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Ally Financial

ally · NYSE Financial Services
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Ticker ally
Exchange NYSE
Sector Financial Services
Industry Financial - Credit Services
Employees 5001-10,000
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FY2016 Annual Report · Ally Financial
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Dear Shareholders, 

2016 was another transformational year for our company. We achieved solid results across a 
number of dimensions, we strengthened both operationally and financially, and we head into 2017 
with substantial momentum to continue delivering results for our shareholders, customers, 
communities, and employees.

Our company took several critical steps to put in place the building blocks that will drive deeper 
customer relationships, improve and diversify earnings 
growth, and further position Ally as the leading digital 
financial services company.  

We responded directly to what our customers were asking for by 
We responded directly to what our customers were asking for by 
expanding our product offerings, starting with the acquisition of 
expanding our product offerings, starting with the acquisition of 
TradeKing, an innovative digital wealth management company. We also 
TradeKing, an innovative digital wealth management company. We also 
introduced Ally Home, a direct mortgage offering, and the Ally CashBack 
introduced Ally Home, a direct mortgage offering, and the Ally CashBack 
credit card, both key consumer banking products. 

Ally’s deposit franchise was again recognized with multiple industry 
Ally’s deposit franchise was again recognized with multiple industry 
accolades and posted record deposit growth of $12.5 billion in 2016. Our 
accolades and posted record deposit growth of $12.5 billion in 2016. Our 
leading auto finance business continued its expansion into new products 
leading auto finance business continued its expansion into new products 
such as Transportation and Equipment Finance, and delivered strong 
such as Transportation and Equipment Finance, and delivered strong 
risk-adjusted returns while providing best-in-class service to our more 
risk-adjusted returns while providing best-in-class service to our more 
than 18,000 dealer relationships across the United States. 

Financially, Ally posted strong annual earnings in 2016, including a 
Financially, Ally posted strong annual earnings in 2016, including a 
10 percent core return on tangible common equity (Core ROTCE) and 
10 percent core return on tangible common equity (Core ROTCE) and 
adjusted earnings per share (Adjusted EPS) growth of 8 percent to $2.16 per share. We initiated a 
adjusted earnings per share (Adjusted EPS) growth of 8 percent to $2.16 per share. We initiated a 
common stock dividend and share buyback program, returning capital to common shareholders 
common stock dividend and share buyback program, returning capital to common shareholders 
for the first time since becoming a public company. Additionally, we remained hyper-focused on 
for the first time since becoming a public company. Additionally, we remained hyper-focused on 
the efficient use of shareholder capital, growing adjusted tangible book value per share more than 
the efficient use of shareholder capital, growing adjusted tangible book value per share more than 
6 percent to $26.15. 

The digital and customer-centric foundation we’ve established reflects the new way of banking, 
The digital and customer-centric foundation we’ve established reflects the new way of banking, 
and is built to deliver strong and sustainable growth. Supporting this foundation is a talented 
and is built to deliver strong and sustainable growth. Supporting this foundation is a talented 
associate base and culture rooted in integrity and accountability. These core principles are 
associate base and culture rooted in integrity and accountability. These core principles are 
reflected in our “Do It Right” brand campaign, which represents the first explicit alignment of Ally’s 
reflected in our “Do It Right” brand campaign, which represents the first explicit alignment of Ally’s 
culture, strategy and brand promise. 

2016 FINANCIAL RESULTS

Ally delivered solid financial results in 2016 by relentlessly serving our 5.6 million customers, being 
Ally delivered solid financial results in 2016 by relentlessly serving our 5.6 million customers, being 
prudent stewards of shareholder capital and executing on our operational objectives. We reported 
prudent stewards of shareholder capital and executing on our operational objectives. We reported 
full year pre-tax income from continuing operations of $1.6 billion, up $188 million compared to 
full year pre-tax income from continuing operations of $1.6 billion, up $188 million compared to 
2015. Ally’s balance sheet expanded over $5 billion driven by strong loan growth, closing 2016 with 
2015. Ally’s balance sheet expanded over $5 billion driven by strong loan growth, closing 2016 with 
total assets of $163.7 billion. Net interest margin expanded by 6 basis points to 2.63 percent in 
total assets of $163.7 billion. Net interest margin expanded by 6 basis points to 2.63 percent in 
2016 as declines in lease revenue were offset by higher retail auto yields and increased 
2016 as declines in lease revenue were offset by higher retail auto yields and increased 
deposit funding. 

NOTE: The following are non-GAAP financial measures which Ally believes are important to the reader of 
the Consolidated Financial Statements, but which are supplemental to and not a substitute for U.S. GAAP 
measures: core return on tangible common equity, adjusted earnings per share, and adjusted tangible book 
value per share. These measures are used by management and we believe are useful to investors in assessing 
the company’s operating performance and capital measures. Refer to the 2016 Financial Highlights later in 
this document for a Reconciliation to GAAP.

Earnings growth in 2016 was impressive 
with Adjusted EPS up 8 percent from 2015. 
Full year Core ROTCE, which was only 3 
percent in 2013, grew to 10 percent in 2016. 
We also returned more than $400 million 
of capital to common shareholders through 
dividends and share repurchases in the 
second half of 2016. 

The robust deposit growth at Ally Bank 
is a critical component of our improving 
profitability. In 2016, we increased total 
deposits by 19 percent to $79.0 billion, 
while reducing the cost of those deposits. 
This growth came from existing customers 
looking to increase their relationship with 
Ally, and from the more than 150,000 new 
customers we added during the year. 

Operationally, we continued to navigate 
shifting auto industry dynamics and 
demonstrate the adaptability of our 
auto business. As manufacturers direct 
more subvented loan and lease volume 
to their captive lending arms, Ally’s full 
credit spectrum approach and breadth of 
products continues to resonate with dealers 
and customers in the marketplace. We 
have successfully increased our retail loan 
portfolio by intensifying our focus on a 
broader spectrum of dealers and customers 
to offset a decline in the traditional 
subvented products. Optimizing shareholder 
capital is foundational for us, and we have 

2016 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

$2.16 
ADJUSTED EARNINGS  
PER SHARE

$12.5 BILLION  
TOTAL DEPOSIT GROWTH

10% 
CORE ROTCE

executed on our 
strategy to drive 
higher risk-adjusted 
returns over purely 
volume. 

Our commercial auto 
business remains 
a market leader, 
anchored by the 
experience of our 
national sales force, 
our rich history in the 

auto industry, and an unmatched product 
offering and level of service. Commercial 
auto balances were robust in 2016, closing 
the year at $38.9 billion, up $4.0 billion year-
over-year. Our unique relationships with our 
dealers, and our ability to understand their 
operations, are competitive advantages 
and drivers of our leading position in this 
specialized market. Commercial auto 

lending remains an attractive low-risk 
market for us with net losses in the portfolio 
at less than or equal to one basis point for 
five consecutive years. 

Our Corporate Finance business, which has 
been primarily providing secured loans to 
middle-market companies for over 18 years, 
grew its portfolio 24 percent in 2016. This 
business leverages our expertise in serving 
middle market businesses and consistently 
delivers attractive risk-adjusted returns. 
We see this as an attractive area for future 
growth and diversification.

We are proud of our financial 
accomplishments in 2016 and Ally’s 
future opportunities are even brighter. 
We can now approach our consumer and 
commercial banking customers with the 
most comprehensive set of products in our 
history. Our balance sheet will continue to 
benefit from strong deposit growth as we 
expect to refinance only a small amount of 
the nearly $12 billion of high cost unsecured 
debt maturities between 2017 and 2020, 
leading to significant interest expense 
efficiencies in the coming years. Moreover, 
generational shifts and powerful trends 
toward online and mobile banking act as 
external catalysts further supporting our 
growth path. Our well established and 
industry leading digital banking platform 
uniquely positions us to benefit from these 
secular trends. 

Few competitors have an earnings trajectory 
like Ally. While markets remain optimistic 
about changes in the corporate tax regime, 
regulatory environment, or interest rate 
backdrop, we expect strong earnings growth 
that is not reliant on those external factors. 
Coupled with a relentless focus on delivering 
an exceptional customer experience, our 
franchise is well positioned for improved 
and sustainable financial performance with 
a long runway for growth. 

EXPANDING OUR PRODUCT SUITE

The success of Ally Bank’s deposit 
franchise is driven by our alignment with 
desires of the modern banking consumer: 
transparency, simplicity, self-directed 
functionality delivered digitally, fair rates 
and fees, and high customer service 
expectations. 

By executing on our value proposition, 
we have created strong demand from 
customers who have enthusiastically 
asked to do more with us. This demand 
was first addressed in Spring 2016 with 
the acquisition of TradeKing, a unique 
cultural fit and an important component in 
our digital product evolution. TradeKing’s 
fee-based income business model, 
complementary customer base, and 
exceptional service, aligned favorably with 
Ally’s objectives. We remain excited about 
the opportunities of this business and look 
forward to its rebranding under the Ally 
umbrella in early 2017. 

Our top requested product by deposit 
customers was an Ally credit card – so 
we delivered. A natural extension of our 
product portfolio, the Ally CashBack credit 
card offers a competitive rewards program, 
highlighted by an industry leading 10% cash 
bonus for rewards deposited into an eligible 
Ally Bank account. As a co-branded credit 
card, this product allows us to address a 
customer need, diversify our revenue, and 
provide optionality to expand in the future. 

In late 2016, we announced the launch of 
Ally Home, our direct-to-consumer home 
loan product. As the largest consumer 
asset class with a massive addressable 
market, mortgage is a cornerstone banking 
product and an attractive long term growth 
opportunity for us. 

The addition of key products to our 
segment-leading deposit franchise, 
including Ally Home, Ally CashBack credit 
card and new investment services, join 
together to create a strong and competitive 
digital product portfolio that addresses 
the needs of our customers and paves 
the way for deeper and broader customer 
relationships.   

THE ALLY BRAND

In less than a decade, Ally has transformed 
from a captive auto finance company to a 
diversified digital financial services provider. 
As we have grown and continued to 
navigate new challenges and approach new 
opportunities, there has been one constant 
– a relentless commitment to do right by 
our customers. To reflect that commitment, 
we introduced the “Do It Right” campaign 

in 2016, a unified brand approach that 
encapsulates Ally’s culture, strategy, and 
brand promise. 

As a relatively new player compared to 
other top 25 bank holding companies, Ally’s 
brand is a critical competitive differentiator. 
The significant investments we’ve made 
in the brand, along with the expansion 
of our product portfolio at Ally Bank, 
engaging activities such as the Lucky Penny 
initiative, and the receipt of numerous 
industry accolades, resulted in record brand 
awareness of 57 percent in 2016, up from 
45 percent only two years ago. This serves 
as affirmation from our customers and 
reflects the tremendous progress we’ve 
made with a brand that was little more than 
a blank sheet of paper less than ten  
years ago. 

LEADING CULTURE

2016 highlighted the importance of integrity 
and accountability in financial services. 
While the “Do It Right” campaign was an 
effective branding initiative for Ally, its 
message is very much rooted in our culture 
and the collective accountability that 
permeates everything we do. This culture, 
the guiding principles of Ally, is reflected in 
what we call our LEAD core values: 

L

OOK EXTERNALLY

E

XECUTE WITH EXCELLENCE

A

CT WITH PROFESSIONALISM

D

ELIVER RESULTS

Ally’s LEADing culture is of the utmost 
importance to me and the responsibility of 
every associate at Ally, every day. It is this 
culture that provides the roadmap for us to 
“Do It Right” for our customers and in our 
communities. 

Community engagement is an important 
aspect of our culture. We have continued 
to invest in our communities and our 
associates volunteered more than 20,000 
hours through our annual “Giving Back” 
month in November as well as throughout 
the year. 

We have also elevated the importance of 
diversity and inclusion at Ally. I believe that 
by embracing, leveraging and celebrating 
our differences, we can better achieve our 

DO GIVING RIGHT.

Ally and our associates continue to 
make real and meaningful impacts in 
people’s lives and in the communities 

in which we live and work. Giving back is a foundation of our culture and we 
demonstrated a strong commitment to our communities throughout 2016.

Giving Back in 2016

• Celebrated five years of Giving Back Month in November with record 

employee donations and volunteerism

• Launched “Give Five with Ally” campaign to include customer and  

community participation, raising $40,000 for key charity relationships

• Sixth year sponsoring “TIME Dealer of the Year” which honors auto  
dealers and their long-standing commitment to community service

• 20,000+ employee volunteer hours across the nation

Advancing Financial Education

• Provided over 100,000 consumers with basic financial education through  

Wallet Wise program since 2011

• Participated in Money Smart Week nationally with strategic partnership  

in core business centers

Working Together

• Partnered with auto dealers across the country to support  

254 community organizations

• Supported Dress for Success with donations of 2,600 pieces of  

women’s accessories and clothing

• Assembled and distributed hundreds of food baskets to Veterans of 

America housing complex during LEAD event

strategic objectives and drive value for 
associates, communities and shareholders.

At Ally, our 7,600 dedicated associates work 
tirelessly to “Do It Right” for our customers, 
company and communities and I’m so 
proud to lead such a motivated team 
every day.

FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE

The financial and operational progress 
we made last year has created a solid 
foundation for long-term growth in 
shareholder value. Financially, we are now 
free from high cost preferred dividends 
and have demonstrated substantial 
deposit growth that will expand margins 
as expensive unsecured debt matures in 
the coming years. Operationally, we can 
approach customers with a powerful 
and diverse digital product suite while 
continuing to provide the best-in-class 
service that our customers expect. 

The strength and consistent earnings power 
of the franchise has not yet been realized 
and I firmly believe the complexion of Ally 
today represents a unique and compelling 

opportunity for shareholders. Our goal is to 
grow Adjusted EPS at a 15 percent compound 
annual growth rate (CAGR) over the next three 
years while delivering approximately $5 billion 
of annual net financing revenue by 2019. We 
have the right ingredients to grow earnings, 
expand return on equity, grow book value per 
share, diversify operationally, strengthen the 
franchise and drive long term value for 
our owners.

The secular trends towards online banking 
are significant and provide a tailwind that 
supports our strategic direction and financial 
path. The building blocks of a leading digital 
financial services company are squarely in 
place. As we approach our customers with 
a clear sense of purpose and steadfast 
determination to “Do It Right”, I could not 
be more excited by the opportunities that 
lie ahead.  

Thank you for your continued support of Ally. 
Thank you for your continued support of Ally. 

Jeffrey Brown, 
Jeffrey Brown, 
Chief Executive Officer

2016 FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS

The following information includes reconciliations of non-GAAP 
financial measures presented in the CEO letter and certain other 
financial highlights. NOTE: Numbers may not foot due to rounding.

1. CORE PRE-TAX INCOME

($ millions)

FY 2016

FY 2015

FY 2014

GAAP net income

$ 1,067

$ 1,289

$ 1,150

(Loss) / income from disc. 
ops., net of tax

Income tax expense

OID amortization expense1

Core pre-tax income

Repositioning items2

Core pre-tax income,
ex. repositioning items3

(44)

470

59

392

496

59

225

321

186

$ 1,640

$ 1,452

$ 1,432

11

349

187

$ 1,651

$ 1,801

$ 1,619

(1)  Includes accelerated OID expense of $2 million in 2016, $14 million in 2015, 

and $14 million in 2014 

(2) Repositioning items are primarily related to the extinguishment of high-cost 

legacy debt

(3) Core pre-tax income as presented excludes the impact of repositioning items, 
OID amortization expense, income tax expense and discontinued operations

2. ADJUSTED EPS

($ per share)

FY 2016

FY 2015

FY 2014

GAAP EPS (diluted)

$ 2.15

$ (2.66)

$ 1.83

Capital Actions 
(Series A and G)

(Loss) / income from disc. 
ops., net of tax

OID expense, net of tax

Repositioning/other1
Repositioning/other1
Repositioning/other

Adjusted EPS

-

(0.09)

0.08

(0.16)

$ 2.16

4.90

0.81

0.08

0.48

-

0.47

0.25

0.07

$ 2.00

$ 1.68

(1) Repositioning/other items are primarily related to the extinguishment of high-
cost legacy debt & discrete tax items

3. ADJUSTED TANGIBLE BOOK VALUE PER SHARE

($ per share)

FY 2016

FY 2015

FY 2014

4. CORE RETURN ON TANGIBLE COMMON EQUITY (ROTCE)

($ millions)

GAAP net income

Preferred dividends

GAAP net income
available to common

(Loss) / income form disc. 
ops., net of tax

OID expense

Repositioning items

OID & repositioning tax  
(35% in 2016, 34% prior)

Significant discrete tax 
items, Series G actions & 
other

Core net income available 
to common shareholders

FY 2016

FY 2015

FY 2014

$ 1,067

(30)

$ 1,289

(2,571)

$ 1,150

(268)

$ 1,037

$ (1,282)

$ 882

(44)

59

11

(24)

392

59

349

225

186

187

(139)

(127)

(84)

2,394

(103)

$ 1,043

$ 990

$ 800

GAAP shareholder’s equity1
GAAP shareholder’s equity1
GAAP shareholder’s equity

$ 13,378

$ 14,419

$ 14,804

Preferred equity1
Preferred equity1
Preferred equity

Goodwill & intangibles1
Goodwill & intangibles1
Goodwill & intangibles

(348)

(160)

(976)

(27)

(1,255)

(27)

Tangible common equity

$ 12,870

$ 13,416

$ 13,522

Unamortized core OID1

Net deferred tax asset1

Normalized 
common equity

Core ROTCE

(1,276)

(1,182)

(1,327)

(1,583)

(1,441)

(1,923)

$ 10,412

$ 10,506

$ 10,157

10.0%

9.4%

7.9%

(1) Calculated using 2 period average

5. TOTAL DEPOSITS ($ BILLIONS)

1 3 %   C A G R

47.9

53.4

58.2

79.0

66.5

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

100

0

GAAP shareholder’s equity

$ 28.5

$ 27.9

$ 32.1

6. ADJUSTED EPS ($ PER SHARE)

Preferred equity & goodwill

Tangible common equity

Tax-effect bond OID (tax rate 
of 25% in 2016, 34% prior)

Series G discount

Adjusted tangible
book value per share

(0.6)

27.9

(1.7)

-

(1.5)

26.4

(1.8)

-

(2.7)

29.4

(1.9)

(4.9)

3.25

$ 26.2

$ 24.6  

$ 22.7

0.00

1 3 %   C A G R

2.00

2.16

2015

2016

1.68

2014

Table of Contents

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
Form 10-K

ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 or

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: 1-3754
ALLY FINANCIAL INC.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

38-0572512
(I.R.S. Employer
Identification No.)

Ally Detroit Center
500 Woodward Ave.
Floor 10, Detroit, Michigan
48226
(Address of principal executive offices)
(Zip Code)
(866) 710-4623
(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act (all listed on the New York Stock Exchange):

Title of each class
Common Stock, par value $0.01 per share

8.125% Fixed Rate/Floating Rate Trust Preferred Securities,
Series 2 of GMAC Capital Trust I

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act: None
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act. Yes 
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the Act. Yes 
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 and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data 
File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months 
(or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). Yes 
Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulations S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) is not contained 
herein and will not be contained, to the best of registrant's knowledge, in definitive proxy or information statements incorporated by reference 
in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. 
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting 
company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange 
Act. (Check one):

  No 

 No 

 No 

 No 

Large accelerated filer 

Accelerated filer 

Non-accelerated filer 

Smaller reporting company 

(Do not check if a smaller reporting)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act). Yes 
The aggregate market value of the Registrant's common stock (Common Stock) held on June 30, 2016 by non-affiliated entities was 
approximately $8.3 billion (based on the June 30, 2016 closing price of Common Stock of $17.07 per share as reported on the New York 
Stock Exchange).
At February 22, 2017, the number of shares outstanding of the Registrant’s common stock was 465,035,069 shares.
Documents incorporated by reference: portions of the Registrant's Proxy Statement for the annual meeting of stockholders to be held on    
May 2, 2017 are incorporated by reference in this Form 10-K in response to Items 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 of Part III.

 No 

         
Table of Contents

INDEX

Ally Financial Inc.   Form 10-K

Part I

Item 1.

Item 1A.

Item 1B.

Item 2.

Item 3.

Item 4.

Part II
Item 5.

Item 6.

Item 7.

Business

Risk Factors

Unresolved Staff Comments

Properties

Legal Proceedings

Mine Safety Disclosures

Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases of Equity 
Securities

Selected Financial Data

Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 7A.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Item 8.

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Reports of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Statement of Income

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Balance Sheet

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Item 9.

Item 9A.

Item 9B.

Part III

Item 10.

Item 11.

Item 12.

Item 13.

Item 14.

Part IV

Item 15.

Item 16.

Signatures

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Controls and Procedures

Other Information

Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance

Executive Compensation

Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder Matters

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedule

Form 10-K Summary

Page

3

10

21

21

21

22

23

25

28

89

90

90

91

93

95

96

98

99

101

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176

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[This page intentionally left blank] 

Table of Contents

Part I

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Item 1.  Business
Our Business

Ally Financial Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries unless the context requires otherwise, Ally, the Company, or we, us, or 

our) is a leading digital financial services company with $163.7 billion in assets as of December 31, 2016, offering diversified financial 
products for consumers, businesses, automotive dealers and corporate clients. Our legacy dates back to 1919, and Ally was redesigned in 2009 
with a distinctive brand and relentless focus on our customers. We reconverted to a Delaware corporation in 2009 and are registered as a bank 
holding company (BHC) under the Bank Holding Company Act of 1956 as amended (the BHC Act) and a financial holding company (FHC) 
under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 as amended (the GLB Act). Our banking subsidiary, Ally Bank, is an award-winning online bank, 
and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of Ally Financial Inc., offering a variety of deposit and other banking products, with total assets of 
$123.5 billion and deposits of $78.9 billion at December 31, 2016.

Dealer Financial Services, which includes our Automotive Finance and Insurance segments, Mortgage Finance, and Corporate Finance, 

are our primary lines of business. Corporate and Other primarily consists of activity related to centralized corporate treasury activities, the 
management of our legacy mortgage portfolio, the activity related to our new wealth management portfolio, and reclassifications and 
eliminations between the reportable operating segments.

Ally Bank contains 75% of Ally’s total assets at December 31, 2016, and is expected to contain a larger portion of our assets going 
forward. Ally Bank's assets and operating results are divided among our Automotive Finance, Mortgage Finance, and Corporate Finance 
segments based on its underlying business activities.

Our strategy continues to focus on diversifying the franchise by expanding our automotive and banking product offerings. Within our 
Automotive Finance operations we are focused on strengthening our network of dealer relationships and on the newer online marketplaces in 
line with our risk appetite. This includes extending our leading position in automotive finance in the U.S. by continuing to provide automotive 
dealers and their retail customers with premium service, a comprehensive product suite, consistent funding and competitive pricing, reflecting 
our commitment to the automotive industry. Within Ally Bank, we seek to broaden and deepen the franchise, by prudently expanding our 
consumer and commercial banking products, while extending our foundation and providing a high level of customer service.

In addition, we are well positioned as the marketplace continues to evolve and are working to build on our existing foundation of 

approximately 5.6 million customers, strong brand, innovative culture, and leading digital platform to expand our products and services and to 
create an integrated customer experience. In September 2016, we launched our first ever enterprise-wide campaign themed "Do It Right." The 
campaign introduces a broad audience to our full suite of digital financial services and helps crystallize our culture for consumers.

Our use of the term “loans” describes all of the products associated with our direct and indirect lending activities. The specific products 
include loans, retail installment sales contracts, lines of credit, leases, and other financing products. The term “lend” or “originate” refers to 
our direct origination of loans or our purchase or acquisition of loans.

For further details and information related to our business segments and the products and services they provide, refer to Management’s 
Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations (MD&A) and Note 27 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Industry and Competition

The markets for automotive financing, insurance, mortgage, and banking are highly competitive. We directly compete in the automotive 

financing market with banks, credit unions, captive automotive finance companies, and independent finance companies. Our insurance 
business also faces significant competition from automotive manufacturers, captive automotive finance companies, insurance carriers, third-
party administrators, brokers, and other insurance-related companies. Some of these competitors have certain exclusivity privileges with 
automotive manufacturing companies whose customers and dealers compose a significant portion of our customer base. In addition, our 
banking and brokerage businesses face intense competition from banks, savings associations, finance companies, credit unions, mutual funds, 
investment advisers, asset managers, brokerage firms, hedge funds, insurance companies, mortgage-banking companies, and credit card 
companies. Financial-technology (fintech) companies also have been partnering more often with financial services providers to compete 
against us in lending and other markets. Many of our competitors have substantial positions nationally or in the markets in which they 
operate. Some of our competitors have lower cost structures, substantially lower costs of capital, and much less reliance on securitization, 
unsecured debt, and other capital markets. Our competitors may be subject to different, and in some cases less stringent legislative, regulatory, 
or supervisory regimes than we are. Competition affects every aspect of our business, including product offerings, rates, pricing and fees, and 
customer service. Successfully competing in our markets also depends on our ability to innovate, to invest in technology and infrastructure, 
and to attract, retain, and motivate talented employees, all the while effectively managing expenses. We expect that competition will only 
intensify in the future.

Regulation and Supervision

We are subject to sweeping regulatory frameworks in the United States—at federal, State, and local levels—that affect the products and 

services that we may offer and the manner in which we may offer them, the risks that we may take, the ways in which we may operate, and 
the corporate and financial actions that we may take.

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

We are also subject to direct supervision and periodic examinations by various government agencies and industry self-regulatory 
organizations that are charged with overseeing the kinds of business activities in which we engage, including the Board of Governors of the 
Federal Reserve System (FRB), the Utah Department of Financial Institutions (UDFI), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), the 
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), and the Financial Industry Regulatory 
Authority (FINRA). These agencies and organizations generally have broad authority and discretion in restricting or otherwise affecting our 
businesses and operations and may take enforcement actions against us when, in the applicable agency’s judgment, our businesses or 
operations fail to comply with applicable law or comport with safe and sound practices.

This scheme of regulation, supervision, and examination is intended primarily for the protection and benefit of our depositors and other 
customers, the FDIC’s Deposit Insurance Fund (the DIF), the banking and financial systems as a whole, and the broader economy, not for the 
protection or benefit of our shareholders or non-deposit creditors.

This section summarizes some relevant provisions of the principal laws that apply to us. The descriptions, however, are not complete and 

are qualified in their entirety by the full text and judicial or administrative interpretations of those laws and other laws that affect us.

Bank Holding Company and Financial Holding Company Status

Ally and IB Finance Holding Company, LLC (IB Finance) are currently both BHCs under the BHC Act. Ally is also an FHC under the 
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 (GLB Act). IB Finance is the direct holding company for Ally's FDIC-insured depository institution, Ally 
Bank. As a BHC, Ally is subject to supervision, examination, and regulation by the FRB. Ally must also comply with regulatory risk-based 
and leverage capital requirements, as well as various safety and soundness standards imposed by the FRB, and is subject to certain statutory 
restrictions concerning the types of assets or securities it may own and the activities in which it may engage. On March 21, 2016, Ally Bank, 
our banking subsidiary, became a member of the Federal Reserve System and is subject to supervision, examination, and regulation by the 
FRB, through the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, and as a Utah chartered bank, by the UDFI.

• 

Permitted Activities — The GLB Act amended the BHC Act by providing a regulatory framework applicable to “financial holding 
companies,” which are bank holding companies that meet certain qualifications and elect FHC status. FHCs are generally permitted 
to engage in a broader range of financial and related activities than those that are permissible for BHCs, in particular, securities, 
insurance, and merchant banking activities. The FRB supervises, examines, and regulates FHCs, as it does all BHCs. However, 
insurance and securities activities conducted by a FHC or its nonbank subsidiaries are also regulated by functional regulators. Our 
election to become a FHC under the BHC Act was approved by the FRB and became effective on December 20, 2013. Ally's status 
as a FHC allows us to continue all existing insurance activities, as well as our SmartAuction vehicle remarketing services for third 
parties. To maintain its status as a FHC, Ally and its bank subsidiary, Ally Bank, must remain “well-capitalized” and “well-
managed,” as defined under applicable law. Refer to Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. 
See also “Basel Capital Frameworks” below. Under the BHC Act, Ally generally may not, directly or indirectly, acquire more than 
5% of any class of voting shares of any nonaffiliated bank or BHC without first obtaining FRB approval.

•  Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act — The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection 

Act (Dodd-Frank Act) of 2010 significantly overhauled many aspects of the regulation of the financial services industry, addressing, 
among other things, systemic risk, capital adequacy, deposit insurance assessments, consumer financial protection, derivatives, 
restrictions on an insured bank’s transactions with its affiliates, lending limits, and mortgage-lending practices. A number of 
provisions in the Dodd-Frank Act have entered into effect while others will become effective at a later date after a rulemaking 
process is completed. While U.S. regulators have finalized many regulations to implement various provisions of the Dodd-Frank 
Act, they plan to propose or finalize additional implementing regulations in the future.

The Dodd-Frank Act has had, and will have as its provisions are further implemented, material implications for Ally and the 

entire financial services industry. Among other things, the Dodd-Frank Act and its implementing regulations:

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subject Ally to enhanced prudential standards, oversight, and scrutiny as a result of being a BHC with $50 billion or more 
in total consolidated assets (a large BHC);

have increased the levels of capital and liquidity with which Ally must operate and affect how it plans capital and liquidity 
levels;

subject Ally to new and/or higher fees paid to various regulatory entities, including but not limited to deposit insurance 
fees paid by Ally Bank to the FDIC;

require Ally to provide to the FRB and FDIC an annual plan for its rapid and orderly resolution in the event of material 
financial distress;

subject Ally to regulation and examination by the CFPB, which has very broad rule-making, examination, and 
enforcement authorities; and

subject derivatives that Ally enters into for hedging, risk management, and other purposes to a comprehensive regulatory 
regime that requires central clearing and execution on designated markets or execution facilities for certain standardized 
derivatives and imposes margin, documentation, trade reporting, and other new requirements.

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

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These and other requirements may, either currently or in the future, impact Ally’s business and risk management strategies and/

or restrict the revenue that Ally generates from certain businesses.

Enhanced Prudential Standards — In January 2015, Ally became subject to the requirements of an FRB rule implementing for 
large BHCs such as Ally certain enhanced prudential standards under the Dodd-Frank Act. Among other things, the final rule 
requires Ally to maintain a buffer of unencumbered highly liquid assets to meet projected net cash outflows for 30 days over the 
range of liquidity stress scenarios used in internal stress tests and to comply with a number of risk management and governance 
requirements, including liquidity risk management standards. Other enhanced prudential standards for large BHCs under the Dodd-
Frank Act include single counterparty credit limits and an early remediation framework. The FRB has either proposed but not yet 
finalized, or has yet to propose, rules implementing such standards.

Liquidity Coverage Ratio Requirements — The FRB and other U.S. federal banking agencies have implemented requirements 
related to the liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) consistent with international standards developed by the Basel Committee on Banking 
Supervision (Basel Committee). In short, the LCR rules establish a mandatory ratio of high-quality liquid assets to total net cash 
outflows over a prospective 30 calendar-day period. LCR rules that apply to Ally are those that apply to depository institution 
holding companies with $50 billion or more but less than $250 billion in total consolidated assets and less than $10 billion of 
foreign exposures. The applicable LCR requires depository institution holding companies, including Ally, to calculate their LCR on 
a monthly basis beginning January 1, 2016, subject to a transition period. In 2017, Ally will be required to maintain an LCR of 
100%.

Capital Adequacy Requirements — Ally and Ally Bank are subject to various capital adequacy requirements as established under 
FRB and FDIC regulations. Refer to Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. See also “Basel 
Capital Frameworks” below.

Capital Planning and Stress Tests — Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, the FRB has adopted capital planning and stress test 
requirements for large BHCs, including Ally, which form part of the FRB's Comprehensive Capital Analysis and Review (CCAR) 
process. Under the FRB's capital plan rule, Ally must submit an annual capital plan to the FRB, taking into account the results of 
stress tests conducted by Ally based on scenarios prescribed by the FRB. The capital plan must include a description of all planned 
capital actions over a nine-quarter planning horizon, including any issuance of a debt or equity capital instrument, any capital 
distribution, and any similar action that the FRB determines could have an impact on Ally's consolidated capital. The capital plan 
must also include a discussion of how Ally will maintain capital above the U.S. Basel III minimum regulatory capital ratios for each 
period over the nine-quarter planning horizon, and serve as a source of strength to Ally Bank. The FRB will either object to Ally's 
capital plan, in whole or in part, or provide a notice of non-objection. If the FRB objects to the capital plan, or if certain material 
events occur after approval of the plan, Ally must submit a revised capital plan within 30 days. In addition, even with an approved 
capital plan, Ally must seek the approval of the FRB before making a capital distribution if, among other factors, Ally would not 
meet its regulatory capital requirements after making the proposed capital distribution.

Ally received a non-objection to its 2015 and 2016 capital plans. Ally expects to submit its 2017 capital plan by April 5, 2017, 

with a response expected from the FRB by June 30, 2017.

The FRB final stress test rule requires Ally to conduct semi-annual (annual and mid-cycle) company-run stress tests under 
baseline, adverse, and severely adverse economic scenarios over a planning horizon that spans nine quarters. The rule also subjects 
Ally to an annual supervisory stress test conducted by the FRB. For the 2016 stress testing cycle, Ally submitted the results of its 
semi-annual stress tests to the FRB in April and October 2016. Ally expects to submit its 2017 company-run stress tests by April 5, 
2017, and October 5, 2017.

In addition, the FRB publishes summary results of the supervisory stress tests of each large BHC, including Ally, conducted by 
the FRB pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act. The supervisory stress tests are intended to provide supervisors, investors, and others with 
forward-looking information to help identify downside risk and the potential effect of adverse conditions on capital adequacy.

In January 2017, the FRB finalized a rule amending the capital planning and stress testing rules, effective for the 2017 cycle. 
The final rule, among other things, revises the capital plan rule to no longer subject large and noncomplex firms, including Ally, to 
the provisions of the existing rule whereby the FRB may object to a capital plan on the basis of qualitative deficiencies in the firm’s 
capital planning process. Under the final rule, the qualitative assessment of Ally’s capital plan will be conducted outside of the 
CCAR process, through the supervisory review process, and Ally’s reporting requirements will be modified to reduce certain 
reporting burdens related to capital planning and stress testing. The final rule will also decrease the de minimis threshold for the 
amount of capital that Ally could distribute to shareholders outside of an approved capital plan without seeking prior approval of the 
FRB.

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Limitations on Bank and Bank Holding Company Dividends and Capital Distributions — Utah law (and, in certain instances, 
federal law) places restrictions and limitations on dividends or other distributions payable by our banking subsidiary, Ally Bank, to 
Ally. Under the FRB’s capital plan rule, an objection to a large BHC's capital plan generally prohibits it from paying dividends or 
making certain other capital distributions without specific FRB non-objection to such action. Even if a large BHC receives a non-
objection to its capital plan, it may not pay a dividend or make certain other capital distributions without FRB approval under 
certain circumstances (e.g., where the BHC would not meet certain minimum regulatory capital ratios after giving effect to the 

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dividend or distribution). In addition, FRB supervisory guidance requires BHCs such as Ally to consult with the FRB prior to 
increasing dividends, implementing common stock repurchase programs or redeeming or repurchasing capital instruments. The U.S. 
banking regulators are also authorized to prohibit a banking subsidiary or BHC from engaging in unsafe or unsound banking 
practices and, depending upon the circumstances, could find that paying a dividend or making a capital distribution would constitute 
an unsafe or unsound banking practice.

Transactions with Affiliates — Certain transactions between Ally Bank and any of its nonbank “affiliates,” including but not 
limited to Ally, are subject to federal statutory and regulatory restrictions. Pursuant to these restrictions, unless otherwise exempted, 
“covered transactions” including Ally Bank's extensions of credit to and asset purchases from its nonbank affiliates, generally 
(1) are limited to 10% of Ally Bank's capital stock and surplus with respect to transactions with any individual affiliate, with an 
aggregate limit of 20% of Ally Bank's capital stock and surplus for all affiliates and all such transactions; (2) certain credit 
transactions are subject to stringent collateralization requirements; (3) asset purchases by Ally Bank may not involve the purchase 
of any asset deemed to be a “low quality asset” under federal banking guidelines; and (4) must be conducted in accordance with 
safe-and-sound banking practices (collectively, the Affiliate Transaction Restrictions). In addition, transactions between Ally Bank 
and a nonbank affiliate must be on market terms and conditions.

Furthermore, there is an “attribution rule” that provides that a transaction between Ally Bank and a third party must be treated 
as a transaction between Ally Bank and a nonbank affiliate to the extent that the proceeds of the transaction are used for the benefit 
of or transferred to the nonbank affiliate. For example, because Ally controls Ally Bank, Ally is an affiliate of Ally Bank for 
purposes of the Affiliate Transaction Restrictions. Thus, retail financing transactions by Ally Bank involving vehicles for which Ally 
provided floorplan financing are subject to the Affiliate Transaction Restrictions, because the proceeds of the retail financings are 
deemed to benefit, and are ultimately transferred to, Ally.

Under the Dodd-Frank Act, among other changes to the Affiliate Transaction Restrictions, credit exposures arising from 
derivatives transactions, securities lending and borrowing transactions, and acceptance of affiliate-issued debt obligations (other 
than securities) as collateral for a loan or extension of credit will be treated as "covered transactions." The Dodd-Frank Act also 
expands the scope of covered transactions required to be collateralized, requires that collateral be maintained at all times for 
covered transactions required to be collateralized, and places limits on acceptable collateral.

Source of Strength — Pursuant to the Federal Deposit Insurance Act, as amended by the Dodd-Frank Act, FRB policy and 
regulations, and commitments made to the FRB in connection with Ally Bank's application for membership in the Federal Reserve 
System, as described in Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, Ally is required to act as a source of financial and 
managerial strength to Ally Bank and is required to commit necessary capital and liquidity to support Ally Bank. This support may 
be required at inopportune times for Ally.

Single Point of Entry Resolution Authority — Under the Dodd-Frank Act, certain financial institutions, including a BHC such as 
Ally where a determination is made that the BHC’s failure would have serious adverse effects on the financial stability of the United 
States, are eligible to be subjected to a new FDIC-administered resolution regime called orderly liquidation authority, an alternative 
to bankruptcy. The FDIC’s orderly liquidation authority became effective in July 2010, with implementing regulations adopted 
thereafter in stages, with some rulemakings still to come. If Ally were to become insolvent and be placed into receivership under the 
orderly liquidation authority, the FDIC would be appointed as receiver, giving the FDIC considerable rights and powers that it must 
exercise with the goal of liquidating and winding up Ally, including the ability to assign assets and liabilities without the need for 
creditor consent or prior court review and the ability of the FDIC to differentiate and determine priority among creditors. In 
December 2013, the FDIC released its proposed Single Point of Entry strategy for resolution of a systemically important financial 
institution under the orderly liquidation authority. The FDIC’s release outlines how it would use its powers under the orderly 
liquidation authority to resolve a systemically important financial institution by placing its top-tier U.S. holding company in 
receivership and keeping its operating subsidiaries open and out of insolvency proceedings by transferring the operating subsidiaries 
to a new bridge holding company, recapitalizing the operating subsidiaries, and imposing losses on the shareholders and creditors of 
the holding company in receivership according to their statutory order of priority.

Enforcement Authority — The FRB, FDIC, and UDFI have broad authority to issue orders to banks and BHCs (in the case of the 
FRB and FDIC) to cease and desist from unsafe or unsound banking practices and from violations of laws, rules, regulations, or 
conditions imposed in writing by the banking agencies. The FRB, FDIC, and UDFI also are empowered to require affirmative 
actions to correct any violation or practice; issue administrative orders that can be judicially enforced; direct increases in capital; 
limit dividends and distributions; restrict growth; assess civil money penalties against institutions or individuals who violate any 
laws, regulations, orders, or written agreements with the banking agencies; order termination of certain activities of BHCs or their 
subsidiaries (in the case of the FRB and FDIC); remove officers and directors; order divestiture of ownership or control of a 
nonbank subsidiary by a BHC (in the case of the FRB); terminate deposit insurance (in the case of the FDIC); and/or place a bank 
into receivership (in the case of the FDIC and UDFI).

In addition, the CFPB has broad authority to enforce consumer protection laws involving financial products and services. The 

CFPB has exercised this authority through public enforcement actions, lawsuits and consent orders and through non-public 
enforcement actions against financial institutions. In bringing such enforcement actions, the CFPB has generally sought remediation 
of actual damages alleged to have been suffered by consumers and civil money penalties.

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Basel Capital Frameworks

Until January 1, 2015, the U.S. risk-based and leverage capital standards applicable to Ally and Ally Bank were based on the Basel 

Committee's Basel I capital accord (Basel I).

In December 2010, the Basel Committee reached an agreement on the Basel III capital framework, which was designed to increase the 

quality and quantity of regulatory capital by introducing new risk-based and leverage capital standards. In July 2013, the U.S. banking 
regulators finalized rules implementing the Basel III capital framework and related Dodd-Frank Act provisions (U.S. Basel III). U.S. Basel III 
represents a substantial revision to the regulatory capital standards for U.S. banking organizations. Ally became subject to U.S. Basel III on 
January 1, 2015. Certain aspects of U.S. Basel III, including capital buffers and certain regulatory capital deductions, will be phased in over 
several years.

U.S. Basel III subjects Ally to a minimum Common Equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.5%, a minimum Tier 1 risk-based capital 

ratio of 6%, and a minimum Total risk-based capital ratio of 8%. In addition to these minimum requirements, Ally will also be subject to a 
Common Equity Tier 1 capital conservation buffer of more than 2.5%, subject to a phase-in from January 1, 2016, through December 31, 
2018. Failure to maintain the full amount of the buffer will result in restrictions on Ally’s ability to make capital distributions, including 
dividend payments and stock repurchases and redemptions, and to pay discretionary bonuses to executive officers. In addition to these new 
risk-based capital standards, U.S. Basel III subjects all U.S. banking organizations, including Ally, to a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4%, 
the denominator of which takes into account only on-balance sheet assets.

U.S. Basel III also revised the eligibility criteria for regulatory capital instruments and provides for the phase-out of instruments that had 
previously been recognized as capital but that do not satisfy these criteria. Subject to certain exceptions (e.g., for certain debt or equity issued 
to the U.S. government under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act), trust preferred and other “hybrid” securities are no longer included 
in a BHC’s Tier 1 capital as of January 1, 2016. Also, subject to a phase-in schedule, certain items are deducted from Common Equity Tier 1 
capital that had not previously been deducted from regulatory capital, and certain other deductions from regulatory capital have been 
modified. Among other things, U.S. Basel III requires certain deferred tax assets (DTAs) that exceed specified individual and aggregate 
thresholds to be deducted from Common Equity Tier 1 capital. U.S. Basel III also revised the U.S. Basel I-based standardized approach for 
calculating risk-weighted assets by, among other things, modifying certain risk weights and the methods for calculating risk-weighted assets 
for certain types of assets and exposures. Ally is subject to the U.S. Basel III standardized approach for counterparty credit risk. It is not 
subject to the U.S. Basel III advanced approaches for counterparty credit risk. Ally is currently not subject to the U.S. market risk capital rule, 
which applies only to banking organizations with significant trading assets and liabilities. At December 31, 2016, Ally was in compliance with 
its regulatory capital requirements. For an additional discussion of capital adequacy requirements, refer to Note 21 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

Depository Institutions

Ally Bank's deposits are insured by the FDIC, under applicable rules, and Ally Bank is required to file periodic reports with the FDIC 

concerning its financial condition. Total assets of Ally Bank were $123.5 billion and $111.3 billion at December 31, 2016, and 2015, 
respectively. As a state member bank chartered by the State of Utah, Ally Bank is subject to various regulatory capital adequacy requirements 
administered by state and federal banking agencies. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Improvement Act of 1991 (FDICIA), among 
other things, identifies five capital categories for insured depository institutions ("well-capitalized," "adequately capitalized," 
"undercapitalized," "significantly undercapitalized," and "critically undercapitalized") and requires the respective federal regulatory agencies 
to implement systems for "prompt corrective action" for insured depository institutions that do not meet minimum capital requirements within 
such categories. Depending on the category in which an institution is classified, FDICIA imposes progressively more restrictive constraints on 
operations, management, and capital distributions.

Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and discretionary actions by regulators that, if undertaken, 

could have a direct material effect on Ally Bank's results of operations and financial condition. FDICIA generally prohibits a depository 
institution from making any capital distribution, including payment of a cash dividend or paying any management fee to its holding company, 
if the depository institution would become undercapitalized after such payment. Undercapitalized institutions are also subject to growth 
limitations and are required by the appropriate federal banking agency to submit a capital restoration plan. If any depository institution 
subsidiary of a BHC is required to submit a capital restoration plan, the BHC would be required to provide a limited guarantee regarding 
compliance with the plan as a condition of approval of such plan. In addition, under FDICIA, only well-capitalized and adequately capitalized 
institutions may accept brokered deposits, and even adequately capitalized institutions are subject to some restrictions on the rates they may 
offer for brokered deposits. Failure to meet the capital guidelines could also subject a banking institution to capital raising requirements. In 
addition, in connection with Ally Bank's application for membership in the Federal Reserve System, Ally Bank made commitments to the 
FRB relating to capital, liquidity, and business plan requirements that are consistent with earlier commitments made pursuant to the Capital 
and Liquidity Maintenance Agreement (CLMA) that was entered into with the FDIC, including a requirement to maintain a Tier 1 leverage 
ratio of at least 15%. We continue to have ongoing dialogue with our regulators for a more normalized level of capital maintenance.

At December 31, 2016, Ally Bank was in compliance with its regulatory capital requirements. For an additional discussion of capital 

adequacy requirements, refer to Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Deposit Insurance Assessments

Ally Bank, as an insured depository institution, is a member of the Deposit Insurance Fund (DIF) maintained by the FDIC. Through the 
DIF, the FDIC insures the deposits of insured depository institutions up to prescribed limits for each depositor. To maintain the DIF, member 
institutions may be assessed an insurance premium, and the FDIC may take action to increase insurance premiums if the fund is not funded to 
its regulatory mandated Designated Reserve Ratio (DRR). Currently, the FDIC is mandated to achieve a DRR of 1.35% by September 30, 
2020, and has established a target DRR of 2.0%. Under current law, the FDIC assesses premiums on the bases of consolidated assets minus 
average tangible equity. To achieve the mandated DRR, the FDIC implemented a new rule in 2016 imposing a surcharge on all insured 
depository institutions with assets of $10 billion or more of 4.5 basis points in addition to the regular assessment; under the new rule, the 
surcharge would cease once the DIF achieved the 1.35% DRR or on December 31, 2018, whichever comes first—though the FDIC indicated 
it will impose a shortfall assessment in 2019 if the DIF has not achieved 1.35% DRR. Some of the surcharge is offset by reductions in the 
regular assessment calculations.

Consumer Financial Laws

The CFPB has issued various rules to implement consumer financial protection provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act and related 
requirements. Many of these rules impose new requirements on Ally and its business operations. In addition, as an insured depository 
institution with total assets of more than $10 billion, Ally Bank is subject to the rule-making, examination, and enforcement authority of the 
CFPB with respect to its compliance with federal consumer financial protection laws and regulations.

•  Mortgage Operations — Our mortgage business is subject to extensive federal, state, and local laws, in addition to judicial and 
administrative decisions that impose requirements and restrictions on this business. The mortgage business is also subject to 
examination by the Federal Housing Commissioner to assure compliance with Federal Housing Administration regulations, policies, 
and procedures. The federal, state, and local laws to which our mortgage business is subject, among other things, impose licensing 
obligations and financial requirements; limit the interest rates, finance charges, and other fees that can be charged; regulate the use 
of credit reports and the reporting of credit information; impose underwriting requirements; regulate marketing techniques and 
practices; require the safeguarding of nonpublic information about customers; and regulate servicing practices, including the 
assessment, collection, foreclosure, claims handling, and investment and interest payments on escrow accounts.

The future of the Fannie Mae, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), and the Government National 
Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) (collectively, the Government-sponsored Enterprises, or GSEs) and the role of government 
agencies in the U.S. mortgage markets remain uncertain.

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Automotive Lending Business — The CFPB has focused on the area of automotive finance, particularly with respect to indirect 
financing arrangements and fair lending compliance. In March 2013, the CFPB provided guidance about compliance with the fair 
lending requirements of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and its implementing regulations for indirect automotive finance 
companies that permit dealers to charge annual percentage rates to consumers in excess of buy rates used by the finance company to 
calculate the price paid to acquire an assignment of the retail installment sale contract. In December 2013, Ally Financial Inc. and 
Ally Bank entered into Consent Orders issued by the CFPB and the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) pertaining to the allegation of 
disparate impact in the automotive finance business. For further information, refer to Note 30 to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements.

Asset-backed Securitizations

Section 941 of the Dodd-Frank Act requires securitizers of different types of asset-backed securitizations, including transactions backed 

by residential mortgages, commercial mortgages, and commercial, credit card, and automotive loans, to retain no less than 5% of the credit 
risk of the assets being securitized, with an exemption for securitizations that are wholly composed of “qualified residential 
mortgages” (QRMs). Federal regulators issued final rules implementing this Dodd-Frank Act requirement in October 2014. The final rules 
aligned the definition of QRMs with the CFPB’s definition of “Qualified Mortgage” and also included an exemption for the GSEs’ mortgage-
backed securities (MBS). The regulations took effect on February 23, 2015. Compliance was required with respect to new securitization 
transactions backed by residential mortgages beginning December 24, 2015, and with respect to new securitization transactions backed by 
other types of assets beginning December 24, 2016. Ally Bank has complied with the FDIC’s Safe Harbor Rule requiring it to retain five 
percent risk retention in retail automotive loan and lease securitizations. Ally has begun to comply with the new risk retention rules for 
automotive asset-backed securitizations, which became effective on December 24, 2016.

Insurance Companies

Certain of our Insurance operations are subject to certain minimum aggregate capital requirements, net asset and dividend restrictions 
under applicable state and foreign insurance laws, and the rules and regulations promulgated by various U.S. and foreign regulatory agencies. 
Under various state and foreign insurance regulations, dividend distributions may be made only from statutory unassigned surplus with 
approvals required from the regulatory authorities for dividends in excess of certain statutory limitations. Our insurance operations are also 
subject to applicable state laws generally governing insurance companies, as well as laws and regulations for products that are not regulated 
as insurance, such as vehicle service contracts (VSCs) and guaranteed asset protection (GAP) waivers.

Investments in Ally

Because Ally Bank is a FDIC-insured bank and Ally and IB Finance are BHCs, acquisitions of our voting stock above certain thresholds 

may be subject to regulatory approval or notice under federal or state law. Investors are responsible for ensuring that they do not, directly or 

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

indirectly, acquire shares of our stock in excess of the amount that may be acquired without regulatory approval under the Change in Bank 
Control Act, the BHC Act, and Utah state law.

TradeKing Subsidiaries

As discussed below, we acquired 100% of the equity of TradeKing Group, Inc. on June 1, 2016. As a result of the acquisition, TradeKing 

Securities, LLC (TradeKing Securities), TradeKing Forex, LLC (TradeKing Forex), MB Trading Futures LLC (MB Trading), TradeKing 
Advisors, and TKconnect LLC are now indirect wholly-owned subsidiaries of Ally.

TradeKing Securities is registered as a securities broker-dealer with the SEC and in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto 
Rico, is registered with the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board as a municipal securities broker-dealer, and is a member of the Financial 
Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), Securities Investor Protection Corporation (SIPC) and various other self-regulatory organizations 
(SROs), including BATS BYX Exchange, BATS BZX Exchange, NYSE Arca, and Nasdaq Stock Market. As a result, TradeKing Securities 
and its personnel are subject to extensive regulatory requirements under the Exchange Act, SEC regulations and SRO rules covering all 
aspects of the firm’s securities activities, including, for example, sales and trading practices, capital adequacy, recordkeeping, privacy, anti-
money laundering, financial and other reporting, supervision, misuse of material nonpublic information, conducting its business in accordance 
with just and equitable principles of trade, and personnel qualifications. The firm operates as an introducing broker and clears all transactions, 
including all customer transactions, through a third-party clearing broker-dealer on a fully disclosed basis.

TradeKing Forex and MB Trading are each registered with the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as introducing 

brokers and are members of the National Futures Association (NFA), which is the primary SRO for the U.S. futures industry. Both firms are 
subject to regulatory requirements governing introducing brokers and their personnel under the Commodity Exchange Act and CFTC and 
NFA rules. In addition, TradeKing Forex (but not MB Trading) is also subject to CFTC retail forex rules.

A subsidiary of TradeKing is also registered as an investment adviser with the SEC. As a result, such subsidiary is subject to regulatory 

requirements governing investment advisers and their personnel under the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, and the rules and regulations 
promulgated thereunder, including certain fiduciary and other obligations with respect to its relationships with its investment advisory clients.

Regulators conduct periodic examinations of TradeKing Securities, TradeKing Forex, MB Trading, and TradeKing Advisors, and 
regularly review reports that the firms are required to submit on an ongoing basis. Violations of relevant regulatory requirements could result 
in adverse consequences for the firms and their personnel, including censure, penalties and fines, the issuance of cease-and-desist orders, and 
restriction, suspension or expulsion from the securities industry and other adverse consequences.

Other Regulations

Some of the other more significant regulations that we are subject to include:

• 

• 

• 

• 

Privacy — The GLB Act imposes additional obligations on us to safeguard the information we maintain on our customers, requires 
us to provide notice of our privacy practices, and permits customers to “opt-out” of information sharing with unaffiliated parties. 
The U.S. banking regulators and the Federal Trade Commission have issued regulations that establish obligations to safeguard 
information. In addition, several states have enacted even more stringent privacy and safeguarding legislation. If a variety of 
inconsistent state privacy rules or requirements are enacted, our compliance costs could increase substantially.

Volcker Rule — Under the Dodd-Frank Act and implementing regulations of the CFTC, FDIC, FRB, Office of the Comptroller of 
the Currency and the SEC (the Volcker Rule), insured depository institutions and their affiliates are prohibited from (1) engaging in 
“proprietary trading” and (2) investing in or sponsoring certain types of funds (covered funds) subject to certain limited exceptions. 
The final rules contain exemptions for market-making, hedging, underwriting, trading in U.S. government and agency obligations 
and also permit certain ownership interests in certain types of funds to be retained. They also permit the offering and sponsoring of 
funds under certain conditions. Under orders of the FRB, the conformance period for requirements related to certain covered funds 
activities has been extended to July 21, 2017. The Volcker Rule imposes significant compliance and reporting obligations on 
banking entities. The impact of the Volcker Rule will not be material to Ally’s business operations.

Fair Credit Reporting Act — The Fair Credit Reporting Act regulates the use of credit reports and the reporting of information to 
credit reporting agencies, and also provides a national legal standard for lenders to share information with affiliates and certain third 
parties and to provide firm offers of credit to consumers. In late 2003, the Fair and Accurate Credit Transactions Act was enacted, 
making this preemption of conflicting state and local law permanent. The Fair Credit Reporting Act was also amended to place 
further restrictions on the use of information shared between affiliates, to provide new disclosures to consumers when risk-based 
pricing is used in the credit decision, and to help protect consumers from identity theft. All of these provisions impose additional 
regulatory and compliance costs on us and reduce the effectiveness of our marketing programs.

Truth in Lending Act — The Truth in Lending Act (TILA), as amended, and Regulation Z, which implements TILA, requires 
lenders to provide borrowers with uniform, understandable information concerning terms and conditions in certain credit 
transactions. These rules apply to Ally and its subsidiaries in transactions in which they extend credit to consumers and require, in 
the case of certain mortgage and automotive financing transactions, conspicuous disclosure of the finance charge and annual 
percentage rate, if any. In addition, if an advertisement for credit states specific credit terms, Regulation Z requires that such 
advertisement state only those terms that actually are or will be arranged or offered by the creditor. The CFPB has issued substantial 

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

amendments to the mortgage requirements under Regulation Z, and additional changes are likely in the future. Amendments to 
Regulation Z and Regulation X, which implements the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act, require integrated mortgage loan 
disclosures to be provided for applications received on or after October 3, 2015. Failure to comply with TILA can result in liability 
for damages as well as criminal and civil penalties.

• 

Sarbanes-Oxley Act — The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 implemented a broad range of corporate governance and accounting 
measures designed to promote honesty and transparency in corporate America. The principal provisions of the act include, among 
other things, (1) the creation of an independent accounting oversight board; (2) auditor independence provisions that restrict non-
audit services that accountants may provide to their audit clients; (3) additional corporate governance and responsibility measures 
including the requirement that the principal executive and financial officers certify financial statements; (4) the potential forfeiture 
of bonuses or other incentive-based compensation and profits from the sale of an issuer's securities by directors and senior officers 
in the twelve-month period following initial publication of any financial statements that later require restatement; (5) an increase in 
the oversight of and enhancement of certain requirements relating to audit committees and how they interact with the independent 
auditors; (6) requirements that audit committee members must be independent and are barred from accepting consulting, advisory, 
or other compensatory fees from the issuer; (7) requirements that companies disclose whether at least one member of the audit 
committee is a “financial expert” (as defined by the SEC) and, if not, why the audit committee does not have a financial expert; 
(8) a prohibition on personal loans to directors and officers, except certain loans made by insured financial institutions, on 
nonpreferential terms and in compliance with other bank regulatory requirements; (9) disclosure of a code of ethics; 
(10) requirements that management assess the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting and that the Independent 
Registered Public Accounting firm attest to the assessment; and (11) a range of enhanced penalties for fraud and other violations.

•  USA PATRIOT Act/Anti-Money-Laundering Requirements — In 2001, the Uniting and Strengthening America by Providing 
Appropriate Tools Required to Intercept and Obstruct Terrorism Act (USA PATRIOT Act) was signed into law. Title III of the 
USA PATRIOT Act amends the Bank Secrecy Act and contains provisions designed to detect and prevent the use of the 
U.S. financial system for money laundering and terrorist financing activities. The Bank Secrecy Act, as amended by the USA 
PATRIOT Act, requires banks, certain other financial institutions, and, in certain cases, BHCs to undertake activities including 
maintaining an anti-money-laundering program, verifying the identity of clients, monitoring for and reporting on suspicious 
transactions, reporting on cash transactions exceeding specified thresholds, and responding to certain requests for information by 
regulatory authorities and law enforcement agencies. We have implemented internal practices, procedures, and controls designed to 
comply with these anti-money-laundering requirements.

• 

Community Reinvestment Act — Under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), a bank has a continuing and affirmative 
obligation, consistent with the safe-and-sound operation of the institution, to help meet the credit needs of its entire community, 
including low- and moderate-income persons and neighborhoods. The CRA does not establish specific lending requirements or 
programs for financial institutions. However, institutions are rated on their performance in meeting the needs of their communities. 
Ally Bank filed its three-year CRA Strategic Plan with the FRB in October 2016 and received approval in November 2016. In 
addition, Ally Bank received a “Satisfactory” rating in its most recent CRA performance evaluation. Failure by Ally Bank to 
maintain a "Satisfactory" or better rating under the CRA may adversely affect Ally Bank's ability to make acquisitions and engage 
in new activities, and in the event of such a rating, the FRB must prohibit Ally and its subsidiaries from engaging in any additional 
activities other than those permissible for BHCs that are not FHCs.

Employees

We had approximately 7,600 and 7,100 employees at December 31, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

Additional Information

The results of operations for each of our reportable operating segments and the products and services offered are contained in the 
individual business operations sections of MD&A. Financial information related to reportable operating segments and geographic areas is 
provided in Note 27 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Our Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and Current Reports on Form 8-K (and amendments to these 
reports) are available on our internet website, free of charge, as soon as reasonably practicable after the reports are electronically filed with or 
furnished to the SEC. These reports are available at www.ally.com/about/investor/sec-filings/. These reports can also be found on the SEC 
website at www.sec.gov.

Item 1A.  Risk Factors

We face many risks and uncertainties, any one or more of which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of 

operations, financial condition (including capital and liquidity), or prospects or the value of or return on an investment in Ally. We believe that 
the most significant of these risks and uncertainties are described in this section, although we may be adversely affected by other risks or 
uncertainties that are not presently known to us, that we have failed to appreciate, or that we currently consider immaterial. These risk factors 
should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and the Notes to 
the Consolidated Financial Statements. This Annual Report on Form 10-K is qualified in its entirety by these risk factors.

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Risks Related to Regulation

The regulatory and supervisory environment in which we operate could have an adverse effect on our business, financial condition, 

results of operations, and prospects.

We are subject to extensive regulatory frameworks and to direct supervision and periodic examinations by various government agencies 

that are charged with overseeing the kinds of business activities in which we engage. These regulatory and supervisory frameworks are 
designed to protect public or private interests—such as macroeconomic policy objectives, financial-market stability and liquidity, and the 
confidence and security of depositors—that may not always be aligned with those of our shareholders or non-deposit creditors. Refer to the 
section above titled Regulation and Supervision in Part I, Item 1 of this report. In the last decade, moreover, government scrutiny of the 
financial services industry has intensified, fundamental changes have been made to the banking, securities, and other laws that govern 
financial services, and a multitude of related business practices have been altered. As a result, we expect to continue devoting substantial time 
and resources to risk management, compliance, regulatory-change management, and cybersecurity and other technology initiatives, each of 
which may adversely affect our ability to operate profitably or to pursue advantageous business opportunities.

Ally currently operates as an FHC, which permits us to engage in a number of financial activities—including securities, insurance, and 
merchant-banking activities—beyond the business of banking. To maintain our status as an FHC, Ally Bank must remain “well-capitalized” 
and “well-managed” as defined under applicable law. If we fail to maintain our status as an FHC, we may be restricted from engaging in the 
broader range of financial activities permitted for FHCs and may be required to discontinue these activities or even divest Ally Bank. In 
addition, if we fail to achieve specified ratings under the Community Reinvestment Act, our ability to expand these financial activities could 
be restricted.

In connection with their continuous supervision and examinations, the FRB, the UDFI, the CFPB, the SEC, FINRA, or other regulatory 

agencies may require changes in our business or operations. Such a requirement may be judicially enforceable or impractical for us to contest, 
and if we are unable to implement or maintain the requirement in a timely and effective manner, we could become subject to formal or 
informal supervisory actions, including memoranda of understanding, written agreements, cease-and-desist orders, and prompt-corrective-
action or safety-and-soundness directives. Supervisory actions could entail significant restrictions on our existing business, our ability to 
develop new business, our flexibility in conducting operations, and our ability to pay dividends or utilize capital. Supervisory actions also 
may result in the imposition of civil monetary penalties, the enforcement of supervisory requirements through injunctions or other 
administrative or judicial orders, related litigation by private plaintiffs, damage to our reputation, and a loss of investor confidence. We could 
be required as well to dispose of specified assets and liabilities within a prescribed period. As a result, any supervisory action could have an 
adverse effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations, and prospects.

Our regulatory environment is not static. No assurance can be given that applicable statutes, regulations, or other laws will not be 
amended or construed differently, that new laws will not be adopted, or that any of these laws will not be enforced more aggressively. 
Changes in the regulatory environment could adversely affect us in substantial and unpredictable ways, including by limiting the types of 
financial services and products we may offer, increasing the ability of others to offer more competitive financial services and products, 
restricting our ability to make acquisitions or pursue other profitable opportunities, and negatively impacting our franchise and results of 
operations. Further, noncompliance with applicable laws could result in the suspension or revocation of licenses or registrations that we need 
to operate and in the initiation of supervisory actions or private litigation.

Our ability to execute our business strategy for Ally Bank may be adversely affected by regulatory constraints.

A primary component of our business strategy is the growth of Ally Bank. This planned growth includes shifting more of our automotive 

lending from Ally to Ally Bank, amassing a higher level of retail deposits, expanding our commercial lending, and introducing additional 
consumer products such as residential mortgage loans and credit cards. If our banking supervisors raise concerns about any aspect of our 
business strategy for Ally Bank or the way in which we implement it—including any associated affiliate transactions that are governed and 
constrained by Sections 23A and 23B of the Federal Reserve Act—we may be obliged to limit or even reverse the growth of Ally Bank or 
otherwise alter our strategy, which could have an adverse effect our business, financial condition, results of operations, or prospects. We also 
may be adversely affected if our regulatory normalization of Ally Bank does not advance as expected, including a near-term release or 
reduction of the individual minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio for Ally Bank that had been set at 15% in connection with the acceptance of our 
membership in the Federal Reserve System. Refer to the section titled Liquidity Management, Funding, and Regulatory Capital in 
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations and Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements. In addition, if we are compelled to retain or shift any of our business activities in or to nonbank affiliates, our funding costs for 
those activities—such as unsecured funding in the capital markets—could be more expensive than our cost of funds at Ally Bank.

We are subject to stress tests, capital and liquidity planning, and other enhanced prudential standards, which impose significant 

restrictions and costly requirements on our business and operations.

We are subject to the enhanced prudential standards that have been established by the FRB for BHCs with total consolidated assets of 

$50 billion or more, including capital planning requirements for large and noncomplex BHCs with total consolidated assets between $50 
billion and $250 billion and total nonbank assets of less than $75 billion. As part of these enhanced prudential standards, Ally is subject to 
supervisory and company-run stress tests and must submit a proposed capital plan to the FRB annually. Refer to the section above titled 
Regulation and Supervision in Part I, Item 1 of this report. The proposed capital plan must include an assessment of our expected uses and 
sources of capital and a description of all planned capital actions over a nine-quarter planning horizon, including any issuance of a debt or 

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equity capital instrument, any dividend or other capital distribution, and any similar action that the FRB determines could have an impact on 
Ally’s capital. The proposed capital plan must also include a discussion of how Ally, under expected and stressful conditions, will maintain 
capital commensurate with its risks and above the minimum regulatory capital ratios and serve as a source of strength to Ally Bank. The FRB 
will either object to the proposed capital plan, in whole or in part, or provide notice of non-objection to Ally. The failure to receive a notice of 
non-objection from the FRB may prohibit us from paying dividends, repurchasing our common stock, or making other capital distributions, 
may compel us to issue capital instruments that could be dilutive to shareholders, may prevent us from maintaining or expanding lending or 
other business activities, and may damage our reputation and result in a loss of investor confidence.

We may be required to raise capital as well if we fail to satisfy our minimum capital ratios or other applicable supervisory requirements, 

whether due to inadequate operating results that erode capital, future growth that outpaces the accumulation of capital through earnings, 
changes in regulatory capital standards, or otherwise. In addition, we may elect to raise capital for strategic reasons even when not required to 
do so. Our ability to raise capital on favorable terms or at all will depend on general economic and market conditions, which are outside of 
our control, and on our operating and financial performance. Accordingly, we cannot be assured of being able to raise capital when needed or 
on favorable terms. An inability to raise capital when needed and on favorable terms could damage the performance and value of our 
business, prompt supervisory actions, and harm our reputation, and if the condition were to persist for any appreciable period of time, our 
viability as a going concern could be threatened. Further, if we are able to raise capital and do so by issuing common stock or convertible 
securities, the ownership interest of our existing shareholders could be diluted, and the market price of our common stock could decline.

The enhanced prudential standards also require Ally to conduct liquidity stress tests and maintain a sufficient quantity of highly liquid 

assets to survive a projected 30-day liquidity stress event, to adopt a contingency funding plan that would address liquidity needs during 
various stress events, and to implement specified liquidity risk management and corporate governance measures, including requirements, 
duties, and qualifications for Ally’s risk committee and chief risk officer. These enhanced liquidity standards, together with a quantitative 
minimum liquidity coverage ratio that we must satisfy as a complement to these standards, could constrain our ability to originate or invest in 
longer-term or less liquid assets or to take advantage of other profitable opportunities and, therefore, may adversely affect our business, 
results of operations, and prospects.

Additionally, the FRB has proposed rules to implement other enhanced prudential standards mandated by Sections 165 and 166 of the 
Dodd-Frank Act and related capital and liquidity requirements, including single-counterparty credit limits, an early remediation framework, 
and a quantitative minimum net stable funding ratio. Once adopted and implemented, these rules also could adversely affect our business, 
results of operations, financial condition, and prospects.

Our ability to rely on deposits as a part of our funding strategy may be limited.

Ally Bank is a key part of our funding strategy, and we place great reliance on deposits at Ally Bank as a source of funding. Competition 

for deposits and deposit customers, however, is fierce and has only intensified with the implementation of enhanced capital and liquidity 
requirements in the last decade. Ally Bank does not have a retail branch network but, instead, obtains its deposits through online and other 
direct banking as well as through deposit brokers. Brokered deposits may be more price sensitive than other types of deposits and may 
become less available if alternative investments offer higher returns. Brokered deposits totaled $12.2 billion at December 31, 2016, which 
represented 15% of Ally Bank’s total deposits. In addition, our ability to maintain or grow direct banking deposits may be constrained by our 
lack of in-person banking services, changes in consumer trends, or any loss of confidence in our brand or franchise. Our level of deposits also 
could be adversely affected by regulatory or supervisory restrictions, including any applicable prior approval requirements or limits on our 
offered rates or brokered deposit growth. Perceptions of our financial strength, rates or returns offered by other financial institutions or third 
parties, and other competitive factors beyond our control, including returns on alternative investments, will also impact the size of our deposit 
base.

The full impact of the Dodd-Frank Act and other financial-reform laws and policies on us remains unclear and unpredictable but could 

have a further adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, or prospects.

The Dodd-Frank Act, which became law in July 2010, and other financial-reform laws and policies have substantially changed the legal 
and supervisory frameworks under which we operate and have adversely affected our business, results of operations, and financial condition. 
Refer to the section above titled Regulation and Supervision in Part I, Item 1 of this report. While much in the Dodd-Frank Act has been 
implemented, some meaningful provisions remain subject to further rulemaking, transition periods, and the discretion of various regulatory 
agencies. Even provisions that have been implemented are or may become the subject of interpretive disputes, litigation, or proposed 
legislative amendments. For example, the CFPB—which was created by the Dodd-Frank Act—has aggressively enforced its positions on a 
wide range of consumer protection laws that affect our business, including in the context of indirect automotive lending. Some of these 
positions or their application in particular cases, however, have been contested by affected companies, as has the constitutionality of the 
structure of the CFPB itself. The outcomes of these matters and their impact on both the meaning of consumer protection laws and the 
enforcement posture of the CFPB remain unclear and unpredictable but could adversely affect us. Similarly, the full impact of the Dodd-Frank 
Act and financial-reform laws and policies as whole on us cannot be predicted with any certainty and may not be known for a number of 
years, but individually or collectively, they may have a further adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, or 
prospects. In addition, these laws and policies may impact us differently than other financial institutions due to a number of factors, such as 
differences in activities, size, risk profile, complexity, or regulatory or supervisory status.

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Requirements under the U.S. Basel III rules to increase the quality and quantity of regulatory capital and future revisions to the Basel III 

framework may adversely affect our business and financial results.

In December 2010, the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision reached an agreement on the global Basel III capital framework, which 

was designed to increase the quality and quantity of regulatory capital by introducing new risk-based and leverage capital standards. In July 
2013, the U.S. banking agencies finalized rules implementing the Basel III capital framework in the United States as well as related 
provisions of the Dodd-Frank Act. The U.S. Basel III rules represent substantial revisions to the previously effective regulatory capital 
standards for U.S. banking organizations.

Ally and Ally Bank became subject to the U.S. Basel III rules on January 1, 2015, although a number of them—including new capital 

buffers and regulatory capital deductions—are being phased in over several years. The U.S. Basel III rules subject Ally and Ally Bank to 
higher minimum risk-based capital ratios and a capital conservation buffer above these minimum ratios. Failure to maintain the full amount of 
the buffer would result in restrictions on our ability to make capital distributions, including dividend payments and stock repurchases and 
redemptions, and to pay discretionary bonuses to executive officers. The U.S. Basel III rules also will, over time, impose more stringent 
deductions for specified DTAs and other assets and limit our ability to meet its regulatory capital requirements through the use of trust 
preferred securities or other hybrid securities.

If Ally or Ally Bank were to fail to satisfy its regulatory capital requirements, significant regulatory sanctions could result, such as a bar 

on acquisitions or new activities, a loss of our status as an FHC, informal or formal supervisory actions, or even resolution or receivership. 
Any of these sanctions could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, financial condition, or prospects.

The Basel Committee, moreover, continues to consider revisions to the global Basel III capital framework, many of which would 
heighten regulatory capital standards even more. No assurance can be provided that these revisions—if adopted in the United States—would 
not further impact our business, results of operations, financial condition, or prospects in an adverse way.

Our business and financial results could be adversely affected by the political environment and governmental fiscal and monetary 

policies.

A fractious or volatile political environment in the United States, including any related social unrest, could negatively impact business 

and market conditions, economic growth, financial stability, and business, consumer, investor, and regulatory sentiments, any one or more of 
which in turn could cause our business and financial results to suffer. In addition, disruptions in the foreign relations of the United States 
could adversely affect the automotive and other industries on which our business depends and our tax positions and other dealings in foreign 
countries.

Our business and financial results are also significantly affected by the fiscal and monetary policies of the U.S. government and its 
agencies. We are particularly affected by the policies of the FRB, which regulates the supply of money and credit in the United States in 
pursuit of maximum employment, stable prices, and moderate long-term interest rates. The FRB and its policies influence the availability and 
demand for loans and deposits, the rates and other terms for loans and deposits, the conditions in equity, fixed-income, currency, and other 
markets, and the value of securities and other financial instruments. These actions and policies, therefore, could adversely affect every facet of 
our business and operations—for example, the new and used vehicle financing market, the cost of our deposits and other interest-bearing 
liabilities, and the yield on our earning assets. Tax and other fiscal policies, moreover, impact not only general economic conditions but also 
give rise to incentives or disincentives that affect how we and our customers prioritize objectives, deploy resources, and run households or 
operate businesses. Both the timing and the nature of any changes in monetary or fiscal policies are beyond our control and difficult to predict 
and could adversely affect our business and financial results.

If our ability to receive distributions from subsidiaries is restricted, we may not be able to satisfy our obligations to counterparties or 

creditors, make dividend payments to shareholders, or repurchase our common stock.

Ally is a legal entity separate and distinct from its bank and nonbank subsidiaries and, in part, depends on dividend payments and other 

distributions from those subsidiaries to fund its obligations to counterparties and creditors, its dividend payments to shareholders, and its 
repurchases of common stock. Refer to the section above titled Regulation and Supervision in Part I, Item 1 of this report. Regulatory or other 
legal restrictions, deterioration in a subsidiary’s performance, or investments in a subsidiary’s own growth may limit the ability of the 
subsidiary to transfer funds freely to Ally. In particular, many of Ally’s subsidiaries are subject to laws that authorize their supervisory 
agencies to block or reduce the flow of funds to Ally. In addition, if any subsidiary were unable to remain viable as a going concern, Ally’s 
right to participate in a distribution of assets would be subject to the prior claims of the subsidiary’s creditors (including, in the case of Ally 
Bank, its depositors and the FDIC).

Risks Related to Our Business

Weak or deteriorating economic conditions, failures in underwriting, changes in underwriting standards, financial or systemic shocks, or 

growth in our nonprime financing business could increase our credit risk, which could adversely affect our business and financial results.

Our business is centered around lending and banking, and a significant percentage of our assets are composed of loans, leases, and 

securities. As a result, credit risk is among our most pronounced risks.

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Our business and financial results depend significantly on household, business, economic, and market conditions. When those conditions 

are weak or deteriorating, we could simultaneously experience reduced demand for credit and increased delinquencies or defaults, including 
in the loans that we have securitized and in which we retain a residual interest. These kinds of conditions also could dampen the demand for 
products and services in our insurance, banking, brokerage, and other businesses. Increased delinquencies or defaults could result as well 
from us failing to appropriately underwrite loans that we originate or purchase or from us adopting—for strategic, competitive, or other 
reasons—more liberal underwriting standards. If delinquencies or defaults on our loans increase, their value and the income derived from 
them could be adversely affected, and we could incur increased administrative and other costs in seeking a recovery on claims and any 
collateral. If unfavorable conditions are negatively affecting used vehicle or other collateral values at the same time, the amount and timing of 
recoveries could suffer as well. Weak or deteriorating economic conditions also may negatively impact the market value and liquidity of our 
investment securities, and we may be required to record additional impairment charges that negatively impact earnings if investment 
securities suffer a decline in value that is considered other-than-temporary. There can be no assurance that our monitoring of our credit risk 
and our efforts to mitigate credit risk through risk-based pricing, appropriate underwriting and investment policies, loss-mitigation strategies, 
and diversification are, or will be, sufficient to prevent an adverse impact to our business and financial results. A financial or systemic shock 
and a failure of a significant counterparty or a significant group of counterparties could negatively impact us as well, possibly to a severe 
degree, due to our role as a financial intermediary and the interconnectedness of the financial system.

Our exposure to nonprime consumer automotive financings has increased and we have seen some deterioration in nonprime credit tiers 

compared to prime credit tiers. We define nonprime consumer automotive loans primarily as those loans with a FICO® Score (or an 
equivalent score) at origination of less than 620. In addition, we have increased our used vehicle financing. Customers that finance used 
vehicles tend to have lower FICO® Scores as compared to new vehicle customers, and defaults resulting from vehicle breakdowns are more 
likely to occur with used vehicles as compared to new vehicles that are financed. The carrying value of our Automotive Finance operations 
nonprime consumer automotive loans before allowance for loan losses was $9.1 billion, or approximately 13.8% of our total consumer 
automotive loans, at December 31, 2016, as compared to $9.0 billion, or approximately 14.0% of our total consumer automotive loans, at 
December 31, 2015. At December 31, 2016, and 2015, $211 million and $161 million, respectively, of nonprime consumer automotive loans 
were considered nonperforming as they had been placed on nonaccrual status in accordance with our accounting policies. Refer to the 
Nonaccrual Loans section of Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. If our exposure to nonprime 
consumer automotive financing loans continues to increase over time, our credit risk will increase to a possibly significant degree. As part of 
the underwriting process, we rely heavily upon information supplied by third parties. If any of this information is intentionally or negligently 
misrepresented and the misrepresentation is not detected before completing the transaction, we may experience increased credit risk from 
having engaged in the transaction.

We have dealer-centric automotive finance and insurance businesses, and a change in the key role of dealers within the automotive 

industry or our ability to maintain or build relationships with them could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, 
financial condition, or prospects.

Our Dealer Financial Services business, which includes our Automotive Finance and Insurance segments, depends on the continuation of 

the key role of dealers within the automotive industry, the maintenance of our existing relationships with dealers, and our creation of new 
relationships with dealers. Refer to the section titled Our Business in the MD&A that follows.

A number of trends are affecting the automotive industry and the role of dealers within it. These include challenges to the dealer’s role as 

intermediary between manufacturers and purchasers, the rise of vehicle sharing and ride hailing, the development of autonomous and 
alternative-energy vehicles, the impact of demographic shifts on attitudes and behaviors toward vehicle ownership and use, changing 
expectations around the vehicle buying experience, adjustments in the geographic distribution of new and used vehicle sales, and 
advancements in communications technology. Any one or more of these trends could adversely affect the key role of dealers and their 
business models, profitability, and viability, and if this were to occur, our dealer-centric automotive finance and insurance businesses could 
suffer as well.

While the number of dealers with whom we have retail relationships increased during 2016, the number of dealers with whom we have 

wholesale relationships decreased approximately 3% as compared to December 31, 2015. Further, our share of commercial wholesale 
financing remains at risk of decreasing in the future. If we are not able to maintain existing relationships with significant automotive dealers 
or if we are not able to develop new relationships for any reason—including if we are not able to provide services on a timely basis, offer 
products that meet the needs of the dealers, or compete successfully with the products and services of our competitors—our wholesale 
funding volumes, and the number of dealers with whom we have retail funding relationships, could decline in the future. If this occurs, our 
business, results of operations, financial condition, or prospects could be adversely affected.

GM and Chrysler dealers and their retail customers continue to constitute a significant portion of our customer base, which creates 

concentration risk for us.

While we are continuing to diversify our automotive finance and insurance businesses and to expand into other financial services, GM 

and Chrysler dealers and their retail customers continue to constitute a significant portion of our customer base. In 2016, 54% of our new 
vehicle dealer inventory financing and 36% of our vehicle consumer automotive financing volume were transacted for GM-franchised dealers 
and customers, and 32% of our new vehicle dealer inventory financing and 28% of our vehicle consumer automotive financing volume were 
transacted for Chrysler dealers and customers. GM, Chrysler, and their captive finance companies compete forcefully with us and could take 
further actions that negatively impact the amount of business that we do with GM and Chrysler dealers and their retail customers. Further, a 

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significant adverse change in GM’s or Chrysler’s business—including, for example, in the production or sale of GM or Chrysler vehicles, the 
quality or resale value of GM or Chrysler vehicles, GM’s or Chrysler’s relationships with its key suppliers, or the rate or volume of recalls of 
GM or Chrysler vehicles—could negatively impact our GM and Chrysler dealer and retail customer bases. Any future reductions in GM and 
Chrysler business that we are not able to offset could adversely affect our business and financial results.

Our allowance for loan losses may not be adequate to cover actual losses, and we may be required to significantly increase our 

allowance, which may adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations.

We maintain an allowance for loan losses, which is a reserve established through a provision for loan losses charged to expenses and 
which represents management’s best estimate of probable credit losses that have been incurred within the existing portfolio of loans. Refer to 
Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The allowance is established to reserve for estimated loan losses and risks inherent in the 
loan portfolio. Any increase in the allowance results in an associated decrease in net income and capital and, if significant, may adversely 
affect our financial condition or results of operations.

The determination of the appropriate level of the allowance for loan losses inherently involves a high degree of subjectivity and requires 

us to make significant estimates of current credit risks using existing qualitative and quantitative information, all of which may change 
substantially over time. Changes in economic conditions affecting borrowers, revisions to accounting rules and related guidance, new 
qualitative or quantitative information about existing loans, identification of additional problem loans, changes in the size or composition of 
our loan portfolio, and other factors, both within and outside of our control, may require an increase in the allowance for loan losses. In 
addition, our shift to a full credit spectrum retail automotive finance portfolio mix has increased our allowance for loan losses and will likely 
increase our allowance for loan losses in the future.

The Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) has issued Accounting Standards Update 2016-13, Financial Instruments — Credit 
Losses, which introduces a new accounting model to measure credit losses for financial assets measured at amortized cost. The amendments, 
effective on January 1, 2020, represent a significant departure from existing accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of 
America (GAAP), which upon adoption are likely to substantially increase our allowance for loan losses with a resulting negative adjustment 
to equity. This increase to the allowance for loan losses could also adversely impact capital if the FRB and other banking agencies do not 
amend existing regulatory capital rules to relieve us from the capital impact associated with the adoption of this guidance.

Regulatory agencies periodically review our allowance for loan losses, as well as our methodology for calculating our allowance for loan 
losses, and from time to time may insist on an increase in the allowance for loan losses or the recognition of additional loan charge-offs based 
on judgments different than those of management. If these differences in judgment are considerable, our allowance could meaningfully 
increase and result in a sizable decrease in our net income and capital.

Our business and financial results are dependent upon overall U.S. automotive industry sales volume.

Our automotive finance and insurance businesses can be impacted by sales volume for new and used vehicles. Vehicle sales are impacted 
by several economic and market conditions, including employment levels, household income, credit availability, and fuel costs. For example, 
new vehicle sales decreased dramatically during the economic crisis that began in 2008 and did not rebound significantly until 2012 and 2013. 
Any future declines in new or used vehicle sales could have an adverse effect on our business and financial results.

The levels of or changes in interest rates could affect our results of operations and financial condition.

We are highly dependent on net interest income, which is the difference between interest income on earning assets (such as loans and 
investments) and interest expense on deposits and borrowings. Net interest income is significantly affected by market rates of interest, which 
in turn are influenced by monetary and fiscal policies, general economic conditions, the regulatory environment, competitive pressures, and 
expectations about future changes in interest rates. We may be adversely affected by policies, laws, or events that have the effect of flattening 
or inverting the yield curve (that is, the difference between long-term and short-term interest rates), depressing the interest rates associated 
with our earning assets to levels near the rates associated with our interest expense, or changing the spreads among different interest rate 
indices.

The levels of or changes in interest rates could adversely affect us beyond our net interest income, including the following:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

increase the cost or decrease the availability of deposits or other variable-rate funding instruments;

reduce the return on or demand for loans or increase the prepayment speed of loans;

increase customer or counterparty delinquencies or defaults;

negatively impact our ability to remarket off-lease and repossessed vehicles; and

reduce the value of our loans, retained interests in securitizations, and fixed-income securities in our investment portfolio and the 
efficacy of our hedging strategies.

The level of and changes in market rates of interest—and, as a result, these risks and uncertainties—are beyond our control. The 
dynamics among these risks and uncertainties are also challenging to assess and manage. For example, while the highly accommodative 

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

monetary policy currently adopted by the FRB may benefit us to some degree by spurring economic activity among our customers, such a 
policy may ultimately cause us more harm by inhibiting our ability to grow or sustain net interest income. Refer to the section titled Market 
Risk in the MD&A that follows and Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

A failure of or interruption in, as well as cyber and other security risks associated with, the communications and other information 

systems on which we rely to conduct our business and operations could adversely affect us.

We rely heavily upon communications and other information systems to conduct our business and operations, which creates meaningful 

operational risk for us. Any failure of or interruption in our information systems or the third-party information systems on which we rely—
including as a result of inadequate or failed technology or processes, human errors, fraud or other misconduct by employees or service 
providers, deficiencies in the integration of acquisitions or commencement of new businesses, catastrophic events, external or internal 
security breaches, acts of vandalism, computer viruses, malware, misplaced or lost data, or breakdowns in business continuity plans—could 
cause failures or delays in receiving applications for loans, underwriting or processing loans, servicing loans, accessing online bank accounts, 
processing transactions, executing brokerage orders, managing our investment portfolio, or conducting our internal operations. As a digital 
financial services company, we are susceptible to business, reputational, financial, regulatory, or other harm as a result of these risks.

In the ordinary course of our business, we collect, store, and transmit sensitive, confidential, or proprietary data or other information, 
including business information, intellectual property, and the personally identifiable information of customers and employees. The secure 
processing, storage, maintenance, and transmission of this information is critical to our operations and reputation, and if any of this 
information were mishandled, misused, improperly accessed, lost, or stolen or if our operations were disabled or otherwise disrupted, we 
could suffer significant business, reputational, financial, regulatory, or other damage. For example, despite security measures, our 
communications and other information systems could be susceptible to computer viruses or malware, pretext calls, electronic phishing, 
hacking, identity theft, or other intrusions. Information security risks for large financial institutions like us are rapidly evolving and increasing 
in scope and complexity, in part, because of the introduction of new technologies, the expanded use of the internet and telecommunications 
technologies (including mobile devices) to conduct financial and other business transactions, and the increased sophistication and activities of 
organized crime, perpetrators of fraud, hackers, terrorists, and others. We may not be able to anticipate or implement effective preventive 
measures against all security breaches, especially because the techniques used change frequently and because attacks can originate with no 
warning from a wide variety of sources around the globe. The occurrence of any of these events could have an adverse effect on our business 
and financial results. Service providers and counterparties also present a source of risk to us if their own security measures or other systems or 
infrastructure were to be breached or otherwise fail. Likewise, a cyber-attack or other security breach affecting the business community, the 
markets, or parts of them may cycle or cascade through the financial system and adversely affect us. Many if not all of these risks and 
uncertainties are beyond our control. Refer to section titled Risk Management in the MD&A that follows.

Even when a failure of or interruption in our communications or other information systems is timely resolved or an attempted cyber 

incident or other security breach is successfully avoided or thwarted, we may need to expend substantial resources in doing so, may be 
required to take actions that could adversely affect customer satisfaction or behavior, and may be exposed to reputational damage. In the case 
of a failure, interruption, or breach, moreover, we could be exposed to contractual claims, regulatory actions, or litigation by private plaintiffs.

We are heavily reliant on technology, and a failure in effectively implementing technology initiatives or anticipating future technology 

needs or demands could adversely affect our business or financial results.

We significantly depend on technology to deliver our products and other services and to otherwise conduct business. To remain 

technologically competitive and operationally efficient, we invest in system upgrades, new solutions, and other technology initiatives. Many 
of these initiatives take a significant amount of time to develop and implement, are tied to critical systems, and require substantial resources. 
Although we take steps to mitigate the risks and uncertainties associated with these initiatives, no assurance can be provided that they will be 
implemented on time, within budget, or without negative operational or customer impact. We also may not succeed in anticipating future 
technology needs, the technology demands of customers, or the competitive landscape for technology. If we were to misstep in any of these 
areas, our business or financial results could be negatively impacted.

Our risk-management and compliance programs or functions may not be effective in mitigating risk and loss. 

We maintain an enterprise risk management program that is designed to identify, quantify, monitor, report, and control the risks that we 

face. These include credit, insurance/underwriting, vehicle-residual, market, liquidity, business/strategic, reputation, and operational risks. We 
also maintain a compliance program to identify, measure, assess, and report on our adherence to applicable law, policies, and procedures. 
There can be no assurance that our frameworks or models for risk management, compliance, and related controls will effectively mitigate risk 
and limit losses in our business. If conditions or circumstances arise that expose flaws or gaps in our risk management or compliance 
programs or if our controls break down, the performance and value of our business could be adversely affected. We could be negatively 
impacted as well if, despite adequate programs being in place, our risk management or compliance personnel are ineffective in executing 
them and mitigating risk and loss. Refer to the section titled Risk Management in the MD&A that follows.

We are or may be subject to potential liability in connection with pending or threatened legal proceedings and other matters, which 

could adversely affect our business or financial results.

We are involved from time to time in a variety of judicial, alternative-dispute, and other proceedings arising out of our business and 

operations. These legal matters may be formal or informal and include litigation and arbitration with one or more identified claimants, 

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

certified or purported class actions with yet-to-be-identified claimants, and regulatory or other governmental information-gathering requests, 
examinations, investigations, and enforcement proceedings. Our legal matters exist in varying stages of adjudication, arbitration, negotiation, 
or investigation and span our lines of business and operations. Claims may be based in law or equity—such as those arising under contracts or 
in tort and those involving banking, consumer protection, securities, tax, employment, and other laws—and some can present novel legal 
theories and allege substantial or indeterminate damages.

The course and outcome of legal matters are inherently unpredictable. This is especially so when a matter is still in its early stages, the 
damages sought are indeterminate or unsupported, significant facts are unclear or disputed, novel questions of law or other meaningful legal 
uncertainties exist, a request to certify a proceeding as a class action is outstanding or granted, multiple parties are named, or regulatory or 
other governmental entities are involved. As a result, we cannot state with confidence how or when threatened or pending legal matters will 
be resolved and what losses may be incurred. Actual losses may be higher or lower than any amounts accrued for those matters, possibly to a 
significant degree. Refer to Note 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. In addition, while we maintain insurance policies to mitigate 
the cost of litigation and other proceedings, these policies have deductibles, limits, and exclusions that may diminish their value or efficacy. 
Substantial legal claims, even if not meritorious, could have a detrimental impact on our business, results of operations, and financial 
condition and could cause us reputational harm.

Our inability to attract, retain, or motivate qualified employees could adversely affect our business or performance.

Skilled employees are our most important resource, and competition for talented people is intense. Even though compensation is among 

our highest expenses, we may not be able to locate and hire the best people, keep them with us, or properly motivate them to perform at a high 
level. Recent scrutiny of compensation practices, especially in the financial services industry, has made this only more difficult. In addition, 
many parts of our business are particularly dependent on key personnel. If we were to lose and find ourselves unable to replace these 
personnel or other skilled employees or if the competition for talent were to drive our compensation costs to unsustainable levels, our business 
and financial results could be negatively impacted.

Our ability to successfully make opportunistic acquisitions is subject to significant risks, including the risk that government authorities 
will not provide the requisite approvals, the risk that integrating acquisitions may be more difficult, costly, or time consuming than expected, 
and the risk that the value of acquisitions may be less than anticipated.

While currently not a strategic priority, we may from time to time seek to make opportunistic acquisitions of other financial services 
companies or businesses. These acquisitions may be subject to regulatory approval, and no assurance can be provided that we will be able to 
obtain that approval in a timely manner or at all. Even when we are able to obtain regulatory approval, the failure of other closing conditions 
to be satisfied or waived could delay the completion of an acquisition for a significant period of time or prevent it from occurring altogether. 
Any failure or delay in closing an acquisition could adversely affect our reputation, business, and performance.

In addition, acquisitions involve numerous risks and uncertainties, including lower-than-expected performance or higher-than-expected 

costs, difficulties related to integration, diversion of management’s attention from other business activities, changes in relationships with 
customers or counterparties, and the potential loss of key employees. An acquisition also could be dilutive to our existing shareholders if we 
were to issue common stock to fully or partially pay or fund the purchase price. We, moreover, may not be successful in identifying 
acquisition candidates, integrating acquired companies or businesses, or realizing expected value from acquisitions. There is significant 
competition for valuable acquisition targets, and we may not be able to acquire other companies or businesses on attractive terms. No 
assurance can be given that we will pursue future acquisitions, and our ability to grow and successfully compete may be impaired if we 
choose not to pursue or are unable to successfully make acquisitions.

Vehicle loans and leases make up a significant part of our earning assets, and our business and financial results could suffer if used 

vehicle prices are low or volatile or decrease in the future.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, more than 85% of our earning assets were composed of vehicle loans or leases or related 
residual securitization interests. If we experience higher losses on the sale of repossessed vehicles or lower or more volatile residual values for 
off-lease vehicles, our business or financial results could be adversely affected.

General economic conditions, the supply of off-lease and other vehicles to be sold, vehicle market prices, perceived vehicle quality, 
overall price, the vehicle disposition channel, volatility in gasoline or diesel fuel prices, levels of household income, and other factors outside 
of our control heavily influence used vehicle prices. Consumer confidence levels and the strength of automotive manufacturers and dealers 
can also influence the used vehicle market. For example, when the recent economic crisis began in 2008, sharp declines in used vehicle 
demand and sale prices adversely affected our remarketing proceeds and financial results.

Our expectation of the residual value of a vehicle subject to an automotive lease contract is a critical element used to determine the 
amount of the lease payments under the contract at the time the customer enters into it. As a result, to the extent that the actual residual value 
of the vehicle—as reflected in the sales proceeds received upon remarketing at lease termination—is less than the expected residual value for 
the vehicle at lease inception, we will incur additional depreciation expense and lower profit on the lease transaction than our priced 
expectation. Our expectation of levels of used vehicle values is also combined with our estimate of loss frequency to arrive at our projected 
net average annualized loss rate (NAALR), which is a factor in determining our pricing of new loan and lease originations. To the extent that 
used vehicle prices are significantly lower than our expectations, our profit on vehicle loans and leases could be substantially less than our 
expectations, even more so if our estimate of loss frequency is underestimated as well. In addition, we could be adversely affected if we fail to 

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

efficiently process and effectively market off-lease vehicles and repossessed vehicles and, as a consequence, incur higher-than-expected 
disposal costs or lower-than-expected proceeds from the vehicle sales.

Our business requires substantial capital and liquidity, and a disruption in our funding sources or access to the capital markets may 

have an adverse effect on our liquidity, capital positions, and financial condition.

Liquidity is the ability to fund increases in assets and meet obligations as they come due, all without incurring unacceptable losses. 

Banks are especially vulnerable to liquidity risk because of their role in the maturity transformation of demand or short-term deposits into 
longer-term loans or other extensions of credit. We, like other financial services companies, rely to a significant extent on external sources of 
funding (such as deposits and borrowings) for the liquidity needed to conduct our business and operations. A number of factors beyond our 
control, however, could have a detrimental impact on the availability or cost of that funding and thus on our liquidity. These include market 
disruptions, changes in our credit ratings or the sentiment of our investors, the state of the regulatory environment and monetary and fiscal 
policies, reputational damage, financial or systemic shocks, and significant counterparty failures. Unexpected declines or limits on dividends 
or other distributions from our subsidiaries also could adversely affect Ally’s liquidity position.

We have significant maturities of unsecured debt each year. While we have reduced our reliance on unsecured funding in recent years, it 
remains an important component of our capital structure and financing plans. At December 31, 2016, approximately $4.4 billion in principal 
amount of total outstanding consolidated unsecured debt is scheduled to mature in 2017, and approximately $3.7 billion and $1.7 billion in 
principal amount of consolidated unsecured debt is scheduled to mature in 2018 and 2019, respectively. We also obtain short-term funding 
from the sale of floating-rate demand notes, all of which the holders may elect to have redeemed at any time without restriction. At 
December 31, 2016, a total of $3.6 billion in principal amount of demand notes were outstanding. We also rely substantially on secured 
funding. At December 31, 2016, approximately $10.3 billion of outstanding consolidated secured long-term debt is scheduled to mature in 
2017, approximately $8.2 billion is scheduled to mature in 2018, and approximately $7.3 billion is scheduled to mature in 2019. Furthermore, 
at December 31, 2016, approximately $16.2 billion in certificates of deposit at Ally Bank are scheduled to mature in 2017, which is not 
included in the 2017 unsecured maturities provided above. Additional financing will be required to fund a substantial portion of the debt 
maturities over these periods.

We continue to rely as well on our ability to borrow from other financial institutions, and many of our primary bank facilities are up for 
renewal on a yearly basis. Any weakness in market conditions, tightening of credit availability, or other events referenced earlier in this risk 
factor could have a negative effect on our ability to refinance these facilities and could increase the costs of bank funding. Ally and Ally Bank 
also continue to access the securitization markets. While those markets have continued to stabilize following the liquidity crisis that 
commenced in 2008, there can be no assurances that these sources of liquidity will remain available to us.

Our policies and controls are designed to ensure that we maintain adequate liquidity to conduct our business in the ordinary course even 
in a stressed environment. There is no guarantee, however, that our liquidity position will never become compromised. In such an event, we 
may be required to sell assets at a loss or reduce loan and lease originations in order to continue operations. This could damage the 
performance and value of our business, prompt regulatory intervention, and harm our reputation, and if the condition were to persist for any 
appreciable period of time, our viability as a going concern could be threatened. Refer to section titled Liquidity Management, Funding, and 
Regulatory Capital in the MD&A that follows and Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Our indebtedness and other obligations are significant and could adversely affect our business and financial results.

We have a significant amount of indebtedness. At December 31, 2016, we had approximately $67.9 billion in principal amount of 
indebtedness outstanding (including $43.2 billion in secured indebtedness). Interest expense on our indebtedness constituted approximately 
22% of our total financing revenue and other interest income for the year ended December 31, 2016. We also have the ability to create 
additional unsecured indebtedness.

If our debt service obligations increase, whether due to the increased cost of existing indebtedness or the incurrence of additional 
indebtedness, we may be required to dedicate a significant portion of our cash flow from operations to the payment of principal of, and 
interest on, our indebtedness, which would reduce the funds available for other purposes. Our indebtedness also could limit our ability to 
withstand competitive pressures and reduce our flexibility in responding to changing business and economic conditions. In addition, if we are 
unable to satisfy our indebtedness and other obligations in full and on time, our business, reputation, and value as a going concern could be 
profoundly and perhaps inexorably damaged.

The markets for automotive financing, insurance, mortgage, banking, and brokerage are extremely competitive, and competitive 

pressures could adversely affect our business and financial results.

The markets for automotive financing, insurance, mortgage, banking, and brokerage are highly competitive, and we expect competitive 

pressures only to intensify in the future, especially in light of legislative and regulatory initiatives arising out of the recent global economic 
crisis, technological innovations that alter the barriers to entry, current and evolving economic and market conditions, and government 
monetary and fiscal policies. Refer to the section above titled Industry and Competition in Part I, Item 1 of this report. Competitive pressures 
may drive us to take actions that we might otherwise eschew, such as lowering the interest rates or fees on loans, raising the interest rates on 
deposits, or adopting more liberal underwriting standards. These pressures also may accelerate actions that we might otherwise elect to defer, 
such as substantial investments in technology or infrastructure. Whatever the reason, actions that we take in response to competition may 
adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition. These consequences could be exacerbated if we are not successful in 

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

introducing new products and other services, achieving market acceptance of our products and other services, developing and maintaining a 
strong customer base, or prudently managing expenses.

Our borrowing costs and access to the banking and capital markets could be negatively impacted if our credit ratings are downgraded 

or otherwise fail to meet investor expectations or demands.

The cost and availability of our funding are meaningfully affected by our short- and long-term credit ratings. Each of Standard & Poor’s 

Rating Services, Moody’s Investors Service, Inc., Fitch, Inc., and Dominion Bond Rating Service rates some or all of our debt, and these 
ratings reflect the rating agency’s opinion of our financial strength, operating performance, strategic position, and ability to meet our 
obligations. Agency ratings are not a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security and may be revised or withdrawn at any time. Each 
agency’s rating should be evaluated independently of any other agency’s rating.

Some of our current credit ratings are below investment grade, which negatively impacts our access to liquidity and increases our 

borrowing costs in the banking and capital markets. If our credit ratings were to be downgraded further or were to otherwise fail to meet 
investor expectations or demands, our borrowing costs and access to the banking and capital markets could become even more challenging 
and, as a result, negatively affect our business and financial results. In addition, downgrades of our credit ratings or their failure to meet 
investor expectations or demands could result in additional terms and conditions being added to any new or replacement financing 
arrangements as well as trigger disadvantageous provisions of existing borrowing arrangements.

Challenging business, economic, or market conditions may adversely affect our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Our businesses are driven by wealth creation in the economy, robust market activity, monetary and fiscal stability, and positive investor, 

business, and consumer sentiment. A downturn in economic conditions, disruptions in the equity or debt markets, high unemployment or 
underemployment, depressed vehicle or housing prices, unsustainable debt levels, declines in household incomes, deteriorating consumer or 
business sentiment, consumer or commercial bankruptcy filings, or declines in the strength of national or local economies could decrease 
demand for our products and services, increase the amount and rate of delinquencies and losses, and negatively impact the returns on and the 
value of our investment portfolio and other assets. Further, if a significant and sustained increase in fuel prices or other adverse conditions 
were to lead to diminished new and used vehicle purchases, our automotive finance and insurance businesses could suffer considerably. In 
addition, concerns about the pace of economic growth and uncertainty about fiscal and monetary policies can result in significant volatility in 
the financial markets and could impact our ability to obtain cost-effective funding. If any of these events were to occur or worsen, our 
business, results of operation, and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Acts or threats of terrorism, natural disasters, and other conditions or events beyond our control could adversely affect us.

Geopolitical conditions, natural disasters, and other conditions or events beyond our control may adversely affect our business, results of 

operations, financial condition, or prospects. For example, acts or threats of terrorism and political or military actions taken in response to 
terrorism could adversely affect general economic, business, or market conditions and, in turn, us. We also could be negatively impacted if 
our key personnel, a significant number of our employees, or our systems or infrastructure were to become unavailable or damaged due to a 
pandemic, natural disaster, war, act of terrorism, accident, or similar cause. These same risks and uncertainties arise too for the service 
providers and counterparties on whom we depend as well as their own third-party service providers and counterparties.

Significant repurchases or indemnification payments in our securitizations or whole-loan sales could harm our profitability and financial 

condition.

We have repurchase and indemnification obligations in our securitizations and whole-loan sales. If we were to breach a representation, 

warranty, or covenant in connection with a securitization or whole-loan sale, we may be required to repurchase the affected loans or leases or 
otherwise compensate investors or purchasers for losses caused by the breach. If the scale or frequency of repurchases or indemnification 
payments were to increase substantially from its present levels, our results of operations and financial condition could be adversely affected.

Our business and operations make extensive use of models, and we could be adversely affected if our design, implementation, or use of 

models is flawed.

We use quantitative models to price products and services, measure risk, estimate asset and liability values, assess capital and liquidity, 

manage our balance sheet, create financial forecasts, and otherwise conduct our business and operations. If the design, implementation, or use 
of any of these models is flawed, we could make strategic or tactical decisions based on incorrect, misleading, or incomplete information. In 
addition, to the extent that any inaccurate model outputs are used in reports to banking agencies or the public, we could be subjected to 
supervisory actions, litigation, and other proceedings that may adversely affect our business and financial results. Refer to section titled Risk 
Management in the MD&A that follows.

Our hedging strategies may not be successful in mitigating our interest rate, foreign exchange, and market risks, which could adversely 

affect our financial results.

We employ various hedging strategies to mitigate the interest rate, foreign exchange, and market risks inherent in many of our assets and 

liabilities. Our hedging strategies rely considerably on assumptions and projections regarding our assets and liabilities as well as general 
market factors. If any of these assumptions or projections prove to be incorrect or our hedges do not adequately mitigate the impact of 
changes in interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and other market factors, we may experience volatility in our earnings that could adversely 

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

affect our profitability and financial condition. In addition, we may not be able to find market participants that are willing to act as our 
hedging counterparties on acceptable terms or at all, which could have an adverse effect on the success of our hedging strategies.

We use estimates and assumptions in determining the fair value of many of our assets. If our estimates or assumptions prove to be 

incorrect, our cash flow, profitability, financial condition, and business prospects could be materially and adversely affected.

We use estimates and various assumptions in determining the fair value of many of our assets, including retained interests from 

securitizations, loans held-for-sale, and other investments that do not have an established market value or are not publicly traded. We also use 
estimates and assumptions in determining the residual values of leased vehicles. In addition, we use estimates and assumptions in determining 
our reserves for legal matters, insurance losses, and loss adjustment expenses (which represent the accumulation of estimates for both 
reported losses and those incurred, but not reported, including claims adjustment expenses relating to direct insurance and assumed 
reinsurance agreements). Refer to section titled Critical Accounting Estimates in the MD&A that follows. Our assumptions and estimates may 
be inaccurate for many reasons. For example, they often involve matters that are inherently difficult to predict and that are beyond our control 
(such as macroeconomic conditions and their impact on our dealers) and often involve complex interactions between a number of dependent 
and independent variables, factors, and other assumptions. Assumptions and estimates are also far more difficult during periods of market 
dislocation or illiquidity. As a result, our actual experience may differ substantially from these estimates and assumptions. A meaningful 
difference between our estimates and assumptions and our actual experience may adversely affect our cash flow, profitability, financial 
condition, and business prospects and may increase the volatility of our financial results. In addition, several different judgments associated 
with assumptions or estimates could be reasonable under the circumstances and yet result in significantly different results being reported.

Significant fluctuations in the valuation of investment securities or market prices could negatively affect our financial results.

Market prices for securities and other financial assets are subject to considerable fluctuation. Fluctuations may result, for example, from 

perceived changes in the value of the asset, the relative price of alternative investments, geopolitical events, actual or expected changes in 
monetary or fiscal policies, and general market conditions. Due to these kinds of fluctuations, the amount that we realize in the subsequent 
sale of an investment may significantly differ from the last reported value and could negatively affect our financial results. Additionally, 
negative fluctuations in the value of available-for-sale investment securities could result in unrealized losses recorded in equity.

Changes in accounting standards could adversely affect our reported revenues, expenses, profitability, and financial condition.

Our financial statements are subject to the application of GAAP, which are periodically revised or expanded. The application of GAAP is 

also subject to varying interpretations over time. Accordingly, we are required to adopt new or revised accounting standards or comply with 
revised interpretations that are issued from time to time by various parties, including accounting standard setters and those who interpret the 
standards, such as the FASB, the SEC, banking agencies, and our independent registered public accounting firm. Those changes are beyond 
our control but could adversely affect our revenues, expenses, profitability, or financial condition. Refer to Note 1 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements for several financial accounting standards issued by the FASB during 2016 with effective dates between January 1, 
2018, and January 1, 2020.

The financial system is highly interrelated, and the failure of even a single financial institution could adversely affect us.

The financial system is highly interrelated, including as a result of lending, trading, clearing, counterparty, or other relationships. We 

have exposure to and routinely execute transactions with a wide variety of financial institutions, including brokers, dealers, commercial 
banks, and investment banks. If any of these institutions were to fail in meeting its obligations in full and on time or were to enter bankruptcy, 
conservatorship, or receivership, the consequences could ripple throughout the financial system and may adversely affect our business, results 
of operations, financial condition, or prospects.

Adverse economic conditions or changes in laws in the states where we have loan or lease concentrations may negatively affect our 

business and financial results.

We are exposed to portfolio concentrations in some states, including California, Texas, and Florida. Factors adversely affecting the 
economies and applicable laws in these states could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations, and financial condition.

Negative publicity outside of our control, or our failure to successfully manage issues arising from our conduct or in connection with the 

financial services industry generally, could damage our reputation and adversely affect our business or financial results.

The performance and value of our business could be negatively impacted by any reputational harm that we may suffer. This harm could 
arise from negative publicity outside of our control or our failure to adequately address issues arising from our conduct or in connection with 
the financial services industry generally. Risks to our reputation could arise in any number of contexts—for example, continuing government 
responses to the recent global economic crisis, cyber incidents and other security breaches, mergers and acquisitions, lending or banking 
practices, actual or potential conflicts of interest, failures to prevent money laundering, and corporate governance.

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock

Our ability to pay dividends on our common stock or repurchase shares in the future may be limited.

Any future dividends on our common stock or share repurchases will be determined by our Board of Directors in its sole discretion and 

will depend on our business, financial condition, earnings, capital, liquidity, and other factors at the time. In addition, any plans to continue 
dividends or share repurchases in the future will be subject to the FRB’s review of and non-objection to our capital plan, which is 
unpredictable. Refer to the section above titled Regulation and Supervision in Part I, Item 1 of this report. There is no assurance that our 
Board of Directors will approve, or the FRB will permit, future dividends or share repurchases.

It is possible that any indentures or other financing arrangements that we execute in the future could limit our ability to pay dividends on 

our capital stock, including our common stock. In the event that any of our indentures or other financing arrangements in the future restrict 
that ability, we may be unable to pay dividends unless and until we can refinance the amounts outstanding under those arrangements. In 
addition, under Delaware law, our Board of Directors may declare dividends on our capital stock only to the extent of our statutory surplus 
(which is defined as the amount equal to total assets minus total liabilities, in each case at fair market value, minus statutory capital) or, if no 
surplus exists, out of our net profits for the then-current or immediately preceding fiscal year. Further, even if we are permitted under our 
contractual obligations and Delaware law to pay dividends on our common stock, we may not have sufficient cash or regulatory approvals to 
do so.

The market price of our common stock could be adversely impacted by anti-takeover provisions in our organizational documents and 
Delaware law that could delay or prevent a takeover attempt or change in control of Ally or and by other banking, antitrust, or corporate 
laws that have or are perceived as having an anti-takeover effect.

Our certificate of incorporation, our bylaws, and Delaware law contain provisions that could have the effect of discouraging, hindering, 
or preventing an acquisition that our Board of Directors does not find to be in the best interests of us and our stockholders. For example, our 
organizational documents include provisions:

• 

• 

limiting the liability of our directors and providing indemnification to our directors and officers; and

limiting the ability of our stockholders to call and bring business before special meetings of stockholders by requiring any 
requesting stockholders to hold at least 25% of our common shares in the aggregate.

These provisions, alone or together, could delay hostile takeovers and changes in control of Ally or changes in management.

In addition, we are subject to Section 203 of the General Corporation Law of the State of Delaware, which generally prohibits a 
corporation from engaging in various business combination transactions with any interested stockholder (generally defined as a stockholder 
who owns 15% or more of a corporation’s voting stock) for a period of three years following the time that the stockholder became an 
interested stockholder, except under specified circumstances such as the receipt of prior board approval.

Banking and antitrust laws, including associated regulatory-approval requirements, also impose significant restrictions on the acquisition 

of direct or indirect control over any bank holding company like us.

Any provision of our organizational documents or applicable law that deters, hinders, or prevents a non-negotiated takeover or change in 

control of Ally could limit the opportunity for our stockholders to receive a premium for their shares of our common stock and could also 
affect the price that some investors are willing to pay for our common stock.

Item 1B.  Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2.  Properties

Our principal corporate offices are located in Detroit, Michigan, and Charlotte, North Carolina. In Detroit, we lease approximately 
321,000 square feet of office space under a lease that expires in December 2028. In Charlotte, we lease approximately 197,000 square feet of 
office space under a lease expiring in June 2021.

The primary offices for both our Automotive Finance and Insurance operations are located in Detroit, and are included in the totals 
referenced above. The primary office for our Mortgage Finance operations is located in Charlotte, where, in addition to the totals referenced 
above, we lease approximately 71,000 square feet of office space under a lease that expires in February 2021. The primary office for our 
Corporate Finance operations is located in New York, New York, where we lease approximately 55,000 square feet of office space under a 
lease that expires in June 2023.

In addition to the properties described above, we lease additional space to conduct our operations. We believe our facilities are adequate 

for us to conduct our present business activities.

Item 3.  Legal Proceedings

Refer to Note 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion related to our legal proceedings.

21

Table of Contents

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Item 4.  Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

22

Table of Contents

Part II

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Item 5.  Market for Registrant's Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer 
Purchases of Equity Securities
Market Information

Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol “ALLY.” At December 31, 2016, we had 
467,000,306 shares of common stock outstanding, compared to 481,980,111 shares at December 31, 2015. The following table sets forth, for 
the periods indicated, the reported high and low sale prices for our common stock on the NYSE, and the cash dividends declared on our 
common stock.

($ per share)

Year ended December 31, 2016

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

Year ended December 31, 2015

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

Holders

High

Low

Cash dividends
declared

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

18.99

18.76

20.14

20.60

24.00

23.83

23.24

21.21

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

14.55

14.84

15.37

16.68

18.63

19.90

19.77

18.19

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

—

—

0.08

0.08

—

—

—

—

As of February 22, 2017, we had approximately 41 holders of record of our common stock.

Dividends

Our payment of any dividends on our common stock in the future will be determined by our Board of Directors in its sole discretion and 

will depend on business conditions, our financial condition, earnings and liquidity, and other factors. Any plans to continue payment of 
dividends on our common stock in the future would be subject to the FRB’s review and absence of objection. Refer to the section above titled 
Regulation and Supervision — Bank Holding Company and Financial Holding Company Status in Item 1 for additional information.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

The following table provides information about the securities authorized for issuance under our equity compensation plans as of 

December 31, 2016.

(1)
Number of securities to be 
issued upon exercise of 
outstanding options, warrants 
and rights (a)
(in thousands)

(2)
Weighted-average exercise 
price of outstanding options, 
warrants and rights

(3)
Number of securities remaining 
available for further issuance 
under equity compensation 
plans (excluding securities 
reflected in column (1)) (b)
(in thousands)

7,517

7,517

—

—

25,405

25,405

Plan Category

Equity compensation plans

approved by security holders

Total

(a) 

(b) 

Includes deferred stock units and restricted stock units outstanding under the 2014 Incentive Compensation Plan and deferred stock units outstanding 
under the 2014 Non-Employee Directors Equity Compensation Plan.
Includes 21,861,785 securities available for issuance under the plans identified in (a) above and 3,542,719 securities available for issuance under Ally's 
Employee Stock Purchase Plan, of which 7,516,616 securities are subject to purchase during the current purchase period (determined as of December 31, 
2016).

23

Table of Contents

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Stock Performance Graph

The following graph compares the cumulative total return to shareholders on our common stock relative to the cumulative total returns of 

the S&P 500 index and the S&P Financials index. An investment of $100 (with reinvestment of all dividends) is assumed to have been made 
in our common stock and in each index on April 10, 2014 (the date our common stock first commenced trading on the NYSE), and its relative 
performance is tracked through December 31, 2016. The returns shown are based on historical results and are not intended to suggest future 
performance.

This performance graph shall not be deemed “filed” for purposes of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the 
Exchange Act), or incorporated by reference into any filing of Ally under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, or the Exchange Act, except 
as shall be expressly set forth by specific reference in such filing.

Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

Ally did not have any sales of unregistered securities in the last three fiscal years.

Purchases of Equity Securities by the Issuer

The following table presents repurchases of our common stock, by month, for the three months ended December 31, 2016.

Three months ended December 31, 2016

October 2016

November 2016

December 2016

Total

Total number
of shares
repurchased (a)
(in thousands)

Weighted-average 
price paid per 
share (a) (b)
(in dollars)

Total number of 
shares 
repurchased as 
part of publicly 
announced 
program (a) (c)
(in thousands)

Maximum 
approximate dollar 
value of shares that 
may yet be 
repurchased under 
the program (a) (b) (c)
($ in millions)

3,878

$

2,687

2,180

8,745

19.31

18.29

19.76

19.11

3,878

$

2,687

2,180

8,745

466

417

374

Includes shares of common stock withheld to cover income taxes owed by participants in our share-based incentive plans.

(a) 
(b)  Excludes brokerage commissions.
(c)  On July 19, 2016, we announced a common stock repurchase program of up to $700 million. The program commenced in the third quarter of 2016 and 

will expire on June 30, 2017.

24

Table of Contents

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Item 6.  Selected Financial Data

The selected historical financial information set forth below should be read in conjunction with Management’s Discussion and Analysis 
(MD&A) of Financial Condition and Results of Operations, and our Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto. The historical 
financial information presented may not be indicative of our future performance.

The following table presents selected Consolidated Statement of Income and market price data.

($ in millions, except per share data; shares in thousands)

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

Total financing revenue and other interest income

$

8,305

$

8,397

$

8,391

$

8,093

$

Total interest expense

Net depreciation expense on operating lease assets

Net financing revenue and other interest income

Total other revenue

Total net revenue

Provision for loan losses

Total noninterest expense

Income from continuing operations before income tax

expense (benefit)

Income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations

Net income from continuing operations

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax

Net income

Basic earnings per common share (a):

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

Net income (loss)

Weighted-average common shares outstanding

Diluted earnings per common share (a):

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

Net income (loss)

Weighted-average common shares outstanding (b)

Market price per common share:

High closing

Low closing

Period-end closing

Cash dividends per common share

Period-end common shares outstanding

$

$

$

$

$

2,629

1,769

3,907

1,530

5,437

917

2,939

1,581

470

1,111

(44)

1,067

2.25

2.15

481,105

2.24

2.15

2,429

2,249

3,719

1,142

4,861

707

2,761

1,393

496

897

392

2,783

2,233

3,375

1,276

4,651

457

2,948

1,246

321

925

225

$

$

$

1,289

$

1,150

(3.47) $

(2.66)

1.36

1.83

482,873

481,155

(3.47) $

(2.66)

1.36

1.83

$

$

$

3,319

1,995

2,779

1,484

4,263

501

3,405

357

(59)

416

(55)

361

$

(1.51) $

(1.64)

7,342

4,052

1,399

1,891

2,574

4,465

329

3,622

514

(856)

1,370

(174)

1,196

1.38

0.96

420,166

412,601

(1.51) $

(1.64)

1.38

0.96

482,182

482,873

481,934

420,166

412,601

20.40

$

23.88

$

14.90

19.02

18.33

18.64

0.16

$

— $

25.21

20.12

23.62

—

467,000

481,980

480,095

(a) 

Includes shares related to share-based compensation that vested but were not yet issued for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, 
respectively. Preferred stock dividends for the year ended December 31, 2015, include $2,364 million recognized in connection with the partial 
redemption of the Series G Preferred Stock and the repurchase of the Series A Preferred Stock. These dividends represent an additional return to preferred 
shareholders calculated as the excess consideration paid over the carrying amount derecognized.

(b)  Due to antidilutive effect of the net loss from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2015, and 

2013, basic weighted-average common shares outstanding were used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share.

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Table of Contents

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

The following table presents selected Consolidated Balance Sheet and ratio data.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Selected period-end balance sheet data:

Total assets

Total deposit liabilities

Long-term debt

Preferred stock

Total equity

Financial ratios:

Return on average assets (a)

Return on average equity (a)

Equity to assets (a)

Common dividend payout ratio

Net interest spread (a) (b) (c) 

Net yield on interest-earning assets (a) (c) (d)

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

$

$

$

$

$

163,728

$ 158,581

79,022

54,128

$

$

66,478

66,234

— $

696

13,317

$

13,439

$

$

$

$

$

151,631

58,203

66,380

1,255

15,399

$

$

$

$

$

150,908

53,326

69,230

1,255

14,208

$

$

$

$

$

181,978

47,884

74,223

6,940

19,898

0.68%

7.80%

8.69%

7.44%

2.49%

2.63%

0.84%

8.69%

9.65%

—%

2.44%

2.57%

0.77%

7.77%

9.86%

—%

2.26%

2.41%

0.23%

1.92%

12.02%

—%

1.73%

2.03%

0.65%

6.32%

10.32%

—%

1.15%

1.42%

(a)  The ratios were based on average assets and average equity using a combination of monthly and daily average methodologies.
(b)  Net interest spread represents the difference between the rate on total interest-earning assets and the rate on total interest-bearing liabilities, excluding 

discontinued operations for the periods shown.

(c)  Amounts for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012, were adjusted to include previously excluded equity investments and related 
income on equity investments. Refer to the section titled Statistical Tables within Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and 
Results of Operations for additional information.

(d)  Net yield on interest-earning assets represents net financing revenue and other interest income as a percentage of total interest-earning assets.

26

Table of Contents

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

As of January 1, 2015, Ally became subject to the rules implementing the 2010 Basel III capital framework in the United States (U.S. 

Basel III), which reflect new and higher capital requirements, capital buffers, and new regulatory capital definitions, deductions and 
adjustments. Certain aspects of U.S. Basel III, including the new capital buffers and regulatory capital deductions, will be phased in over 
several years. To assess our capital adequacy against the full impact of U.S. Basel III, we also present "fully phased-in" information that 
reflects regulatory capital rules that will take effect as of January 1, 2019. Refer to Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for 
further information. The following table presents selected regulatory capital data.

Under Basel III (a)

Transitional

Fully

Phased-in (c) Transitional

Fully
Phased-in (c)

Under Basel I (b)

December 31,

($ in millions)

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

2014

2013

2012

Common Equity Tier 1 capital ratio

Tier 1 capital ratio

Total capital ratio

Tier 1 leverage ratio (to adjusted
quarterly average assets) (d)

Total equity

Preferred stock

Goodwill and certain other intangibles

Deferred tax assets arising from net
operating loss and tax credit
carryforwards (e)

Other adjustments

Common Equity Tier 1 capital

Preferred stock

Trust preferred securities

Deferred tax assets arising from net
operating loss and tax credit
carryforwards

Other adjustments

Tier 1 capital

Qualifying subordinated debt and
other instruments qualifying as
Tier 2

Qualifying allowance for credit losses

and other adjustments

9.37%

10.93%

12.57%

9.13%

10.88%

12.52%

9.21%

11.10%

12.52%

8.74%

11.06%

12.47%

9.64%

12.55%

13.24%

8.84%

11.79%

12.76%

6.98%

13.13%

14.07%

9.54%

9.53%

9.73%

9.73%

10.94%

10.23%

11.16%

$

13,317

$

13,317

$

13,439

$

13,439

$ 15,399

$ 14,208

$ 19,898

—

(272)

(410)

343

12,978

—

2,489

(273)

(47)

—

(293)

(683)

343

12,684

—

2,489

—

(47)

(696)

(27)

(392)

183

12,507

696

2,520

(588)

(58)

(696)

(27)

(980)

183

(1,255)

(1,255)

(6,940)

(27)

(27)

(494)

(1,310)

(1,639)

(1,445)

(219)

79

(270)

11,919

12,588

11,366

10,749

696

2,520

1,255

2,546

1,255

2,544

6,940

2,543

—

(58)

—

—

—

—

—

—

15,147

15,126

15,077

15,077

16,389

15,165

20,232

1,174

1,098

1,174

1,098

932

996

932

996

237

668

271

969

251

1,186

Total capital

Risk-weighted assets (f)

$

17,419

$ 138,539

$

$

17,398

$

17,005

138,987

$ 135,844

$

$

17,005

$ 17,294

$ 16,405

$ 21,669

136,354

$130,590

$128,575

$154,038

(a)  U.S. Basel III became effective for us on January 1, 2015, subject to transitional provisions primarily related to deductions and adjustments impacting 

Common Equity Tier 1 capital and Tier 1 capital.

(b)  Capital ratios as of and prior to December 31, 2014, are presented under the U.S. Basel I capital framework.
(c)  Our fully phased-in capital ratios are non-GAAP financial measures that management believes are important to the reader of the Consolidated Financial 
Statements but should be supplemental to, and not a substitute for, primary GAAP measures. The fully phased-in capital ratios are compared to the 
transitional capital ratios above. We believe these capital ratios are important because we believe investors, analysts, and banking regulators may assess 
our capital utilization and adequacy using these ratios. Additionally, presentation of these ratios allows readers to compare certain aspects of our capital 
utilization and adequacy on the same basis to other companies in the industry.

(d)  Tier 1 leverage ratio equals Tier 1 capital divided by adjusted quarterly average total assets (which reflects adjustments for disallowed goodwill, certain 

intangible assets, and disallowed deferred tax assets).

(e)  Contains deferred tax assets required to be deducted from capital under U.S. Basel III.
(f)  Risk-weighted assets are defined by regulation and are generally determined by allocating assets and specified off-balance sheet exposures into various 

risk categories.

27

Table of Contents

Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Item 7.  Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations
Cautionary Notice About Forward-Looking Statements and Other Terms

From time to time we have made, and in the future will make, forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities 

Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. 
Forward-looking statements often use words such as “believe,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “pursue,” “seek,” “continue,” “estimate,” 
“project,” “outlook,” “forecast,” “potential,” “target,” “objective,” “trend,” “plan,” “goal,” “initiative,” “priorities,” or other words of 
comparable meaning or future-tense or conditional verbs such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “would,” or “could.” Forward-looking statements 
convey our expectations, intentions, or forecasts about future events, circumstances, or results.

This report, including any information incorporated by reference in this report, contains forward-looking statements. We also may make 

forward-looking statements in other documents that are filed or furnished with the SEC. In addition, we may make forward-looking 
statements orally or in writing to investors, analysts, members of the media, or others.

All forward-looking statements, by their nature, are subject to assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, which may change over time and 
many of which are beyond our control. You should not rely on any forward-looking statement as a prediction or guarantee about the future. 
Actual future objectives, strategies, plans, prospects, performance, conditions, or results may differ materially from those set forth in any 
forward-looking statement. While no list of assumptions, risks, or uncertainties could be complete, some of the factors that may cause actual 
results or other future events or circumstances to differ from those in forward-looking statements include:

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

evolving local, regional, national, or international business, economic, or political conditions, including the residual effects of the 
recent global economic crisis and responses to that crisis by governments, businesses, and households;

changes in laws or the regulatory or supervisory environment, including as a result of recent financial services legislation, 
regulation, or policies or changes in government officials or other personnel;

changes in monetary, fiscal, or trade laws or policies, including as a result of actions by government agencies, central banks, or 
supranational authorities;

changes in accounting standards or policies;

changes in the automotive industry or the markets for new or used vehicles;

disruptions or shifts in investor sentiment or behavior in the securities, capital, or other financial markets, including financial or 
systemic shocks and volatility or changes in market liquidity, interest or currency rates, or valuations;

changes in business or consumer sentiment, preferences, or behavior, including spending, borrowing, or saving by businesses or 
households;

changes in our corporate or business strategies, the composition of our assets, or the way in which we fund those assets;

our ability to execute our business strategy for Ally Bank, including its regulatory normalization;

our ability to optimize our automotive finance and insurance businesses and to continue diversifying into and growing other lines of 
business, including consumer finance, corporate finance, brokerage, and wealth management;

our ability to develop capital plans that will be approved by the FRB and our ability to implement them, including any payment of 
dividends or share repurchases;

our ability to effectively manage capital or liquidity consistent with evolving business or operational needs, risk management 
standards, and regulatory or supervisory requirements;

our ability to cost-effectively fund our business and operations, including through deposits and the capital markets;

changes in any credit rating assigned to Ally, including Ally Bank;

adverse publicity or other reputational harm to us;

our ability to develop, maintain, or market our products or services or to absorb unanticipated costs or liabilities associated with 
those products or services;

our ability to innovate, to anticipate the needs of current or future customers, to successfully compete, to increase or hold market 
share in changing competitive environments, or to deal with pricing or other competitive pressures;

the continuing profitability and viability of our dealer-centric automotive finance and insurance businesses, especially in the face of 
competition from captive finance companies and their automotive manufacturing sponsors;

our ability to appropriately underwrite loans that we originate or purchase and to otherwise manage credit risk;

28

Table of Contents

Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

changes in the credit, liquidity, or other financial condition of our customers, counterparties, service providers, or competitors;

our ability to effectively deal with economic, business, or market slowdowns or disruptions;

judicial, regulatory, or administrative investigations, proceedings, disputes, or rulings that create uncertainty for, or are adverse to, 
us or the financial services industry;

our ability to address stricter or heightened regulatory or supervisory requirements;

our ability to maintain secure and functional financial, accounting, technology, data processing, or other operating systems or 
facilities, including our capacity to withstand cyber-attacks;

the adequacy of our corporate governance, risk management framework, compliance programs, or internal controls over financial 
reporting, including our ability to control lapses or deficiencies in financial reporting or to effectively mitigate or manage 
operational risk;

the efficacy of our methods or models in assessing business strategies or opportunities or in valuing, measuring, estimating, 
monitoring, or managing positions or risk;

our ability to keep pace with changes in technology that affect us or our customers, counterparties, service providers, or 
competitors;

our ability to successfully make and integrate acquisitions;

the adequacy of our succession planning for key executives or other personnel and to attract or retain qualified employees;

natural or man-made disasters, calamities, or conflicts, including terrorist events and pandemics; or

other assumptions, risks, or uncertainties described in the Risk Factors (Item 1A), Management’s Discussion and Analysis of 
Financial Condition and Results of Operations (Item 7), or the Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements (Item 8) in this 
Annual Report on Form 10-K or described in any of the Company’s annual, quarterly or current reports.

Any forward-looking statement made by us or on our behalf speaks only as of the date that it was made. We do not undertake to update 
any forward-looking statement to reflect the impact of events, circumstances, or results that arise after the date that the statement was made, 
except as required by applicable securities laws. You, however, should consult further disclosures (including disclosures of a forward-looking 
nature) that we may make in any subsequent Annual Report on Form 10-K, Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, or Current Report on Form 8-K.

Our use of the term “loans” describes all of the products associated with our direct and indirect lending activities. The specific products 
include loans, retail installment sales contracts, lines of credit, leases, and other financing products. The term “lend” or “originate” refers to 
our direct origination of loans or our purchase or acquisition of loans.

Overview

Ally Financial Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries unless the context requires otherwise, Ally, the Company, or we, us, or 

our) is a leading digital financial services company offering diversified financial products for consumers, businesses, automotive dealers and 
corporate clients. Our legacy dates back to 1919, and Ally was redesigned in 2009 with a distinctive brand and relentless focus on our 
customers. We reconverted to a Delaware corporation in 2009 and are registered as a bank holding company (BHC) under the Bank Holding 
Company Act of 1956 as amended (the BHC Act) and a financial holding company (FHC) under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 as 
amended (the GLB Act). Our banking subsidiary, Ally Bank, is an award-winning online bank, and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of 
Ally Financial Inc., offering a variety of deposit and other banking products.

Initial Public Offering of Common Stock and Stock Split

In April 2014, we completed an initial public offering (IPO) of 95 million shares of common stock at $25 per share. Proceeds from the 
offering amounted to $2.4 billion, which were obtained by the U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) as the single selling stockholder. In 
May 2014, the underwriters on the IPO elected to partially exercise the over-allotment option to purchase an additional 7,245,670 shares of 
Ally common stock at the IPO price of $25 per share. In connection with the IPO, we effected a 310-for-one stock split on shares of our 
common stock, $0.01 par value per share. Accordingly, all references in this MD&A and in the Consolidated Financial Statements to share 
and per share amounts relating to common stock have been adjusted, on a retroactive basis, to recognize the 310-for-one stock split.

Our Business
Dealer Financial Services

Dealer Financial Services includes our Automotive Finance and Insurance segments. Our primary customers are automotive dealers, 
which are typically independently owned businesses. As part of the process of selling a vehicle, automotive dealers typically enter into retail 
installment sales contracts and leases with their retail customers. Dealers then select Ally or another automotive finance provider to which 
they sell those retail installment sales contracts and leases.

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Table of Contents

Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Our Dealer Financial Services operations offer a wide range of financial services and insurance products to over 18,000 automotive 
dealerships and approximately 4.4 million of their customers. We have deep dealer relationships that have been built throughout our history of 
over 95 years, and we are leveraging competitive strengths to expand our dealer footprint. Our dealer-centric business model encourages 
dealers to use our broad range of products through incentive programs like our Ally Dealer Rewards program, which rewards individual 
dealers based on the depth and breadth of our relationship. Our automotive finance services include providing retail installment sales 
contracts, loans, and leases, offering term loans to dealers, financing dealer floorplans and other lines of credit to dealers, warehouse lines to 
companies, fleet financing, providing financing to companies and municipalities for the purchase or lease of vehicles and equipment, and 
vehicle remarketing services. We also offer retail VSCs and commercial insurance primarily covering dealers' wholesale vehicle inventories. 
We are a leading provider of VSCs, GAP, and vehicle maintenance contracts (VMCs).

Automotive Finance

Our Automotive Finance operations provide U.S.-based automotive financing services to consumers and automotive dealers, and 
automotive and equipment financing services to companies and municipalities. For consumers, we provide retail financing and leasing for 
new and used vehicles, including recreational vehicles (RVs). In addition, our Commercial Services Group (CSG) provides automotive 
financing for small businesses and automotive and equipment financing for companies and municipalities. Through our commercial 
automotive financing operations, we fund dealer purchases of new and used vehicles through wholesale floorplan financing. At December 31, 
2016, our Automotive Finance operations had $116.3 billion of assets and generated $4.0 billion of total net revenue in 2016. We manage 
commercial account servicing for approximately 4,100 dealers that utilize our floorplan inventory lending or other commercial loans. We 
provide consumer asset servicing for an $82.6 billion portfolio at December 31, 2016. The extensive infrastructure, technology, and analytics 
of our servicing operations as well as the experience of our servicing personnel enhance our ability to minimize our loan losses and enable us 
to deliver a favorable customer experience to both our dealers and their retail customers. During 2016, our strategy for originations was to 
optimize our risk-adjusted returns against available origination opportunities resulting in a more profitable origination mix compared to prior 
periods. In 2016, total retail and lease originations were $36.0 billion, a decline of $5.0 billion compared to 2015.

Our success as an automotive finance provider is driven by the consistent and broad range of products and services we offer to dealers 
who originate loans and leases to their retail customers who are acquiring new and used vehicles. Ally and other automotive finance providers 
purchase these loans and leases from automotive dealers. As the marketplace evolves, our growth strategy continues to focus on diversifying 
the franchise by expanding into different products, responding to the growing trends for a more streamlined and digital automotive financing 
process to serve both dealers and consumers, and continuing to strengthen and expand our network of dealer relationships. To enhance our 
automotive finance offerings, relationships, and digital capabilities, in 2016 we:

• 

• 

• 

acquired technology assets and expertise from Blue Yield, an online automotive lender exchange, advancing our progress in 
building a direct-to-consumer option;

reached an agreement to provide up to $600 million in purchases of retail installment sales contracts and warehouse financing for 
Carvana, an online automotive retailer; and

added to our vehicle financing capability with the formation of an experienced transportation and equipment finance team.

We believe these actions will enable us to respond to the growing trends for a more streamlined and digital automotive financing process 

to serve both dealers and consumers. In addition, the Growth channel was established as a formal channel in 2012 to focus on developing 
dealer relationships beyond our existing relationships that primarily were developed through our role as a captive finance company 
historically for the GM and Chrysler brands, and was expanded in 2016 to include our direct-to-consumer lending option. We have established 
relationships with thousands of Growth channel dealers through our customer-centric approach and specialized incentive programs. The 
success of the Growth channel has been a key enabler to converting our business model from a focused captive finance company to a leading 
market competitor. In this channel, we currently have over 11,500 dealer relationships, of which approximately 10,500 are franchised dealers 
from brands such as Ford, Nissan, Kia, Hyundai, Toyota, Honda and others; RV dealers; and used vehicle only retailers, which have a national 
presence.

Over the past several years, we have continued to focus on the used vehicle segment primarily through franchised dealers, which has 

resulted in used vehicle financing volume growth. The highly fragmented used vehicle financing market, with a total financing opportunity 
represented by over 260 million vehicles in operation, provides an attractive opportunity that we believe will further expand and support our 
dealer relationships and increase our risk-adjusted return on retail loan originations. In addition, at December 31, 2016, our CSG and RV 
channels had $6.7 billion and $1.7 billion, respectively, of retail loans outstanding.

For consumers, we provide retail automotive financing and leasing for new and used vehicles. Retail financing for the purchase of 
vehicles generally takes the form of installment sales financing. During 2016 and 2015, we originated a total of approximately 1.3 million and 
1.5 million automotive loans and leases totaling approximately $36.0 billion and $41.0 billion, respectively. Since the end of 2014, we have 
experienced growth in our consumer retail automotive loan portfolio and a significant reduction in lease assets. This shift in our portfolio mix 
has contributed to an increase in provision expense for loan losses. Consumer lease residuals are not included in the allowance for loan losses 
as changes in the expected residual values on consumer leases are included in depreciation expense over the remaining life of the lease. 
However, our risk to future fluctuations in used vehicle values is diminishing as our lease assets have declined materially and will continue to 
decline as the number of leases terminating currently is significantly larger than the number of new leases being originated. As of     
December 31, 2016, operating lease assets, net of accumulated depreciation, decreased 41%, to $11.5 billion, since December 31, 2014. All 

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Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

leases are exposed to potential reductions in used vehicle values, while only those loans where we take possession of the vehicle are affected 
by potential reductions in used vehicle values.

Our consumer automotive financing operations generate revenue through finance charges or lease payments and fees paid by customers 

on the retail contracts and leases. When the lease contract is originated, we estimate the residual value of the leased vehicle at lease 
termination. Periodically we revise the projected residual value of the leased vehicle at lease termination. Given the fluctuations in used 
vehicle values, our actual sales proceeds from remarketing the vehicle may be higher or lower than the projected residual value which results 
in gains or losses on lease termination. During 2016, we recognized $213 million of gains on lease terminations, compared to $351 million in 
2015.

We continue to diversify our business mix by prudently expanding our product offering across a broad risk spectrum, subject to 
established internal guardrails and underwriting policies that reflect our risk appetite. Our current operating results continue to increasingly 
reflect our ongoing strategy. The strategy to grow used vehicle financing, a market that is up 3% year over year, has provided volume at lower 
credit tiers, which to date has provided higher-yielding loans and an increase in provision expense in line with our expectations for credit 
performance of the portfolio. We seek to be a meaningful lender to a wide spectrum of borrowers and continue to carefully measure risk 
versus return. We place great emphasis on our risk management and risk-based pricing policies and practices.

Our commercial automotive financing operations primarily fund dealer inventory purchases of new and used vehicles, commonly 
referred to as wholesale floorplan financing. This represents the largest portion of our commercial automotive financing business. Wholesale 
floorplan loans are secured by vehicles financed (and all other vehicle inventory), which provide strong collateral protection in the event of 
dealership default. Additional collateral (e.g., personal guarantees from dealership owners) is often obtained to further manage credit risk. The 
amount we advance to dealers is equal to 100% of the wholesale invoice price of new vehicles. Interest on wholesale automotive financing is 
generally payable monthly and is indexed to a floating rate benchmark. The rate for a particular dealer is based on, among other 
considerations, competitive factors and the dealer's creditworthiness. During 2016, we financed an average of $32.7 billion of dealer vehicle 
inventory through wholesale floorplan financings. Other commercial lending products for dealers include real estate, working capital, and 
acquisition loans which averaged $5.2 billion during 2016. We also provide comprehensive automotive remarketing services, including the 
use of SmartAuction, our online auction platform, which efficiently supports dealer-to-dealer and other commercial wholesale vehicle 
transactions. In 2016, we and others including dealers, fleet rental companies, and financial institutions, utilized SmartAuction to sell 
approximately 364,000 vehicles to dealers and other commercial customers. SmartAuction served as the remarketing channel for 55% of 
Ally's off-lease vehicles.

Insurance

Our Insurance operations offer both consumer finance protection and insurance products sold primarily through the automotive dealer 

channel, and commercial insurance products sold directly to dealers. As part of our focus on offering dealers a broad range of consumer 
financial and insurance products, we provide VSCs, VMCs, GAP products, and other ancillary products desired by consumers. We also 
underwrite selected commercial insurance coverages, which primarily insure dealers' wholesale vehicle inventory. Our Insurance operations 
had $7.2 billion of assets at December 31, 2016, and generated $1.1 billion of total net revenue in 2016.

In addition to our product offerings, we provide consultative services and training to assist dealers in optimizing Finance and Insurance 
results, achieving high levels of customer satisfaction, and achieving regulatory compliance. Our services also include an advisory role to the 
dealer relative to the necessary liability and physical damage coverages for a dealership.

Our VSCs for retail customers offer owners and lessees mechanical repair protection and roadside assistance for new and used vehicles 

beyond the manufacturer's new vehicle warranty. These VSCs are marketed to the public through automotive dealerships and on a direct 
response basis. The VSCs cover virtually all vehicle makes and models. We also offer GAP products, which allow the recovery of a specified 
economic loss beyond the covered vehicle's value in the event the vehicle is damaged and declared a total loss.

Ally Premier Protection is our flagship vehicle service contract offering which was launched nationwide in June 2015 and provides 
coverage for new and used vehicles of virtually all makes and models. As we broadened our business beyond GM, Ally Premier Protection 
replaced the General Motors Protection Plan nameplate, which was discontinued in 2016.

Wholesale vehicle inventory insurance for dealers provides physical damage protection for dealers' floorplan vehicles. Among dealers to 

whom we provide wholesale financing, our wholesale insurance product penetration rate is approximately 81%. Dealers who receive 
wholesale financing from Ally are eligible for wholesale insurance incentives, such as automatic eligibility in our preferred insurance 
programs and increased financial benefits.

A significant aspect of our Insurance operations is the investment of proceeds from premiums and other revenue sources. We use these 

investments to satisfy our obligations related to future claims at the time these claims are settled. Our Insurance operations have an 
Investment Committee, which develops investment guidelines and strategies. The guidelines established by this committee reflect our risk 
tolerance, liquidity requirements, regulatory requirements, and rating agency considerations, among other factors.

Mortgage Finance

Our Mortgage Finance operations primarily consist of the management of a held-for-investment consumer mortgage finance loan 
portfolio, which includes bulk purchases of high-quality jumbo and low-to-moderate income (LMI) mortgage loans originated by third 
parties. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we purchased $3.7 billion of mortgage loans that were originated by third parties. In late 
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Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

2016, we also introduced limited direct mortgage originations consisting of jumbo and conforming mortgages through a third-party 
fulfillment partner, LenderLive. Under our current arrangement, conforming mortgages will be originated as held-for-sale and sold to 
LenderLive, while jumbo mortgages will be originated as held-for-investment. Servicing will be performed by a third party and no mortgage 
servicing rights will be created. Direct mortgage originations did not materially impact our results of operations for the year ended December 
31, 2016. Our Mortgage Finance operations had $8.3 billion of assets at December 31, 2016, and generated $97 million of total net revenue in 
2016.

Corporate Finance

Our Corporate Finance operations primarily provide senior secured leveraged cash flow and asset-based loans to mostly U.S.-based 
middle market companies. The Corporate Finance portfolio is almost entirely comprised of first lien, first out loans. Our primary focus is on 
businesses owned by private equity sponsors with loans typically used for leveraged buyouts, mergers and acquisitions, debt refinancing, 
restructurings, and working capital. The portfolio is well diversified across multiple industries including retail, manufacturing, distribution, 
service companies, and other specialty sectors. These specialty sectors include our Healthcare and Technology Finance verticals. The 
Healthcare vertical provides financing across the healthcare spectrum including services, pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, manufacturing, and 
medical devices and supplies. Our Technology Finance vertical, which was launched in the fourth quarter of 2015, provides financing 
solutions to venture-backed, technology-based companies.

Our target commitment hold level for individual exposures ranges from $20 million to $75 million for individual borrowers, depending 

on product type. Loan facilities typically include both a revolver and term loan component. All of our loans are floating rate facilities with 
maturities ranging from two to seven years. In certain instances, we may be offered the opportunity to make small investments in our 
borrowers, where we could benefit from potential appreciation in the company’s value. Our Corporate Finance operations had $3.2 billion of 
assets at December 31, 2016, and generated $147 million of total net revenue in 2016.

Corporate and Other

Corporate and Other primarily consists of activity related to centralized corporate treasury activities such as management of the cash and 

corporate investment securities and loan portfolios, short- and long-term debt, retail and brokered deposit liabilities, derivative instruments, 
the amortization of the discount associated with new debt issuances and bond exchanges, and the residual impacts of our corporate funds-
transfer pricing (FTP) and treasury asset liability management (ALM) activities. Corporate and Other also includes certain equity investments 
which primarily consist of Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) and Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) stock, the management of our legacy 
mortgage portfolio which primarily consists of loans originated prior to January 1, 2009, and reclassifications and eliminations between the 
reportable operating segments. Additionally, beginning in June 2016 with the acquisition of TradeKing, financial information related to 
TradeKing is included within Corporate and Other. We continue to advance the integration of our online brokerage and digital wealth 
management platform and offerings, and are on track for rebranding in early 2017.

The net financing revenue and other interest income of our Automotive Finance, Mortgage Finance, and Corporate Finance operations 
includes the results of an FTP process that insulates these operations from interest rate volatility by matching assets and liabilities with similar 
interest rate sensitivity and maturity characteristics. The FTP process assigns charge rates to the assets and credit rates to the liabilities within 
our Automotive Finance, Mortgage Finance, and Corporate Finance operations, based on anticipated maturity and a benchmark rate curve 
plus an assumed credit spread. The assumed credit spread represents the cost of funds for each asset class based on a blend of funding 
channels available to the enterprise, including unsecured and secured capital markets, private funding facilities, and deposits. In addition, a 
risk-based methodology is used to allocate equity to these operations.

Ally Bank

Ally Bank, our direct banking platform, is focused on the continued prudent expansion of assets while growing a stable deposit base and 
deepening relationships with its 1.2 million primary deposit customers driven by its compelling brand and strong value proposition. Ally Bank 
raises deposits directly from customers through direct banking via the internet, telephone, mobile, and mail channels. Ally Bank has 
established a strong and growing retail banking franchise that is based on a promise of being straightforward, easy to use, and offering high-
quality customer service. Ally Bank's products and services are designed to develop long-term customer relationships and capitalize on the 
shift in consumer preference for direct banking. At December 31, 2016, 75% of Ally's total assets were within Ally Bank. Segment results 
include cost of funds associated with product offerings. For products originated at Ally Bank, the cost of funds is more beneficial than 
products originated at other entities as Ally Bank is a deposit gathering organization, which helps fund assets at a lower cost. Noninterest 
costs associated with deposit gathering activities were $248 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, and are allocated to each segment 
based on their relative balance sheet. Ally Bank's assets and operating results are divided among our Automotive Finance, Mortgage Finance, 
and Corporate Finance segments based on its underlying business activities.

Ally Bank offers a full spectrum of deposit product offerings, such as checking, savings, and certificates of deposit (CDs), including 

several raise-your-rate CD terms, IRA deposit products, Popmoney person-to-person transfer services, eCheck remote deposit capture, and 
mobile banking. In addition, brokered deposits are obtained through third-party intermediaries. At December 31, 2016, Ally Bank had $78.9 
billion of deposits, including $66.6 billion of retail deposits. Over the past several years, the continued growth of our retail base, combined 
with favorable capital market conditions and a lower interest rate environment, have contributed to a reduction in our consolidated cost of 
funds. The growth in deposits is primarily attributable to our retail deposits. Strong retention rates and customer acquisition, reflecting the 
strength of the franchise, have materially contributed to our growth in retail deposits. During 2016, the deposit base at Ally Bank grew $12.6 
billion, an increase of approximately 19% from December 31, 2015.

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Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

We believe Ally Bank remains well-positioned to continue to benefit from the consumer driven-shift from branch banking to direct 

banking. According to a 2016 American Bankers Association survey, 80% of customers prefer to do their banking via direct channels 
(internet, mobile, phone, and mail). Ally Bank has received a positive response to innovative savings and other deposit products, which 
include savings and money market accounts, CDs, interest-bearing checking accounts, individual retirement accounts, and accounts for trust. 
Ally Bank's competitive direct banking features include online and mobile banking, electronic bill pay, remote deposit, electronic funds 
transfer nationwide, and no minimum balance requirements.

In the future, we intend to continue to grow and invest in the Ally Bank direct banking franchise and to further capitalize on the shift in 

consumer preference for direct banking with expanded digital capabilities and customer centric products. We are focused on growing, 
deepening, and further leveraging the customer relationships and brand loyalty that exist with Ally Bank and its customers as a catalyst for 
future loan and deposit growth, as well as revenue opportunities. In 2016, we launched the Ally CashBack Credit Card. This offering 
generates fee revenue with no direct credit risk exposure due to the structure of the co-brand relationship.

Funding and Liquidity

Our funding strategy largely focuses on maintaining a diversified mix of retail and brokered deposits, public and private asset-backed 

securitizations, committed credit facilities, and public unsecured debt. These funding sources are managed across products, markets, and 
investors to enhance funding flexibility, limit dependence on any one source and result in a more cost-effective long term funding strategy.

Prudent expansion of asset originations at Ally Bank and continued growth of a stable deposit base continues to be the cornerstone of our 
long-term liquidity strategy. Retail deposits provide a low-cost source of funds that are less sensitive to interest rate changes, market volatility, 
or changes in our credit ratings than other funding sources. At December 31, 2016, deposit liabilities totaled $79.0 billion, which reflects an 
increase of $12.5 billion during the year. Deposits as a percentage of total liability-based funding increased seven percentage points during 
this time, to 54% at December 31, 2016.

In addition to building a larger deposit base, we continue to remain active in the securitization markets to finance our automotive loan 
portfolios. During 2016, we issued $5.1 billion in secured funding backed by retail automotive loans. Secured funding transactions continue 
to be an attractive source of funding due to continued securitization structural efficiencies and the established market. Additionally, for retail 
loans and leases, the term structure of the transaction locks in funding for a specified pool of loans and leases for the life of the underlying 
assets. Once a pool of retail automotive loans is selected and placed into a securitization, the underlying assets and corresponding debt 
amortize simultaneously resulting in committed and matched funding for the life of the asset. We manage the execution risk arising from 
secured funding by maintaining a diverse investor base and maintaining committed secured facilities.

As we continue to migrate assets to Ally Bank and grow our bank funding capabilities, our reliance on parent company liquidity has been 

reduced. At December 31, 2016, 75% of Ally's total assets were within Ally Bank. This compares to approximately 70% as of December 31, 
2015. Funding sources at the parent company generally consist of longer-term unsecured debt, asset-backed securitizations, and private 
committed credit facilities. In 2016, we issued $900 million of unsecured debt and closed a $1.25 billion private unsecured committed credit 
facility. At December 31, 2016, we had $4.4 billion and $3.7 billion of unsecured long-term debt principal maturing in 2017 and 2018, 
respectively. We plan to reduce our reliance on market-based funding and continue to replace a significant portion of our unsecured term debt 
with lower cost deposit funding. This strategy may be impacted by regulatory capital considerations including Ally Bank’s requirement to 
maintain a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 15%.

The strategies outlined above have allowed us to build and maintain a conservative liquidity position. Total available liquidity at 
December 31, 2016, was $18.8 billion. Absolute levels of liquidity decreased during 2016 as a result of liability and equity management 
transactions.

Credit Strategy

Within our Automotive Finance operations, we are a full spectrum automotive finance lender with the vast majority of our loan 
originations underwritten within the prime-lending markets. During 2016, our strategy for originations was to optimize the deployment of 
shareholder capital by focusing on our risk-adjusted returns against available origination opportunities resulting in a more profitable 
origination mix compared to prior periods. Our loan originations resulting from our current underwriting strategy continue to impact the 
composition of our overall portfolio by shifting the credit mix to reflect more used, higher loan-to-value (LTV), extended term, Growth 
channel, nonprime, and nonsubvented business. Our Mortgage Finance operations primarily consist of the management of our held-for-
investment consumer mortgage finance loan portfolio, which includes bulk purchases of high-quality jumbo and LMI mortgage loans 
originated by third parties. In late 2016, we also introduced limited direct mortgage originations consisting of jumbo and conforming 
mortgages through a third-party fulfillment partner, LenderLive. Under our current arrangement, conforming mortgages will be
originated as held-for-sale and sold to LenderLive, while jumbo mortgages will be originated as held-for-investment. Servicing
will be performed by a third party and no mortgage servicing rights will be created.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the credit performance of our portfolios reflected our diversification through our 
underwriting strategy. Total nonperforming consumer automotive loans increased and reflect the broad range of credit and product 
characteristics of the overall portfolio as we continue to originate loans across a more diverse credit spectrum. Net charge-offs of our 
consumer automotive assets increased due to the changing composition of our portfolio to a more profitable mix of business consistent with 
our underwriting strategy; higher average charge-offs due in part to higher unpaid principal balances at the time of charge-off and lower 
average sales proceeds on repossessed vehicles as compared to 2015; and the seasoning of consumer automotive accounts now entering their 

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

peak loss periods. While total nonperforming commercial loans increased, they remained relatively stable as compared to our outstanding 
commercial finance receivables and loans, which grew $4.6 billion since December 31, 2015. Our commercial realized net charge-offs 
continued to be minimal, and we have completed our fifth consecutive year with the net charge-off rate of our commercial automotive 
portfolio less than or equal to one basis point. Nonperforming loans and charge-offs of our consumer mortgage assets decreased primarily due 
to the continued improvement in the macroeconomic environment, including increases in the house price index and low interest rates. Our 
provision for loan losses increased to $917 million in 2016 from $707 million in 2015. The increase was primarily due to higher net charge-
offs and higher reserve requirements in our consumer automotive portfolio as a result of our strategy to originate a more profitable mix of 
business.

During 2016, the U.S. economy continued to modestly expand and consumer confidence remained strong. The labor market remained 

strong during the year, with nonfarm payrolls increasing and the unemployment rate falling. Our credit portfolio will continue to be impacted 
by the overall economy, used vehicle and housing price levels, unemployment levels, and their impact to our borrowers. We experienced 
downward pressure on used vehicle values in 2016 and expect that to continue in 2017.

Tax Assets Protective Measures

In January 2014, the Ally Board of Directors implemented measures intended to help protect certain tax benefits primarily associated 

with Ally’s net operating losses and tax credit carryovers (collectively, Tax Benefits). The measures were intended to prevent an “ownership 
change” (as defined in Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code), as if this occurred, Ally’s use of Tax Benefits could be limited.

Such measures included an amendment to Ally’s Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation that restricted certain transfers of 
Ally’s common stock, and a Tax Asset Protection Plan (i.e., a “poison pill”) designed to reduce the likelihood that Ally would experience an 
“ownership change” for U.S. federal income tax purposes. Both measures expired pursuant to their terms on January 8, 2017.

Discontinued Operations

During 2013 and 2012, certain disposal groups met the criteria to be presented as discontinued operations. The remaining activity relates 

to previous discontinued operations for which we continue to have wind-down, legal, and minimal operational costs. For all periods 
presented, the operating results for these operations have been removed from continuing operations. Refer to Note 3 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements for more details. The MD&A has been adjusted to exclude discontinued operations unless otherwise noted.

Primary Lines of Business

Dealer Financial Services, which includes our Automotive Finance and Insurance operations, Mortgage Finance, and Corporate Finance 

are our primary lines of business. The following table summarizes the operating results excluding discontinued operations of each line of 
business. Operating results for each of the lines of business are more fully described in the MD&A sections that follow.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

2016

2015

2014

Favorable/
(unfavorable)
2016–2015
% change

Favorable/
(unfavorable)
2015–2014
% change

Total net revenue (loss)

Dealer Financial Services

Automotive Finance

Insurance

Mortgage Finance

Corporate Finance

Corporate and Other

Total

Income (loss) from continuing operations before income

tax expense

Dealer Financial Services

Automotive Finance

Insurance

Mortgage Finance

Corporate Finance

Corporate and Other

Total

n/m = not meaningful

$

3,971

$

3,664

$

1,097

1,090

$

$

97

147

125

57

114

(64)

5,437

$

4,861

$

1,380

$

1,335

$

157

34

71

(61)

211

11

50

(214)

$

1,581

$

1,393

$

3,585

1,185

36

91

(246)

4,651

1,429

197

12

64

(456)

1,246

8

1

70

29

n/m

12

3

(26)

n/m

42

71

13

2

(8)

58

25

74

5

(7)

7

(8)

(22)

53

12

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Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Consolidated Results of Operations

The following table summarizes our consolidated operating results excluding discontinued operations for the periods shown. Refer to the 

operating segment sections of the MD&A that follows for a more complete discussion of operating results by line of business.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

2016

2015

2014

Favorable/
(unfavorable)
2016–2015
% change

Favorable/
(unfavorable)
2015–2014 %
change

Net financing revenue and other interest income

Total financing revenue and other interest income

$

8,305

$

8,397

$

Total interest expense

Net depreciation expense on operating lease assets

Net financing revenue and other interest income

Other revenue

Insurance premiums and service revenue earned

Gain on mortgage and automotive loans, net

Loss on extinguishment of debt

Other gain on investments, net

Other income, net of losses

Total other revenue

Total net revenue

Provision for loan losses

Noninterest expense

Compensation and benefits expense

Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses

Other operating expenses

Total noninterest expense

Income from continuing operations before income tax 

expense

Income tax expense from continuing operations

2,629

1,769

3,907

945

11

(5)

185

394

1,530

5,437

917

992

342

1,605

2,939

1,581

470

Net income from continuing operations

$

1,111

$

n/m = not meaningful

2016 Compared to 2015

2,429

2,249

3,719

940

45

(357)

155

359

1,142

4,861

707

963

293

1,505

2,761

8,391

2,783

2,233

3,375

979

7

(202)

181

311

1,276

4,651

457

947

410

1,591

2,948

1,393

1,246

496

897

$

321

925

(1)

(8)

21

5

1

(76)

99

19

10

34

12

(30)

(3)

(17)

(7)

(6)

13

5

24

—

13

(1)

10

(4)

n/m

(77)

(14)

15

(11)

5

(55)

(2)

29

5

6

12

(55)

(3)

We earned net income from continuing operations of $1.1 billion for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $897 million for 

the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily due to an increase in net financing revenue and other interest income and 
lower losses on the extinguishment of debt. Results for the year ended December 31, 2016, were also favorably impacted by increases in other 
gain on investments and other income, and a decrease in income tax expense. This was partially offset by a decrease in gain on mortgage and 
automotive loans, an increase in the provision for loan losses primarily due to a deliberate shift to originate a more profitable loan mix, an 
increase in insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses as a result of higher weather-related losses in 2016, and an increase in other 
operating expenses.

Net financing revenue and other interest income increased $188 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the year 
ended December 31, 2015. Net financing revenue and other interest income at our Automotive Finance operations was favorably impacted by 
higher consumer financing revenue primarily due to the execution of our continued strategic focus on expanding risk-adjusted returns and an 
increase in retail assets, as well as higher commercial financing revenue primarily resulting from an increase in dealer floorplan assets. The 
increase was offset by a decrease in operating lease revenue, net of depreciation, primarily resulting from substantially lower lease 
remarketing gains, and the runoff of our GM lease portfolio. Net financing revenue and other interest income at our Mortgage Finance 
operations was favorably impacted by increased loan balances as a result of bulk purchases of high-quality jumbo and LMI mortgage loans. 
Net financing revenue and other interest income at our Corporate Finance operations was favorably impacted by asset growth across all 
business segments in line with our growth strategy. Total interest expense increased 8% for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 
2015. Interest on deposits increased $112 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 2015, due to continued deposit growth. 
Interest on debt increased $88 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 2015. The increase was primarily the result of 
increased LIBOR rates and nonrecurring favorable debt hedging activity in 2015. The increases in interest expense for the year ended 
December 31, 2016, were partially offset by the repayment of higher-cost legacy debt.

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Gain on mortgage and automotive loans decreased $34 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the year ended 

December 31, 2015. The change was primarily due to nonrecurring sales of legacy TDR mortgage loans in 2015.

Loss on extinguishment of debt decreased $352 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the year ended       

December 31, 2015. The decrease was primarily due to the execution of tender offers for legacy, high-cost debt in 2015.

Other gain on investments was $185 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $155 million for the year ended 

December 31, 2015. The increase was due primarily to an increase in sales of securities compared to the same periods in 2015.

Other income increased $35 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 2015, primarily due to an increase in servicing 

fee income at our Automotive Finance operations resulting from higher levels of off-balance sheet retail serviced assets.

The provision for loan losses was $917 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $707 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2015. The increase in provision for loan losses was primarily due to higher net charge-offs and higher reserve requirements in 
our consumer automotive portfolio as a result of our strategy to originate a more profitable mix of business, and reserve releases within the 
commercial automotive portfolio in the prior year due to strong portfolio performance in 2015. This was partially offset by lower reserve 
requirements within our Mortgage Finance operations and lower loan growth in our consumer automotive portfolio. Refer to the Risk 
Management section of this MD&A for further discussion.

Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses increased $49 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the year ended 

December 31, 2015. The increases were primarily due to severe hailstorms, which drove higher weather-related losses.

Other operating expenses increased $100 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the year ended December 31, 
2015. The increase was primarily due to increased expenses from the integration of TradeKing, which was acquired on June 1, 2016, higher 
FDIC deposit fees, and an increase in automotive collection and repossession expenses.

We recognized total income tax expense from continuing operations of $470 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 

$496 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease in income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2016, was driven 
primarily by a tax benefit that resulted from a U.S. tax reserve release related to a prior year federal return that was settled in 2016 and 
reduced our liability for unrecognized tax benefits. This tax benefit was partially offset by increases in tax expense attributable to higher 
pretax earnings and the establishment of a valuation allowance against our capital loss carryforwards. The U.S. tax reserve release and 
establishment of a valuation allowance caused significant differences in the usual relationship of income tax expense to pretax earnings.

2015 Compared to 2014

We earned net income from continuing operations of $897 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $925 million for 

the year ended December 31, 2014. The decline is attributable to increases in the provision for loan losses, income tax expense from 
continuing operations, and loss on extinguishment of debt. These unfavorable impacts were partially offset by lower funding costs and a 
decline in insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses.

Total interest expense decreased 13% for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to the year ended December 31, 2014, primarily 

due to lower funding costs as a result of continued deposit growth, the maturity and repayment of higher-cost legacy debt, and a decrease in 
original issue discount (OID) amortization expense.

Net gain on mortgage and automotive loans increased $38 million, primarily due to the sale of troubled debt restructuring (TDR) loans 

from our legacy mortgage portfolio during the year ended December 31, 2015.

We incurred a loss on extinguishment of debt of $357 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $202 million for the 

year ended December 31, 2014. The increase was due primarily to the execution of tender offers for legacy, high-cost debt during the first half 
of 2015.

Other gain on investments, net, was $155 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $181 million for the year ended 

December 31, 2014. The decrease was primarily driven by unfavorable market conditions, resulting in decreased gains on the sales of 
investments.

Other income, net of losses, increased 15% for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to 2014. The increase was primarily due to 

an increase in income from certain equity method investments.

The provision for loan losses was $707 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $457 million in 2014. The increase 
in provision for loan losses is the result of the growth in our consumer retail automotive loan portfolio, as our automotive originations have 
shifted to an increase in loans offsetting a significant reduction in leases which are not included in the allowance, and the continued execution 
of our underwriting strategy to originate automotive loans across a broad risk spectrum. Credit performance has been in line with expectations 
for the portfolio. Also contributing to the increase in the provision was growth in our consumer mortgage loan portfolio, as a result of bulk 
mortgage purchases during 2015, as well as lower reserve releases on mortgage assets, compared to 2014. The increase was partially offset by 
the continued strong performance of our commercial loan portfolio.

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Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Total noninterest expense decreased 6% for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to 2014. The decrease was primarily due to 

both lower wholesale weather-related losses and lower loss experience of VSC products at our Insurance operations, as well as various 
continued expense reduction actions across various lines of business.

We recognized consolidated income tax expense from continuing operations of $496 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, 

compared to $321 million in 2014. The increase in income tax expense for the year ended December 31, 2015, was primarily driven by tax 
expense attributable to higher pretax earnings for the year, a nonrecurring tax benefit in 2014 related to the reduction in the liability for 
unrecognized tax benefits as a result of the completion of the U.S. federal audit related to our 2009 through 2011 tax years, and a nonrecurring 
tax benefit in 2014 for the reinstatement of the active financing exception included in the Tax Increase Prevention Act of 2014.

37

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Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Dealer Financial Services

Results for Dealer Financial Services are presented by reportable segment, which includes our Automotive Finance and Insurance 

operations.

Automotive Finance
Results of Operations

The following table summarizes the operating results of our Automotive Finance operations. The amounts presented are before the 

elimination of balances and transactions with our other reportable segments.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

2016

2015

2014

Net financing revenue and other interest income

Consumer

Commercial

Loans held-for-sale

Operating leases

Other interest income

Total financing revenue and other interest income

Interest expense

Net depreciation expense on operating lease assets

Net financing revenue and other interest income

Other revenue

Gain (loss) on automotive loans, net

Other income

Total other revenue

Total net revenue

Provision for loan losses

Noninterest expense

Compensation and benefits expense

Other operating expenses

Total noninterest expense

$

3,587

$

3,230

$

1,068

—

2,711

11

7,377

1,943

1,769

3,665

17

289

306

3,971

924

481

1,186

1,667

939

34

3,398

8

7,609

1,931

2,249

3,429

(23)

258

235

3,664

696

489

1,144

1,633

3,046

1,024

—

3,558

10

7,638

2,084

2,233

3,321

10

254

264

3,585

542

454

1,160

1,614

Income from continuing operations before income

tax expense

Total assets

n/m = not meaningful

$

$

1,380

116,347

$

$

1,335

115,636

$

$

1,429

113,188

Components of net operating lease revenue, included in amounts above, were as follows.

Favorable/
(unfavorable)
2016–2015
% change

Favorable/
(unfavorable)
2015–2014
% change

11

14

(100)

(20)

38

(3)

(1)

21

7

174

12

30

8

(33)

2

(4)

(2)

3

1

6

(8)

n/m

(4)

(20)

—

7

(1)

3

n/m

2

(11)

2

(28)

(8)

1

(1)

(7)

2

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

2016

2015

2014

Favorable/
(unfavorable)
2016–2015 %
change

Favorable/
(unfavorable)
2015–2014 %
change

Net operating lease revenue

Operating lease revenue

Depreciation expense

$

2,711

$

3,398

$

3,558

(20)

Depreciation expense on operating lease assets

(excluding remarketing gains)

Remarketing gains

Net depreciation expense on operating lease assets

Total net operating lease revenue

Investment in operating leases, net

$

$

2,600

(351)

2,249

1,149

16,271

$

$

2,666

(433)

2,233

1,325

19,510

24

(39)

21

(18)

(30)

1,982

(213)

1,769

942

11,470

$

$

38

(4)

2

(19)

(1)

(13)

(17)

Table of Contents

Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

2016 Compared to 2015

Our Automotive Finance operations earned income from continuing operations before income tax expense of $1.4 billion for the year 
ended December 31, 2016, compared to $1.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2015. Results for the year ended December 31, 2016, 
were favorably impacted by higher consumer financing revenue primarily due to the execution of our continued strategic focus on expanding 
risk-adjusted returns and an increase in retail assets, as well as higher commercial financing revenue primarily resulting from an increase in 
dealer floorplan assets. The increase for the year ended December 31, 2016, was partially offset by an increase in provision for loan losses 
primarily due to higher net charge-offs and higher overall reserve requirements both due to the changing composition of our portfolio to a 
more profitable mix of business consistent with our underwriting strategy. In addition, the increase was partially offset by a decrease in net 
operating lease revenue primarily resulting from lower gains per unit and the runoff of our GM lease portfolio.

Consumer financing revenue increased $357 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 2015. The increase was 
primarily due to improved portfolio yields as a result of the execution of our continued strategic focus on expanding risk-adjusted returns and 
higher average retail asset levels in 2016 as compared to 2015 due in particular to very strong loan originations in 2015.

Commercial financing revenue increased $129 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 2015. The increase was 
primarily due to an increase in floorplan assets resulting from growing dealer vehicle inventories and higher average vehicle prices. The 
increase was also due to higher benchmark rates and an increase in non-floorplan dealer loan balances.

Total net operating lease revenue decreased 18% for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 2015. The decrease was primarily 

driven by substantially lower lease remarketing gains resulting from lower gains per unit, partially offset by an increase in termination 
volume. The decrease was also due to lower net operating lease revenue as a result of GM portfolio runoff outpacing new lease originations. 
We recognized remarketing gains of $213 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $351 million in 2015.

Other income increased 12% for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 2015, primarily due to an increase in servicing fee 

income resulting from higher levels of off-balance sheet retail serviced assets.

The provision for loan losses was $924 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $696 million in 2015. The increase 

was primarily due to higher net charge-offs and higher overall reserve requirements both due to the changing composition of our portfolio to a 
more profitable mix of business consistent with our underwriting strategy and reserve releases within the commercial automotive portfolio in 
the year ended December 31, 2015, due to strong portfolio performance in 2015. This was partially offset by lower loan growth in our 
consumer automotive portfolio. Refer to the Risk Management section of this MD&A for further discussion.

2015 Compared to 2014

Our Automotive Finance operations earned income from continuing operations before income tax expense of $1.3 billion for the year 
ended December 31, 2015, compared to $1.4 billion for the year ended December 31, 2014. Results for the year ended December 31, 2015, 
were unfavorably impacted by lower net operating lease revenue primarily due to a decrease in lease origination volume resulting from GM's 
decision to provide subvention programs for their products exclusively through a wholly-owned subsidiary, an increase in provision for loan 
losses primarily due to continued growth in the consumer portfolio, and a decrease in commercial financing revenue resulting from a 
continued competitive wholesale marketplace. The unfavorable impacts in our Automotive Finance operations were partially offset by an 
increase in consumer financing revenue resulting from continued loan origination growth and a decrease in interest expense resulting from 
continued lower funding costs.

Consumer financing revenue (combined with interest income on consumer loans held-for-sale) increased $218 million for the year ended 

December 31, 2015, compared to 2014, primarily due to continued loan origination growth across the retail channels. Chrysler and Growth 
consumer originations increased 41% and 53%, respectively, for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to 2014. GM new standard 
rate consumer origination volume increased 34% for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to 2014.

Commercial financing revenue decreased $85 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to 2014, primarily due to lower 

yields as a result of a continued competitive wholesale marketplace.

Total net operating lease revenue decreased 13% for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to 2014. The decrease was primarily 

due to a decrease in lease origination volume resulting from GM’s decision to provide subvention programs for their products exclusively 
through a wholly-owned subsidiary. Results for the year ended December 31, 2015, were also unfavorably impacted by lower lease 
termination volume and a decrease in remarketing gains due to lower gains on a per-unit basis. We recognized remarketing gains of $351 
million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $433 million in 2014. For further details on our lease business, refer to the 
section titled Lease Residual Risk Management within this MD&A.

Interest expense decreased $153 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, respectively, compared to 2014, primarily due to 
continued lower funding costs as a result of an increase in deposits and company-wide liability management actions that have included the 
repayment of higher-cost debt.

The provision for loan losses increased $154 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to in 2014. The increase is 
primarily the result of the growth in our consumer retail automotive loan portfolio, as our automotive originations have shifted to an increase 
in loans offsetting a significant reduction in leases which are not included in the allowance for loan losses, and the continued execution of our 
underwriting strategy to originate automotive loans across a broad risk spectrum, with credit performance in line with expectations for the 

39

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Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

portfolio. The increase for the year ended December 31, 2015, was partially offset by the continued strong performance of our commercial 
loan portfolio.

40

Table of Contents

Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Automotive Financing Volume

Our Automotive Finance operations provide automotive financing services to consumers and automotive dealers. For consumers, we 
provide retail financing and leasing for new and used vehicles, and through our commercial automotive financing operations, we fund dealer 
purchases of new and used vehicles through wholesale floorplan financing and provide dealer term loans and automotive fleet financing. In 
2016 we expanded operations to include our direct-to-consumer lending option.

Acquisition and Underwriting

Our underwriting process is focused on multidimensional risk factors and data driven risk-adjusted probabilities that are continuously 

monitored and routinely updated. Each application is placed into an analytical category based on specific aspects of the applicant’s credit 
profile and loan structure. We then evaluate the application by applying a proprietary credit scoring algorithm tailored to its applicable 
category. Inputs into this algorithm include, but are not limited to, FICO® Score, proprietary scores, and deal structure variables such as loan-
to-value, new or used vehicle collateral, and term of financing. The output of the algorithm is used to sort applications into various credit tiers 
(S, A, B, C, D, and E). Credit tiers are used primarily to communicate to the dealer that submitted the application our preliminary indication 
of credit quality and pricing. This process is built on long established credit risk fundamentals to determine both the borrower’s ability and 
willingness to repay the loan. While advances in excess of 100% of the vehicle collateral value at loan origination, notwithstanding cash down 
and/or vehicle trade in value, are very typical in the industry (primarily due to additional costs such as mechanical warranty contracts, taxes, 
license, and title fees), our pricing, risk, and underwriting processes are rooted in statistical analysis to manage this risk.

In addition to our empirical approach of assessing risk, a majority of our applications are manually evaluated by an experienced team of 

dedicated underwriters prior to the decision to underwrite the loan. We have developed an automated process to expedite the review of 
applications with various combinations of credit factors that we have observed over time to substantially outperform or underperform in terms 
of net credit losses. As a result, there are many clusters of credit factors that will lead to an automated decision, rather than a small set of 
benchmark characteristics. Automated approvals are primarily limited to the highest quality credit tiers. For higher risk transactions, 
underwriters often verify details of the application such as borrower income and employment through documentation provided by the 
borrower or alternative data sources from third parties.

Credit underwriters have a limited ability to approve exceptions to the guidelines contained in our underwriting criteria. Exceptions to 
our credit policies must be approved by credit underwriters with appropriate credit authority. Approved applicants that do not comply with our 
credit guidelines must have strong compensating factors that indicate a high willingness and ability of the applicant to repay the loan. For 
example, underwriting exceptions may include allowing a longer term or a greater ratio of payment-to-income, debt-to-income, or loan-to-
value. We monitor exceptions to our underwriting criteria with the goal of limiting exceptions to a small portion of approved applications and 
rarely permit more than a single exception for any contract to avoid layered risk.

Consumer Automotive Financing

We provide two basic types of financing for new and used vehicles: retail installment sale contracts (retail contracts) and lease contracts. 

In most cases, we purchase retail contracts and leases for new and used vehicles from dealers when the vehicles are purchased or leased by 
consumers. Our consumer automotive financing operations generate revenue through finance charges or lease payments and fees paid by 
customers on the retail contracts and leases. In connection with lease contracts, we may also recognize a gain or loss on the remarketing of the 
vehicle at the end of the lease.

The amount we pay a dealer for a retail contract is based on the negotiated purchase price of the vehicle and any other products, such as 

service contracts, less any vehicle trade-in value, any down payment from the consumer, and any available automotive manufacturer 
incentives. Under the retail contract, the consumer is obligated to make payments in an amount equal to the purchase price of the vehicle (less 
any trade-in or down payment) plus finance charges at a rate negotiated between the consumer and the dealer. In addition, the consumer is 
also responsible for charges related to past-due payments. When we purchase the contract, it is normal business practice for the dealer to 
retain some portion of the finance charge as income for the dealership. Our agreements with dealers place a limit on the amount of the finance 
charges they are entitled to retain. Although we do not own the vehicles we finance through retail contracts, we hold a perfected security 
interest in those vehicles.

With respect to consumer leasing, we purchase leases (and the associated vehicles) from dealerships. The purchase price of consumer 

leases is based on the negotiated price for the vehicle less any vehicle trade-in, any down payment from the consumer, and any available 
automotive manufacturer incentives. Under the lease, the consumer is obligated to make payments in amounts equal to the amount by which 
the negotiated purchase price of the vehicle (less any trade-in value or down payment) exceeds the contract residual value (including residual 
support) of the vehicle at lease termination, plus lease charges. The consumer is also generally responsible for charges related to past due 
payments, excess mileage, excessive wear and tear, and certain disposal fees where applicable. At contract inception, we determine pricing 
based on the projected residual value of the lease vehicle. This evaluation is primarily based on a proprietary model, which includes variables 
such as age, expected mileage, seasonality, segment factors, vehicle type, economic indicators, production cycle, automotive manufacturer 
incentives, and shifts in used vehicle supply. This internally-generated data is compared against third-party, independent data for 
reasonableness.

Periodically, we revise the projected value of the leased vehicle at termination based on current market conditions and adjust 

depreciation expense appropriately over the remaining life of the contract. At termination, our actual sales proceeds from remarketing the 
vehicle may be higher or lower than the estimated residual value resulting in a gain or loss on remarketing recorded through depreciation 
expense.

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Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Our standard leasing plan, SmartLease, requires a monthly payment by the consumer. We also offer an alternative leasing plan, 

SmartLease Plus, that requires one up-front payment of all lease amounts at the time the consumer takes possession of the vehicle.

Consumer leases are operating leases; therefore, credit losses on the operating lease portfolio are not as significant as losses on retail 

contracts because lease credit losses are primarily limited to past due payments and assessed fees. Since some of these fees are not assessed 
until the vehicle is returned, these losses on the lease portfolio are correlated with lease termination volume. Operating lease accounts over 
30 days past due represented 1.33% and 1.00% of the portfolio at December 31, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

With respect to all financed vehicles, whether subject to a retail contract or a lease contract, we require that property damage insurance 

be obtained by the consumer. In addition, for lease contracts, we require that bodily injury, collision, and comprehensive insurance be 
obtained by the consumer.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the credit performance of the consumer automotive portfolio reflected our underwriting 
strategy to originate consumer automotive assets across a broad risk spectrum, including used, higher LTV, extended term, Growth channel, 
nonprime, and nonsubvented finance receivables and loans.

For the year ended December 31, 2016, the average buy rate for retail originations increased 51 basis points relative to the year ended 

December 31, 2015, and 86 basis points relative to the year ended December 31, 2014. We set our buy rates using a granular, risk-based 
methodology factoring in several variables such as interest costs, projected net average annualized loss rates (NAALR) at the time of 
origination, anticipated operating costs, and targeted return on equity. The increase in our average buy rate was primarily the result of a 
strategy to increase our targeted return on equity and more focused deployment of shareholder capital. The NAALR increased 9 basis points 
relative to 2015 and 20 basis points relative to 2014. NAALR is a point-in-time estimate of expected losses which, noted above, is a key input 
to our risk-based pricing methodology. Various factors including consumer payment behavior, used vehicle prices, changes in portfolio 
composition including prepayments, and asset sales will cause actual loss experience to differ from the origination NAALR. While overall 
profitability has improved as a result of higher portfolio yields on recent vintages, we have seen some performance deteriorate in the lower 
credit tiers of the portfolio versus expectations. Actual loss performance can and does vary when segmented at more granular levels, and 
modifications are frequently made to how we estimate NAALR as we change our view of expected performance at the portfolio and 
segmented levels. The carrying value of our nonprime consumer automotive loans before allowance for loan losses was $9.1 billion, or 
approximately 13.8% of our total consumer automotive loans, at December 31, 2016, as compared to $9.0 billion, or approximately 14.0% of 
our total consumer automotive loans, at December 31, 2015.

The following tables present retail originations by credit tier.

Credit Tier (a)

Year ended December 31, 2016

S

A

B

C

Total retail originations

Year ended December 31, 2015

S

A

B

C

D

Total retail originations

Year ended December 31, 2014

S

A

B

C

D

Total retail originations

Volume
($ in billions)

% Share of
volume

Average
FICO®

$

$

$

$

$

$

10.6

13.6

6.8

1.6

32.6

12.7

13.8

7.2

2.4

0.2

36.3

9.7

11.0

6.1

2.4

0.4

29.6

32

42

21

5

100

35

38

20

6

1

100

33

37

21

8

1

100

760

669

642

608

688

753

670

636

600

571

687

777

688

647

611

575

700

(a)  Represents Ally's internal credit score, incorporating numerous borrower and structure attributes including: FICO® Score; severity and aging of 

delinquency; number of credit inquiries; loan-to-value ratio; and payment-to-income ratio. We originated an insignificant amount of retail loans classified 
as Tier D during the year ended December 31, 2016, and Tier E during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014.

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Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Our strategy to increase our targeted return on equity resulted in a shift in 2016 origination mix which decreased Tiers S, C, and D, and 

increased Tiers A and B. Retail originations in Tiers A and B combined for 63% of originations compared to 58% in 2015 and 2014.

The following table presents the percentage of total outstanding retail assets by origination year.

Year ended December 31,

Pre-2012

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Total

2016

2015

2014

1%

4%

12%

3

7

13

31

45

9

14

24

49

—

18

27

43

—

—

100%

100%

100%

The 2016 and 2015 vintages comprise a higher percentage of the overall retail portfolio and have higher average buy rates and expected 

losses than older vintages. The increases in average buy rate and expected loss were due to the execution of our targeted underwriting strategy 
to originate consumer automotive assets across a broad risk spectrum, and our continued strategic focus on expanding risk-adjusted returns.

The following tables present the total retail and lease origination dollars and percentage mix by product type and by channel.

Consumer automotive
financing originations

% Share of
Ally originations

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

2016

2015

2014

2016

2015

2014

New retail standard

Used retail

Lease

New retail subvented

$

16,993

$

19,220

$

13,913

15,259

14,842

3,385

367

4,702

2,244

11,714

11,332

3,992

Total consumer automotive financing originations (a) (b)

$

36,004

$

41,008

$

40,951

47

42

10

1

100

47

36

11

6

100

34

28

28

10

100

(a) 

Includes CSG originations of $3.6 billion, $3.8 billion, and $3.8 billion for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively, and RV 
originations of $504 million, $514 million, and $461 million for years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

(b)  On September 16, 2015, we entered into agreements with Mitsubishi Motors Credit of America, Inc. (MMCA) affiliates providing us the beneficial 

interest in MMCA’s consumer loan and lease portfolio, which included $0.6 billion of retail and lease contracts in 2015. These assets have been excluded 
from the amounts presented.

Consumer automotive
financing originations

% Share of
Ally originations

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

2016

2015

2014

2016

2015

2014

Growth (a)

GM

Chrysler

$

13,082

$

12,748

$

8,323

12,960

9,962

18,666

9,594

25,847

6,781

Total consumer automotive financing originations (b)

$

36,004

$

41,008

$

40,951

Includes Carvana purchased originations of $21 million for the year ended December 31, 2016.

(a) 
(b)  Excludes consumer loans and leases purchased from MMCA of $0.6 billion in 2015.

36

36

28

100

31

46

23

100

20

63

17

100

During the year ended December 31, 2016, total consumer originations decreased $5.0 billion compared to 2015. The expected decrease 

was due to lower volume from the GM channel and the execution of our continued strategic focus on expanding risk-adjusted returns over 
volume levels. The decrease in GM volume during the year ended December 31, 2016, was partially offset by higher volume in the Growth 
and Chrysler channels. Total consumer originations have decreased for all products excluding used retail, which increased 3% in 2016, 
compared to 2015.

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Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Below we have included origination metrics by loan term, and FICO® Score. However, the proprietary way we evaluate risk is based on 

multiple inputs as described in the Acquisition and Underwriting section above.

The following table presents the percentage of total retail originations, in dollars, by the loan term in months.

Year ended December 31,
0–71
72–75
76 +

Total retail originations (a)

(a)  Excludes RV loans.

2016

2015

2014

18%

67

15

100%

21%

68

11

100%

26%

72

2

100%

As we continue the execution of our targeted underwriting strategy to originate consumer automotive assets across a broad risk spectrum, 

retail originations with a term of 76 months or more represented 15% of total retail originations for the year ended December 31, 2016, 
compared to 11% for 2015. Substantially all of the loans originated with a term of 76 months or more during the year ended December 31, 
2016, and 2015, were considered to be prime and in credit tiers S, A, or B. We define prime retail automotive loans primarily as those loans 
with a FICO® Score (or an equivalent score) at origination of 620 or greater.

The following table presents the percentage of total retail and lease originations, in dollars, by FICO® Score.

Year ended December 31,

740 +
739–660
659–620
619–540
< 540

Unscored (a)

2016

2015

2014

24%

26%

35%

36

24

10

1

5

34

22

12

1

5

34

17

8

1

5

Total consumer automotive financing originations

100%

100%

100%

(a)  Unscored are primarily CSG contracts with entities that have no FICO® Score.

Originations with a FICO® Score of less than 620 (considered nonprime) represented 11% and 13% of total consumer originations for 

the years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Consumer loans and leases with FICO® Scores of less than 540 continued to 
comprise only 1% of total originations for the year ended December 31, 2016. Most nonprime applications that are not automatically declined 
by our proprietary credit-scoring models for risk reasons are manually reviewed and decisioned by an experienced underwriting team. The 
nonprime portfolio is subject to more stringent underwriting criteria for certain loan attributes (e.g., payment-to-income, mileage, and 
maximum amount financed) and generally does not include any 76+ month term loans. For discussion of our credit risk management practices 
and performance, refer to the section titled Risk Management within this MD&A.

Manufacturer Marketing Incentives

Automotive manufacturers may elect to sponsor incentive programs (on both retail contracts and leases) by supporting finance rates 

below the standard market rates at which we purchase retail contracts. These marketing incentives are also referred to as rate support or 
subvention. When automotive manufacturers utilize these marketing incentives, we are compensated at contract inception for the present 
value of the difference between the customer rate and our standard rates. For retail loans, we defer and recognize this amount as a yield 
adjustment over the life of the contract. For lease contracts, this payment reduces our cost basis in the underlying lease asset.

Under what we refer to as pull-ahead programs, consumers may be encouraged by the manufacturer to terminate leases early in 

conjunction with the acquisition of a new vehicle. As part of these programs, we waive all or a portion of the customer's remaining payment 
obligation. Under most programs, the automotive manufacturer compensates us for a portion of the foregone revenue from the waived 
payments that are offset partially to the extent that our remarketing sales proceeds are higher than otherwise would be realized if the vehicle 
had been remarketed at lease contract maturity.

Servicing

We have historically serviced all retail contracts and leases we originated. However, our recent expansion into direct-to-consumer 
lending has resulted in the employment of third-party servicers for a small portion of the portfolio. On occasion, we have sold a portion of the 
retail contracts we originated through whole-loan sales and securitizations, but retained the right to service and earn a servicing fee for our 
servicing functions.

Servicing activities consist largely of collecting and processing customer payments, responding to customer inquiries such as requests for 
payoff quotes, processing customer requests for account revisions (payment extensions and rewrites), maintaining a perfected security interest 
in the financed vehicle, monitoring certain vehicle insurance coverages, and disposing of off-lease vehicles. Servicing activities are generally 
consistent for our Automotive Finance operations; however, certain practices may be influenced by local laws and regulations.

44

Table of Contents

Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Our customers have the option to receive monthly billing statements and remit payment by mail or through electronic fund transfers, or 

to establish online web-based account administration through the Ally Account Center. Customer payments are processed by regional third-
party processing centers that electronically transfer payment information to customers' accounts.

Collections activity includes initiating contact with customers who fail to comply with the terms of the retail contract or lease agreement 
by sending reminder notices and/or contacting via telephone generally when an account becomes 3 to 15 days past due. The type of collection 
treatment and level of intensity increases as the account becomes more delinquent. The nature and timing of these activities depend on the 
repayment risk of the account.

During the collection process, we may offer a payment extension to a customer experiencing temporary financial difficulty. A payment 
extension enables the customer to delay monthly payments for 30, 60, or 90 days, thereby deferring the maturity date of the contract by the 
length of extension. Extensions granted to a customer typically do not exceed 90 days in the aggregate during any 12-month period or 
180 days in aggregate over the life of the contract. During the deferral period, we continue to accrue and collect finance charges on the 
contract as part of the deferral agreement. If the customer's financial difficulty is not temporary and management believes the customer could 
continue to make payments at a lower payment amount, we may offer to rewrite the remaining obligation, extending the term and lowering 
the monthly payment obligation. In those cases, the principal balance generally remains unchanged while the interest rate charged to the 
customer generally increases. The use of extensions and rewrites help mitigate financial loss in those cases where management believes the 
customer will recover from short-term financial difficulty and resume regularly scheduled payments or can fulfill the obligation with lower 
payments over a longer period. Before offering an extension or rewrite, collection personnel evaluate and take into account the capacity of the 
customer to meet the revised payment terms. Generally, we do not consider extensions that fall within our policy guidelines to represent more 
than an insignificant delay in payment and, therefore, they are not considered TDRs. Although the granting of an extension could delay the 
eventual charge-off of an account, typically we are able to repossess and sell the related collateral, thereby mitigating the loss. At 
December 31, 2016, 9.4% of the total amount outstanding in the servicing portfolio had been granted an extension or was rewritten compared 
to 7.4% at December 31, 2015.

Subject to legal considerations, we normally begin repossession activity once an account becomes greater than 70 days past due. 
Repossession may occur earlier if management determines the customer is unwilling to pay, the vehicle is in danger of being damaged or 
hidden, or the customer voluntarily surrenders the vehicle. Approved third-party repossession vendors handle the repossession activity. After 
repossession, the customer is given a period of time to redeem or reinstate the vehicle by paying off the account or bringing the account 
current, respectively. If the vehicle is not redeemed or reinstated, it is sold at auction. If the proceeds do not cover the unpaid balance, 
including unpaid earned finance charges and allowable expenses, the resulting deficiency is charged off. Asset recovery centers pursue 
collections on accounts that have been charged off, including those accounts where the vehicle was repossessed, and skip accounts where the 
vehicle cannot be located.

At December 31, 2016, and 2015, our total consumer automotive serviced portfolio was $82.6 billion and $84.8 billion, respectively, 

compared to our consumer automotive on-balance sheet serviced portfolio of $77.0 billion and $80.0 billion. Refer to Note 12 to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements for further information regarding servicing activities.

Remarketing and Sales of Leased Vehicles

When we acquire a consumer lease, we assume ownership of the vehicle from the dealer. Neither the consumer nor the dealer is 

responsible for the value of the vehicle at the time of lease termination. When vehicles are not purchased by customers or the receiving dealer 
at scheduled lease termination, the vehicle is returned to us for remarketing. We generally bear the risk of loss to the extent the value of a 
leased vehicle upon remarketing is below the expected residual value. Our ability to efficiently process and effectively market off-lease 
vehicles affects the disposal costs and the proceeds realized from vehicle sales. Our methods of vehicle sales at lease termination primarily 
include the following:

• 

• 

• 

Sale to dealer — After the lessee declines an option to purchase the off-lease vehicle, the dealer who accepts the returned off-lease 
vehicle has the opportunity to purchase the vehicle directly from us at a price we define.

Internet auctions — Once the lessee and dealer decline their options to purchase, we offer off-lease vehicles to dealers and certain 
other third parties through our proprietary internet site (SmartAuction). This internet sales program seeks to maximize the net sales 
proceeds from off-lease vehicles by reducing the time between vehicle return and ultimate disposition, reducing holding costs, and 
broadening the number of prospective buyers. We use the internet auction ourselves, and also maintain the internet auction site and 
administer the auction process for third-party use. We earn a service fee for every third-party vehicle sold through SmartAuction. In 
2016, approximately 364,000 vehicles were sold through the internet site.

Physical auctions — We dispose of our off-lease vehicles not purchased at termination by the lease consumer or dealer or sold on 
an internet auction through traditional third-party, physical auctions. We are responsible for handling decisions at the auction 
including arranging for inspections, authorizing repairs and reconditioning, and determining whether bids received at auction should 
be accepted.

We employ an internal team, including statisticians, to manage our analysis of projected used vehicle values and residual risk. This team 

aids in the pricing of new leases, managing the disposal process including vehicle concentration risk, geographic optimization of vehicles to 
maximize gains, disposal platform (internet vs physical), and evaluating our residual risk on a real time basis. This team tracks market 

45

Table of Contents

Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

movements of used vehicles using data down to the VIN level including trim and options, vehicle age, mileage, and seasonality factors that 
we feel are more relevant than other published indices (Manheim, NADA, etc.) as we analyze data at the vehicle level using characteristics 
that drive the most impactful area of the used vehicle market; vehicles up to four years old. This analysis also includes vehicles sold on Ally's 
SmartAuction platform, but also sales at Manheim, ADESA, and over 200 independent physical auction sites. We believe this analysis gives 
us a competitive advantage over our peers.

Commercial Automotive Financing
Automotive Wholesale Dealer Financing

One of the most important aspects of our dealer relationships is supporting the sale of vehicles through wholesale floorplan financing. 
We primarily support automotive finance purchases by dealers of new and used vehicles manufactured or distributed before sale or lease to 
the retail customer. Wholesale floorplan automotive financing, including syndicated loan arrangements, represents the largest portion of our 
commercial financing business and is the primary source of funding for dealers' purchases of new and used vehicles.

Wholesale credit is arranged through lines of credit extended to individual dealers. Wholesale floorplan loans are secured by the vehicles 

financed (and all other vehicle inventory), which provide strong collateral protection in the event of dealership default. Additional collateral 
(e.g., blanket lien over all dealership assets) and/or other credit enhancements (e.g., personal guarantees from dealership owners) are 
oftentimes obtained to further mitigate credit risk. Furthermore, we benefit from automotive manufacturer repurchase arrangements, which 
serve as an additional layer of protection in the event of repossession of dealership inventory and/or dealership franchise termination. The 
amount we advance to dealers is equal to 100% of the wholesale invoice price of new vehicles, which includes destination and other 
miscellaneous charges, and a price rebate, known as a holdback, from the manufacturer to the dealer in varying amounts stated as a 
percentage of the invoice price. Interest on wholesale automotive financing is generally payable monthly. The majority of wholesale 
automotive financing is structured to yield interest at a floating rate indexed to London interbank offer rate (LIBOR) or the Prime Rate. The 
rate for a particular dealer is based on, among other things, competitive factors, the size of the account, and the dealer’s creditworthiness. 
Additionally, we make incentive payments to certain commercial automotive wholesale borrowers under our Ally Dealer Rewards Program 
and account for these payments as a reduction to interest income in the period they are earned.

Under the terms of the credit agreement with the dealer, we may demand payment of interest and principal on wholesale credit lines at 
any time. However, unless we terminate the credit line or the dealer defaults or the risk and exposure warrant, we generally require payment 
of the principal amount financed for a vehicle upon its sale or lease by the dealer to the customer.

Commercial Wholesale Financing Volume

The following table summarizes the average balances of our commercial wholesale floorplan finance receivables of new and used 

vehicles.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

GM new vehicles

Chrysler new vehicles

Growth new vehicles

Used vehicles

Average balance

2016

2015

2014

$

15,492

$

15,050

$

16,736

9,097

4,182

3,935

8,356

3,580

3,478

7,658

3,039

3,129

Total commercial wholesale finance receivables

$

32,706

$

30,464

$

30,562

Commercial wholesale financing average volume increased $2.2 billion during the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 2015, 
primarily due to higher floorplan assets and an increase in trucks and sport utility vehicles which have higher average prices than cars. The 
increase in floorplan assets is primarily driven by higher average vehicle prices.

Other Commercial Automotive Financing

We also provide other forms of commercial financing for the automotive industry including automotive dealer term loans and automotive 

fleet financing. Automotive dealer term loans are loans that we make to dealers to finance other aspects of the dealership business, including 
acquisitions. These loans are usually secured by real estate and/or other dealership assets, and are typically personally guaranteed by the 
individual owners of the dealership. Automotive dealer loans, inclusive of our commercial lease portfolio, increased $0.6 billion to an average 
of $5.2 billion for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to an average of $4.6 billion in 2015. Automotive fleet financing credit lines 
may be obtained by dealers, their affiliates, and other independent companies that are used to purchase vehicles, which they lease or rent to 
others. In 2016, we began offering collateralized financing to mid-market companies, corporations, and municipalities for the acquisition of 
transportation assets including tractors and trailers, among other things.

Servicing and Monitoring

We service all of the wholesale credit lines in our portfolio and the wholesale automotive finance receivables that we have securitized. A 
statement setting forth billing and account information is distributed on a monthly basis to each dealer. Interest and other nonprincipal charges 
are billed in arrears and are required to be paid immediately upon receipt of the monthly billing statement. Generally, dealers remit payments 
to us through ACH transactions initiated by the dealer through a secure web application.

46

Table of Contents

Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Dealers are assigned a risk rating based on various factors, including capital sufficiency, operating performance, and credit and payment 

history. The risk rating affects the amount of the line of credit and the ongoing risk management of the account. We monitor the level of 
borrowing under each dealer's credit line daily. We may adjust the dealer's credit line if warranted, based on the dealership's vehicle sales rate, 
and temporarily suspend the granting of additional credit, or take other actions following evaluation and analysis of the dealer's financial 
condition.

We periodically inspect and verify the existence of dealer vehicle inventories. The timing of these collateral audits varies, and no 
advance notice is given to the dealer. Among other things, audits are intended to assess dealer compliance with the financing agreement and 
confirm the status of our collateral.

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Table of Contents

Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Insurance
Results of Operations

The following table summarizes the operating results of our Insurance operations. The amounts presented are before the elimination of 

balances and transactions with our other reportable segments.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

2016

2015

2014

Insurance premiums and other income

Insurance premiums and service revenue earned

$

Investment income, net (a)

Other income

Total insurance premiums and other income

Expense

Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses

Acquisition and underwriting expense

Compensation and benefits expense

Insurance commissions expense

Other expenses

Total acquisition and underwriting expense

Total expense

$

945

136

16

1,097

$

940

134

16

979

194

12

1,090

1,185

342

68

389

141

598

940

293

68

378

140

586

879

410

63

374

141

578

988

Income from continuing operations before income 

tax expense

Total assets

Insurance premiums and service revenue written

Combined ratio (b)

$

$

$

157

7,172

948

$

$

$

211

7,053

977

$

$

$

197

7,190

1,023

98.7%

92.8%

100.2%

Favorable/
(unfavorable)
2016–2015
% change

Favorable/
(unfavorable)
2015–2014
% change

1

1

—

1

(17)

—

(3)

(1)

(2)

(7)

(26)

2

(3)

(4)

(31)

33

(8)

29

(8)

(1)

1

(1)

11

7

(2)

(4)

(a) 

Includes realized gains on investments of $84 million, $85 million, and $143 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, 
respectively; and interest expense of $47 million, $50 million, and $54 million, for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.
(b)  Management uses a combined ratio as a primary measure of underwriting profitability. Underwriting profitability is indicated by a combined ratio under 
100% and is calculated as the sum of all incurred losses and expenses (excluding interest and income tax expense) divided by the total of premiums and 
service revenues earned and other fee income.

2016 Compared to 2015

Our Insurance operations earned income from continuing operations before income tax expense of $157 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2016, compared to $211 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease for the year ended December 31, 2016, 
was primarily due to higher weather-related losses driven by severe hailstorms.

Insurance premiums and service revenue earned was $945 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $940 million for 

the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase for the year ended December 31, 2016, was primarily due to increased wholesale earned 
premium, partially offset by increased dealer reinsurance participation, and lower VSC volume.

Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses totaled $342 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $293 million for 
the same period in 2015. The increase was due to higher weather-related losses driven by severe hailstorms. The same higher weather-related 
losses drove the increase in the combined ratio to 98.7% for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 92.8% for the year ended 
December 31, 2015. Higher weather-related losses were partially offset by a decrease in non-weather-related losses driven by lower loss 
experience for VSC products.

2015 Compared to 2014

Our Insurance operations earned income from continuing operations before income tax expense of $211 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2015, compared to $197 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase was primarily due to lower weather-
related losses, partially offset by lower investment income and insurance premiums and service revenue earned.

Insurance premiums and service revenue earned was $940 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $979 million in 
2014. The decrease was due primarily to lower earned revenue on VSC products as a result of the weakening Canadian dollar related to our 
continuing Canadian operations and higher dealer reinsurance participation. Additionally, the decrease was due to lower earned revenue from 
our Smart Lease Protect product as a result of GM's decision to provide lease subvention programs for their products exclusively through a 
wholly-owned subsidiary.

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Table of Contents

Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Net investment income totaled $134 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $194 million in 2014. The decrease was 

due primarily to lower realized investment gains.

Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses totaled $293 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $410 million for 

the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease was primarily due to lower wholesale weather-related losses. Additionally, we incurred 
lower non-weather-related losses driven by lower loss experience for VSC products. Lower weather-related losses primarily drove the 
decrease in the combined ratio to 92.8% for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to 100.2% for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Premium and Service Revenue Written

The following table shows premium and service revenue written by insurance product.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Vehicle service contracts

New retail

Used retail

Reinsurance (a)

Total vehicle service contracts (b)

Wholesale

Other finance and insurance (c)

Total

2016

2015

2014

$

444

427

(189)

682

191

75

$

436 $

485

(178)

743

169

65

422

509

(152)

779

186

58

$

948

$

977 $

1,023

(a)  Reinsurance represents the transfer of premiums and risk from an Ally insurance company to a third-party insurance company.
(b)  VSC revenue is earned over the life of the service contract on a basis proportionate to the anticipated cost pattern.
(c)  Other finance and insurance includes GAP coverage, excess wear and tear, and other ancillary products.

Insurance premiums and service revenue written was $948 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $977 million in 
2015. The decrease was primarily due to increased dealer reinsurance participation and lower VSC volume, partially offset by an increase in 
wholesale premiums.

Insurance premiums and service revenue written was $977 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $1.0 billion in 
2014. The decrease was due primarily to higher vehicle service contract dealer reinsurance participation, lower premium written as a result of 
the weakening Canadian dollar, and lower wholesale premiums due to lower floorplan exposure. The decrease was partially offset by higher 
premium written from new VSCs and other finance and insurance products.

Cash and Investments

A significant aspect of our Insurance operations is the investment of proceeds from premiums and other revenue sources. We use these 

investments to satisfy our obligations related to future claims at the time these claims are settled. Our Insurance operations have an 
Investment Committee, which develops guidelines and strategies for these investments. The guidelines established by this committee reflect 
our risk tolerance, liquidity requirements, regulatory requirements, and rating agency considerations, among other factors.

49

Table of Contents

Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

The following table summarizes the composition of our Insurance operations cash and investment portfolio at fair value.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Cash

Noninterest-bearing cash

Interest-bearing cash

Total cash

Available-for-sale securities

Debt securities

U.S. Treasury and federal agencies

U.S. States and political subdivisions

Foreign government

Agency mortgage-backed residential

Mortgage-backed residential

Mortgage-backed commercial

Asset-backed

Corporate debt

Total debt securities

Equity securities

Total available-for-sale securities

Total cash and securities

2016

2015

$

$

273

612

885

299

744

162

633

227

39

6

1,443

3,553

595

4,148

$

5,033

$

293

995

1,288

269

698

177

268

387

39

6

1,204

3,048

717

3,765

5,053

50

Table of Contents

Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Mortgage Finance
Results of Operations

The following table summarizes the activities of our Mortgage Finance operations. The amounts presented are before the elimination of 

balances and transactions with our reportable segments.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

2016

2015

2014

Favorable/
(unfavorable)
2016–2015
% change

Favorable/
(unfavorable)
2015–2014
% change

Net financing revenue and other interest income

Total financing revenue and other interest income

$

Interest expense

Net financing revenue and other interest income

Provision for loan losses

Noninterest expense

Compensation and benefits expense

Other operating expenses

Total noninterest expense

Income from continuing operations before income 

tax expense

Total assets

n/m = not meaningful

2016 Compared to 2015

$

$

250

153

97

(4)

13

54

67

34

8,307

$

$

$

177

120

57

7

5

34

39

11

6,461

$

119

83

36

3

2

19

21

12

3,542

$

$

41

(28)

70

157

(160)

(59)

(72)

n/m

29

49

(45)

58

(133)

(150)

(79)

(86)

(8)

82

Our Mortgage Finance operations earned income from continuing operations before income tax expense of $34 million for the year 
ended December 31, 2016, compared to $11 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily due to an increase in 
net financing revenue and other interest income driven by increased loan balances as a result of bulk purchases of high-quality jumbo and 
LMI mortgage loans, offset by an increase in interest expense due to higher funding costs for the larger loan portfolio. In addition, the 
provision for loan losses was favorable due to lower reserve requirements as the portfolio seasoned and reserves were aligned to more 
favorable loss experience. The increase in income from continuing operations before income tax expense was partially offset by higher 
noninterest expense to support our bulk acquisition strategy and the launch of direct mortgage originations.

Net financing revenue and other interest income was $97 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $57 million for the 
year ended December 31, 2015. The increase in net financing revenue and other interest income was primarily due to increased loan balances 
as a result of bulk purchases of high-quality jumbo and LMI mortgage loans. During the year ended December 31, 2016, we purchased $3.7 
billion of mortgage loans that were originated by third parties compared to purchases of $4.1 billion in 2015. The increase in net financing 
revenue and other interest income was partially offset by an increase in interest expense as a result of higher funding costs also driven by the 
larger loan portfolio.

The provision for loan losses decreased $11 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015. The 

decrease was primarily due to lower reserve requirements as the portfolio seasoned and reserves were aligned to more favorable loss 
experience.

Total noninterest expense was $67 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $39 million for the year ended 

December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily due to higher noninterest expense to support our bulk acquisition strategy and the launch of 
direct mortgage originations.

2015 Compared to 2014

Our Mortgage Finance operations earned income from continuing operations before income tax expense of $11 million for the year 
ended December 31, 2015, compared to $12 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease was primarily due to increases in 
the provision for loan losses, as a result of growth in asset balances due to bulk mortgage purchases during the year, and an increase in 
noninterest expense to support growth of the business. The decrease was partially offset by an increase in net financing revenue and other 
interest income also driven by portfolio growth.

Net financing revenue and other interest income was $57 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $36 million in 

2014. The increase in net financing revenue and other interest income was primarily due to loan portfolio growth as a result of bulk 
acquisitions of mortgage loans and lower interest expense as a result of lower funding costs.

The provision for loan losses was $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $3 million in 2014. The increase was 

primarily due to higher reserves as a result of portfolio growth.

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Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Total noninterest expense was $39 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $21 million in 2014. The increase was 

primarily due to increases in compensation and benefits expense and overhead expenses as a result of portfolio growth.

The following table presents the net unpaid principal balance (UPB), net UPB as a percentage of total, weighted average coupon (WAC), 

premium net of discounts, loan-to-value (LTV), and FICO® Scores for the products in our Mortgage Finance held-for-investment loan 
portfolio.

Product

December 31, 2016

Adjustable-rate

Fixed-rate

Total

December 31, 2015

Adjustable-rate

Fixed-rate

Total

Net UPB (a) 
($ in millions)

% of total
net UPB

WAC

Net premium
($ in millions)

Average
refreshed
LTV (b)

Average
refreshed
FICO® (c)

$

$

$

$

2,488

5,633

8,121

2,268

4,021

6,289

31

69

100

36

64

100

3.34% $

4.02

3.81

$

3.35 % $

4.10

3.83

$

42

131

173

37

87

124

57.94%

60.47

59.69

58.52 %

61.42

60.37

773

772

772

771

768

769

(a)  Represents UPB net of charge-offs.
(b)  Updated home values were derived using a combination of appraisals, broker price opinions, automated valuation models, and metropolitan statistical area 

level house price indices.

(c)  Updated to reflect changes in credit score since loan origination.

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Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Corporate Finance
Results of Operations

The following table summarizes the activities of our Corporate Finance operations. The amounts presented are before the elimination of 

balances and transactions with our reportable segments.

($ in millions)

2016

2015

2014

Net financing revenue and other interest income

Interest and fees on finance receivables and loans

$

192

$

143

$

116

Interest expense

Net financing revenue and other interest income

Total other revenue

Total net revenue

Provision for loan losses

Noninterest expense

Compensation and benefits expense

Other operating expenses

Total noninterest expense

Income from continuing operations before income

tax expense

Total assets

2016 Compared to 2015

71

121

26

147

10

38

28

66

71

3,183

$

$

54

89

25

114

9

32

23

55

50

2,677

$

$

Favorable/
(unfavorable)
2016–2015
% change

Favorable/
(unfavorable)
2015–2014
% change

34

(31)

36

4

29

57

59

32

91

(16)

(11)

29

14

43

64

1,870

$

$

(19)

(22)

(20)

42

19

23

5

51

(22)

25

(156)

(10)

(64)

(28)

(22)

43

Our Corporate Finance operations earned income from continuing operations before income tax expense of $71 million for the year 
ended December 31, 2016, compared to $50 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was a result of higher net financing 
revenue and other interest income due primarily to asset growth. The increase was partially offset by higher compensation and benefits and 
other operating expenses to support the growth of the business.

Net financing revenue and other interest income was $121 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $89 million for 

the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily due to asset growth across all business segments in line with our growth 
strategy, which resulted in a 24% increase in the gross carrying value of finance receivables and loans as of December 31, 2016, compared to 
December 31, 2015.

Other revenue was $26 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $25 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. 

The increase was due to higher equity investment income, partially offset by lower loan syndication income.

The provision for loan losses increased $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 2015. The increase was primarily 

due to lower recoveries on nonaccrual loan exposures in 2016, compared to 2015.

Total noninterest expense was $66 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $55 million for the year ended 

December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily due to higher expenses to support the growth of the business.

2015 Compared to 2014

Our Corporate Finance operations earned income from continuing operations before income tax expense of $50 million for the year 
ended December 31, 2015, compared to $64 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease was primarily driven by lower 
recoveries of previously charged-off loans compared to 2014, as well as increased reserves due primarily to higher asset levels, and an 
increase in noninterest expense. The decrease was partially offset by higher net financing revenue and other interest income primarily due to 
asset growth.

Net financing revenue and other interest income increased $30 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to 2014. The 

increase was primarily due to asset growth across all business segments in line with our growth strategy, as well as lower funding costs 
resulting from the transition of the business into Ally Bank in May 2014.

Other revenue decreased by $7 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to 2014. The decrease is primarily due to lower 

gains on equity investments in 2015, and the recognition of fee income related to the payoff of a nonaccrual loan exposure that occurred 
during 2014. The decrease was partially offset by higher syndication income in 2015.

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Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

The provision for loan losses increased $25 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to 2014. The increase was 
primarily due to lower recoveries of previously charged-off loans compared to 2014, as well as increased reserves due primarily to asset 
growth.

Total noninterest expense increased by $12 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to 2014. The increase was 

primarily driven by the nonrecurring favorable impact from the release of a reserve for an off-balance sheet exposure in 2014, and increased 
expenses related to obtaining deposit-based funding from Ally Bank and growth of the business.

Credit Portfolio

The following table presents loans held-for-sale, the gross carrying value of finance receivables and loans outstanding, and unfunded 

commitments to lend of our Corporate Finance operations.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Loans held-for-sale, net

Finance receivables and loans

Unfunded lending commitments (a)

2016

2015

$

$

$

— $

3,180

1,483

$

$

105

2,568

1,136

(a) 

Includes unused revolving credit line commitments for loans held-for-sale and finance receivables and loans, signed commitment letters, and standby 
letter of credit facilities, which are issued on behalf of clients and may contingently require us to make payments to a third-party beneficiary should the 
client fail to fulfill a contractual commitment.

The following table presents the percentage of total finance receivables and loans of our Corporate Finance operations by industry 

concentration. The finance receivables and loans are reported at gross carrying value.

December 31,

Industry

Services

Automotive and transportation

Health services

Wholesale

Other manufactured products

Machinery, equipment, and electronics

Chemicals and metals

Retail trade

Food and beverages

Paper, printing, and publishing

Other

Total finance receivables and loans

2016

2015

27.4%

22.8%

13.5

12.0

8.9

8.8

6.6

5.8

5.1

4.2

3.2

4.5

7.1

13.4

9.7

10.2

8.5

13.4

3.8

2.8

3.6

4.7

100.0%

100.0%

54

Table of Contents

Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Corporate and Other

The following table summarizes the activities of Corporate and Other. Corporate and Other primarily consists of activity related to 
centralized corporate treasury activities such as management of the cash and corporate investment securities and loan portfolios, short- and 
long-term debt, retail and brokered deposit liabilities, derivative instruments, the amortization of the discount associated with new debt 
issuances and bond exchanges, and the residual impacts of our corporate FTP and treasury ALM activities. Corporate and Other also includes 
certain equity investments which primarily consist of FHLB and FRB stock, the management of our legacy mortgage portfolio which 
primarily consists of loans originated prior to January 1, 2009, the activity related to TradeKing since acquisition, and reclassifications and 
eliminations between the reportable operating segments.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

2016

2015

2014

Net financing revenue and other interest income

Favorable/
(unfavorable)
2016–2015
% change

Favorable/
(unfavorable)
2015–2014
% change

Total financing revenue and other interest income

$

378

$

361

$

408

5

Interest expense

Original issue discount amortization

Other interest expense

Total interest expense

Net financing revenue and other interest income (a)

Other revenue (expense)

(Loss) gain on mortgage loans, net

Loss on extinguishment of debt

Other gain on investments, net

Other income, net of losses

Total other revenue (expense)

Total net revenue

Provision for loan losses

Total noninterest expense (b)

78

337

415

(37)

(6)

(5)

101

72

162

125

(13)

199

62

212

274

87

68

(357)

70

68

(151)

(64)

(5)

155

189

316

505

(97)

(3)

(202)

38

18

(149)

(246)

(72)

282

Loss from continuing operations before income tax

expense

Total assets

$

$

(61) $

(214) $

(456)

28,719

$

26,754

$

25,841

(26)

(59)

(51)

(143)

(109)

99

44

6

n/m

n/m

160

(28)

71

7

(12)

67

33

46

190

n/m

(77)

84

n/m

(1)

74

(93)

45

53

4

n/m = not meaningful
(a)  Refer to the table that follows for further details on the components of net financing revenue and other interest income.
(b) 

Includes a reduction of $770 million, $755 million, and $759 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, respectively, related to the 
allocation of corporate overhead expenses to other segments. The receiving segments record their allocation of corporate overhead expense within other 
operating expense.

The following table summarizes the components of net financing revenue and other interest income for Corporate and Other.

At and for the year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Original issue discount amortization (a)

Net impact of the funds-transfer pricing methodology

Other (including legacy mortgage net financing revenue and other interest income)

Net financing revenue and other interest income for Corporate and Other

Outstanding original issue discount balance

(a)  Amortization is included as interest on long-term debt in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

2016

2015

2014

(78) $

(62) $

(189)

9

32

(37) $

118

31

87

1,326

$

1,391

$

$

68

24

(97)

1,415

$

$

$

55

Table of Contents

Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

The following table presents the scheduled remaining amortization of the original issue discount at December 31, 2016.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022 and 
thereafter (a)

Total

Original issue discount

Outstanding balance

Total amortization (b)

$

1,235

$

1,134

$

1,095

$

1,056

$

1,013

$

—

91

101

39

39

43

1,013

$

1,326

(a)  The maximum annual scheduled amortization for any individual year is $153 million in 2030.
(b)  The amortization is included as interest on long-term debt on the Consolidated Statement of Income.

2016 Compared to 2015

Loss from continuing operations before income tax expense for Corporate and Other was $61 million for the year ended December 31, 

2016, compared to a loss of $214 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The decrease in loss for the year ended December 31, 2016, 
was primarily due to a decrease in loss on extinguishment of debt due to debt tender offers in 2015, an increase in gain on investments related 
to increased sales of debt securities, and a decrease in the provision for loan losses as a result of lower net charge-offs due to runoff of the 
legacy mortgage portfolio. The decrease in loss was partially offset by an increase in interest expense driven by increased LIBOR rates, an 
increase in interest on deposits resulting from deposit growth, and nonrecurring favorable debt hedging activity in 2015, partially offset by 
favorable refinancing activity related to unsecured debt and a decrease in secured debt volume. Additionally, the decrease in loss was offset by 
a decrease in gain on mortgage loans due to nonrecurring sales of legacy TDR mortgage loans in 2015 and an increase in noninterest expense 
due primarily to the TradeKing integration and operations and higher FDIC deposit fees.

Interest expense was $415 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $274 million for the year ended December 31, 

2015. The increase was primarily driven by increased LIBOR rates, an increase in interest on deposits resulting from deposit growth, and 
nonrecurring favorable debt hedging activity in 2015. The increase was partially offset by favorable refinancing activity related to unsecured 
debt and a decrease in secured debt volume.

Net loss on mortgage loans was $6 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to a net gain of $68 million for the year 

ended December 31, 2015. The change was primarily due to nonrecurring sales of legacy TDR mortgage loans in 2015.

Loss on extinguishment of debt was $5 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $357 million for the year ended 

December 31, 2015. The decrease in loss was due to nonrecurring debt tender offers in 2015.

Other gain on investments was $101 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $70 million for the year ended 

December 31, 2015. The increase was due primarily to an increase in sales of securities compared to the same periods in 2015.

The provision for loan losses decreased $8 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to the same period in 2015, as a 
result of lower net charge-offs as the legacy mortgage portfolio continues to run-off. The decrease was partially offset by nonrecurring reserve 
releases in 2015.

Noninterest expense was $199 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $155 million for the year ended 

December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily due to increased expenses from the TradeKing integration and operations and higher FDIC 
deposit fees.

Total assets were $28.7 billion as of December 31, 2016, compared to $26.8 billion as of December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily 

the result of growth of our available-for-sale and held-to-maturity securities portfolios as well as the June 1, 2016 acquisition of TradeKing. 
At December 31, 2016, the total assets of TradeKing were $299 million. The increase was partially offset by the continued runoff of our 
legacy mortgage portfolio. At December 31, 2016, the gross carrying value of the legacy mortgage portfolio was $2.8 billion, compared to 
$3.4 billion at December 31, 2015.

2015 Compared to 2014

Loss from continuing operations before income tax expense for Corporate and Other was $214 million for the year ended December 31, 

2015, compared to $456 million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The decrease in loss for the year ended December 31, 2015, was 
primarily due to an increase in net financing revenue and other interest income resulting from a decrease in interest expense, an increase in 
gain on sale of mortgage and automotive loans, net, due to sales of legacy TDR mortgage loans, and lower noninterest expense due to 
improvements in operating efficiencies. The decrease in loss was partially offset by an increase in loss on extinguishment of debt due to debt 
tender offers in 2015 and an increase in the provision for loan losses due to lower reserve releases on legacy mortgage assets compared to 
2014 as a result of home price stabilization.

Net financing revenue and other interest income was $87 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to a loss of $97 

million for the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase was primarily due to decreases in interest on long term debt and OID 
amortization due to the maturity and repayment of higher-cost legacy debt and other asset liability management activity. The decreases in 
interest expense were partially offset by a decrease in financing revenue related to legacy consumer mortgage lending as a result of our exit in 
2013 of all nonstrategic mortgage-related activities, and an increase in interest on deposits due to deposit growth.

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Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Net gain on mortgage and automotive loans was $68 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to a loss of $3 million for 

the year ended December 31, 2014. The increase was primarily due to gains on sales of legacy TDR mortgage loans in 2015, which totaled 
$677 million of unpaid principal balance at the time of sales.

Loss on extinguishment of debt was $357 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $202 million for the year ended 
December 31, 2014. The increase was due to debt tender offers. During the first half of 2015, we completed two tender offers to buy back a 
total of $1.8 billion of our high-coupon debt, resulting in a total loss on extinguishment of debt of $345 million.

The provision for loan losses increased $67 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to 2014. The increase was 

primarily due to lower reserve releases on legacy mortgage assets compared to 2014 as a result of home price stabilization.

Noninterest expense was $155 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, compared to $282 million for the year ended 

December 31, 2014. The decrease was primarily due to overall streamlining of the company through increased operating efficiencies and 
headcount reductions in centralized support functions, resulting in decreased compensation and benefits and overhead expenses.

Cash and Securities

The following table summarizes the composition of the cash and securities portfolio at fair value for Corporate and Other.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Cash

Noninterest-bearing cash

Interest-bearing cash

Total cash

Available-for-sale securities

Debt securities

U.S. Treasury and federal agencies

U.S. States and political subdivisions

Mortgage-backed residential

Agency mortgage-backed residential

Mortgage-backed commercial

Asset-backed

Total available-for-sale securities

Total held-to-maturity securities

Total cash and securities

TradeKing

2016

2015

$

1,249

$

3,770

5,019

1,321

38

1,870

9,657

498

1,394

14,778

789

1,829

3,232

5,061

1,472

18

2,435

7,276

442

1,749

13,392

—

$

20,586

$

18,453

On June 1, 2016, we acquired 100% of the equity of TradeKing a digital wealth management company with an online broker-dealer, 
digital portfolio management platform, and educational content. The addition of brokerage and wealth management is a natural extension of 
our online banking franchise, creating a full suite of financial products for savings and investments. The following table presents the trading 
days and average customer trades per day during each respective quarter and the number of funded accounts, total net customer assets, and 
total customer cash balances as of the end of each full quarter since acquisition for TradeKing's online broker-dealer.

Trading days (a)

Average customer trades per day (in thousands)

Funded accounts (b) (in thousands)

Total net customer assets ($ in millions)

Total customer cash balances ($ in millions)

4th Quarter
2016

3rd Quarter
2016

62.5

18

244

$

$

4,771

1,253

$

$

64

17

240

4,678

1,177

(a)  Represents the number of days the New York Stock Exchange and other U.S. stock exchange markets are open for trading. A half day represents a day 

when the U.S. markets close early.

(b)  Represents open and funded brokerage accounts.

57

Table of Contents

Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Risk Management

Managing the risk/reward trade-off is a fundamental component of operating our businesses. Our risk management program is overseen 

by the Ally Board of Directors (the Board), various risk committees, the executive leadership team, and our associates. The Risk and 
Compliance Committee of the Board (RCC), together with the Board, sets the risk appetite across our company while the risk committees, 
executive leadership team, and our associates identify, ensure, and monitor current and emerging risks and manage those risks to be within 
our risk appetite. Ally's primary types of risk include credit, lease residual, market, operational, insurance/underwriting, business/strategic, 
reputation, and liquidity.

•  Credit risk — The risk of loss arising from an obligor not meeting its contractual obligations to Ally.

• 

Lease Residual risk — The risk of loss arising from the possibility that the actual proceeds realized upon the sale of returned 
vehicles will be lower than the projection of the values used in establishing the pricing at lease inception.

•  Market risk — The risk of loss arising from changes in the fair value of our assets or liabilities (including derivatives) caused by 

movements in market variables, such as interest rates, foreign-exchange rates, and equity and commodity prices. 

•  Operational risk — The risk of loss or harm arising from inadequate or failed processes or systems, human factors, or external 

events.

• 

• 

• 

• 

Insurance/Underwriting risk — The risk of loss associated with insured events occurring, the severity of insured events, and the 
timing of claim payments arising from insured events.

Business/Strategic risk — The risk resulting from the pursuit of business plans that turn out to be unsuccessful because of, for 
example, uninformed business decisions, inadequate resource allocation, or failure to respond well to changes in the business and 
competitive environment.

Reputation risk — The risk to earnings or capital arising from negative public opinion.

Liquidity risk — The risk that our financial condition or overall safety and soundness is adversely affected by an inability, or 
perceived inability, to meet our financial obligations, and to withstand unforeseen liquidity stress events (refer to discussion in the 
section titled Liquidity Management, Funding, and Regulatory Capital within this MD&A).

While risk oversight is ultimately the responsibility of the Board, our governance structure starts within each line of business, including 
committees established to oversee risk in their respective areas. The lines of business are responsible for executing on risk strategies, policies, 
and controls that are fundamentally sound and compliant with enterprise risk management policies and with applicable laws and regulations. 
The line of business risk committees, which report up to the RCC, ensure and monitor the performance within each portfolio and determine 
whether to amend any risk practices based upon portfolio trends.

The Enterprise Risk Management and Compliance organizations are accountable for independently identifying, monitoring, measuring, 

and reporting on our various risks, and they are responsible for designing an effective risk management framework and structure. They are 
also responsible for ensuring and monitoring that our risks remain within the tolerances established by the Board, developing and maintaining 
policies, and implementing risk management strategies and processes to mitigate risk. In addition, the Enterprise Risk Management 
Committee (ERMC) established by the Chief Risk Officer is responsible for oversight of senior management’s responsibility to manage Ally’s 
risk profile within risk appetite and tolerances set by the RCC and for implementing Ally’s risk and compliance programs. The Chief Risk 
Officer reports to the chair of the RCC, as well as the Chief Executive Officer.

All lines of business and enterprise functions are subject to full and unrestricted audits by Audit Services. Audit Services reports to the 

Audit Committee of the Board, and is primarily responsible for assisting the Audit Committee in fulfilling its governance and oversight 
responsibilities. Audit Services is granted free and unrestricted access to any and all of our records, physical properties, technologies, 
management, and employees.

In addition, our Loan Review Group provides an independent assessment of the quality of our credit risk portfolios and credit risk 
management practices, and all lines of business and corporate functions that create or influence credit risk are subject to full and unrestricted 
reviews by the Loan Review Group. This group also is granted free and unrestricted access to any and all of our records, physical properties, 
technologies, management, and employees and reports its findings directly to the RCC and the Ally Financial Inc. General Auditor. The 
findings of this group help to strengthen our risk management practices and processes throughout the organization.

58

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Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Loan and Lease Exposure

The following table summarizes the exposures from our loan and lease activities.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Finance receivables and loans

Automotive Finance

Mortgage Finance

Corporate Finance

Corporate and Other (a)

Total finance receivables and loans

Loans held-for-sale

Corporate Finance

Total on-balance sheet loans

Off-balance sheet securitized loans

Automotive Finance (b)

Whole-loan sales

Automotive Finance (b)

Operating lease assets

Automotive Finance

Total loan and lease exposure

Serviced loans and leases

Automotive Finance

Mortgage Finance

Corporate Finance

Corporate and Other

Total serviced loans and leases

2016

2015

$

104,646

$

99,187

8,294

3,180

2,824

6,413

2,568

3,432

118,944

111,600

—

105

118,944

111,705

2,392

2,529

3,164

2,252

$

$

$

$

11,470

135,970

121,480

8,294

2,991

2,757

16,271

132,757

119,808

6,413

2,532

3,360

$

135,522

$

132,113

(a) 

Includes $2.8 billion and $3.4 billion of consumer mortgage loans in our Mortgage — Legacy portfolio at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, 
respectively.

(b)  Represents the current unpaid principal balance of outstanding loans based on our customary representation and warranty provisions.

The risks inherent in our loan and lease exposures are largely driven by changes in the overall economy, used vehicle and housing price 
levels, unemployment levels, and their impact to our borrowers. The potential financial statement impact of these exposures varies depending 
on the accounting classification and future expected disposition strategy. We retain the majority of our automotive loans as they complement 
our core business model, but we do sell loans from time to time on an opportunistic basis. We ultimately manage the associated risks based on 
the underlying economics of the exposure. Our lease residual risk, which may be more volatile than credit risk in stressed macroeconomic 
scenarios, is declining with the decrease in the lease portfolio.

• 

• 

Finance receivables and loans — Loans that we have the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity, or 
loans associated with an on-balance sheet securitization classified as secured borrowing. Finance receivables and loans are reported 
at their gross carrying value, which includes the principal amount outstanding, net of unamortized deferred fees and costs on 
originated loans, unamortized premiums and discounts on purchased loans, unamortized basis adjustments arising from the 
designation of finance receivables and loans as the hedged item in qualifying fair value hedge relationships, and cumulative 
principal charge-offs. We refer to the gross carrying value less the allowance for loan loss as the net carrying value in finance 
receivables and loans. We manage the economic risks of these exposures, including credit risk, by adjusting underwriting standards 
and risk limits, augmenting our servicing and collection activities (including loan modifications and restructurings), and optimizing 
our product and geographic concentrations. Additionally, we may elect to account for certain mortgage loans at fair value. Changes 
in the fair value of these loans are recognized in a valuation allowance separate from the allowance for loan losses and are reflected 
in current period earnings. We use market-based instruments, such as derivatives, to hedge changes in the fair value of these loans.

Loans held-for-sale — Loans that we do not have the intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future or until maturity. These 
loans are recorded on our balance sheet at the lower of their net carrying value or fair market value and are evaluated by portfolio 
and product type. Changes in the recorded value are recognized in a valuation allowance and reflected in current period earnings. 
We manage the economic risks of these exposures, including market and credit risks, in various ways including the use of market-
based instruments, such as derivatives.

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Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

•  Off-balance sheet securitized loans — Loans that we transfer off-balance sheet to nonconsolidated variable interest entities. Our 

exposure is primarily limited to customary representation and warranty provisions. Similar to finance receivables and loans, we 
manage the economic risks of these exposures through activities including servicing and collections.

•  Whole-loan sales — Loans that we transfer off-balance sheet to third-party investors. Our exposure is primarily limited to 

customary representation and warranty provisions. Similar to finance receivables and loans, we manage the economic risks of these 
exposures through activities including servicing and collections.

•  Operating lease assets — The net book value of the automotive assets we lease includes the expected residual values upon 

remarketing the vehicles at the end of the lease and is reported net of accumulated depreciation. We are exposed to fluctuations in 
the expected residual value upon remarketing the vehicle at the end of the lease, and as such at contract inception, we determine 
pricing based on the projected residual value of the lease vehicle. This evaluation is primarily based on a proprietary model, which 
includes variables such as age, expected mileage, seasonality, segment factors, vehicle type, economic indicators, production cycle, 
automotive manufacturer incentives, and shifts in used vehicle supply. This internally-generated data is compared against third-
party, independent data for reasonableness. Periodically, we revise the projected value of the lease vehicle at termination based on 
current market conditions and adjust depreciation expense appropriately over the remaining life of the contract. At termination, our 
actual sales proceeds from remarketing the vehicle may be higher or lower than the estimated residual value resulting in a gain or 
loss on remarketing recorded through depreciation expense. The balance sheet reflects both the lease asset as well as any associated 
rent receivables. The lease rent receivable is accrued when collection is reasonably assured and presented as a component of other 
assets. The lease asset is reviewed for impairment in accordance with applicable accounting standards.

• 

Serviced loans and leases — Loans that we service on behalf of our customers or another financial institution. As such, these loans 
can be on or off our balance sheet. For our serviced consumer automotive loans, we do not recognize servicing assets or liabilities 
because we receive a fee that adequately compensates us for the servicing costs.

Refer to the section titled Critical Accounting Estimates within this MD&A and Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for 
further information.

Since the end of 2014, we have experienced growth in our consumer retail automotive loan portfolio and a significant reduction in lease 

assets. This shift in our portfolio mix has contributed to an increase in provision expense for loan losses. Consumer lease residuals are not 
included in the allowance for loan losses as changes in the expected residual values on consumer leases are included in depreciation expense 
over the remaining life of the lease. However, our risk to future fluctuations in used vehicle values is diminishing as our lease assets have 
declined materially and will continue to decline as the number of leases terminating currently is significantly larger than the number of new 
leases being originated. All leases are exposed to potential reductions in used vehicle values, while only those loans where we take possession 
of the vehicle are affected by potential reductions in used vehicle values. Operating lease assets, net of accumulated depreciation decreased 
$4.8 billion to $11.5 billion at December 31, 2016, from $16.3 billion at December 31, 2015.

Credit Risk Management

Credit risk is defined as the risk of loss arising from an obligor not meeting its contractual obligations to Ally. Therefore, credit risk is a 

major source of potential economic loss to us. Credit risk is monitored by several groups and functions throughout the organization, including 
enterprise and line of business committees and the risk management function. Together, they oversee credit decisioning, account servicing 
activities, and credit risk management processes, and monitor credit risk exposures to ensure they are managed in a safe-and-sound manner 
and are within our risk appetite. In addition, our Loan Review Group provides an independent assessment of the quality of our credit 
portfolios and credit risk management practices, and directly reports its findings to the RCC and the Ally Financial Inc. General Auditor on a 
regular basis.

To mitigate risk, we have implemented specific policies and practices across all lines of business, utilizing both qualitative and 

quantitative analyses. This reflects our commitment to maintain an independent and ongoing assessment of credit risk and credit quality. Our 
policies require an objective and timely assessment of the overall quality of the consumer and commercial loan and lease portfolios. This 
includes the identification of relevant trends that affect the collectability of the portfolios, segments of the portfolios that are potential problem 
areas, loans and leases with potential credit weaknesses, and the assessment of the adequacy of internal credit risk policies and procedures to 
ensure and monitor compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Our consumer and commercial loan and lease portfolios are subject to 
regular stress tests that are based on plausible, but unexpected, economic scenarios to ensure that we can withstand a severe economic 
downturn. In addition, we establish and maintain underwriting policies and volume based guardrails across our portfolios and higher risk 
segments (e.g., nonprime) based on our risk appetite.

We manage credit risk based on the risk profile of the borrower, the source of repayment, the underlying collateral, and current market 

conditions. We monitor the credit risk profile of individual borrowers and the aggregate portfolio of borrowers either within a designated 
geographic region or a particular product or industry segment. We perform quarterly analyses of the consumer automotive, consumer 
mortgage, and commercial portfolios using a range of indicators to assess the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses based on historical 
and current trends. Refer to Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Additionally, we utilize numerous collection strategies to mitigate loss and provide ongoing support to customers in financial distress. 
For automotive loans, we work with customers when they become delinquent on their monthly payment. In lieu of repossessing their vehicle, 

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Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

we may offer several types of assistance to aid our customers based on their willingness and ability to repay their loan. Loss mitigation may 
include extension of the loan maturity date and rewriting the loan terms. For mortgage loans, as part of certain programs, we offer mortgage 
loan modifications to qualified borrowers. Numerous initiatives are in place to provide support to our mortgage customers in financial 
distress, including principal forgiveness, maturity extensions, delinquent interest capitalization, and changes to contractual interest rates.

Furthermore, we manage our counterparty credit exposure based on the risk profile of the counterparty. Within our policies, we have 
established standards and requirements for managing counterparty risk exposures in a safe-and-sound manner. Counterparty credit risk is 
derived from multiple exposure types, including derivatives, securities trading, securities financing transactions, financial futures, cash 
balances (e.g., due from depository institutions, restricted accounts, and cash equivalents), and investment in debt securities. For more 
information on derivative counterparty credit risk, refer to Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

We closely monitor macro-economic trends given the nature of our business and the potential impacts on our exposure to credit risk. 
During 2016, the U.S. economy continued to modestly expand and consumer confidence remained strong. The labor market remained strong 
during the year, with nonfarm payrolls increasing and the annual unemployment rate falling to 4.7% as of December 31, 2016. Within the 
U.S. automotive market, new light vehicle sales remained at historic highs but were relatively flat year over year at 17.5 million for the year 
ended December 31, 2016. We experienced downward pressure on used vehicle values in 2016 and expect that to continue in 2017.

On-balance Sheet Portfolio

Our on-balance sheet portfolio includes both finance receivables and loans and loans held-for-sale. At December 31, 2016, this primarily 
included $104.6 billion of automotive finance receivables and loans and $11.1 billion of mortgage finance receivables and loans. Our ongoing 
Mortgage Finance operations include the management of our held-for-investment mortgage loan portfolio. During the year ended 
December 31, 2016, we continued to execute bulk purchases of high-quality jumbo and LMI mortgage loans. In late 2016, we also introduced 
limited direct mortgage originations.

The following table presents our total on-balance sheet consumer and commercial finance receivables and loans.

December 31, ($ in millions)

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

Outstanding

Nonperforming (a)

Accruing past due 90 days
or more

Consumer

Finance receivables and loans

Loans at gross carrying value

$

76,843

$

74,065

$

697

$

603

$

— $

Loans at fair value

Total finance receivables and loans

Loans held-for-sale

Total consumer loans (b)

Commercial

Finance receivables and loans

Loans at gross carrying value

Loans held-for-sale

Total commercial loans

—

76,843

—

76,843

42,101

—

42,101

—

74,065

—

74,065

37,535

105

37,640

Total on-balance sheet loans

$

118,944

$

111,705

$

—

697

—

697

122

—

122

819

—

603

—

603

77

—

77

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

$

680

$

— $

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(a) 
(b) 

Includes nonaccrual TDR loans of $286 million and $277 million at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively.
Includes outstanding CSG loans of $6.7 billion and $6.2 billion at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, and RV loans of $1.7 billion and $1.5 
billion at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively.

Total on-balance sheet loans outstanding at December 31, 2016, increased $7.2 billion to $118.9 billion from December 31, 2015, 
reflecting an increase of $4.5 billion in the commercial portfolio and an increase of $2.8 billion in the consumer portfolio. The increase in 
commercial on-balance sheet loans outstanding was primarily driven by the growth of wholesale floorplan finance receivables and the 
ongoing demand for automotive dealer term loans. The increase in consumer on-balance sheet loans was due in part by the increase in 
consumer automotive finance receivables and loans was primarily the result of our loan originations for the year outpacing portfolio runoff, 
partially offset by the completion of $4.3 billion in loan sales and off-balance sheet securitizations of higher credit quality assets. In addition, 
the increase in consumer mortgage finance receivables and loans was primarily due to the execution of bulk purchases of high-quality jumbo 
and LMI mortgage loans totaling $3.7 billion during the year ended December 31, 2016, which outpaced portfolio runoff.

Total TDRs outstanding at December 31, 2016, increased $38 million to $663 million from December 31, 2015. Refer to Note 9 to the 

Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Total nonperforming loans at December 31, 2016, increased $139 million to $819 million from December 31, 2015, reflecting an 

increase of $94 million of consumer nonperforming loans and an increase of $45 million of commercial nonperforming loans. The increase in 

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Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

total nonperforming loans from December 31, 2015, primarily reflects the broad range of credit and product characteristics of the consumer 
automotive portfolio as Ally continues to originate loans across a more diverse credit spectrum, combined with the downgrade of two 
accounts within the Corporate Finance portfolio. Nonperforming loans include finance receivables and loans on nonaccrual status when the 
principal or interest has been delinquent for 90 days or when full collection is determined not to be probable. Refer to Note 1 to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

The following table includes consumer and commercial net charge-offs from finance receivables and loans at gross carrying value and 

related ratios.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Consumer

Commercial

Total finance receivables and loans at gross carrying value

Net charge-offs (recoveries)

Net charge-off ratios (a)

2016

2015

2016

2015

$

$

802

(1)

801

$

$

609

—

609

1.1%

—

0.7

0.9%

—

0.6

(a)  Net charge-off ratios are calculated as net charge-offs divided by average outstanding finance receivables and loans excluding loans measured at fair value 

and loans held-for-sale during the year for each loan category.

Net charge-offs were $801 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $609 million for the year ended December 31, 

2015. The increase during the year ended December 31, 2016, was driven by the changing composition of the consumer automotive portfolio 
to a more profitable mix of business consistent with Ally’s underwriting strategy; higher average charge-offs due in part to higher unpaid 
principal balances at the time of charge-off and lower average sales proceeds on repossessed vehicles as compared to 2015; and the seasoning 
of consumer automotive accounts now entering their peak loss periods.

The following discussions titled Consumer Credit Portfolio and Commercial Credit Portfolio relate to consumer and commercial finance 

receivables and loans recorded at gross carrying value. Finance receivables and loans recorded at gross carrying value have an associated 
allowance for loan losses.

Consumer Credit Portfolio

Our consumer portfolio primarily consists of automotive loans, first mortgages, and home equity loans. Loan losses in our consumer 
portfolio are influenced by general business and economic conditions including unemployment rates, bankruptcy filings, and home and used 
vehicle prices. Additionally, our consumer credit exposure is significantly concentrated in automotive lending.

Credit risk management for the consumer portfolio begins with the initial underwriting and continues throughout a borrower's credit life 

cycle. We manage consumer credit risk through our loan origination and underwriting policies and the credit approval process. We use 
proprietary credit-scoring models to differentiate the expected default rates of credit applicants enabling us to better evaluate credit 
applications for approval and to tailor the pricing and financing structure according to this assessment of credit risk. We regularly review the 
performance of the credit scoring models and update them for historical information and current trends. These and other actions mitigate but 
do not eliminate credit risk. Improper evaluations of a borrower's creditworthiness, fraud, and/or changes in the applicant's financial condition 
after approval could negatively affect the quality of our portfolio, resulting in loan losses.

Our servicing activities are another key factor in managing consumer credit risk. Servicing activities consist largely of collecting and 
processing customer payments, responding to customer inquiries such as requests for payoff quotes, and processing customer requests for 
account revisions (such as payment extensions and refinancings). Certain servicing practices may be influenced by local laws and regulations.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the credit performance of the consumer portfolio reflected both our underwriting strategy to 
originate consumer automotive assets across a broad risk spectrum, including used, higher LTV, extended term, Growth channel, nonprime, 
and nonsubvented finance receivables and loans, and our continued bulk purchases of high-quality jumbo and LMI mortgage loans. Within 
our consumer automotive portfolio, we have seen some deterioration in nonprime credit tiers compared to prime credit tiers. The carrying 
value of our nonprime consumer automotive loans before allowance for loan losses represented approximately 13.8% of our total consumer 
automotive loans at December 31, 2016, compared to approximately 14.0% at December 31, 2015. For information on our consumer credit 
risk practices and policies regarding delinquencies, nonperforming status, and charge-offs, refer to Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements.

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Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

The following table includes consumer finance receivables and loans recorded at gross carrying value.

Outstanding

Nonperforming (a)

Accruing past due 90 days
or more

December 31, ($ in millions)

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

Consumer automotive (b) (c)

$

65,793

$

64,292

$

598

$

475

$

— $

Consumer mortgage

Mortgage Finance

Mortgage — Legacy

Total consumer finance receivables and

loans

8,294

2,756

6,413

3,360

10

89

15

113

—

—

$

76,843

$

74,065

$

697

$

603

$

— $

—

—

—

—

(a) 
(b) 

(c) 

Includes nonaccrual TDR loans of $240 million and $233 million at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively.
Includes $43 million and $66 million of fair value adjustment for loans in hedge accounting relationships at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, 
respectively. Refer to Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Includes outstanding CSG loans of $6.7 billion and $6.2 billion at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, and RV loans of $1.7 billion and $1.5 
billion at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively.

Total consumer outstanding finance receivables and loans increased $2.8 billion at December 31, 2016, compared with December 31, 

2015. The increase in consumer automotive finance receivables and loans was primarily the result of our loan originations for the year 
outpacing portfolio runoff, partially offset by the completion of $4.3 billion in loan sales and off-balance sheet securitizations of higher credit 
quality assets. The increase in consumer mortgage finance receivables and loans was primarily due to growth in the Mortgage Finance 
portfolio due to the execution of bulk loan purchases, which outpaced total consumer mortgage portfolio runoff.

Total consumer nonperforming finance receivables and loans at December 31, 2016, increased $94 million to $697 million from 

December 31, 2015, reflecting an increase of $123 million of consumer automotive finance receivables and loans and a decrease of $29 
million of consumer mortgage nonperforming finance receivables and loans. The increase in nonperforming consumer automotive finance 
receivables and loans reflects the broad range of credit and product characteristics of the overall portfolio as Ally continues to originate loans 
across a more diverse credit spectrum. The decrease in nonperforming consumer mortgage finance receivables and loans was primarily due to 
continued improvement in the macroeconomic environment, including increases in the house price index and low interest rates, as well as the 
liquidation of certain nonperforming accounts. Refer to Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information. 
Nonperforming consumer finance receivables and loans as a percentage of total outstanding consumer finance receivables and loans were 
0.9% and 0.8% at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively.

Consumer automotive loans accruing and past due 30 days or more increased $274 million to $2.2 billion at December 31, 2016, 

compared with December 31, 2015, primarily due to the more diverse range of credit and product characteristics reflected in the overall 
portfolio which is driven by our current underwriting strategy.

The following table includes consumer net charge-offs from finance receivables and loans at gross carrying value and related ratios.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Consumer automotive

Consumer mortgage

Mortgage Finance

Mortgage — Legacy

Total consumer finance receivables and loans

Net charge-offs

Net charge-off ratios (a)

2016

2015

2016

2015

$

$

795

$

—

7

802

$

578

2

29

609

1.2%

1.0%

—

0.2

1.1

—

0.8

0.9

(a)  Net charge-off ratios are calculated as net charge-offs divided by average outstanding finance receivables and loans excluding loans measured at fair value 

and loans held-for-sale during the period for each loan category.

Our net charge-offs from total consumer finance receivables and loans were $802 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, 
compared to $609 million for the year ended December 31, 2015. The increase during the year ended December 31, 2016, was driven by the 
changing composition of the consumer automotive portfolio to a more profitable mix of business consistent with Ally’s underwriting strategy; 
higher average charge-offs due in part to higher unpaid principal balances at the time of charge-off and lower average sales proceeds on 
repossessed vehicles as compared to 2015; and the seasoning of consumer automotive accounts now entering their peak loss periods.

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Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

The following table summarizes total consumer loan originations for the periods shown. Total consumer loan originations include loans 

classified as finance receivables and loans and loans held-for-sale during the period.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Consumer automotive (a)

Consumer mortgage

Total consumer loan originations

2016

2015

$

$

32,619

7

32,626

$

$

36,306

2

36,308

(a) 

Includes $1.2 billion of loans originated as held-for-sale during the first quarter of 2015.

Total automotive-originated loans decreased $3.7 billion for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 2015, as we continued to 

execute our strategic focus of selective originations based on improved risk-adjusted returns.

The following table shows the percentage of total consumer finance receivables and loans recorded at gross carrying value by state 

concentration. Total consumer automotive loans were $65.8 billion and $64.3 billion at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, 
respectively. Total mortgage and home equity loans were $11.1 billion and $9.8 billion at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, 
respectively.

December 31,

Texas

California

Florida

Pennsylvania

Illinois

Georgia

North Carolina

Ohio

New York

Michigan

Other United States

Total consumer loans

2016 (a)

2015

Consumer 
automotive

Consumer 
mortgage

Consumer 
automotive

Consumer 
mortgage

13.6%

7.8

8.2

4.7

4.3

4.3

3.6

3.5

3.2

2.7

6.6%

34.2

4.4

1.5

3.4

2.2

1.6

0.5

1.9

1.9

13.7%

7.3

7.7

5.0

4.4

4.4

3.6

3.7

3.5

3.1

6.2%

33.6

4.1

1.5

4.1

2.2

1.8

0.6

1.9

2.4

44.1

41.8

100.0%

100.0%

43.6

100.0%

41.6

100.0%

(a)  Presentation is in descending order as a percentage of total consumer finance receivables and loans at December 31, 2016.

We monitor our consumer loan portfolio for concentration risk across the states in which we lend. The highest concentrations of 
consumer loans are in Texas and California, which represented an aggregate of 24.2% and 23.5% of our total outstanding consumer finance 
receivables and loans at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively. Our consumer mortgage loan portfolio concentration 
within California, which is primarily comprised of high-quality jumbo mortgage loans, generally aligns to the California share of jumbo 
mortgages nationally.

Repossessed and Foreclosed Assets

We classify an asset as repossessed or foreclosed (included in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet) when physical possession 

of the collateral is taken. We dispose of the acquired collateral in a timely fashion in accordance with regulatory requirements. For more 
information on repossessed and foreclosed assets, refer to Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Repossessed consumer automotive loan assets in our Automotive Finance operations at December 31, 2016, increased $13 million to 

$135 million from December 31, 2015. Foreclosed mortgage assets at December 31, 2016, increased $3 million to $13 million from 
December 31, 2015.

Commercial Credit Portfolio

Our commercial portfolio consists primarily of automotive loans (wholesale floorplan, dealer term loans including real estate loans, 

automotive fleet financing, and transportation and equipment financing), as well as other commercial loans. Wholesale floorplan loans are 
secured by the vehicles financed (and all other vehicle inventory), which provide strong collateral protection in the event of dealership 
default. Additional collateral (e.g., blanket lien over all dealership assets) and/or other credit enhancements (e.g., personal guarantees from 
dealership owners) are oftentimes obtained to further manage credit risk. Furthermore, we benefit from automotive manufacturer repurchase 
arrangements, which serve as an additional layer of protection in the event of repossession of dealership inventory and/or dealership franchise 
termination.

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Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Within our commercial portfolio, we utilize an internal credit risk rating system that is fundamental to managing credit risk exposure 
consistently across various types of commercial borrowers and captures critical risk factors for each borrower. The ratings are used for many 
areas of credit risk management, including loan origination, portfolio risk monitoring, management reporting, and loan loss reserves analyses. 
Therefore, the rating system is critical to an effective and consistent credit risk management framework.

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the credit performance of the commercial portfolio remained strong, as both nonperforming 

finance receivables and loans remained relatively stable and net charge-offs realized continued to be minimal. For information on our 
commercial credit risk practices and policies regarding delinquencies, nonperforming status, and charge-offs, refer to Note 1 to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

The following table includes total commercial finance receivables and loans reported at gross carrying value.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Commercial and industrial

Automotive

Other (b)

Commercial real estate — Automotive

Total commercial finance receivables and

loans

Outstanding

Nonperforming (a)

Accruing past due 90 days
or more

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

$

35,041

$

31,469

$

3,248

3,812

2,640

3,426

$

33

84

5

25

44

8

$

— $

—

—

$

42,101

$

37,535

$

122

$

77

$

— $

—

—

—

—

Includes nonaccrual TDR loans of $46 million and $44 million at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively.

(a) 
(b)  Other commercial primarily includes senior secured commercial lending.

Total commercial finance receivables and loans outstanding increased $4.6 billion from December 31, 2015, to $42.1 billion at 
December 31, 2016. The increase was primarily due to the growth of wholesale floorplan finance receivables and the ongoing demand for 
automotive dealer term loans, as well as the growth in our Corporate Finance portfolio in line with our business strategy.

Total commercial nonperforming finance receivables and loans were $122 million at December 31, 2016, reflecting an increase of $45 

million when compared to December 31, 2015. The increase was primarily due to the downgrade of two accounts within the Corporate 
Finance portfolio. However, nonperforming commercial finance receivables and loans as a percentage of outstanding commercial finance 
receivables and loans remained relatively stable at 0.3% at December 31, 2016, compared to 0.2% at December 31, 2015.

The following table includes total commercial net charge-offs from finance receivables and loans at gross carrying value and related 

ratios.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Commercial and industrial

Automotive

Other

Total commercial finance receivables and loans

Net charge-offs (recoveries)

Net charge-off ratios (a)

2016

2015

2016

2015

$

$

1

$

(2)

(1) $

3

(3)

—

—%

(0.1)

—

—%

(0.1)

—

(a)  Net charge-off ratios are calculated as net charge-offs divided by average outstanding finance receivables and loans excluding loans measured at fair value 

and loans held-for-sale during the period for each loan category.

Commercial Real Estate

The commercial real estate portfolio consists of finance receivables and loans issued primarily to automotive dealers. Commercial real 

estate finance receivables and loans were $3.8 billion and $3.4 billion at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively.

65

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Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

The following table presents the percentage of total commercial real estate finance receivables and loans by state concentration. These 

finance receivables and loans are reported at gross carrying value.

December 31,

Texas

Florida

California

Michigan

New Jersey

Georgia

North Carolina

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

New York

Other United States

Total commercial real estate finance receivables and loans

Commercial Criticized Exposure

2016

2015

16.1%

10.2

17.7%

10.0

7.9

7.6

4.2

3.6

3.6

3.1

2.7

2.6

8.7

8.9

2.1

3.6

3.8

3.4

2.2

3.1

38.4

100.0%

36.5

100.0%

Finance receivables and loans classified as special mention, substandard, or doubtful are reported as criticized. These classifications are 

based on regulatory definitions and generally represent finance receivables and loans within our portfolio that have a higher default risk or 
have already defaulted. These finance receivables and loans require additional monitoring and review including specific actions to mitigate 
our potential loss.

Total criticized exposures increased $156 million from December 31, 2015, to $2.7 billion at December 31, 2016. The increase was 

primarily due to the Corporate Finance portfolio and is in line with the overall growth in Corporate Finance loan balances.

The following table presents the percentage of total commercial criticized finance receivables and loans by industry concentration. These 

finance receivables and loans within our automotive and Corporate Finance portfolios are reported at gross carrying value.

December 31,

Industry

Automotive

Services

Electronics

Other

Total commercial criticized finance receivables and loans

Selected Loan Maturity and Sensitivity Data

2016

2015

81.2%

80.5%

6.3

4.2

8.3

5.3

3.3

10.9

100.0%

100.0%

The table below shows the commercial finance receivables and loans portfolio and the distribution between fixed and floating interest 

rates based on the stated terms of the commercial loan agreements. This portfolio is reported at gross carrying value.

December 31, 2016 ($ in millions)

Commercial and industrial

Commercial real estate

Total commercial finance receivables and loans

Loans at fixed interest rates

Loans at variable interest rates

Total commercial finance receivables and loans

Includes loans (e.g., floorplan) with revolving terms.

(a) 
(b)  Loan maturities are based on the remaining maturities under contractual terms.

Within
1 year (a)

$

$

33,802

209

34,011

1–5 years

After
5 years

$

$

$

$

3,513

1,555

5,068

1,518

3,550

5,068

$

$

$

$

974

2,048

3,022

2,044

978

3,022

Total (b)

$

$

38,289

3,812

42,101

66

Table of Contents

Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Allowance for Loan Losses

The following tables present an analysis of the activity in the allowance for loan losses on finance receivables and loans.

($ in millions)

Consumer
automotive

Consumer
mortgage

Total
consumer

Commercial

Total

Allowance at January 1, 2016

$

834

$

Charge-offs (a)

Recoveries

Net charge-offs

Provision for loan losses

Other (b)

Allowance at December 31, 2016

$

Allowance for loan losses to finance receivables and loans

outstanding at December 31, 2016 (c)

Net charge-offs to average finance receivables and loans
outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2016

Allowance for loan losses to total nonperforming finance

receivables and loans at December 31, 2016 (c)

Ratio of allowance for loan losses to net charge-offs at

December 31, 2016

(1,102)

307

(795)

919

(26)

932

1.4%

1.2%

$

114

(39)

32

(7)

(16)

—

91

0.8%

0.1%

$

948

$

106

$

1,054

(1,141)

339

(802)

903

(26)

(1)

2

1

14

—

(1,142)

341

(801)

917

(26)

$

1,023

$

121

$

1,144

1.3%

1.1%

0.3%

—%

1.0%

0.7%

155.8%

92.1%

146.8%

99.3%

139.7%

1.2

13.7

1.3

n/m

1.4

n/m = not meaningful
(a)  Represents the amount of the gross carrying value directly written-off. For consumer and commercial loans, the loss from a charge-off is measured as the 

difference between the gross carrying value of a loan and the fair value of the collateral, less costs to sell. Refer to Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements for more information regarding our charge-off policies.

(b)  Primarily related to the transfer of finance receivables and loans from held-for-investment to held-for-sale.
(c)  Coverage percentages are based on the allowance for loan losses related to finance receivables and loans excluding those loans held at fair value as a 

percentage of the gross carrying value.

The allowance for consumer loan losses at December 31, 2016, increased $75 million compared to December 31, 2015. The increase was 

primarily due to higher reserve requirements reflecting the changing composition of the consumer automotive portfolio to a more profitable 
mix of business consistent with Ally’s underwriting strategy and higher loan balances in our consumer portfolios. This increase was partially 
offset by lower reserve balances in our consumer mortgage portfolios.

The allowance for commercial loan losses increased $15 million at December 31, 2016, compared to December 31, 2015, primarily 

related to reserve releases due to strong portfolio performance within the commercial automotive portfolio in 2015.

($ in millions)

Consumer
automotive

Consumer
mortgage

Total
consumer

Commercial

Total

Allowance at January 1, 2015

$

685

$

$

837

$

140

$

Charge-offs (a)

Recoveries

Net charge-offs

Provision for loan losses

Other (b)

Allowance at December 31, 2015

$

Allowance for loan losses to finance receivables and loans

outstanding at December 31, 2015 (c)

Net charge-offs to average finance receivables and loans
outstanding for the year ended December 31, 2015

Allowance for loan losses to total nonperforming finance

receivables and loans at December 31, 2015 (c)

Ratio of allowance for loan losses to net charge-offs at

December 31, 2015

(840)

262

(578)

739

(12)

834

1.3%

1.0%

(4)

4

—

(33)

(1)

977

(892)

283

(609)

707

(21)

152

(48)

17

(31)

1

(8)

(888)

279

(609)

740

(20)

948

1.3%

0.9%

$

114

$

1.2%

0.4%

$

106

$

1,054

0.3%

—%

0.9%

0.6%

175.7%

89.0%

157.2%

137.4%

155.0%

1.4

3.7

1.6

—

1.7

(a)  Represents the amount of the gross carrying value directly written-off. For consumer and commercial loans, the loss from a charge-off is measured as the 

difference between the gross carrying value of a loan and the fair value of the collateral, less costs to sell. Refer to Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements for more information regarding our charge-off policies.

(b)  Primarily related to the transfer of finance receivables and loans from held-for-investment to held-for-sale.
(c)  Coverage percentages are based on the allowance for loan losses related to finance receivables and loans excluding those loans held at fair value as a 

percentage of the gross carrying value.

67

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Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

The allowance for consumer loan losses at December 31, 2015, increased $111 million compared to December 31, 2014. The increase 

was driven by growth in the consumer automotive portfolio and the change in our automotive portfolio composition as we continued the 
execution of our underwriting strategy to originate consumer automotive assets across a broad risk spectrum, offset by lower reserve 
requirements related to consumer mortgage driven by improved credit quality of the portfolio.

The allowance for commercial loan losses declined $34 million at December 31, 2015, compared to December 31, 2014, primarily due to 

continued strong performance in the portfolio, partially offset by portfolio growth.

Allowance for Loan Losses by Type

The following table summarizes the allocation of the allowance for loan losses by product type.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Consumer

Consumer automotive

Consumer mortgage

Mortgage Finance

Mortgage — Legacy

Total consumer mortgage

Total consumer loans

Commercial

Commercial and industrial

Automotive

Other

Commercial real estate — Automotive

Total commercial loans

Total allowance for loan losses

$

2016

2015

Allowance
for loan
losses

Allowance
as a % of
loans
outstanding

Allowance as
a % of total
allowance for
loan losses

Allowance
for loan
losses

Allowance as
a % of loans
outstanding

Allowance as
a % of total
allowance for
loan losses

$

932

1.4%

81.4% $

834

1.3%

79.1%

11

80

91

1,023

32

64

25

121

1,144

0.1

2.9

0.8

1.3

0.1

2.0

0.7

0.3

1.0

1.0

7.0

8.0

89.4

2.8

5.6

2.2

10.6

100.0% $

16

98

114

948

29

53

24

106

1,054

0.2

2.9

1.2

1.3

0.1

2.0

0.7

0.3

0.9

1.5

9.3

10.8

89.9

2.8

5.0

2.3

10.1

100.0%

Provision for Loan Losses

The following table summarizes the provision for loan losses by product type.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

2016

2015

2014

Consumer

Consumer automotive

Consumer mortgage

Mortgage Finance

Mortgage — Legacy

Total consumer mortgage

Total consumer loans

Commercial

Commercial and industrial

Automotive

Other

Commercial real estate — Automotive

Total commercial loans

Total provision for loan losses

$

919

$

739

$

540

(4)

(12)

(16)

903

4

9

1

14

7

(6)

1

740

(34)

10

(9)

(33)

$

917

$

707

$

3

(72)

(69)

471

(1)

(16)

3

(14)

457

The provision for consumer loan losses increased $163 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to 2015. The increase 

during the year ended December 31, 2016, is primarily due to higher net charge-offs and higher reserve requirements in our consumer 
automotive portfolio as a result of our strategy to originate a more profitable mix of business consistent with Ally’s underwriting strategy. The 
increase was partially offset by lower reserve requirements in our Mortgage Finance portfolio as the portfolio seasoned and reserves were 

68

Table of Contents

Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

aligned to more favorable loss experience, lower net charge-offs in our Mortgage — Legacy portfolio, and lower loan growth in our consumer 
automotive portfolio.

The provision for commercial loan losses was $14 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to a net credit of $33 

million in 2015. The increase was primarily related to reserve releases within the commercial automotive portfolio in the year ended 
December 31, 2015, due to strong portfolio performance in 2015.

Lease Residual Risk Management

We are exposed to residual risk on vehicles in the consumer lease portfolio. This lease residual risk represents the possibility that the 
actual proceeds realized upon the sale of returned vehicles will be lower than the projection of these values used in establishing the pricing at 
lease inception. For information on our valuation of automotive lease residuals including periodic revisions through adjustments to 
depreciation expense based on current and forecasted market conditions, refer to the section titled Critical Accounting Estimates — Valuation 
of Automotive Lease Assets and Residuals within this MD&A.

• 

Priced residual value projections — At contract inception, we determine pricing based on the projected residual value of the lease 
vehicle. This evaluation is primarily based on a proprietary model, which includes variables such as age, expected mileage, 
seasonality, segment factors, vehicle type, economic indicators, production cycle, automotive manufacturer incentives, and 
unanticipated shifts in used vehicle supply. This internally-generated data is compared against third-party, independent data for 
reasonableness. Periodically, we revise the projected value of the leased vehicle at termination based on current market conditions 
and adjust depreciation expense appropriately over the remaining life of the contract. At termination, our actual sales proceeds from 
remarketing the vehicle may be higher or lower than the estimated residual value resulting in a gain or loss on remarketing recorded 
through depreciation expense.

•  Remarketing abilities — Our ability to efficiently process and effectively market off-lease vehicles affects the disposal costs and 
the proceeds realized from vehicle sales. Vehicles can be remarketed through auction (internet and physical), sale to dealer, sale to 
lessee, and other methods. The results within these channels vary, with physical auction typically resulting in the lowest-priced 
outcome.

•  Manufacturer vehicle and marketing programs — Automotive manufacturers influence lease residual results in the following 

ways:

The brand image of automotive manufacturers and consumer demand for their products affect residual risk.

Automotive manufacturer marketing programs may influence the used vehicle market for those vehicles through programs 
such as incentives on new vehicles, programs designed to encourage lessees to terminate their leases early in conjunction with 
the acquisition of a new vehicle (referred to as pull-ahead programs), and special rate used vehicle programs.

•  Used vehicle market — We have exposure to changes in used vehicle prices. General economic conditions, used vehicle supply and 

demand, and new vehicle market prices heavily influence used vehicle prices.

Lease Vehicle Terminations and Remarketing

The following table summarizes the volume of lease terminations and average gain per vehicle over recent periods, as well as our 

methods of vehicle sales at lease termination, stated as a percentage of total lease vehicle disposals.

Year ended December 31,

Off-lease vehicles terminated (in units)

Average gain per vehicle ($ per unit)

Method of vehicle sales

Auction

Internet

Physical

Sale to dealer, lessee, and other

2016

307,557

2015

264,256

2014

296,393

$

691

$

1,329

$

1,461

55 %

13

32

49%

12

39

51%

10

39

The number of off-lease vehicles remarketed during the year ended December 31, 2016, increased 16% compared to 2015. The increase 
in the number of off-lease vehicles remarketed during the year ended December 31, 2016, reflects a shift of incentive programs from two-year 
leases in 2012 towards three-year leases in 2013, coupled with an increase in industry vehicle sales from 2012 to 2013. Our termination 
volumes, and therefore our residual risk, should decrease significantly in 2017 and future years as a direct result of lower GM lease 
originations.

Average gain per vehicle decreased in 2016 due to declining used vehicle values which were more pronounced in the car market, and 

adjustments to depreciation expense based on changes in expected residual values at lease termination, which we began to experience in 

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

connection with the decline in the used vehicle market during 2016. This trend is expected to continue in the near term. For more information 
on our investment in operating leases, refer to Note 1 and Note 10 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Lease Portfolio Mix

We monitor the concentration of our outstanding operating leases. The following table presents the mix of leased vehicles by type, based 

on volume of units.

Year ended December 31,

Car

Truck

Sport utility vehicle

Market Risk

2016

2015

2014

31%

17

52

38%

14

48

40%

13

47

Our automotive financing, mortgage, and insurance activities give rise to market risk representing the potential loss in the fair value of 

assets or liabilities and earnings caused by movements in market variables, such as interest rates, foreign-exchange rates, equity prices, 
market perceptions of credit risk, and other market fluctuations that affect the value of securities, assets held-for-sale, and operating leases. 
We are exposed to interest rate risk arising from changes in interest rates related to financing, investing, and cash management activities. 
More specifically, we have entered into contracts to provide financing and to retain various assets related to securitization activities all of 
which are exposed in varying degrees to changes in value due to movements in interest rates. Interest rate risk arises from the mismatch 
between assets and the related liabilities used for funding. We enter into various financial instruments, including derivatives, to maintain the 
desired level of exposure to the risk of interest rate and other fluctuations. Refer to Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for 
further information.

We are also exposed to some foreign-currency risk arising from foreign-currency denominated assets and liabilities, primarily in Canada. 

We enter into hedges to mitigate foreign exchange risk.

We also have exposure to equity price risk, primarily in our Insurance operations, which invests in equity securities that are subject to 
price risk influenced by capital market movements. We enter into equity options to economically hedge our exposure to the equity markets. 
Additionally, we have exposure to equity price risk related to certain share-based compensation programs.

Although the diversity of our activities from our complementary lines of business may partially mitigate market risk, we also actively 
manage this risk. We maintain risk management control systems to monitor interest rates, foreign-currency exchange rates, equity price risks, 
and any of their related hedge positions. Positions are monitored using a variety of analytical techniques including market value, sensitivity 
analysis, and value at risk models.

Fair Value Sensitivity Analysis

The following table and subsequent discussion presents a fair value sensitivity analysis of our assets and liabilities using isolated 
hypothetical movements in specific market rates. The analysis assumes adverse instantaneous, parallel shifts in market-exchange rates, 
interest rate yield curves, and equity prices. Additionally, since only adverse fair value impacts are included, the natural offset between asset 
and liability rate sensitivities that arise within a diversified balance sheet, such as ours, is not considered.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Financial instruments exposed to changes in:

Interest rates

Estimated fair value

Effect of 10% adverse change in rates

Foreign-currency exchange rates

Estimated fair value

Effect of 10% adverse change in rates

Equity prices

Estimated fair value

Effect of 10% decrease in prices

2016

2015

(a)

(a)

357

$

(19)

657

$

(58)

(a)

(a)

359

(56)

710

(71)

$

$

(a)  Refer to the section titled Net Financing Revenue Sensitivity Analysis for information on the interest rate sensitivity of our financial instruments.

Net Financing Revenue Sensitivity Analysis

Interest rate risk represents our most significant exposure to market risk. We actively monitor the level of exposure so that movements in 

interest rates do not adversely affect future earnings. We use net financing revenue sensitivity analysis as our primary metric to measure and 
manage the interest rate sensitivities of our financial instruments.

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We prepare forward-looking forecasts of net financing revenue, which take into consideration anticipated future business growth, asset/

liability positioning, and interest rates based on the implied forward curve. Simulations are used to assess changes in net financing revenue in 
multiple interest rates scenarios relative to the baseline forecast. The changes in net financing revenue relative to the baseline are defined as 
the sensitivity. Our simulation incorporates contractual cash flows and repricing characteristics for all assets, liabilities and off-balance sheet 
exposures and incorporates the effects of changing interest rates on the prepayment and attrition rates of certain assets and liabilities. The 
analysis is highly dependent upon a variety of assumptions including the repricing characteristics of deposits with noncontractual maturities. 
Our simulation does not assume any specific future actions are taken to mitigate the impacts of changing interest rates. Relative to our 
baseline forecast, which is based on the implied forward curve, our net financing revenue over the next twelve months would increase by $8 
million if interest rates remain unchanged.

The net financing revenue sensitivity tests measure the potential change in our pretax net financing revenue over the following twelve 
months. A number of alternative rate scenarios are tested, including immediate and gradual parallel shocks to both current spot rates and the 
market forward curve. We also evaluate nonparallel shocks to interest rates and stresses to certain term points on the yield curve in isolation to 
capture and monitor a number of risk types.

Our twelve-month pretax net financing revenue sensitivity based on the market forward-curve was as follows.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Instantaneous

Gradual (a)

Instantaneous

Gradual (a)

2016

2015

Change in Interest Rates

-100 basis points

+100 basis points

+200 basis points

$

46

$

(14) $

47

$

(62)

(153)

(2)

(19)

(109)

(278)

17

(37)

(96)

(a)  Gradual changes in interest rates are recognized over 12 months.

Implied forward rates have increased since December 31, 2015, and are reflected in our net financing revenue projections. Ally remains 

moderately liability-sensitive as of December 31, 2016 as our simulation models assume liabilities will initially re-price faster than assets. The 
shift to a less liability-sensitive position as of December 31, 2016, is primarily due to higher variable rate commercial loan balances, a 
continued reduction in market based funding as non-maturing retail deposits have continued to grow, and a reduction of our net receive-fixed 
interest rate swap position. The exposure in the downward interest rate shock scenario is materially unchanged versus the prior year.

The future repricing behavior of retail deposit liabilities, particularly non-maturity deposits, remains a significant driver of interest rate 
sensitivity. The sustained low interest rate environment increases the uncertainty of assumptions for deposit repricing relationships to market 
interest rates. Our interest rate risk models use dynamic assumptions driven by a number of factors, including the overall level of interest rates 
and the spread between short-term and long-term interest rates to project changes in our retail deposit offered rates. Our interest rate risk 
metrics currently assume a long-term retail deposit beta of greater than 75%. We continue to believe our deposits may ultimately be less 
sensitive to interest rate changes, which will reduce our overall exposure to rising rates. Ally continues to monitor industry and competitive 
re-pricing activity. Due to current market conditions actual retail deposit betas have been much less than those projected by our interest rate 
risk models, however, we expect the beta to increase as rates continue to rise. As a result, we are currently evaluating our modeling 
assumptions surrounding deposit pricing and whether a more dynamic pass-through assumption based on the level of interest rates is 
warranted. Assuming a long-term retail deposit beta of 50% (vs. current assumption of greater than 75%) would result in a consolidated 
interest rate risk position that is asset sensitive in the upward interest rate shock scenarios.

Our pro-forma rate sensitivity assuming a 50% deposit pass-through based on the forward-curve was as follows.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Instantaneous

Gradual (a)

Instantaneous

Gradual (a)

2016

2015

Change in Interest Rates

-100 basis points

+100 basis points

+200 basis points

$

(102) $

(60) $

(89) $

77

119

50

88

13

(13)

(19)

4

(1)

(a)  Gradual changes in interest rates are recognized over 12 months.

Our current liability-sensitive risk position is influenced by the net impact of off balance sheet hedging positions, which continue to 
generate positive financing revenue in the current interest rate environment. This position includes both receive-fixed interest rate swaps 
designated as fair value hedges of certain fixed-rate liabilities, including unsecured debt, and pay-fixed interest rate swaps designated as fair 
value hedges of certain retail automotive assets. The size, maturity and mix of our hedging activities change frequently as we adjust our 
broader asset and liability management objectives.

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Operational Risk

Operational risk is the risk of loss or harm arising from inadequate or failed processes or systems, human factors, or external events. 

Operational risk is an inherent risk element in each of our businesses and related support activities. Such risk can manifest in various ways, 
including errors, business interruptions, and inappropriate behavior of employees, and can potentially result in financial losses and other 
damage to us. We consider the following types of operational risk: model, compliance, legal, fraud, supplier management, and information 
technology, which includes the risk of cyber attacks.

To monitor and control such risk, we maintain a system of policies and a control framework designed to provide a sound and well-
controlled operational environment. This framework employs practices and tools designed to maintain risk identification, risk governance, 
risk and control assessment and testing, risk monitoring, and transparency through risk reporting mechanisms. The goal is to maintain 
operational risk at appropriate levels based on our financial strength, the characteristics of the businesses and the markets in which we 
operate, and the related competitive and regulatory environment.

Financial institutions continue to be the target of various cyber attacks, including malware and denial-of-service, as part of an effort to 

disrupt the operations of financial institutions or obtain confidential, proprietary, or other information. Cyber security and the continued 
development of our controls, processes, and systems to protect our networks, computers, and software remain an ongoing priority.

Notwithstanding these risk and control initiatives, we may incur losses attributable to operational risks from time to time, and there can 

be no assurance these losses will not be incurred in the future.

Insurance/Underwriting Risk

The underwriting of our VSCs and insurance policies includes an assessment of the risk to determine acceptability and categorization for 

appropriate pricing. The acceptability of a particular risk is based on expected losses, expenses and other factors specific to the product in 
question. With respect to VSCs, considerations include the quality of the vehicles produced, the price of replacement parts, repair labor rates, 
and new model introductions. Insurance risk also includes event risk, which is synonymous with pure risk, hazard risk, or insurance risk, and 
presents no chance of gain, only of loss.

We mitigate losses by the active management of claim settlement activities using experienced claims personnel and the evaluation of 

current period reported claims. Losses for these events may be compared to prior claims experience, expected claims, or loss expenses from 
similar incidents to assess the reasonableness of incurred losses.

In accordance with industry and accounting practices and applicable insurance laws and regulatory requirements, we maintain reserves 

for reported losses, losses incurred but not reported, losses expected to be incurred in the future for contracts in force and loss adjustment 
expenses. The estimated values of our prior reported loss reserves and changes to the estimated values are routinely monitored by credentialed 
actuaries. Our reserve estimates are regularly reviewed by management; however, since the reserves are based on estimates and numerous 
assumptions, the ultimate liability may differ from the amount estimated.

Business/Strategic Risk

Business and strategic risk are embedded in every facet of our organization and is one of our primary risk types. It is the risk that results 
from incorrect assumptions, inappropriate business plans, ineffective business strategy execution, or failure to respond in a timely manner to 
changes in the regulatory, macroeconomic or competitive environments, in the geographic locations in which we operate, competitor actions, 
changing customer preferences, product obsolescence, and technology developments. We aim to mitigate this risk within our business units 
through portfolio diversification, product innovations, and close monitoring of the execution of our strategic and capital plan, and ensuring 
flexibility of the cost base (e.g., through outsourcing).

The strategic plan is reviewed and approved annually by the Board, as is the capital plan, financial business plan and risk appetite. With 
oversight by the Board, executive management seeks to ensure that consistency is applied while executing our strategic plan, core operating 
principles, and risk appetite. The executive management team continuously monitors business performance throughout the year to assess 
strategic risk and find early warning signals so that risks can be proactively managed. Executive management regularly reviews actual 
performance versus the plan, updates the Board via reporting routines and implements changes as deemed appropriate.

Significant strategic actions, such as capital actions, material acquisitions or divestitures, and recovery and resolution plans are reviewed 

and approved by the Board as required. At the business level, as we introduce new products, we monitor their performance relative to 
expectations. With oversight by the Board, executive management performs similar analyses throughout the year, and evaluates changes to the 
financial forecast or the risk, capital or liquidity positions as deemed appropriate to balance and optimize achieving our targeted risk appetite, 
shareholder returns, and maintaining our targeted financial strength.

Reputation Risk

Reputation risk is the risk that negative perceptions of our conduct or business practices will adversely affect our profitability or 
operations through an inability to establish new or maintain existing customer/client relationships. Reputation risk may result from many of 
our activities, including those related to the management of our business/strategic, operational, and credit risks. We manage reputation risk 
through established policies and controls in our businesses and risk management processes to mitigate reputation risks in a timely manner and 
through proactive monitoring and identification of potential reputation risk events. Primary responsibility for the identification, escalation and 
resolution of reputation risk issues resides with our lines of business. Each employee is under an obligation, within the scope of their 

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

activities, to analyze and assess any imminent or intended transaction in terms of possible risk factors in order to minimize reputation risks. 
We have established processes and procedures to respond to events that give rise to reputation risk, including educating individuals and 
organizations that influence public opinion, external communication strategies to mitigate the risk, and informing key stakeholders of 
potential reputation risks. Our organization and governance structure provides oversight of reputation risks, and key risk indicators are 
reported regularly and directly to management and the RCC, which provide primary oversight of reputation risk.

As a result of recent industry focus by regulators on cross-sell practices and related incentive compensation, Ally management has 
performed a detailed review of our cross-sell practices and believes that our existing practices are appropriate, and will be monitored on an 
ongoing basis.

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Liquidity Management, Funding, and Regulatory Capital
Overview

The purpose of liquidity management is to ensure our ability to meet loan and lease demand, debt maturities, deposit withdrawals, and 
other cash commitments under both normal operating conditions as well as periods of economic or financial stress. Our primary objective is 
to maintain cost-effective, stable and diverse sources of funding capable of sustaining the organization throughout all market cycles. Sources 
of funding include both retail and brokered deposits and secured and unsecured market-based funding across various maturity, interest rate, 
and investor profiles. Additional liquidity is available through a pool of unencumbered highly liquid securities, borrowing facilities, 
repurchase agreements, as well as funding programs supported by the Federal Reserve and the FHLB of Pittsburgh.

We define liquidity risk as the risk that an institution's financial condition or overall safety and soundness is adversely affected by an 

inability, or perceived inability, to meet its financial obligations, and to withstand unforeseen liquidity stress events. Liquidity risk can arise 
from a variety of institution specific or market-related events that could have a negative impact on cash flows available to the organization. 
Effective management of liquidity risk helps ensure an organization's preparedness to meet cash flow obligations caused by unanticipated 
events. Managing liquidity needs and contingent funding exposures has proven essential to the solvency of financial institutions.

The Asset-Liability Committee (ALCO) is chaired by the Corporate Treasurer and is responsible for overseeing our liquidity, funding 
strategies and plans, contingency funding plans, and counterparty credit exposure arising from financial transactions. Corporate Treasury is 
responsible for managing our liquidity positions within prudent operating guidelines and targets approved by ALCO and the Risk and 
Compliance Committee of the Ally Board of Directors. As part of managing liquidity risk, we prepare periodic forecasts depicting anticipated 
funding needs and sources of funds with oversight and monitoring by the Liquidity Risk group within Corporate Treasury. Corporate Treasury 
executes our funding strategies and manages liquidity under baseline economic projections as well as more severely stressed macroeconomic 
environments.

Funding Strategy

Liquidity and ongoing profitability are largely dependent on the timely and cost-effective access to retail deposits and funding in 
different segments of the capital markets. Our funding strategy largely focuses on the development of diversified funding sources across a 
broad investor base to meet liquidity needs throughout different market cycles, including periods of financial distress. These funding sources 
include retail and brokered deposits, committed credit facilities, public and private asset-backed securitizations, wholesale and retail 
unsecured debt, FHLB advances, and whole-loan sales. We also supplement these funding sources with a modest amount of short-term 
borrowings, including demand notes and repurchase arrangements. The diversity of our funding sources enhances funding flexibility, limits 
dependence on any one source, and results in a more cost-effective funding strategy over the long term. We evaluate funding markets on an 
ongoing basis to achieve an appropriate balance of unsecured and secured funding sources and maturity profiles.

We diversify our overall funding in order to reduce reliance on any one source of funding and to achieve a well-balanced funding 
portfolio across a spectrum of risk, duration, and cost of funds characteristics. Optimizing funding at Ally Bank continues to be a key part of 
our long-term liquidity strategy. We optimize our funding sources at Ally Bank by growing retail deposits, maintaining active public and 
private securitization programs, managing a prudent maturity profile of our brokered deposit portfolio, utilizing repurchase agreements, and 
continuing to access funds from the FHLB.

Since becoming a BHC in December 2008, a significant portion of asset originations have been directed to Ally Bank in order to reduce 
parent company exposures and funding requirements, and to utilize our growing consumer deposit-taking capabilities. This has allowed us to 
use bank funding for a wider array of our automotive finance assets and to provide a sustainable long-term funding channel for the business, 
while also improving the cost of funds for the enterprise. On March 7, 2016, Ally Bank received approval from the Federal Reserve to 
become a state member bank. Ally Bank is now regulated by the FRB through the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, as well as the Utah 
Department of Financial Institutions. In addition, in connection with the application for membership in the Federal Reserve System, Ally 
Bank made commitments to the FRB relating to capital, liquidity, and business plan requirements. These commitments are consistent with the 
prior requirements under the now-terminated Capital and Liquidity Maintenance Agreement with the FDIC, including the requirement to 
maintain capital at a level such that Ally Bank’s Tier 1 leverage ratio is at least 15%. For this purpose, the leverage ratio is determined in 
accordance with the FRB's regulations related to capital maintenance. Continuation of the Ally Bank Tier 1 leverage ratio requirement could 
further restrict balance sheet growth within Ally Bank and could unfavorably impact liquidity at AFI. We continue to have ongoing dialogue 
with our regulators for a more normalized level of capital maintenance.

Liquidity Risk Management

Multiple metrics are used to frame the level of liquidity risk, manage the liquidity position, and identify related trends. These metrics 

include coverage ratios and stress tests that measure the sufficiency of the liquidity portfolio, stability ratios that measure longer-term 
structural liquidity, and concentration ratios that ensure prudent funding diversification. In addition, we have established internal management 
routines designed to review all aspects of liquidity and funding plans, evaluate the adequacy of liquidity buffers, review stress testing results, 
and assist management in the execution of its funding strategy and risk management accountabilities.

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

We maintain available liquidity in the form of cash, unencumbered highly liquid securities, and available committed credit facility 
capacity that, taken together, would allow us to operate and to meet our contractual and contingent obligations in the event that market-wide 
disruptions and enterprise-specific events disrupt normal access to funding. The available liquidity is held at various entities and considers 
regulatory restrictions and tax implications that may limit our ability to transfer funds across entities. The following table summarizes our 
total available liquidity.

December 31, 2016 ($ in millions)

Unencumbered highly liquid U.S. federal government and U.S. agency securities

Liquid cash and equivalents

Committed funding facilities (a)

Total capacity

Outstanding

Unused capacity (b)

Total available liquidity

$

$

9,290

5,930

18,885

15,310

3,575

18,795

(a)  Committed funding facilities include both consolidated and nonconsolidated facilities.
(b)  Funding from committed secured facilities is available on request in the event excess collateral resides in certain facilities or is available to the extent 

incremental collateral is available and contributed to the facilities.

As of December 31, 2016, assuming a long-term capital markets stress, we expect that our available liquidity would allow us to continue 

to fund all planned loan originations and meet all of our financial obligations for more than 36 months, assuming no issuance of unsecured 
debt or term securitizations.

In addition, our estimated Modified Liquidity Coverage Ratio exceeded 100% at December 31, 2016. Refer to Note 21 to the 

Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion of our liquidity requirements.

Deposits

Ally Bank gathers retail deposits directly from customers through direct banking via the internet, telephone, mobile, and mail channels. 

These retail deposits provide our Automotive Finance, Mortgage Finance, and Corporate Finance operations with a stable and low-cost 
funding source. Retail deposit growth is a key driver of optimizing funding costs and reducing reliance on capital markets based funding. We 
believe deposits provide a stable, low-cost source of funds that are less sensitive to interest rate changes, market volatility, or changes in credit 
ratings when compared to other funding sources. We have continued to expand our deposit gathering efforts through both direct and indirect 
marketing channels. Current retail deposit offerings consist of a variety of products including CDs, savings accounts, money market accounts, 
IRA deposit products, as well as an interest checking product. In addition, we utilize brokered deposits, which are obtained through third-
party intermediaries. In the fourth quarter of 2016, a brokered money market deposit account was established at Ally Bank by a third party for 
the deposit of TradeKing customer cash.

The following table shows Ally Bank's number of accounts and our deposit balances by type as of the end of each quarter since 2015.

Number of retail bank 

accounts (in thousands)

Deposits ($ in millions)

Retail

Brokered

Other (a)

Total deposits

4th Quarter
2016

3rd Quarter
2016

2nd Quarter
2016

1st Quarter
2016

4th Quarter
2015

3rd Quarter
2015

2nd Quarter
2015

1st Quarter
2015

2,269

2,203

2,134

2,062

1,970

1,931

1,875

1,819

$

$

66,584 $

63,880 $

61,239 $

58,977 $

55,437 $

53,502 $

51,750 $

50,633

12,187

251

11,570

294

11,269

294

10,979

309

10,723

318

10,180

338

9,844

336

9,835

389

79,022 $

75,744 $

72,802 $

70,265 $

66,478 $

64,020 $

61,930 $

60,857

(a)  Other deposits include mortgage escrow, dealer, and other deposits.

During 2016, our deposit base grew $12.5 billion. The growth in total deposits has been primarily attributable to our retail deposit 
portfolio, particularly within our savings and money market accounts. Strong retention rates and customer acquisition continue to drive 
growth in retail deposits. Refer to Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of deposit funding by type.

Secured Financings

In addition to building a larger deposit base, secured funding continues to be a significant source of financing. Securitization has proven 

to be a reliable and cost-effective funding source, and we continue to remain active in the well-established securitization markets to finance 
our automotive loan products. During 2016, we raised $5.1 billion through the completion of term securitization transactions backed by retail 
automotive loans, which includes $1.5 billion through the completion of two off-balance sheet securitization transactions backed by retail 
automotive loans. Additionally, for retail automotive loans and lease notes, the term structure of the transaction locks in funding for a 
specified pool of loans and leases for the life of the underlying asset, creating an effective tool for managing interest rate and liquidity risk.

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We manage secured funding execution risk by maintaining a diverse investor base and available committed credit facility capacity. We 

have access to private committed funding facilities, the largest of which is a syndicated credit facility of sixteen lenders secured by 
automotive receivables. This facility can fund automotive retail and dealer floorplan loans, as well as leases. During March 2016, this facility 
was renewed with $11.0 billion of capacity and the maturity was extended to March 2018. In the event this facility is not renewed at maturity, 
the outstanding debt will be repaid over time as the underlying collateral amortizes. At December 31, 2016, there was $9.7 billion outstanding 
under this facility. Our ability to access the unused capacity in the secured facility depends on the availability of eligible assets to collateralize 
the incremental funding and, in some instances, on the execution of interest rate hedges.

The total capacity in our committed funding facilities is provided by banks through private transactions. The committed secured funding 
facilities can be revolving in nature and allow for additional funding during the commitment period, or they can be amortizing and not allow 
for any further funding after the closing date. At December 31, 2016, all of our $17.6 billion of secured committed capacity was revolving. 
Our revolving facilities generally have an original tenor ranging from 364 days to two years. As of December 31, 2016, we had $14.1 billion 
of committed funding capacity from revolving facilities with a remaining tenor greater than 364 days. In addition to our syndicated revolving 
credit facility, we also maintain various bilateral and multilateral secured credit facilities that fund our Automotive Finance operations. These 
are primarily private securitization facilities that fund a specific pool of automotive assets.

We also have access to funding through advances with the FHLB. These advances are primarily secured by consumer mortgage and 

commercial real estate automotive finance receivables and loans. As of December 31, 2016, we had pledged $19.0 billion of assets and 
investment securities to the FHLB and had $14.0 billion of debt outstanding.

Unsecured Financings

We obtain unsecured funding from the sale of floating-rate demand notes under our Demand Notes program. The holder has the option to 

require us to redeem these notes at any time without restriction. Demand Notes outstanding were $3.6 billion at December 31, 2016. We also 
have short-term and long-term unsecured debt outstanding from retail term note programs. These programs generally consist of callable fixed-
rate instruments with fixed-maturity dates. There were $448 million of retail term notes outstanding at December 31, 2016. Refer to Note 16 
to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information about our outstanding short-term borrowings and long-term unsecured 
debt.

In April 2016, we accessed the unsecured debt capital markets and raised $900 million through the issuance of $600 million and $300 

million of aggregate principal amount of senior and subordinated notes, respectively. In December 2016, we closed a private unsecured 
committed funding facility under which we have access to a term facility with a commitment of $850 million, and a revolving facility with a 
commitment of $400 million. At December 31, 2016, there was no debt outstanding under this facility. In January 2017, both the revolving 
facility and term facility were fully drawn. Refer to Note 32 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information.

Other Secured and Unsecured Short-term Borrowings

We have access to repurchase agreements. A repurchase agreement is a transaction in which the firm sells financial instruments to a 
buyer, typically in exchange for cash, and simultaneously enters into an agreement to repurchase the same or substantially the same financial 
instruments from the buyer at a stated price plus accrued interest at a future date. The financial instruments sold in repurchase agreements 
include U.S. government and federal agency obligations, and retained certificated interests related to asset-backed securitizations. As of 
December 31, 2016, we had $1.2 billion debt outstanding under repurchase agreements.

Additionally, we have access to the Federal Reserve Bank Discount Window and can borrow funds to meet short-term liquidity demands. 

However, the Federal Reserve Bank is not a primary source of funding for day to day business. Instead, it is a liquidity source that can be 
accessed in stressed environments or periods of market disruption. We have assets pledged and restricted as collateral to the Federal Reserve 
Bank totaling $2.4 billion. We had no debt outstanding with the Federal Reserve as of December 31, 2016.

Recent Funding Developments

During 2016, we accessed the public and private markets to execute secured funding transactions, whole-loan sales, unsecured funding 

transactions, and funding facility renewals totaling $25.7 billion. Key funding highlights from January 1, 2016, to date were as follows:

•  We closed, renewed, increased, and/or extended $17.0 billion in U.S. credit facilities during the year ended December 31, 2016. The 
credit facility renewal amount includes the March 2016 refinancing of $11.0 billion for our largest credit facility with a syndicate of 
sixteen lenders, secured by retail, lease, and dealer floorplan automotive assets. This facility matures in March 2018.

•  We continued to access the public and private term asset-backed securitization markets raising $5.1 billion during the year ended 
December 31, 2016. Included in this funding for 2016 are two off-balance sheet securitizations backed by retail automotive loans, 
which raised $1.5 billion. In addition, we raised $2.7 billion from whole-loan sales of retail automotive loans during the year.

• 

• 

• 

In April 2016, we accessed the unsecured debt capital markets and raised $900 million through the issuance of $600 million and 
$300 million of aggregate principal amount of senior and subordinated notes, respectively.

In January 2017, we raised $1.1 billion through an off-balance sheet public securitization backed by retail automotive loans.

In February 2017, we raised $650 million through a public securitization backed by dealer floorplan automotive assets.

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Funding Sources

The following table summarizes our sources of funding and the amount outstanding under each category for the periods shown.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Secured financings

Institutional term debt

Retail debt programs (a)

Total debt (b)

Deposits

On-balance sheet funding

% Share of funding

2016

2015

2016

2015

$

43,140

$

19,276

4,070

66,486

79,022

49,919

20,235

3,850

74,004

66,478

30

13

3

46

54

100

36

14

3

53

47

100

Total on-balance sheet funding

$

145,508

$

140,482

Includes $448 million and $397 million of retail term notes at December 31, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

(a) 
(b)  Excludes fair value adjustment as described in Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Refer to Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a summary of the scheduled maturity of long-term debt at December 31, 

2016.

Cash Flows

The following summarizes the activity reflected on the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows. While this information may be helpful to 

highlight certain macro trends and business strategies, the cash flow analysis may not be as relevant when analyzing changes in our net 
earnings and net assets. We believe that in addition to the traditional cash flow analysis, the discussion related to liquidity, dividends, and 
ALM herein may provide more useful context in evaluating our liquidity position and related activity.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $4.6 billion for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $5.1 billion for the year 

ended December 31, 2015. The change was the result of a $0.6 billion increase of cash outflows from other assets, and a $0.4 billion decrease 
in loss on extinguishment of debt due to nonrecurring debt tender offers in 2015. During the first half of 2015, we completed tender offers for 
legacy, high-cost debt, resulting in a loss on extinguishment of debt of $345 million. This was partially offset by a $0.5 billion gain on sale of 
subsidiaries in 2015 due to the sale of our interest in the motor vehicle finance joint venture in China.

Net cash used in investing activities was $8.7 billion for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $9.7 billion for the year ended 

December 31, 2015. The change was the result of a decrease in net cash outflows from purchases, sales, originations, and repayments of 
finance receivables and loans of $2.2 billion. Also contributing to the change was an increase of net cash inflows from operating lease activity 
of $2.2 billion due to the runoff of our GM lease portfolio. This was partially offset by $1.0 billion in proceeds from the sale of a business unit 
in 2015 due to the sale of our interest in the motor vehicle finance joint venture in China, purchases of $0.8 billion of held-to-maturity 
securities in 2016, an increase of $0.5 billion in net cash used due to the purchase of nonmarketable equity investments, consisting primarily 
of FHLB and FRB stock, an increase in net cash outflows from purchases, sales, maturities, and repayments of available-for-sale securities of 
$0.5 billion, and a cash outflow of $0.3 billion due to the acquisition of TradeKing.

Net cash provided by financing activities for the year ended December 31, 2016, was $3.7 billion, compared to $5.4 billion for the year 
ended December 31, 2015. The change in financing activities was primarily due to cash used for the repayment of long-term debt exceeding 
cash from issuance of long-term debt by $12.3 billion for the year ended December 31, 2016, compared to $0.7 billion for the year ended 
December 31, 2015. This was partially offset by higher increases in deposits and short-term borrowings of $4.3 billion and $3.5 billion, 
respectively, compared to 2015, and a decrease in preferred dividends paid of $2.5 billion. This activity is aligned with capital actions taken as 
part of our objective to maintain cost-effective, stable, and diverse sources of funding, capable of sustaining the organization throughout all 
market cycles.

Capital Planning and Stress Tests

As a BHC with $50 billion or more of consolidated assets, Ally is required to conduct semi-annual company-run stress tests, is subject to 

an annual supervisory stress test conducted by the FRB, and must submit an annual capital plan to the FRB.

Ally’s capital plan must include a description of all planned capital actions over a nine-quarter planning horizon. The capital plan must 

also include a discussion of how Ally will maintain capital above the minimum regulatory capital ratios under baseline, adverse, and severely 
adverse economic scenarios, and serve as a source of strength to Ally Bank. The FRB must approve Ally's capital plan before Ally may take 
any capital action. Even with an approved capital plan, Ally must seek the approval of the FRB before making a capital distribution if, among 
other factors, Ally would not meet its regulatory capital requirements after making the proposed capital distribution.

On April 5, 2016, we submitted the results of our semi-annual stress test and our 2016 annual capital plan to the FRB. On June 23, 2016, 

we publicly disclosed summary results of the stress test under the most severe scenario in accordance with regulatory requirements. On     
June 29, 2016, we received a non-objection to our capital plan from the FRB, including the proposed capital actions contained in our 
submission. The proposed capital actions include a quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per share of our common stock, subject to quarterly 
approval by the Board of Directors, and the ability to repurchase up to $700 million of our common stock from time to time through the 

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second quarter of 2017. In addition, we submitted to the FRB the results of our company-run mid-year stress test conducted under multiple 
macroeconomic scenarios and disclosed the results of this stress test under the most severe scenario on October 5, 2016, in accordance with 
regulatory requirements.

Ally expects to submit its 2017 capital plan by April 5, 2017, with a response expected from the FRB by June 30, 2017.

On July 18, 2016, and October 18, 2016, the Ally Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividend payments of $0.08 per share on all 

common stock. The dividends were paid on August 15, 2016, and November 15, 2016, respectively, to shareholders of record at the close of 
business on August 1, 2016, and November 1, 2016, respectively. On January 11, 2017, the Ally Board of Directors declared another quarterly 
cash dividend payment of $0.08 per share on all common stock. Refer to Note 32 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further 
information regarding this common share dividend. Additionally, the Ally Board of Directors authorized a common stock repurchase program 
of up to $700 million beginning in the third quarter of 2016 and continuing through the second quarter of 2017. During the second half of 
2016, we repurchased $326 million, or 17,043,021 shares of common stock, which reduced total shares outstanding by approximately 3.5%. 
We had 467,000,306 shares of common stock outstanding at December 31, 2016.

In January 2017, the FRB finalized a rule amending the capital planning and stress testing rules, effective for the 2017 cycle. The final 
rule, among other things, revises the capital plan rule to no longer subject large and noncomplex firms, including Ally, to the provisions of the 
existing rule whereby the FRB may object to a capital plan on the basis of qualitative deficiencies in the firm’s capital planning 
process. Under the final rule, the qualitative assessment of Ally’s capital plan will be conducted outside of the Comprehensive Capital 
Analysis and Review (CCAR) process, through the supervisory review process, and Ally’s reporting requirements will be modified to reduce 
certain reporting burdens related to capital planning and stress testing. The final rule will also decrease the de minimis threshold for the 
amount of capital that Ally could distribute to shareholders outside of an approved capital plan without seeking prior approval of the FRB.

Regulatory Capital

Refer to Note 21 to the Consolidated Financial Statements and Selected Financial Data within Item 6.

Credit Ratings

The cost and availability of unsecured financing are influenced by credit ratings, which are intended to be an indicator of the 

creditworthiness of a particular company, security, or obligation. Lower ratings result in higher borrowing costs and reduced access to capital 
markets. This is particularly true for certain institutional investors whose investment guidelines require investment-grade ratings on term debt 
and the two highest rating categories for short-term debt (particularly money market investors).

Nationally recognized statistical rating organizations rate substantially all our debt. The following table summarizes our current ratings 

and outlook by the respective nationally recognized rating agencies.

Rating agency

Fitch

Moody’s

S&P

DBRS

Short-term

B

Not Prime

B

R-3

Senior unsecured
debt

BB+

Ba3

BB+

BBB (Low)

Outlook

Date of last action

Stable

Stable

Stable

Stable

September 28, 2016 (a)

October 20, 2015 (b)

October 12, 2016 (c)

May 2, 2016 (d)

(a)  Fitch affirmed our senior unsecured debt rating of BB+, affirmed our short-term rating of B, and maintained a Stable outlook on September 28, 2016.
(b)  Moody's upgraded our senior unsecured debt rating to Ba3 from B1, affirmed our short-term rating of Not Prime, and changed the outlook to Stable on 
October 20, 2015. Effective December 1, 2014, we determined to not renew our contractual arrangement with Moody's related to their providing of our 
corporate family, senior debt, and short-term ratings. Notwithstanding this, Moody's has determined to continue to provide these ratings on a discretionary 
basis. However, Moody's has no obligation to continue to provide these ratings, and could cease doing so at any time.

(c)  Standard & Poor's affirmed our senior unsecured debt rating of BB+, affirmed our short-term rating of B, and changed the outlook from Positive to Stable 

on October 12, 2016.

(d)  DBRS upgraded our short-term rating to R-3 from R-4, upgraded our senior unsecured debt rating to BBB (Low) from BB (High), and changed the 

outlook to Stable on all ratings on May 2, 2016.

Off-balance Sheet Arrangements

Refer to Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Securitization

We are involved in several types of securitization and financing transactions that allow us to diversify funding sources by converting 
assets into cash earlier than what would have occurred in the normal course of business. Securitized assets include consumer and commercial 
automotive loans, and operating leases. Information regarding our securitization activities is further described in Note 11 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements.

As part of these securitization activities, we sell assets to various securitization entities. In turn, the securitization entities establish 

separate trusts to which they transfer the assets in exchange for the proceeds from the sale of securities issued by the trust. The trusts' 

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activities are generally limited to acquiring the assets, issuing securities, making payments on the securities, and periodically reporting to the 
investors.

These securitization entities are separate legal entities that assume the risks and rewards of ownership of the receivables they hold. The 
assets of the securitization entities are not available to satisfy our claims or those of our creditors. In addition, the trusts do not invest in our 
equity or in the equity of any of our affiliates. Our economic exposure related to the securitization trusts is generally limited to cash reserves, 
retained interests, and customary representation and warranty provisions described in Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The 
trusts have a limited life and generally terminate upon final distribution of amounts owed to investors or upon exercise of a cleanup call 
option by us, as servicer, when the costs of servicing the contracts becomes burdensome.

Certain of these securitization transactions meet the criteria to be accounted for as off-balance sheet arrangements if we either do not 
hold a potentially significant economic interest or do not provide servicing or asset management functions for the financial assets held by the 
securitization entity. Certain of our securitization transactions do not meet the required criteria to be accounted for as off-balance sheet 
arrangements; therefore, they are accounted for as secured borrowings. As secured borrowings, the underlying automotive finance retail 
contracts, wholesale loans, and automotive leases remain on our Consolidated Balance Sheet with the corresponding obligation (consisting of 
the beneficial interests issued by the securitization entity) reflected as debt. We recognize interest income on the finance receivables, 
automotive leases and loans, and interest expense on the beneficial interests issued by the securitization entity; and we provide for loan losses 
on the finance receivables and loans as incurred. At December 31, 2016, and 2015, $65.2 billion and $71.6 billion of our total assets, 
respectively, were related to secured borrowings. Refer to Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion.

As part of our securitization activities, we typically agree to service the transferred assets for a fee, and we may also earn other related 
fees. The amount of the fees earned is disclosed in Note 12 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. We may also retain a portion of senior 
and subordinated interests issued by the trusts. Subordinate interests typically provide credit support to the more highly rated senior interest in 
a securitization transaction and may be subject to all or a portion of the first loss position related to the sold assets. For off-balance sheet 
arrangements, these interests are reported as investment securities or other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet and are disclosed in Note 
8 and Note 14 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. For secured borrowings, retained interests are not recognized as a separate asset on 
our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

In October 2014, U.S. regulatory agencies adopted risk retention rules that require sponsors of asset-backed securitizations, such as Ally, 
to retain not less than five percent of the credit risk of the assets collateralizing asset-backed securitizations. Ally Bank has complied with the 
FDIC’s Safe Harbor Rule requiring it to retain five percent risk retention in retail automotive loan and lease securitizations. Ally has begun to 
comply with the new risk retention rules for automotive asset-backed securitizations, which became effective on December 24, 2016.

Guarantees

Guarantees are defined as contracts or indemnification agreements that contingently require us to make payments to third parties based 

on changes in an underlying agreement that is related to a guaranteed party. Our guarantees include client securities to a clearing broker, 
standby letters of credit, and certain contract provisions associated with securitizations, sales, and divestitures. Refer to Note 29 to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements for more information regarding our outstanding guarantees to third parties.

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Aggregate Contractual Obligations

The following table provides aggregated information about our outstanding contractual obligations disclosed elsewhere in our 

Consolidated Financial Statements.

December 31, 2016 ($ in millions)

Contractually obligated payments due by period

Long-term debt

Total (a)

Scheduled interest payments for fixed-rate long-term

debt

Estimated interest payments for variable-rate long-term

debt (b)

Estimated net payments under interest rate swap

agreements (b)

Lease commitments

Purchase obligations

Bank certificates of deposit (c)

Total contractually obligated payments due by period

Total other commitments by expiration period

Lending commitments

$

$

Total

Less than
1 year

1–3 years

3–5 years

More than 5
years

$

55,264

$

14,679

$

20,903

$

9,592

$

10,090

6,151

4,965

16

240

111

31,820

98,567

2,721

1,246

409

—

36

94

1,579

691

—

71

13

882

484

7

58

4

16,210

32,674

936

$

$

13,046

36,303

485

$

$

2,564

13,591

857

$

$

$

$

2,444

3,381

9

75

—

—

15,999

443

(a)  Total long-term debt amount reflects the remaining principal obligation and excludes original issue discount of $1.3 billion, debt issuance costs of $131 

million, and fair value adjustments of $315 million related to fixed-rate debt designated as a hedged item.

(b)  Estimate utilized a forecasted variable interest model, when available, or the applicable variable interest rate as of the most recent reset date prior to 
December 31, 2016. For additional information on derivative instruments and hedging activities, refer to Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements.

(c)  Amounts presented exclude unamortized commissions paid to brokers.

The foregoing table does not include our reserves for insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses, which total $149 million at 

December 31, 2016. While payments due on insurance losses are considered contractual obligations because they related to insurance policies 
issued by us, the ultimate amount to be paid and the timing of payment for an insurance loss is an estimate subject to significant uncertainty. 
Furthermore the majority of the balance is expected to be paid out in less than five years.

The following provides a description of the items summarized in the preceding table of contractual obligations.

Long-term Debt

Amounts represent the scheduled maturity of long-term debt at December 31, 2016, assuming that no early redemptions occur. The 
maturity of secured debt may vary based on the payment activity of the related secured assets. The amounts presented are before the effect of 
any unamortized discount, debt issuance costs, or fair value adjustment. Refer to Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for 
additional information on our debt obligations. We primarily use interest rate swaps to manage interest rate risk associated with our secured 
and unsecured long term debt portfolio. These derivatives are recorded on the balance sheet at fair value. For additional information on 
derivatives, refer to Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Lease Commitments

We have obligations under various operating lease arrangements for real property with noncancelable lease terms that expire after 

December 31, 2016. Refer to Note 29 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Purchase Obligations

We enter into multiple contractual arrangements for various services. The arrangements represent fixed payment obligations under our 

most significant contracts and primarily relate to contracts with information technology providers. Refer to Note 29 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements for additional information.

Bank Certificates of Deposit

Refer to Note 15 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

Lending Commitments

We have outstanding lending commitments with customers. The amounts presented represent the unused portion of those commitments 

at December 31, 2016. Refer to Note 29 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

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Critical Accounting Estimates

Accounting policies are integral to understanding our Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of 

Operations. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of 
America (GAAP) requires management to make certain judgments and assumptions, on the basis of information available at the time of the 
financial statements, in determining accounting estimates used in the preparation of these statements. Our significant accounting policies are 
described in Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements; critical accounting estimates are described in this section. An accounting 
estimate is considered critical if the estimate requires management to make assumptions about matters that were highly uncertain at the time 
the accounting estimate was made. If actual results differ from our judgments and assumptions, then it may have an adverse impact on the 
results of operations and cash flows. Our management has discussed the development, selection, and disclosure of these critical accounting 
estimates with the Audit Committee of the Board, and the Audit Committee has reviewed our disclosure relating to these estimates.

Allowance for Loan Losses

We maintain an allowance for loan losses (the allowance) to absorb probable loan credit losses inherent in the held-for-investment 
portfolio, excluding those loans measured at fair value in accordance with applicable accounting standards. The allowance is maintained at a 
level that management considers to be adequate based upon ongoing quarterly assessments and evaluations of collectability and historical loss 
experience in our lending portfolio. The allowance is management's estimate of incurred losses in our lending portfolio and involves 
significant judgment. Management performs quarterly analyses of these portfolios to determine if impairment has occurred and to assess the 
adequacy of the allowance based on historical and current trends and other factors affecting credit losses. Additions to the allowance are 
charged to current period earnings through the provision for loan losses; amounts determined to be uncollectible are charged directly against 
the allowance, while amounts recovered on previously charged-off accounts increase the allowance. Determining the appropriateness of the 
allowance requires management to exercise significant judgment about matters that are inherently uncertain, including the timing, frequency, 
and severity of credit losses that could materially affect the provision for loan losses and, therefore, net income. The methodology for 
determining the amount of the allowance differs between the consumer automotive, consumer mortgage, and commercial portfolio segments. 
For additional information regarding our portfolio segments and classes, refer to Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. While we 
attribute portions of the allowance across our lending portfolios, the entire allowance is available to absorb probable loan losses inherent in 
our total lending portfolio.

The consumer portfolio segments consist of smaller-balance, homogeneous loans. Excluding certain loans that are identified as 

individually impaired, the allowance for each consumer portfolio segment (automotive and mortgage) is evaluated collectively. The allowance 
is based on aggregated portfolio segment evaluations that begin with estimates of incurred losses in each portfolio segment based on various 
statistical analyses. We leverage statistical models based on recent loss trends to develop a systematic incurred loss reserve. These statistical 
loss forecasting models are utilized to estimate incurred losses and consider several credit quality indicators including, but not limited to, 
historical loss experience, current economic conditions, credit scores, and expected loss factors by loan type. Management believes these 
factors are relevant to estimate incurred losses and are updated on a quarterly basis in order to incorporate information reflective of the current 
economic environment, as changes in these assumptions could have a significant impact. In order to develop our best estimate of probable 
incurred losses inherent in the loan portfolio, management reviews and analyzes the output from the models and may adjust the reserves to 
take into consideration environmental, qualitative and other factors that may not be captured in the models. These adjustments are 
documented and reviewed through our risk management processes. Management reviews, updates, and validates its systematic process and 
loss assumptions on a periodic basis. This process involves an analysis of loss information, such as a review of loss and credit trends, a 
retrospective evaluation of actual loss information to loss forecasts, and other analyses.

The commercial portfolio segment is primarily composed of larger-balance, nonhomogeneous exposures within our Automotive Finance 

operations and Corporate Finance operations. These loans are primarily evaluated individually and are risk-rated based on borrower, 
collateral, and industry-specific information that management believes is relevant in determining the occurrence of a loss event and measuring 
impairment. A loan is considered impaired when it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual 
terms of the loan agreement based on current information and events. Management establishes specific allowances for commercial loans 
determined to be individually impaired based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loans' effective interest 
rate, observable market price or the fair value of collateral, whichever is determined to be the most appropriate. Estimated costs to sell the 
collateral on a discounted basis are included in the impairment measurement, when appropriate. In addition to the specific allowances for 
impaired loans, loans that are not identified as individually impaired are grouped into pools based on similar risk characteristics and 
collectively evaluated. These allowances are based on historical loss experience, concentrations, current economic conditions, and 
performance trends within specific geographic locations. The commercial historical loss experience is updated quarterly to incorporate the 
most recent data reflective of the current economic environment.

The determination of the allowance is influenced by numerous assumptions and many factors that may materially affect estimates of 
loss, including volatility of loss given default, probability of default, and rating migration. The critical assumptions underlying the allowance 
include: (1) segmentation of each portfolio based on common risk characteristics; (2) identification and estimation of portfolio indicators and 
other factors that management believes are key to estimating incurred credit losses; and (3) evaluation by management of borrower, collateral, 
and geographic information. Management monitors the adequacy of the allowance and makes adjustments as the assumptions in the 
underlying analyses change to reflect an estimate of incurred loan losses at the reporting date, based on the best information available at that 
time. In addition, the allowance related to the commercial portfolio segment is influenced by estimated recoveries from automotive 
manufacturers relative to guarantees or agreements with them to repurchase vehicles used as collateral to secure the loans. If an automotive 

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manufacturer is unable to fully honor its obligations, our ultimate loan losses could be higher. To the extent that actual outcomes differ from 
our estimates, additional provision for credit losses may be required that would reduce earnings.

Valuation of Automotive Lease Assets and Residuals

We have significant investments in vehicles in our operating lease portfolio. In accounting for operating leases, management must make 

a determination at the beginning of the lease contract of the estimated realizable value (i.e., residual value) of the vehicle at the end of the 
lease. Residual value represents an estimate of the market value of the vehicle at the end of the lease term. At contract inception, we 
determine pricing based on the projected residual value of the lease vehicle. This evaluation is primarily based on a proprietary model, which 
includes variables such as age, expected mileage, seasonality, segment factors, vehicle type, economic indicators, production cycle, 
automotive manufacturer incentives, and shifts in used vehicle supply. This internally-generated data is compared against third-party, 
independent data for reasonableness. The customer is obligated to make payments during the term of the lease for the difference between the 
purchase price and the contract residual value plus a finance charge. However, since the customer is not obligated to purchase the vehicle at 
the end of the contract, we are exposed to a risk of loss to the extent the value of the vehicle is below the residual value estimated at contract 
inception. Management periodically performs a detailed review of the estimated realizable value of leased vehicles to assess the 
appropriateness of the carrying value of lease assets.

To account for residual risk, we depreciate automotive operating lease assets to expected realizable value on a straight-line basis over the 

lease term. The estimated realizable value is initially based on the residual value established at contract inception. Periodically, we revise the 
projected value of the lease vehicle at termination based on current market conditions, and other relevant data points, and adjust depreciation 
expense appropriately over the remaining term of the lease. Impairment of operating lease assets is assessed upon the occurrence of a 
triggering event. Triggering events are systemic, observed events impacting the used vehicle market such as shocks to oil and gas prices that 
may indicate impairment of the operating lease asset. Impairment is determined to exist if the expected undiscounted cash flows generated 
from the operating lease assets are less than the carrying value of the operating lease assets. If the operating lease assets are impaired, they are 
written down to their fair value as estimated by discounted cash flows. There were no such impairment charges in 2016, 2015, or 2014.

Our depreciation methodology for operating lease assets considers management's expectation of the value of the vehicles upon lease 

termination, which is based on numerous assumptions and factors influencing used vehicle values. The critical assumptions underlying the 
estimated carrying value of automotive lease assets include: (1) estimated market value information obtained and used by management in 
estimating residual values, (2) proper identification and estimation of business conditions, (3) our remarketing abilities, and (4) automotive 
manufacturer vehicle and marketing programs. Changes in these assumptions could have a significant impact on the value of the lease 
residuals. Expected residual values include estimates of payments from automotive manufacturers related to residual support and risk-sharing 
agreements, if any. To the extent an automotive manufacturer is not able to fully honor its obligation relative to these agreements, our 
depreciation expense would be negatively impacted.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

We use fair value measurements to record fair value adjustments to certain instruments and to determine fair value disclosures. Refer to 
Note 25 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a description of valuation methodologies used to measure material assets and liabilities 
at fair value and details of the valuation models, key inputs to those models, and significant assumptions utilized. We follow the fair value 
hierarchy set forth in Note 25 to the Consolidated Financial Statements in order to prioritize the inputs utilized to measure fair value. We 
review and modify, as necessary, our fair value hierarchy classifications on a quarterly basis. As such, there may be reclassifications between 
hierarchy levels.

We have numerous internal controls in place to ensure the appropriateness of fair value measurements. Significant fair value measures 

are subject to detailed analytics and management review and approval. We have an established model validation policy and program in place 
that covers all models used to generate fair value measurements. This model validation program ensures a controlled environment is used for 
the development, implementation, and use of the models and change procedures. Further, this program uses a risk-based approach to select 
models to be reviewed and validated by an independent internal risk group to ensure the models are consistent with their intended use, the 
logic within the models is reliable, and the inputs and outputs from these models are appropriate. Additionally, a wide array of operational 
controls are in place to ensure the fair value measurements are reasonable, including controls over the inputs into and the outputs from the fair 
value measurement models. For example, we backtest the internal assumptions used within models against actual performance. We also 
monitor the market for recent trades, market surveys, or other market information that may be used to benchmark model inputs or outputs. 
Certain valuations will also be benchmarked to market indices when appropriate and available. We have scheduled model and/or input 
recalibrations that occur on a periodic basis but will recalibrate earlier if significant variances are observed as part of the backtesting or 
benchmarking noted above.

Considerable judgment is used in forming conclusions from market observable data used to estimate our Level 2 fair value 

measurements and in estimating inputs to our internal valuation models used to estimate our Level 3 fair value measurements. Level 3 inputs 
such as interest rate movements, prepayment speeds, credit losses, and discount rates are inherently difficult to estimate. Changes to these 
inputs can have a significant effect on fair value measurements. Accordingly, our estimates of fair value are not necessarily indicative of the 
amounts that could be realized or would be paid in a current market exchange.

Legal and Regulatory Reserves

Our legal and regulatory reserves reflect management's best estimate of probable losses on legal and regulatory matters. As a legal or 
regulatory matter develops, management, in conjunction with internal and external counsel handling the matter, evaluates on an ongoing basis 
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whether the matter presents a loss contingency that is both probable and estimable. If, at the time of evaluation, the loss contingency related to 
a legal or regulatory matter is not both probable and estimable, the matter will continue to be monitored for further developments that would 
make the loss contingency both probable and estimable. When the loss contingency related to a legal or regulatory matter is deemed to be 
both probable and estimable, we will establish a liability with respect to the loss contingency and record a corresponding expense. To estimate 
the probable loss, we evaluate the individual facts and circumstances of the case including information learned through the discovery process, 
rulings on dispositive motions, settlement discussions, our prior history with similar matters and other rulings by courts, arbitrators or others. 
The reserves are continuously monitored and updated to reflect the most recent information related to each matter.

Additionally, in matters for which a loss event is not deemed probable, but rather reasonably possible to occur, we attempt to estimate a 
loss or range of loss related to that event, if possible. For these matters, we do not record a liability. However, if we are able to estimate a loss 
or range of loss, we disclose this loss, if it is material to our financial statements. To estimate a range of probable or reasonably possible loss, 
we evaluate each individual case in the manner described above. We do not accrue for or disclose matters for which a loss event is deemed 
remote.

For details regarding the nature of all material contingencies, refer to Note 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Determination of Provision for Income Taxes

Our income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and reserves for unrecognized tax benefits reflect management's best 
assessment of estimated current and future taxes to be paid. We are subject to income taxes predominantly in the United States. Significant 
judgments and estimates are required in determining consolidated income tax expense. Deferred income taxes arise from temporary 
differences between the tax and financial statement recognition of revenue and expense. In evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax 
assets within the jurisdiction from which they arise, we consider all available positive and negative evidence, including scheduled reversals of 
deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies, and recent results of operations. In projecting future taxable 
income, we begin with historical results adjusted for the results of discontinued operations and incorporate assumptions about the amount of 
future state, federal, and foreign pretax operating income. These assumptions about future taxable income require significant judgment and 
are consistent with the plans and estimates we are using to manage the underlying businesses. In evaluating the objective evidence that 
historical results provide, we consider three years of cumulative operating income (loss).

As of each reporting date, we consider existing evidence, both positive and negative, that could impact our view with regard to future 

realization of deferred tax assets. We continue to believe it is more likely than not that the benefit for capital loss carryforwards, certain 
foreign tax credits, state net operating loss carryforwards, and state capital loss carryforwards will not be realized. In recognition of this risk, 
we continue to provide a partial valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets relating to these carryforwards. Finally, as a result of the U.S. 
tax reserve release discussed in Note 23 to the Consolidated Financial Statements, we recorded additional capital loss carryforward deferred 
tax assets. After assessing the positive and negative evidence surrounding our ability to realize these carryforwards before expiration, we 
established a full valuation allowance against these deferred tax assets.

For additional information regarding our provision for income taxes, refer to Note 23 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards

Refer to Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further information related to recently adopted and recently issued 

accounting standards.

83

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Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Statistical Tables

The accompanying supplemental information should be read in conjunction with the more detailed information, including our 

Consolidated Financial Statements and the notes thereto, which appears elsewhere in this Annual Report.

Net Interest Margin Table

The following table presents an analysis of net yield on interest-earning assets (or net interest margin) excluding discontinued operations 

for the periods shown.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Average
balance (a)

Assets

2016

Interest
income/
Interest
expense

2015

Interest
income/
Interest
expense

2014

Interest
income/
Interest
expense

Yield/
rate

Yield/
rate

Average
balance (a)

Yield/
rate

Average
balance (a)

Interest-bearing cash and cash equivalents

$

2,657

$

14

0.53% $

3,702

$

8

0.22% $

4,328

$

8

0.18%

Federal funds sold and securities purchased

under resale agreements

Investment securities (b)

Loans held-for-sale, net

Finance receivables and loans, net (c) (d)

Investment in operating leases, net (e)

Other earning assets

Total interest-earning assets

Noninterest-bearing cash and cash

equivalents

Other assets (f)

Allowance for loan losses

Total assets

Liabilities

1

18,255

9

113,140

13,791

864

—

411

—

5,162

942

7

148,717

6,536

—

2.25

—

4.56

6.83

0.81

4.39

2

17,643

884

104,294

18,058

—

—

381

40

4,570

1,149

—

144,583

6,148

—

2.16

4.52

4.38

6.36

—

4.25

—

16,594

16

100,148

18,789

—

—

367

1

4,457

1,325

—

139,875

6,158

—

2.21

6.25

4.45

7.05

—

4.40

1,412

8,291

(1,095)

1,522

8,567

(985)

1,610

9,810

(1,173)

$

157,325

$ 153,687

$ 150,122

Interest-bearing deposit liabilities

$

72,515

$

Short-term borrowings

Long-term debt (d)

Total interest-bearing liabilities

Noninterest-bearing deposit liabilities

6,161

59,792

138,468

94

830

57

1,742

2,629

1.14% $

62,086

$

0.93

2.91

1.90

6,289

66,100

134,475

85

718

49

1,662

2,429

1.16% $

55,838

$

0.78

2.51

1.81

6,308

67,881

130,027

69

664

52

2,067

2,783

1.19%

0.82

3.05

2.14

Total funding sources (f)

138,562

2,629

1.90

134,560

2,429

1.81

130,096

2,783

2.14

Other liabilities (f)

Total liabilities

Total equity

5,090

143,652

13,673

Total liabilities and equity

$

157,325

Net financing revenue and other interest

income

Net interest spread (g)

Net yield on interest-earning assets (h)

4,302

138,862

14,825

$ 153,687

5,231

135,327

14,795

$ 150,122

$ 3,907

$ 3,719

$ 3,375

2.49%

2.63%

2.44%

2.57%

2.26%

2.41%

(a)  Average balances are calculated using a combination of monthly and daily average methodologies.
(b)  Amounts for the years ended December 31, 2015, and 2014, were adjusted to include previously excluded equity investments with an average balance of $941 million and $865 
million at December 31, 2015, and 2014, respectively, and related income on equity investments of $25 million and $20 million during the years ended December 31, 2015, and 
2014, respectively. Yields on available-for-sale debt securities are based on fair value as opposed to amortized cost. Yields on held-to-maturity securities are based on amortized 
cost.

(c)  Nonperforming finance receivables and loans are included in the average balances. For information on our accounting policies regarding nonperforming status, refer to Note 1 

(d) 
(e) 

to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
Includes the effects of derivative financial instruments designated as hedges.
Includes gains on sale of $213 million, $351 million, $433 million, for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. Excluding these gains on sale, the 
annualized yield would be 5.29%, 4.42%, and 4.75% at December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.
Includes average balances of assets of discontinued operations for the year ended December 31, 2014.

(f) 
(g)  Net interest spread represents the difference between the rate on total interest-earning assets and the rate on total interest-bearing liabilities.
(h)  Net yield on interest-earning assets represents net financing revenue and other interest income as a percentage of total interest-earning assets.

84

Table of Contents

Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

The following table presents an analysis of the changes in net financing revenue and other interest income, volume, and rate.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Volume

Yield/rate

Total

Volume

Yield/rate

Total

2016 vs. 2015
(Decrease) increase due to (a)

2015 vs. 2014
Increase (decrease) due to (a)

Assets

Interest-bearing cash and cash equivalents

$

(2) $

Investment securities

Loans held-for-sale, net

Finance receivables and loans, net

Investment in operating leases, net

Other earning assets

Total interest-earning assets

Liabilities

13

(40)

388

(272)

7

8

17

—

204

65

—

$

$

6

30

(40)

592

(207)

7

388

Interest-bearing deposit liabilities

$

121

$

(9) $

112

$

Short-term borrowings

Long-term debt

Total interest-bearing liabilities

Net financing revenue and other

interest income

(1)

(159)

9

239

8

80

200

188

$

— $

— $

23

39

184

(51)

—

72

—

(53)

(9)

—

(71)

(125)

—

$

(18) $

(3)

(352)

—

14

39

113

(176)

—

(10)

54

(3)

(405)

(354)

$

344

(a)  Changes in interest not solely due to volume or yield/rate are allocated in proportion to the absolute dollar amount of change in volume and yield/rate.

Outstanding Finance Receivables and Loans

The following table presents the composition of our on-balance sheet finance receivables and loans.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Consumer

Consumer automotive

Consumer mortgage

Mortgage Finance

Mortgage — Legacy

Total consumer mortgage

Total consumer

Commercial

Commercial and industrial

Automotive

Other

Commercial real estate

Automotive

Total commercial loans

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

$

65,793

$

64,292

$

56,570

$

56,417

$

53,715

8,294

2,756

11,050

76,843

35,041

3,248

3,812

42,101

6,413

3,360

9,773

74,065

31,469

2,640

3,426

37,535

3,504

3,970

7,474

64,044

30,871

1,882

3,151

35,904

99,948

2,003

3,295

5,149

8,444

64,861

30,948

1,664

2,855

35,467

100,328

35

$

$

$

$

3,795

6,026

9,821

63,536

30,270

2,697

2,552

35,519

99,055

2,576

Total finance receivables and loans

Loans held-for-sale

$

$

118,944

$

111,600

— $

105

$

$

85

Table of Contents

Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Nonperforming Assets

The following table summarizes the nonperforming assets in our on-balance sheet portfolio.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Consumer

Consumer automotive

Consumer mortgage

Mortgage Finance

Mortgage — Legacy

Total consumer mortgage

Total consumer (a)

Commercial

Commercial and industrial

Automotive

Other

Commercial real estate

Automotive

Total commercial (b)

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

$

598

$

475

$

386

$

329

$

10

89

99

697

33

84

5

122

819

13

135

967

$

15

113

128

603

25

44

8

77

680

10

122

812

$

— $

— $

19

158

177

563

32

46

4

82

645

10

90

745

8

$

$

7

185

192

521

116

74

14

204

725

10

101

836

9

$

$

260

10

372

382

642

146

33

37

216

858

8

62

928

25

Total nonperforming finance receivables and loans

Foreclosed properties

Repossessed assets (c)

Total nonperforming assets

Loans held-for-sale

$

$

(a) 

(b) 

Interest revenue that would have been accrued on total consumer finance receivables and loans at original contractual rates was $61 million during the 
year ended December 31, 2016. Interest income recorded for these loans was $24 million during the year ended December 31, 2016.
Interest revenue that would have been accrued on total commercial finance receivables and loans at original contractual rates was $8 million during the 
year ended December 31, 2016. Interest income recorded for these loans was $3 million during the year ended December 31, 2016.

(c)  Repossessed assets exclude $8 million, $8 million, $7 million, $7 million, and $3 million of repossessed operating lease assets at December 31, 2016, 

2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012, respectively.

Accruing Finance Receivables and Loans Past Due 90 Days or More

The following table presents our on-balance sheet accruing loans past due 90 days or more as to principal and interest.

December 31, ($ in millions)

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

Consumer automotive

Consumer mortgage

Mortgage Finance

Mortgage — Legacy

Total accruing finance receivables and loans past due

90 days or more (a)

Loans held-for-sale

$

$

$

— $

— $

— $

— $

—

—

— $

— $

—

—

— $

— $

—

—

— $

— $

—

1

1

$

— $

—

—

1

1

—

(a)  There were no commercial on-balance sheet accruing loans past due 90 days or more as of December 31, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013, and 2012.

86

Table of Contents

Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Allowance for Loan Losses

The following table presents an analysis of the activity in the allowance for loan losses on finance receivables and loans.

($ in millions)

Balance at January 1,

Charge-offs (a)

Recoveries

Net charge-offs

Provision for loan losses

Other (b)

Balance at December 31,

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

$

1,054

$

977

$

1,208

$

1,170

$

1,503

(1,142)

341

(801)

917

(26)

(892)

283

(609)

707

(21)

(776)

239

(537)

457

(151)

(737)

265

(472)

501

9

(776)

302

(474)

329

(188)

$

1,144

$

1,054

$

977

$

1,208

$

1,170

(a)  Represents the amount of the gross carrying value directly written-off. For consumer and commercial loans, the loss from a charge-off is measured as the 

difference between the gross carrying value of a loan and the fair value of the collateral, less costs to sell. Refer to Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements for more information regarding our charge-off policies.

(b)  Primarily related to the transfer of finance receivables and loans from held-for-investment to held-for-sale. Also includes provision for loan losses relating 

to discontinued operations of $65 million for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Allowance for Loan Losses by Type

The following table summarizes the allocation of the allowance for loan losses by product type.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Amount

% of
total

Amount

% of
total

Amount

% of
total

Amount

% of
total

Amount

% of
total

2016

2015

2014

2013

2012

Consumer

Consumer automotive

$

932

81.4

$

834

79.1

$

685

70.1

$

673

55.7

$

575

49.2

Consumer mortgage

Mortgage Finance

Mortgage — Legacy

Total consumer mortgage

11

80

91

1.0

7.0

8.0

Total consumer loans

1,023

89.4

Commercial

Commercial and industrial

Automotive

Other

Commercial real estate

Automotive

Total commercial loans

32

64

25

121

2.8

5.6

2.2

10.6

16

98

114

948

1.5

9.3

10.8

89.9

29

53

2.8

5.0

24

106

2.3

10.1

Total allowance for loan losses $

1,144

100.0

$

1,054

100.0

$

10

142

152

837

65

42

33

140

977

1.0

14.6

15.6

85.7

6.7

4.2

3.4

14.3

10

379

389

1,062

0.8

31.4

32.2

87.9

22

430

452

1,027

1.9

36.7

38.6

87.8

67

50

5.6

4.1

55

48

4.7

4.1

29

146

2.4

12.1

40

143

3.4

12.2

100.0

$

1,208

100.0

$

1,170

100.0

Deposit Liabilities

The following table presents the average balances and interest rates paid for types of domestic deposits.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Domestic deposits

2016

2015

2014

Average
balance (a)

Average
deposit rate

Average
balance (a)

Average
deposit rate

Average
balance (a)

Average
deposit rate

Noninterest-bearing deposits

$

94

—% $

85

—% $

69

—%

Interest-bearing deposits

Savings and money market checking

accounts

Certificates of deposit

Dealer deposits

42,040

30,275

200

Total domestic deposit liabilities

$

72,609

0.96

1.39

4.16

1.14

31,608

30,212

266

$

62,171

0.91

1.39

3.73

1.15

24,296

31,153

389

$

55,907

0.82

1.44

3.79

1.19

(a)  Average balances are calculated using a combination of monthly and daily average methodologies.

87

Table of Contents

Management's Discussion and Analysis

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

The following table presents the amount of certificates of deposit in denominations of $100 thousand or more segregated by time 

remaining until maturity.

December 31, 2016 ($ in millions)

Three months
or less

Over three months
through
six months

Over six months
through
twelve months

Over
twelve months

Total

Certificates of deposit ($100,000 or more)

$

1,721

$

1,594

$

3,665

$

5,077

$ 12,057

88

Table of Contents

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Item 7A.  Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Refer to the Market Risk Management section of Item 7, Management's Discussion and Analysis.

89

Table of Contents

Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

4Item 8.  Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Ally management is responsible for establishing and maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting. The Company's 
internal control over financial reporting is a process designed under the supervision of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief 
Financial Officer to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of published financial 
statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

The Company's internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records 
that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the Company; (2) provide reasonable 
assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with 
generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the Company are being made only in accordance with 
authorizations of management and directors of the Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection 
of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the Company's assets that could have a material effect on the Consolidated Financial 
Statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting can provide only reasonable assurance and may not prevent 

or detect misstatements. Further, 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.

Management conducted, under the supervision of the Company's Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, an evaluation of 

the effectiveness of the Company's internal control over financial reporting based on the framework in Internal Control — Integrated 
Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, commonly referred to as the 
“COSO” criteria.

Based on the assessment performed, management concluded that at December 31, 2016, Ally's internal control over financial reporting 

was effective based on the COSO criteria.

The independent registered public accounting firm, Deloitte & Touche LLP, has audited the Consolidated Financial Statements of Ally 

and has issued an attestation report on our internal control over financial reporting at December 31, 2016, as stated in its report, which is 
included herein.

/S/  JEFFREY J. BROWN

Jeffrey J. Brown

Chief Executive Officer

February 27, 2017

/S/  CHRISTOPHER A. HALMY

Christopher A. Halmy

Chief Financial Officer

February 27, 2017

90

  
  
  
Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Ally Financial Inc.:

We have audited the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets of Ally Financial Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of 
December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the related Consolidated Statements of Income, Comprehensive Income, Changes in Equity, and Cash 
Flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2016. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company's 
management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those 
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material 
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. An 
audit also includes assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, as well as evaluating the overall 
financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, such consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the Company at 
December 31, 2016 and 2015, and the results of its operations and its cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 
2016, in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the 
Company's internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated 
Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission, and our report dated February 27, 
2017, expressed an unqualified opinion on the Company's internal control over financial reporting.

/S/  DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Detroit, Michigan

February 27, 2017

91

Table of Contents

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Board of Directors and Shareholders of Ally Financial Inc.:

We have audited the internal control over financial reporting of Ally Financial Inc. and subsidiaries (the “Company”) as of December 31, 
2016, based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations 
of the Treadway Commission. The Company's management is responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting 
and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in the accompanying Management's Report on 
Internal Control over Financial Reporting. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on the Company's internal control over financial 
reporting based on our audit.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those 
standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial 
reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audit included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, 
assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on 
the assessed risk, and performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a 
reasonable basis for our opinion.

A company's internal control over financial reporting is a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company's principal 

executive and principal financial officers, or persons performing similar functions, and effected by the company's board of directors, 
management, and other personnel to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of 
financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company's internal control over 
financial reporting includes those policies and procedures that (1) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately 
and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are 
recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that 
receipts and expenditures of the company are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the 
company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the 
company's assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of the inherent limitations of internal control over financial reporting, including the possibility of collusion or improper 
management override of controls, material misstatements due to error or fraud may not be prevented or detected on a timely basis. Also, 
projections of any evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control over financial reporting to future periods are subject to the risk that 
the controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may 
deteriorate.

In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 

2016, based on the criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission.

We have also audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States), the 
consolidated financial statements as of and for the year ended December 31, 2016, of the Company and our report dated February 27, 2017, 
expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

/S/  DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP

Deloitte & Touche LLP

Detroit, Michigan

February 27, 2017

92

Table of Contents

Consolidated Statement of Income

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Financing revenue and other interest income

Interest and fees on finance receivables and loans

Interest on loans held-for-sale

Interest and dividends on investment securities and other earning assets

Interest on cash and cash equivalents

Operating leases

Total financing revenue and other interest income

Interest expense

Interest on deposits

Interest on short-term borrowings

Interest on long-term debt

Total interest expense

Net depreciation expense on operating lease assets

Net financing revenue and other interest income

Other revenue

Insurance premiums and service revenue earned

Gain on mortgage and automotive loans, net

Loss on extinguishment of debt

Other gain on investments, net

Other income, net of losses

Total other revenue

Total net revenue

Provision for loan losses

Noninterest expense

Compensation and benefits expense

Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses

Other operating expenses

Total noninterest expense

Income from continuing operations before income tax expense

Income tax expense from continuing operations

Net income from continuing operations

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax

Net income

Statement continues on the next page.

The Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

2016

2015

2014

$

5,162

$

4,570

$

4,457

—

418

14

2,711

8,305

830

57

1,742

2,629

1,769

3,907

945

11

(5)

185

394

1,530

5,437

917

992

342

1,605

2,939

1,581

470

1,111

(44)

40

381

8

3,398

8,397

718

49

1,662

2,429

2,249

3,719

940

45

(357)

155

359

1,142

4,861

707

963

293

1,505

2,761

1,393

496

897

392

1

367

8

3,558

8,391

664

52

2,067

2,783

2,233

3,375

979

7

(202)

181

311

1,276

4,651

457

947

410

1,591

2,948

1,246

321

925

225

$

1,067

$

1,289

$

1,150

93

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Consolidated Statement of Income

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Year ended December 31, (in dollars) (a)

Basic earnings per common share

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax

Net income (loss)

Diluted earnings per common share 

Net income (loss) income from continuing operations

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax

Net income (loss)

Cash dividends per common share

2016

2015

2014

$

$

$

$

$

2.25

(0.09)

2.15

2.24

(0.09)

2.15

0.16

$

$

$

$

$

(3.47) $

0.81

(2.66) $

(3.47) $

0.81

(2.66) $

— $

1.36

0.47

1.83

1.36

0.47

1.83

—

(a)  Figures in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. Earnings per share is calculated based on unrounded numbers.

Refer to Note 20 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional earnings per share information, including the impact of preferred 
stock dividends recognized in connection with the redemption of the Series G Preferred Stock and the repurchases of the Series A Preferred 
Stock. The Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Net income

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax

Investment securities

Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period

Less: Net realized gains reclassified to net income

Net change

Translation adjustments

Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period

Less: Net realized (losses) gains reclassified to net income

Net change

Net investment hedges

Net unrealized gains arising during the period

Less: Net realized losses reclassified to net income

Net change

Translation adjustments and net investment hedges, net change

Cash flow hedges

Net unrealized gains arising during the period

Defined benefit pension plans

Net unrealized losses arising during the period

Less: Net realized (losses) gains reclassified to net income

Net change

Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax

Comprehensive income

2016

2015

2014

$

1,067

$

1,289

$

1,150

33

147

(114)

3

(1)

4

1

—

1

5

—

(3)

(2)

(1)

(39)

99

(138)

(26)

22

(48)

18

(3)

21

(27)

1

—

1

(1)

415

167

248

(17)

20

(37)

8

—

8

(29)

2

(15)

(4)

(11)

(110)

(165)

$

957

$

1,124

$

210

1,360

The Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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Consolidated Balance Sheet

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

December 31, ($ in millions, except share data)

2016

2015

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Noninterest-bearing

Interest-bearing

Total cash and cash equivalents

Available-for-sale securities (refer to Note 8 for discussion of investment securities pledged as collateral)

Held-to-maturity securities

Loans held-for-sale, net

Finance receivables and loans, net

Finance receivables and loans, net of unearned income

Allowance for loan losses

Total finance receivables and loans, net

Investment in operating leases, net

Premiums receivable and other insurance assets

Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Deposit liabilities

Noninterest-bearing

Interest-bearing

Total deposit liabilities

Short-term borrowings

Long-term debt

Interest payable

Unearned insurance premiums and service revenue

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

Total liabilities

Commitments and contingencies (refer to Note 29 and Note 30)

Equity

Common stock and paid-in capital ($0.01 par value, shares authorized 1,100,000,000; issued 485,707,644

and 482,790,696; and outstanding 467,000,306 and 481,980,111)

Preferred stock

Accumulated deficit

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Treasury stock, at cost (18,707,338 and 810,585 shares)

Total equity

Total liabilities and equity

The Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

$

1,547

$

4,387

5,934

18,926

839

—

118,944

(1,144)

117,800

11,470

1,905

6,854

2,148

4,232

6,380

17,157

—

105

111,600

(1,054)

110,546

16,271

1,801

6,321

$

163,728

$

158,581

$

84

$

78,938

79,022

12,673

54,128

351

2,500

1,737

89

66,389

66,478

8,101

66,234

350

2,434

1,545

150,411

145,142

21,166

—

(7,151)

(341)

(357)

21,100

696

(8,110)

(231)

(16)

13,317

13,439

$

163,728

$

158,581

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Consolidated Balance Sheet

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

The assets of consolidated variable interest entities, presented based upon the legal transfer of the underlying assets in order to reflect 

legal ownership, that can be used only to settle obligations of the consolidated variable interest entities and the liabilities of these entities for 
which creditors (or beneficial interest holders) do not have recourse to our general credit were as follows.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Assets

Finance receivables and loans, net

Finance receivables and loans, net of unearned income

Allowance for loan losses

Total finance receivables and loans, net

Investment in operating leases, net

Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Long-term debt

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

Total liabilities

The Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

2016

2015

$

24,630

$

27,929

(173)

(196)

24,457

1,745

1,390

27,592

13,259

12

13,271

$

$

$

27,733

4,791

1,624

34,148

20,267

22

20,289

$

$

$

97

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Consolidated Statement of Changes in Equity

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

($ in millions)

Common
stock and
paid-in
capital

Preferred
stock

Accumulated
deficit

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss

Treasury
stock

Total
equity

Balance at January 1, 2014

$

20,939

$

1,255

$

(7,710)

$

(276) $

— $ 14,208

Net income

Preferred stock dividends

Share-based compensation

Other comprehensive income

99

Balance at December 31, 2014

$

21,038

$

1,255

$

Net income

Preferred stock dividends

Series A preferred stock repurchase

Series G preferred stock redemption

Share-based compensation

Other comprehensive loss

Share repurchases related to employee stock-

based compensation awards

(325)

(234)

62

1,150

(268)

$

(6,828)

1,289

(2,571) (a)

1,150

(268)

99

210

— $ 15,399

1,289

(2,571)

(325)

(234)

62

(165)

210

(66)

(165)

Balance at December 31, 2015

$

21,100

$

696

$

Net income

Preferred stock dividends

(8,110)

1,067

(30)

Series A preferred stock repurchase

(696)

Share-based compensation

Other comprehensive loss

Common stock repurchases (b)

66

Common stock dividends ($0.16 per share)

(78)

$

(231) $

(16) $ 13,439

(16)

(16)

1,067

(30)

(696)

66

(110)

(341)

(78)

(110)

(341)

Balance at December 31, 2016

$

21,166

$

— $

(7,151)

$

(341) $

(357) $ 13,317

(a)  Preferred stock dividends include $2,364 million recognized in connection with the partial redemption of the Series G Preferred Stock and the repurchase 
of the Series A Preferred Stock. These dividends represent an additional return to preferred shareholders calculated as the excess consideration paid over 
the carrying amount derecognized. Refer to Note 18 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional preferred stock information.
Includes shares repurchased related to employee stock-based compensation awards.

(b) 

The Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

2016

2015

2014

Operating activities

Net income

Reconciliation of net income to net cash provided by operating activities

$

1,067

$

1,289

$

1,150

Depreciation and amortization

Provision for loan losses

Gain on mortgage and automotive loans, net

Other gain on investments, net

Loss on extinguishment of debt

Originations and purchases of loans held-for-sale

Proceeds from sales and repayments of loans originated as held-for-sale

Impairment and settlement related to Residential Capital, LLC

(Gain) loss on sale of subsidiaries, net

Net change in

Deferred income taxes

Interest payable

Other assets

Other liabilities

Other, net

Net cash provided by operating activities

Investing activities

Purchases of available-for-sale securities

Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities

Proceeds from maturities and repayment of available-for-sale securities

Purchases of held-to-maturity securities

Purchases of loans held-for-investment

Proceeds from sales of finance receivables and loans originated as held-for-investment

Originations and repayments of loans held-for-investment and other, net

Purchases of operating lease assets

Disposals of operating lease assets

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

Proceeds from sale of business unit, net (a)

Net change in restricted cash

Net change in nonmarketable equity investments

Other, net

Net cash used in investing activities

Statement continues on the next page.

The Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

2,382

917

(11)

(185)

5

(141)

240

—

—

458

1

(120)

(206)

160

2,801

707

(45)

(155)

357

(1,770)

1,658

—

(452)

565

(127)

526

(247)

4

2,936

457

(7)

(181)

202

—

62

(150)

7

117

(411)

(132)

(400)

(247)

4,567

5,111

3,403

(16,031)

(12,250)

(5,417)

11,036

3,379

(841)

(3,859)

4,285

(8,826)

(3,274)

6,304

(309)

—

392

(628)

(312)

6,874

4,255

—

(4,501)

3,197

(9,344)

(4,685)

5,546

—

1,049

264

(147)

(5)

4,260

2,657

—

(877)

2,592

(4,147)

(9,884)

5,860

—

47

1,625

66

6

(8,684)

(9,747)

(3,212)

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Table of Contents

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Financing activities

Net change in short-term borrowings

Net increase in deposits

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt

Repayments of long-term debt

Repurchase and redemption of preferred stock

Repurchases of common stock

Dividends paid

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

Supplemental disclosures

Cash paid for

Interest

Income taxes

Noncash items

2016

2015

2014

4,564

12,508

14,155

(26,412)

(696)

(341)

(108)

3,670

1

(446)

6,380

1,028

8,247

30,665

(31,350)

(559)

(16)

(2,571)

5,444

(4)

804

5,576

5,934

$

6,380

$

(1,494)

4,851

27,192

(30,426)

—

—

(268)

(145)

(1)

45

5,531

5,576

2,647

$

2,632

$

3,090

19

96

8

$

$

Finance receivables and loans transferred to loans held-for-sale

4,282

1,311

4,631

Other disclosures

Proceeds from repayments of mortgage loans held-for-investment originally designated

as held-for-sale

40

68

38

(a)  Cash flows of discontinued operations are reflected within operating, investing, and financing activities in the Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows.

The Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements are an integral part of these statements.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

1.  Description of Business, Basis of Presentation, and Changes in Significant Accounting Policies
Ally Financial Inc. (together with its consolidated subsidiaries unless the context requires otherwise, Ally, the Company, or we, us, or 

our) is a leading digital financial services company offering diversified financial products for consumers, businesses, automotive dealers and 
corporate clients. Our legacy dates back to 1919, and Ally was redesigned in 2009 with a distinctive brand and relentless focus on our 
customers. We reconverted to a Delaware corporation in 2009 and are registered as a bank holding company (BHC) under the Bank Holding 
Company Act of 1956 as amended (the BHC Act) and a financial holding company (FHC) under the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act of 1999 as 
amended (the GLB Act). Our banking subsidiary, Ally Bank, is an award-winning online bank, and an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of 
Ally Financial Inc., offering a variety of deposit and other banking products.

Consolidation and Basis of Presentation

The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of the parent and its consolidated subsidiaries, to which it is deemed to 
possess control, after eliminating intercompany balances and transactions, and include all variable interest entities (VIEs) in which we are the 
primary beneficiary. Other entities in which we have invested and have the ability to exercise significant influence over operating and 
financial policies of the investee, but upon which we do not possess control, are accounted for by the equity method of accounting within the 
financial statements and they are therefore not consolidated. Refer to Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further details on 
our VIEs. Our accounting and reporting policies conform to accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of 
America (GAAP). Additionally, where applicable, the policies conform to the accounting and reporting guidelines prescribed by bank 
regulatory authorities. Certain reclassifications may have been made to the prior periods’ financial statements and notes to conform to the 
current period’s presentation, which did not have a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements.

In the past, we have operated our international subsidiaries in a similar manner as we operate in the United States of America 

(U.S. or United States), subject to local laws or other circumstances that may cause us to modify our procedures accordingly. The financial 
statements of subsidiaries that operate outside of the United States generally are measured using the local currency as the functional currency. 
All assets and liabilities of foreign subsidiaries are translated into U.S. dollars at year-end exchange rates. The resulting translation 
adjustments are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income until the foreign subsidiaries are sold or substantially liquidated at 
which point the accumulated translation adjustments are recognized directly in earnings as part of the gain or loss on sale or liquidation. 
Income and expense items are translated at average exchange rates prevailing during the reporting period. The majority of our international 
operations have ceased and are included in discontinued operations.

Use of Estimates and Assumptions

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect 
the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and that 
affect income and expenses during the reporting period and related disclosures. In developing the estimates and assumptions, management 
uses all available evidence; however, actual results could differ because of uncertainties associated with estimating the amounts, timing, and 
likelihood of possible outcomes. Our most significant estimates pertain to the allowance for loan losses, valuations of automotive lease assets 
and residuals, fair value of financial instruments, legal and regulatory reserves, and the determination of the provision for income taxes.

Significant Accounting Policies
Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand, cash on deposit at other financial institutions, cash items in process of collection, and 

certain highly liquid investments with maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase. Cash and cash equivalents that have 
restrictions on our ability to withdraw the funds are included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The book value of cash 
equivalents approximates fair value because of the short maturities of these instruments and the insignificant risk they present to changes in 
value with respect to changes in interest rates. Certain securities with original maturities of three months or less from the date of purchase that 
are held as a portion of longer-term investment portfolios, primarily held by our Insurance operations, are classified as investment securities.

Investments

Our portfolio of investments includes various debt and marketable equity securities and nonmarketable equity investments. Debt and 
marketable equity securities are classified based on management’s intent to sell or hold the security. We classify debt securities as held-to-
maturity only when we have both the intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. We classify debt and marketable equity securities as 
trading when the securities are acquired for the purpose of selling or holding them for a short period of time. Securities not classified as either 
held-to-maturity or trading are classified as available-for-sale.

Our debt and marketable equity securities include government securities, corporate bonds, asset-backed securities (ABS), mortgage-
backed securities (MBS), equity securities and other investments. Our portfolio includes securities classified as available-for-sale and held-to-
maturity. Our available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value with unrealized gains and losses included in accumulated other 
comprehensive income or loss and are subject to impairment. Our held-to-maturity securities are carried at amortized cost and are subject to 
impairment.

We amortize premiums and discounts on debt securities as an adjustment to investment yield generally over the stated maturity of the 

security. For ABS and MBS where prepayments can be reasonably estimated, amortization is adjusted for expected prepayments.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Additionally, we assess our debt and marketable equity securities for potential other-than-temporary impairment. We employ a 
methodology that considers available evidence in evaluating potential other-than-temporary impairment of our debt and marketable equity 
securities classified as available-for-sale and held-to-maturity. If the cost of an investment exceeds its fair value, we evaluate, among other 
factors, the magnitude and duration of the decline in fair value. We also evaluate the financial health of and business outlook for the issuer, the 
performance of the underlying assets for interests in securitized assets, and, for securities classified as available-for-sale, our intent and ability 
to hold the investment through recovery of its amortized cost basis.

Once a decline in fair value of a debt security is determined to be other-than-temporary, an impairment charge for the credit component 

is recorded to other gain (loss) on investments, net, in our Consolidated Statement of Income, and a new cost basis in the investment is 
established. The noncredit loss component of a debt security is recorded in other comprehensive income (loss) when we do not intend to sell 
the security and it is not more likely than not that we will have to sell the security prior to the security's anticipated recovery. The credit and 
noncredit loss components are recorded in earnings when we intend to sell the security or it is more likely than not that we will have to sell 
the security prior to the security’s anticipated recovery. Unrealized losses that we have determined to be other-than-temporary on equity 
securities are recorded to other gain (loss) on investments, net in our Consolidated Statement of Income. Subsequent increases and decreases 
to the fair value of available-for-sale debt and equity securities are included in other comprehensive income (loss), so long as they are not 
attributable to another other-than-temporary impairment.

Realized gains and losses on investment securities are reported in other gain (loss) on investments, net, and are determined using the 
specific identification method. For information on our debt and marketable equity securities, refer to Note 8 to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements.

In addition to our investments in debt and marketable equity securities, we hold equity positions in other entities. These positions include 
Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) and Federal Reserve Bank (FRB) stock held to meet regulatory requirements, other equity investments that 
are not publicly traded and do not have a readily determinable fair value, equity investments in low income housing tax credits, and 
Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) equity investments, which are also not publicly traded and do not have a readily determinable fair 
value. Our investments in FHLB and FRB stock and other equity investments are accounted for using the cost method of accounting. Our low 
income housing tax credit investments are accounted for using the proportional amortization method of accounting for qualified affordable 
housing investments. Our obligations related to unfunded commitments for our low income housing tax credit investments are reported in 
other liabilities. Our CRA investments are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. Our FHLB and FRB stock and other equity 
investments carried at cost are included in nonmarketable equity investments in other assets. Our investments in low income housing tax 
credits and CRA are also included in other assets. As conditions warrant, we review our investments for impairment and will adjust the 
carrying value of the investment if it is deemed to be impaired. No impairment was recognized in 2016 or 2015. For more information on our 
nonmarketable equity investments, refer to Note 25 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Finance Receivables and Loans

Finance receivables and loans are reported at their gross carrying value, which includes the principal amount outstanding, net of 
unamortized deferred fees and costs on originated loans, unamortized premiums and discounts on purchased loans, unamortized basis 
adjustments arising from the designation of finance receivables and loans as the hedged item in qualifying fair value hedge relationships, and 
cumulative principal charge-offs. We refer to the gross carrying value less the allowance for loan loss as the net carrying value in finance 
receivables and loans. Unearned rate support received from an automotive manufacturer on certain automotive loans, deferred origination fees 
and costs, and premiums and discounts on purchased loans, are amortized over the contractual life of the related finance receivable or loan 
using the effective interest method. We make various incentive payments for consumer automotive loan originations to automotive dealers 
and account for these payments as direct loan origination costs. Additionally, we make incentive payments to certain commercial automobile 
wholesale borrowers and account for these payments as a reduction to interest income in the period they are earned. Loan commitment fees 
are generally deferred and amortized over the commitment period. For information on finance receivables and loans, refer to Note 9 to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements.

We initially classify finance receivables and loans as either loans held-for-sale or loans held-for-investment based on management's 
assessment of our intent and ability to hold loans for the foreseeable future or until maturity. Management's view of the foreseeable future is 
based on the longest reasonably reliable net income, liquidity, and capital forecast period. Management's intent and ability with respect to 
certain loans may change from time to time depending on a number of factors, for example economic, liquidity, and capital conditions. In 
order to reclassify loans to held-for-sale, management must have the intent to sell the loans and reasonably identify the specific loans to be 
sold. Loans classified as held-for-sale are carried at the lower of their net carrying value or fair value, unless the fair value option was elected, 
in which case those loans are carried at fair value. Interest income is recognized based upon the contractual rate of interest on the loan and the 
unpaid principal balance. We report accrued interest receivable on finance receivables and loans in other assets on the Consolidated Balance 
Sheet.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Our portfolio segments are based on the level at which we develop and document our methodology for determining the allowance for 
loan losses. Additionally, the classes of finance receivables are based on several factors including the method for monitoring and assessing 
credit risk, the method of measuring carrying value, and the risk characteristics of the finance receivable. Based on an evaluation of our 
process for developing the allowance for loan losses including the nature and extent of exposure to credit risk arising from finance 
receivables, we have determined our portfolio segments to be consumer automotive, consumer mortgage, and commercial.

• 

• 

Consumer automotive — Consists of retail automotive financing for new and used vehicles.

Consumer mortgage — Consists of the following classes of finance receivables.

•  Mortgage Finance — Consists of consumer first mortgages from our ongoing mortgage operations including bulk 

acquisitions, originations, and refinancing of high-quality jumbo mortgages and low-to-moderate income (LMI) 
mortgages. In late 2016, we also introduced limited direct mortgage originations consisting of jumbo and conforming 
mortgages. Conforming mortgages will be originated as held-for-sale, while jumbo mortgages will be originated as held-
for-investment.

•  Mortgage — Legacy — Consists of consumer mortgage assets originated prior to January 1, 2009, including first 

mortgages, subordinate-lien mortgages, and home equity mortgages.

• 

Commercial — Consists of the following classes of finance receivables.

• 

Commercial and Industrial

• 

Automotive — Consists of financing operations to fund dealer purchases of new and used vehicles through 
wholesale floorplan financing. Additional commercial offerings include automotive dealer term loans, revolving 
lines of credit, and dealer fleet financing.

•  Other — Consists of senior secured leveraged cash flow and asset based loans.

• 

Commercial Real Estate — Automotive — Consists of term loans to finance dealership land and buildings.

Nonaccrual Loans

Generally, we recognize loans of all classes as past due when they are 30 days delinquent on making a contractually required payment, 
and loans are placed on nonaccrual status when principal or interest has been delinquent for 90 days or when full collection is not expected. 
Interest income recognition is suspended when finance receivables and loans are placed on nonaccrual status. Additionally, amortization of 
premiums and discounts and deferred fees and costs ceases when finance receivables and loans are placed on nonaccrual. Exceptions include 
commercial real estate loans that are placed on nonaccrual status when delinquent for 60 days or when full collection is not probable, if 
sooner. Additionally, our policy is to generally place all loans that have been modified in troubled debt restructurings (TDRs) on nonaccrual 
status until the loan has been brought fully current, the collection of contractual principal and interest is reasonably assured, and six 
consecutive months of repayment performance is achieved. In certain cases, if a borrower has been current up to the time of the modification 
and repayment of the debt subsequent to the modification is reasonably assured, we may choose to continue to accrue interest on the loan.

Loans on nonaccrual status are reported as nonperforming loans in Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. The receivable for 
interest income that is accrued, but not collected, at the date finance receivables and loans are placed on nonaccrual status is reversed against 
interest income and subsequently recognized only to the extent it is received in cash or until it qualifies for return to accrual status. However, 
where there is doubt regarding the ultimate collectability of loan principal, all cash received is applied to reduce the carrying value of such 
loans. Generally, finance receivables and loans are restored to accrual status only when contractually current and the collection of future 
payments is reasonably assured.

Impaired Loans

Loans of all classes are considered impaired when we determine it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due (both 

principal and interest) according to the terms of the loan agreement.

For all classes of consumer loans, impaired loans include all loans that have been modified in TDRs.

Commercial loans of all classes are considered impaired on an individual basis and reported as impaired when we determine it is 

probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the terms of the loan agreement.

With the exception of certain consumer TDRs that have been returned to accruing status, for all classes of impaired loans, income 
recognition is consistent with that of nonaccrual loans discussed above. Impaired loans may return to accrual status as discussed in the 
preceding nonaccrual loan section at which time, the normal accrual of interest income resumes. For collateral dependent loans, if the 
recorded investment in impaired loans exceeds the fair value of the collateral, a charge-off is recorded consistent with the TDR discussion 
below.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Troubled Debt Restructurings

When the terms of finance receivables or loans are modified, consideration must be given as to whether or not the modification results in 
a TDR. A modification is considered to be a TDR when both a) the borrower is experiencing financial difficulty and b) we grant a concession 
to the borrower. These considerations require significant judgment and vary by portfolio segment. In all cases, the cumulative impacts of all 
modifications are considered at the time of the most recent modification.

For consumer loans of all classes, various qualitative factors are utilized for assessing the financial difficulty of the borrower. These 
include, but are not limited to, the borrower's default status on any of its debts, bankruptcy and recent changes in financial circumstances (loss 
of job, etc.). A concession has been granted when as a result of the modification we do not expect to collect all amounts due, including interest 
accrued at the original contract rate. Types of modifications that may be considered concessions include, but are not limited to, extensions of 
terms at a rate that does not constitute a market rate, a reduction, deferral or forgiveness of principal or interest owed and loans that have been 
discharged in a Chapter 7 Bankruptcy and have not been reaffirmed by the borrower.

In addition to the modifications noted above, in our consumer automotive portfolio segment of loans we also provide extensions or 
deferrals of payments to borrowers whom we deem to be experiencing only temporary financial difficulty. In these cases, there are limits 
within our operational policies to minimize the number of times a loan can be extended, as well as limits to the length of each extension, 
including a cumulative cap over the life of the loan. Before offering an extension or deferral, we evaluate the capacity of the customer to 
make the scheduled payments after the deferral period. During the deferral period, we continue to accrue and collect interest on the loan as 
part of the deferral agreement. We grant these extensions or deferrals when we expect to collect all amounts due including interest accrued at 
the original contract rate.

A restructuring that results in only a delay in payment that is deemed to be insignificant is not a concession and the modification is not 
considered to be a TDR. In order to assess whether a restructuring that results in a delay in payment is insignificant, we consider the amount 
of the restructured payments subject to delay in conjunction with the unpaid principal balance or the collateral value of the loan, whether or 
not the delay is significant with respect to the frequency of payments under the original contract, or the loan's original expected duration. In 
the cases where payment extensions on our automotive loan portfolio cumulatively extend beyond 90 days and are more than 10% of the 
original contractual term or where the cumulative payment extension is beyond 180 days, we deem the delay in payment to be more than 
insignificant, and as such, classify these types of modifications as TDRs. Otherwise, we believe that the modifications do not represent a 
concessionary modification and accordingly, they are not classified as TDRs.

For commercial loans of all classes, similar qualitative factors are considered when assessing the financial difficulty of the borrower. In 
addition to the factors noted above, consideration is also given to the borrower's forecasted ability to service the debt in accordance with the 
contractual terms, possible regulatory actions and other potential business disruptions (e.g., the loss of a significant customer or other revenue 
stream). Consideration of a concession is also similar for commercial loans. In addition to the factors noted above, consideration is also given 
to whether additional guarantees or collateral have been provided.

For all loans, TDR classification typically results from our loss mitigation activities. For loans held-for-investment that are not carried at 

fair value and are TDRs, impairment is typically measured based on the difference between the gross carrying value of the loan and the 
present value of the expected future cash flows of the loan. The loan may also be measured for impairment based on the fair value of the 
underlying collateral less costs to sell for loans that are collateral dependent. We recognize impairment by either establishing a valuation 
allowance or recording a charge-off.

The financial impacts of modifications that meet the definition of a TDR are reported in the period in which they are identified as TDRs. 

Additionally, if a loan that is classified as a TDR redefaults within twelve months of the modification, we are required to disclose the 
instances of redefault. For the purpose of this disclosure, we have determined that a loan is considered to have redefaulted when the loan 
meets the requirements for evaluation under our charge-off policy except for commercial loans where redefault is defined as 90 days past due. 
Impaired loans may return to accrual status as discussed in the preceding nonaccrual loan section at which time, the normal accrual of interest 
income resumes.

Net Charge-offs

We disclose the measurement of net charge-offs as the amount of gross charge-offs recognized less recoveries received. Gross charge-
offs reflect the amount of the gross carry value directly written-off. Generally, we recognize recoveries when they are received and record 
them as an increase to the allowance for loan losses. As a general rule, consumer automotive loans are written down to estimated collateral 
value, less costs to sell, once a loan becomes 120 days past due. In our consumer mortgage portfolio segment, first-lien mortgages and a 
subset of our home equity portfolio that are secured by real estate in a first-lien position are written down to the estimated fair value of the 
collateral, less costs to sell, once a mortgage loan becomes 180 days past due. Consumer mortgage loans that represent second-lien positions 
are charged off at 180 days past due. Consumer mortgage loans within our second-lien portfolio in bankruptcy that are 60 days past due are 
fully charged off within 60 days of receipt of notification of filing from the bankruptcy court. Consumer automotive and first-lien consumer 
mortgage loans in bankruptcy that are 60 days past due are written down to the estimated fair value of the collateral, less costs to sell, within 
60 days of receipt of notification of filing from the bankruptcy court. Regardless of other timelines noted within this policy, loans are 
considered collateral dependent once foreclosure or repossession proceedings begin and are charged-off to the estimated fair value of the 
underlying collateral, less costs to sell at that time.

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Commercial loans are individually evaluated and where collectability of the recorded balance is in doubt are written down to the 

estimated fair value of the collateral less costs to sell. Generally, all commercial loans are charged-off when it becomes unlikely that the 
borrower is willing or able to repay the remaining balance of the loan and any underlying collateral is not sufficient to recover the outstanding 
principal. Collateral dependent loans are charged-off to the fair market value of collateral less costs to sell when appropriate. Noncollateral 
dependent loans are fully written-off.

Allowance for Loan Losses

The allowance for loan losses (the allowance) is management's estimate of incurred losses in the lending portfolios. We determine the 

amount of the allowance required for each of our portfolio segments based on its relative risk characteristics. The evaluation of these factors 
for both consumer and commercial finance receivables and loans involves quantitative analysis combined with sound management judgment. 
Additions to the allowance are charged to current period earnings through the provision for loan losses; amounts determined to be 
uncollectible are charged directly against the allowance, net of amounts recovered on previously charged-off accounts.

The allowance is comprised of two components: specific reserves established for individual loans evaluated as impaired and portfolio-
level reserves established for large groups of typically smaller balance homogeneous loans that are collectively evaluated for impairment. We 
evaluate the adequacy of the allowance based on the combined total of these two components. Determining the appropriateness of the 
allowance is complex and requires judgment by management about the effect of matters that are inherently uncertain. It is possible that others, 
given the same information, may at any point in time reach different reasonable conclusions.

Measurement of impairment for specific reserves is generally determined on a loan-by-loan basis. Loans determined to be specifically 

impaired are measured based on the present value of expected future cash flows discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, an observable 
market price, or the estimated fair value of the collateral less estimated costs to sell when appropriate, whichever is determined to be the most 
appropriate. When these measurement values are lower than the net carrying value of that loan, impairment is recognized. Loans that are not 
identified as individually impaired are pooled with other loans with similar risk characteristics for evaluation of impairment for the portfolio-
level allowance.

For the purpose of calculating portfolio-level reserves, we have grouped our loans into three portfolio segments: consumer automotive, 
consumer mortgage, and commercial. The allowance consists of the combination of a quantitative assessment component based on statistical 
models, a retrospective evaluation of actual loss information to loss forecasts, and includes a qualitative component based on management 
judgment. Management takes into consideration relevant qualitative factors, including external and internal trends such as the impacts of 
changes in underwriting standards, collections and account management effectiveness, geographic concentrations, and economic events, 
among other factors, that have occurred but are not yet reflected in the quantitative assessment component. Qualitative adjustments are 
documented, reviewed, and approved through our established risk governance processes.

During 2016, we did not substantively change any material aspect of our overall approach used to determine the allowance for loan 

losses for our portfolio segments. There were no material changes in criteria or estimation techniques as compared to prior periods that 
impacted the determination of the current period allowance for loan losses for our portfolio segments.

Refer to Note 9 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for information on the allowance for loan losses.

Consumer Loans

Our consumer automotive and consumer mortgage portfolio segments are reviewed for impairment based on an analysis of loans that are 
grouped into common risk categories. We perform periodic and systematic detailed reviews of our lending portfolios to identify inherent risks 
and to assess the overall collectability of those portfolios. Loss models are utilized for these portfolios, which consider a variety of credit 
quality indicators including, but not limited to, historical loss experience, current economic conditions, credit scores, and expected loss factors 
by loan type.

Consumer Automotive Portfolio Segment

The allowance for loan losses within the consumer automotive portfolio segment is calculated using proprietary statistical models and 

other risk indicators applied to pools of loans with similar risk characteristics, including credit bureau score and loan-to-value ratios to arrive 
at an estimate of incurred losses in the portfolio. These statistical loss forecasting models are utilized to estimate incurred losses and consider 
a variety of factors including, but not limited to, historical loss experience, estimated defaults based on portfolio trends, and general economic 
and business trends. These statistical models predict forecasted losses inherent in the portfolio.

The forecasted losses consider historical factors such as frequency (the number of contracts that we expect to default) and loss severity 
(the loss amount of contracts we expect to default). The loss severity within the consumer automotive portfolio segment is impacted by the 
market values of vehicles that are repossessed. Vehicle market values are affected by numerous factors including vehicle supply, the condition 
of the vehicle upon repossession, the overall price and volatility of gasoline or diesel fuel, consumer preference related to specific vehicle 
segments, and other factors.

The quantitative assessment component of the allowance may be supplemented with qualitative reserves based on management's 
determination that such adjustments provide a better estimate of credit losses. This qualitative assessment takes into consideration relevant 
internal and external factors that have occurred but are not yet reflected in the forecasted losses and may affect the performance of the 
portfolio.

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Consumer Mortgage Portfolio Segment

The allowance for loan losses within the consumer mortgage portfolio segment is calculated by using proprietary statistical models based 

on pools of loans with similar risk characteristics, including credit score, loan-to-value, loan age, documentation type, product type, and loan 
purpose, to arrive at an estimate of incurred losses in the portfolio. These statistical loss forecasting models are utilized to estimate incurred 
losses and consider a variety of factors including, but not limited to, historical loss experience, estimated foreclosures or defaults based on 
portfolio trends, delinquencies, and general economic and business trends.

The forecasted losses are statistically derived based on a suite of behavioral based transition models. This transition framework predicts 

various stages of delinquency, default, and voluntary prepayment over the course of the life of the loan. The transition probability is a function 
of the loan and borrower characteristics and economic variables and considers historical factors such as frequency and loss severity. When a 
default event is predicted, a severity model is applied to estimate future loan losses. Loss severity within the consumer mortgage portfolio 
segment is impacted by the market values of foreclosed properties, which is affected by numerous factors, including geographic 
considerations and the condition of the foreclosed property.

The quantitative assessment component of the allowance may be supplemented with qualitative reserves based on management's 
determination that such adjustments provide a better estimate of credit losses. This qualitative assessment takes into consideration relevant 
internal and external factors that have occurred but are not yet reflected in the forecasted losses and may affect the performance of the 
portfolio.

Commercial Loans

The allowance for loan losses within the commercial portfolio is comprised of reserves established for specific loans evaluated as 
impaired and portfolio-level reserves based on nonimpaired loans grouped into pools based on similar risk characteristics and collectively 
evaluated.

A commercial loan is considered impaired when it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the 
contractual terms of the loan agreement based on current information and events. These loans are primarily evaluated individually and are 
risk-rated based on borrower, collateral, and industry-specific information that management believes is relevant in determining the occurrence 
of a loss event and measuring impairment. Management establishes specific allowances for commercial loans determined to be individually 
impaired based on the present value of expected future cash flows, discounted at the loan's effective interest rate, observable market price or 
the fair value of collateral, whichever is determined to be the most appropriate. Estimated costs to sell or realize the value of the collateral on 
a discounted basis are included in the impairment measurement, when appropriate.

Loans not identified as impaired are grouped into pools based on similar risk characteristics and collectively evaluated. Our risk rating 
models use historical loss experience, concentrations, current economic conditions, and performance trends. The commercial historical loss 
experience is updated quarterly to incorporate the most recent data reflective of the current economic environment. The determination of the 
allowance is influenced by numerous assumptions and many factors that may materially affect estimates of loss, including volatility of loss 
given default, probability of default, and rating migration. In assessing the risk rating of a particular loan, several factors are considered 
including an evaluation of historical and current information involving subjective assessments and interpretations. In addition, the allowance 
related to the commercial portfolio segment is influenced by estimated recoveries from automotive manufacturers relative to guarantees or 
agreements with them to repurchase vehicles used as collateral to secure the loans.

The quantitative assessment component of the allowance may be supplemented with qualitative reserves based on management's 
determination that such adjustments provide a better estimate of credit losses. This qualitative assessment takes into consideration relevant 
internal and external factors that have occurred but are not yet reflected in the forecasted losses and may affect the performance of the 
portfolio.

Securitizations and Variable Interest Entities

We securitize, transfer, and service consumer and commercial automotive loans and operating leases. Securitization transactions 
typically involve the use of VIEs and are accounted for either as sales or secured borrowings. We may retain economic interests in the 
securitized and sold assets, which are generally retained in the form of senior or subordinated interests, interest- or principal-only strips, cash 
reserves, residual interests, and servicing rights.

In order to conclude whether or not a variable interest entity is required to be consolidated, careful consideration and judgment must be 

given to our continuing involvement with the variable interest entity. In circumstances where we have both the power to direct the activities of 
the entity that most significantly impact the entity's performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits of the 
entity that could be significant, we would conclude that we would consolidate the entity, which would also preclude us from recording an 
accounting sale on the transaction. In the case of a consolidated variable interest entity, the accounting is consistent with a secured borrowing, 
(e.g., we continue to carry the loans and we record the related securitized debt on our Consolidated Balance Sheet).

In transactions where we are not determined to be the primary beneficiary of the VIE, we then must determine whether or not we achieve 
a sale for accounting purposes. In order to achieve a sale for accounting purposes, the assets being transferred must be legally isolated, not be 
constrained by restrictions from further transfer, and be deemed to be beyond our control. If we were to fail any of the three criteria for sale 
accounting, the accounting would be consistent with the preceding paragraph (i.e., a secured borrowing). Refer to Note 11 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements for discussion on VIEs.

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Gains or losses on off-balance sheet securitizations take into consideration the fair value of the retained interests including the value of 
certain servicing assets or liabilities, if any, which are initially recorded at fair value at the date of sale. The estimate of the fair value of the 
retained interests and servicing requires us to exercise significant judgment about the timing and amount of future cash flows from the 
interests. Refer to Note 25 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of fair value estimates.

Gains or losses on off-balance sheet securitizations and sales are reported in gain (loss) on mortgage and automotive loans, net, in our 

Consolidated Statement of Income. Retained interests, as well as any purchased securities, are generally included in available-for-sale 
investment securities and follow the accounting as described above or are classified in other assets. Retained interests that are included in 
other assets are reported at fair value and include cash reserves and certain noncertificated residual interests.

We retain servicing responsibilities for all of our consumer and commercial automotive loan and operating lease securitizations. We may 

receive servicing fees for off-balance sheet securitizations based on the securitized loan balances and certain ancillary fees, all of which are 
reported in servicing fees in the Consolidated Statement of Income. Typically, the fee we are paid for servicing consumer automotive finance 
receivables represents adequate compensation, and consequently, we do not recognize a servicing asset or liability.

Whether on- or off-balance sheet, the investors in the securitization trusts generally have no recourse to our assets outside of protections 

afforded through customary market representation and warranty repurchase provisions.

Repossessed and Foreclosed Assets

Assets are classified as repossessed and foreclosed and included in other assets when physical possession of the collateral is taken, which 
includes the transfer of title through foreclosure or other similar proceedings. Repossessed and foreclosed assets are carried at the lower of the 
outstanding balance at the time of repossession or foreclosure or the fair value of the asset less estimated costs to sell. Losses on the 
revaluation of repossessed and foreclosed assets are recognized as a charge-off of the allowance for loan losses at the time of repossession. 
Declines in value after repossession are charged to other operating expenses for loans and depreciation expense for operating lease assets as 
incurred.

Investment in Operating Leases

Investment in operating leases, net, represents the automobiles that are underlying the automotive lease contracts and is reported at cost, 
less accumulated depreciation and net of impairment charges and origination fees or costs. Depreciation of vehicles is recorded on a straight-
line basis to an estimated residual value over the lease term. Manufacturer support payments that we receive upfront are treated as a reduction 
to the cost-basis in the underlying lease asset, which has the effect of reducing depreciation expense over the life of the contract. We 
periodically evaluate our depreciation rate for leased vehicles based on expected residual values and adjust depreciation expense over the 
remaining life of the lease if deemed appropriate. Income from operating lease assets that includes lease origination fees, net of lease 
origination costs, is recognized as operating lease revenue on a straight-line basis over the scheduled lease term.

We have significant investments in the residual values of the assets in our operating lease portfolio. The residual values represent an 

estimate of the values of the assets at the end of the lease contracts. At contract inception, we determine pricing based on the projected 
residual value of the lease vehicle. This evaluation is primarily based on a proprietary model, which includes variables such as age, expected 
mileage, seasonality, segment factors, vehicle type, economic indicators, production cycle, automotive manufacturer incentives, and shifts in 
used vehicle supply. This internally-generated data is compared against third-party, independent data for reasonableness. Realization of the 
residual values is dependent on our future ability to market the vehicles under the prevailing market conditions. Over the life of the lease, we 
evaluate the adequacy of our estimate of the residual value and may make adjustments to the depreciation rates to the extent the expected 
value of the vehicle at lease termination changes. In addition to estimating the residual value at lease termination, we also evaluate the current 
value of the operating lease asset and test for impairment to the extent necessary based on market considerations and portfolio characteristics. 
Impairment is determined to exist if fair value of the leased asset is less than carrying value and it is determined that the net carrying value is 
not recoverable. The net carrying value of a leased asset is not recoverable if it exceeds the sum of the undiscounted expected future cash 
flows expected to result from the lease payments and the estimated residual value upon eventual disposition. No impairment was recognized 
in 2016, 2015, or 2014. If our operating lease assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment is measured as the amount by which the 
carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value as estimated by discounted cash flows. We accrue rental income on our operating leases 
when collection is reasonably assured. We generally discontinue the accrual of revenue on operating leases at the time an account is 
determined to be uncollectible, at the earliest of time of repossession, within 60 days of bankruptcy notification and greater than 60 days past 
due, or greater than 120 days past due.

When a lease vehicle is returned to us, the asset is reclassified from investment in operating leases, net, to other assets and recorded at 
the lower-of-cost or estimated fair value, less costs to sell, on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Any losses recognized at this time are recorded 
as depreciation expense. Any gain or loss recognized at the time of sale of an off lease or repossessed lease vehicle is recognized as a 
remarketing gain or loss and presented as a component of depreciation expense.

Impairment of Long-lived Assets

The net carrying value of long-lived assets (including property and equipment) are evaluated for impairment whenever events or changes 
in circumstances indicate that their net carrying values may not be recoverable from the estimated undiscounted future cash flows expected to 
result from their use and eventual disposition. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of their net carrying 
amount to future net undiscounted cash flows expected to be generated by the assets. If these assets are considered to be impaired, the 

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

impairment is measured as the amount by which the net carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value estimated using a discounted 
cash flow method. No material impairment was recognized in 2016, 2015, or 2014.

An impairment test on an asset group to be sold or otherwise disposed of is performed upon occurrence of a triggering event or when 
certain criteria are met (e.g., the asset is planned to be disposed of within twelve months, appropriate levels of authority have approved the 
sale, there is an active program to locate a buyer, etc.), which cause the disposal group to be classified as held-for-sale. Long-lived assets 
held-for-sale are recorded at the lower of their carrying amount or estimated fair value less cost to sell. If the net carrying value of the assets 
held-for-sale exceeds the fair value less cost to sell, we recognize an impairment loss based on the excess of the net carrying amount over the 
fair value of the assets less cost to sell. Refer to Note 3 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of discontinued and held-for-
sale operations.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization, are reported in other assets on our Consolidated 

Balance Sheet. Included in property and equipment are certain buildings, furniture and fixtures, leasehold improvements, company vehicles, 
IT hardware and software, capitalized software costs, and assets under construction. We begin depreciating these assets when they are ready 
for their intended use. Depreciation is recorded on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, which generally ranges 
from three to thirty years. Capitalized software is generally amortized on a straight-line basis over its useful life, which generally ranges from 
three to five years. Capitalized software that is not expected to provide substantive service potential or for which development costs 
significantly exceed the amount originally expected is considered impaired and written down to fair value. Software expenditures that are 
considered general, administrative, or of a maintenance nature are expensed as incurred.

Business Combinations

We account for our business acquisitions using the acquisition method of accounting. Under this method, we generally record the initial 

carrying values of purchased assets, including identifiable intangible assets, and assumed liabilities at fair value on the acquisition date. We 
recognize goodwill when the acquisition price is greater than the fair value of the net assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets. 
The initial fair value of recognized assets and liabilities are subject to refinement during the measurement period, a period up to one year after 
the closing date of an acquisition, as information relative to closing date fair values becomes available. Costs directly related to business 
combinations are recorded as expenses as they are incurred.

Goodwill and Other Intangibles

Goodwill and intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, are reported in other assets.

Our intangible assets primarily consist of acquired customer relationships and developed technology, and are amortized using a straight 

line methodology over their estimated useful lives. We review intangible assets for impairment at least annually, or whenever events or 
changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of the asset may not be recoverable. If it is determined the carrying amount of the 
asset is not recoverable, an impairment charge is recorded. Refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion on 
intangible assets.

Goodwill represents the excess of the cost of an acquisition over the fair value of net assets acquired, including identifiable intangibles. 
We allocate goodwill to applicable reporting units based on the relative fair value of other net assets allocated to those reporting units at the 
time of the acquisition. In the event we restructure our business, we may reallocate goodwill. We test goodwill for impairment annually, or 
more frequently if events and changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that impairment exists. Our annual goodwill 
impairment test is performed as of August 31 of each year. In certain situations, we may perform a qualitative assessment to test goodwill for 
impairment. We may also decide to bypass the qualitative assessment and perform a quantitative assessment. If we perform the qualitative 
assessment to test goodwill for impairment and conclude that it is more likely than not that the reporting unit’s fair value is greater than its 
carrying value, then the quantitative assessment is not required. However, if we perform the qualitative assessment and determine that it is 
more likely than not that a reporting unit’s fair value is less than its carrying value, then we must perform the quantitative assessment. The 
quantitative assessment uses a two-step process. The first step of the assessment requires us to compare the fair value of each of the reporting 
units to their respective carrying value. The fair value of the reporting units in our quantitative assessment is determined based on various 
analyses including discounted cash flow projections using assumptions a market participant would use. If the carrying value is less than the 
fair value, no impairment exists, and the second step does not need to be completed. If the carrying value is higher than the fair value or there 
is an indication that impairment may exist, a second step must be performed where we determine the implied value of goodwill based on the 
individual fair values of the reporting unit's assets and liabilities, including unrecognized intangibles, to compute the amount of the 
impairment. Refer to Note 2 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further discussion on goodwill.

Unearned Insurance Premiums and Service Revenue

Insurance premiums, net of premiums ceded to reinsurers, and service revenue are earned over the terms of the policies. The portion of 

premiums and service revenue written applicable to the unexpired terms of the policies is recorded as unearned insurance premiums or 
unearned service revenue. For extended service and maintenance contracts, premiums and service revenues are earned on a basis 
proportionate to the anticipated cost emergence. For other short duration contracts, premiums and unearned service revenue are earned on a 
pro rata basis. For further information, refer to Note 4 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Deferred Insurance Policy Acquisition Costs

Certain incremental direct costs incurred to originate a policy are deferred and recorded in other assets. These costs primarily include 

commissions paid to dealers to originate these policies and vary with the production of business. Deferred policy acquisition costs are 
amortized over the terms of the related policies and service contracts on the same basis as premiums and service revenue are earned. We 
group costs incurred for acquiring like contracts and consider anticipated investment income in determining the recoverability of these costs.

Reserves for Insurance Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

Reserves for insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses are reported in accrued expenses and other liabilities on our Consolidated 

Balance Sheet. They are established for the unpaid cost of insured events that have occurred as of a point in time. More specifically, the 
reserves for insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses represent the accumulation of estimates for both reported losses and those 
incurred, but not reported, including loss adjustment expenses relating to direct insurance and assumed reinsurance agreements.

We use a combination of methods, including the chain ladder development factor, expected loss, Bornhuetter Ferguson (BF), and 

frequency and severity methods to determine the ultimate losses for an individual line of business as well as accident year basis depending on 
the maturity of the accident period and line of business specifics. Development methods are used for more mature years where expected loss, 
BF, and frequency and severity methods are used for less mature years. Both paid and incurred loss and loss adjustment expenses are 
reviewed where available and a weighted average of estimates or a single method may be considered in selecting the final estimate for an 
individual accident period. We did not change our methodology for developing reserves for insurance losses for the year ended December 31, 
2016.

Estimates for salvage and subrogation recoverable are recognized at the time losses are incurred and netted against the provision for 
insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses. Reserves are established for each business at the lowest meaningful level of homogeneous 
data. Since the reserves are based on estimates, the ultimate liability may vary from such estimates. The estimates are regularly reviewed and 
adjustments, which can potentially be significant, are included in earnings in the period in which they are deemed necessary.

Legal and Regulatory Reserves

Reserves for legal and regulatory matters are established when those matters present loss contingencies that are both probable and 
estimable, with a corresponding amount recorded to other operating expense. In cases where we have an accrual for losses, it is our policy to 
include an estimate for probable and estimable legal expenses related to the case. If, at the time of evaluation, the loss contingency related to a 
legal or regulatory matter is not both probable and estimable, we do not establish an accrued liability. We continue to monitor legal and 
regulatory matters for further developments that could affect the requirement to establish a liability or that may impact the amount of a 
previously established liability. There may be exposure to loss in excess of any amounts recognized. For certain other matters where the risk 
of loss is determined to be reasonably possible, estimable, and material to the financial statements, disclosure regarding details of the matter 
and an estimated range of loss is required. The estimated range of possible loss does not represent our maximum loss exposure. Financial 
statement disclosure is also required for matters that are deemed probable or reasonably possible, material to the financial statements, but for 
which an estimated range of loss is not possible to determine. While we believe our reserves are adequate, the outcome of legal and regulatory 
proceedings is extremely difficult to predict and we may settle claims or be subject to judgments for amounts that differ from our estimates. 
For information regarding the nature of all material contingencies, refer to Note 30 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Earnings per Common Share

We compute basic earnings (loss) per common share by dividing net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common 

shareholders after deducting dividends on preferred stock by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period. 
We compute diluted earnings (loss) per common share by dividing net income (loss) from continuing operations after deducting dividends on 
preferred stock by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the period plus the dilution resulting from incremental 
shares that would have been outstanding if dilutive potential common shares had been issued (assuming it does not have the effect of 
antidilution), if applicable.

Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We primarily use derivative instruments for risk management purposes. We do not use derivative instruments for speculative purposes. 
Some of our derivative instruments are designated in qualifying hedge accounting relationships; other derivative instruments do not qualify 
for hedge accounting or are not elected to be designated in a qualifying hedging relationship. In accordance with applicable accounting 
standards, all derivative instruments, whether designated for hedge accounting or not, are required to be recorded on the balance sheet as 
assets or liabilities and measured at fair value. Additionally, we have elected to report the fair value amounts recognized for derivative 
financial instruments, including the fair value amounts recognized for the right to reclaim cash collateral or the obligation to return cash 
collateral arising from derivative instruments recognized at fair value executed with the same counterparty under a master netting 
arrangement, on the Consolidated Balance Sheet on a gross basis where we do not have the intent to offset. For additional information on 
derivative instruments and hedging activities, refer to Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

At inception of a hedge accounting relationship, we designate each qualifying derivative financial instrument as a hedge of the fair value 

of a specifically identified asset or liability (fair value hedge); as a hedge of the variability of cash flows to be received or paid related to a 
recognized asset or liability (cash flow hedge); or as a hedge of the foreign-currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation (net 
investment hedge). We formally document all relationships between hedging instruments and hedged items and risk management objectives 

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for undertaking various hedge transactions. Both at the hedge's inception and on an ongoing basis, we formally assess whether the derivatives 
that are used in hedging relationships are highly effective in offsetting changes in fair values or cash flows of hedged items.

Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments that are designated and qualify as fair value hedges, along with the gain or loss on the 
hedged asset or liability attributable to the hedged risk, are recorded in current period earnings. For qualifying cash flow hedges, the effective 
portion of the change in the fair value of the derivative financial instruments is recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income, and 
recognized in the income statement when the hedged cash flows affect earnings. For a qualifying net investment hedge, the gain or loss is 
reported in accumulated other comprehensive income as part of the cumulative translation adjustment. The ineffective portions of fair value, 
cash flow, and net investment hedges are immediately recognized in earnings, along with the portion of the change in fair value that is 
excluded from the assessment of hedge effectiveness, if any.

The hedge accounting treatment described herein is no longer applied if a derivative financial instrument is terminated or the hedge 
designation is removed or is assessed to be no longer highly effective. For these terminated fair value hedges, any changes to the hedged asset 
or liability remain as part of the basis of the hedged asset or liability and are recognized into income over the remaining life of the asset or 
liability. For terminated cash flow hedges, unless it is probable that the forecasted cash flows will not occur within a specified period, any 
changes in fair value of the derivative financial instrument previously recognized remain in accumulated other comprehensive income, and 
are reclassified into earnings in the same period that the hedged cash flows affect earnings. The previously recognized gain or loss for a net 
investment hedge continues to remain in accumulated other comprehensive income until earnings are impacted by sale or liquidation of the 
associated foreign operation. In all instances, after hedge accounting is no longer applied, any subsequent changes in fair value of the 
derivative instrument will be recorded into earnings.

Changes in the fair value of derivative financial instruments held for risk management purposes that are not designated for hedge 

accounting under GAAP are reported in current period earnings.

Income Taxes

Our income tax expense, deferred tax assets and liabilities, and reserves for unrecognized tax benefits reflect management's best 

assessment of estimated future taxes to be paid. We are subject to income taxes predominantly in the United States. Significant judgments and 
estimates are required in determining the consolidated income tax expense.

Deferred income taxes arise from temporary differences between the tax and financial statement recognition of revenue and expense. In 

evaluating our ability to recover our deferred tax assets within the jurisdiction from which they arise we consider all available positive and 
negative evidence including scheduled reversals of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income, tax planning strategies and recent 
financial operations. In projecting future taxable income, we begin with historical results adjusted for the results of discontinued operations 
and changes in accounting policies and incorporate assumptions including the amount of future state, federal and foreign pretax operating 
income, the reversal of temporary differences, and the implementation of feasible and prudent tax planning strategies.

We recognize the financial statement effects of uncertain income tax positions when it is more likely than not, based on the technical 

merits, that the position will be sustained upon examination. Also, we recognize accrued interest and penalties related to liabilities for 
uncertain income tax positions in interest expense and other operating expenses, respectively. For additional information regarding our 
provision for income taxes, refer to Note 23 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Share-based Compensation

Under accounting guidance for share-based compensation, compensation cost recognized includes the cost of share-based awards. For 
equity classified share-based awards, compensation cost is ratably charged to expense based on the grant date fair value of the awards over the 
applicable service periods. For liability classified share-based awards, the associated liability is measured quarterly at fair value based on our 
share price and services rendered at the time of measurement until the awards are paid, with changes in fair value charged to compensation 
expense in the period in which the change occurs. As a result of the adoption of Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2016-09, Stock 
Compensation — Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, we have made an accounting policy election to account for 
forfeitures of share-based awards as they occur. Refer to Note 24 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for a discussion of our share-based 
compensation plans.

Foreign Exchange

Foreign-denominated assets and liabilities resulting from foreign-currency transactions are valued using period-end foreign-exchange 

rates and the results of operations and cash flows are determined using approximate weighted average exchange rates for the period. 
Translation adjustments are related to foreign subsidiaries using local currency as their functional currency and are reported as a separate 
component of accumulated other comprehensive income. Translation gains or losses are reclassified to earnings upon the substantial sale or 
liquidation of our investments in foreign operations. We may elect to enter into foreign-currency derivatives to mitigate our exposure to 
changes in foreign-exchange rates. Refer to the Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities section above for a discussion of our hedging 
activities of the foreign-currency exposure of a net investment in a foreign operation.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Recently Adopted Accounting Standards
Consolidation — Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis (ASU 2015-02)

As of January 1, 2016, we adopted ASU 2015-02. The amendments in this update modify the requirements of consolidation with respect 

to entities that are or are similar in nature to limited partnerships or are variable interest entities (VIEs). For entities that are or are similar to 
limited partnerships, the guidance clarifies the evaluation of kick-out rights, removes the presumption that the general partner will consolidate 
and generally states that such entities will be presumed to be VIEs unless proven otherwise. For VIEs, the guidance modifies the analysis 
related to the evaluation of servicing fees, excludes servicing fees that are deemed commensurate with the level of service required from the 
determination of the primary beneficiary and clarifies certain considerations related to the consolidation analysis when performing a related 
party assessment. The amendments in this guidance did not impact our historical VIE and consolidation conclusions. No adjustments to our 
consolidated financial statements were required as a result of the adoption of this guidance.

Stock Compensation — Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting (ASU 2016-09)

As of December 31, 2016, we adopted ASU 2016-09. The amendments in this update include changes to several aspects of share-based 

payment accounting. The amendments allow for an entity-wide accounting policy election to either account for forfeitures as they occur or 
estimate the number of awards that are expected to vest. We elected to account for forfeitures as they occur. The amendments modify the tax 
withholding requirements to allow entities to withhold an amount up to the employee’s maximum individual statutory tax rates without 
resulting in a liability classification of the award as opposed to limiting the withholding to the minimum statutory tax rates as required under 
previous accounting guidance. The amendments require that all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies related to share-based payment 
awards should be recognized in income tax expense or benefit in the income statement in the period in which they occur. The adoption of 
these amendments did not have a material impact to the financial statements. The amendments also address the classification and presentation 
of certain items on the cash flow statement. Specifically, cash flows related to excess tax benefits should be classified as an operating activity 
instead of a financing activity and cash flows related to cash paid to a tax authority by an employer when withholding shares from an 
employee’s award for tax withholding purposes should be classified as a financing activity. The adoption of the amendment requiring excess 
tax benefits to be classified as an operating activity did not have a material impact to our consolidated statement of cash flows. The adoption 
of the amendment which requires amounts paid to a tax authority by an employer when withholding shares from an employee’s award for tax 
withholding purposes to be classified as a financing activity resulted in the reclassification of cash flows in our consolidated statement of cash 
flows for fiscal years ending December 31, 2016, and 2015, of $14 million and $16 million, respectively, from operating activities to 
financing activities. The impact for 2014 was not material to our consolidated statement of cash flows.

Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Revenue from Contracts with Customers (ASU 2014-09) and Revenue from Contracts with Customers — Deferral of the Effective 
Date (ASU 2015-14)

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued ASU 2014-09. The purpose of this guidance is to streamline and 

consolidate existing revenue recognition principles in GAAP and to converge revenue recognition principles with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRS). The core principle of the amendments 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 to receive in 
exchange for those goods or services. The amendments include a five step process for consideration of the main principle, guidance on the 
accounting treatment for costs associated with a contract, and disclosure requirements related to the revenue process. As originally issued, the 
amendments in ASU 2014-09 were to be effective beginning on January 1, 2017. However, in August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, 
which deferred the effective date of the guidance until January 1, 2018, and permitted early adoption as of the original effective date in ASU 
2014-09. The FASB created a transition resource group to work with stakeholders and clarify the new guidance as necessary. The FASB has 
issued several additional ASUs to provide clarifying guidance and implementation support for ASU 2014-09. Management has considered 
these additional ASUs when assessing the overall impact of ASU 2014-09. The amendments to the revenue recognition principles can be 
applied on adoption either through a full retrospective application or on a modified basis with a cumulative effect adjustment on the date of 
initial adoption with certain practical expedients. A majority of our revenue streams are not in scope of this ASU as they are governed by 
other accounting standards. Management has determined that certain revenue streams and contractual arrangements are in scope of this 
guidance. Management does not expect these amendments to impact current revenue recognition patterns for a majority of the in scope 
revenue streams and contracts. However, we expect that the application of this guidance to noninsurance contracts within our insurance 
business will result in the deferral of certain amounts we currently recognize as revenue upon the origination of the contract. We do not expect 
the impact of the new guidance to these specific contracts to be material to the financial statements. Management has not yet determined 
whether we will adopt this guidance using the full retrospective approach or the modified retrospective approach.

Financial Instruments — Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets (ASU 2016-01)

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01. The amendments in this update modify the requirements related to the measurement of 

certain financial instruments in the statement of financial condition and results of operation. For equity investments (other than investments 
accounted for using the equity method), entities must measure such instruments at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net 
income. Changes in fair value for available-for-sale equity securities will no longer be recognized through other comprehensive income. 
Reporting entities may continue to elect to measure equity investments that do not have a readily determinable fair value at cost with 
adjustments for impairment and observable changes in price. In addition, for a liability (other than a derivative liability) that an entity 
measures at fair value, any change in fair value related to the instrument-specific credit risk, that is the entity’s own-credit, should be 
presented separately in other comprehensive income and not as a component of net income. The amendments are effective on January 1, 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

2018, with early adoption permitted solely for the provisions pertaining to instrument-specific credit risk for liabilities measured at fair value. 
The amendments must be applied on a modified retrospective basis with a cumulative effect adjustment as of the beginning of the fiscal year 
of initial adoption. The amendment requiring equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net 
income will create additional volatility in our consolidated results of operations since changes in fair value for available-for-sale securities 
will be recognized in net income as opposed to other comprehensive income as required under existing accounting guidance. Management 
continues to evaluate the impact of the other amendments. However, we do not anticipate the other amendments to have a material impact to 
our financial statements.

Leases (ASU 2016-02)

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02. The amendments in this update primarily replace the existing accounting requirements 

for operating leases for lessees. Lessee accounting requirements for finance leases and lessor accounting requirements for both operating 
leases and sales type and direct financing leases (both of which were previously referred to as capital leases) are largely unchanged. The 
amendments require the lessee of an operating lease to record a balance sheet gross-up upon lease commencement by recognizing a right-of-
use asset and lease liability equal to the present value of the lease payments. The right-of-use asset and lease liability should be derecognized 
in a manner that effectively yields a straight line lease expense over the lease term. In addition to the changes to the lessee operating lease 
accounting requirements, the amendments also change the types of costs that can be capitalized related to a lease agreement for both lessees 
and lessors for all types of leases. The amendments also require additional disclosures for all lease types for both lessees and lessors. The 
amendments are effective on January 1, 2019, with early adoption permitted. The amendments must be applied on a modified retrospective 
basis with a cumulative adjustment to the beginning of the earliest fiscal year presented in the financial statements in the period of adoption. 
Management is currently evaluating the impact of these amendments. Upon adoption, we expect to record a balance sheet gross up, reflecting 
our right-of-use asset and lease liability for our operating leases where we are the lessee (for example, our facility leases). We are currently 
reviewing our operating lease contracts where we are the lessee to determine the impact of the gross up and the changes to capitalizable costs. 
We are also reviewing our leases where we are the lessor to determine the impact of the changes to capitalizable costs.

Financial Instruments — Credit Losses (ASU 2016-13)

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13. The amendments in this update introduce a new accounting model to measure credit losses 

for financial assets measured at amortized cost. Credit losses for financial assets measured at amortized cost should be determined based on 
the total current expected credit losses over the life of the financial asset or group of financial assets. In effect, the financial asset or group of 
financial assets should be presented at the net amount expected to be collected. Credit losses will no longer be measured as they are incurred 
for financial assets measured at amortized cost. The amendments also modify the accounting for available-for-sale debt securities whereby 
credit losses will be recorded through an allowance for credit losses rather than a write-down to the security’s cost basis, which allows for 
reversals of credit losses when estimated credit losses decline. Credit losses for available-for-sale debt securities should be measured in a 
manner similar to current GAAP. The amendments are effective on January 1, 2020, with early adoption permitted as of January 1, 2019. The 
amendments must be applied using a modified retrospective approach with a cumulative-effect adjustment through retained earnings as of the 
beginning of the fiscal year upon adoption. The new accounting model for credit losses represents a significant departure from existing 
GAAP, and will likely materially increase the allowance for credit losses with a resulting negative adjustment to retained earnings. 
Management created a formal working group to govern the implementation of these amendments consisting of key stakeholders from finance, 
risk, and accounting and is currently evaluating the impact of the amendments.

2.   Acquisitions

On June 1, 2016, we acquired 100% of the equity of TradeKing Group, Inc. (TradeKing), a digital wealth management company with an 

online broker-dealer, digital portfolio management platform, and educational content for $298 million in cash. TradeKing will operate as a 
wholly-owned subsidiary of Ally. The addition of brokerage and wealth management is a natural extension of our online banking franchise, 
creating a full suite of financial products for savings and investments. We applied the acquisition method of accounting to this transaction, 
which generally requires the initial recognition of assets acquired, including identifiable intangible assets, and liabilities assumed at their 
respective fair value. Goodwill is recognized as the excess of the acquisition price after the recognition of the net assets, including the 
identifiable intangible assets. Beginning in June 2016, financial information related to TradeKing is included within Corporate and Other.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

The following table summarizes the allocation of cash consideration paid for TradeKing and the amounts of the identifiable assets 

acquired and liabilities assumed recognized at the acquisition date.

($ in millions)

Purchase price

Cash consideration

Allocation of purchase price to net assets acquired

Intangible assets (a)

Cash and short-term investments (b)

Other assets

Deferred tax asset, net

Employee compensation and benefits

Other liabilities

Goodwill

$

298

82

50

14

4

(41)

(4)

193

$

(a)  We recorded $6 million of amortization on these intangible assets during the year ended December 31, 2016.
(b) 

Includes $40 million in cash proceeds from the acquisition transaction in order to pay employee compensation and benefits that vested upon acquisition as 
a result of the change in control.

The goodwill of $193 million arising from the acquisition consists largely of expected growth of the business as we leverage the Ally 

brand and our marketing capabilities to scale the acquired technology platform and expand the suite of financial products we offer to our 
existing growing customer base. None of the goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. Refer to Note 14 to 
the Consolidated Financial Statements for a reconciliation of the carrying amount of goodwill at the beginning and end of the reporting 
period.

On August 1, 2016, we acquired assets that constitute a business from Blue Yield, an online automotive lender exchange, as we continue 

to expand our automotive finance offerings to include a direct-to-consumer option. We completed the acquisition for $28 million of total 
consideration. As a result of the purchase, we recognized $20 million of goodwill within Automotive Finance operations.

3.   Discontinued Operations

Prior to the adoption of ASU 2014-08, which was prospectively applied only to newly identified disposals that qualify as discontinued 

operations beginning after January 1, 2015, we have classified operations as discontinued when operations and cash flows will be eliminated 
from our ongoing operations and we do not expect to retain any significant continuing involvement in their operations after the respective sale 
or disposal transactions. For all periods presented, the operating results for these discontinued operations have been removed from continuing 
operations and presented separately as discontinued operations, net of tax, in the Consolidated Statement of Income. The Notes to the 
Consolidated Financial Statements have been adjusted to exclude discontinued operations unless otherwise noted.

Select Automotive Finance Operations

During the fourth quarter of 2012, we entered into an agreement with General Motors Financial Company Inc. (GMF) to sell our 40% 

interest in a motor vehicle finance joint venture in China. On January 2, 2015, the sale of our interest in the motor vehicle finance joint 
venture in China was completed and an after-tax gain of approximately $400 million was recorded. The tax expense included in this gain was 
reduced by the release of the valuation allowance on our capital loss carryforward deferred tax asset that was utilized to offset capital gains 
stemming from this sale. The remaining activity relates to previous discontinued operations for which we continue to have minimal residual 
costs.

Other Operations

Other operations relate to previous discontinued operations in our Insurance operations, Corporate Finance operations, and Corporate 
and Other segments for which we continue to have wind-down, legal, and minimal operational costs. Refer to Note 30 to the Consolidated 
Financial Statements, titled Contingencies and Other Risks, for additional discussion.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Select Financial Information

Select financial information of discontinued operations is summarized below. The pretax income or loss includes direct costs to transact 

a sale.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Select Automotive Finance operations

Total net revenue

Pretax (loss) income (a)

Tax expense (b)

Other operations

Pretax (loss) income

Tax benefit

2016

2015

2014

$

$

— $

— $

(2)

2

452

80

(41) $

(1)

$

16

(4)

123

129

7

25

(78)

(a) 
(b) 

Includes certain treasury and other corporate activity recognized by Corporate and Other.
Includes certain income tax activity recognized by Corporate and Other.

4. 

Insurance Premiums and Service Revenue Earned

The following table is a summary of insurance premiums and service revenue written and earned.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Written

Earned

Written

Earned

Written

Earned

2016

2015

2014

Insurance premiums

Direct

Assumed

Gross insurance premiums

Ceded

Net insurance premiums

Service revenue

$

317

$

318

$

313

$

296

$

294

$

3

320

(198)

122

826

5

323

(141)

182

763

2

315

(184)

131

846

16

312

(125)

187

753

43

337

(156)

181

842

Insurance premiums and service revenue

written and earned

$

948

$

945

$

977

$

940

$

1,023

$

282

54

336

(117)

219

760

979

5.   Other Income, Net of Losses

Details of other income, net of losses, were as follows.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Remarketing fees

Late charges and other administrative fees

Servicing fees

Income from equity-method investments

Other, net

Total other income, net of losses

2016

2015

2014

103

$

101

$

112

98

64

18

111

394

90

45

52

71

88

31

18

62

$

359

$

311

$

$

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

6.   Reserves for Insurance Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses

The following table shows cumulative incurred claims and allocated loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance.

For the years ended December 31, ($ in millions)

December 31, 2016 ($ in millions)

Accident year (a)

2012 (b)

2013 (b)

2014 (b)

2015 (b)

2016

Total of incurred-but-
not-reported liabilities
plus expected
development on reported
claims (c)

Cumulative
number of
reported
claims (c)

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Total

$

435

$

$

430

376

$

423

365

390

$

423

370

389

274

423

370

388

271

326

$

$

$

1,778

4

2

—

—

24

772,536

672,247

525,235

342,054

453,807

(a)  Due to the discontinuation of various product lines and sale of certain international operations, information prior to 2012 has been excluded from the table 
in order to appropriately reflect the number of years for which claims are typically outstanding. In addition, given the short tail of our insurance contracts, 
the table above reflects the combined presentation of all business lines.
Information presented for the years 2012 through 2015 is unaudited supplementary information.

(b) 
(c)  Claims are reported on a claimant basis. Claimant is defined as one vehicle for guaranteed asset protection (GAP) products, one repair visit for vehicle 

service contracts (VSCs) and vehicle maintenance contracts (VMCs), one dealership for dealer inventory products, and per individual/coverage for run-off 
personal auto products.

The following table shows cumulative paid claims and allocated loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance.

Accident year (a)

2012 (b)

2013 (b)

2014 (b)

2015 (b)

2016

For the years ended December 31, ($ in millions)

$

391

$

$

412

347

$

416

364

369

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

Total

All outstanding liabilities for loss and allocated loss

adjustment expenses before 2012, net of reinsurance

Reserves for insurance losses and allocated loss

adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance

418

366

388

252

$

$

419

368

388

272

302

1,749

9

38

(a)  Due to the discontinuation of various product lines and sale of certain international operations, information prior to 2012 has been excluded from the table 
in order to appropriately reflect the number of years for which claims are typically outstanding. In addition, given the short tail of our insurance contracts, 
the table above reflects the combined presentation of all business lines.
Information presented for the years 2012 through 2015 is unaudited supplementary information.

(b) 

The following table shows the average annual percentage payout of incurred claims by age, net of reinsurance. The information 

presented is unaudited supplementary information.

Year

1

2

3

4

5

Percentage payout of incurred claims

93.4%

5.5%

0.4%

0.5%

0.1%

The following table shows a reconciliation of the disclosures of incurred and paid claims development to the reserves for insurance 

losses and loss adjustment expenses.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Reserves for insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance

Total reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims

Unallocated loss adjustment expenses

Total gross reserves for insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses

115

2016

38

108

3

149

$

$

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

The following table shows a rollforward of our reserves for insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses.

($ in millions)

Total gross reserves for insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses at January 1, 2016

Less: Reinsurance recoverable

Net reserves for insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses at January 1, 2016

Net insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred related to:

Current year

Prior years (a)

Total net insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred

Net insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses paid or payable related to:

Current year

Prior years

Total net insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses paid or payable

Net reserves for insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses at December 31, 2016

Plus: Reinsurance recoverable

Total gross reserves for insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses at December 31, 2016

(a)  There have been no material adverse changes to the reserve for prior years.

7.   Other Operating Expenses

Details of other operating expenses were as follows.

$

$

169

120

49

345

(3)

342

(320)

(30)

(350)

41

108

149

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Insurance commissions

Technology and communications

Lease and loan administration

Advertising and marketing

Professional services

Vehicle remarketing and repossession

Regulatory and licensing fees

Premises and equipment depreciation

Occupancy

Non-income taxes

Other

2016

2015

2014

$

$

389

274

136

112

103

95

94

84

51

25

242

$

378

267

126

107

93

78

79

82

50

29

216

374

334

122

111

100

83

87

81

47

40

212

1,591

Total other operating expenses

$

1,605

$

1,505

$

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

8.   Investment Securities

Our portfolio of securities includes bonds, equity securities, asset-backed securities, commercial and residential mortgage-backed 

securities, and other investments. The cost, fair value, and gross unrealized gains and losses on investment securities were as follows.

2016

2015

Amortized
cost

Gross unrealized

gains

losses

Fair
value

Amortized
cost

Gross unrealized

gains

losses

Fair
 value

December 31, ($ in millions)

Available-for-sale securities

Debt securities

U.S. Treasury and federal agencies

$

1,680

$

— $

(60) $

1,620

$

1,760

$

— $

(19) $

1,741

U.S. States and political subdivisions

Foreign government

794

157

Agency mortgage-backed residential

10,473

Mortgage-backed residential

Mortgage-backed commercial

Asset-backed

Corporate debt

Total debt securities (a) (b)

Equity securities

Total available-for-sale securities

Total held-to-maturity securities (c) (d)

$

$

2,162

537

1,396

1,452

18,651

642

19,293

839

$

$

7

5

29

5

2

6

7

61

7

68

(19)

—

(212)

(70)

(2)

(2)

(16)

(381)

(54)

782

162

10,290

2,097

537

1,400

1,443

18,331

595

$

(435) $ 18,926

— $

(50) $

789

$

$

693

169

7,553

2,906

486

1,762

1,213

16,542

808

17,350

$

24

8

46

6

—

1

8

93

3

96

(1)

—

(55)

(90)

(5)

(8)

(17)

(195)

(94)

716

177

7,544

2,822

481

1,755

1,204

16,440

717

$

(289) $ 17,157

— $

— $

— $

—

(a)  Certain entities related to our Insurance operations are required to deposit securities with state regulatory authorities. These deposited securities totaled 

(b) 

$14 million at both December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015.
Investment securities with a fair value of $4,881 million and $2,506 million at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, were pledged to secure 
advances from the FHLB, short-term borrowings or repurchase agreements and for other purposes as required by contractual obligation or law. Under 
these agreements, Ally has granted the counterparty the right to sell or pledge $737 million and $745 million of the underlying investment securities at 
December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively.

(c)  Held-to-maturity securities are recorded at amortized cost and consist of agency-backed residential mortgage-backed debt securities for liquidity purposes.
(d)  Held-to-maturity securities with a fair value of $87 million at December 31, 2016, were pledged to secure advances from the FHLB.

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

The maturity distribution of investment securities outstanding is summarized in the following tables. Call or prepayment options may 

cause actual maturities to differ from contractual maturities.

Total

Due in one year
or less

Due after one
year through
five years

Due after five
years through
ten years

Due after ten
years

Amount Yield Amount Yield Amount Yield Amount Yield Amount Yield

($ in millions)

December 31, 2016

Fair value of available-for-sale debt 

securities (a)

U.S. Treasury and federal agencies

$ 1,620

1.7% $

2

4.6% $

U.S. States and political 

subdivisions

Foreign government

Agency mortgage-backed 

residential

Mortgage-backed residential

Mortgage-backed commercial

Asset-backed

Corporate debt

782

162

10,290

2,097

537

1,400

1,443

3.1

2.6

2.9

2.9

2.6

2.8

2.8

64

1.7

— —

— —

— —

— —

— —

72

2.2

60

29

58

1.6% $ 1,558

1.7% $

— —%

2.3

2.8

172

104

2.8

2.4

517

3.4

— —

— —

— —

— —

1,059

840

2.8

2.6

29

2.6

— —

10,261

2,097

3

143

489

2.8

3.2

3.2

534

198

42

2.9

2.9

2.6

2.6

4.7

Total available-for-sale debt

securities

$ 18,331

2.8

Amortized cost of available-for-sale

debt securities

$ 18,651

$

$

138

2.0

$ 2,046

2.7

$ 2,498

2.2

$ 13,649

2.9

138

$ 2,040

$ 2,563

$ 13,910

Amortized cost of held-to-maturity

securities

December 31, 2015

Fair value of available-for-sale debt 

securities (a)

$

839

2.9% $

— —% $

— —% $

— —% $

839

2.9%

U.S. Treasury and federal agencies

$ 1,741

1.8 % $

6

5.1 % $

510

1.2 % $ 1,225

2.1 % $

— — %

U.S. States and political 

subdivisions

Foreign government

Agency mortgage-backed 

residential

Mortgage-backed residential

Mortgage-backed commercial

Asset-backed

Corporate debt

716

177

7,544

2,822

481

1,755

1,204

3.2

2.6

2.9

2.9

2.0

2.3

2.9

86

9

1.3

1.9

— —

— —

— —

6

50

1.4

3.0

37

77

32

1

2.2

2.8

2.0

4.5

— —

1,027

713

2.1

2.5

141

91

2.8

2.6

36

2.5

— —

3

518

410

2.7

2.6

3.4

452

3.7

— —

7,476

2,821

478

204

31

2.9

2.9

2.0

2.2

5.4

Total available-for-sale debt

securities

$ 16,440

2.7

Amortized cost of available-for-sale

debt securities

$ 16,542

$

$

157

2.0

$ 2,397

2.1

$ 2,424

2.5

$ 11,462

2.9

156

$ 2,404

$ 2,436

$ 11,546

(a)  Yield is calculated using the effective yield of each security at the end of the period, weighted based on the market value. The effective yield considers the 

contractual coupon and amortized cost, and excludes expected capital gains and losses.

The balances of cash equivalents were $291 million and $1.0 billion at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively, and 

were composed primarily of money market accounts and short-term securities, including U.S. Treasury bills.

The following table presents interest and dividends on investment securities.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Taxable interest

Taxable dividends

Interest and dividends exempt from U.S. federal income tax

Interest and dividends on investment securities

118

2016

2015

2014

375

$

340

$

17

19

23

18

411

$

381

$

336

20

11

367

$

$

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

The following table presents gross gains and losses realized upon the sales of available-for-sale securities and other-than-temporary 

impairment.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Gross realized gains

Gross realized losses (a)

Other-than-temporary impairment

Other gain on investments, net

2016

2015

2014

$

$

187

$

184

$

(2)

—

(15)

(14)

185

$

155

$

209

(14)

(14)

181

(a) 

In accordance with our risk management policies and practice, certain available-for-sale securities were sold at a loss in 2016, 2015, and 2014 as a result 
of changing conditions within these respective periods (e.g., a downgrade in the rating of a debt security) or events outside of our control (such as issuer 
calls).

The table below summarizes available-for-sale securities in an unrealized loss position in accumulated other comprehensive income. 

Based on the assessment of whether such losses were deemed to be other-than-temporary, we believe that the unrealized losses are not 
indicative of an other-than-temporary impairment of these securities. As of December 31, 2016, we did not have the intent to sell the debt 
securities with an unrealized loss position in accumulated other comprehensive income, it is not more likely than not that we will be required 
to sell these securities before recovery of their amortized cost basis, and we expect to recover the entire amortized cost basis of the securities. 
As of December 31, 2016, we had the ability and intent to hold equity securities with an unrealized loss position in accumulated other 
comprehensive income, and it is not more likely than not that we will be required to sell these securities before recovery of their amortized 
cost basis. As a result, we believe that the securities with an unrealized loss position in accumulated other comprehensive income are not 
considered to be other-than-temporarily impaired at December 31, 2016. Refer to Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for 
additional information related to investment securities and our methodology for evaluating potential other-than-temporary impairments.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Available-for-sale securities

Debt securities

U.S. Treasury and federal

agencies

U.S. States and political

subdivisions

Foreign government

Agency mortgage-backed 

residential

Mortgage-backed residential

Mortgage-backed commercial

Asset-backed

Corporate debt

Total temporarily impaired debt

securities

Temporarily impaired equity

securities

Total temporarily impaired

available-for-sale securities

2016

2015

Less than 12 months

12 months or longer

Less than 12 months

12 months or longer

Fair
value

Unrealized
loss

Fair
value

Unrealized
loss

Fair
value

Unrealized
loss

Fair
value

Unrealized
loss

$ 1,612

$

(60) $

— $

— $ 1,553

$

(17) $

173

$

524

38

8,052

813

47

375

744

(19)

—

(196)

(17)

(1)

(2)

(14)

—

—

587

860

149

127

46

—

—

(16)

(53)

(1)

—

(2)

179

2

2,524

1,231

341

1,402

745

(1)

—

(21)

(19)

(3)

(8)

(16)

—

—

1,132

1,180

141

64

12

12,205

(309)

1,769

(72)

7,977

(85)

2,702

151

(8)

269

(46)

534

(54)

96

(2)

—

—

(34)

(71)

(2)

—

(1)

(110)

(40)

$ 12,356

$

(317) $ 2,038

$

(118) $ 8,511

$

(139) $ 2,798

$

(150)

119

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

9.   Finance Receivables and Loans, Net

The composition of finance receivables and loans reported at gross carrying value was as follows.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Consumer automotive (a)

Consumer mortgage

Mortgage Finance (b)

Mortgage — Legacy (c)

Total consumer mortgage

Total consumer

Commercial

Commercial and industrial

Automotive

Other

Commercial real estate — Automotive

Total commercial

Total finance receivables and loans (d)

2016

2015

$

65,793

$

64,292

8,294

2,756

11,050

76,843

35,041

3,248

3,812

42,101

6,413

3,360

9,773

74,065

31,469

2,640

3,426

37,535

$

118,944

$

111,600

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

Includes $43 million and $66 million of fair value adjustment for loans in hedge accounting relationships at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, 
respectively. Refer to Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Includes loans originated as interest-only mortgage loans of $30 million and $44 million at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively, 3% 
of which are expected to start principal amortization in 2017, none in 2018, 38% in 2019, 39% in 2020, and none thereafter.
Includes loans originated as interest-only mortgage loans of $714 million and $941 million at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively, 
23% of which are expected to start principal amortization in 2017, 2% in 2018, none in 2019, none in 2020, and 1% thereafter.

(d)  Totals include net increases of $359 million and $110 million at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively, for unearned income, 

unamortized premiums and discounts, and deferred fees and costs.

120

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

The following tables present an analysis of the activity in the allowance for loan losses on finance receivables and loans.

($ in millions)

Allowance at January 1, 2016

Charge-offs (a)

Recoveries

Net charge-offs

Provision for loan losses

Other (b)

Allowance at December 31, 2016

Allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2016

Individually evaluated for impairment

Collectively evaluated for impairment

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality

Finance receivables and loans at gross carrying value

Ending balance

Individually evaluated for impairment

Collectively evaluated for impairment

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality

Consumer
automotive

Consumer
mortgage

Commercial

Total

$

834

$

114

$

106

$

(1,102)

307

(795)

919

(26)

932

28

904

—

$

$

$

$

(39)

32

(7)

(16)

—

91

34

57

—

$

$

(1)

2

1

14

—

121

23

98

—

$

$

1,054

(1,142)

341

(801)

917

(26)

1,144

85

1,059

—

$

65,793

$

11,050

$

42,101

$

118,944

370

65,423

—

247

10,803

—

122

41,979

—

739

118,205

—

(a)  Represents the amount of the gross carrying value directly written-off. For consumer and commercial loans, the loss from a charge-off is measured as the 

difference between the gross carrying value of a loan and the fair value of the collateral, less costs to sell. Refer to Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements for more information regarding our charge-off policies.

(b)  Primarily related to the transfer of finance receivables and loans from held-for-investment to held-for-sale.

($ in millions)

Allowance at January 1, 2015

Charge-offs (a)

Recoveries

Net charge-offs

Provision for loan losses

Other (b)

Allowance at December 31, 2015

Allowance for loan losses at December 31, 2015

Individually evaluated for impairment

Collectively evaluated for impairment

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality

Finance receivables and loans at gross carrying value

Ending balance

Individually evaluated for impairment

Collectively evaluated for impairment

Loans acquired with deteriorated credit quality

Consumer
automotive

Consumer
mortgage

Commercial

Total

$

685

$

152

$

140

$

(840)

262

(578)

739

(12)

834

22

812

—

$

$

(48)

17

(31)

1

(8)

114

44

70

—

$

$

(4)

4

—

(33)

(1)

106

20

86

—

$

$

$

$

977

(892)

283

(609)

707

(21)

1,054

86

968

—

$

64,292

$

9,773

$

37,535

$

111,600

315

63,977

—

266

9,507

—

77

37,458

—

658

110,942

—

(a)  Represents the amount of the gross carrying value directly written-off. For consumer and commercial loans, the loss from a charge-off is measured as the 

difference between the gross carrying value of a loan and the fair value of the collateral, less costs to sell. Refer to Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements for more information regarding our charge-off policies.

(b)  Primarily related to the transfer of finance receivables and loans from held-for-investment to held-for-sale.

121

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

The following table presents information about significant sales of finance receivables and loans and transfers of finance receivables and 

loans from held-for-investment to held-for-sale.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Consumer automotive

Consumer mortgage

Commercial

Total sales and transfers

The following table presents information about significant purchases of finance receivables and loans.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Consumer automotive

Consumer mortgage

Total purchases of finance receivables and loans

2016

2015

4,267

$

1,237

15

29

78

2

4,311

$

1,317

2016

2015

21

3,747

3,768

$

$

272

4,125

4,397

$

$

$

$

The following table presents an analysis of our past due finance receivables and loans recorded at gross carrying value.

December 31, ($ in millions)

2016

Consumer automotive

Consumer mortgage

Mortgage Finance

Mortgage — Legacy

Total consumer mortgage

Total consumer

Commercial

Commercial and industrial

Automotive

Other

Commercial real estate — Automotive

Total commercial

Total consumer and commercial

2015

Consumer automotive

Consumer mortgage

Mortgage Finance

Mortgage — Legacy

Total consumer mortgage

Total consumer

Commercial

Commercial and industrial

Automotive

Other

Commercial real estate — Automotive

Total commercial

30–59 days
past due

60–89 days
past due

90 days
or more
past due

Total
past due

Current

Total finance
receivables and 
loans

$

1,850

$

428

$

302

$

2,580

$

63,213

$

65,793

39

45

84

1,934

3

—

—

3

$

$

1,937

1,618

$

$

44

53

97

1,715

—

—

—

—

$

$

6

18

24

452

—

—

—

—

452

369

5

20

25

394

—

—

—

—

4

57

61

363

7

—

—

7

370

222

10

73

83

305

—

—

—

—

49

120

169

2,749

10

—

—

10

$

$

2,759

2,209

$

$

59

146

205

8,245

2,636

10,881

74,094

35,031

3,248

3,812

42,091

116,185

62,083

6,354

3,214

9,568

$

$

2,414

71,651

—

—

—

—

31,469

2,640

3,426

37,535

8,294

2,756

11,050

76,843

35,041

3,248

3,812

42,101

118,944

64,292

6,413

3,360

9,773

74,065

31,469

2,640

3,426

37,535

111,600

Total consumer and commercial

$

1,715

$

394

$

305

$

2,414

$

109,186

$

122

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

The following table presents the gross carrying value of our finance receivables and loans on nonaccrual status.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Consumer automotive

Consumer mortgage

Mortgage Finance

Mortgage — Legacy

Total consumer mortgage

Total consumer

Commercial

Commercial and industrial

Automotive

Other

Commercial real estate — Automotive

Total commercial

2016

2015

$

598

$

475

15

113

128

603

25

44

8

77

10

89

99

697

33

84

5

122

819

Total consumer and commercial finance receivables and loans

$

$

680

Management performs a quarterly analysis of the consumer automotive, consumer mortgage, and commercial portfolios using a range of 

credit quality indicators to assess the adequacy of the allowance for loan losses based on historical and current trends. The following tables 
present the population of loans by quality indicators for our consumer automotive, consumer mortgage, and commercial portfolios.

The following table presents performing and nonperforming credit quality indicators in accordance with our internal accounting policies 
for our consumer finance receivables and loans recorded at gross carrying value. Nonperforming loans include finance receivables and loans 
on nonaccrual status when the principal or interest has been delinquent for 90 days or when full collection is not expected. Refer to Note 1 to 
the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Performing

Nonperforming

Total

Performing

Nonperforming

Total

Consumer automotive

$

65,195

$

598

$

65,793

$

63,817

$

475

$

64,292

2016

2015

Consumer mortgage

Mortgage Finance

Mortgage — Legacy

Total consumer mortgage

8,284

2,667

10,951

10

89

99

8,294

2,756

11,050

6,398

3,247

9,645

Total consumer

$

76,146

$

697

$

76,843

$

73,462

$

15

113

128

603

6,413

3,360

9,773

$

74,065

The following table presents pass and criticized credit quality indicators based on regulatory definitions for our commercial finance 

receivables and loans recorded at gross carrying value.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Commercial and industrial

Automotive

Other

Commercial real estate — Automotive

Total commercial

2016

2015

Pass

Criticized (a)

Total

Pass

Criticized (a)

Total

$

$

33,160

$

1,881

$

35,041

$

29,613

$

1,856

$

31,469

2,597

3,653

651

159

3,248

3,812

2,122

3,265

518

161

2,640

3,426

39,410

$

2,691

$

42,101

$

35,000

$

2,535

$

37,535

(a) 

Includes loans classified as special mention, substandard, or doubtful. These classifications are based on regulatory definitions and generally represent 
loans within our portfolio that have a higher default risk or have already defaulted.

Impaired Loans and Troubled Debt Restructurings
Impaired Loans

Loans are considered impaired when we determine it is probable that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the terms 

of the loan agreement. For more information on our impaired finance receivables and loans, refer to Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial 
Statements.

123

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

The following table presents information about our impaired finance receivables and loans.

December 31, ($ in millions)

2016

Consumer automotive

Consumer mortgage

Mortgage Finance

Mortgage — Legacy

Total consumer mortgage

Total consumer

Commercial

Commercial and industrial

Automotive

Other

Commercial real estate — Automotive

Total commercial

Total consumer and commercial finance receivables and 

loans

2015

Consumer automotive

Consumer mortgage

Mortgage Finance

Mortgage — Legacy

Total consumer mortgage

Total consumer

Commercial

Commercial and industrial

Automotive

Other

Commercial real estate — Automotive

Total commercial

Total consumer and commercial finance receivables and 

loans

(a)  Adjusted for charge-offs.

Unpaid 
principal 
balance (a)

Gross 
carrying 
value

Impaired 
with no 
allowance

Impaired 
with an 
allowance

Allowance 
for impaired 
loans

$

407

$

370

$

131

$

239

$

$

$

8

243

251

658

33

99

5

137

795

315

9

260

269

584

25

44

8

77

$

$

8

239

247

617

33

84

5

122

739

315

9

257

266

581

25

44

8

77

3

56

59

190

7

—

2

9

$

$

199

$

— $

5

59

64

64

4

—

1

5

5

183

188

427

26

84

3

113

540

315

4

198

202

517

21

44

7

72

$

$

$

661

$

658

$

69

$

589

$

28

—

34

34

62

3

19

1

23

85

22

1

43

44

66

3

15

2

20

86

124

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

The following table presents average balance and interest income for our impaired finance receivables and loans.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

2016

2015

2014

Average
balance

Interest
income

Average
balance

Interest
income

Average
balance

Interest
income

$

344

$

17

$

295

$

16

$

317

$

Consumer automotive

Consumer mortgage

Mortgage Finance

Mortgage — Legacy

Total consumer mortgage

Total consumer

Commercial

Commercial and industrial

Automotive

Other

8

248

256

600

35

60

6

101

701

$

—

9

9

26

1

1

—

2

28

8

272

280

575

33

41

5

79

$

654

$

—

9

9

25

1

3

—

4

29

12

861

873

1,190

61

59

6

126

$

1,316

$

20

—

12

12

32

2

3

—

5

37

Commercial real estate — Automotive

Total commercial

Total consumer and commercial finance receivables and loans

$

Troubled Debt Restructurings

TDRs are loan modifications where concessions were granted to borrowers experiencing financial difficulties. For automotive loans, we 

may offer several types of assistance to aid our customers, including extension of the loan maturity date and rewriting the loan terms. 
Additionally, for mortgage loans, as part of certain programs, we offer mortgage loan modifications to qualified borrowers. Numerous 
initiatives are in place to provide support to our mortgage customers in financial distress, including principal forgiveness, maturity extensions, 
delinquent interest capitalization, and changes to contractual interest rates. Total TDRs recorded at gross carrying value were $663 million 
and $625 million at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively. Commercial commitments to lend additional funds to 
borrowers whose terms had been modified in a TDR were $2 million at both December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015. Refer to Note 1 to 
the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.

The following table presents information related to finance receivables and loans recorded at gross carrying value modified in connection 

with a TDR during the period.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Consumer automotive

Consumer mortgage

Mortgage Finance

Mortgage — Legacy

Total consumer mortgage

Total consumer

Commercial

Commercial and industrial

Automotive

Other

Commercial real estate — Automotive

Total commercial

Total consumer and commercial finance

receivables and loans

2016

2015

Pre-
modification 
gross 
carrying value 

Post-
modification 
gross 
carrying value 

Number 
of loans

Number 
of loans

Pre-
modification
gross
carrying value

Post-
modification
gross
carrying value

20,227

$

347

$

293

17,222

$

278

$

7

120

127

20,354

1

—

—

1

3

18

21

368

7

—

—

7

3

18

21

7

197

204

314

17,426

7

—

—

7

—

1

1

2

4

42

46

324

—

21

3

24

237

4

40

44

281

—

21

3

24

20,355

$

375

$

321

17,428

$

348

$

305

125

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

The following table presents information about finance receivables and loans recorded at gross carrying value that have redefaulted 
during the reporting period and were within 12 months or less of being modified as a TDR. Redefault is when finance receivables and loans 
meet the requirements for evaluation under our charge-off policy (refer to Note 1 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional 
information) except for commercial finance receivables and loans, where redefault is defined as 90 days past due.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Consumer automotive

Consumer mortgage

Mortgage Finance

Mortgage — Legacy

Total consumer finance receivables and loans

7,804

$

Concentration Risk
Consumer

2016

Gross
carrying 
value

Number 
of loans

Charge-
off amount

Number 
of loans

2015

Gross
carrying
value

Charge-
off amount

7,800

$

94

$

—

4

—

—

94

$

56

—

—

56

6,836

$

82

$

—

10

6,846

$

—

1

83

$

47

—

—

47

We monitor our consumer loan portfolio for concentration risk across the states in which we lend. The highest concentrations of loans are 
in Texas and California, which represent an aggregate of 24.2% and 23.5% of our total outstanding consumer finance receivables and loans at 
December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively.

The following table shows the percentage of total consumer finance receivables and loans recorded at gross carrying value by state 

concentration.

December 31,

Texas

California

Florida

Pennsylvania

Illinois

Georgia

North Carolina

Ohio

New York

Michigan

Other United States

Total consumer loans

2016 (a)

2015

Consumer
automotive

Consumer
mortgage

Consumer
automotive

Consumer
mortgage

13.6%

7.8

8.2

4.7

4.3

4.3

3.6

3.5

3.2

2.7

6.6%

34.2

4.4

1.5

3.4

2.2

1.6

0.5

1.9

1.9

13.7%

7.3

7.7

5.0

4.4

4.4

3.6

3.7

3.5

3.1

6.2%

33.6

4.1

1.5

4.1

2.2

1.8

0.6

1.9

2.4

44.1

41.8

100.0%

100.0%

43.6

100.0%

41.6

100.0%

(a)  Presentation is in descending order as a percentage of total consumer finance receivables and loans at December 31, 2016.

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Commercial Real Estate

The commercial real estate portfolio consists of loans issued primarily to automotive dealers. The following table shows the percentage 

of total commercial real estate finance receivables and loans reported at gross carrying value by state concentration.

December 31,

Texas

Florida

California

Michigan

New Jersey

Georgia

North Carolina

Pennsylvania

South Carolina

New York

Other United States

Total commercial real estate finance receivables and loans

Commercial Criticized Exposure

2016

2015

16.1%

10.2

17.7%

10.0

7.9

7.6

4.2

3.6

3.6

3.1

2.7

2.6

8.7

8.9

2.1

3.6

3.8

3.4

2.2

3.1

38.4

100.0%

36.5

100.0%

Finance receivables and loans classified as special mention, substandard, or doubtful are reported as criticized. These classifications are 

based on regulatory definitions and generally represent finance receivables and loans within our portfolio that have a higher default risk or 
have already defaulted. These finance receivables and loans require additional monitoring and review including specific actions to mitigate 
our potential loss.

The following table presents the percentage of total commercial criticized finance receivables and loans reported at gross carrying value 

by industry concentrations.

December 31,

Automotive

Services

Electronics

Other

Total commercial criticized finance receivables and loans

10.   Investment in Operating Leases, Net
Investments in operating leases were as follows.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Vehicles

Accumulated depreciation

Investment in operating leases, net

2016

2015

81.2%

80.5%

6.3

4.2

8.3

5.3

3.3

10.9

100.0%

100.0%

2016

2015

$

$

14,584

(3,114)

11,470

$

$

20,211

(3,940)

16,271

Depreciation expense on operating lease assets includes remarketing gains and losses recognized on the sale of operating lease assets. 

The following summarizes the components of depreciation expense on operating lease assets.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Depreciation expense on operating lease assets (excluding remarketing gains)

Remarketing gains

Net depreciation expense on operating lease assets

2016

2015

2014

$

$

1,982

(213)

1,769

$

$

2,600

(351)

2,249

$

$

2,666

(433)

2,233

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

The following table presents the future lease nonresidual rental payments due from customers for vehicles on operating leases.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021 and thereafter

Total

$

1,759

821

307

44

2

$

2,933

11.  Securitizations and Variable Interest Entities
Overview

We are involved in several types of securitization and financing transactions that utilize special-purpose entities (SPEs). A SPE is an 
entity that is designed to fulfill a specified limited need of the sponsor. Our principal use of SPEs is to obtain liquidity by securitizing certain 
of our financial assets and operating lease assets.

The transaction-specific SPEs involved in our securitization and other financing transactions are often considered VIEs. VIEs are entities 
that have either a total equity investment at risk that is insufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated 
financial support or whose equity investors at risk lack the ability to control the entity's activities.

We no longer securitize consumer mortgage loans through transactions involving the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie 

Mae), the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (Freddie Mac), and the Government National Mortgage Association (Ginnie Mae) 
(collectively, the Government-sponsored Enterprises, or GSEs), or through private-label mortgage securitizations. Accordingly, the discussion 
below represents our current involvement with VIEs as of December 31, 2016, except where otherwise stated or where comparative 
information is presented.

Securitizations

We provide a wide range of consumer and commercial automotive loans, operating leases, and commercial loans to a diverse customer 

base. We securitize consumer and commercial automotive loans, and operating leases through private-label securitizations. We often 
securitize these loans and notes securitized by operating leases (collectively referred to as financial assets) through the use of securitization 
entities, which may or may not be consolidated on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

In executing a securitization transaction, we typically sell pools of financial assets to a wholly-owned, bankruptcy-remote SPE, which 
then transfers the financial assets to a separate, transaction-specific SPE for cash, and typically, other retained interests. The securitization 
entity is funded through the issuance of beneficial interests in the securitized financial assets. The beneficial interests take the form of either 
notes or trust certificates, which are sold to investors and/or retained by us. These beneficial interests are collateralized by the transferred 
financial assets and entitle the investors to specified cash flows generated from the underlying securitized assets. In addition to providing a 
source of liquidity and cost-efficient funding, securitizing these financial assets also reduces our credit exposure to the borrowers beyond any 
economic interest we may retain.

Each securitization is governed by various legal documents that limit and specify the activities of the securitization entity. The 

securitization entity is generally allowed to acquire the financial assets, to issue beneficial interests to investors to fund the acquisition of the 
financial assets, and to enter into derivatives or other yield maintenance contracts to hedge or mitigate certain risks related to the financial 
assets or beneficial interests of the entity. A servicer, who is generally us, is appointed pursuant to the underlying legal documents to service 
the assets the securitization entity holds and the beneficial interests it issues. Servicing functions include, but are not limited to, general 
collection activity on current and noncurrent accounts, loss mitigation efforts including repossession and sale of collateral, as well as 
preparing and furnishing statements summarizing the asset and beneficial interest performance. These servicing responsibilities constitute 
continued involvement in the transferred financial assets.

Cash flows from the assets initially transferred into the securitization entity represent the sole source for payment of distributions on the 
beneficial interests issued by the securitization entity and for payments to the parties that perform services for the securitization entity, such as 
the servicer or the trustee.

We typically hold retained beneficial interests in our securitizations including, but not limited to, senior or subordinated ABS and 
residuals; and other residual interests. These retained interests may represent a form of significant continuing economic interests. Certain of 
these retained interests provide credit enhancement to the trust as they may absorb credit losses or other cash shortfalls.

We generally hold certain conditional repurchase options specific to securitizations that allow us to repurchase assets from the 

securitization entity. The majority of the securitizations provide us, as servicer, with a call option that allows us to repurchase the remaining 
transferred financial assets or redeem outstanding beneficial interests at our discretion once the asset pool reaches a predefined level, which 
represents the point where servicing becomes burdensome (a clean-up call option). The repurchase price is typically the discounted 

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

securitization balance of the assets plus accrued interest when applicable. We generally have discretion regarding when or if we will exercise 
these options, but we would do so only when it is in our best interest.

Other than our customary representation and warranty provisions, these securitizations are nonrecourse to us, thereby transferring the 

risk of future credit losses to the extent the beneficial interests in the securitization entities are held by third parties. Representation and 
warranty provisions generally require us to repurchase assets or indemnify the investor or other party for incurred losses to the extent it is 
determined that the assets were ineligible or were otherwise defective at the time of sale. We did not provide any noncontractual financial 
support to any of these entities during 2016 or 2015.

Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities

The determination of whether the assets and liabilities of the VIEs are consolidated on our balance sheet (also referred to as on-balance 
sheet) or not consolidated on our balance sheet (also referred to as off-balance sheet) depends on the terms of the related transaction and our 
continuing involvement (if any) with the VIE. We are deemed the primary beneficiary and therefore consolidate VIEs for which we have both 
(a) the power, through voting rights or similar rights, to direct the activities that most significantly impact the VIE's economic performance, 
and (b) a variable interest (or variable interests) that (i) obligates us to absorb losses that could potentially be significant to the VIE; and/or 
(ii) provides us the right to receive residual returns of the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE. We determine whether we hold 
a significant variable interest in a VIE based on a consideration of both qualitative and quantitative factors regarding the nature, size, and 
form of our involvement with the VIE. We assess whether we are the primary beneficiary of a VIE on an ongoing basis.

We are generally determined to be the primary beneficiary in VIEs established for our securitization activities when we have a 
controlling financial interest in the VIE, primarily due to our servicing activities, and we hold a beneficial interest in the VIE that could be 
potentially significant. The consolidated VIEs included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet represent separate entities with which we are 
involved. The third-party investors in the obligations of consolidated VIEs have legal recourse only to the assets of the VIEs and do not have 
such recourse to us, except for the customary representation and warranty provisions. In addition, the cash flows from the assets are restricted 
only to pay such liabilities. Thus, our economic exposure to loss from outstanding third-party financing related to consolidated VIEs is limited 
to the carrying value of the consolidated VIE assets. Generally, all assets of consolidated VIEs, presented below based upon the legal transfer 
of the underlying assets in order to reflect legal ownership, are restricted for the benefit of the beneficial interest holders.

The nature, purpose, and activities of nonconsolidated securitization entities are similar to those of our consolidated securitization 

entities with the primary difference being the nature and extent of our continuing involvement. We are generally not determined to be the 
primary beneficiary in VIEs established for our securitization activities when we either do not hold potentially significant variable interests or 
do not provide servicing or asset management functions for the financial assets held by the securitization entity. Additionally, to qualify for 
off-balance sheet treatment, transfers of financial assets must meet appropriate sale accounting conditions. For nonconsolidated securitization 
entities, the transferred financial assets are removed from our balance sheet provided the conditions for sale accounting are met. The financial 
assets obtained from the securitization are primarily reported as cash, or retained interests (if applicable). Liabilities incurred as part of these 
securitization transactions, such as representation and warranty provisions, are recorded at fair value at the time of sale and are reported as 
accrued expenses and other liabilities on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. Upon the sale of the loans, we recognize a gain or loss on sale for 
the difference between the assets recognized, the assets derecognized, and the liabilities recognized as part of the transaction.

There was no pretax gain or loss on sales of financial assets into nonconsolidated consumer automotive securitization trusts for the year 

ended December 31, 2016. The pretax loss recognized was $3 million for the year ended December 31, 2015, while there was a pretax gain of 
$1 million for the year ended December 31, 2014.

We provide long-term guarantee contracts to investors in certain nonconsolidated affordable housing entities and have extended a line of 

credit to provide liquidity. Since we do not have control over the entities or the power to make decisions, we do not consolidate the entities 
and our involvement is limited to the guarantee and the line of credit.

We have involvement with various other nonconsolidated equity investments, including affordable housing entities and venture capital 

funds and loan funds. We do not consolidate these entities and our involvement is limited to our outstanding investment, additional capital 
committed to these funds plus any previously recognized low income housing tax credits that are subject to recapture.

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

The following table presents our involvement in consolidated and nonconsolidated VIEs in which we hold variable interests. For 

additional detail related to the assets and liabilities of consolidated variable interest entities refer to the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

December 31, ($ in millions)

2016

On-balance sheet variable interest entities

Consumer automotive

Commercial automotive

Off-balance sheet variable interest entities

Consumer automotive

Commercial other

Total

2015

On-balance sheet variable interest entities

Consumer automotive

Commercial automotive

Off-balance sheet variable interest entities

Consumer automotive

Commercial other

Total

Net carrying 
value of total 
assets

Carrying value 
of total liabilities

Assets sold to
nonconsolidated
VIEs (a)

Maximum exposure to
loss in nonconsolidated
VIEs

$

20,869 (b) $

8,557 (c)

16,278

4,764

24

460 (e)

—

169 (f)

37,631

$

13,490

27,967 (b) $

12,406 (c)

16,763

7,982

$

$

—

210 (e)

—

—

$

44,940

$

20,388

$

$

$

$

2,899

—

2,899

3,034

—

3,034

$

$

$

$

2,923 (d)

651 (g)

3,574

3,034 (d)

493 (g)

3,527

(a)  Asset values represent the current unpaid principal balance of outstanding consumer finance receivables and loans within the VIEs.
(b) 

Includes $9.6 billion and $10.6 billion of assets that are not encumbered by VIE beneficial interests held by third parties at December 31, 2016, and 
December 31, 2015, respectively. Ally or consolidated affiliates hold the interests in these assets, which eliminate in consolidation.
Includes $50 million and $99 million of liabilities due to consolidated affiliates at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively. These 
liabilities are not obligations to third-party beneficial interest holders. These liabilities are secured by a portion of the unencumbered assets and eliminate 
in consolidation.

(c) 

(d)  Maximum exposure to loss represents the current unpaid principal balance of outstanding loans based on our customary representation and warranty 

provisions and certain noncertificated interests retained from the sale of automotive finance receivables. This measure is based on the unlikely event that 
all of the loans have underwriting defects or other defects that trigger a representation and warranty provision and the collateral supporting the loans are 
worthless. This required disclosure is not an indication of our expected loss.

(e)  Amounts are classified as other assets.
(f)  Amounts are classified as accrued expenses and other liabilities.
(g)  For certain nonconsolidated affordable housing entities, maximum exposure to loss represents the yield we guaranteed investors through long term 

guarantee contracts. The amount disclosed is based on the unlikely event that the underlying properties cease generating yield to investors and the yield 
delivered to investors in the form of low income tax housing credits is recaptured. For nonconsolidated equity investments, maximum exposure to loss 
represents our outstanding investment, additional committed capital, and low income housing tax credits subject to recapture. The amount disclosed is 
based on the unlikely event that our committed capital is funded, our investments become worthless, and the tax credits previously delivered to us are 
recaptured. This required disclosure is not an indication of our expected loss.

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

On-balance Sheet Variable Interest Entities

The consolidated VIEs included in the Consolidated Balance Sheet represent separate entities with which we are involved. The third-
party investors in the obligations of consolidated VIEs have legal recourse only to the assets of the VIEs and do not have such recourse to us, 
except for the customary representation and warranty provisions. In addition, the cash flows from the assets are restricted only to pay such 
liabilities. Thus, our economic exposure to loss from outstanding third-party financing related to consolidated VIEs is significantly less than 
the carrying value of the consolidated VIE assets. All assets of consolidated VIEs, presented below based upon the legal transfer of the 
underlying assets in order to reflect legal ownership, are restricted for the benefit of the beneficial interest holders.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Assets

Finance receivables and loans, net

Consumer

Commercial

Allowance for loan losses

Total finance receivables and loans, net

Investment in operating leases, net

Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Long-term debt

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

Total liabilities

2016

2015

$

8,929

$

15,701

(173)

24,457

1,745

1,390

11,682

16,247

(196)

27,733

4,791

1,624

$

27,592

$

34,148

13,259

12

20,267

22

$

13,271

$

20,289

Cash Flows with Off-balance Sheet Securitization Entities

The following table summarizes cash flows received and paid related to securitization entities and asset-backed financings where the 
transfer is accounted for as a sale and we have a continuing involvement with the transferred assets (e.g., servicing) that were outstanding 
during the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014. Additionally, this table contains information regarding cash flows received from 
and paid to nonconsolidated securitization entities that existed during each period.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

2016

Cash proceeds from transfers completed during the period

Servicing fees

Other cash flows

2015

Cash proceeds from transfers completed during the period

Servicing fees

2014

Cash proceeds from transfers completed during the period

Servicing fees

Representations and warranties obligations

Consumer
automotive

Consumer
mortgage

$

$

$

1,715 $

35

8

1,551 $

28

2,594 $

11

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(31)

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Delinquencies and Net Credit Losses

The following table represents on-balance sheet loans held-for-sale and finance receivable and loans, off-balance sheet securitizations, 
and whole-loan sales where we have continuing involvement. The table presents quantitative information about delinquencies and net credit 
losses.

December 31, ($ in millions)

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

Total Amount

Amount 60 days or more 
past due

Net credit losses

On-balance sheet loans

Consumer automotive

Consumer mortgage

Commercial automotive

Commercial other

Total on-balance sheet loans

Off-balance sheet securitization entities

Consumer automotive

Total off-balance sheet securitization entities

Whole-loan sales (a)

Total

$

65,793

$

64,292

$

730

$

11,050

38,853

3,248

9,773

34,895

2,745

118,944

111,705

2,392

2,392

3,164

2,529

2,529

2,252

85

7

—

822

13

13

6

591

108

—

—

699

9

9

13

$

795

$

578

7

1

(2)

801

8

8

3

31

3

(3)

609

5

5

—

614

$

124,500

$

116,486

$

841

$

721

$

812

$

(a)  Whole-loan sales are not part of a securitization transaction, but represent consumer automotive pools of loans sold to third-party investors.

12.   Servicing Activities
Automotive Finance Servicing Activities

We service consumer automotive contracts. Historically, we have sold a portion of our consumer automotive contracts. With respect to 

contracts we sell, we retain the right to service and earn a servicing fee for our servicing function. We have concluded that the fee we are paid 
for servicing consumer automotive finance receivables represents adequate compensation, and consequently, we do not recognize a servicing 
asset or liability. We recognized automotive servicing fee income of $64 million, $45 million, and $31 million during the years ended 
December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

Automotive Finance Serviced Assets

The current unpaid principal balance and any related unamortized deferred fees and costs of total serviced automotive finance loans and 

leases outstanding were as follows.

December 31, ($ in millions)

On-balance sheet automotive finance loans and leases

Consumer automotive

Commercial automotive

Operating leases

Other

Off-balance sheet automotive finance loans

Securitizations

Whole-loan

2016

2015

$

65,646

$

38,853

11,311

67

2,412

3,191

64,067

34,895

15,965

72

2,550

2,259

Total serviced automotive finance loans and leases

$

121,480

$

119,808

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

13.  Premiums Receivable and Other Insurance Assets
Premiums receivable and other insurance assets consisted of the following.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Prepaid reinsurance premiums

Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses

Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses

Premiums receivable

Deferred policy acquisition costs

Total premiums receivable and other insurance assets

14.   Other Assets

The components of other assets were as follows.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Property and equipment at cost

Accumulated depreciation

Net property and equipment

Restricted cash collections for securitization trusts (a)

Nonmarketable equity investments (b)

Net deferred tax assets

Accrued interest and rent receivables

Goodwill (c)

Cash reserve deposits held-for-securitization trusts (d)

Cash collateral placed with counterparties

Restricted cash and cash equivalents

Other accounts receivable

Fair value of derivative contracts in receivable position (e)

Other assets

Total other assets

2016

2015

$

$

439

108

20

80

1,258

$

1,905

$

382

120

18

82

1,199

1,801

2016

2015

$

901

$

(525)

376

1,694

1,046

994

476

240

184

167

111

100

95

1,371

691

(456)

235

2,010

418

1,369

402

27

252

125

120

158

233

972

$

6,854

$

6,321

(a)  Represents cash collections from customer payments on securitized receivables. These funds are distributed to investors as payments on the related 

(b) 

(c) 

secured debt.
Includes investments in FHLB stock of $577 million and $391 million and FRB stock of $435 million and $0 million at December 31, 2016, and 
December 31, 2015, respectively.
Includes goodwill of $27 million at our Insurance operations at both December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, $193 million and $0 million within 
Corporate and Other at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively, and $20 million and $0 million within Automotive Finance operations 
at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively. As a result of our acquisition of TradeKing, we recognized $193 million of goodwill within 
Corporate and Other on June 1, 2016. On August 1, 2016, we purchased assets from Blue Yield. As a result of this purchase, we recognized $20 million of 
goodwill within Automotive Finance operations. No other changes in the carrying amount of goodwill were recorded during the year ended December 31, 
2016.

(d)  Represents credit enhancement in the form of cash reserves for various securitization transactions.
(e)  For additional information on derivative instruments and hedging activities, refer to Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

15.  Deposit Liabilities

Deposit liabilities consisted of the following.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Noninterest-bearing deposits

Interest-bearing deposits

Savings and money market checking accounts

Certificates of deposit

Dealer deposits

Total deposit liabilities

133

2016

2015

$

84

$

89

46,976

31,795

167

36,386

29,774

229

$

79,022

$

66,478

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

At December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, certificates of deposit included $12.1 billion and $11.5 billion, respectively, of 
certificates of deposit in denominations of $100 thousand or more. At December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, certificates of deposit 
included $3.5 billion and $3.2 billion, respectively, in denominations in excess of $250 thousand federal insurance limits.

The following table presents the scheduled maturity of total certificates of deposit.

($ in millions)

Due in 2017

Due in 2018

Due in 2019

Due in 2020

Due in 2021

Total certificates of deposit

16.  Debt
Short-term Borrowings

$

16,206

9,984

3,041

1,348

1,216

$

31,795

The following table presents the composition of our short-term borrowings portfolio.

2016

2015

December 31, ($ in millions)

Unsecured

Secured (a)

Total

Unsecured

Secured (a)

Total

Demand notes

Federal Home Loan Bank

Financial instruments sold under agreements to

repurchase

Other

Total short-term borrowings

Weighted average interest rate (b)

$

3,622

$

— $

—

—

—

7,875

1,176

—

3,622

7,875

1,176

—

$

3,369

$

— $

—

—

84

4,000

648

—

3,369

4,000

648

84

$

3,622

$

9,051

$ 12,673

$

3,453

$

4,648

$

8,101

1.0%

0.8%

(a)  Refer to the section below titled Long-term Debt for further details on assets restricted as collateral for payment of the related debt.
(b)  Based on the debt outstanding and the interest rate at December 31 of each year.

We periodically enter into term repurchase agreements, short-term borrowing agreements in which we sell financial instruments to one or 

more investors while simultaneously committing to repurchase them at a specified future date, at the stated price plus accrued interest. As of 
December 31, 2016, the financial instruments sold under agreement to repurchase consisted of $676 million of mortgage-backed residential 
securities maturing within 31 to 60 days. For further details refer to Note 8 and Note 26 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. 
Additionally, the company sold asset-backed automotive financial instruments, which are our retained interests from certain on-balance sheet 
securitizations, subject to a repurchase agreement set to mature by July 2017 in exchange for $500 million which was recorded as a short-term 
secured borrowing. The asset-backed automotive financial instruments that we sold subject to the repurchase agreement are secured by 
finance receivables that we have securitized. Refer to Note 11 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information on our 
securitization activities.

The primary risk associated with these repurchase agreements is that the counterparty will be unable to perform under the terms of the 

contract. As the borrower, we are exposed to the excess market value of the securities pledged over the amount borrowed. Daily mark-to-
market collateral management is designed to limit this risk to the initial margin. However, should a counterparty declare bankruptcy or 
become insolvent, we may incur additional delays and costs. As of December 31, 2016, we placed cash collateral totaling $45 million with 
counterparties under these collateral arrangements associated with our repurchase agreements.

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Long-term Debt

The following tables present the composition of our long-term debt portfolio.

December 31, ($ in millions)

2016

Unsecured debt

Fixed rate (b)

Variable rate

Trust preferred securities

Fair value adjustment (c)

Total unsecured debt

Secured debt

Fixed rate

Variable rate

Fair value adjustment

Total secured debt (d) (e) (f)

Total long-term debt

2015

Unsecured debt

Fixed rate (b)

Variable rate

Trust preferred securities

Fair value adjustment (c)

Total unsecured debt

Secured debt

Fixed rate

Variable rate

Fair value adjustment (c)

Total secured debt (d) (e) (f)

Total long-term debt

Amount

Interest rate

Weighted-average
interest rate (a)

Due date
range

$

17,155

1

2,568

326

20,050

0.68–8.00%

5.36% 2017–2049

0.63–4.55%

1.53% 2017–2035

17,935

16,154

(11)

34,078

54,128

17,657

375

2,600

334

20,966

0.37–8.13%

5.40 % 2016–2049

20,511

24,760

(3)

45,268

66,234

0.48–4.06%

1.18 % 2016–2035

$

$

$

(a)  Based on the debt outstanding and the interest rate at December 31 of each year excluding any impacts of interest rate hedges.
(b) 
(c)  Represents the fair value adjustment associated with the application of hedge accounting on certain of our long-term debt positions. Refer to Note 22 to 

Includes subordinated debt of $1.4 billion and $1.1 billion at December 31, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

(d) 
(e) 

(f) 

the Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Includes $13.3 billion and $20.3 billion of VIE secured debt at December 31, 2016, and 2015, respectively.
Includes $14.8 billion and $19.9 billion of debt outstanding from the Automotive secured revolving credit facilities at December 31, 2016, and 2015, 
respectively.
Includes advances from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh of $6.1 billion and $5.4 billion at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, 
respectively.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Unsecured

Secured

Total

Unsecured

Secured

Total

2016

2015

Long-term debt

Due within one year

Due after one year

Fair value adjustment

Total long-term debt

$

$

4,274

$

10,279

$

14,553

$

1,829

$

9,427

$

15,450

326

23,810

(11)

39,260

315

18,803

334

35,844

(3)

11,256

54,647

331

20,050

$

34,078

$

54,128

$

20,966

$

45,268

$

66,234

135

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

The following table presents the scheduled remaining maturity of long-term debt at December 31, 2016, assuming no early redemptions 

will occur. The actual payment of secured debt may vary based on the payment activity of the related pledged assets.

($ in millions)

Unsecured

Long-term debt

Original issue discount

Total unsecured

Secured

Long-term debt

Total long-term debt

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022 and 
thereafter

Fair value
adjustment

Total

$

4,365

$

3,700

$

1,681

$

2,212

$

638

$

8,454

$

326

$ 21,376

(91)

4,274

(101)

3,599

(39)

(39)

1,642

2,173

(43)

595

(1,013)

7,441

—

326

(1,326)

20,050

10,279

8,156

7,334

4,248

2,481

1,591

(11)

34,078

$ 14,553

$ 11,755

$

8,976

$

6,421

$

3,076

$

9,032

$

315

$ 54,128

To achieve the desired balance between fixed- and variable-rate debt, we utilize interest rate swap agreements. The use of these 

derivative financial instruments had the effect of synthetically converting $2.1 billion of our fixed-rate debt into variable-rate obligations and 
$132 million of our variable-rate debt into fixed-rate obligations at December 31, 2016.

The following summarizes assets restricted as collateral for the payment of the related debt obligation primarily arising from 

securitization transactions accounted for as secured borrowings and repurchase agreements.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Investment securities (b)

Mortgage assets held-for-investment and lending receivables

Consumer automotive finance receivables (b)

Commercial automotive finance receivables

Investment in operating leases, net

Total assets restricted as collateral (c) (d)

Secured debt

$

$

$

2016

2015

Total

Ally Bank (a)

Total

Ally Bank (a)

4,895

10,954

27,846

19,487

2,040

65,222

$

43,129 (e) $

$

4,231

$

10,954

5,751

19,280

913

41,129

22,149

$

$

2,420

9,743

34,324

19,623

5,539

71,649

$

$

49,916 (e) $

1,761

9,743

9,167

19,177

3,205

43,053

24,787

(a)  Ally Bank is a component of the total column.
(b)  A portion of the restricted investment securities and consumer automotive finance receivables are restricted under repurchase agreements. Refer to the 

section above titled Short-term Borrowings for information on the repurchase agreements.

(c)  Ally Bank has an advance agreement with the FHLB, and had assets pledged to secure borrowings that were restricted as collateral to the FHLB totaling 

$19.0 billion and $14.9 billion at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively. These assets were composed primarily of consumer mortgage 
finance receivables and loans, net, and investment securities. Ally Bank has access to the Federal Reserve Bank Discount Window. Ally Bank had assets 
pledged and restricted as collateral to the Federal Reserve Bank totaling $2.4 billion and $2.9 billion at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, 
respectively. These assets were composed of consumer automotive finance receivables and loans, net, and investment in operating leases, net. Availability 
under these programs is only for the operations of Ally Bank and cannot be used to fund the operations or liabilities of Ally or its subsidiaries.

(d)  Excludes restricted cash and cash reserves for securitization trusts recorded within other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. Refer to Note 14 to the 

Consolidated Financial Statements for additional information.
Includes $9.1 billion and $4.6 billion of short-term borrowings at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively.

(e) 

Trust Preferred Securities

At December 31, 2016, we have issued and outstanding approximately $2.6 billion in aggregate liquidation preference of 8.125% Fixed 

Rate / Floating Rate Trust Preferred Securities, Series 2 (Series 2 TRUPS). Each Series 2 TRUPS security has a liquidation amount of $25. 
Distributions are cumulative and are payable until redemption at the applicable coupon rate. Distributions were payable at an annual rate of 
8.125% payable quarterly in arrears, through but excluding February 15, 2016. From and including February 15, 2016, to but excluding 
February 15, 2040, distributions will be payable at an annual rate equal to three-month London interbank offer rate plus 5.785% payable 
quarterly in arrears, beginning May 15, 2016. Ally has the right to defer payments of interest for a period not exceeding 20 consecutive 
quarters. The Series 2 TRUPS have no stated maturity date, but must be redeemed upon the redemption or maturity of the related debentures 
(Debentures), which mature on February 15, 2040. Ally at any time on or after February 15, 2016, may redeem the Series 2 TRUPS at a 
redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount being redeemed, plus accrued and unpaid interest through the date of redemption. 
The Series 2 TRUPS are generally nonvoting, other than with respect to certain limited matters. During any period in which any Series 2 
TRUPS remain outstanding but in which distributions on the Series 2 TRUPS have not been fully paid, none of Ally or its subsidiaries will be 
permitted to (i) declare or pay dividends on, make any distributions with respect to, or redeem, purchase, acquire or otherwise make a 
liquidation payment with respect to, any of Ally’s capital stock or make any guarantee payment with respect thereto; or (ii) make any 
payments of principal, interest, or premium on, or repay, repurchase or redeem, any debt securities or guarantees that rank on a parity with or 
junior in interest to the Debentures with certain specified exceptions in each case.

136

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Covenants and Other Requirements

In secured funding transactions, there are trigger events that could cause the debt to be prepaid at an accelerated rate or could cause our 
usage of the credit facility to be discontinued. The triggers are generally based on the financial health and performance of the servicer as well 
as performance criteria for the pool of receivables, such as delinquency ratios, loss ratios, and commercial payment rates. During 2016, there 
were no trigger events that resulted in the repayment of debt at an accelerated rate or impacted the usage of our credit facilities.

In December 2016, we closed a private unsecured committed funding facility that contains covenants requiring us to maintain minimum 

levels of liquidity and capital. At December 31, 2016, there was no debt outstanding under this facility and we were in compliance with all 
applicable covenants. This facility was fully drawn in January 2017. Refer to Note 32 for further information.

Funding Facilities

We utilize both committed credit facilities and other collateralized funding vehicles. The debt outstanding under our various funding 

facilities is included on our Consolidated Balance Sheet.

As of December 31, 2016, Ally Bank had exclusive access to $3.6 billion of funding capacity from committed credit facilities. Funding 

programs supported by the Federal Reserve and the FHLB, together with repurchase agreements, complement Ally Bank’s private 
collateralized funding vehicles.

The total capacity in our committed funding facilities is provided by banks through private transactions. The committed secured funding 
facilities can be revolving in nature and allow for additional funding during the commitment period, or they can be amortizing and not allow 
for any further funding after the closing date. At December 31, 2016, $17.5 billion of our $18.4 billion of committed capacity was revolving. 
Our revolving facilities generally have an original tenor ranging from 364 days to two years. As of December 31, 2016, we had $14.1 billion 
of committed funding capacity from revolving facilities with a remaining tenor greater than 364 days.

Committed Funding Facilities

December 31, ($ in millions)

2016

2015

2016

2015

2016

2015

Outstanding

Unused capacity (a)

Total capacity

Bank funding

Secured (b)

Parent funding

Secured

Unsecured (c)

$

3,250

$

3,250

$

350

$

— $

3,600

$

3,250

11,550

—

16,914

—

1,975

1,250

251

—

13,525

1,250

17,165

—

Total committed facilities

$

14,800

$

20,164

$

3,575

$

251

$

18,375

$

20,415

(a)  Funding from committed secured facilities is available on request in the event excess collateral resides in certain facilities or is available to the extent 

incremental collateral is available and contributed to the facilities.

(b)  Excludes off-balance sheet credit facility amounts.
(c)  This facility was fully drawn in January 2017. Refer to Note 32 for further information.

17.  Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

The components of accrued expenses and other liabilities were as follows.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Accounts payable

Employee compensation and benefits

Reserves for insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses

Fair value of derivative contracts in payable position (a)

Deferred revenue

Cash collateral received from counterparties

Other liabilities

Total accrued expenses and other liabilities

$

2016

2015

$

649

232

149

95

56

10

546

391

242

169

145

108

82

408

$

1,737

$

1,545

(a)  For additional information on derivative instruments and hedging activities, refer to Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

137

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

18.  Equity
Common Stock

In April 2014, we completed an initial public offering (IPO) of our common stock. All proceeds from the offering were obtained by the 

U.S. Department of the Treasury (Treasury) as the single selling stockholder. In connection with the IPO, we effected a 310-for-one stock split 
on shares of our common stock, $0.01 par value per share. Accordingly, all references in the Consolidated Financial Statements to share and 
per share amounts relating to common stock have been adjusted, on a retroactive basis, to recognize the 310-for-one stock split. In addition, 
on April 9, 2014, we increased the number of shares authorized for issuance of common stock to 1.1 billion. The following table presents 
changes in the number of shares issued and outstanding.

Year ended December 31, (shares in thousands) (a)

2016

2015

2014

Common stock

Total issued, January 1,

New issuances

Employee benefits and compensation plans

Total issued, December 31,

Treasury balance, January 1,

Repurchase of common stock (b) (c)

Total treasury stock, December 31,

Total outstanding, December 31,

482,791

480,136

479,767

2,917

485,708

(811)

(17,897)

(18,707)

467,000

2,655

482,791

369

480,136

(41)

(769)

(811)

—

(41)

(41)

481,980

480,095

(a)  Figures in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. Number of shares issued, in treasury, and outstanding are calculated based on unrounded 

numbers.
Includes shares of common stock withheld to cover income taxes owed by participants in our share-based incentive plans.

(b) 
(c)  On July 19, 2016, we announced a common stock repurchase program of up to $700 million. The program commenced in the third quarter of 2016 and 

will expire on June 30, 2017.

Preferred Stock
Series A Preferred Stock

At December 31, 2015, the carrying value of our Series A Preferred Stock was $696 million and there were 27,870,560 shares 

outstanding. On April 14, 2016, we issued a Notice of Redemption to the holders of the outstanding Series A Preferred Stock to redeem the 
remaining 27,870,560 shares at a redemption price of $25 per share, plus approximately $0.53 per share of accrued and unpaid dividends 
through the redemption date. On May 16, 2016, we redeemed the 27,870,560 outstanding shares of Series A Preferred Stock, with an 
aggregate liquidation preference of $697 million for $712 million in cash, which included $15 million in accrued and unpaid dividends 
through the redemption date. Upon redemption of the shares of Series A Preferred Stock, we derecognized the carrying value of $696 million. 
Effective May 16, 2016, the Series A Preferred Stock was retired.

19.  Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss

The following table presents changes, net of tax, in each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss.

($ in millions)

Balance at January 1, 2014

2014 net change

Balance at December 31, 2014

2015 net change

Balance at December 31, 2015

2016 net change

Balance at December 31, 2016

Unrealized
(losses) gains
on
investment
securities (a)

Translation
adjustments
and net
investment
hedges (b)

Cash flow
hedges (b)

Defined
benefit
pension
plans

Accumulated
other
comprehensive
loss

$

$

$

$

(269) $

248

(21) $

(138)

(159) $

(114)

(273) $

65

(29)

36

(27)

9

5

14

$

$

$

$

5

2

7

1

8

—

8

$

$

$

$

(77) $

(11)

(88) $

(1)

(89) $

(1)

(90) $

(276)

210

(66)

(165)

(231)

(110)

(341)

(a)  Represents the after-tax difference between the fair value and amortized cost of our available-for-sale securities portfolio.
(b)  For additional information on derivative instruments and hedging activities, refer to Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

138

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

The following tables present the before- and after-tax changes in each component of accumulated other comprehensive loss.

Year ended December 31, 2016 ($ in millions)

Before tax

Tax effect

After tax

Investment securities

Net unrealized gains arising during the period

$

13

$

20

$

Less: Net realized gains reclassified to income from continuing operations

Net change

Translation adjustments

Net unrealized gains arising during the period

Less: Net realized losses reclassified to income from discontinued operations, net

of tax

Net change

Net investment hedges (c)

Net unrealized gains arising during the period

Defined benefit pension plans

Net unrealized losses arising during the period

Less: Net realized losses reclassified to income from continuing operations

Net change

Other comprehensive loss

185 (a)

(172)

5

(1)

6

1

(5)

(4) (d)

(1)

(166)

$

$

(38) (b)

58

(2)

—

(2)

—

2

2 (b)

—

56

Includes gains reclassified to other gain on investments, net in our Consolidated Statement of Income.
Includes amounts reclassified to income tax expense from continuing operations in our Consolidated Statement of Income.

(a) 
(b) 
(c)  For additional information on derivative instruments and hedging activities, refer to Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(d) 

Includes gains reclassified to compensation and benefits expense in our Consolidated Statement of Income.

$

(110)

Year ended December 31, 2015 ($ in millions)

Before tax

Tax effect

After tax

Investment securities

Net unrealized losses arising during the period

$

(65)

$

26

$

Less: Net realized gains reclassified to income from continuing operations

Net change

Translation adjustments

Net unrealized losses arising during the period

Less: Net realized gains reclassified to income from discontinued operations, net of

tax

Net change

Net investment hedges (c)

Net unrealized gains arising during the period

Less: Net realized losses reclassified to income from discontinued operations, net

of tax

Net change

Cash flow hedges (c)

Net unrealized gains arising during the period

Defined benefit pension plans

Net unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period

155 (a)

(220)

(39)

42

(81)

29

(4)

33

2

—

(56) (b)

82

13

(20)

33

(11)

1

(12)

(1)

—

Less: Net realized gains reclassified to income from continuing operations

1 (d)

— (b)

Net change

Other comprehensive loss

(1)

(267)

$

$

—

102

Includes gains reclassified to other gain on investments, net in our Consolidated Statement of Income.
Includes amounts reclassified to income tax expense from continuing operations in our Consolidated Statement of Income.

(a) 
(b) 
(c)  For additional information on derivative instruments and hedging activities, refer to Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(d) 

Includes gains reclassified to compensation and benefits expense in our Consolidated Statement of Income.

139

33

147

(114)

3

(1)

4

1

(3)

(2)

(1)

(39)

99

(138)

(26)

22

(48)

18

(3)

21

1

—

1

(1)

$

(165)

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Year ended December 31, 2014 ($ in millions)

Before tax

Tax effect

After tax

Investment securities

Net unrealized gains arising during the period

$

557

$

(142)

$

Less: Net realized gains reclassified to income from continuing operations

Net change

Translation adjustments

Net unrealized losses arising during the period

Less: Net realized gains reclassified to income from discontinued operations, net of

tax

Net change

Net investment hedges (c)

Net unrealized gains arising during the period

Cash flow hedges (c)

Net unrealized gains arising during the period

Defined benefit pension plans

Net unrealized losses arising during the period

Less: Net realized losses reclassified to income from continuing operations

Net change

Other comprehensive income

181 (a)

376

(14) (b)

(128)

(27)

23

(50)

13

2

(24)

(7) (d)

(17)

324

$

10

(3)

13

(5)

—

9

3 (b)

6

$

(114)

$

415

167

248

(17)

20

(37)

8

2

(15)

(4)

(11)

210

Includes gains reclassified to other gain on investments, net in our Consolidated Statement of Income.
Includes amounts reclassified to income tax expense from continuing operations in our Consolidated Statement of Income.

(a) 
(b) 
(c)  For additional information on derivative instruments and hedging activities, refer to Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(d) 

Includes losses reclassified to compensation and benefits expense in our Consolidated Statement of Income.

20.  Earnings per Common Share

The following table presents the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per common share.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions, except per share data; shares in thousands) (a)

2016

2015

2014

Net income from continuing operations

Preferred stock dividends (b)

Net income (loss) from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax

Net income (loss) attributable to common shareholders

Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding (c)

Diluted weighted-average common shares outstanding (c) (d)

Basic earnings per common share

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax

Net income (loss)

Diluted earnings per common share

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

(Loss) income from discontinued operations, net of tax

Net income (loss)

$

$

$

$

$

$

1,111

$

897

$

(30)

1,081

(44)

(2,571)

(1,674)

392

1,037

$

(1,282) $

925

(268)

657

225

882

481,105

482,182

482,873

482,873

481,155

481,934

2.25

(0.09)

2.15

2.24

(0.09)

2.15

$

$

$

$

(3.47) $

0.81

(2.66) $

(3.47) $

0.81

(2.66) $

1.36

0.47

1.83

1.36

0.47

1.83

(a)  Figures in the table may not recalculate exactly due to rounding. Earnings per share is calculated based on unrounded numbers.
(b)  Preferred stock dividends for the year ended December 31, 2015, include $2,364 million recognized in connection with the partial redemption of the 
Series G Preferred Stock and the repurchase of the Series A Preferred Stock. These dividends represent an additional return to preferred shareholders 
calculated as the excess consideration paid over the carrying amount derecognized.
Includes shares related to share-based compensation that vested but were not yet issued for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, 
respectively.

(c) 

(d)  Due to the antidilutive effect of the net loss from continuing operations attributable to common shareholders for the year ended December 31, 2015, basic 

weighted-average common shares outstanding was used to calculate basic and diluted earnings per share.

140

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

21.  Regulatory Capital and Other Regulatory Matters

As a BHC, we and our wholly-owned state-chartered banking subsidiary, Ally Bank, are subject to capital requirements issued by U.S. 
banking regulators that require us to maintain risk-based and leverage capital ratios above minimum levels. A risk-based capital ratio is a ratio 
of a banking organization’s regulatory capital to its risk-weighted assets. A leverage capital ratio is a ratio of a banking organization’s 
regulatory capital to a measure of assets or exposures that is not risk-weighted. As of January 1, 2015, Ally and Ally Bank became subject to 
the rules implementing the 2010 Basel III capital framework in the United States (U.S. Basel III), which generally reflects higher capital 
requirements, capital buffers, and changes to regulatory capital definitions, deductions and adjustments, relative to the predecessor 
requirements implementing the Basel I capital framework in the United States. Certain aspects of U.S. Basel III, including the capital buffers 
and certain regulatory capital deductions, will be phased in over several years.

Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain mandatory and possibly additional discretionary action by regulators 

that, if undertaken, could have a direct material effect on the Consolidated Financial Statements or the results of operations and financial 
condition of Ally and Ally Bank. Under capital adequacy guidelines and the regulatory framework for prompt corrective action, we and Ally 
Bank must meet specific capital guidelines that involve quantitative measures of capital, assets and certain off-balance sheet items. These 
measures and related classifications, which are used in the calculation of our risk-based and leverage capital ratios and those of Ally Bank, are 
also subject to qualitative judgments by the regulators about the components of capital, the risk-weightings of assets and other exposures, and 
other factors. The U.S. banking regulators also use these ratios and guidelines as part of the capital planning and stress testing processes. In 
addition, in order for Ally to maintain its status as a FHC, Ally and its bank subsidiary, Ally Bank, must remain “well-capitalized” and “well-
managed,” as defined under applicable law. Effective January 1, 2015, the “well-capitalized” standard for insured depository institutions, such 
as Ally Bank, was revised to reflect the capital requirements under U.S. Basel III.

Under U.S. Basel III, Ally must maintain a minimum Common Equity Tier 1 risk-based capital ratio of 4.5%, a minimum Tier 1 risk-
based capital ratio of 6%, and a minimum Total risk-based capital ratio of 8%. In addition to these minimum requirements, Ally is also subject 
to a Common Equity Tier 1 capital conservation buffer of more than 2.5%, subject to a phase-in from January 1, 2016 through December 31, 
2018. Failure to maintain the full amount of the buffer will result in restrictions on Ally’s ability to make capital distributions, including 
dividend payment and stock repurchases and redemptions, and to pay discretionary bonuses to executive officers. In addition to these new 
risk-based capital standards, U.S. Basel III subjects all U.S. banking organizations, including Ally, to a minimum Tier 1 leverage ratio of 4%, 
the denominator of which takes into account only on-balance sheet assets.

U.S. Basel III also revised the eligibility criteria for regulatory capital instruments and provides for the phase-out of instruments that had 
previously been recognized as capital but that do not satisfy these criteria. Subject to certain exceptions (e.g., for certain debt or equity issued 
to the U.S. government under the Emergency Economic Stabilization Act), trust preferred and other “hybrid” securities are no longer included 
in a BHC's Tier 1 capital as of January 1, 2016. Also, subject to a phase-in schedule, certain items are deducted from Common Equity Tier 1 
capital that had not previously been deducted from regulatory capital, and certain other deductions from regulatory capital have been 
modified. Among other things, U.S. Basel III requires significant investments in the common shares of unconsolidated financial institutions, 
mortgage servicing rights, and certain deferred tax assets that exceed specified individual and aggregate thresholds to be deducted from 
Common Equity Tier 1 capital. U.S. Basel III also revised the standardized approach for calculating risk-weighted assets by, among other 
things, modifying certain risk weights and the methods for calculating risk-weighted assets for certain types of assets and exposures.

Ally is subject to the U.S. Basel III standardized approach for credit risk. It is not subject to the U.S. Basel III advanced approaches for 

credit risk. Ally is currently not subject to the U.S. market risk capital rule, which applies only to banking organizations with significant 
trading assets and liabilities.

On March 7, 2016, Ally Bank received approval from the Federal Reserve to become a state member bank. Ally Bank is now regulated 

by the FRB through the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, as well as the Utah Department of Financial Institutions (UDFI). In addition, in 
connection with the application for membership in the Federal Reserve System, Ally Bank made commitments to the FRB relating to capital, 
liquidity, and business plan requirements. These commitments are consistent with the prior requirements under the now-terminated Capital 
and Liquidity Maintenance Agreement with the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), including the requirement to maintain capital 
at a level such that Ally Bank’s Tier 1 leverage ratio is at least 15%. For this purpose, the leverage ratio is determined in accordance with the 
FRB's regulations related to capital maintenance. As a requirement of Federal Reserve membership, we held $435 million of FRB stock at 
December 31, 2016.

Compliance with capital requirements is a strategic priority for Ally. We expect to be in compliance with all applicable requirements 

within the established timeframes.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

The following table summarizes our capital ratios under the U.S. Basel III capital framework.

($ in millions)

Capital ratios

Common Equity Tier 1 (to risk-weighted assets)

Ally Financial Inc.

Ally Bank

Tier 1 (to risk-weighted assets)

Ally Financial Inc.

Ally Bank

Total (to risk-weighted assets)

Ally Financial Inc.

Ally Bank

Tier 1 leverage (to adjusted quarterly average 

assets) (b)

Ally Financial Inc.

Ally Bank

December 31, 2016

December 31, 2015

Amount

Ratio

Amount

Ratio

Required
minimum

Well-
capitalized
minimum

$

12,978

9.37% $

12,507

9.21%

17,888

16.70

16,594

17.05

$

15,147

10.93% $

15,077

17,888

16.70

16,594

$

17,419

12.57% $

17,005

18,458

17.24

17,043

11.10%

17.05

12.52%

17.51

4.50%

4.50

6.00%

6.00

8.00%

8.00

(a)

6.50%

6.00%

8.00

10.00%

10.00

$

15,147

9.54% $

15,077

9.73%

4.00%

(a)

17,888

15.21

16,594

15.38

15.00

(c) 

5.00%

(a)  Currently, there is no ratio component for determining whether a BHC is "well-capitalized."
(b)  Federal regulatory reporting guidelines require the calculation of adjusted quarterly average assets using a daily average methodology.
(c)  Ally Bank has committed to the FRB to maintain a Tier 1 leverage ratio of at least 15%.

At December 31, 2016, Ally and Ally Bank were “well-capitalized” and met all capital requirements to which each was subject.

Capital Planning and Stress Tests

As a BHC with $50 billion or more of consolidated assets, Ally is required to conduct semi-annual company-run stress tests, is subject to 

an annual supervisory stress test conducted by the FRB, and must submit an annual capital plan to the FRB.

Ally’s capital plan must include a description of all planned capital actions over a nine-quarter planning horizon. The capital plan must 

also include a discussion of how Ally will maintain capital above the minimum regulatory capital ratios under baseline, adverse, and severely 
adverse economic scenarios, and serve as a source of strength to Ally Bank. The FRB must approve Ally's capital plan before Ally may take 
any capital action. Even with an approved capital plan, Ally must seek the approval of the FRB before making a capital distribution if, among 
other factors, Ally would not meet its regulatory capital requirements after making the proposed capital distribution.

On April 5, 2016, we submitted the results of our semi-annual stress test and our 2016 annual capital plan to the FRB. On June 23, 2016, 

we publicly disclosed summary results of the stress test under the most severe scenario in accordance with regulatory requirements. On     
June 29, 2016, we received a non-objection to our capital plan from the FRB, including the proposed capital actions contained in our 
submission. The proposed capital actions include a quarterly cash dividend of $0.08 per share of our common stock, subject to quarterly 
approval by the Board of Directors, and the ability to repurchase up to $700 million of our common stock from time to time through the 
second quarter of 2017. In addition, we submitted to the FRB the results of our company-run mid-year stress test conducted under multiple 
macroeconomic scenarios and disclosed the results of this stress test under the most severe scenario on October 5, 2016, in accordance with 
regulatory requirements.

Ally expects to submit its 2017 capital plan by April 5, 2017, with a response expected from the FRB by June 30, 2017.

On July 18, 2016, and October 18, 2016, the Ally Board of Directors declared quarterly cash dividend payments of $0.08 per share on all 

common stock. The dividends were paid on August 15, 2016, and November 15, 2016, respectively, to shareholders of record at the close of 
business on August 1, 2016, and November 1, 2016, respectively. On January 11, 2017, the Ally Board of Directors declared another quarterly 
cash dividend payment of $0.08 per share on all common stock. Refer to Note 32 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for further 
information regarding this common share dividend. Additionally, the Ally Board of Directors authorized a common stock repurchase program 
of up to $700 million beginning in the third quarter of 2016 and continuing through the second quarter of 2017. During the second half of 
2016, we repurchased $326 million, or 17,043,021 shares of common stock, which reduced total shares outstanding by approximately 3.5%. 
We had 467,000,306 shares of common stock outstanding at December 31, 2016.

In January 2017, the FRB finalized a rule amending the capital planning and stress testing rules, effective for the 2017 cycle. The final 
rule, among other things, revises the capital plan rule to no longer subject large and noncomplex firms, including Ally, to the provisions of the 
existing rule whereby the FRB may object to a capital plan on the basis of qualitative deficiencies in the firm’s capital planning 
process. Under the final rule, the qualitative assessment of Ally’s capital plan will be conducted outside of the Comprehensive Capital 
Analysis and Review (CCAR) process, through the supervisory review process, and Ally’s reporting requirements will be modified to reduce 

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

certain reporting burdens related to capital planning and stress testing. The final rule will also decrease the de minimis threshold for the 
amount of capital that Ally could distribute to shareholders outside of an approved capital plan without seeking prior approval of the FRB.

Depository Institutions

Ally Bank is a state member bank, chartered by the State of Utah, and subject to the supervision of the FRB and the UDFI. Ally Bank's 

deposits are insured by the FDIC, and Ally Bank is required to file periodic reports with the FDIC concerning its financial condition. Total 
assets of Ally Bank were $123.5 billion and $111.3 billion at December 31, 2016, and 2015, respectively. Ally Bank is subject to Utah law 
(and, in certain instances, federal law) that places restrictions and limitations on the amount of dividends or other distributions. Dividends or 
other distributions made by Ally Bank to Ally were $525 million in 2015. No dividends were paid in 2016.

The FRB requires banks to maintain minimum average reserve balances. The amount of the required reserve balance for Ally Bank was 

$149 million and $216 million at December 31, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

Ally Bank is required to satisfy regulatory net worth requirements. Failure to meet minimum capital requirements can initiate certain 
mandatory actions by federal, state, and foreign agencies that could have a material effect on our results of operations and financial condition. 
Ally Bank was in compliance with these requirements at December 31, 2016.

Mortgage Operations

Our mortgage business is subject to extensive federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations, in addition to judicial and 

administrative decisions that impose requirements and restrictions on this business. The mortgage business is also subject to examination by 
the Federal Housing Commissioner to assure compliance with Federal Housing Administration regulations, policies, and procedures. The 
federal, state, and local laws, rules, and regulations to which our mortgage business is subject, among other things, impose licensing 
obligations and financial requirements; limit the interest rates, finance charges, and other fees that can be charged; regulate the use of credit 
reports and the reporting of credit information; impose underwriting requirements; regulate marketing techniques and practices; require the 
safeguarding of nonpublic information about customers; and regulate servicing practices, including the assessment, collection, foreclosure, 
claims handling, and investment of interest payments on escrow accounts.

Insurance Companies

Some of our Insurance companies are subject to certain minimum aggregate capital requirements, net asset and dividend restrictions 
under applicable state and foreign insurance law, and the rules and regulations promulgated by various U.S. and foreign regulatory agencies. 
Under various state and foreign insurance regulations, dividend distributions may be made only from statutory unassigned surplus, with 
approvals required from the regulatory authorities for dividends in excess of certain statutory limitations. At December 31, 2016, the 
maximum dividend that could be paid by the U.S. insurance subsidiaries over the next twelve months without prior statutory approval was 
$75 million.

22.  Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities

We enter into interest rate, foreign-currency, and equity swaps, futures, forwards, options, and swaptions in connection with our market 

risk management activities. Derivative instruments are used to manage interest rate risk relating to specific groups of assets and liabilities, 
including automotive loan assets and debt. We use foreign exchange contracts to mitigate foreign-currency risk associated with foreign-
currency-denominated debt, foreign exchange transactions, and our net investment in foreign subsidiaries. In addition, we also enter into 
equity option contracts to manage our exposure to the equity markets. Our primary objective for utilizing derivative financial instruments is to 
manage interest rate risk associated with our fixed- and variable-rate assets and liabilities, foreign exchange risks related to our foreign-
currency denominated assets and liabilities, and market risks related to our investment portfolio and certain of our executive share-based 
compensation plans.

Interest Rate Risk

We monitor our mix of fixed- and variable-rate assets and liabilities. When it is cost-effective to do so, we may enter into interest rate 

swaps, forwards, futures, options, and swaptions to achieve our desired mix of fixed- and variable-rate assets and liabilities. We execute 
interest rate swaps, forwards, futures, options, and swaptions to modify our exposure to interest rate risk by converting certain fixed-rate 
instruments to a variable-rate and certain variable-rate instruments to a fixed-rate. We use a mix of both derivatives that qualify for hedge 
accounting treatment and economic hedges.

Derivatives qualifying for hedge accounting consist of receive-fixed swaps designated as fair value hedges of specific fixed-rate 
unsecured debt obligations, receive-fixed swaps designated as fair value hedges of specific fixed-rate FHLB advances and pay-fixed swaps 
designated as fair value hedges of specific portfolios of fixed-rate held-for-investment retail automotive loan assets.

We also execute economic hedges, which consist of interest rate swaps and interest rate caps held to mitigate interest rate risk associated 

with our debt portfolio. We also use interest rate swaps to economically hedge our net fixed-versus-variable interest rate exposure. We enter 
into economic hedges in the form of short-dated, exchange-traded Eurodollar futures to hedge the interest rate exposure of our fixed-rate 
automotive loans, as well as forwards, options, and swaptions to economically hedge our net fixed-versus-variable interest rate exposure.

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Foreign Exchange Risk

We enter into derivative financial instrument contracts to mitigate the risk associated with variability in cash flows related to our various 

foreign-currency exposures.

We enter into foreign-currency forwards with external counterparties as net investment hedges of foreign exchange exposure on our 
investments in foreign subsidiaries. Our equity is impacted by the cumulative translation adjustments resulting from the translation of foreign 
subsidiary results; this impact is reflected in our accumulated other comprehensive loss. We also enter into foreign-currency forwards to 
economically hedge our foreign-denominated debt, our centralized lending program, and foreign-denominated third-party loans. These 
forward currency forwards that are used as economic hedges are recorded at fair value with changes recorded as income offsetting the gains 
and losses on the associated foreign-currency transactions.

We utilized a cross-currency swap to economically hedge foreign exchange exposure on foreign-currency-denominated debt by 

converting the funding currency to our functional currency. This swap matured during the second quarter of 2015.

Market Risk

We enter into equity options to economically hedge our exposure to the equity markets. We purchase options to assume a long position 

on certain equities and write options to assume a short position.

We also enter into prepaid equity forward contracts to economically hedge the price risk associated with certain of our executive share-
based compensation plans. The prepaid equity forward contracts are hybrid instruments containing an embedded forward contract, which is 
considered a derivative instrument. The embedded derivative instrument is bifurcated from the host contract and is recorded at fair value with 
changes in fair value recorded in compensation and benefits expense. The balance of the prepaid component of these equity forward contracts 
was $0 million and $32 million as of December 31, 2016, and 2015, respectively, and was recorded within other assets on the Consolidated 
Balance Sheet. During the fourth quarter of 2016, the hedging program of the executive share-based compensation plans was fully terminated.

Counterparty Credit Risk

Derivative financial instruments contain an element of credit risk if counterparties are unable to meet the terms of the agreements. Credit 

risk associated with derivative financial instruments is measured as the net replacement cost should the counterparties that owe us under the 
contract completely fail to perform under the terms of those contracts, assuming no recoveries of underlying collateral as measured by the 
market value of the derivative financial instrument.

To mitigate the risk of counterparty default, we maintain collateral agreements with certain counterparties. The agreements require both 

parties to post collateral in the event the fair values of the derivative financial instruments meet posting thresholds established under the 
agreements. In the event that either party defaults on the obligation, the secured party may seize the collateral. Generally, our collateral 
arrangements are bilateral such that we and the counterparty post collateral for the value of our total obligation to each other. Contractual 
terms provide for standard and customary exchange of collateral based on changes in the market value of the outstanding derivatives. The 
securing party posts additional collateral when their obligation rises or removes collateral when it falls.

Certain derivative instruments contain provisions that require us to either post additional collateral or immediately settle any outstanding 
liability balances upon the occurrence of a specified credit risk-related event. No such specified credit risk related events occurred during the 
years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015.

We placed cash collateral totaling $122 million and securities collateral totaling $72 million at December 31, 2016, and $103 million and 

$86 million at December 31, 2015, respectively, in accounts maintained by counterparties. This amount primarily relates to collateral posted 
to support our derivative positions. This amount also excludes cash and securities pledged as collateral under repurchase agreements. At 
December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, we placed cash collateral totaling $45 million and $21 million, respectively, with counterparties 
under collateral arrangements associated with repurchase agreements. Refer to Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details 
on the repurchase agreements. The receivables for cash collateral placed are included in our Consolidated Balance Sheet in other assets.

We received cash collateral from counterparties totaling $10 million and $82 million at December 31, 2016, and 2015, respectively, 

primarily to support these derivative positions. This amount also excludes cash and securities pledged as collateral under repurchase 
agreements. Refer to Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements for details on the repurchase agreements. The payables for cash 
collateral received are included on our Consolidated Balance Sheet in accrued expenses and other liabilities. In certain circumstances, we 
receive or post securities as collateral with counterparties. We do not record collateral received on our Consolidated Balance Sheet unless 
certain conditions are met. At December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, we received noncash collateral of $6 million and $7 million, 
respectively. Included in these amounts is noncash collateral where we have been granted the right to sell or pledge the underlying assets. We 
have not sold or pledged any of the noncash collateral received under these agreements.

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Balance Sheet Presentation

The following table summarizes the fair value amounts of derivative instruments reported on our Consolidated Balance Sheet. The fair 

value amounts are presented on a gross basis, are segregated by derivatives that are designated and qualifying as hedging instruments or those 
that are not, and are further segregated by type of contract within those two categories. Notional amounts are reference amounts from which 
contractual obligations are derived and are not recorded on the balance sheet. In our view, derivative notional is not an accurate measure of 
our derivative exposure when viewed in isolation from other factors, such as market rate fluctuations and counterparty credit risk.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Derivatives designated as accounting hedges

Interest rate contracts

Swaps (c) (d) (e)

Foreign exchange contracts

Forwards

Total derivatives designated as accounting hedges

Derivatives not designated as accounting hedges

Interest rate contracts

Swaps

Futures and forwards

Written options

Purchased options

Total interest rate risk

Foreign exchange contracts

Futures and forwards

Total foreign exchange risk

Equity contracts

Forwards

Written options

Purchased options

Total equity risk

Total derivatives not designated as accounting

hedges

Total derivatives

$

2016

2015

Derivative contracts in a

Derivative contracts in a

receivable
position (a)

payable
position (b)

Notional
amount

receivable
position (a)

payable
position (b)

Notional
amount

$

19

$

21

$

4,731

$

126

$

9

$

14,151

1

20

—

—

—

73

73

1

1

—

—

1

1

75

95

$

—

21

—

—

73

—

73

—

—

—

1

—

1

74

95

171

4,902

137

—

14,518

14,517

29,172

92

92

—

—

—

—

—

126

30

2

—

73

105

—

—

—

—

2

2

1

10

51

2

72

—

125

—

—

9

1

—

10

189

14,340

6,101

1,905

18,220

18,240

44,466

278

278

32

—

—

32

29,264

$

34,166

$

107

233

$

135

145

44,776

$

59,116

(a)  Derivative contracts in a receivable position are classified as other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and include accrued interest of $7 million 

and $46 million at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively.

(b)  Derivative contracts in a liability position are classified as accrued expenses and other liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet, and include accrued 

(c) 

(d) 

interest of $1 million and $12 million at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, respectively.
Includes fair value hedges consisting of receive-fixed swaps on fixed-rate unsecured debt obligations with $8 million and $112 million in a receivable 
position, $14 million and $3 million in a payable position, and a $1.7 billion and $6.8 billion notional amount at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 
2015, respectively. The hedge notional amount of $1.7 billion at December 31, 2016, is associated with debt maturing in five or more years.
Includes fair value hedges consisting of receive-fixed swaps on fixed-rate secured debt obligations (FHLB Advances) with $0 million and $1 million in a 
receivable position, $7 million and $2 million in a payable position, and a $240 million and $500 million notional amount at December 31, 2016, and 
December 31, 2015, respectively.

(e)  Other fair value hedges include pay-fixed swaps on portfolios of held-for-investment automotive loan assets with $10 million and $13 million in a 
receivable position, $1 million and $3 million in a payable position, and a $2.8 billion and $6.8 billion notional amount at December 31, 2016, and 
December 31, 2015, respectively.

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Statement of Comprehensive Income Presentation

The following table summarizes the location and amounts of gains and losses on derivative instruments reported in our Consolidated 

Statement of Income.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Derivatives qualifying for hedge accounting

(Loss) gain recognized in earnings on derivatives

Interest rate contracts

Interest and fees on finance receivables and loans (a)

Interest on long-term debt (b) (c)

Gain (loss) recognized in earnings on hedged items

Interest rate contracts

Interest and fees on finance receivables and loans (d)

Interest on long-term debt (e)

Total derivatives qualifying for hedge accounting

Derivatives not designated as accounting hedges

(Loss) gain recognized in earnings on derivatives

Interest rate contracts

Loss on mortgage and automotive loans, net

Other income, net of losses

Total interest rate contracts

Foreign exchange contracts (f)

Interest on long-term debt

Other income, net of losses

Total foreign exchange contracts

Equity contracts

Compensation and benefits expense

Total equity contracts

Loss recognized in earnings on derivatives

2016

2015

2014

$

(2) $

65

(9) $

35

15

199

—

(70)

(7)

—

—

—

(2)

1

(1)

—

—

39

(30)

35

(2)

(17)

(19)

(139)

12

(127)

(10)

(10)

34

(185)

63

—

(37)

(37)

(172)

12

(160)

(5)

(5)

$

(8) $

(121) $

(139)

(a)  Amounts exclude losses related to interest for qualifying accounting hedges of retail automotive loans held-for-investment, which are primarily offset by 

the fixed coupon payments of the loans. The losses were $18 million, $64 million, and $61 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 
2014 respectively.

(b)  Amounts exclude gains related to interest for qualifying accounting hedges of unsecured debt, which are primarily offset by the fixed coupon payment on 
the long-term debt. The gains were $40 million, $97 million, and $112 million and for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

(c)  Amounts exclude gains related to interest for qualifying accounting hedges of secured debt (FHLB Advances), which are primarily offset by the fixed 
coupon payment on the long-term debt. The gains were $5 million and $1 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

(d)  Amounts exclude losses related to amortization of deferred loan basis adjustments on the de-designated hedged item of $20 million and $8 million for the 

year ended December 31, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

(e)  Amounts exclude gains related to amortization of deferred debt basis adjustments on the de-designated hedged item of $84 million, $73 million, and $155 

million for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014 respectively.

(f)  Amounts exclude gains and losses related to the revaluation of the related foreign-denominated debt or receivable. Gains of $0 million, $132 million, and 

$165 million were recognized for the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

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The following table summarizes derivative instruments used in cash flow and net investment hedge accounting relationships.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

2016

2015

2014

Cash flow hedges

Interest rate contracts

Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to interest on long-

term debt

Total interest on long-term debt

Gain recognized in other comprehensive loss

Net investment hedges

Foreign exchange contracts

Loss reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive loss to income from

discontinued operations, net

Total loss from discontinued operations, net

Gain recognized in other comprehensive loss (a)

$

$

$

$

$

$

— $

— $

— $

— $

— $

1

$

— $

— $

2

$

(4) $

(4) $

33

$

(2)

(2)

2

—

—

13

(a)  The amounts represent the effective portion of net investment hedges. There are offsetting amounts recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss 
related to the revaluation of the related net investment in foreign operations, including the tax impacts of the hedge and related net investment, as 
disclosed separately in Note 19 to the Consolidated Financial Statements. There were gains of $4 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, and 
losses of $59 million, and $41 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

23.  Income Taxes

The significant components of income tax expense from continuing operations were as follows.

Total income tax expense from continuing operations

$

A reconciliation of income tax expense from continuing operations with the amounts at the statutory U.S. federal income tax rate is 

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Current income tax expense

U.S. federal

Foreign

State and local

Total current expense

Deferred income tax expense

U.S. federal

Foreign

State and local

Total deferred expense

shown in the following table.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Statutory U.S. federal tax expense

Change in tax resulting from

Changes in unrecognized tax benefits (a)

Valuation allowance change, excluding expirations

State and local income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit

Tax credits, excluding expirations

Nondeductible expenses

Tax law enactment

Other, net

2016

2015

2014

$

— $

— $

8

9

17

423

—

30

453

470

$

6

3

9

454

1

32

487

496

$

2016

2015

2014

$

553

$

488

$

436

(161)

51

35

(15)

7

—

—

(5)

(25)

38

(13)

14

—

(1)

(3)

8

5

10

270

2

39

311

321

(63)

(47)

48

(27)

31

(39)

(18)

321

Total income tax expense from continuing operations

$

470

$

496

$

(a)  Primarily the result of a Q2 2016 U.S. tax reserve release related to a prior year federal return.

For the tax year ended December 31, 2016, consolidated income tax expense from continuing operations is largely driven by tax 

attributable to pretax earnings for the year and the establishment of a valuation allowance on capital loss carryforwards, offset by a reduction 
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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits that resulted from the completion of a U.S. federal audit related to a prior tax year. For the year 
ended December 31, 2015, consolidated income tax expense from continuing operations is largely driven by tax attributable to pretax earnings 
for the year, offset by tax benefits recognized from the release of our valuation allowance on capital loss carryforwards utilized against current 
year capital gains. For the year ended December 31, 2014, consolidated income tax expense from continuing operations was largely driven by 
tax attributable to pretax earnings for the year, offset by tax benefits recognized from the release of a portion of our valuation allowance on 
capital loss carryforwards utilized against 2014 capital gains, a reduction in the liability for unrecognized tax benefits that resulted from the 
completion of the U.S. federal audit related to our 2009 tax year, and the reinstatement of the active financing exception included in the Tax 
Increase Prevention Act of 2014.

As of each reporting date, we consider existing evidence, both positive and negative, that could impact our view with regard to future 

realization of deferred tax assets. We continue to believe it is more likely than not that the benefit for certain foreign tax credits, state net 
operating loss carryforwards, and state capital loss carryforwards will not be realized. In recognition of this risk, we continue to provide a 
partial valuation allowance on the deferred tax assets relating to these carryforwards. Finally, as a result of the U.S. tax reserve release, we 
recorded additional capital loss carryforward deferred tax assets. After assessing the positive and negative evidence surrounding our ability to 
realize these carryforwards before expiration, we established a full valuation allowance against these deferred tax assets.

The significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities are reflected in the following table.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Deferred tax assets

Tax credit carryforwards

Tax loss carryforwards

Adjustments to loan value

State and local taxes

Unearned insurance premiums

Hedging transactions

Other

Gross deferred tax assets

Valuation allowance

Deferred tax assets, net of valuation allowance

Deferred tax liabilities

Lease transactions

Deferred acquisition costs

Debt transactions

Other

Gross deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred tax assets (a)

2016

2015

$

1,987

$

1,941

936

546

162

141

123

208

4,103

(646)

3,457

950

311

194

141

99

212

3,848

(582)

3,266

1,789

1,273

424

161

107

2,481

$

976

$

403

162

69

1,907

1,359

(a)  Total net deferred tax assets include $994 million and $1,369 million of net deferred tax assets included in other assets on our Consolidated Balance Sheet 
for tax jurisdictions in a total net deferred tax asset position and $18 million and $10 million included in accrued expenses and other liabilities on our 
Consolidated Balance Sheet for tax jurisdictions in a total net deferred tax liability position at December 31, 2016, and 2015, respectively.

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The following table summarizes net deferred tax assets including related valuation allowances at December 31, 2016.

($ in millions)

Tax credit carryforwards

Foreign tax credits

General business credits

Alternative minimum tax (AMT) credits

Total tax credit carryforwards

Tax loss carryforwards

Net operating losses — federal

Net operating losses — state

Capital losses — federal

Capital losses — state

Total tax loss carryforwards

Other deferred tax assets

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

Net deferred tax assets

Deferred tax
asset/(liability)

Valuation
allowance

Net deferred tax
asset/(liability)

Years of
expiration

$

1,771

$

(485) $

1,286

2017–2026

191

25

1,987

900

193 (a)

36

9 (a)

1,138

978

4,103

(2,481)

1,622

$

—

—

(485)

—

(83)

(36)

(9)

(128)

(33)

(646)

—

$

(646) $

191

25

1,502

900

110

—

—

1,010

945

3,457

(2,481)

976

2023–2036

n/a

2027–2036

2017–2036

2017

2017–2027

n/a

n/a

(a)  State net operating loss and capital loss carryforwards are included in the state and local taxes total disclosed in our deferred inventory table above.

As of December 31, 2016, we do not assert that foreign earnings are indefinitely reinvested outside of the United States. As a result, 
deferred tax liabilities for incremental U.S. tax that stem from temporary differences related to investments in foreign subsidiaries or foreign 
corporate joint ventures have been recognized as of December 31, 2016.

The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits.

($ in millions)

Balance at January 1,

Additions based on tax positions related to the current year

Additions for tax positions of prior years

Settlements

Expiration of statute of limitations

Balance at December 31,

2016

2015

2014

185

$

191

$

—

12

(182)

(1)

—

7

(10)

(3)

14

$

185

$

262

—

9

(79)

(1)

191

$

$

Included in the unrecognized tax benefits balances are some items, the recognition of which would not affect the effective tax rate, such 

as the tax effect of certain temporary differences and the portion of gross state unrecognized tax benefits that would be offset by the tax 
benefit of the associated federal deduction. At December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, the balance of unrecognized tax benefits that, if 
recognized, would affect our effective tax rate is $9 million, $177 million, and $182 million, respectively.

We recognize accrued interest and penalties related to uncertain income tax positions in interest expense and other operating expenses, 

respectively. The cumulative accrued balance for interest and penalties is $1 million at December 31, 2016, $2 million at December 31, 2015, 
and $5 million at December 31, 2014. For each of the years ended December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, interest and penalties of $1 million or 
less were accrued.

It is reasonably possible that the unrecognized tax benefits will decrease by up to $3 million over the next twelve months if certain tax 

matters ultimately settle with the applicable taxing jurisdiction.

We file tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states and foreign jurisdictions. Our most significant operations remaining 
following our divestitures of various international operations are the U.S. and Canada. The oldest tax years that remain subject to examination 
for those jurisdictions are 2012 and 2011, respectively.

24.  Share-based Compensation Plans

On December 24, 2014, as a result of Treasury completing the sale of all of its remaining shares in Ally's common stock, Ally exited the 
Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP), which required us to comply with certain limitations on executive pay as determined by the Special 
Master of TARP Compensation (Special Master). Under TARP we established stock salary, or Deferred Stock Units (DSUs), and TARP Stock, 
or Incentive Restricted Stock Units (IRSUs), as forms of compensation to our senior executives, which were approved by the Special Master. 

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During 2015, we discontinued granting DSU and IRSU awards to senior executives. We also grant Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) and 
Performance Share Awards (PSU) to executives under the Ally Financial 2014 Incentive Compensation Plan, which allows us to grant an 
array of equity-based and cash incentive awards to our named executive officers and other employees. Each of our approved compensation 
plans and awards were designed to provide our executives with an opportunity to share in the future growth in the value of Ally, which is 
necessary to attract and retain key executives.

Prior to our IPO in April 2014, all share-based awards were settled in cash and required liability treatment under the accounting 

guidance. Accounting treatment for liability-classified awards requires compensation expense to be adjusted each period until the awards are 
settled based on the value of the underlying share price. Prior to IPO, the Ally Board of Directors was required to determine a share price 
valuation (Share Price Valuation) for share-based compensation awards not less than annually. The Share Price Valuation considered, among 
other things, the stock price performance, on an indexed basis, of publicly traded common stock issued by certain comparative companies and 
considered Ally’s common stock as if it were freely tradable in the public markets. After the IPO, the share price valuation is based on the 
trading price for our stock. Also, after the IPO, certain awards will be settled in Ally common stock. As a result, these awards will be 
accounted for as equity awards under the accounting guidance. For equity-classified awards, the compensation expense to be recognized over 
the vesting and service period is determined on the grant date.

For valuation purposes, we utilize Ally’s share price as of the grant date and the end of each reporting period for determining the 
necessary share-based compensation expense, depending on the classification of the awards. The per-share fair value based on market price 
for purposes of share-based compensation was $19.02 as of December 31, 2016. We had 32,921,120 shares authorized and available for future 
grants of incentive-based equity awards at December 31, 2016.

During 2016, 2015, and 2014, we entered into prepaid equity forward contracts to economically hedge a portion of the price risk driven 

by fluctuations in the fair value of our DSU and IRSU awards. The prepaid equity forward contracts are hybrid instruments containing an 
embedded forward contract, which is considered a derivative instrument. The embedded derivative instrument is bifurcated from the host 
contract and is recorded at fair value with changes in fair value recorded as compensation and benefits expense in our Consolidated Statement 
of Income. During the fourth quarter of 2016, the hedging program of the executive share-based compensation plans was fully terminated. For 
further information on our derivative instruments, refer to Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

PSU and RSU Awards

PSU awards are payable contingent upon Ally achieving certain predefined performance objectives over the two-year measurement 
period and a three-year service condition. The PSU awards settle in the form of Ally common stock. The per-share fair value of these awards 
is determined by Ally's closing stock price on the grant date.

RSU awards are incentive awards that have been granted to employees as phantom shares of Ally at no cost to the recipient upon their 
grant. Prior to our IPO, these awards were paid in cash. As a result, RSU awards required liability treatment and were remeasured quarterly at 
the Share Price Valuation until they were paid. The compensation costs related to these awards were ratably charged to expense over the 
applicable service period. Changes in the value related to the portion of the awards that had vested and had not been paid were recognized in 
earnings in the period in which the changes occurred. After the IPO, the majority of existing RSU awards settle in the form of Ally common 
stock, which changed the award classification from a liability award to an equity award. As a result of this classification change, a 
modification to the accounting for the existing awards was required. As part of the modification, the stock closing price on the date of the IPO 
(April 10, 2014) of $23.98 was used as the modification date value. The remaining RSU cost for these awards, based on the modification date 
value, was ratably charged to expense over the applicable service periods with an offset to additional paid-in capital. RSU awards granted in 
2015, 2014, and 2013 generally vest ratably over a two-year period starting on the date the award was issued and convert into shares of 
common stock at the end of the two-year period. RSU awards granted in 2016 generally vest one third ratably each year over a three-year 
period starting on the date the award was issued and are converted into shares of common stock as of the vesting date. At December 31, 2016, 
there were a total of 7,307,246 PSU and RSU award shares outstanding, composed of 253,461 shares awarded during 2014, 3,687,361 shares 
awarded during 2015, and 3,366,424 shares awarded during 2016. At December 31, 2015, there were a total of 6,476,427 RSU award shares 
outstanding, composed of 254,150 shares awarded during 2013, 1,691,509 shares awarded during 2014, and 4,530,768 shares awarded during 
2015. We recognized expense related to PSU and RSU awards of $54 million, $49 million, and $46 million, for the years ended December 31, 
2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively. These costs were recorded as compensation and benefits expense in our Consolidated Statement of 
Income.

DSU Awards

We discontinued granting DSU awards in 2015. DSU awards were generally granted to senior executives as phantom shares of Ally and 

were included as part of their base salary. DSU awards were commonly granted ratably each pay period throughout the year, vested 
immediately upon grant, and paid in cash. DSUs awarded in 2015 and 2014 will generally be redeemable in three equal installments: the first 
on the final payroll date of the respective year of grant, the second ratably over the first year following the grant date, and the third ratably 
over the second year following the grant date. The DSU awards require liability treatment and are remeasured monthly at fair value based on 
market price until they are paid, with each change in value fully charged to compensation expense in the period in which the change occurs. 
At December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015, there were a total of 356,979 and 1,395,105 DSU awards outstanding, respectively. We 
recognized a reduction of expense related to DSU awards, before economic hedge, of $1 million for the year ended December 31, 2016, and 
expense, before economic hedge, of $3 million, and $42 million for the years ended December 31, 2015, and 2014, respectively, for the 

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

outstanding awards. These costs were recorded as compensation and benefits expense in our Consolidated Statement of Income. For further 
information on our derivative instruments, refer to Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

IRSU Awards

We discontinued granting IRSU awards in 2015. IRSU awards were incentive awards that had been granted to senior executives as 
phantom shares of Ally and vested based on continued service with Ally. The awards were paid in cash after the vesting requirements were 
met. Payouts were based on fair value of Ally shares at the time of the payout. The awards required liability treatment and were remeasured 
monthly at fair value based on market price until they were paid. The compensation costs related to these awards were ratably charged to 
expense over the requisite service period. Changes in value related to the portion of the awards that were vested and had not been paid were 
recognized in earnings in the period in which the changes occurred. As of December 31, 2016, all IRSU awards granted had fully vested and 
been paid. At December 31, 2015, there were a total of 51,103 IRSU award shares outstanding. We recognized an expense related to IRSU 
awards, before economic hedge, of $0 million and $1 million for the years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015, respectively, and a reduction 
of expense, before economic hedge, of $2 million for the year ended December 31, 2014, for the outstanding awards. These costs were 
recorded as compensation and benefits expense in our Consolidated Statement of Income. For further information on our derivative 
instruments, refer to Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

25.  Fair Value
Fair Value Measurements

For purposes of this disclosure, fair value is defined as the exchange price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a 

liability (exit price) in the principal or most advantageous market in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement 
date under current market conditions. Fair value is based on the assumptions we believe market participants would use when pricing an asset 
or liability. Additionally, entities are required to consider all aspects of nonperformance risk, including the entity’s own credit standing, when 
measuring the fair value of a liability.

GAAP specifies a three-level hierarchy that is used when measuring and disclosing fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest 

priority to quoted prices available in active markets (i.e., observable inputs) and the lowest priority to data lacking transparency (i.e., 
unobservable inputs). An instrument’s categorization within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of significant input to its 
valuation. The following is a description of the three hierarchy levels.

Level 1 

Level 2 

Level 3 

Inputs are quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities at the measurement date. Additionally, the entity 
must have the ability to access the active market, and the quoted prices cannot be adjusted by the entity.

Inputs are other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or 
indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices in active markets for similar assets or liabilities; quoted prices in inactive 
markets for identical or similar assets or liabilities; or inputs that are observable or can be corroborated by observable 
market data by correlation or other means for substantially the full term of the assets or liabilities.

Unobservable inputs are supported by little or no market activity. The unobservable inputs represent management's best 
assumptions of how market participants would price the assets or liabilities. Generally, Level 3 assets and liabilities are 
valued using pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies, or similar techniques that require significant judgment 
or estimation.

Transfers 

Transfers into or out of any hierarchy level are recognized at the end of the reporting period in which the transfer occurred. 
There were no transfers between any levels for the year ended December 31, 2016.

Following are descriptions of the valuation methodologies used to measure material assets and liabilities at fair value and details of the 

valuation models, key inputs to those models, and significant assumptions utilized.

• 

• 

Available-for-sale securities — All classes of available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value based on observable market 
prices, when available. If observable market prices are not available, our valuations are based on internally developed discounted 
cash flow models (an income approach) that use a market-based discount rate and consider recent market transactions, experience 
with similar securities, current business conditions, and analysis of the underlying collateral, as available. To estimate cash flows, 
we are required to utilize various significant assumptions including market observable inputs (e.g., forward interest rates) and 
internally developed inputs (including prepayment speeds, delinquency levels, and credit losses).

Interests retained in financial asset sales — Includes certain noncertificated interests retained from the sale of automotive finance 
receivables. Due to inactivity in the market, valuations are based on internally developed discounted cash flow models (an income 
approach) that use a market-based discount rate; therefore, we classified these assets as Level 3. The valuation considers recent 
market transactions, experience with similar assets, current business conditions, and analysis of the underlying collateral, as 
available. To estimate cash flows, we utilize various significant assumptions, including market observable inputs (e.g., forward 
interest rates) and internally developed inputs (e.g., prepayment speeds, delinquency levels, and credit losses).

•  Derivative instruments — We enter into a variety of derivative financial instruments as part of our risk management strategies. 

Certain of these derivatives are exchange traded, such as Eurodollar futures, options of Eurodollar futures, and equity options. To 

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

determine the fair value of these instruments, we utilize the quoted market prices for the particular derivative contracts; therefore, 
we classified these contracts as Level 1.

We also execute over-the-counter (OTC) and centrally-cleared derivative contracts, such as interest rate swaps, a cross-
currency swap, swaptions, foreign-currency denominated forward contracts, prepaid equity forward contracts, caps, floors, and 
agency to-be-announced securities. For OTC contracts, we utilize third-party-developed valuation models that are widely accepted 
in the market to value these OTC derivative contracts. The specific terms of the contract and market observable inputs (such as 
interest rate forward curves, interpolated volatility assumptions, or equity pricing) are used in the model. We classified these OTC 
derivative contracts as Level 2 because all significant inputs into these models were market observable. For centrally-cleared 
contracts, we utilize unadjusted prices obtained from the clearing house as the basis for valuation, and they are also classified as 
Level 2. We did not have any derivative instruments classified as Level 3 as of December 31, 2016, or December 31, 2015.

We are required to consider all aspects of nonperformance risk, including our own credit standing, when measuring fair value 

of a liability. We reduce credit risk on the majority of our derivatives by entering into legally enforceable agreements that enable the 
posting and receiving of collateral associated with the fair value of our derivative positions on an ongoing basis. In the event that we 
do not enter into legally enforceable agreements that enable the posting and receiving of collateral, we will consider our credit risk 
and the credit risk of our counterparties in the valuation of derivative instruments through a credit valuation adjustment (CVA), if 
warranted. The CVA calculation utilizes the credit default swap spreads of the counterparty.

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Recurring Fair Value

The following tables display the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis including financial instruments elected 

for the fair value option. We often economically hedge the fair value change of our assets or liabilities with derivatives and other financial 
instruments. The tables below display the hedges separately from the hedged items; therefore, they do not directly display the impact of our 
risk management activities.

December 31, 2016 ($ in millions)

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Recurring fair value measurements

Assets

Investment securities

Available-for-sale securities

Debt securities

U.S. Treasury and federal agencies

U.S. States and political subdivisions

Foreign government

Agency mortgage-backed residential

Mortgage-backed residential

Mortgage-backed commercial

Asset-backed

Corporate debt

Total debt securities

Equity securities (a)

Total available-for-sale securities

Other assets

Interests retained in financial asset sales

Derivative contracts in a receivable position (b)

Interest rate

Foreign currency

Other

Total derivative contracts in a receivable position

Total assets

Liabilities

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

Derivative contracts in a payable position (b)

Interest rate

Other

Total derivative contracts in a payable position

Total liabilities

$

1,620

$

— $

— $

1,620

—

11

—

—

—

—

—

1,631

595

2,226

—

—

—

1

1

782

151

10,290

2,097

537

1,400

1,443

16,700

—

16,700

—

92

2

—

94

2,227

$

16,794

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

29

—

—

—

—

29

782

162

10,290

2,097

537

1,400

1,443

18,331

595

18,926

29

92

2

1

95

$

19,050

— $

(94) $

— $

(1)

(1)

—

(94)

—

—

(1) $

(94) $

— $

(94)

(1)

(95)

(95)

$

$

$

(a)  Our investment in any one industry did not exceed 14%.
(b)  For additional information on derivative instruments and hedging activities, refer to Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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December 31, 2015 ($ in millions)

Assets

Investment securities

Available-for-sale securities

Debt securities

U.S. Treasury and federal agencies

U.S. States and political subdivisions

Foreign government

Agency mortgage-backed residential

Mortgage-backed residential

Mortgage-backed commercial

Asset-backed

Corporate debt

Total debt securities

Equity securities (a)

Total available-for-sale securities

Other assets

Interests retained in financial asset sales

Derivative contracts in a receivable position (b)

Interest rate

Other

Total derivative contracts in a receivable position

Total assets

Liabilities

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

Derivative contracts in a payable position (b)

Interest rate

Foreign currency

Other

Total derivative contracts in a payable position

Total liabilities

Recurring fair value measurements

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

$

— $

1,741

$

1,469

$

—

10

—

—

—

—

—

1,479

717

2,196

—

2

2

4

272

716

167

7,544

2,822

481

1,755

1,204

14,961

—

14,961

—

229

—

229

2,200

$

15,190

$

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

40

—

—

—

40

716

177

7,544

2,822

481

1,755

1,204

16,440

717

17,157

40

231

2

233

$

17,430

(2) $

(133) $

— $

(135)

—

(1)

(3)

(1)

(8)

(142)

—

—

—

(3) $

(142) $

— $

(1)

(9)

(145)

(145)

$

$

$

(a)  Our investment in any one industry did not exceed 14%.
(b)  For additional information on derivative instruments and hedging activities, refer to Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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The following tables present the reconciliation for all Level 3 assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis. We often 

economically hedge the fair value change of our assets or liabilities with derivatives and other financial instruments. The Level 3 items 
presented below may be hedged by derivatives and other financial instruments that are classified as Level 1 or Level 2. Thus, the following 
tables do not fully reflect the impact of our risk management activities.

Level 3 recurring fair value measurements

Net realized/unrealized
gains

Fair value at
Jan. 1, 2016

included
in
earnings

included
in OCI

Purchases Sales

Issuances Settlements

Net unrealized
gains included
in earnings
still held at
December 31,
2016

Fair value at
December 31,
2016

($ in millions)

Assets

Other assets

Interests retained in financial asset sales

Total assets

$

$

40 $

40 $

4 (a) $

4

$

— $

— $

— $

— $

9 $

9 $

— $

— $

(24) $

(24) $

29 $

29 $

—

—

(a)  Reported as other income, net of losses, in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

Level 3 recurring fair value measurements

Net realized/unrealized
gains

Fair value at
Jan. 1, 2015

included
in
earnings

included
in OCI

Purchases

Sales

Issuances

Settlements

Net unrealized
gains included
in earnings
still held at
December 31,
2015

Fair value at
December 31,
2015

($ in millions)

Assets

Mortgage loans held-for-sale, net

Other assets

Interests retained in financial asset sales

Total assets

$

$

3 $

1

47

9 (a)

50 $

10

$

$

(a)  Reported as other income, net of losses, in the Consolidated Statement of Income.

— $

— $

(4) $

— $

— $

— $

—

— $

—

—

26

— $

(4) $

26 $

(42)

(42) $

40

40 $

—

—

—

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Nonrecurring Fair Value

We may be required to measure certain assets and liabilities at fair value from time to time. These periodic fair value measures typically 

result from the application of lower-of-cost or fair value accounting or certain impairment measures. These items would constitute 
nonrecurring fair value measures.

The following tables display the assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis.

December 31, 2016 ($ in millions)

Level 1 Level 2 Level 3

Total

Nonrecurring
fair value measurements

Lower-of-
cost or
fair value
or valuation

Total (loss)
gain included 
in earnings for
the year ended

Assets

Commercial finance receivables and loans, net (a)

Commercial and industrial

Automotive

Other

Total commercial finance receivables and loans, net

Other assets

Repossessed and foreclosed assets (c)

Other

Total assets

$ — $ — $

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

$

27

65

92

12

4

$

27

65

92

12

4

$ — $ — $

108

$

108

$

(4)

(19)

(23)

(4)

—

(27)

n/m (b)

n/m (b)

n/m (b)

n/m (b)

n/m (b)

n/m

n/m = not meaningful
(a)  Represents the portion of the portfolio specifically impaired during 2016. The related valuation allowance represents the cumulative adjustment to fair 

value of those specific receivables.

(b)  We consider the applicable valuation or loan loss allowance to be the most relevant indicator of the impact on earnings caused by the fair value 

measurement. Accordingly, the table above excludes total gains and losses included in earnings for these items. The carrying values are inclusive of the 
respective valuation or loan loss allowance.

(c)  The allowance provided for repossessed and foreclosed assets represents any cumulative valuation adjustment recognized to adjust the assets to fair value.

December 31, 2015 ($ in millions)

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Nonrecurring
fair value measurements

Lower-of-
cost or
fair value
or valuation

Total loss 
included in 
earnings for
the year ended

Assets

Loans held-for-sale, net

Commercial finance receivables and loans, net (b)

Commercial and industrial

Automotive

Other

Commercial real estate — Automotive

Total commercial finance receivables and loans, net

Other assets

Repossessed and foreclosed assets (c)

Other

Total assets

$ — $ — $

105

$

105

$

—

n/m (a)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

19

29

4

52

9

6

19

29

4

52

9

6

$ — $ — $

172

$

172

$

(2)

(15)

(3)

(20)

(3)

(2)

(25)

n/m (a)

n/m (a)

n/m (a)

n/m (a)

n/m (a)

n/m (a)

n/m

n/m = not meaningful
(a)  We consider the applicable valuation or loan loss allowance to be the most relevant indicator of the impact on earnings caused by the fair value 

measurement. Accordingly, the table above excludes total gains and losses included in earnings for these items. The carrying values are inclusive of the 
respective valuation or loan loss allowance.

(b)  Represents the portion of the portfolio specifically impaired during 2015. The related valuation allowance represents the cumulative adjustment to fair 

value of those specific receivables.

(c)  The allowance provided for repossessed and foreclosed assets represents any cumulative valuation adjustment recognized to adjust the assets to fair value.

Fair Value Option for Financial Assets

We elected the fair value option for an insignificant amount of conforming and non-conforming mortgage loans held-for-sale. We elected 

the fair value option to mitigate earnings volatility by better matching the accounting for the assets with the related hedges. Our intent in 
electing fair value measurement was to mitigate a divergence between accounting losses and economic exposure for certain assets and 
liabilities.

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Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The following table presents the carrying and estimated fair value of financial instruments, except for those recorded at fair value on a 

recurring basis presented in the previous section of this note titled Recurring Fair Value. When possible, we use quoted market prices to 
determine fair value. Where quoted market prices are not available, the fair value is internally derived based on appropriate valuation 
methodologies with respect to the amount and timing of future cash flows and estimated discount rates. However, considerable judgment is 
required in interpreting current market data to develop the market assumptions and inputs necessary to estimate fair value. As such, the actual 
amount received to sell an asset or the amount paid to settle a liability could differ from our estimates. Fair value information presented herein 
was based on information available at December 31, 2016, and December 31, 2015.

December 31, ($ in millions)

2016

Financial assets

Held-to-maturity securities

Finance receivables and loans, net

Nonmarketable equity investments

Financial liabilities

Deposit liabilities

Short-term borrowings

Long-term debt

2015

Financial assets

Loans held-for-sale, net

Finance receivables and loans, net

Nonmarketable equity investments

Financial liabilities

Deposit liabilities

Short-term borrowings

Long-term debt

Carrying
value

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

Estimated fair value

$

839

$

— $

789

$

— $

789

117,800

1,046

—

—

—

1,012

118,750

55

118,750

1,067

$

79,022

$

— $

— $

78,469

$

12,673

54,128

—

—

—

22,036

12,675

34,084

78,469

12,675

56,120

$

105

$

— $

— $

105

$

105

110,546

418

—

—

—

391

110,737

110,737

42

433

$

66,478

$

— $

— $

66,889

$

8,101

66,234

—

—

—

23,018

8,102

45,157

66,889

8,102

68,175

The following describes the methodologies and assumptions used to determine fair value for the significant classes of financial 
instruments. In addition to the valuation methods discussed below, we also followed guidelines for determining whether a market was not 
active and a transaction was not distressed. We assumed the price that would be received in an orderly transaction (including a market-based 
return) and not in forced liquidation or distressed sale.

• 

Cash and cash equivalents — Included in cash and cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to 
known amounts of cash and which are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value due to interest rate, quoted price, or penalty 
on withdrawal. Classified as Level 1 under the fair value hierarchy, cash and cash equivalents generally expose us to limited credit 
risk and are so near maturity that they present insignificant risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. 
Accordingly, the carrying value approximates the fair value of these instruments.

•  Held-to-maturity securities — Held-to-maturity securities, which consist of residential mortgage-backed debt securities issued by 
government agencies, are carried at amortized cost. For fair value disclosure purposes, held-to-maturity securities are classified as 
Level 2, with fair value based on observable market prices, when available.

• 

Finance receivables and loans, net — With the exception of mortgage loans held-for-investment, the fair value of finance 
receivables and loans was based on discounted future cash flows using applicable spreads to approximate current rates applicable to 
each category of finance receivables and loans (an income approach using Level 3 inputs). The carrying value of commercial 
receivables in certain markets and certain automotive and other receivables for which interest rates reset on a short-term basis with 
applicable market indices are assumed to approximate fair value either because of the short-term nature or because of the interest 
rate adjustment feature. The fair value of commercial receivables in other markets was based on discounted future cash flows using 
applicable spreads to approximate current rates applicable to similar assets in those markets.

The fair value of mortgage loans held-for-investment was based on a discounted cash flow basis utilizing cash flow projections 

from internally developed models that utilized prepayment, default, and discount rate assumptions. These valuations consider 
unique attributes of the loans such as geography, delinquency status, product type, and other factors.

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•  Nonmarketable equity investments — Nonmarketable equity investments primarily include investments in FHLB and FRB stock 

and other equity investments carried at cost. As a member of the FHLB and FRB, Ally Bank is required to hold FHLB and FRB 
stock. The stock can be sold only to the FHLB and FRB upon termination of membership, or redeemed at the sole discretion of the 
FHLB and FRB, respectively. The fair value of FHLB and FRB stock is equal to the stock’s par value since the stock is bought, 
sold, and/or redeemed at par. FHLB and FRB stock is carried at cost, which generally represents the stock’s par value.

•  Deposit liabilities — Deposit liabilities represent certain consumer and brokered bank deposits, mortgage escrow deposits, and 

dealer deposits. The fair value of deposits at Level 3 was estimated by discounting projected cash flows based on discount factors 
derived from the forward interest rate swap curve.

• 

• 

Short-term borrowings and Long-term debt — Level 2 debt was valued using quoted market prices for similar instruments, when 
available, or other means for substantiation with observable inputs. Debt valued by discounting projected cash flows using 
internally derived inputs, such as prepayment speeds and discount rates, was classified as Level 3.

Financial instruments for which carrying value approximates fair value — Certain financial instruments that are not carried at 
fair value on the consolidated balance sheet are carried at amounts that approximate fair value primarily due to their short term 
nature and limited credit risk. These instruments include restricted cash, cash collateral, accrued interest receivable, accrued interest 
payable, trade receivables and payables, and other short term receivables and payables.

26.  Offsetting Assets and Liabilities

Our derivative contracts and repurchase/reverse repurchase transactions are supported by qualifying master netting and master 
repurchase agreements. These agreements are legally enforceable bilateral agreements that (1) create a single legal obligation for all 
individual transactions covered by the agreement to the nondefaulting entity upon an event of default of the counterparty, including 
bankruptcy, insolvency, or similar proceeding, and (2) provide the nondefaulting entity the right to accelerate, terminate, and close-out on a 
net basis all transactions under the agreement and to liquidate or set off collateral promptly upon an event of default of the counterparty.

To further mitigate the risk of counterparty default related to derivative instruments, we maintain collateral agreements with certain 
counterparties. The agreements require both parties to maintain collateral in the event the fair values of the derivative financial instruments 
meet established thresholds. In the event that either party defaults on the obligation, the secured party may seize the collateral. Generally, our 
collateral arrangements are bilateral such that we and the counterparty post collateral for the value of our total obligation to each other. 
Contractual terms provide for standard and customary exchange of collateral based on changes in the market value of the outstanding 
derivatives. The securing party posts additional collateral when their obligation rises or removes collateral when it falls, such that the net 
replacement cost of the nondefaulting party is covered in the event of counterparty default.

In certain instances as it relates to our derivative instruments, we have the option to report derivative assets and liabilities as well as 
assets and liabilities associated with cash collateral received or delivered that is governed by a master netting agreement on a net basis as long 
as certain qualifying criteria are met. Similarly, for our repurchase/reverse repurchase transactions, we have the option to report recognized 
assets and liabilities subject to a master netting agreement on a net basis if certain qualifying criteria are met. At December 31, 2016, these 
instruments are reported as gross assets and gross liabilities on the Consolidated Balance Sheet.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

The composition of offsetting derivative instruments, financial assets, and financial liabilities was as follows.

Gross
amounts of
recognized
assets/
(liabilities)

Gross
amounts
offset in the
Consolidated
Balance
Sheet

Net amounts 
of assets/
(liabilities)
presented in 
the
Consolidated 
Balance Sheet

Gross amounts not offset in
the Consolidated Balance
Sheet

Financial
instruments

Collateral
(a) (b) (c)

Net
amount

$

$

$

$

87

8

95

$

$

— $

—

— $

87

8

95

$

$

(91) $

— $

(91) $

(4)

(95)

(676)

(771) $

—

—

—

— $

(4)

(95)

(676)

(771) $

(4) $

(8)

(12) $

8

4

12

—

12

$

$

(9) $

—

(9) $

13

—

13

676

689

$

$

74

—

74

(70)

—

(70)

—

(70)

December 31, 2016 ($ in millions)

Assets

Derivative assets in net asset positions

Derivative assets in net liability positions

Total assets (d)

Liabilities

Derivative liabilities in net liability

positions

Derivative liabilities in net asset positions

Total derivative liabilities (d)

Securities sold under agreements to

repurchase (e)

Total liabilities

(a)  Financial collateral received/pledged shown as a balance based on the sum of all net asset and liability positions between Ally and each individual 

derivative counterparty.

(b)  Amounts disclosed are limited to the financial asset or liability balance and, accordingly, exclude excess collateral received or pledged and noncash 
collateral received. $6 million of noncash derivative collateral pledged to us was excluded at December 31, 2016. We do not record such collateral 
received on our Consolidated Balance Sheet unless certain conditions are met.

(c)  Certain agreements grant us the right to sell or pledge the noncash assets we receive as collateral. Noncash collateral pledged to us where the agreement 

grants us the right to sell or pledge the underlying assets had a fair value of $6 million at December 31, 2016. We have not sold or pledged any of the 
noncash collateral received under these agreements as of December 31, 2016.

(d)  For additional information on derivative instruments and hedging activities, refer to Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(e)  For additional information on securities sold under agreements to repurchase, refer to Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Gross
amounts of
recognized
assets/
(liabilities)

Gross
amounts
offset in the
Consolidated
Balance
Sheet

Net amounts 
of assets/
(liabilities) 
presented in 
the
Consolidated 
Balance Sheet

Gross amounts not offset in the
Consolidated Balance Sheet

Financial
instruments

Collateral
(a) (b) (c)

Net
amount

$

$

$

224

9

233

$

$

(68) $

(69)

(8)

(145)

(648)

— $

—

— $

— $

—

—

—

—

$

(793) $

— $

224

9

233

$

$

(68) $

(69)

(8)

(145)

(648)

(793) $

(69) $

(9)

(78) $

9

69

—

78

—

78

$

$

(67) $

—

(67) $

$

2

—

—

2

648

650

$

88

—

88

(57)

—

(8)

(65)

—

(65)

December 31, 2015 ($ in millions)

Assets

Derivative assets in net asset positions

Derivative assets in net liability positions

Total assets (d)

Liabilities

Derivative liabilities in net liability

positions

Derivative liabilities in net asset positions

Derivative liabilities with no offsetting

arrangements

Total derivative liabilities (d)

Securities sold under agreements to

repurchase (e)

Total liabilities

(a)  Financial collateral received/pledged shown as a balance based on the sum of all net asset and liability positions between Ally and each individual 

derivative counterparty.

(b)  Amounts disclosed are limited to the financial asset or liability balance and, accordingly, exclude excess collateral received or pledged and noncash 
collateral received. $7 million of noncash derivative collateral pledged to us was excluded at December 31, 2015. We do not record such collateral 
received on our Consolidated Balance Sheet unless certain conditions are met.

(c)  Certain agreements grant us the right to sell or pledge the noncash assets we receive as collateral. Noncash collateral pledged to us where the agreement 

grants us the right to sell or pledge the underlying assets had a fair value of $7 million at December 31, 2015. We have not sold or pledged any of the 
noncash collateral received under these agreements as of December 31, 2015.

(d)  For additional information on derivative instruments and hedging activities, refer to Note 22 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.
(e)  For additional information on securities sold under agreements to repurchase, refer to Note 16 to the Consolidated Financial Statements.

27.  Segment and Geographic Information

Operating segments are defined as components of an enterprise that engage in business activity from which revenues are earned and 
expenses incurred for which discrete financial information is available that is evaluated regularly by our chief operating decision maker in 
deciding how to allocate resources and in assessing performance.

We report our results of operations on a line-of-business basis through four operating segments: Automotive Finance operations, 

Insurance operations, Mortgage Finance operations, and Corporate Finance operations, with the remaining activity reported in Corporate and 
Other. The operating segments are determined based on the products and services offered, and reflect the manner in which financial 
information is currently evaluated by management. The following is a description of each of our reportable operating segments.

Automotive Finance operations — Provides U.S.-based automotive financing services to consumers and automotive dealers, and 
automotive and equipment financing services to companies and municipalities. Our automotive finance services include providing 
retail installment sales contracts, loans, and leases, offering term loans to dealers, financing dealer floorplans and other lines of 
credit to dealers, fleet financing, providing financing to companies and municipalities for the purchase or lease of vehicles and 
equipment, and vehicle remarketing services.

Insurance operations — Offers both consumer finance protection and insurance products sold primarily through the automotive 
dealer channel, and commercial insurance products sold directly to dealers. As part of our focus on offering dealers a broad range of 
consumer financial and insurance products, we provide VSCs, VMCs, and GAP products. We also underwrite selected commercial 
insurance coverages, which primarily insure dealers' wholesale vehicle inventory.

Mortgage Finance operations — Primarily consists of the management of a held-for-investment consumer mortgage finance loan 
portfolio, which includes bulk purchases of high-quality jumbo and LMI mortgage loans originated by third parties. In late 2016, we 
also introduced limited direct mortgage originations consisting of jumbo and conforming mortgages through a third-party 
fulfillment partner, LenderLive. Under our current arrangement, conforming mortgages will be originated as held-for-sale and sold 
to LenderLive, while jumbo mortgages will be originated as held-for-investment. Servicing will be performed by a third party and 
no mortgage servicing rights will be created. Direct mortgage originations did not materially impact our results of operations for the 
year ended December 31, 2016.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Corporate Finance operations — Primarily provides senior secured leveraged cash flow and asset-based loans to mostly U.S.-
based middle market companies. Our primary focus is on businesses owned by private equity sponsors with loans typically used for 
leveraged buyouts, mergers and acquisitions, debt refinancing, restructurings, and working capital.

Corporate and Other primarily consists of activity related to centralized corporate treasury activities such as management of the cash and 

corporate investment securities and loan portfolios, short- and long-term debt, retail and brokered deposit liabilities, derivative instruments, 
the amortization of the discount associated with new debt issuances and bond exchanges, and the residual impacts of our corporate funds-
transfer pricing (FTP) and treasury asset liability management (ALM) activities. Corporate and Other also includes certain equity investments 
which primarily consist of FHLB and FRB stock, the management of our legacy mortgage portfolio which primarily consists of loans 
originated prior to January 1, 2009, and reclassifications and eliminations between the reportable operating segments. Additionally, beginning 
in June 2016, financial information related to TradeKing is included within Corporate and Other.

We utilize an FTP methodology for the majority of our business operations. The FTP methodology assigns charge rates and credit rates 
to classes of assets and liabilities based on expected duration and the benchmark rate curve plus an assumed credit spread. Matching duration 
allocates interest income and interest expense to these reportable segments so their respective results are insulated from interest rate risk. This 
methodology is consistent with our ALM practices, which includes managing interest rate risk centrally at a corporate level. The net residual 
impact of the FTP methodology is included within the results of Corporate and Other.

The information presented in our reportable operating segments and geographic areas tables that follow are based in part on internal 

allocations, which involve management judgment.

Financial information for our reportable operating segments is summarized as follows.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

2016

Net financing revenue and other interest

income (loss)

Other revenue

Total net revenue

Provision for loan losses

Total noninterest expense

Income (loss) from continuing operations

before income tax expense

Total assets

2015

Net financing revenue and other interest

income

Other revenue (loss)

Total net revenue (loss)

Provision for loan losses

Total noninterest expense

Income (loss) from continuing operations

before income tax expense

Total assets

2014

Net financing revenue and other interest

income (loss)

Other revenue (loss)

Total net revenue (loss)

Provision for loan losses

Total noninterest expense
Income (loss) from continuing operations

before income tax expense

Total assets

Automotive
Finance
operations

Insurance
operations

Mortgage
Finance
operations

Corporate
Finance
operations

Corporate
and Other

Consolidated (a)

$

121

$

(37) $

$

3,665

$

61

$

306

3,971

924

1,667

1,036

1,097

—

940

1,380

116,347

$

$

157

7,172

$

$

3,429

$

57

$

235

3,664

696

1,633

1,033

1,090

—

879

1,335

115,636

$

$

211

7,053

$

$

3,321

$

56

$

264

3,585

542

1,614

1,429

113,188

$

$

1,129

1,185

—

988

197

7,190

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

97

—

97

(4)

67

34

8,307

57

—

57

7

39

11

6,461

36

—

36

3

21

12

3,542

26

147

10

66

71

3,183

89

25

114

9

55

50

2,677

59

32

91

(16)

43

64

1,870

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

162

125

(13)

199

3,907

1,530

5,437

917

2,939

(61) $

28,719

$

1,581

163,728

87

$

(151)

(64)

(5)

155

3,719

1,142

4,861

707

2,761

(214) $

26,754

$

1,393

158,581

(97) $

(149)

(246)

(72)

282

(456) $

25,841

$

3,375

1,276

4,651

457

2,948

1,246

151,631

(a)  Net financing revenue and other interest income after the provision for loan losses totaled $3.0 billion, for the years ended December 31, 2016, and 2015, 

and $2.9 billion for the year ended December 31, 2014.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Information concerning principal geographic areas was as follows.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

Total net 
revenue
 (a)

Income
from continuing
operations before
income tax
expense

2016

Canada

Europe

Latin America

Asia-Pacific

Total foreign (e)

Total domestic (f)

Total

2015

Canada

Europe

Latin America

Asia-Pacific

Total foreign (e)

Total domestic (f)

Total

2014

Canada

Europe

Latin America

Asia-Pacific

Total foreign (e)

Total domestic (f)

Total

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

90

—

—

—

90

5,347

5,437

98

1

—

—

99

4,762

4,861

124

2

—

—

126

4,525

44

—

—

—

44

1,537

1,581

47

4

—

—

51

1,342

1,393

54

—

—

—

54

1,192

$

$

$

$

Net income
(loss) (b)

Identifiable
assets (c)

Long-lived
assets (d)

$

32

$

(1)

(1)

—

30

$

499

276

23

2

800

—

—

—

—

—

1,037

162,688

1,067

$

163,488

$

11,846

11,846

35

27

(2)

452

512

777

1,289

68

4

(8)

122

186

964

$

$

514

325

28

2

869

157,685

158,554

590

1,636

29

636

2,891

148,713

$

$

—

—

—

—

—

16,506

16,506

—

—

—

—

—

19,735

19,735

$

4,651

$

1,246

$

1,150

$

151,604

$

(a)  Revenue consists of net financing revenue and other interest income and total other revenue as presented in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
(b)  Gain (loss) realized on sale of discontinued operations are allocated to the geographic area in which the business operated.
(c) 
(d)  Long-lived assets consist of investments in operating leases, net, and net property and equipment.
(e)  Our foreign operations as of December 31, 2016, 2015, and 2014, consist of our ongoing Insurance operations in Canada and our remaining international 

Identifiable assets consist of total assets excluding goodwill.

entities in wind-down.

(f)  Amounts include eliminations between our domestic and foreign operations.

28.  Parent and Guarantor Consolidating Financial Statements

Certain of our senior notes issued by the parent are guaranteed by 100% directly owned subsidiaries of Ally (the Guarantors). As of 
December 31, 2016, the Guarantors include Ally US LLC and IB Finance Holding Company, LLC (IB Finance), each of which fully and 
unconditionally guarantee the senior notes on a joint and several basis.

The following financial statements present condensed consolidating financial data for (i) Ally Financial Inc. (on a parent company-only 
basis); (ii) the Guarantors; (iii) the nonguarantor subsidiaries (all other subsidiaries); and (iv) an elimination column for adjustments to arrive 
at (v) the information for the parent company, the Guarantors, and nonguarantors on a consolidated basis.

Investments in subsidiaries are accounted for by the parent company and the Guarantors using the equity-method for this presentation. 
Results of operations of subsidiaries are therefore classified in the parent company’s and Guarantors’ investment in subsidiaries accounts. The 
elimination entries set forth in the following condensed consolidating financial statements eliminate distributed and undistributed income of 
subsidiaries, investments in subsidiaries, and intercompany balances and transactions between the parent, the Guarantors, and nonguarantors.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Condensed Consolidating Statements of Comprehensive Income

Year ended December 31, 2016 ($ in millions)

Parent

Guarantors Nonguarantors

Consolidating
adjustments

Ally
consolidated

Financing (loss) revenue and other interest income

Interest and fees on finance receivables and loans

$

(104) $

— $

5,266

$

— $

5,162

Interest and fees on finance receivables and loans — intercompany

Interest and dividends on investment securities and other earning assets

Interest on cash and cash equivalents

Interest-bearing cash — intercompany

Operating leases

Total financing (loss) revenue and other interest income

Interest expense

Interest on deposits

Interest on short-term borrowings

Interest on long-term debt

Interest on intercompany debt

Total interest expense

Net depreciation expense on operating lease assets

Net financing revenue

Cash dividends from subsidiaries

Nonbank subsidiaries

Other revenue

Insurance premiums and service revenue earned

(Loss) gain on mortgage and automotive loans, net

Loss on extinguishment of debt

Other gain on investments, net

Other income, net of losses

Total other revenue

Total net revenue

Provision for loan losses

Noninterest expense

Compensation and benefits expense

Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses

Other operating expenses

Total noninterest expense

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income tax

(benefit) expense and undistributed income (loss) of subsidiaries

Income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations

Net (loss) income from continuing operations

Loss from discontinued operations, net of tax

Undistributed income (loss) of subsidiaries

Bank subsidiary

Nonbank subsidiaries

Net income

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

Comprehensive income

—

418

14

—

2,711

8,305

830

57

1,742

—

2,629

1,769

3,907

—

945

11

(5)

185

394

1,530

5,437

917

992

342

1,605

2,939

1,581

470

1,111

(44)

—

—

1,067

(110)

957

11

—

5

—

17

(71)

8

40

1,161

20

1,229

14

(1,314)

965

—

(11)

(3)

—

1,253

1,239

890

408

573

—

1,261

1,834

(1,352)

(279)

(1,073)

(39)

1,273

906

1,067

(110)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(82)

82

—

1,273

(2)

1,353

(63)

8

421

9

9

2,694

8,407

822

17

581

11

1,431

1,755

5,221

—

945

22

(2)

176

937

2,078

7,299

509

419

342

2,130

2,891

3,899

831

3,068

(5)

—

—

3,063

(106)

(19)

(3)

—

(9)

—

(31)

—

—

—

(31)

(31)

—

—

(965)

—

—

—

9

(1,796)

(1,787)

(2,752)

—

—

—

(1,786)

(1,786)

(966)

—

(966)

—

(2,546)

(904)

(4,416)

169

$

957

$

1,290

$

2,957

$

(4,247) $

163

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Year ended December 31, 2015 ($ in millions)

Parent

Guarantors

Nonguarantors

Consolidating
adjustments

Ally
consolidated

Financing (loss) revenue and other interest income

Interest and fees on finance receivables and loans

$

(83) $

— $

4,653

$

— $

4,570

Interest and fees on finance receivables and loans — intercompany

Interest on loans held-for-sale

Interest and dividends on investment securities and other earning assets

Interest on cash and cash equivalents

Interest-bearing cash — intercompany

Operating leases

Total financing (loss) revenue and other interest income

Interest expense

Interest on deposits

Interest on short-term borrowings

Interest on long-term debt

Interest on intercompany debt

Total interest expense

Net depreciation expense on operating lease assets

Net financing revenue

Cash dividends from subsidiaries

Bank subsidiaries

Nonbank subsidiaries

Other revenue

Insurance premiums and service revenue earned

(Loss) gain on mortgage and automotive loans, net

Loss on extinguishment of debt

Other gain on investments, net

Other income, net of losses

Total other revenue

Total net revenue

Provision for loan losses

Noninterest expense

Compensation and benefits expense

Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses

Other operating expenses

Total noninterest expense

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income tax

(benefit) expense and undistributed income (loss) of subsidiaries

Income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations

Net (loss) income from continuing operations

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

Undistributed income (loss) of subsidiaries

Bank subsidiary

Nonbank subsidiaries

Net income

Other comprehensive loss, net of tax

Comprehensive income

—

40

381

8

—

3,398

8,397

718

49

1,662

—

2,429

2,249

3,719

—

—

940

45

(357)

155

359

1,142

4,861

707

963

293

1,505

2,761

1,393

496

897

392

—

—

1,289

(165)

1,124

17

—

—

1

—

9

(56)

10

40

1,121

32

1,203

7

(1,266)

525

1,123

—

(9)

(355)

—

1,373

1,009

1,391

157

571

—

1,247

1,818

(584)

(267)

(317)

356

581

669

1,289

(165)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

525

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

525

—

—

—

—

—

525

—

525

—

581

(1)

1,105

(43)

24

40

381

7

8

3,389

8,502

708

9

541

17

1,275

2,242

4,985

—

—

940

54

(2)

155

1,373

2,520

7,505

550

842

293

2,195

3,330

3,625

763

2,862

36

—

—

2,898

(172)

(41)

—

—

—

(8)

—

(49)

—

—

—

(49)

(49)

—

—

(1,050)

(1,123)

—

—

—

—

(2,387)

(2,387)

(4,560)

—

(450)

—

(1,937)

(2,387)

(2,173)

—

(2,173)

—

(1,162)

(668)

(4,003)

215

$

1,124

$

1,062

$

2,726

$

(3,788) $

164

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Year ended December 31, 2014 ($ in millions)

Financing revenue and other interest income

Parent

Guarantors

Nonguarantors

Consolidating
adjustments

Ally
consolidated

Interest and fees on finance receivables and loans

$

(14) $

— $

4,471

$

— $

4,457

Interest and fees on finance receivables and loans — intercompany

Interest on loans held-for-sale

Interest and dividends on investment securities and other earning assets

Interest on cash and cash equivalents

Interest-bearing cash — intercompany

Operating leases

Total financing revenue and other interest income

Interest expense

Interest on deposits

Interest on short-term borrowings

Interest on long-term debt

Interest on intercompany debt

Total interest expense

Net depreciation expense on operating lease assets

Net financing revenue

Cash dividends from subsidiaries

Bank subsidiaries

Nonbank subsidiaries

Other revenue

Insurance premiums and service revenue earned

(Loss) gain on mortgage and automotive loans, net

Loss on extinguishment of debt

Other gain on investments, net

Other income, net of losses

Total other revenue

Total net revenue

Provision for loan losses

Noninterest expense

Compensation and benefits expense

Insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses

Other operating expenses

Total noninterest expense

(Loss) income from continuing operations before income tax

(benefit) expense and undistributed (loss) income of subsidiaries

Income tax (benefit) expense from continuing operations

Net income from continuing operations

Income from discontinued operations, net of tax

Undistributed (loss) income of subsidiaries

Bank subsidiary

Nonbank subsidiaries

Net income

Other comprehensive income, net of tax

Comprehensive income

—

1

367

8

—

3,558

8,391

664

52

2,067

—

2,783

2,233

3,375

—

—

979

7

(202)

181

311

1,276

4,651

457

947

410

1,591

2,948

1,246

321

925

225

—

—

1,150

210

1,360

37

—

—

1

—

269

293

15

43

1,492

88

1,638

161

(1,506)

1,800

651

—

(5)

(202)

—

1,279

1,072

2,017

250

586

—

1,267

1,853

(86)

(457)

371

193

(680)

1,266

1,150

210

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,800

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

1,800

—

—

—

—

—

1,800

—

1,800

—

(680)

(1)

1,119

188

82

1

367

7

6

3,289

8,223

649

9

575

37

1,270

2,072

4,881

—

—

979

12

—

181

1,299

2,471

7,352

207

793

410

2,159

3,362

3,783

778

3,005

32

—

—

3,037

212

(119)

—

—

—

(6)

—

(125)

—

—

—

(125)

(125)

—

—

(3,600)

(651)

—

—

—

—

(2,267)

(2,267)

(6,518)

—

(432)

—

(1,835)

(2,267)

(4,251)

—

(4,251)

—

1,360

(1,265)

(4,156)

(400)

$

1,360

$

1,307

$

3,249

$

(4,556) $

165

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Condensed Consolidating Balance Sheet

December 31, 2016 ($ in millions)

Parent (a) Guarantors Nonguarantors (a)

Consolidating
adjustments

Ally
consolidated

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Noninterest-bearing

Interest-bearing

Interest-bearing — intercompany

Total cash and cash equivalents

Trading securities

Available-for-sale securities

Held-to-maturity securities

Finance receivables and loans, net

Finance receivables and loans, net

Intercompany loans to

Bank subsidiary

Nonbank subsidiaries

Allowance for loan losses

Total finance receivables and loans, net

Investment in operating leases, net

Intercompany receivables from

Bank subsidiary

Nonbank subsidiaries

Investment in subsidiaries

Bank subsidiary

Nonbank subsidiaries

Premiums receivable and other insurance assets

Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Deposit liabilities

Noninterest-bearing

Interest-bearing

Total deposit liabilities

Short-term borrowings

Long-term debt

Intercompany debt to

Bank subsidiary

Nonbank subsidiaries

Intercompany payables to

Nonbank subsidiaries

Interest payable

Unearned insurance premiums and service revenue

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

Total liabilities

Total equity

Total liabilities and equity

$

720

100

—

820

—

—

—

4,705

1,125

1,779

(115)

7,494

42

299

107

17,727

10,318

—

4,347

$

— $

827

$

— $

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

17,727

—

—

—

4,287

401

5,515

82

19,253

839

114,239

—

626

(1,029)

113,836

11,428

—

67

—

—

1,936

5,085

—

(401)

(401)

(82)

(327)

—

—

(1,125)

(2,405)

—

(3,530)

—

(299)

(174)

(35,454)

(10,318)

(31)

(2,578)

1,547

4,387

—

5,934

—

18,926

839

118,944

—

—

(1,144)

117,800

11,470

—

—

—

—

1,905

6,854

$

41,154

$

17,727

$

158,041

$

(53,194) $

163,728

$

— $

— $

84

$

— $

167

167

3,622

21,798

330

1,027

153

253

—

487

27,837

13,317

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

17,727

78,771

78,855

9,051

32,330

—

2,903

351

98

2,500

3,911

129,999

28,042

—

—

—

—

(330)

(3,930)

(504)

—

—

(2,661)

(7,425)

(45,769)

84

78,938

79,022

12,673

54,128

—

—

—

351

2,500

1,737

150,411

13,317

$

41,154

$

17,727

$

158,041

$

(53,194) $

163,728

(a)  Amounts presented are based upon the legal transfer of the underlying assets to VIEs in order to reflect legal ownership.

166

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

December 31, 2015 ($ in millions)

Parent (a)

Guarantors

Nonguarantors (a)

Consolidating
adjustments

Ally
consolidated

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Noninterest-bearing

Interest-bearing

Interest-bearing — intercompany

Total cash and cash equivalents

Available-for-sale securities

Loans held-for-sale, net

Finance receivables and loans, net

Finance receivables and loans, net

Intercompany loans to

Bank subsidiary

Nonbank subsidiaries

Allowance for loan losses

Total finance receivables and loans, net

Investment in operating leases, net

Intercompany receivables from

Bank subsidiary

Nonbank subsidiaries

Investment in subsidiaries

Bank subsidiary

Nonbank subsidiaries

Premiums receivable and other insurance assets

Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Deposit liabilities

Noninterest-bearing

Interest-bearing

Total deposit liabilities

Short-term borrowings

Long-term debt

Intercompany debt to

Nonbank subsidiaries

Intercompany payables to

Bank subsidiary

Nonbank subsidiaries

Interest payable

Unearned insurance premiums and service revenue

Accrued expenses and other liabilities

Total liabilities

Total equity

Total liabilities and equity

$

1,234

$

— $

914

$

— $

401

—

1,635

—

—

2,636

600

3,277

(72)

6,441

81

186

259

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

16,496

10,902

—

4,785

16,496

11

—

—

3,831

850

5,595

17,157

105

108,964

—

559

(982)

108,541

16,190

—

282

—

—

1,827

4,488

—

(850)

(850)

—

—

—

(600)

(3,836)

—

(4,436)

—

(186)

(541)

(32,992)

(10,913)

(26)

(2,952)

2,148

4,232

—

6,380

17,157

105

111,600

—

—

(1,054)

110,546

16,271

—

—

—

—

1,801

6,321

$

40,785

$

16,507

$

154,185

$

(52,896) $

158,581

$

— $

— $

89

$

— $

229

229

3,453

21,048

1,409

142

420

258

—

387

27,346

13,439

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

82

82

16,425

66,160

66,249

4,648

45,186

—

—

—

—

3,877

(5,286)

—

191

92

2,434

4,028

126,705

27,480

(142)

(611)

—

—

(2,952)

(8,991)

(43,905)

89

66,389

66,478

8,101

66,234

—

—

—

350

2,434

1,545

145,142

13,439

$

40,785

$

16,507

$

154,185

$

(52,896) $

158,581

(a)  Amounts presented are based upon the legal transfer of the underlying assets to VIEs in order to reflect legal ownership.

167

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Condensed Consolidating Statement of Cash Flows

Year ended December 31, 2016 ($ in millions)

Parent

Guarantors Nonguarantors

Consolidating
adjustments

Ally
consolidated

Operating activities

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

241

$

6

$

5,383

$

(1,063) $

4,567

Investing activities

Purchases of available-for-sale securities

Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities

Proceeds from maturities and repayments of available-for-sale

securities

Purchases of held-to-maturity securities

Purchases of loans held-for-investment

Proceeds from sales of finance receivables and loans originated as held-

for-investment

Originations and repayments of loans held-for-investment and other

Net change in loans — intercompany

Purchases of operating lease assets

Disposals of operating lease assets

Acquisitions, net of cash acquired

Capital contributions to subsidiaries

Returns of contributed capital

Net change in restricted cash

Net change in nonmarketable equity investments

Other, net

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

Financing activities

Net change in short-term borrowings — third party

Net (decrease) increase in deposits

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt — third party

Repayments of long-term debt — third party

Net change in debt — intercompany

Redemption of preferred stock

Repurchase of common stock

Dividends paid — third party

Dividends paid and returns of contributed capital — intercompany

Capital contributions from parent

Net cash (used) in provided by financing activities

Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

—

—

—

—

(4)

—

2,013

877

—

25

(309)

(3,908)

3,678

(120)

—

(206)

2,046

169

(61)

979

(2,662)

(382)

(696)

(341)

(108)

—

—

(3,102)

—

(815)

1,635

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

8

—

—

—

8

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(14)

—

(14)

—

—

—

(16,031)

11,036

3,379

(841)

(3,855)

4,285

(10,839)

(67)

(3,274)

6,279

—

—

—

512

(628)

(197)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(810)

—

—

—

3,908

(3,686)

—

—

91

(16,031)

11,036

3,379

(841)

(3,859)

4,285

(8,826)

—

(3,274)

6,304

(309)

—

—

392

(628)

(312)

(10,241)

(497)

(8,684)

4,395

12,569

13,176

(23,750)

(877)

—

—

—

(4,644)

3,908

4,777

1

(80)

5,595

—

—

—

—

1,259

—

—

—

4,658

(3,908)

2,009

—

449

(850)

4,564

12,508

14,155

(26,412)

—

(696)

(341)

(108)

—

—

3,670

1

(446)

6,380

5,934

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

$

820

$

— $

5,515

$

(401) $

168

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Year ended December 31, 2015 ($ in millions)

Parent

Guarantors

Nonguarantors

Consolidating
adjustments

Ally
consolidated

Operating activities

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

370

$

525

$

6,390

$

(2,174) $

5,111

Investing activities

Purchases of available-for-sale securities

Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities

Proceeds from maturities and repayments of available-for-sale

securities

Purchases of loans held-for-investment

Proceeds from sales of finance receivables and loans originated as held-

for-investment

Originations and repayments of loans held-for-investment and other

Net change in loans — intercompany

Purchases of operating lease assets

Disposals of operating lease assets

Capital contributions to subsidiaries

Returns of contributed capital

Proceeds from sale of business units, net

Net change in restricted cash

Net change in nonmarketable equity investments

Other, net

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

Financing activities

Net change in short-term borrowings — third party

Net (decrease) increase in deposits

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt — third party

Repayments of long-term debt — third party

Net change in debt — intercompany

Repurchase and redemption of preferred stock

Repurchase of common stock

Dividends paid — third party

Dividends paid and returns of contributed capital — intercompany

Capital contributions from parent

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

—

—

—

(169)

—

1,954

240

(94)

7

(796)

1,444

1,049

(7)

—

(47)

3,581

115

(91)

5,428

(5,931)

(977)

(559)

(16)

(2,571)

—

—

(4,602)

—

(651)

2,286

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(1)

—

—

—

—

—

(1)

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(525)

1

(524)

—

—

—

(12,250)

6,874

4,255

(4,332)

3,197

(11,298)

1,211

(4,591)

5,539

—

—

—

271

(147)

42

—

—

—

—

—

—

(1,451)

—

—

797

(1,444)

—

—

—

—

(11,229)

(2,098)

913

8,338

25,237

(25,419)

(240)

—

—

—

(3,092)

796

6,533

(4)

1,690

3,905

—

—

—

—

1,217

—

—

—

3,617

(797)

4,037

—

(235)

(615)

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

$

1,635

$

— $

5,595

$

(850) $

(12,250)

6,874

4,255

(4,501)

3,197

(9,344)

—

(4,685)

5,546

—

—

1,049

264

(147)

(5)

(9,747)

1,028

8,247

30,665

(31,350)

—

(559)

(16)

(2,571)

—

—

5,444

(4)

804

5,576

6,380

169

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Year ended December 31, 2014 ($ in millions)

Parent

Guarantors

Nonguarantors

Consolidating
adjustments

Ally
consolidated

Operating activities

Net cash provided by operating activities

$

330

$

1,789

$

5,533

$

(4,249) $

3,403

Investing activities

Purchases of available-for-sale securities

Proceeds from sales of available-for-sale securities

Proceeds from maturities and repayments of available-for-sale

securities

Purchases of loans held-for-investment

Proceeds from sales of finance receivables and loans originated as held-

for-investment

Originations and repayments of loans held-for-investment and other

Net change in loans — intercompany

Purchases of operating lease assets

Disposals of operating lease assets

Capital contributions to subsidiaries

Returns of contributed capital

Proceeds from sale of business units, net

Net change in restricted cash

Net change in nonmarketable equity investments

Other, net

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

Financing activities

Net change in short-term borrowings — third party

Net (decrease) increase in deposits

Proceeds from issuance of long-term debt — third party

Repayments of long-term debt — third party

Net change in debt — intercompany

Dividends paid — third party

Dividends paid and returns of contributed capital — intercompany

Capital contributions from parent

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities

Effect of exchange-rate changes on cash and cash equivalents

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year

—

—

—

—

—

1,900

1,428

(2,337)

3,053

(1,179)

1,422

46

—

—

(29)

4,304

113

(121)

3,132

(8,186)

52

(268)

—

—

(5,278)

—

(644)

2,930

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

—

(1,826)

—

(1,826)

—

(37)

37

(5,417)

4,277

2,657

(894)

2,592

(6,047)

154

(7,547)

2,807

—

—

1

1,625

66

35

—

(17)

—

17

—

—

(1,582)

—

—

1,179

(1,422)

—

—

—

—

(5,417)

4,260

2,657

(877)

2,592

(4,147)

—

(9,884)

5,860

—

—

47

1,625

66

6

(5,691)

(1,825)

(3,212)

(1,607)

4,972

24,060

(22,240)

(1,428)

—

(3,846)

1,179

1,090

(1)

931

2,974

—

—

—

—

1,376

—

5,672

(1,179)

5,869

—

(205)

(410)

(1,494)

4,851

27,192

(30,426)

—

(268)

—

—

(145)

(1)

45

5,531

5,576

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year

$

2,286

$

— $

3,905

$

(615) $

29.  Guarantees and Commitments
Guarantees

Guarantees are defined as contracts or indemnification agreements that contingently require us to make payments to third parties based 
on changes in the underlying agreements with the guaranteed parties. The following summarizes our outstanding guarantees, including those 
of our discontinued operations, made to third parties on our Consolidated Balance Sheet, for the periods shown.

December 31, ($ in millions)

2016

2015

Maximum
liability

Carrying value
of liability

Maximum
liability

Carrying value of
liability

Standby letters of credit and other guarantees

$

175

$

8

$

208

$

13

Corporate Finance has exposure to standby letters of credit that represent irrevocable guarantees of payment of specified financial 
obligations. Third-party beneficiaries primarily accept standby letters of credit as insurance in the event of nonperformance by our borrowers. 
Our borrowers may request letters of credit under their revolving loan facility up to a certain sub-limit amount. Expiration dates on letters of 
credit range from certain ongoing commitments that will expire during the upcoming year to terms of several years for certain letters of credit. 

170

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

If nonperformance occurs by a borrower for which we have issued a letter of credit, we can be liable for payment of the letter of credit to the 
beneficiary with our recourse being a charge to the borrower's loan facility.

In connection with our TradeKing wealth management business, we introduce customer securities accounts to a clearing broker, which 
clears and maintains custody of all customer assets and account activity. We are responsible for obtaining from each customer such funds or 
securities as are required to be deposited or maintained in their accounts. As a result, we are liable for any loss, liability, damage, cost, or 
expense incurred or sustained by the clearing broker as a result of the failure of any customer to timely make payments or deposits of 
securities to satisfy their contractual obligations. In addition, customer securities activities are transacted on either a cash or margin basis. In 
margin transactions, we may extend credit to the customer, through our clearing broker, subject to various regulatory rules and margin lending 
practices, collateralized by cash and securities in the customer’s account. In connection with these activities, we also execute customer 
transactions involving the sale of securities not yet purchased. Such transactions may expose us to credit risk in the event the customer’s 
assets are not sufficient to fully cover losses, which the customer may incur. In the event the customer fails to satisfy its obligations, we will 
purchase or sell financial instruments in the customer’s account in order to fulfill the customer’s obligations. The maximum potential 
exposure under these arrangements is difficult to estimate; however, the potential for us to incur material losses pursuant to these 
arrangements is remote.

Commitments
Financing Commitments

The contractual commitments were as follows.

December 31, ($ in millions)

Commitments to provide capital to investees (a)

Construction-lending commitments (b)

Home equity lines of credit (c)

Unused revolving credit line commitments and other (d)

$

2016

2015

$

206

164

356

132

197

358

1,995

1,445

(a)  We are committed to contribute capital to certain investees. The fair value of these commitments is considered in the overall valuation of the underlying 

assets with which they are associated.

(b)  The fair value of these commitments is considered in the overall valuation of the related assets.
(c)  We are committed to fund the remaining unused balances on home equity lines of credit.
(d)  The unused portion of revolving lines of credit reset at prevailing market rates and, as such, approximate market value.

Revolving credit line commitments contain an element of credit risk. Management reduces its credit risk for unused revolving credit line 

commitments by applying the same credit policies in making commitments as it does for extending loans. We typically require collateral as 
these commitments are drawn.

Lease Commitments

Future minimum rental payments required under operating leases, primarily for real property, with noncancelable lease terms expiring 

after December 31, 2016, are as follows.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

2017

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022 and thereafter

Total minimum payment required

$

36

36

35

33

25

75

$

240

Certain of the leases contain escalation clauses and renewal or purchase options. Rental expenses under operating leases were $51 

million, $51 million, and $50 million in 2016, 2015, and 2014, respectively.

171

Table of Contents

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Contractual Commitments

We have entered into multiple agreements for information technology, voice and communication technology, and related maintenance. 
Many of the agreements are subject to variable price provisions, fixed or minimum price provisions, and termination or renewal provisions.

Year ended December 31, ($ in millions)

2017

2018 and 2019

2020 and thereafter

Total future payment obligations

30.  Contingencies and Other Risks
Concentration with GM and Chrysler

$

$

94

13

4

111

While we are continuing to diversify our automotive finance and insurance businesses and to expand into other financial services, 
General Motors Company (GM) and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles US LLC (Chrysler) dealers and their retail customers continue to constitute a 
significant portion of our customer base. GM, Chrysler, and their captive finance companies compete forcefully with us and could take further 
actions that negatively impact the amount of business that we do with GM and Chrysler dealers and their customers. Further, a significant 
adverse change in GM’s or Chrysler’s business—including, for example, in the production or sale of GM or Chrysler vehicles, the quality or 
resale value of GM or Chrysler vehicles, GM’s or Chrysler’s relationships with its key suppliers, or the rate or volume of recalls of GM or 
Chrysler vehicles—could negatively impact our GM and Chrysler dealer and retail customer bases. Any future reductions in GM and Chrysler 
business that we are not able to offset could adversely affect our business and financial results.

Legal Matters

Ally and its subsidiaries, including Ally Bank, are or may be subject to potential liability in connection with pending or threatened legal 

proceedings and other matters. These legal matters may be formal or informal and include litigation and arbitration with one or more 
identified claimants, certified or purported class actions with yet-to-be-identified claimants, and regulatory or other governmental 
information-gathering requests, examinations, investigations, and enforcement proceedings. Our legal matters exist in varying stages of 
adjudication, arbitration, negotiation, or investigation and span our lines of business and operations. Claims may be based in law or equity—
such as those arising under contracts or in tort and those involving banking, consumer-protection, securities, tax, employment, and other laws
—and some can present novel legal theories and allege substantial or indeterminate damages.

We accrue for a legal matter when a loss becomes probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Accruals are evaluated 

each quarter and may be adjusted, upward or downward, based on our best judgment after consultation with counsel. No assurance exists that 
our accruals will not need to be adjusted in the future.

The course and outcome of legal matters are inherently unpredictable. This is especially so when a matter is still in its early stages, the 
damages sought are indeterminate or unsupported, significant facts are unclear or disputed, novel questions of law or other meaningful legal 
uncertainties exist, a request to certify a proceeding as a class action is outstanding or granted, multiple parties are named, or regulatory or 
other governmental entities are involved. As a result, we cannot state with confidence how or when threatened or pending legal matters will 
be resolved and what losses may be incurred. Actual losses may be higher or lower than any amounts accrued for those matters, possibly to a 
significant degree.

On the basis of information currently available, advice of counsel, available insurance coverage, and established reserves, it is the 
opinion of management that, except as described in the next paragraph, the eventual outcome of our existing legal matters will not have a 
material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. It is possible, however, that an 
unfavorable resolution of legal matters may be material to our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows in a 
particular period.

Descriptions of our material legal matters follow. In each case, the matter could have material adverse consequences for us, including 

substantial damages or settlements, injunctions, governmental fines or penalties, and reputational or operational risks. We do not believe, 
however, that an estimate of reasonably possible losses or a range of reasonably possible losses in excess of established reserves—whether in 
excess of any related accrual or where no accrual exists—can be made for any of these matters.

Securities Litigation

In October 2016, a purported class action—Bucks County Employees Retirement Fund v. Ally Financial Inc. et al.—was filed in the 

Circuit Court for Wayne County in the State of Michigan. This matter was removed to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of 
Michigan on November 18, 2016, and is currently pending there as Case No. 2:16-CV-14104. The complaint alleges material misstatements 
and omissions in connection with Ally’s initial public offering in April 2014, including a failure to adequately disclose the severity of rising 
subprime automotive loan delinquency rates, deficient underwriting measures employed in the origination of subprime automotive loans, and 
aggressive tactics used with low-income borrowers. The request for relief includes an indeterminate amount of damages, fees, and costs and 
other remedies. In January 2017, another purported class action—National Shopmen Pension Fund v. Ally Financial Inc. et al.—was filed in 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

the Circuit Court for Oakland County in the State of Michigan. This matter was removed to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of 
Michigan on January 30, 2017, and is currently pending there as Case No. 2:17-CV-10289. The allegations and requested relief in the 
complaint are substantially similar to those included in the complaint filed by Bucks County Employees Retirement Fund. We intend to 
vigorously defend against these actions.

Automotive Subprime Matters

In October 2014, we received a document request from the SEC in connection with its investigation related to subprime automotive 

finance and related securitization activities. Separately, in December 2014, we received a subpoena from the DOJ requesting similar 
information. In May 2015 and December 2016, we received information requests from the New York Department of Financial Services 
requesting similar information. We have cooperated with each of these agencies with respect to these matters.

Indirect Automotive Finance Matters

In December 2013, Ally Financial Inc. and Ally Bank entered into a Consent Order issued by the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection 

Bureau (CFPB) and a Consent Order jointly submitted with the DOJ and entered by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of 
Michigan (United States v. Ally Financial Inc. and Ally Bank, Civil Action No. 13-15180), in each case, pertaining to allegations of 
discrimination involving the automotive finance business. The Consent Orders require Ally to create a compliance plan addressing, at a 
minimum, the communication of Ally’s expectations of Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) compliance to our automotive dealer clients, 
maintenance of Ally’s existing limits on dealer finance income for contracts acquired by Ally, and monitoring for potential discrimination 
both at the dealer level and within our portfolio of contracts acquired across all of our automotive dealer clients. Ally formed a compliance 
committee consisting of certain Ally Financial Inc. and Ally Bank directors to oversee Ally’s execution of the Consent Orders’ terms. Ally is 
required to meet certain stipulations under the Consent Orders, including a requirement to make monetary payments when ongoing 
remediation targets are not attained.

Since 2013, Ally has recognized expenses of approximately $240 million for judgments, fines, and monetary remuneration payments to 

customers related to the Consent Orders. The Consent Orders terminate, according to their terms, in 2017, and preclude the CFPB and the 
DOJ from pursuing any potential violations of the ECOA against Ally Financial Inc. or Ally Bank for conduct undertaken pursuant to the 
Consent Orders during the period of the Consent Orders. If the CFPB or the DOJ were to assert that Ally Financial Inc. or Ally Bank is 
violating the ECOA after the Consent Orders terminate, further legal proceedings could occur.

Mortgage Matters

We previously disclosed investigations by the DOJ relating to residential mortgage-backed securities issued by our former mortgage 
subsidiary, Residential Capital, LLC and its subsidiaries (ResCap RMBS). The DOJ was investigating potential fraud and other potential legal 
claims related to ResCap RMBS, including potential claims under the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989, 
as well as potential claims under the False Claims Act related to representations made by us in connection with investments in Ally Financial 
Inc. made by the U.S. Department of the Treasury pursuant to the Troubled Asset Relief Program in 2008 and 2009 regarding certain claims 
against Residential Capital, LLC or its subsidiaries at that time.

On November 21, 2016, we comprehensively resolved these investigations and potential claims with the DOJ and entered into a 
settlement agreement. Under the agreement, we in 2016 (1) paid $52 million to the DOJ, which is included in discontinued operations, (2) 
withdrew the broker-dealer registration for Ally Securities LLC (formerly known as Residential Funding Securities LLC) (Ally Securities), 
which is one of our wholly-owned subsidiaries, and (3) began to wind down the affairs of Ally Securities.

Other Contingencies

Ally and its subsidiaries, including Ally Bank, are or may be subject to potential liability under various other contingent exposures, 
including indemnification, tax, self-insurance, and other miscellaneous contingencies. We accrue for a contingent exposure when a loss 
becomes probable and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. Accruals are evaluated each quarter and may be adjusted, upward or 
downward, based on our best judgment. No assurance exists that our accruals will not need to be adjusted in the future, and actual losses may 
be higher or lower than any amounts accrued for those exposures, possibly to a significant degree. On the basis of information currently 
available, available insurance coverage, and established reserves, it is the opinion of management that the eventual outcome of our other 
contingent exposures will not have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows. 

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

31.  Quarterly Financial Statements (unaudited)

($ in millions)

2016

Net financing revenue and other interest income

Other revenue

Total net revenue

Provision for loan losses

Total noninterest expense

Income from continuing operations before income tax expense

Income tax expense from continuing operations

Net income from continuing operations

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

Net income

Basic earnings per common share

Net income from continuing operations

Net income

Diluted earnings per common share

Net income from continuing operations

Net income

Cash dividends per common share

2015

Net financing revenue and other interest income

Other revenue

Total net revenue

Provision for loan losses

Total noninterest expense

Income from continuing operations before income tax expense

Income tax expense from continuing operations

Net income from continuing operations

Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of tax

Net income

Basic earnings per common share

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

Net income (loss)

Diluted earnings per common share

Net income (loss) from continuing operations

Net income (loss)

32.  Subsequent Events
Characterization of Variation Margin Payments

First
quarter

Second
quarter

Third
quarter

Fourth
quarter

$

951

376

1,327

$

984

374

1,358

$

996

388

1,384

976

392

1,368

220

710

397

150

247

3

250

0.48

0.49

0.48

0.49

$

$

$

172

773

413

56

357

3

360

0.70

0.71

0.70

0.71

$

$

$

— $

— $

$

850

243

1,093

$

916

211

1,127

116

695

282

103

179

397

576

0.23

1.06

0.23

1.06

$

$

$

140

724

263

94

169

13

182

$

(2.24) $

(2.22)

(2.24) $

(2.22)

258

735

391

130

261

(52)

209

0.54

0.43

0.54

0.43

0.08

970

332

1,302

211

674

417

144

273

(5)

268

0.49

0.48

0.49

0.47

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

267

721

380

134

246

2

248

0.52

0.53

0.52

0.52

0.08

983

356

1,339

240

668

431

155

276

(13)

263

(1.94)

(1.97)

(1.94)

(1.97)

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

$

On January 4, 2017, the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) issued a confirmation letter related to its May 27, 2016, 
accounting committee whitepaper, “Accounting Impact of CCP’s Rulebook Changes to Financial Institutions and Corporates May 2016,” and 
the corresponding discussions held with the staff of the SEC’s Office of the Chief Accountant. We are still in the process of evaluating the 
legal and accounting impact of this confirmation letter and it may have an impact on how we record our variation margin payments on certain 
derivative positions.

Declaration of Quarterly Dividend Payment

On January 11, 2017, the Ally Board of Directors declared a quarterly cash dividend payment of $0.08 per share on all common stock. 

The dividend was paid on February 15, 2017, to shareholders of record at the close of business on February 1, 2017.

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Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Unsecured Credit Facility Draw

On January 27, 2017, we borrowed $1.25 billion pursuant to the terms of our private unsecured committed credit facility. This debt is 
scheduled to mature in December 2017. Amounts drawn under this facility are used for working capital and other general corporate purposes.

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Item 9.  Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A.  Controls and Procedures
Evaluation of Disclosure Controls and Procedures

We maintain disclosure controls and procedures, as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended 

(the Exchange Act), designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed in reports filed under the Exchange Act is recorded, 
processed, summarized, and reported within the specified time periods. Our disclosure controls and procedures are also designed to ensure 
that information required to be disclosed in the reports we file and submit under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to 
management, including our Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer) and Chief Financial Officer (Principal Financial Officer), to 
allow for timely decisions regarding required disclosure. There are inherent limitations to the effectiveness of any system of internal control 
including the possibility of human error or the circumvention or overriding of controls through individual actions or collusion. A control 
system, no matter how well designed and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the control system's objectives 
will be met.

As of the end of the period covered by this report, our Principal Executive Officer and Principal Financial Officer evaluated, with the 

participation of our management, the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the 
Exchange Act) and concluded that our disclosure controls and procedures were effective.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting

In the normal course of business, we review our controls and procedures and make enhancements or modifications intended to support 
the quality of our financial reporting. There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Rule 13a-15(f) of 
the Exchange Act) that occurred during the quarter ended December 31, 2016, that have materially affected, or were reasonably likely to 
materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

Management's Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting

Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting is included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, 

and is incorporated herein by reference. The Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Internal Control over Financial 
Reporting also is included in Item 8, Financial Statements and Supplementary Data, and incorporated herein by reference.

Item 9B.  Other Information

None.

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Part III

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K 

Item 10.  Directors, Executive Officers, and Corporate Governance
Executive Officers and Other Significant Employees

Jeffrey J. Brown — Chief Executive Officer of Ally since February 2015 and a member of the Board since February 2015. Mr. Brown, 

43, oversees all Ally strategy and operations to focus on strengthening the core businesses, while positioning the Company for long-term 
growth. Prior to being named Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Brown was President and Chief Executive Officer of Ally’s Dealer Financial 
Services business since March 2014. In this role, he oversaw the Company’s automotive finance, insurance and auto servicing operations. 
From June 2011 to March 2014, Mr. Brown served as Senior Executive Vice President of Finance and Corporate Planning. In that role, Mr. 
Brown oversaw the finance, treasury and corporate strategy activities of the Company. He joined Ally in March 2009 as Corporate Treasurer 
with responsibility for global treasury activities, including funding and balance sheet management. Prior to joining Ally, Mr. Brown was the 
Corporate Treasurer for Bank of America, where he had responsibility for the core treasury functions, including funding and managing 
interest rate risk. Mr. Brown spent 10 years at Bank of America, beginning his career in finance and later joining the Balance Sheet 
Management Division. During his tenure at Bank of America, he also served as the bank’s Deputy Treasurer and oversaw balance sheet 
management and the Company’s corporate funding division. He was also a member of the Company’s Asset/Liability Management 
Committee. Mr. Brown received a bachelor’s degree in economics from Clemson University and an executive master’s degree in business 
from Queens University in Charlotte. He serves on the Trevillian Cabinet of the College of Business and Behavioral Sciences at Clemson 
University and is a board of trustees member of Queens University of Charlotte.

Christopher Halmy — Chief Financial Officer of Ally since November 2013. In this role, he is responsible for the oversight of the 
Company’s financial reporting, controls and analysis, accounting, and investor relations, as well as treasury activities, including capital, 
funding and balance sheet management. Prior to his current position, Mr. Halmy, 48, served as Ally’s corporate treasurer since June 2011. He 
joined Ally in 2009 and previously served as structured funding executive with responsibility for the strategy, planning, and execution of 
securitizations and structured funding globally. In this role, he also was responsible for bank relationships and compliance related to existing 
transactions in the market. Prior to joining Ally, Mr. Halmy was the global funding executive at Bank of America where he was responsible 
for funding and liquidity activities. During his tenure at Bank of America, he also led the mortgage and automotive securitization group. Prior 
to joining Bank of America in 1997, Mr. Halmy held treasury, finance, and accounting positions at MBNA America, N.A., Merrill Lynch & 
Co., JP Morgan & Co., and Deloitte & Touche. Mr. Halmy holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business 
administration from Villanova University. In addition, he was an adjunct professor at Wesley College from 1999 to 2006 and Queens 
University from 2011 to 2013. Mr. Halmy currently serves on the board of advisors for the McColl School of Business at Queens University. 
Halmy is also a certified public accountant.

Diane Morais — Chief Executive Officer and President of Ally Bank since March 2015. In this role, Ms. Morais, 51, is responsible for 

the deposits, mortgage, credit card and corporate finance businesses, brand management, and digital strategy. Ms. Morais also has 
responsibility for the online trading and digital wealth management services Ally recently added as a result of the June 2016 acquisition of 
TradeKing, Inc. Prior to her current role, Ms. Morais was deposits and line of business integration executive for Ally Bank. In this position, 
she was responsible for oversight for the deposit business, ranging from marketing strategies, products and pricing, and the overall customer 
experience for the bank. Ms. Morais joined Ally in 2008 as Deposits and Product Innovation executive. Prior to joining Ally, Ms. Morais 
previously held a variety of senior leadership positions during her twelve years at Bank of America, serving as the deposit and debit products 
executive, national customer experience executive, card services marketing, and consumer mortgage vendor management executive. Ms. 
Morais also spent nine years at Citibank’s credit card division in a variety of marketing, risk and finance roles. Ms. Morais holds a bachelor’s 
degree from Pennsylvania State University.

Scott Stengel — Group Vice President and General Counsel of Ally since May 2016. In this role, Mr. Stengel, 45, oversees all of Ally’s 

legal affairs and is also responsible for Ally’s corporate-secretarial, records-management, and licensing functions. He joined Ally from Kansas 
City, Mo.-based UMB Financial Corporation, where he served as executive vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary. Before 
that, he was a partner at King & Spalding LLP and Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe in Washington, DC, with a practice focused on banking, 
capital markets, and government relations. He began his career as a law clerk to the Honorable Douglas O. Tice, Jr. in Richmond, Va. He 
received a bachelor’s degree in economics, with highest honors, from the University of Notre Dame and a juris doctorate, magna cum laude, 
from the Notre Dame Law School.

David DeBrunner — Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer, and Controller of Ally since September 2007. In this role, Mr. 
DeBrunner, 50, is responsible for all accounting, tax, regulatory reporting, internal controls, finance shared services and strategic sourcing 
services for Ally. He joined Ally from Fifth Third Bancorp (Fifth Third) where he was senior vice president, corporate controller, and chief 
accounting officer from January 2002 to August 2007. Prior to that position, he served as the chief financial officer for the commercial 
division of Fifth Third. He joined Fifth Third in 1992 and held various financial leadership positions throughout the company. Prior to his 
time at Fifth Third, he held positions at Deloitte and Touche LLP in the Chicago and Cincinnati offices. Mr. DeBrunner earned a bachelor's of 
science in accounting from Indiana University and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Ohio 
Society of Certified Public Accountants.

David Shevsky — Chief Risk Officer of Ally since December 2015. In this role, Mr. Shevsky, 55, has overall responsibility for the risk 

framework, processes and oversight for the Company, including achieving an appropriate balance between risk and return, mitigating 
unnecessary risk and protecting the Company’s financial returns. Prior to his current role, Mr. Shevsky served as the Chief Risk Officer for 

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Ally Bank beginning in November 2011. Mr. Shevsky joined Ally Financial in 1986 with a series of positions supporting the auto finance 
operation from a credit analysis and risk perspective. During his career, he supported both the domestic and international auto finance 
operations. He became a senior vice president of enterprise risk for the Company in 2004. In this role, Mr. Shevsky began to take a company-
wide view of commercial credit risk and capital management. In 2006, he played a key role in establishing a more robust risk management 
function, and in 2008, he was responsible for establishing a loan review function, which he did until becoming the Chief Risk Officer for Ally 
Bank in 2011. Prior to joining Ally, Mr. Shevsky served in the United States Air Force from 1979 until 1984. Mr. Shevsky holds a bachelor's 
degree from Wayne State University and a master's degree from Walsh College.

Tim Russi — President of Auto Finance of Ally since 2013. Mr. Russi, 54, is responsible for developing the strategy and driving the 
performance of the auto business. Prior to this role, he was executive vice president of North American Operations - Auto (NAO) for U.S. and 
Canada and chief financial officer for Ally’s Global Automotive Services and chief operating officer for NAO. Prior to joining Ally in 2008, 
Mr. Russi worked for Cerberus Operations and Advisory Company as a senior advisor to Ally. He assumed this role in early 2008 after 
serving as the president of Dealer Financial Services for Bank of America. Mr. Russi has more than 30 years of business and financial 
services industry experience, having previously served in management and leadership positions at US Leasing (a Ford Financial Services 
company), Deloitte, DHR International and Ernst & Young. Mr. Russi holds a bachelor’s degree in managerial economics from the University 
of California at Davis. He is a certified public accountant and is Six Sigma certified.

Additional Information

Additional information in response to this Item 10 can be found in the Company's 2017 Proxy Statement under "Proposal 1 — Election 

of Directors," "Board Leadership Structure," and "Code of Conduct and Ethics and Review, Approval or Ratification of Transactions with 
Related Persons." That information is incorporated into this item by reference.

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Item 11.  Executive Compensation

Items in response to this Item 11 can be found in the Company's 2017 Proxy Statement under "Executive Compensation." That 

information is incorporated into this item by reference.

Item 12.  Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related 
Stockholder Matters

Items in response to this Item 12 can be found in the Company's 2017 Proxy Statement under "Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial 

Owners," and "Executive Compensation." That information is incorporated into this item by reference.

Item 13.  Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence

Items in response to this Item 13 can be found in the Company's 2017 Proxy Statement under "Code of Conduct and Ethics and Review, 

Approval or Ratification of Transactions with Related Persons." That information is incorporated into this item by reference.

Item 14.  Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Items in response to this Item 14 can be found in the Company's 2017 Proxy Statement under "Audit Committee Report." That 

information is incorporated into this item by reference.

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Part IV

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Item 15.  Exhibits, Financial Statement Schedules

The exhibits listed on the accompanying Index of Exhibits are filed or incorporated by reference as a part of this report. This Index is 

incorporated herein by reference. Certain financial statements schedules have been omitted because prescribed information has been 
incorporated into our Consolidated Financial Statements or notes thereto.

Exhibit
3.1

Description
Form of Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation

3.2

4.1

4.1.1

4.1.2

4.1.3

4.1.4

4.1.5

4.2

4.2.1

4.2.2

4.2.3

4.2.4

4.3

4.3.1

4.3.2

4.3.3

Ally Financial Inc. Amended and Restated Bylaws

Form of Indenture dated as of July 1, 1982, between the
Company and Bank of New York (Successor Trustee to
Morgan Guaranty Trust Company of New York), relating to
Debt Securities

Form of First Supplemental Indenture dated as of
April 1, 1986, supplementing the Indenture designated as
Exhibit 4.1

Form of Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of
June 15, 1987, supplementing the Indenture designated as
Exhibit 4.1

Form of Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of
September 30, 1996, supplementing the Indenture
designated as Exhibit 4.1

Form of Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of
January 1, 1998, supplementing the Indenture designated as
Exhibit 4.1

Form of Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of
September 30, 1998, supplementing the Indenture
designated as Exhibit 4.1

Form of Indenture dated as of September 24, 1996, between
the Company and The Chase Manhattan Bank, Trustee,
relating to Term Notes

Form of First Supplemental Indenture dated as of
January 1, 1998, supplementing the Indenture designated as
Exhibit 4.2

Form of Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of
June 20, 2006, supplementing the Indenture designated as
Exhibit 4.2

Method of Filing
Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K dated as of March 14, 2014, (File No. 1-3754),
incorporated herein by reference.

Filed as Exhibit 3.1 to the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K dated as of March 22, 2016, (File No. 1-3754),
incorporated herein by reference.

Filed as Exhibit 4(a) to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 2-75115, incorporated herein by reference.

Filed as Exhibit 4(g) to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 33-4653, incorporated herein by reference.

Filed as Exhibit 4(h) to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 33-15236, incorporated herein by reference.

Filed as Exhibit 4(i) to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 333-33183, incorporated herein by reference.

Filed as Exhibit 4(j) to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 333-48705, incorporated herein by reference.

Filed as Exhibit 4(k) to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 333-75463, incorporated herein by reference.

Filed as Exhibit 4 to the Company's Registration Statement
No. 333-12023, incorporated herein by reference.

Filed as Exhibit 4(a)(1) to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 333-48207, incorporated herein by reference.

Filed as Exhibit 4(a)(2) to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 33-136021, incorporated herein by reference.

Form of Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of August
24, 2012, supplementing the Indenture designated as
Exhibit 4.2

Filed as Exhibit 4.1.3 to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 333-183535, incorporated herein by
reference.

Form of Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of August
24, 2012, supplementing the Indenture designated as
Exhibit 4.2

Filed as Exhibit 4.1.4 to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 333-183535, incorporated herein by
reference.

Form of Indenture dated as of October 15, 1985, between
the Company and U.S. Bank Trust (Successor Trustee to
Comerica Bank), relating to Demand Notes

Form of First Supplemental Indenture dated as of
April 1, 1986, supplementing the Indenture designated as
Exhibit 4.3

Form of Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of
June 24, 1986, supplementing the Indenture designated as
Exhibit 4.3

Form of Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of
February 15, 1987, supplementing the Indenture designated
as Exhibit 4.3

Filed as Exhibit 4 to the Company's Registration Statement
No. 2-99057, incorporated herein by reference.

Filed as Exhibit 4(a) to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 33-4661, incorporated herein by reference.

Filed as Exhibit 4(b) to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 33-6717, incorporated herein by reference.

Filed as Exhibit 4(c) to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 33-12059, incorporated herein by reference.

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Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Exhibit
4.3.4

Description
Form of Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of
December 1, 1988, supplementing the Indenture designated
as Exhibit 4.3

Form of Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of
October 2, 1989, supplementing the Indenture designated as
Exhibit 4.3

Form of Sixth Supplemental Indenture dated as of
January 1, 1998, supplementing the Indenture designated as
Exhibit 4.3

Form of Seventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of
June 15, 1998, supplementing the Indenture designated as
Exhibit 4.3

Method of Filing
Filed as Exhibit 4(d) to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 33-26057, incorporated herein by reference.

Filed as Exhibit 4(e) to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 33-31596, incorporated herein by reference.

Filed as Exhibit 4(f) to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 333-56431, incorporated herein by reference.

Filed as Exhibit 4(g) to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 333-56431, incorporated herein by reference.

Form of Eighth Supplemental Indenture dated as of January
4, 2012, supplementing the Indenture designated as
Exhibit 4.3

Filed as Exhibit 4.1.8 to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 333-178919, incorporated herein by
reference.

Form of Indenture dated as of December 1, 1993, between
the Company and Citibank, N.A., Trustee, relating to
Medium Term Notes

Form of First Supplemental Indenture dated as of
January 1, 1998, supplementing the Indenture designated as
Exhibit 4.4

Indenture, dated as of December 31, 2008, between the
Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, Trustee

Filed as Exhibit 4 to the Company's Registration Statement
No. 33-51381, incorporated herein by reference.

Filed as Exhibit 4(a)(1) to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 333-59551, incorporated herein by reference.

Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K dated as of January 2, 2009, (File No. 1-3754),
incorporated herein by reference.

Amended and Restated Indenture, dated March 1, 2011,
between the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon,
Trustee

Filed as Exhibit 4.2 to the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K dated as of March 4, 2011 (File No. 1-3754),
incorporated herein by reference.

Form of Guarantee Agreement related to Ally Financial Inc.
Senior Unsecured Guaranteed Notes

Form of Fixed Rate Senior Unsecured Note

Form of Floating Rate Senior Unsecured Note

Form of Subordinated Indenture to be entered into between
the Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee

Filed as Exhibit 4.10 to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 333-193070, incorporated herein by
reference.

Filed as Exhibit 4.8 to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 333-193070, incorporated herein by
reference.

Filed as Exhibit 4.9 to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 333-193070, incorporated herein by
reference.

Filed as Exhibit 4.11 to the Company's Registration
Statement No. 333-193070, incorporated herein by
reference.

Form of Subordinated Note

Included in Exhibit 4.10.

Second Amended and Restated Declaration of Trust by and
between the trustees of each series of GMAC Capital Trust
I, Ally Financial Inc., as Sponsor, and by the holders, from
time to time, of undivided beneficial interests in the relevant
series of GMAC Capital Trust I, dated as of March 1, 2011

Series 2 Trust Preferred Securities Guarantee Agreement
between Ally Financial Inc. and The Bank of New York
Mellon, dated as of March 1, 2011

Indenture, dated as of November 20, 2015, between the
Company and The Bank of New York Mellon, Trustee

Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K dated as of March 4, 2011 (File No. 1-3754),
incorporated herein by reference.

Filed as Exhibit 4.3 to the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K dated as of March 4, 2011 (File No. 1-3754),
incorporated herein by reference.

Filed as Exhibit 4.1 to the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K dated as of November 20, 2015,
(File No. 1-3754), incorporated herein by reference

Form of Subordinated Note

Included in Exhibit 4.14

Form of Ally Financial Inc. 2014 Executive Performance
Plan

Form of Ally Financial Inc. 2014 Incentive Compensation
Plan

Filed as Exhibit 3.5 to the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K dated as of March 14, 2014 (File No. 1-3754),
incorporated herein by reference.

Filed as Exhibit 3.6 to the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K dated as of March 14, 2014 (File No. 1-3754),
incorporated herein by reference.

181

4.3.5

4.3.6

4.3.7

4.3.8

4.4

4.4.1

4.5

4.6

4.7

4.8

4.9

4.10

4.11

4.12

4.13

4.14

4.15

10.1

10.2

Table of Contents

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Exhibit
10.3

Description
Form of Ally Financial Inc. Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Form of Ally Financial Inc. 2014 Non-Employee Directors
Equity Compensation Plan

Ally Financial Inc. Severance Plan, Plan Document and
Summary Plan Description, as amended

Ally Financial Inc. Non-Employee Directors Deferred
Compensation Plan

Method of Filing
Filed as Exhibit 3.7 to the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K dated as of March 14, 2014 (File No. 1-3754),
incorporated herein by reference.

Filed as Exhibit 3.8 to the Company's Current Report on
Form 8-K dated as of March 14, 2014 (File No. 1-3754),
incorporated herein by reference.

Filed as Exhibit 10.6 to the Company's Annual Report for
the period ended December 31, 2015, on Form 10-K
(File No. 1-3754), incorporated herein by reference.

Filed as Exhibit 10.7 to the Company's Annual Report for
the period ended December 31, 2015, on Form 10-K
(File No. 1-3754), incorporated herein by reference.

Form of Award Agreement related to the issuance of
Performance Stock Units

Form of Award Agreement related to the issuance of
Restricted Stock Units

Filed herewith.

Filed herewith.

Form of Award Agreement related to the issuance of Key
Contributor Stock Units

Filed herewith.

Form of Award Agreement related to the issuance of an Ally
Leader Equity Participation Award

Filed herewith.

Form of Award Agreement related to the issuance of
Restricted Stock Awards

Filed herewith.

Consent Order, dated December 23, 2013 (Department of
Justice)

Consent Order, dated December 19, 2013 (Consumer
Financial Protection Bureau)

Filed as Exhibit 10.34 to the Company's Annual Report for
the period ended December 31, 2013, on Form 10-K
(File No. 1-3754), incorporated herein by reference.

Filed as Exhibit 10.35 to the Company's Annual Report for
the period ended December 31, 2013, on Form 10-K
(File No. 1-3754), incorporated herein by reference.

Stipulation and Consent to the Issuance of a Consent Order,
dated December 19, 2013 (Consumer Financial Protection
Bureau)

Filed as Exhibit 10.36 to the Company's Annual Report for
the period ended December 31, 2013, on Form 10-K
(File No. 1-3754), incorporated herein by reference.

Computation of Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges

Ally Financial Inc. Subsidiaries as of December 31, 2016

Filed herewith.

Filed herewith.

Consent of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Filed herewith.

Certification of Principal Executive Officer pursuant to
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)

Certification of Principal Financial Officer pursuant to
Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)

Certification of Principal Executive Officer and Principal
Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350

Interactive Data File

Filed herewith.

Filed herewith.

Filed herewith.

Filed herewith.

Certain confidential portions have been omitted pursuant to a confidential treatment request which has been separately filed with
the Securities and Exchange Commission.

10.4

10.5

10.6

10.7

10.8

10.9

10.10

10.11

10.12

10.13

10.14

12

21

23.1

31.1

31.2

32

101

*

Item 16.  Form 10-K Summary

None.

182

Table of Contents

Signatures

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to 

be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, this 27th day of February, 2017.

Ally Financial Inc.
(Registrant)

/S/  JEFFREY J. BROWN

Jeffrey J. Brown

Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by the following persons on 

behalf of the Registrant and in the capacities indicated, this 27th day of February, 2017.

/S/  JEFFREY J. BROWN

Jeffrey J. Brown

Chief Executive Officer

/S/  DAVID J. DEBRUNNER

David J. DeBrunner

Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer, and
Corporate Controller

/S/  CHRISTOPHER A. HALMY

   Christopher A. Halmy

   Chief Financial Officer

183

  
  
  
  
Table of Contents

Signatures

Ally Financial Inc. • Form 10-K

/S/  FRANKLIN W. HOBBS
Franklin W. Hobbs
Ally Chairman

/S/  KENNETH J. BACON
Kenneth J. Bacon
Director

/S/  ROBERT T. BLAKELY
Robert T. Blakely
Director

/S/  MAUREEN A. BREAKIRON-EVANS
Maureen A. Breakiron-Evans
Director

/S/  JEFFREY J. BROWN
Jeffrey J. Brown
Chief Executive Officer and Director

/S/  WILLIAM H. CARY
William H. Cary
Director

/S/  MAYREE C. CLARK
Mayree C. Clark
Director

/S/  KIM S. FENNEBRESQUE
Kim S. Fennebresque
Director

/S/  MARJORIE MAGNER
Marjorie Magner
Director

/S/  JACK J. STACK
John J. Stack
Director

/S/  MICHAEL F. STEIB
Michael F. Steib
Director

184

COMPANY INFORMATION

HEADQUARTERS 
Ally Financial Inc. 
Ally Detroit Center 
500 Woodward Avenue 
Detroit, MI 48226 
www.ally.com 

CORPORATE CENTER 
Charlotte, NC 

INVESTOR RELATIONS 
1-866-710-4623 
investor.relations@ally.com 
ally.com/about/investor

Michael Brown 
Executive Director 
Investor Relations 
704-444-5225 
michael.t.brown@ally.com

STOCK TRANSFER AGENT 
Computershare 
P.O. Box 30170 
College Station, TX 77842-3170 

MEDIA RELATIONS 
media.ally.com 
Twitter: @ally

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Franklin (Fritz) W. Hobbs,  
Chairman
Advisor
One Equity Partners LLC

Kenneth J. Bacon
Co-Founder and Partner
RailField Realty Partners

Robert T. Blakely
Former Chief Financial Officer
Several NYSE publicly-traded  
companies

Maureen A. Breakiron-Evans
Former Chief Financial Officer 
Towers Perrin

Jeffrey Brown
Chief Executive Officer
Ally Financial

MANAGEMENT

Jeffrey Brown
Chief Executive Officer

Michael Baresich
Chief Information Officer

Bradley Brown 
Corporate Treasurer 

David DeBrunner
Controller and 
Chief Accounting Officer

William Hall, Jr.
President and CEO,
Ally Corporate Finance

Christopher A. Halmy
Chief Financial Officer

Michele E. Lieber
Chief Public Policy Officer

Diane Morais
President, 
Consumer and Commercial 
Banking Products

William (Bill) H. Cary
Retired Executive
General Electric Company

Mayree C. Clark
Founding Partner
Eachwin Capital

Kim S. Fennebresque
Former Chairman, President and CEO
Cowen Group, Inc.

Marjorie Magner
Partner
Brysam Global Partners

John J. Stack
Chairman and Director
Ceska Sporitelna, a.s.

Michael F. Steib
Chief Executive Officer
XO Group

Kathleen L. Patterson
Chief Human Resources Officer

Andrea Riley
Chief Marketing Officer

Tim Russi
President, Auto Finance

Jason Schugel
General Auditor

David Shevsky
Chief Risk Officer

Dan Soto
Chief Compliance Officer

Scott Stengel
General Counsel

Alison Summerville
Business Administration Executive

Douglas Timmerman
President, Insurance

©2009-2017 Ally Financial Inc. All rights reserved. 

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