Ended
                                                 September 30,
 (Dollars in thousands,              ----------------------------------
  except per share data)                  2008          2007   % Change
                                     ----------------------------------
 Adjusted average capital            $   961,944   $   687,604    39.9%
 Adjusted net income                 $    59,220   $    46,786    26.6%
 Adjusted interest expense after-tax $    19,996   $    16,870    18.5%
 Adjusted net income plus interest
  expense after-tax                  $    79,216   $    63,656    24.4%
 Adjusted return on capital                 11.0%         12.3%  -10.6%
 Cost of capital                             6.5%          7.1%   -8.5%
 Economic profit                     $    32,466   $    26,971    20.4%
 GAAP diluted weighted average
  shares outstanding                  30,994,466    31,228,893    -0.8%
 Adjusted net income per diluted
  share                              $      1.91   $      1.50    27.3%

Economic profit increased 46.8% and 20.4% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2008, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2007. Economic profit is a function of the return on capital in excess of the cost of capital and the amount of capital invested in the business.

For the three months ended September 30, 2008, adjusted average capital grew by 42.3% and adjusted return on capital declined from 11.8% to 11.4%. For the nine months ended September 30, 2008, adjusted average capital grew by 39.9% while the adjusted return on capital declined from 12.3% to 11.0%.

Although the return on capital is lower as compared to the prior year period, the return on capital improved during the third quarter of 2008 as compared to the second quarter of 2008. As we discussed in prior quarters, the decline in the return on capital experienced through the first quarter of 2008 was the result of lower yields produced by loans originated in 2006 and 2007 as a result of pricing reductions made during these periods in response to a difficult competitive environment. During the latter part of 2007 and during 2008, we increased prices which positively impacted the yield and return on capital of new originations. While the sequential improvement in the return on capital was less than it would have been had we not reduced our estimate of future loan collection rates during the second quarter of 2008, the return on capital improved to 11.4% during the quarter compared to 10.8% during the second quarter of 2008.

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



                             Three Months Ended
         -------------------------------------------------------------
         Sept.30,  Jun.30,  Mar.31,  Dec.31, Sept.30,  Jun.30, Mar.31,
           2008     2008     2008     2007     2007     2007    2007
         -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------- -------
 Adjusted
  revenue
  as a
  percen-
  tage
  of
  adjust-
  ed
  average
  capital   28.9%    28.5%    30.7%    31.7%    32.5%    32.3%   35.7%
         ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== =======

 Adjusted
  oper-
  ating
  expen-
  ses as
  a per-
  centage
  of ad-
  justed
  average
  capital   10.8%    11.3%    13.6%    14.7%    13.6%    13.6%   14.1%
         ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== =======
 Adjusted
  return
  on
  capital   11.4%    10.8%    10.7%    10.7%    11.8%    11.8%   13.5%
         ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== =======
 Percen-
  tage
  change
  in ad-
  justed
  average
  capital
  com-
  pared
  to the
  same
  period
  in the
  prior
  year      42.3%    39.6%    37.5%    35.5%    34.2%    29.4%   20.8%
         ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== ======== =======

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



                                         Three Months Ended 
                                           September 30,
 (Dollars in thousands,              ------------------------
  except per share data)                2008         2007     % Change
                                     -----------  -----------  ------
 Adjusted net income
 -------------------
 GAAP net income                     $    20,657  $    14,742   40.1%
 Floating yield adjustment
  (after-tax)                              1,183        1,265       
 License fee yield adjustment
  (after-tax)                                506          925     
 Gain from discontinued United
  Kingdom segment and other related
  items (after-tax)                         (326)      (1,273)    
 Litigation                                   --           91       
 Interest expense related to
  interest rate swap agreement              (179)          --      
 Adjustment to record taxes at 
  37% (1)                                    419            4 
                                     -----------  -----------   
 Adjusted net income (1)             $    22,260  $    15,754   41.3%
                                     ===========  ===========   

 Adjusted net income per
  diluted share                      $      0.72  $      0.51   41.2%
 -----------------------
 Diluted weighted average
  shares outstanding                  31,024,455   31,139,612   -0.4%

 Adjusted average capital
 ------------------------
 GAAP average debt                   $   706,637  $   477,930   47.9%
 GAAP average shareholders' equity       308,990      243,922   26.7%
 Floating yield adjustment                18,002        8,348    
 License fee yield adjustment             (2,048)      (5,316)   
                                     -----------  -----------   
   Adjusted average capital          $ 1,031,581  $   724,884   42.3%
                                     ===========  =========== 

 Adjusted return on capital
 --------------------------
 Adjusted net income                 $    22,260  $    15,754       
 Adjusted interest expense after-tax       7,081        5,689  
                                     -----------  -----------  
   Adjusted net income plus interest
    expense after-tax                $    29,341  $    21,443   36.8%
                                     ===========  ===========  

   Adjusted return on capital (2)           11.4%        11.8%  -3.4%
                                     ===========  ===========  

 Economic profit
 ---------------
 Adjusted return on capital                 11.4%        11.8% 
 Cost of capital (3)                         6.5%         7.1% 
                                     -----------  -----------  
 Adjusted return on capital in
  excess of cost of capital                  4.9%         4.7% 
 Adjusted average capital            $ 1,031,581  $   724,884  
                                     -----------  -----------  
   Economic profit                   $    12,636  $     8,606   46.8%
                                     ===========  ===========  


                                     
                                       Nine Months Ended 
                                          September 30,              
 (Dollars in thousands,              ------------------------        
  except per share data)                2008         2007     % Change
                                     -----------  -----------  ------ 
 Adjusted net income
 -------------------
 GAAP net income                     $    48,621  $    42,432   14.6%
 Floating yield adjustment
  (after-tax)                              8,955        1,964  
 License fee yield adjustment
  (after-tax)                              1,703        3,632  
 Gain from discontinued United
  Kingdom segment and other related
  items (after-tax)                         (330)      (1,082) 
 Litigation                                   --          406  
 Interest expense related to
  interest rate swap agreement               (23)          --  
 Adjustment to record taxes at 
  37% (1)                                    294         (566)
                                     -----------  -----------   
 Adjusted net income (1)             $    59,220  $    46,786   26.6%
                                     ===========  ===========   

 Adjusted net income per
  diluted share                      $      1.91   $     1.50   27.3%
 -----------------------
 Diluted weighted average
  shares outstanding                  30,994,466   31,228,893   -0.8%

 Adjusted average capital
 ------------------------
 GAAP average debt                   $   659,193  $   454,595   45.0%
 GAAP average shareholders' equity       293,219      231,788   26.5%
 Floating yield adjustment                12,135        7,669   
 License fee yield adjustment             (2,603)      (6,448)  
                                     -----------  -----------   
   Adjusted average capital          $   961,944  $   687,604   39.9%
                                     ===========  ===========  

 Adjusted return on capital
 --------------------------
 Adjusted net income                 $    59,220  $    46,786   
 Adjusted interest expense after-tax      19,996       16,870   
                                     -----------  -----------   
   Adjusted net income plus interest
    expense after-tax                $    79,216  $    63,656   24.4%
                                     ===========  ===========   

   Adjusted return on capital (2)           11.0%        12.3% -10.6%
                                     ===========  ===========   

 Economic profit
 ---------------
 Adjusted return on capital                 11.0%        12.3%  
 Cost of capital (3)                         6.5%         7.1%  
                                     -----------  -----------   
 Adjusted return on capital in
  excess of cost of capital                  4.5%         5.2% 
 Adjusted average capital            $   961,944  $   687,604  
                                     -----------  -----------  
   Economic profit                   $    32,466  $    26,971   20.4%
                                     ===========  =========== 

 (1) In prior year reports, we adjusted income taxes by equalizing the
     tax rate between the two periods presented. Beginning in the
     first quarter of 2008, we changed our methodology to normalize
     the tax rate to 37%, as we estimate that to be our long term
     average effective tax rate. As a result of this change, the
     adjustment to income taxes and adjusted net income for the three
     and nine months ended September 30, 2007 differ from what was
     reported in the prior year.

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

 (3) The cost of capital includes both a cost of equity and a cost of
     debt. The cost of equity capital is determined based on a formula
     that considers the risk of the business and the risk associated
     with our use of debt. The formula utilized for determining the
     cost of equity capital is as follows: (the average 30 year
     treasury rate + 5%) + [(1 - tax rate) x (the average 30 year
     treasury rate + 5% - pre-tax average cost of debt rate) x average
     debt/(average equity + average debt x tax rate)]. For the three
     months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, the average 30 year
     treasury rate was 4.5% and 4.9%, respectively. The adjusted
     pre-tax average cost of debt was 6.4% and 7.6%, respectively. For
     the nine months ended September 30, 2008 and 2007, the average 30
     year treasury rate was 4.5% and 4.9%, respectively. The adjusted
     pre-tax average cost of debt was 6.4% and 7.9%, respectively.


                                         Quarter Ended
                         --------------------------------------------
                          Sept. 30,    Jun. 30,   Mar. 31,   Dec. 31,
 (Dollars in thousands)     2008        2008       2008       2007
                         ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------

 Adjusted net income
 -------------------
 GAAP net income         $    20,657 $   10,344 $   17,620 $   12,481
 Floating yield adjustment
  (after-tax)                  1,183      9,536     (1,765)     1,591
 License fee yield adjus-
  tment (after-tax)              506        653        544      1,353
 (Gain) loss from discon-
  tinued United Kingdom
  segment and other
  related items (after-
  tax)                          (326)        35        (39)      (219)
 Litigation                       --         --         --         --
 Interest expense related
  to interest rate swap
  agreement                     (179)      (375)       532        302
 Adjustment to record
  taxes at 37%                   419         (2)      (123)      (643)
                         ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------
    Adjusted net income  $    22,260 $   20,191 $   16,769 $   14,865
                         =========== ========== ========== ==========

 Adjusted revenue
 ----------------
 GAAP total revenue      $    80,107 $   75,005 $   70,778 $   63,232
 Floating yield adjustment     1,880     15,137     (2,800)     2,525
 License fee yield adjus-
  tment                          804      1,036        863      2,150
 Provision for credit
  losses                      (8,278)   (20,782)    (2,479)    (6,345)
                         ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------
    Adjusted revenue     $    74,513 $   70,396 $   66,362 $   61,562
                         =========== ========== ========== ==========

 Adjusted average capital
 ------------------------
 GAAP average debt       $   706,637 $  686,148 $  584,794 $  515,031
 GAAP average sharehold-
  ers' equity                308,990    295,771    274,897    256,838
 Floating yield adjustment    18,002      9,326      9,076      9,784
 License fee yield adjus-
  tment                       (2,048)    (2,626)    (3,136)    (4,011)
                         ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------
   Adjusted average
    capital              $ 1,031,581 $  988,619 $  865,631 $  777,642
                         =========== ========== ========== ==========

 Adjusted revenue as a
  percentage of adjusted
  average capital               28.9%      28.5%      30.7%      31.7%
                         =========== ========== ========== ==========

 Adjusted return on
  capital
 ------------------
 Adjusted net income     $    22,260 $   20,191 $   16,769 $   14,865
 Adjusted interest expense
  after-tax                    7,081      6,602      6,313      5,928
                         ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------
    Adjusted net income
     plus interest
     expense after-tax   $    29,341 $   26,793 $   23,082 $   20,793
                         =========== ========== ========== ==========

 Adjusted return on
  capital (3)                   11.4%      10.8%      10.7%      10.7%
                         =========== ========== ========== ==========

 Adjusted operating
  expenses
 ------------------
 GAAP salaries and wages $    16,766     16,699 $   17,740 $   16,823
 GAAP general and admini-
  strative                     6,975      6,627      7,124      6,729
 GAAP sales and marketing      4,088      4,542      4,642      4,990
 Litigation                       --         --         --         --
                         ----------- ---------- ---------- ----------
    Adjusted operating
     expenses            $    27,829 $   27,868 $   29,506 $   28,542
                         =========== ========== ========== ==========


 Adjusted operating expe-
  nses as a percentage of
  adjusted average capital      10.8%      11.3%      13.6%      14.7%
                         =========== ========== ========== ==========

 Percentage change in
  adjusted average capital
  compared to the same
  period in the prior year      42.3%      39.6%      37.5%      35.5%
                         =========== ========== ========== ==========
                                                          
                                    Quarter Ended
                         ---------------------------------
                          Sept. 30,   Jun. 30,    Mar. 31,
 (Dollars in thousands)      2007       2007       2007
                         ----------- ---------- ----------

 Adjusted net income
 -------------------
 GAAP net income         $    14,742 $   12,331 $   15,359
 Floating yield adjust-
  ment (after-tax)             1,265        617         82
 License fee yield adjus-
  tment (after-tax)              925      1,143      1,564
 (Gain) loss from discon-
  tinued United Kingdom
  segment and other rela-
  ted items (after-tax)       (1,273)       164         27
 Litigation                       91        315         --
 Interest expense related
  to interest rate swap
  agreement                       --         --         --
 Adjustment to record
  taxes at 37%                     4        378      (948)
                         ----------- ---------- ----------
    Adjusted net income  $    15,754 $   14,948 $   16,084
                         =========== ========== ==========

 Adjusted revenue
 ----------------
 GAAP total revenue      $    61,058 $   58,286 $   57,351
 Floating yield adjust-
  ment                         2,008        979        130
 License fee yield adjus-
  tment                        1,470      1,814      2,483
 Provision for credit
  losses                      (5,629)    (3,968)    (3,723)
                         ----------- ---------- ----------
    Adjusted revenue     $    58,907 $   57,111 $   56,241
                         =========== ========== ==========

 Adjusted average capital
 ------------------------
 GAAP average debt       $   477,930 $  473,141 $  412,715
 GAAP average sharehold-
  ers' equity                243,922    233,465    217,977
 Floating yield adjustment     8,348      8,073      6,587
 License fee yield adjus-
  tment                       (5,316)    (6,345)    (7,684)
                         ----------- ---------- ----------
    Adjusted average
     capital             $   724,884 $  708,334 $  629,595
                         =========== ========== ==========

 Adjusted revenue as a
  percentage of adjusted
  average capital               32.5%      32.3%      35.7%
                         =========== ========== ==========

 Adjusted return on
  capital
 ------------------
 Adjusted net income     $    15,754 $   14,948 $   16,084
 Adjusted interest
  expense after-tax            5,689      5,960      5,221
                         ----------- ---------- ----------
    Adjusted net income
     plus interest
     expense after-tax   $    21,443 $   20,908 $   21,305
                         =========== ========== ==========

 Adjusted return on
  capital (3)                   11.8%      11.8%      13.5%
                         =========== ========== ==========

 Adjusted operating
  expenses
 ------------------
 GAAP salaries and wages $    13,620 $   13,092 $   11,861
 GAAP general and admini-
  strative                     7,266      7,359      5,917
 GAAP sales and marketing      3,835      4,144      4,472
 Litigation                     (145)      (500)        --
                         ----------- ---------- ----------
    Adjusted operating
     expenses            $    24,576 $   24,095 $   22,250
                         =========== ========== ==========

 Adjusted operating
  expenses as a percentage
  of adjusted average
  capital                       13.6%      13.6%      14.1%
                         =========== ========== ==========

 Percentage change in ad-
  justed average capital
  compared to the same
  period in the prior year      34.2%      29.4%      20.8%
                         =========== ========== ==========
                                                                          
 Floating Yield Adjustment
 -------------------------

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

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

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



 License Fee Yield Adjustment
 ----------------------------

The purpose of this adjustment is to make revenue from license fees comparable across time periods. In 2001, we began charging dealer-partners a monthly licensing fee for access to our internet-based Credit Approval Processing System, also known as CAPS.

Effective January 1, 2007, we implemented a change in the way these fees are charged designed to positively impact dealer-partner attrition. We continue to charge a monthly license fee of $599, but instead of collecting the fee in the current period, we collect it from future dealer holdback payments.

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

To allow for proper comparisons between periods, we make an adjustment to our financial results as though license fees had always been recorded as a yield adjustment. The license fee adjustment will become less significant in future periods. The license fee adjustment is projected to be $2.1 million, $0.8 million and $0.3 million in 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. The adjustment will be immaterial starting in 2011.



 Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information
 ----------------------------------------------------------

We claim the protection of the safe harbor for forward-looking statements contained in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 for all of our forward-looking statements. Statements in this release that are not historical facts, such as those using terms like "may," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "assume," "forecast," "estimate," "intend," "plan", "target" and those regarding our future results, plans and objectives, are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. These forward-looking statements represent our outlook only as of the date of this release. Actual results could differ materially from these forward-looking statements since the statements are based on our current expectations, which are subject to risks and uncertainties. Factors that might cause such a difference include, but are not limited to, the factors set forth in Item 1A of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2007, other risk factors discussed herein or listed from time to time in our reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and the following:



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

    * We may be unable to continue to access or renew funding sources
      and obtain capital on favorable terms needed to maintain and
      grow the business.

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

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

    * We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow to service
      our outstanding debt and fund operations.

    * Requirements under credit facilities to meet financial and
      portfolio performance covenants.

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

    * The substantial regulation to which we are subject could result
      in potential liability.

    * Adverse changes in economic conditions, or in the automobile or
      finance industries or the non-prime consumer market, could
      adversely affect our financial position, liquidity and results
      of operations and our ability to enter into future financing
      transactions.

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

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

    * Our inability to properly safeguard confidential consumer
      information.

    * Our operations could suffer from telecommunications or
      technology downtime or increased costs.

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

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



 Description of Credit Acceptance Corporation
 --------------------------------------------

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

Without our product, consumers are often unable to purchase a vehicle or they purchase an unreliable one and are not provided the opportunity to improve their credit standing. As we report to the three national credit reporting agencies, a significant number of our consumers improve their lives by improving their credit score and move on to more traditional sources of financing. Credit Acceptance is publicly traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol CACC. For more information, visit creditacceptance.com.



                     CREDIT ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
                    CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
                             (UNAUDITED)

 (Dollars in thousands,  Three Months Ended       Nine Months Ended
 except per share data)     September 30,            September 30,
                      ----------------------- -----------------------
                         2008          2007       2008        2007
                      ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------

 Revenue:
   Finance charges    $    75,617 $    56,743 $   210,119 $   162,240
   Other income             4,490       4,315      15,771      14,455
                      ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
     Total revenue         80,107      61,058     225,890     176,695
                      ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
 Costs and expenses:
   Salaries and wages      16,766      13,620      51,205      38,573
   General and admini-
    strative                6,975       7,266      20,726      20,542
   Sales and marketing      4,088       3,835      13,272      12,451
   Provision for credit
    losses                  8,383       5,931      31,792      13,602
   Interest                10,954       9,030      31,702      26,781
   Other expense                2          16          59          74
                      ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
     Total costs and
      expenses             47,168      39,698     148,756     112,023
                      ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
 Operating income          32,939      21,360      77,134      64,672

   Foreign currency
    (loss) gain                (2)         26         (15)         64
                      ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
 Income from continuing
  operations before
  provision for income
  taxes                    32,937      21,386      77,119      64,736
   Provision for income
    taxes                  12,606       7,917      28,828      23,387
                      ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
 Income from continuing
  operations               20,331      13,469      48,291      41,349
                      ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
 Discontinued
  operations

   Gain (loss) from
    discontinued United
    Kingdom operations        504          (9)        548        (280)

   Provision (credit)
    for income taxes          178      (1,282)        218      (1,363)
                      ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
   Gain from disconti-
    nued operations           326       1,273         330       1,083
                      ----------- ----------- ----------- -----------
 Net income           $    20,657 $    14,742 $    48,621 $    42,432
                      =========== =========== =========== ===========

 Net income per common
  share:
    Basic             $      0.68 $      0.49 $      1.61 $      1.41
                      =========== =========== =========== ===========
    Diluted           $      0.67 $      0.47 $      1.57 $      1.36
                      =========== =========== =========== ===========

 Income from continuing
  operations per common
  share:
    Basic             $      0.67 $      0.45 $      1.60 $      1.38
                      =========== =========== =========== ===========
    Diluted           $      0.66 $      0.43 $      1.56 $      1.32
                      =========== =========== =========== ===========

 Gain from discontinued
  operations per common
  share:
    Basic             $      0.01 $      0.04 $      0.01 $      0.04
                      =========== =========== =========== ===========
    Diluted           $      0.01 $      0.04 $      0.01 $      0.03
                      =========== =========== =========== ===========


 Weighted average
  shares outstanding:
    Basic              30,310,053  30,015,048  30,223,586  30,069,639
    Diluted            31,024,455  31,139,612  30,994,466  31,228,893


                     CREDIT ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION
                      CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

 (Dollars in thousands, except per share data)         As of
                                              -----------------------
                                               Sept. 30,    Dec. 31,
                                                  2008        2007
                                              ----------- -----------
                     ASSETS:                  (Unaudited)
   Cash and cash equivalents                  $       934 $       712
   Restricted cash and cash equivalents            82,993      74,102
   Restricted securities available for sale         3,933       3,290

   Loans receivable (including $16,067 and
    $16,125 from affiliates as of September 30,
     2008 and December 31, 2007, respectively)  1,155,591     944,698
   Allowance for credit losses                   (119,184)   (134,145)
                                              ----------- -----------
     Loans receivable, net                      1,036,407     810,553
                                              ----------- -----------

   Property and equipment, net                     21,550      20,124
   Income taxes receivable                         10,012      20,712
   Other assets                                    14,527      12,689
                                              ----------- -----------
     Total Assets                             $ 1,170,356 $   942,182
                                              =========== ===========

      LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
 Liabilities:
   Accounts payable and accrued liabilities    $   79,845 $    79,834
   Line of credit                                  82,900      36,300
   Secured financing                              602,429     488,065
   Mortgage note and capital lease obligations      6,608       7,765
   Deferred income taxes, net                      78,848      64,768
                                              ----------- -----------
     Total Liabilities                            850,630     676,732
                                              ----------- -----------


 Shareholders' Equity:
   Preferred stock, $.01 par value, 1,000,000
    shares authorized, none issued                     --          --
   Common stock, $.01 par value, 80,000,000
    shares authorized, 30,570,110 and
    30,240,859 shares issued and outstanding
    as of September 30, 2008 and December 31,
    2007, respectively                                306         302
   Paid-in capital                                  9,983       4,134
   Retained earnings                              309,622     261,001
   Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)
    income, net of tax of $105 and $(7) at
    September 30, 2008 and December 31, 2007,
    respectively                                     (185)         13
                                              ----------- -----------
     Total Shareholders' Equity                   319,726     265,450
                                              ----------- -----------
     Total Liabilities and Shareholders'
      Equity                                  $ 1,170,356 $   942,182
                                              =========== ===========


            

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