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PRA Group, Inc.

praa · NASDAQ Financial Services
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Sector Financial Services
Industry Financial - Credit Services
Employees 2991
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FY2020 Annual Report · PRA Group, Inc.
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2020 ANNUAL REPORTGLOBAL REACH. LOCAL TOUCH.As a global leader in acquiring and collecting nonperforming loans, PRA Group is committed to working collaboratively with our customers to resolve their debt. Our goal is to treat them with the respect, dignity, and transparency they deserve.MISSION & VALUESOur mission is to deliver nonperforming loan solutions that drive success through a long-term focus and customer care.2 0 2 0   A N N U A L   R E P O R T

Table of Contents

Letter to Our Stockholders  .......................................................................................  3

Our Commitment to Our Employees  ..............................................................  4

Our Commitment to Our Customers  ..............................................................  6

Our Commitment to Our Communities  .......................................................  8

The Next 25 Years  .............................................................................................................  9

2020 Financial Highlights  .........................................................................................  10

2020 Form 10-k ...................................................................................................................  11

1

E S T A B L I S H E D   I N   1 9 9 6

A Look at Our 25 Year History

1996

Steve Fredrickson and Kevin 
Stevenson founded Portfolio 
Recovery Associates on 
March 20, 1996.

2004

PRA launched its Corporate Giving 
program and has since donated 
millions to charities around the world. 

201 0

Diversified into class action claims 
servicing with the acquisition of 
Claims Compensation Bureau (CCB). 

2014

Expanded footprint across Europe 
and Canada with the acquisition 
of Aktiv Kapital AS, and Portfolio 
Recovery Associates, Inc became  
PRA Group, Inc to reflect 
the global enterprise.

PRA reached a new continent with an 
office opening in Austrailia. 

2020

2

2002

Launched an initial public offering 
(IPO) and went public in late 2002 
(Nasdaq: PRAA).

200 6

Fortune Small Business named PRA 
one of America’s Fastest-Growing 
Small Companies.  

2012

Named one of Fortune's 100 
Fastest-Growing Companies.

2016

Launched new volunteer program to 
give employees paid time off to give 
back to our communities. 

The GBAC STAR™ Facility Accreditation 
Program is the cleaning industry’s only 
outbreak prevention, response and 
recovery accreditation for facilities. 
PRA was the first call center to 
receive this accreditation. 

To My Fellow  
Stockholders

“ With the audacity that youth  

often allows, we believed that 

we would immediately  

As I write this letter to our stockholders, I can’t help but 

make the comparison between this past year and 1996, 

the year of our founding. Twenty-five years ago, sitting 

on folding chairs at an ancient card table, we thought of 

ourselves as innovators, determined to do things the right 

way, for the right reasons, for the long term.  In particular, 

transform this industry into one 

we would treat our customers and employees in a way 

that consumers, regulators,  

legislators, and the media 

would trust.”

– Kevin Stevenson, President & CEO

that was different from the norm in our industry—we 

would treat them with professionalism, respect, and flexi-

bility. That resolve to genuinely care for our customers and 

employees stayed at the forefront of our minds, despite all 

the uncertainty that surrounded our start-up. Of course, 

back then, we had far fewer of both, but somehow the 

remembered weight of that responsibility feels very sim-

ilar to what we experienced in 2020, when taking care of 

customers and employees took on a whole new meaning.

Although the world around us changed drastically in 

2020, we delivered financial results for the year that were 

among the best in our history, with record cash collec-

tions and a record cash efficiency ratio. We believe that 

record portfolio purchases in 2019, along with solid invest-

ment levels in 2020 and government actions during the 

pandemic, provided customers with the opportunity to 

resolve their debts with us.  

3

Our employees are the heart of our company and one of the most important keys to our success. Since COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic, one of my main priorities has been to keep our employees safe, engaged, and productive. As the challenges of the pandemic became clear, we quickly shifted hundreds of our team members to working from home and invested in robust safety measures to protect those employees who were still working at a PRA location. In fact, the safety measures we implemented and our high standards for clean-ing, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention earned our U.S. facilities the Global Biorisk Advisory Council’s STAR™ Facility Accreditation in 2020—making our facilities the first call centers in the nation to receive this accreditation.Last year was defined by distancing, separation, and isolation, and yet we at PRA became more connected during this period than ever before. Interaction with our employees allowed for, and encouraged, an open and honest dialogue within our community. PRA deeply values the diverse experiences, perspectives, and abilities of our people, and we needed ways to continue making room for them to be heard. Through virtual town halls, video messages and communica-tions, and small-group sessions, I was able to listen to our employees’ concerns, answer questions, share thoughts, and assure them that, together, we would come out of this challenging time stronger.The discussions we had revealed many great ideas, one of them being an avid interest in accelerating our diversity, equity, and inclusion plan. We are working hard to answer that call, including welcoming our first diversity and inclusion leader. I am eager for what 2021 will bring in this regard.Our Commitment to Our Employees4We also used the time devoted to interaction to assess our total rewards package, and as a result we:I am grateful for our employees’ dedication—during a very stressful year—to staying true to our mission and values by supporting our customers, each other, and the communities we serve. I have never been prouder of them.Increased work-from-home opportunities across all marketsProvided additional paid-time-off days for most employees*Added free medical and mental telehealth benefits and extended those benefits into 2021*Paid bonuses globally to thank those employees who demonstrated exceptional performance throughout the pandemicOffered virtual physical fitness classes and enhanced offerings of nutrition planning and personalized workout routines*Added temporary match to Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account*Launched a new development framework and guides to support professional  development globallyEnhanced learning offerings with free web-based coursesConducted focus groups and surveys to obtain employee feedback on how to best support transitioning to working from homeContinued to recognize our employees and celebrate our PRA traditions, even though we couldn’t do so physically together, by providing lunches, gift cards, and tickets to local attractionsOur Commitment to Diversity, Equity, & InclusionWe value our employees’ diverse experiences, perspectives, and abilities. We continue to foster a sense of belonging by working together to build an equitable and inclusive culture – where you are free to be yourself and be your best.*For employees located in the U.S.5Collaborating with our customers and doing things the right way for the long term has been our guiding principle since our inception. As many consumers were enduring adversity in the face of COVID-19, it was incumbent upon us to listen to the needs of our customers and to remain flexible as we navigated this uncharted territory together.We relied heavily on our existing policies to ensure we were not seeking repayment from those financially impacted by the pandemic, and we provided accommodating repayment options for others with the ability and desire to financially recover. Globally, we significantly reduced legal filings and enforcements, including garnishments or liens on judg-ment accounts in the U.S., during this period, completely halting these actions for a period in markets hardest-hit by the pandemic. In the United States we proactively used geographic and other metrics to determine areas where we should pause collection activity. Our preference during the pandemic was to rely on voluntary payments.Our Commitment to Our Customers6Even before COVID-19 struck, we had begun conducting consumer research studies to help us provide our customers with better tools and flexibility. We used the results of the research to improve our online platforms.Having built PRA on the customer-centric premise that we could change the industry by doing right by our customers, I firmly believe that the creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) as our regulatory agency in 2011 was necessary for both the industry and consumers. It might seem counterintuitive to some for me to say so, but regulation helps level the playing field for the entire industry by providing a set of rules by which we all must abide.  Going forward, I hope that the CFPB will foster a collaborative environment in which industry participants can openly share ideas and solutions, without fear of reprisals. After all, our priorities should be the same―to help consumers repay their debt and recover financially in a way that is manageable, transparent, and respectful. 7Whether it’s supporting financial literacy programs, youth development, or local food pantries, service to our communities has been a hallmark of our company’s history. Never has that priority been more important for us to continue than now.In 2020, we steered our efforts toward addressing the COVID-19 pandemic, working with relief orga-nizations to help those in need. The circumstances required us to approach giving back in a new way, through virtual events and contact-less donation drives, enabling us to further develop our community engagement programs.We admire our employees’ unwavering dedication to making a lasting difference in our communities, and we continue searching for creative ways to volunteer our time while keeping safety top-of-mind.Our Commitment to  Our Communities8As I think about the future, we intend to continue to rely on the long-term approach that has guided our success for more than two decades. Our company has been built on the understanding that our customers deserve to be treated with respect, professionalism, and compassion, and we have strived to align our operating processes with these values. Our employees have proven their dedication time and again, and I am equal parts grateful for and proud of their persever-ance and commitment to our mission. And while it’s no secret that our industry is not perceived positively by some, part of the work of improving this perception is to simply, but continuously, share our story. I hope regulators and legislators are willing to listen to it. Like most enduring stories, it’s sometimes complicated, but it’s a story I am proud to tell. The Next 25 Years– Kevin Stevenson, President & CEO9Estimated Remaining  Collections ($M)Total Revenues ($M)Cash Receipts ($M)Cash Collections Plus Fee IncomeNet Income Attributable to  PRA Group, Inc. ($M)FY16FY16FY16FY16FY20FY20FY20FY20FY19FY19FY19FY19FY18FY18FY18FY18FY17FY17FY17FY17$5,048$931$1,569$86$6,455$1,065$2,015$149$6,754$1,017$1,857$86$6,143$908$1,640$66$5,704$828$1,538$1642020 Financial Highlights102 0 2 0   F O R M   1 0 - K

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, 2020 
☐	Transition Report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
For the transition period from ________ to ________
Commission File Number: 000-50058 

PRA Group, Inc. 

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Delaware

(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)

75-3078675

(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

120 Corporate Boulevard, Norfolk, Virginia 23502 
(888) 772-7326 
(Address of principal executive offices, zip code, telephone number)

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

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

Trading Symbol(s)
PRAA

Name of each exchange on which registered
NASDAQ Global Select Market

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  ☑   No  ☐

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  ☐   No  ☑

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange 
Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been 
subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes  ☑   No  ☐

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically every Interactive Data File required to be submitted pursuant to 
Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit such files). 
Yes  ☑   No  ☐

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

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

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act). Yes  ☐   No  ☑

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has filed a report on and attestation to its management’s assessment of the effectiveness of its 
internal  control  over  financial  reporting  under  Section  404(b)  of  the  Sarbanes-Oxley  Act  (15  U.S.C.  7262(b))  by  the  registered  public 
accounting firm that prepared or issued its audit report.   ☑  

The aggregate market value of the common stock held by non-affiliates of the registrant as of June 30, 2020 was $1,729,557,356 based on 
the $38.66 closing price as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market.

The number of shares of the registrant's Common Stock outstanding as of February 23, 2021 was 45,593,525.

Documents incorporated by reference

Portions of the Registrant's definitive Proxy Statement for its 2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders are incorporated by reference into Part 
III of this 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.

Item 7A.

Item 8.

Table of Contents

Business

Risk Factors

Unresolved Staff Comments

Properties

Legal Proceedings

Mine Safety Disclosure

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

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk

Financial Statements and Supplementary Data
Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Income Statements

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1 – General and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

2 – Change in Accounting Principle

3 – Finance Receivables, net

4 – Investments

5 – Leases

6 – Goodwill and Intangible Assets, net

7 – Borrowings

8 – Property and Equipment, net

9 – Fair Value

10 – Derivatives
11 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

12 – Share-Based Compensation

13 – Earnings Per Share

14 – Income Taxes

15 – Commitments and Contingencies

16 – Retirement Plans

Item 9.

Item 9A.

Item 9B.

Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

Controls and Procedures

Other Information

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5

9

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18

19

20

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49

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Table of Contents

continued

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 and Financial Statement Schedules

Form 10-K Summary

Part III

Item 10.

Item 11.

Item 12.

Item 13.

Item 14.

Part IV

Item 15.

Item 16.

Signatures

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All references in this Annual Report on Form 10-K ("Form 10-K") to "PRA Group," "our," "we," "us," the "Company" 

or similar terms are to PRA Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries. 

Forward-Looking Statements:

This  report  contains  forward-looking  statements  as  defined  by  the  Private  Securities  Litigation  Reform  Act  of  1995.  
Statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including statements regarding overall cash 
collection trends, operating cost trends, liquidity and capital needs and other statements of expectations, beliefs, future plans, 
strategies and anticipated events or trends.  Our results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-
looking  statements,  or  our  forward-looking  statements  could  be  wrong,  as  a  result  of  risks,  uncertainties  and  assumptions 
including the following:

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the impact of the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19") pandemic on the markets in which we operate, including business 
disruptions,  unemployment,  economic  disruption,  overall  market  volatility  and  the  inability  or  unwillingness  of 
consumers to pay the amounts owed to us;

our inability to successfully manage the challenges associated with a disease outbreak, including epidemics, pandemics 
or similar widespread public health concerns, including the COVID-19 pandemic;

a deterioration in the economic or inflationary environment in the markets in which we operate;

our inability to replace our portfolios of nonperforming loans with additional portfolios sufficient to operate efficiently 
and profitably and/or purchase nonperforming loans at appropriate prices;

our inability to collect sufficient amounts on our nonperforming loans to fund our operations, including as a result of 
restrictions imposed by federal, state and international laws and regulations;

changes in accounting standards and their interpretations;

the recognition of significant decreases in our estimate of future recoveries on nonperforming loans;

the occurrence of goodwill impairment charges;

loss contingency accruals that are inadequate to cover actual losses;

our inability to manage risks associated with our international operations;

adverse effects from the exit of the United Kingdom ("UK") from the European Union ("EU");

changes in federal, state, local or international laws or the interpretation of these laws, including tax, bankruptcy and 
collection laws;

changes in the administrative practices of various bankruptcy courts;

our inability to comply with existing and new regulations of the collection industry;

investigations,  reviews,  or  enforcement  actions  by  governmental  authorities,  including  the  Consumer  Financial 
Protection Bureau ("CFPB");

our inability to comply with data privacy regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation ("GDPR");

adverse outcomes in pending litigation or administrative proceedings;

our inability to retain, expand, renegotiate or replace our credit facilities and our ability to comply with the covenants 
under our financing arrangements;

our inability to manage effectively our capital and liquidity needs, including as a result of changes in credit or capital 
markets;

changes in interest or exchange rates;

default by or failure of one or more of our counterparty financial institutions;

uncertainty about the future of the London Inter-Bank Offer Rate ("LIBOR"); 

disruptions of business operations caused by cybersecurity incidents or the underperformance or failure of information 
technology infrastructure, networks or communication systems; and

the "Risk Factors" in Item 1A of this Form 10-K and in our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission 
("SEC").

You should assume that the information appearing in this Form 10-K is accurate only as of the date it was issued. Our 
business,  financial  condition,  results  of  operations  and  prospects  may  have  changed  since  that  date.    The  future  events, 
developments or results described in, or implied by, this Form 10-K could turn out to be materially different. Except as required 
by law, we assume no obligation to publicly update or revise our forward-looking statements after the date of this Form 10-K 
and you should not expect us to do so.

4

Item 1. Business.

General

PART I

PRA  Group  Inc.  is  a  global  financial  and  business  services  company  with  operations  in  the  Americas,  Europe  and 

Australia.  

Our primary business is the purchase, collection and management of portfolios of nonperforming loans. The accounts we 
purchase are primarily the unpaid obligations of individuals owed to credit originators, which include banks and other types of 
consumer,  retail  and  auto  finance  companies.  We  purchase  portfolios  of  nonperforming  loans  at  a  discount  in  two  broad 
categories: Core and Insolvency. Our Core operation specializes in purchasing and collecting nonperforming loans, which we 
purchased since either the credit originator and/or other third-party collection agencies have been unsuccessful in collecting the 
full balance owed.  Our Insolvency operation consists primarily of purchasing and collecting on nonperforming loan accounts 
where the customer is involved in a bankruptcy proceeding or the equivalent in some European countries. We also provide fee-
based services on class action claims recoveries and by servicing consumer bankruptcy accounts in the United States ("U.S.").

As part of our strategic plans, we have expanded through various acquisitions and organic growth.  In 2014, we acquired 
Aktiv  Kapital  AS,  a  Norway-based  company  specializing  in  the  purchase,  collection  and  management  of  portfolios  of 
nonperforming  loans  throughout  Europe  and  Canada.    In  2015,  we  expanded  into  South  America  by  acquiring  55%  of  the 
equity interest in RCB Investimentos S.A. ("RCB"), a servicing platform for nonperforming loans and established a business 
that  purchases  nonperforming  loans  in  Brazil.  Our  subsequent  sale  of  79%  of  our  interest  in  RCB  to  Banco  Bradesco  S.A. 
completed in 2019, had no impact on the nonperforming loan purchasing business we established.  In 2016, we acquired DTP 
S.A.,  a  Polish-based  debt  collection  company,  furthering  our  in-house  collection  efforts  in  Poland.    In  2020,  we  began 
operations in Australia, leveraging an entity we established in 2011.

We have one reportable segment based on similarities among the operating units, including the nature of the products 
and  services,  the  nature  of  the  production  processes,  the  types  or  classes  of  customers  for  our  products  and  services,  the 
methods used to distribute our products and services and the nature of the regulatory environment.

For  discussion  of  COVID-19,  refer  to  "Item  7  -  Management's  Discussion  and  Analysis  of  Financial  Condition  and 

Results of Operations" of this Form 10-K.

Nonperforming Loan Portfolio Acquisitions

To  identify  purchasing  opportunities,  we  maintain  an  extensive  marketing  effort  with  our  senior  officers  contacting 
known and prospective sellers of nonperforming loans. From these sellers, we have acquired a variety of nonperforming loans 
including Visa® and MasterCard® credit cards, private label and other credit cards, installment loans, lines of credit, deficiency 
balances  of  various  types,  legal  judgments  and  trade  payables.    Sellers  of  nonperforming  loans  include  major  banks,  credit 
unions, consumer finance companies, retailers, utilities, automobile finance companies and other credit originators.  The price at 
which  we  purchase  portfolios  depends  on  the  age  of  the  portfolio,  whether  it  is  a  Core  or  Insolvency  portfolio,  geographic 
region,  the  seller's  selection  criteria,  our  historical  experience  with  a  certain  asset  type  or  credit  originator  and  other  similar 
factors.

We  purchase  portfolios  of  nonperforming  loans  from  credit  originators  through  auctions  and  negotiated  sales.  In  an 
auction  process,  the  seller  will  assemble  a  portfolio  of  nonperforming  loans  and  will  seek  purchase  prices  from  specifically 
invited  potential  purchasers.  In  a  privately  negotiated  sale  process,  the  credit  originator  will  contact  one  or  more  purchasers 
directly, receive a bid and negotiate the terms of sale. In either case, typically, invited purchasers will have already successfully 
completed a qualification process that can include the seller's review of any or all of the following: the purchaser's experience, 
reputation, financial standing, operating procedures, business practices and compliance oversight.

We purchase portfolios of nonperforming loans through either single portfolio transactions, referred to as spot sales, or 
through  the  pre-arranged  purchase  of  multiple  portfolios  over  time,  referred  to  as  forward  flow  sales.  Under  a  forward  flow 
contract, we agree to purchase statistically similar nonperforming loan portfolios from credit originators on a periodic basis, at a 
negotiated price over a specified time period, typically from three to 12 months.

5

Nonperforming Loan Portfolio Collection Operations

Call Center Operations

In  higher  volume  markets,  our  collection  efforts  leverage  internally  staffed  call  centers.  In  some  newer  markets  or  in 
markets that have less consistent debt purchasing patterns, most notably outside the U.S., we may utilize external vendors to do 
some  of  this  work.  Whether  the  accounts  are  being  worked  internally  or  externally,  we  utilize  our  proprietary  analysis  to 
proportionally direct work efforts to those customers most likely to pay. The analysis driving those decisions relies on models 
and variables that have the highest correlation to profitable collections from call activity.

Legal Recovery - Core Portfolios

An important component of our collections effort involves our legal recovery operations and the judicial collection of 
balances from customers who, in general, we believe have the ability, but not the willingness, to resolve their obligations. There 
are some markets in which the collection process follows a prescribed, time-sensitive and sequential set of legal actions, but in 
the  majority  of  instances,  we  use  models  and  analysis  to  select  those  accounts  reflecting  a  high  propensity  to  pay  in  a  legal 
environment. Depending on the characteristics of the receivable and the applicable local collection laws, we determine whether 
to commence legal action to judicially collect on the receivable. The legal process can take an extended period of time and can 
be  costly,  but  when  accounts  are  selected  properly,  it  usually  generates  net  cash  collections  that  likely  would  not  have  been 
realized otherwise. We use a combination of internal staff (attorney and support) and external staff to pursue legal collections 
under certain circumstances, as we deem appropriate. 

Insolvency Operations

Accounts that are in an insolvent or bankrupt status are managed by our insolvency operations team.  These accounts fall 
under insolvency plans ranging from Individual Voluntary Arrangements ("IVAs") and Trust Deeds in the UK, to Consumer 
Proposals in Canada, to various forms of bankruptcy plans in the U.S., Canada, Germany and the UK.  We file claims or claim 
transfers securing our creditor rights in plans, and actively manage these accounts through the entire life cycle of the insolvency 
proceeding  to  ensure  that  we  participate  in  any  distributions  to  creditors.  The  accounts  we  manage  are  derived  from  two 
sources: (1) our purchased portfolios of insolvent nonperforming loans and (2) our Core purchased portfolios of nonperforming 
loans  where  our  customers  filed  for  protection  under  the  insolvency  or  bankruptcy  laws  after  being  purchased  by  us.    We 
purchase these types of accounts in the U.S., Canada, Germany and the UK.  

These  accounts  are  filed  under  the  relevant  country's  insolvency  or  bankruptcy  codes  and  may  have  an  associated 
payment plan that generally ranges from three to seven years in duration.  Accounts which are purchased while insolvent can be 
purchased at any stage in the insolvency or bankruptcy plan life cycle. Portfolios sold close to the filing of the insolvency or 
bankruptcy plan may take months to generate cash flow; however, aged portfolios sold years after the filing of the insolvency or 
bankruptcy plan will typically generate cash flows immediately.

Digital

As a complement to our collection operations, we have developed digital capabilities to support our collection efforts.  
We have developed these platforms in all of our operating markets that provide for inbound collections, as well as outbound 
collections where the regulatory environment allows us to operate in such a manner.  

Equity Investments

We have an 11.7% equity interest in RCB, a servicing platform of nonperforming loans in Brazil.  

Fee-Based Services

In  addition  to  the  purchase,  collection  and  management  of  portfolios  of  nonperforming  loans,  we  provide  fee-based 
services including class action claims recovery purchasing and servicing through Claims Compensation Bureau, LLC ("CCB") 
and third-party servicing of bankruptcy accounts in the U.S.

Seasonality

Although the year ended December 31, 2020 deviated from usual seasonal patterns due to the impact of COVID-19, as 
discussed under "COVID-19 Update" in Item 7 of this Form 10-K, typically cash collections in the Americas tend to be higher 
in the first half of the year due to the high volume of income tax refunds received by individuals in the U.S., and trend lower as 
the  year  progresses.  Customer  payment  patterns  in  all  of  the  countries  in  which  we  operate  can  be  affected  by  seasonal 
employment trends, income tax refunds and holiday spending habits.  

6

Competition

Purchased portfolio competition is derived from both third-party contingent fee collection agencies and other purchasers 
of debt that manage their own nonperforming loans or outsource such servicing.  Regulatory complexity and burdens, combined 
with seller preference for experienced portfolio purchasers, create significant barriers to successful entry for new competitors 
particularly  in  the  U.S.  While  both  remain  competitive,  the  contingent  fee  industry  is  more  fragmented  than  the  purchased 
portfolio industry.

We face bidding competition in our purchase of nonperforming loans and on the basis of reputation, industry experience 
and performance. We believe that our competitive strengths include our disciplined and proprietary underwriting process, the 
extensive  data  set  we  have  developed  since  our  founding  in  1996,  our  ability  to  bid  on  portfolios  at  appropriate  prices,  our 
capital  position,  our  reputation  from  previous  portfolio  purchase  transactions,  our  ability  to  close  transactions  in  a  timely 
fashion,  our  strong  relationships  with  credit  originators,  our  team  of  well-trained  collectors  who  provide  quality  customer 
service while complying with applicable collection laws and our ability to efficiently and effectively collect on various asset 
types.

Government Regulation

We are subject to a variety of federal, state, local and international laws that establish specific guidelines and procedures 
that  debt  collectors  must  follow  when  collecting  customer  accounts,  including  laws  relating  to  the  collection,  use,  retention, 
security and transfer of personal information.  It is our policy to comply with applicable federal, state, local and international 
laws in all our activities.  To promote compliance with applicable laws and regulations, we provide extensive training upon hire 
and  additional  training  at  least  annually.    We  also  continuously  monitor  and  evaluate  our  collectors  in  order  to  provide 
meaningful  and  prompt  feedback.    Our  compliance  management  system  and  related  controls  that  are  embedded  in  business 
processes are also tested regularly by our compliance and internal audit departments to foster compliance with laws, regulations 
and internal policy. 

Our failure to comply with these laws could result in enforcement action against us, the payment of significant fines and 
penalties,  restrictions  upon  our  operations  or  our  inability  to  recover  amounts  owed  to  us.    Significant  laws  and  regulations 
applicable to our business include the following:

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Fair Debt Collection Practices Act ("FDCPA"), which imposes certain obligations and restrictions on the practices of 
debt collectors, including specific restrictions regarding the time, place and manner of the communications. 
Fair  Credit  Reporting  Act  ("FCRA"),  which  obligates  credit  information  providers  to  verify  the  accuracy  of 
information provided to credit reporting agencies and investigate consumer disputes concerning the accuracy of such 
information. 
Gramm-Leach-Bliley  Act,  which  requires  that  certain  financial  institutions,  including  collection  agencies,  develop 
policies to protect the privacy of consumers' private financial information and provide notices to consumers advising 
them of their privacy policies.
Electronic Funds Transfer Act, which regulates electronic fund transfer transactions, including a consumer’s right to 
stop payments on a pre-approved fund transfer and right to receive certain documentation of the transaction. 
Telephone  Consumer  Protection  Act  ("TCPA"),  which,  along  with  similar  state  laws,  places  certain  restrictions  on 
users of certain automated dialing equipment and pre-recorded messages that place telephone calls to consumers.
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act ("SCRA"), which gives U.S. military service personnel relief from credit obligations 
they may have incurred prior to entering military service and may also apply in certain circumstances to obligations 
and liabilities incurred by a servicemember while serving on active duty. 
Health  Insurance  Portability  and  Accountability  Act,  which  provides  standards  to  protect  the  confidentiality  of 
patients' personal healthcare and financial information in the U.S. 
U.S.  Bankruptcy  Code,  which  prohibits  certain  contacts  with  consumers  after  the  filing  of  bankruptcy  petitions  and 
dictates what types of claims will or will not be allowed in a bankruptcy proceeding including how such claims may be 
discharged.
Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires that telecommunications companies operating in the U.S. take steps to 
ensure functionally equivalent services are available for their consumers with disabilities, and requires accommodation 
of consumers with disabilities, such as the implementation of telecommunications relay services.
U.S.  Foreign  Corrupt  Practices  Act  ("FCPA"),  United  Kingdom  Bribery  Act  ("UK  Bribery  Act")  and  Similar  Laws. 
Our operations outside the U.S. are subject to various U.S. and international laws and regulations, such as the FCPA 
and the UK Bribery Act, which prohibit corrupt payments to governmental officials and certain other individuals.  The 

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FCPA prohibits U.S. companies and their agents and employees from providing anything of value to a foreign official 
for the purposes of influencing any act or decision of these individuals in order to obtain an unfair advantage or help 
obtain  or  retain  business.  Although  similar  to  the  FCPA,  the  UK  Bribery  Act  is  broader  in  scope  and  covers  bribes 
given to or received by any person with improper intent. 
Dodd-Frank  Wall  Street  Reform  and  Consumer  Protection  Act  (the  "Dodd-Frank  Act"),  which  restructured  the 
regulation  and  supervision  of  the  financial  services  industry  in  the  U.S.  and  created  the  CFPB.    The  CFPB  has 
rulemaking, supervisory, and enforcement authority over larger consumer debt collectors. The Dodd-Frank Act, along 
with  the  Unfair,  Deceptive,  or  Abusive  Acts  or  Practices  ("UDAAP")  provisions  included  therein,  and  the  Federal 
Trade Commission Act, prohibit unfair, deceptive, and/or abusive acts and practices.  
International data protection and privacy laws, which include relevant country specific legislation in the UK and other 
European countries where we operate that regulate the processing of information relating to individuals, including the 
obtaining,  holding,  use  or  disclosure  of  such  information;  the  Personal  Information  Protection  and  Electronic 
Documents  Act,  which  aims  to  protect  personal  information  that  is  collected,  used  or  disclosed  in  certain 
circumstances for purposes of electronic commerce in Canada; and the GDPR, which regulates the processing and free 
movement of personal data within the EU and transfer of such data outside the EU. 
Consumer Credit Act 1974 (and its related regulations), Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations of 1999 and 
the  Financial  Conduct  Authority's  consumer  credit  conduct  of  business  rules,  which  apply  to  our  international 
operations and govern consumer credit agreements.  

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In addition, certain of our EU subsidiaries are subject to capital adequacy, liquidity and other requirements imposed by 

regulators, such as the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority.

Human Capital 

As  of  December  31,  2020,  we  employed  3,820  full-time  equivalents  globally  across  18  countries,  with  approximately 
76%,  23%  and  less  than  1%  of  our  workforce  distributed  across  the  Americas,  Europe  and  Australia,  respectively.    Our 
employees share a common set of values and commitments that define how we treat each other, how we relate to our customers 
and  the  responsibilities  we  have  to  shareholders,  regulators,  clients  and  others.    We  refer  to  this  shared  set  of  values  as 
C.A.R.E.S, which stands for Committed, Accountable, Respectful, Ethical and Successful.  These values are intended to foster a 
high  performing  workforce  and  sense  of  belonging  by  working  together  to  build  an  equitable  and  inclusive  culture  where 
employees can be themselves, to be their best.  

In support of these values we offer comprehensive total rewards programs, competitive pay and bonus structures, health 
and  wellness  benefits,  retirement  plans  and  an  employee  assistance  program.  Additionally,  we  offer  tuition  reimbursement 
assistance  and  have  a  robust  suite  of  training  and  development  offerings  for  employees  across  the  globe,  many  available  in 
multiple languages. 

Management considers our employee relations to be good. While none of our North American employees are represented 
by a union or covered by a collective bargaining agreement, in Europe we work closely with a number of works councils, and in 
countries where it is the customary local practice, such as Finland and Spain, we have collective bargaining agreements.

Available Information

We make available on or through our website, www.pragroup.com, certain reports that we file with or furnish to the SEC 
in accordance with the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). These include our Annual Reports 
on Form 10-K, our Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, our Current Reports on Form 8-K and amendments to those reports filed 
or furnished pursuant to Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Exchange Act ("SEC Filings"). We make this information available on 
our website free of charge as soon as reasonably practicable after we electronically file the information with, or furnish it to, the 
SEC.  The  SEC  maintains  an  Internet  site  that  contains  reports,  proxy  and  information  statements  and  other  information 
regarding issuers that file electronically with the SEC at: www.sec.gov.

The information contained on, or that can be accessed through our website, is not, and shall not be deemed to be a part of 

this Form 10-K or incorporated into any of our other SEC Filings.

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Reports filed with, or furnished to, the SEC are also available free of charge upon request by contacting our corporate 

office at:

PRA Group, Inc.
Attn: Investor Relations
120 Corporate Boulevard, Suite 100
Norfolk, Virginia 23502

Item 1A. Risk Factors.

You  should  carefully  read  the  following  discussion  of  material  factors,  events  and  uncertainties  when  evaluating  our 
business  and  the  forward-looking  information  contained  in  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K.  The  events  and  consequences 
discussed  in  these  risk  factors  could  materially  and  adversely  affect  our  business,  operating  results,  liquidity  and  financial 
condition. While we believe we have identified and discussed below the material risk factors affecting our business, these risk 
factors do not identify all the risks we face, and there may be additional risks and uncertainties that we do not presently know or 
that  we  do  not  currently  believe  to  be  material  that  may  have  an  adverse  effect  on  our  business,  performance  or  financial 
condition in the future.  

Operational and Industry Risks

The continuation of the COVID-19 pandemic could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial 
results.

We  cannot  predict  the  extent  to  which  the  continuing  COVID-19  pandemic  will  impact  our  business,  results  of 
operations  and  financial  results  due  to  numerous  evolving  factors  such  as  the  extent  to  which  vaccines  will  be  available  and 
their effectiveness against mutations of COVID-19.  However, the continuation or worsening of the COVID-19 pandemic could 
adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial results if:

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the  current  deterioration  in  the  economic  and  inflationary  environment  resulting  from  the  pandemic  worsens  or 
continues throughout 2021;

political,  legal  and  regulatory  actions  and  policies  in  response  to  the  pandemic  prevent  us  from  performing  our 
collection activities or result in material increases in our costs to comply with such laws and regulations;

consumers  respond  to  COVID-19  by  failing  to  pay  amounts  owed  to  us  as  a  result  of  their  unemployment  or  other 
factors that impact their ability to make payments;

we are unable to maintain staffing levels necessary to operate our business due to extended lockdowns, governmental 
actions that result in our business operations being deemed non-essential or continued spread of COVID-19 causing 
employees to be unable or unwilling to work;

we are unable to collect on existing nonperforming loans or experience material decreases in our cash collections;

we  are  unable  to  purchase  nonperforming  loans  needed  to  operate  our  business  because  credit  originators  become 
unable or unwilling to sell their nonperforming loans consistent with historical levels; or

we suffer a cybersecurity incident as a result of increased vulnerability while a larger number of our employees work 
remotely.

A deterioration in the economic or inflationary environment in the countries in which we operate could have an adverse effect 
on our business and results of operations.

Our performance may be adversely affected by economic, political or inflationary conditions in any market in which we 
operate. These conditions could include regulatory developments, changes in global or domestic economic policy, legislative 
changes, the sovereign debt crises experienced in several European countries and the uncertainty regarding the EU’s future as a 
result of the UK's departure from the EU. Deterioration in economic conditions, or a significant rise in inflation could cause 
personal  bankruptcy  and  insolvency  filings  to  increase,  and  the  ability  of  consumers  to  pay  their  debts  could  be  adversely 
affected. This may in turn adversely impact our business and financial results. 

If global credit market conditions and the stability of global banks deteriorate, the amount of consumer or commercial 
lending and financing could be reduced, thus reducing the volume of nonperforming loans available for purchase, which could 
adversely affect our business, financial results and ability to succeed in international markets.

Other  factors  associated  with  the  economy  that  could  influence  our  performance  include  the  financial  stability  of  the 
lenders on our bank loans and credit facilities and our access to capital and credit. The financial turmoil that adversely affected 

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the banking system and financial markets during the prior global recession beginning in 2007 resulted in the tightening of credit 
markets. While the banking system and financial markets recovered from the prior recession, a worsening of current conditions, 
including as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, could have a negative impact on our business, including the insolvency of 
lending institutions, notably the lenders providing our bank loans and credit facilities, resulting in our difficulty in or inability to 
obtain  credit.  These  and  other  economic  factors  could  have  an  adverse  effect  on  our  financial  condition  and  results  of 
operations.

We may not be able to continually replace our nonperforming loans with additional portfolios sufficient to operate efficiently 
and profitably, and/or we may not be able to purchase nonperforming loans at appropriate prices.

To operate profitably, we must purchase and service a sufficient amount of nonperforming loans to generate revenue that 
exceeds our expenses. Costs such as salaries and other compensation expense constitute a significant portion of our overhead 
and, if we do not replace the nonperforming loan portfolios we service with additional portfolios, we may have to reduce the 
number  of  our  collection  personnel.  We  would  then,  have  to  rehire  collection  staff  if  we  subsequently  obtain  additional 
portfolios. These practices could lead to negative consequences including the following:

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low employee morale;

fewer experienced employees; 

higher training costs; 

disruptions in our operations; 

loss of efficiency; and 

excess costs associated with unused space in our facilities.

The availability of nonperforming loan portfolios at prices that generate an appropriate return on our investment depends 

on a number of factors, including the following:

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the continuation of high levels of consumer debt obligations;

sales of nonperforming loan portfolios by credit originators; and

competitive factors affecting potential purchasers and credit originators of receivables.

Furthermore,  heightened  regulation  of  the  credit  card  and  consumer  lending  industry  or  changing  credit  origination 
strategies may result in decreased availability of credit to consumers, potentially leading to a future reduction in nonperforming 
loans available for purchase from credit originators.  We cannot predict how our ability to identify and purchase nonperforming 
loans and the quality of those nonperforming loans would be affected if there were a shift in lending practices, whether caused 
by  changes  in  the  regulations  or  accounting  practices  applicable  to  credit  originators  or  purchasers,  a  sustained  economic 
downturn or otherwise.

Moreover,  there  can  be  no  assurance  that  credit  originators  will  continue  to  sell  their  nonperforming  loans  consistent 
with historical levels or at all, or that we will be able to bid competitively for those portfolios. Because of the length of time 
involved in collecting on acquired portfolios and the variability in the timing of our collections, we may not be able to identify 
trends and make changes in our purchasing strategies in a timely manner. If we are unable to maintain our business or adapt to 
changing market needs as well as our current or future competitors, we may experience reduced access to nonperforming loan 
portfolios at appropriate prices and, therefore, reduced profitability.

We may not be able to collect sufficient amounts on our nonperforming loans to fund our operations.

Our principal business consists of purchasing and collecting nonperforming loans that consumers or others have failed to 
pay. The credit originators have typically made numerous attempts to recover on their receivables, often using a combination of 
in-house recovery efforts and third-party collection agencies. These nonperforming loans are difficult to collect, and we may 
not collect a sufficient amount to cover our investment and the costs of running our business.

Our collections may decrease if certain types of insolvency proceedings and bankruptcy filings involving liquidations increase.

Various  economic  trends  and  potential  changes  to  existing  legislation  may  contribute  to  an  increase  in  the  amount  of 
personal bankruptcy and insolvency filings. Under certain of these filings, a debtor's assets may be sold to repay creditors, but 
because most of the receivables we collect through our collections operations are unsecured, we typically would not be able to 
collect  on  those  receivables.  Although  our  insolvency  collections  business  could  benefit  from  an  increase  in  personal 
bankruptcies and insolvencies, we cannot ensure that our collections operations business would not decline with an increase in 
personal  insolvencies  or  bankruptcy  filings  or  changes  in  related  regulations  or  practices.  If  our  actual  collection  experience 

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with  respect  to  a  nonperforming  or  insolvent  bankrupt  receivables  portfolio  is  significantly  lower  than  the  total  amount  we 
projected when we acquired the portfolio, our financial condition and results of operations could be adversely impacted.

Goodwill impairment charges could negatively impact our net income and stockholders' equity.

We have recorded a significant amount of goodwill as a result of our business acquisitions. Goodwill is not amortized, 
but is tested for impairment at the reporting unit level. Goodwill is required to be tested for impairment annually and between 
annual tests if events or circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its 
carrying amount. There are numerous risks that may cause the fair value of a reporting unit to fall below its carrying amount, 
which could lead to the recognition of a goodwill impairment charge. These risks include:

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adverse changes in macroeconomic conditions, the business climate, or the market for the entity's products or services; 

significant variances between actual and expected financial results; 

negative or declining cash flows; 

lowered expectations of future results; 

failure to realize anticipated synergies from acquisitions; 

significant expense increases; 

a more likely-than-not expectation of selling or disposing all, or a portion of, a reporting unit; 

the loss of key personnel; 

an adverse action or assessment by a regulator; 

significant increase in discount rates; or 

a sustained decrease in the price per share of our common stock.

Our  goodwill  impairment  testing  involves  the  use  of  estimates  and  the  exercise  of  judgment,  including  judgments 
regarding expected future business performance and market conditions. Significant changes in our assessment of such factors, 
including the deterioration of market conditions, could affect our assessment of the fair value of one or more of our reporting 
units and could result in a goodwill impairment charge in a future period.

Our loss contingency accruals may not be adequate to cover actual losses.

We are involved in judicial, regulatory and arbitration proceedings or investigations concerning matters arising from our 
business  activities.  We  establish  accruals  for  potential  liability  arising  from  legal  proceedings  when  it  is  probable  that  such 
liability has been incurred and the amount of the loss can be reasonably estimated.   However, there can be no assurance as to 
the ultimate outcome.  We may still incur legal costs for a matter even if we have not accrued a liability. In addition, actual 
losses may be higher than the amount accrued for a certain matter, or in the aggregate. An unfavorable resolution of a legal 
proceeding  or  claim  could  adversely  impact  our  business,  financial  condition,  results  of  operations,  or  liquidity.  For  more 
information,  refer  to  the  "Litigation  and  Regulatory  Matters"  section  of  Note  15  to  our  Consolidated  Financial  Statements 
included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K ("Note 15").

International Operations Risks

Our international operations expose us to risks which could harm our business, results of operations and financial condition.

A significant portion of our operations is conducted outside the U.S. This could expose us to adverse economic, industry 
and political conditions that may have a negative impact on our ability to manage our existing operations or pursue alternative 
strategic transactions, which could have a negative effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The global nature of our operations expands the risks and uncertainties described elsewhere in this section, including the 

following: 

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changes in local political, economic, social and labor conditions in the markets in which we operate;

foreign  exchange  controls  on  currency  conversion  and  the  transfer  of  funds  that  might  prevent  us  from  repatriating 
cash earned in countries outside the U.S. in a tax-efficient manner;

currency  exchange  rate  fluctuations,  currency  restructurings,  inflation  or  deflation  and  our  ability  to  manage  these 
fluctuations through a foreign exchange risk management program;

different employee/employer relationships, laws and regulations, union recognition and the existence of employment 
tribunals and works councils;

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laws  and  regulations  imposed  by  international  governments,  including  those  governing  data  security,  sharing  and 
transfer;

potentially  adverse  tax  consequences  resulting  from  changes  in  tax  laws  in  the  jurisdictions  in  which  we  operate  or 
challenges to our interpretations and application of complex international tax laws;

logistical,  communications  and  other  challenges  caused  by  distance  and  cultural  and  language  differences,  each 
making it harder to do business in certain jurisdictions; 

volatility of global credit markets and the availability of consumer credit and financing in our international markets;

uncertainty as to the enforceability of contract rights under local laws;

the  potential  of  forced  nationalization  of  certain  industries,  or  the  impact  on  creditors'  rights,  consumer  disposable 
income levels, flexibility and availability of consumer credit and the ability to enforce and collect aged or charged-off 
debts stemming from international governmental actions, whether through austerity or stimulus measures or initiatives, 
intended  to  control  or  influence  macroeconomic  factors  such  as  wages,  unemployment,  national  output  or 
consumption, inflation, investment, credit, finance, taxation or other economic drivers;

the presence of varying levels of business corruption in international markets and the effect of various anti-corruption 
and other laws on our international operations;

the impact on our day-to-day operations and our ability to staff our international operations given our changing labor 
conditions and long-term trends towards higher wages in developed and emerging international markets as well as the 
potential impact of union organizing efforts;

potential damage to our reputation due to non-compliance with international and local laws; and

the complexity and necessity of using non-U.S. representatives, consultants and other third-party vendors.

Any one of these factors could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Compliance with complex and evolving international and U.S. laws and regulations that apply to our international operations 
could increase our cost of doing business in international jurisdictions.

We operate on a global basis with offices and activities in a number of jurisdictions throughout the Americas, Europe 
and Australia. We face increased exposure to risks inherent in conducting business internationally, including compliance with 
complex international and U.S. laws and regulations that apply to our international operations, which could increase our cost of 
doing  business  in  international  jurisdictions.  These  laws  and  regulations  include  those  related  to  taxation  and  anti-corruption 
laws such as the FCPA and the UK Bribery Act. Given the complexity of these laws, there is a risk that we may inadvertently 
breach certain provisions of these laws, such as through the negligent behavior of an employee or our failure to comply with 
certain formal documentation requirements. Violations of these laws and regulations by us, any of our employees or our third-
party  vendors,  either  inadvertently  or  intentionally,  could  result  in  fines  and  penalties,  criminal  sanctions,  restrictions  on  our 
operations and ability to offer our products and services in one or more countries. Violations of these laws could also adversely 
affect our business, brand, international expansion efforts, ability to attract and retain employees and results of operations. 

The UK's exit from the EU could adversely impact our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The  UK  exited  the  EU  effective  January  31,  2020  ("Brexit").    Although  the  parties  have  agreed  on  several  terms 
governing their continuing relationship, matters such as data sharing and financial services remain unresolved.  As a result of 
the recency of the agreement and the failure to reach agreement on significant matters, there remains uncertainty about Brexit’s 
impact on taxes, foreign currency, political stability, economic, regulatory and financial market conditions in the UK, the EU 
and globally, the movement of goods, services, people and capital between the UK and EU.

As  of  December  31,  2020,  the  total  estimated  remaining  collections  ("ERC")  of  our  UK  portfolios  constituted 
approximately 26% of our consolidated ERC. Our British pound assets are predominantly funded by British pound liabilities. 
However,  British  pound  net  income  and  retained  earnings  could  be  affected  when  translated  to  the  U.S.  dollar,  positively  or 
negatively,  by  foreign  currency  exchange  volatility  in  the  short  term  resulting  from  the  uncertainty  of  Brexit.  In  the  longer 
term,  Brexit  could  adversely  impact  our  business,  results  of  operations  and  financial  condition  depending  on  the  terms 
negotiated by the UK and the EU concerning data sharing, taxes, financial services regulation and other matters that impact our 
operations.

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Legal and Regulatory Risks

Our  ability  to  collect  and  enforce  our  nonperforming  loans  may  be  limited  under  federal,  state  and  international  laws, 
regulations and policies.

Our operations are subject to licensing and regulation by governmental and regulatory bodies in the many jurisdictions in 
which we operate. U.S. federal and state laws, and the laws and regulations of the international countries in which we operate, 
may  limit  our  ability  to  collect  on  and  enforce  our  rights  with  respect  to  our  nonperforming  loans  regardless  of  any  act  or 
omission on our part. Some laws and regulations applicable to credit issuers may preclude us from collecting on nonperforming 
loans  we  acquire  if  the  credit  issuer  previously  failed  to  comply  with  applicable  laws  in  generating  or  servicing  those 
receivables. Collection laws and regulations also directly apply to our business. Such laws and regulations are extensive and 
subject  to  change.  A  variety  of  state,  federal  and  international  laws  and  regulations  govern  the  collection,  use,  retention, 
transmission, sharing and security of consumer data. Consumer protection and privacy protection laws, changes in the ways that 
existing rules or laws are interpreted or enforced and any procedures that may be implemented as a result of regulatory consent 
orders may adversely affect our ability to collect on our nonperforming loans and adversely affect our business. Our failure to 
comply with laws or regulations applicable to us could limit our ability to collect on our receivables, which could reduce our 
profitability and adversely affect our business.

Failure to comply with government regulation of the collections industry could result in penalties, fines, litigation, damage to 
our reputation or the suspension or termination of our ability to conduct our business.

The collections industry throughout the markets in which we operate is governed by various laws and regulations, many 
of which require us to be a licensed debt collector. Our industry is also at times investigated by regulators and offices of state 
attorneys  general,  and  subpoenas  and  other  requests  or  demands  for  information  may  be  issued  by  governmental  authorities 
who are investigating debt collection activities. These investigations may result in enforcement actions, fines and penalties, or 
the assertion of private claims and lawsuits. If any such investigations result in findings that we or our vendors have failed to 
comply with applicable laws and regulations, we could be subject to penalties, litigation losses and expenses, damage to our 
reputation,  or  the  suspension  or  termination  of,  or  required  modification  to,  our  ability  to  conduct  collections,  which  would 
adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition. 

In  a  number  of  jurisdictions,  we  must  maintain  licenses  to  purchase  or  own  debt,  and/or  to  perform  debt  recovery 
services and must satisfy related bonding requirements.  Our failure to comply with existing licensing requirements, changing 
interpretations of existing requirements, or adoption of new licensing requirements, could restrict our ability to collect in certain 
jurisdictions, subject us to increased regulation, increase our costs or adversely affect our ability to purchase, own and/or collect 
our receivables.

Some laws, among other things, also may limit the interest rate and the fees that a credit originator may impose on our 
consumers,  limit  the  time  in  which  we  may  file  legal  actions  to  enforce  consumer  accounts  and  require  specific  account 
information for certain collection activities. In addition, local requirements and court rulings in various jurisdictions may affect 
our ability to collect.

Regulations and statutes applicable to our industry further provide that, in some cases, consumers cannot be held liable 
for,  or  their  liability  may  be  limited  with  respect  to,  charges  to  their  debit  or  credit  card  accounts  that  resulted  from 
unauthorized use of their credit. These laws, among others, may limit our ability to recover amounts owing with respect to the 
receivables, whether or not we committed any wrongful act or omission in connection with the account. 

If  we  fail  to  comply  with  any  applicable  laws  and  regulations  discussed  above,  such  failure  could  result  in  penalties, 
litigation losses and expenses, damage to our reputation, or otherwise impact our ability to conduct collections efforts, which 
could adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

Investigations,  reviews  or  enforcement  actions  by  governmental  authorities  may  result  in  changes  to  our  business  practices; 
negatively impact our receivables portfolio acquisition volume; make collection of receivables more difficult; or expose us to 
the risk of fines, penalties, restitution payments and litigation.

Our  debt  collection  activities  and  business  practices  are  subject  to  review  from  time  to  time  by  various  governmental 
authorities and regulators, including the CFPB, which may commence investigations, reviews or enforcement actions targeted 
at businesses in the financial services industry. These investigations or reviews may involve individual consumer complaints or 
our  debt  collection  policies  and  practices  generally.  Such  investigations  or  reviews  could  lead  to  assertions  by  governmental 
authorities  that  we  are  not  complying  with  applicable  laws  or  regulations.  In  such  circumstances,  authorities  may  request  or 
seek  to  impose  a  range  of  remedies  that  could  involve  potential  compensatory  or  punitive  damage  claims,  fines,  restitution 
payments,  sanctions  or  injunctive  relief,  that  if  agreed  to  or  granted,  could  require  us  to  make  payments  or  incur  other 

13

expenditures that could have an adverse effect on our financial position. The CFPB has the authority to obtain cease and desist 
orders (which can include orders for restitution or rescission of contracts, as well as other kinds of affirmative relief), recover 
costs, and impose monetary penalties (ranging from $5,000 per day to over $1 million per day, depending on the nature and 
gravity  of  the  violation).  In  addition,  where  a  company  has  violated  Title  X  of  the  Dodd-Frank  Act  or  CFPB  regulations 
implemented thereunder, the Dodd-Frank Act empowers state attorneys general and other state regulators to bring civil actions 
to remedy violations under state law. Governmental authorities could also request or seek to require us to cease certain practices 
or  institute  new  practices.  Negative  publicity  relating  to  investigations  or  proceedings  brought  by  governmental  authorities 
could have an adverse impact on our reputation, harm our ability to conduct business with industry participants, and result in 
financial institutions reducing or eliminating sales of receivables portfolios to us which would harm our business and negatively 
impact  our  results  of  operations.  Moreover,  changing  or  modifying  our  internal  policies  or  procedures,  responding  to 
governmental inquiries and investigations and defending lawsuits or other proceedings could require significant efforts on the 
part  of  management  and  result  in  increased  costs  to  our  business.  In  addition,  such  efforts  could  divert  management's  full 
attention from our business operations. All of these factors could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations 
and financial condition.

The  CFPB  has  issued  civil  investigative  demands  to  many  companies  that  it  regulates  and  periodically  examines 
practices  regarding  the  collection  of  consumer  debt.  As  previously  reported  in  our  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K  filed  on 
September  9,  2015,  Portfolio  Associates,  LLC  ("PRA"),  our  wholly  owned  subsidiary,  entered  into  a  consent  order  with  the 
CFPB effective September 9, 2015 settling a previously disclosed investigation of certain debt collection practices of PRA (the 
"Consent  Order").    Although  we  have  implemented  the  requirements  of  the  Consent  Order,  there  can  be  no  assurance  that 
additional litigation or new industry regulations currently under consideration by the CFPB would not have an adverse effect on 
our business, results of operations and financial condition.  In fact, the CFPB has recently made civil investigative demands and 
advised the Company of the CFPB’s belief that we may have violated certain provisions of the Consent Order and applicable 
law.   Refer to Note 15 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for more information.

The regulation of data privacy in the U.S and globally could have an adverse effect on our business, results of operations and 
financial condition by increasing our compliance costs.

The  regulation of data privacy, including interpretations and determinations by regulatory authorities in the U.S. and in 
the countries in which we operate, continues to evolve.  It is not possible to predict the effect of such rigorous data protection 
regulations over time.  For example, GDPR impacts our European operations and required us to adapt our business practices 
accordingly.  Financial penalties for noncompliance with the GDPR can be significant.  It is also the  case that the U.S. federal 
government  and  states  within  the  U.S.  have  enacted  or  are  considering  legislation  to  enact  data  privacy  protections.    Data 
privacy  regulations  could  result  in  increased  costs  of  conducting  business  to  maintain  compliance  with  such  regulations. 
Although  we  take  significant  steps  to  protect  the  security  of  our  data  and  the  personal  data  of  our  customers,  we  may  be 
required to expend significant resources to comply with regulations if third parties improperly obtain and use such data.

Changes in tax provisions or exposures to additional tax liabilities could have an adverse tax effect on our financial condition.

We record reserves for uncertain tax positions based on our assessment of the probability of successfully sustaining tax 
filing positions. Management exercises significant judgment when assessing the probability of successfully sustaining tax filing 
positions, in determining whether a tax liability should be recorded and, if so, estimating that amount. Our tax filings are subject 
to audit by domestic and international tax authorities.  If our tax filing positions are successfully challenged, payments could be 
required that are in excess of reserved amounts or we may be required to reduce the carrying amount of our net deferred tax 
asset, either of which could be significant to our financial condition or results of operations.  Although we believe our estimates 
are reasonable, the ultimate tax outcome may differ from the amounts recorded in our financial statements and may adversely or 
beneficially affect our financial results in the period(s) for which such determination is made.

Financial and Liquidity Risks

We expect to use leverage in executing our business strategy, which may adversely affect the return on our assets.

We may incur a substantial amount of debt in the future. Our existing indebtedness is recourse to us, and we anticipate 
that  future  indebtedness  will  likewise  be  recourse.    As  of  December  31,  2020,  we  had  total  consolidated  indebtedness  of 
approximately  $2.7  billion,  all  of  which,  except  for  $345.0  million  outstanding  principal  amount  of  our  3.50%  Convertible 
Notes due 2023 (the "2023 Notes") and $300.0 million outstanding principal amount of our 7.375% Senior Notes due 2025 (the 
"2025 Notes"), was secured indebtedness.  In addition, as of December 31, 2020, we had total committed revolving borrowing 
capacity  of  $843.2  million  available  under  our  credit  facilities,  all  of  which  if  borrowed  would  be  secured  indebtedness. 
Considering borrowing base restrictions and other covenants, the amount available to be borrowed under our credit facilities 
would  have  been  $408.0  million.  Our  management  team  will  consider  a  number  of  factors  when  evaluating  our  level  of 

14

indebtedness  and  when  making  decisions  regarding  the  incurrence  of  any  new  indebtedness,  including  the  purchase  price  of 
assets to be acquired with debt financing, the estimated market value of our assets and the ability of particular assets and the 
Company as a whole, to generate cash flow to cover the expected debt service.

Incurring a substantial amount of debt could have important consequences for our business, including:

increasing our vulnerability to adverse economic or industry conditions;

• making it more difficult for us to satisfy our obligations with respect to our debt, to our trade or other creditors;
•
•

limiting our ability to obtain additional financing to fund capital expenditures and acquisitions, particularly when the 
availability of financing in the capital markets is constrained;

•

•

•

•

requiring a substantial portion of our cash flows from operations and reducing our ability to use our cash flows to fund 
working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions and general corporate requirements;

increasing the amount of interest expense because most of the indebtedness under our credit facilities bear interest at 
floating rates, which, if interest rates increase, will result in higher interest expense; 

limiting our flexibility in planning for, or reacting to, changes in our business and the industry in which we operate; 
and

placing us at a competitive disadvantage to less leveraged competitors.

We cannot assure you that our business will generate sufficient cash flow from operations or that future borrowings will 
be available to us through capital markets financings, under credit facilities or otherwise, in an amount sufficient to enable us to 
repay our indebtedness, repurchase our 2023 Notes upon a fundamental change or settle conversions in cash, repurchase our 
2025  Notes  upon  a  change  of  control  or  fund  our  other  liquidity  needs.    We  may  need  to  refinance  all  or  a  portion  of  our 
indebtedness,  at  or  before  its  scheduled  maturity.    We  cannot  assure  you  that  we  will  be  able  to  refinance  any  of  our 
indebtedness on commercially reasonable terms or at all.  In addition, we may incur additional indebtedness in order to finance 
our operations or to repay existing indebtedness.  If we cannot service our indebtedness, we may have to take actions such as 
selling assets, seeking additional debt or equity or reducing or delaying capital expenditures, strategic acquisitions, investments 
and alliances. We cannot assure you that any such actions, if necessary, could be effected on commercially reasonable terms or 
at all, or on terms that would be advantageous to our stockholders or on terms that would not require us to breach the terms and 
conditions  of  our  existing  or  future  debt  agreements.  Our  ability  to  access  additional  future  borrowings  could  be  negatively 
impacted as a result of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global debt and capital markets.

We may not be able to generate sufficient cash flow to meet our debt service obligations.

Our  ability  to  generate  sufficient  cash  flow  from  operations  to  make  scheduled  payments  on  our  debt  obligations  will 
depend  on  our  current  and  future  financial  performance,  which  is  subject  to  general  economic,  financial,  competitive, 
legislative, regulatory and other factors that are beyond our control.  In the future, we may fail to generate sufficient cash flow 
from  the  collection  of  nonperforming  loans  to  meet  our  cash  requirements.    Further,  our  capital  requirements  may  vary 
materially from those currently planned if, for example, our revenues do not reach expected levels, we have to incur unforeseen 
expenses, we invest in acquisitions or make other investments that we believe will benefit our competitive position.  If we do 
not generate sufficient cash flow from operations to satisfy our debt obligations, including interest payments and the payment of 
principal  at  maturity,  we  may  have  to  undertake  alternative  financing  plans,  such  as  refinancing  or  restructuring  our  debt, 
selling assets or seeking to raise additional capital.  We cannot provide assurance that any refinancing would be possible, that 
any  assets  could  be  sold,  or,  if  sold,  of  the  timeliness  and  amount  of  proceeds  realized  from  those  sales,  that  additional 
financing could be obtained on acceptable terms, if at all, or that additional financing would be permitted under the terms of our 
various debt instruments then in effect.  Furthermore, our ability to refinance would depend upon the condition of the finance 
and credit markets.  Our inability to generate sufficient cash flow to satisfy our debt obligations, or to refinance our obligations 
on commercially reasonable terms or on a timely basis, would materially affect our business, financial condition or results of 
operations and may delay or prevent the expansion of our business.

The agreements governing our indebtedness include provisions that may restrict our financial and business operations. 

Our  credit  facilities  and  the  indentures  that  govern  our  2023  Notes  and  our  2025  Notes  contain  financial  and  other 
restrictive  covenants,  including  restrictions  on  how  we  operate  our  business  and  our  ability  to  pay  dividends  to  our 
stockholders.    These  restrictions  may  interfere  with  our  ability  to  engage  in  other  necessary  or  desirable  business  activities, 
which could materially affect our business, financial condition or results of operations. 

Failure to satisfy any one of these covenants could result in negative consequences, including the following: 

15

•
•
•
•

acceleration of outstanding indebtedness; 

exercise by our lenders of rights with respect to the collateral pledged under certain of our outstanding indebtedness; 

our inability to continue to purchase nonperforming loans needed to operate our business; or 

our inability to secure alternative financing on favorable terms, if at all. 

Uncertainty about the future of the LIBOR may adversely affect our business.

It  is  possible  that  beginning  in  2022  LIBOR  will  be  discontinued  as  a  reference  rate.    It  is  unknown  whether  any 
proposed alternative reference rates will attain market acceptance as replacements or whether the outstanding issues related to 
them will be satisfactorily resolved.  The availability of our borrowings and the operation of our derivative hedging agreements 
could  be  adversely  impacted  if  LIBOR  is  discontinued  and  an  agreement  cannot  be  reached  on  an  appropriate  replacement 
benchmark rate between us and our lenders and counterparties.

Cybersecurity and Technology Risks

A  cybersecurity  incident  could  disrupt  our  operations,  compromise  or  corrupt  our  confidential  information  or  damage  our 
reputation, all of which could negatively impact our business and financial results.

Our business is highly dependent on our ability to process and monitor a large number of transactions across markets and 
in  multiple  currencies.  As  we  expand  geographically,  maintaining  the  security  of  our  information  technology  systems  and 
infrastructure  becomes  more  significant  and  challenging.    The  three  primary  risks  we  face  from  a  cybersecurity  incident  are 
operational  disruption,  the  exposure  of  private  data  including,  customer  information,  our  employees'  personally  identifiable 
information, or proprietary business information such as underwriting and collections methodologies and reputational damage.  
As our reliance on technology has increased, so have the risks posed to our systems, some of which are internal, some hosted in 
the cloud and others we have outsourced.  

Although  we  take  preventive  steps,  including  patching  our  systems  and  infrastructure,  monitoring  and  blocking 
malicious  traffic  with  intrusion  and  detection  prevention  systems,  monitoring  firewalls  to  safeguard  critical  business 
applications,  conducting  regular  external  and  internal  security  penetrations  testing  and  supervising  third  party  providers  that 
have  access  to  our  systems,  our  computer  systems,  software  and  network,  may  still  be  vulnerable  to  unauthorized  access, 
computer  viruses  or  other  malicious  code,  and  other  events  that  could  have  a  security  impact.    To  date,  interruptions  of  our 
systems and infrastructure have been infrequent and have not had a material impact on operations.  However, these measures, as 
well  as  our  organization's  increased  awareness  of  our  risk  of  a  cybersecurity  incident,  do  not  guarantee  that  our  business, 
reputation  or  financial  results  will  not  be  impacted  in  a  material  adverse  manner  by  such  an  incident.  Should  such  a 
cybersecurity  incident  occur,  we  may  be  required  to  expend  significant  additional  resources  to  notify  affected  consumers, 
modify  our  protective  measures  or  to  investigate  and  remediate  vulnerabilities  or  other  exposures.  Additionally,  we  may  be 
subject  to  fines,  penalties,  litigation  costs  and  settlements  and  financial  losses  that  may  not  be  fully  covered  by  our 
cybersecurity insurance.

The underperformance or failure of our information technology infrastructure, networks or communication systems could result 
in loss in productivity, loss of competitive advantage and business disruption.

We depend on effective information and communication systems to operate our business.  We have also acquired and 
expect  to  acquire  additional  systems  as  a  result  of  business  acquisitions.    Significant  resources  are  required  to  maintain  or 
enhance our existing information and telephone systems and to replace obsolete systems.  Although we periodically upgrade, 
streamline, and integrate our systems and have invested in strategies to prevent a failure, our systems are susceptible to outages 
due to natural disasters, power loss, computer viruses, security breaches, hardware or software vulnerabilities, disruptions, and 
similar  events.    Failure  to  adequately  implement  or  maintain  effective  and  efficient  information  systems  with  sufficiently 
advanced  technological  capabilities,  or  our  failure  to  efficiently  and  effectively  consolidate  our  information  systems  to 
eliminate  redundant  or  obsolete  applications,  could  cause  us  to  lose  our  competitive  advantage,  divert  management’s  time, 
result  in  a  loss  of  productivity  or  disrupt  business  operations,  which  could  have  a  material  adverse  effect  on  our  business, 
financial condition and results of operations.  

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments.

None.

16

Item 2. Properties.

Our  corporate  headquarters  and  primary  domestic  operations  facilities  are  located  in  Norfolk,  Virginia.  In  addition,  at 
December 31, 2020, we had operational centers in the Americas (12 leased and three owned), Europe (11 leased) and Australia 
(one leased).  

Item 3. Legal Proceedings.

We and our subsidiaries are from time to time subject to a variety of routine legal and regulatory claims, inquiries and 
proceedings, most of which are incidental to the ordinary course of our business. We initiate lawsuits against customers and are 
occasionally countersued by them in such actions. Also, customers, either individually, as members of a class action, or through 
a governmental entity on behalf of customers, may initiate litigation against us in which they allege that we have violated a state 
or federal law in the process of collecting on an account. From time to time, other types of lawsuits are brought against us.

Refer  to  Note  15  to  our  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  included  in  Item  8  of  this  Form  10-K  for  information 

regarding legal proceedings in which we are involved.

Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures.

Not applicable.

17

PART II

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

Common Stock

Our common stock is traded on Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol "PRAA." Based on information provided 

by our transfer agent and registrar, as of February 15, 2021, there were 46 holders of record.  

Stock Performance

The  following  graph  and  subsequent  table  compare  from  December  31,  2015  to  December  31,  2020,  the  cumulative 
stockholder returns assuming an initial investment of $100 in our common stock (PRAA), the stocks comprising the Nasdaq 
Financial 100 (IXF) and the stocks comprising the Nasdaq Global Market Composite Index (NQGM) at the beginning of the 
period. Any dividends paid during the five-year period are assumed to be reinvested.

PRA Group, Inc.

Nasdaq Financial 100

PRAA $ 

100  $ 

113  $ 

96  $ 

70  $ 

105  $ 

IXF

$ 

100  $ 

126  $ 

146  $ 

134  $ 

173  $ 

Nasdaq Global Market Composite Index

NQGM $ 

100  $ 

96  $ 

120  $ 

112  $ 

155  $ 

114 

179 

255 

Ticker

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

The  comparisons  of  stock  performance  shown  above  are  not  intended  to  forecast  or  be  indicative  of  possible  future 

performance of our common stock. We do not make or endorse any predictions as to our future stock performance.

Dividend Policy

Our board of directors sets our dividend policy. We do not currently pay regular dividends on our common stock and did 
not pay dividends in the three years ended December 31, 2020; however, our board of directors may determine in the future to 
declare or pay dividends on our common stock. Our credit facilities and the indentures that govern our 2023 Notes and our 2025 
Notes contain financial and other restrictive covenants, including restrictions on how we operate our business and our ability to 
pay  dividends  to  our  stockholders.    Any  future  determination  as  to  the  declaration  and  payment  of  dividends  will  be  at  the 
discretion of our Board of Directors and will depend on conditions then existing, including our results of operations, financial 
condition, contractual restrictions, capital requirements, business prospects and other factors that our Board of Directors may 
consider relevant.

18

Comparison of Cumulative Total Return with $100 Initial InvestmentPRAAIXFNQGM201520162017201820192020$0$50$100$150$200$250$300Recent Sales of Unregistered Securities

None.

Securities Authorized for Issuance Under Equity Compensation Plans

For  information  regarding  securities  authorized  for  issuance  under  equity  compensation  plans  see  Note  12  to  our 

Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Share Repurchase Programs 

None.

Item 6. Selected Financial Data.

None.

19

Item 7. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations.

Overview

We  are  a  global  financial  and  business  services  company  with  operations  in  the  Americas,  Europe  and  Australia.  Our 

primary business is the purchase, collection and management of portfolios of nonperforming loans.

COVID-19

The  COVID-19  outbreak,  which  was  first  reported  in  December  2019  and  declared  a  global  pandemic  by  the  World 
Health  Organization  in  March  2020,  has  impacted  all  countries  in  which  we  operate.    In  an  effort  to  address  the  spread  of 
COVID-19,  the  countries  in  which  we  operate  have  restricted  travel,  closed  country  borders,  banned  gatherings  of  unrelated 
individuals, quarantined and isolated infected individuals, closed schools and non-essential businesses and established criteria 
that  must  be  met  before  businesses  reopen.  The  global  spread  of  COVID-19  has  disrupted  normal  business  operations  and 
resulted in significant unemployment, recessionary economic trends and overall volatility, uncertainty and economic disruption.

To date, we have continued to operate our business considering governmental, legal and regulatory actions in response to 
the COVID-19 pandemic.  We are able to monitor on a daily basis the impacts of COVID-19 on our business, operations and 
financial results and to take steps to mitigate adverse effects wherever possible.  These include communicating with regulators 
and government officials concerning legislation and regulations, enabling employees to work remotely and implementing social 
distancing in the workplaces that remain open.

Specific impacts on our business, results of operations and financial condition during the year ended December 31, 2020 

included:

•

•

•

•

•

a  reduction  in  U.S.  staffing  in  mid-March  2020,  which  returned  to  almost  normal  levels  by  the  end  of  April  and 
remains at these levels;

an increase in U.S. Core cash collections, which we believe was due to our increased ability to contact customers and 
customers choosing to use additional discretionary funds to voluntarily resolve their debts;

a decrease in legal collection costs during the second quarter of 2020, as a result of the following, both of which have 
returned to normal levels to varying degrees over the remainder of 2020; 

–

–

a decrease in the volume of U.S. accounts sent through the legal channel, due to our decision to temporarily 
pause transitioning U.S. accounts into a legal eligible status; and

a decrease in the volume of European accounts sent through the legal channel due to the closure of courts in 
many of the European countries in which we operate;

a  decrease  in  certain  expenses  such  as  communication  expenses  due  to  mailing  decisions  made  as  a  result  of  the 
COVID-19 pandemic and interruptions in postal mailings and deliveries; and

a decrease in portfolio purchases due to deferrals by sellers and lower levels of bankruptcy filings and charge-offs.

Funds generated from operations, cash collections on finance receivables, existing cash,  available borrowings under our 
revolving credit facilities (including recent modifications to the terms of those facilities) and the addition of our senior notes, 
have  been  sufficient  to  finance  our  operations,  planned  capital  expenditures,  forward  flow  purchase  commitments,  debt 
maturities and portfolio purchases during the pandemic.  We continue to monitor the need to expand our access to credit to fund 
the aforementioned business activities.

Our  analysis  of  the  current  and  future  impact  of  COVID-19  on  our  operations  is  based  on  management’s  constant 
monitoring of key data and information, including (1) changes in laws, regulations and governmental actions, (2) trends in the 
macroeconomic environment, consumer behavior and key operational metrics such as cash collections and (3) conditions in the 
nonperforming loan market.  However, we cannot predict the full extent to which COVID-19 will impact our business, results 
of  operations  and  financial  condition  due  to  the  numerous  evolving  factors  associated  with  the  pandemic.    See  the  "Risk 
Factors" in Item 1A of this Form 10-K.  

Frequently Used Terms

We may use the following terminology throughout this Form 10-K:

•

"Amortization rate" refers to cash collections applied to principal on finance receivables as a percentage of total cash 
collections  (prior  to  the  adoption  of  Accounting  Standards  Update  ("ASU")  ASU  2016-13,  "Financial  Instruments-
Credit  Losses"  and  ASU  2019-19,  "Codification  Improvements  to  Topic  326,  Financial  Instrument  Credit  Losses, 
collectively referred to as "ASC 326").

20

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

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

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

"Cash receipts" refers to cash collections on our owned finance receivables portfolios plus fee income.

"Change  in  expected  recoveries"  refers  to  the  differences  of  actual  recoveries  received  when  compared  to  expected 
recoveries and the net present value of changes in estimated remaining collections.

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

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

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

"Negative Allowance" refers to the present value of cash flows expected to be collected on our finance receivables, 
classified as an asset on the balance sheet.

"Portfolio acquisitions" refers to all portfolios acquired as a result of a purchase, but also includes portfolios added as a 
result of a business acquisition. 

"Portfolio purchases" refers to all portfolios purchased in the normal course of business and excludes those added as a 
result of business acquisitions.

"Portfolio  income"  reflects  revenue  recorded  due  to  the  passage  of  time  using  the  effective  interest  rate  calculated 
based on the purchase price of portfolios and estimated remaining collections.

"Principal amortization" refers to cash collections applied to principal on finance receivables prior to the adoption of 
ASC 326.

"Purchase price" refers to the cash paid to a seller to acquire nonperforming loans.  Prior to the adoption of ASC 326 
purchase price also included certain capitalized costs and adjustments for buybacks.

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

"Recoveries" refers to cash collections plus buybacks and other adjustments.

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

Unless otherwise specified, references to 2020, 2019 and 2018 are for the years ended December 31, 2020, December 31, 

2019 and December 31, 2018, respectively.

21

Results of Operations

The results of operations include the financial results of the Company and all of our subsidiaries.  As of January 1, 2020 
we adopted ASC 326 on a prospective basis.  Prior period amounts were accounted for under ASC Topic 310-30 "Loans and 
Debt  Securities  Acquired  with  Deteriorated  Credit  Quality"  ("ASC  310-30").    For  further  information  refer  to  Note  2  to  our 
Consolidated Financial Statements included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.  The following table sets forth Consolidated 
Income Statement amounts as a percentage of total revenues for the periods indicated (dollars in thousands):

Revenues:

Portfolio income

Changes in expected recoveries

Income recognized on finance receivables

Fee income

Other revenue

Total revenues

Net allowance charges

Operating expenses:

Compensation and employee services

Legal collection fees

Legal collection costs

Agency fees

Outside fees and services

Communication

Rent and occupancy

Depreciation and amortization

Other operating expenses

Total operating expenses

Income from operations

Other income and (expense):

Gain on sale of subsidiaries

Interest expense, net

Foreign exchange gain/(loss)

Other

Income before income taxes

Income tax expense

Net income

2020

2019

2018

$  984,036 

 92.4 % $ 

69,297 

— 

9,748 

2,333 

 6.5 

 — 

 0.9 

 0.2 

— 

— 

998,361 

15,769 

2,951 

 — % $ 

 — 

 98.2 

 1.5 

 0.3 

— 

— 

 — %

 — 

891,899 

14,916 

1,441 

 98.2 

 1.6 

 0.2 

  1,065,414 

 100.0 

  1,017,081 

 100.0 

908,256 

 100.0 

— 

 — 

(24,025) 

 (2.4) 

(33,425) 

 (3.7) 

295,150 

53,758 

101,635 

56,418 

84,087 

40,801 

17,973 

18,465 

47,426 

715,713 

349,701 

 27.7 

 5.1 

 9.5 

 5.3 

 7.9 

 3.8 

 1.7 

 1.7 

 4.5 

 67.2 

 32.8 

310,441 

55,261 

134,156 

55,812 

63,513 

44,057 

17,854 

17,464 

46,811 

745,369 

247,687 

 30.5 

 5.4 

 13.2 

 5.5 

 6.2 

 4.3 

 1.8 

 1.7 

 4.6 

 73.2 

 24.4 

319,400 

42,941 

104,988 

33,854 

61,492 

43,224 

16,906 

19,322 

47,444 

689,571 

185,260 

 35.2 

 4.7 

 11.6 

 3.7 

 6.8 

 4.8 

 1.9 

 2.1 

 5.1 

 75.9 

 20.4 

— 

 — 

— 

 — 

26,575 

 2.9 

(141,712) 

 (13.2) 

(141,918) 

 (14.0) 

(121,078) 

 (13.3) 

2,005 

(1,049) 

208,945 

41,203 

167,742 

 0.2 

 (0.2) 

 19.6 

 3.9 

 15.7 

11,954 

(364) 

117,359 

19,680 

97,679 

 1.2 

 (0.1) 

 11.5 

 1.9 

 9.6 

 1.1 

(944) 

(316) 

89,497 

13,763 

75,734 

10,171 

 (0.1) 

 (0.1) 

 9.8 

 1.5 

 8.3 

 1.1 

 7.2 %

Adjustment for net income attributable to 
noncontrolling interests

18,403 

 1.7 

11,521 

Net income attributable to PRA Group, Inc.

$  149,339 

 14.0 % $ 

86,158 

 8.5 % $ 

65,563 

22

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Year ended December 31, 2020 compared with year ended December 31, 2019

Cash Collections

Cash collections for the periods indicated were as follows (amounts in millions):

   Americas Core
   Americas Insolvency
   Europe Core
   Europe Insolvency
Total cash collections
Cash collections adjusted (1)

2020
1,271.9  $ 
155.3 
519.7 
58.9 
2,005.8  $ 

2019
1,141.5  $ 
180.9 
480.1 
38.8 
1,841.3  $ 

Change

130.4 
(25.6) 
39.6 
20.1 
164.5 

2,005.8  $ 

1,823.1  $ 

182.7 

$ 

$ 

$ 

(1) Cash collections adjusted refers to 2019 cash collections translated using 2020 exchange rates.

Cash collections were $2,005.8 million in 2020, an increase of $164.5 million, or 8.9%, compared to $1,841.3 million in 
2019.  The increase was largely due to our U.S. call center and other collections, including a higher level of collections through 
our  digital  platforms,  increasing  $144.4  million,  or  23.3%,  primarily  due  to  what  we  believe  to  be  various  economic 
circumstances that have provided U.S. consumers with additional discretionary funds and a willingness to voluntarily resolve 
their debts. This was partially offset by a $14.6 million, or 3.8%, decrease in U.S. legal collections due to a shift in collections 
from the legal channel to the call centers and digital platforms. Additionally, Europe cash collections increased $59.7 million, 
or 11.5%, reflecting the impact of record 2019 purchases as well as strong 2020 purchases.  Furthermore, Americas Insolvency 
cash  collections  decreased  by  $25.6  million,  or  14.2%,  mainly  reflecting  investment  levels  not  offsetting  the  runoff  of  older 
portfolios.

Revenues

Revenue for the years indicated were as follows (amounts in thousands):

Portfolio income
Changes in expected recoveries
Income recognized on finance receivables
Fee income
Other revenue
Total revenues

2020

984,036  $ 
69,297 
— 
9,748 
2,333 
1,065,414  $ 

2019

— 
— 
998,361 
15,769 
2,951 
1,017,081 

$ 

$ 

Total revenues were $1,065.4 million in 2020, an increase of $48.3 million, or 4.7%, compared to $1,017.1 million in 
2019.  The  increase  is  largely  due  to  record  portfolio  purchases  in  2019  and  significant  cash  collections  overperformance 
primarily in the last three quarters of 2020 recorded as a component of Changes in expected recoveries.  This overperformance 
was  partially  offset  by  adjustments  to  our  ERCs  to  reflect  our  assumption  that  the  overperformance  was  primarily  due  to 
acceleration  in  the  timing  of  cash  collections  rather  than  an  increase  to  total  expected  collections.    We  believe  this  to  be  an 
appropriate assumption as we have continued to generate unprecedented cash collections, primarily in the Americas call centers 
and digital platforms, with two consecutive record cash collections quarters following the record first quarter of 2020, deviating 
from  typical  seasonal  patterns.    We  have  assumed  that  these  collections  are  accelerated  due  to  economic  circumstances 
providing  consumers  with  additional  discretionary  funds  and  a  willingness  to  voluntarily  repay  their  debts.    If  we  observe 
sustained performance over time supporting an increase in our total expected collections, there would be additional revenue in 
the future.  Additionally, we made forecast adjustments deemed appropriate given the current environment.  

Net Allowance Charges

In 2019, under ASC 310-30, net allowance charges were recorded for significant decreases in expected cash flows or a 
change in timing of cash flows which would otherwise require a reduction in the stated yield on a pool of accounts.  Effective 
January  1,  2020,  under  ASC  326,  changes  to  expected  cash  flows  are  recorded  in  changes  in  expected  recoveries  within 
revenues.  

23

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Operating Expenses

Total operating expenses were $715.7 million in 2020, a decrease of $29.7 million, or 4.0%, compared to $745.4 million 

in 2019. 

Compensation and Employee Services

Compensation  and  employee  service  expenses  were  $295.2  million  in  2020,  a  decrease  of  $15.2  million,  or  4.9%, 
compared to $310.4 million in 2019. The decrease was primarily attributable to a reduction in the U.S. call center workforce 
due  to  efficiencies.  Total  full-time  equivalents  decreased  13.4%  to  3,820  as  of  December  31,  2020  from  4,412  as  of 
December  31,  2019.  The  decrease  was  slightly  offset  by  a  $3.7  million,  or  34.2%,  increase  in  share-based  compensation 
expense due to improved actual performance compared to targets and a lower forfeiture rate.  

Legal Collection Fees

Legal collection fees represent contingent fees incurred for the cash collections generated by our independent third-party 
attorney  network.  Legal  collection  fees  were  $53.8  million  in  2020,  a  decrease  of  $1.5  million,  or  2.7%,  compared  to  $55.3 
million in 2019 primarily due to a slight decrease in external legal cash collections in the U.S. 

Legal Collection Costs

Legal collection costs primarily consist of costs paid to courts where a lawsuit is filed for the purpose of attempting to 
collect on an account. Legal collection costs were $101.6 million in 2020, a decrease of $32.6 million, or 24.3%, compared to 
$134.2 million in 2019. The decrease was primarily due to a reduced number of accounts placed into the U.S. legal channel as a 
result of a shift in collections from the legal channel to the call centers and digital platforms.  

Agency Fees

Agency fees primarily represent third-party collection fees.  Agency fees were $56.4 million in 2020 compared to $55.8 

million in 2019.  

Outside Fees and Services

Outside  fees  and  services  expenses  were  $84.1  million  in  2020,  an  increase  of  $20.6  million,  or  32.4%,  compared  to 
$63.5 million in 2019. The increase was primarily the result of higher consulting fees, corporate legal expenses and higher fees 
associated with processing an increased number of debit card transactions due to the increase in cash collections.

Communication

Communication  expenses  primarily  represent  postage  and  telephone  related  expenses  incurred  as  a  result  of  our 
collection efforts. Communication expenses were $40.8 million in 2020, a decrease of $3.3 million, or 7.5%, compared to $44.1 
million  in  2019.    The  decrease  mainly  reflects  lower  postage  costs  due  to  mailing  decisions  made  during  the  COVID-19 
pandemic and, to a lesser extent, telephone expenses as a result of improvements in data and analytics that drove efficiencies.  
These decreases were slightly offset by an increase in digital spending. 

Interest Expense, Net

Interest expense, net was $141.7 million in 2020 compared to $141.9 million in 2019 as slightly lower overall levels of 

outstanding borrowings and lower variable interest rates were offset by the addition of senior notes at higher fixed interest rates.  

Interest expense, net consisted of the following in 2020 and 2019 (amounts in thousands):

Interest on debt obligations and unused line fees

Interest on senior notes

Coupon interest on convertible debt

Amortization of convertible debt discount

Amortization of loan fees and other loan costs

Interest income

Interest expense, net

24

2020

2019

Change

$ 

96,979  $ 

100,477  $ 

(3,498) 

7,621 

17,064 

10,811 

10,252 

— 

20,700 

12,398 

10,589 

(1,015)   

(2,246)   

$ 

141,712  $ 

141,918  $ 

7,621 

(3,636) 

(1,587) 

(337) 

1,231 

(206) 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net Foreign Currency Transaction Gains/(Losses)

Net foreign currency transaction gains were $2.0 million in 2020 compared to $12.0 million in 2019. The decrease was 
primarily  related  to  lower  foreign  currency  gains  in  Europe  and  U.S.  dollar  linked  investments  held  in  Brazil.    In  any  given 
period,  we  may  incur  foreign  currency  transaction  losses  or  gains  from  transactions  in  currencies  other  than  the  functional 
currency.  

Income Tax Expense

Income tax expense was $41.2 million in 2020, an increase of $21.5 million, or 109.1%, compared to $19.7 million in 
2019.  The increase was primarily due to higher income before income taxes which increased $91.5 million, or 77.9% and some 
discrete items. The increase was partially offset by changes in foreign tax rates, return to provision adjustments and the mix of 
earnings among jurisdictions.  In 2020 our effective tax rate was 19.7% compared to 16.8% in 2019.

Year Ended December 31, 2019 compared to year ended December 31, 2018

Refer to "Item 7 - Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" of our 2019 

Form 10-K for a discussion of our fiscal 2019 results compared to fiscal 2018.

25

Supplemental Performance Data

Finance Receivables Portfolio Performance

We  purchase  nonperforming  loans  from  a  variety  of  credit  originators  and  segregate  them  into  two  main  portfolio 
segments:  Core  or  Insolvency,  based  on  the  status  of  the  account  upon  acquisition.    In  addition,  the  accounts  are  further 
segregated into geographical regions based upon where the account was purchased.  The accounts represented in the Insolvency 
tables  below  are  those  portfolios  of  accounts  that  were  in  an  insolvency  status  at  the  time  of  purchase.  This  contrasts  with 
accounts  in  our  Core  portfolios  that  file  for  bankruptcy/insolvency  protection  after  we  purchase  them,  which  continue  to  be 
tracked in their corresponding Core portfolio. Core customers sometimes file for bankruptcy/insolvency protection subsequent 
to our purchase of the related Core portfolio. When this occurs, we adjust our collection practices to comply with bankruptcy/
insolvency rules and procedures; however, for accounting purposes, these accounts remain in the original Core pool. Insolvency 
accounts  may  be  dismissed  voluntarily  or  involuntarily  subsequent  to  our  purchase  of  the  Insolvency  portfolio.  Dismissal 
occurs  when  the  terms  of  the  bankruptcy  are  not  met  by  the  petitioner.  When  this  occurs,  we  are  typically  free  to  pursue 
collection  outside  of  bankruptcy  procedures;  however,  for  accounting  purposes,  these  accounts  remain  in  the  original 
Insolvency pool.

Purchase price multiples can vary over time due to a variety of factors, including pricing competition, supply levels, age 
of the receivables acquired and changes in our operational efficiency.  Purchase price multiples can also vary among types of 
finance  receivables.  For  example,  we  generally  incur  lower  collection  costs  on  our  Insolvency  portfolio  compared  with  our 
Core  portfolio.  This  allows  us,  in  general,  to  pay  more  for  an  Insolvency  portfolio  and  experience  lower  purchase  price 
multiples, while generating similar net income margins when compared with a Core portfolio.

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

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

Revenue recognition under ASC 310-10 and ASC 326 is driven by estimates of the amount and timing of collections. We 
record new portfolio acquisitions at the purchase price which reflects the amount we expect to collect discounted at an effective 
interest rate.  As portfolios are purchased during the year, the annual pool is aggregated and the blended effective interest rate 
will change to reflect new purchasing and new cash flow estimates until the end of the year.  At that time, the effective interest 
rate is fixed at the amount we expect to collect discounted at the rate to equate purchase price to the recovery estimate.  During 
the first year of purchase, we typically do not reforecast the portfolios' initial recovery estimate.  Subsequent to the initial year, 
as we gain collection experience and confidence with a pool of accounts, we regularly update ERC. As a result, our estimate of 
total  collections  has  often  increased  as  pools  have  aged.  These  processes  have  tended  to  cause  the  ratio  of  ERC  to  purchase 
price for any given year of purchasing to gradually increase over time. Thus, all factors being equal in terms of pricing, one 
would  typically  tend  to  see  a  higher  collection  to  purchase  price  ratio  from  a  pool  of  accounts  that  was  six  years  from 
acquisition than a pool that was just two years from acquisition.

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

26

Purchase Price Multiples
as of December 31, 2020
Amounts in thousands

Purchase Period

Purchase Price (1)(2)

Total Estimated 
Collections (3)

Estimated Remaining 
Collections (4)

Current Estimated 
Purchase Price 
Multiple

Original Estimated 
Purchase Price 
Multiple (5)

Americas Core
1996-2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Subtotal
Americas Insolvency
1996-2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Subtotal
Total Americas
Europe Core
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Subtotal
Europe Insolvency
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Subtotal
Total Europe
Total PRA Group

$ 

$ 

1,078,219  $ 
209,602 
254,076 
390,826 
404,117 
443,114 
455,767 
532,851 
653,975 
581,476 
435,668 
5,439,691 

606,395 
180,432 
251,395 
227,834 
148,420 
63,170 
91,442 
275,257 
97,879 
123,077 
62,130 
2,127,431 
7,567,122 

20,409 
20,334 
773,811 
411,340 
333,090 
252,174 
341,775 
518,610 
324,119 
2,995,662 

3,398,610  $ 
720,510 
653,102 
896,381 
866,597 
927,497 
1,092,218 
1,210,475 
1,362,777 
1,240,122 
929,706 
13,297,995 

1,382,682 
370,180 
392,605 
354,923 
218,485 
87,254 
116,918 
348,732 
130,683 
160,804 
84,622 
3,647,888 
16,945,883 

41,210 
25,448 
2,229,255 
734,276 
556,493 
353,557 
524,117 
778,422 
557,289 
5,800,067 

10,876 
18,973 
39,338 
39,235 
44,908 
77,218 
105,440 
335,988 
3,331,650 
10,898,772  $ 

18,223 
29,023 
56,801 
49,142 
52,955 
101,891 
135,890 
443,925 
6,243,992 
23,189,875  $ 

28,969 
19,048 
21,655 
36,759 
58,983 
132,263 
230,039 
367,123 
521,466 
717,793 
796,502 
2,930,600 

1,105 
567 
256 
832 
2,045 
1,489 
9,209 
62,593 
66,033 
116,037 
78,098 
338,264 
3,268,864 

— 
— 
630,934 
274,714 
295,560 
194,165 
361,355 
630,040 
523,089 
2,909,857 

213 
2,512 
10,424 
20,019 
36,032 
77,854 
129,591 
276,645 
3,186,502 
6,455,366 

315%
344%
257%
229%
214%
209%
240%
227%
208%
213%
213%

228%
205%
156%
156%
147%
138%
128%
127%
134%
131%
136%

202%
125%
288%
179%
167%
140%
153%
150%
172%

168%
153%
144%
125%
118%
132%
129%

240%
245%
226%
211%
204%
205%
201%
193%
202%
206%
213%

180%
155%
136%
133%
124%
125%
123%
125%
127%
128%
136%

187%
119%
208%
160%
167%
144%
148%
152%
172%

129%
139%
130%
128%
123%
130%
129%

Includes the acquisition date finance receivables portfolios that were acquired through our business acquisitions.

(1)
(2) For our non-US amounts, purchase price is presented at the exchange rate at the end of the year in which the portfolio was purchased.  In addition, any 
purchase price adjustments that occur throughout the life of the portfolio are presented at the year-end exchange rate for the respective year of purchase.

(3) For our non-US amounts, TEC is presented at the year-end exchange rate for the respective year of purchase.
(4) For our non-U.S. amounts, ERC is presented at the December 31, 2020 exchange rate.
(5) The Original Estimated Purchase Price Multiple represents the purchase price multiple at the end of the year of acquisition.

27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Portfolio Financial Information
For the Year Ended December 31, 2020
Amounts in thousands

Purchase Period

Cash
Collections (1)

Portfolio Income (1)

Changes in 
Expected 
Recoveries (1)

Total Portfolio 
Revenue (1)(2)

Net Finance Receivables  
as of December 31, 2020 (3)

Americas Core
1996-2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018

2019

2020
Subtotal
Americas Insolvency
1996-2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019

2020

Subtotal

Total Americas
Europe Core
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018

2019

2020

Subtotal
Europe Insolvency
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019

2020

Subtotal

Total Europe

Total PRA Group

$ 

18,838  $ 
10,855 
11,805 
23,161 
31,921 
57,223 
105,905 
192,524 
337,697 

349,021 

132,945 
1,271,895 

15,419  $ 
10,016 
10,055 
16,709 
23,563 
34,339 
59,388 
91,632 
135,689 

175,258 

78,573 
650,641 

844 
483 
925 
1,311 
2,229 
7,909 
14,362 
58,826 
30,513 
31,360 

6,525 

155,287 

1,427,182 

1,218 
685 
149,782 
54,252 
48,333 
36,084 
71,253 

125,712 

32,339 

519,658 

802 
2,871 
7,950 
9,819 
10,315 
21,082 

6,046 

58,885 

578,543 

992 
406 
697 
1,310 
2,500 
4,036 
3,402 
15,607 
8,762 
11,293 

4,064 

53,069 

703,710 

687 
333 
106,875 
30,917 
26,722 
13,521 
26,261 

43,091 

12,507 

260,914 

511 
1,367 
3,047 
1,960 
2,935 
6,637 

2,955 

19,412 

280,326 

(3,156)  $ 
(3,722)   
(7,485)   
(10,833)   
(21,081)   
(14,111)   
796 
25,085 
32,123 

36,325 

18,114 
52,055 

(128)   
79 
509 
11 
(734)   
(1,002)   
970 
(428)   
2,960 
3,480 

(869)   

4,848 

56,903 

531 
353 
11,173 

(575)   
(2,260)   
(5,500)   
3,519 

(2,837)   

6,199 

10,603 

69 
49 
(204)   
568 
(2,229)   
1,933 

1,605 

1,791 

12,394 

12,263  $ 
6,294 
2,570 
5,876 
2,482 
20,228 
60,184 
116,717 
167,812 

211,583 

96,687 
702,696 

864 
485 
1,206 
1,321 
1,766 
3,034 
4,372 
15,179 
11,722 
14,773 

3,195 

57,917 

760,613 

1,218 
686 
118,048 
30,342 
24,462 
8,021 
29,780 

40,254 

18,706 

271,517 

580 
1,416 
2,843 
2,528 
706 
8,570 

4,560 

21,203 

292,720 

$ 

2,005,725  $ 

984,036  $ 

69,297  $ 

1,053,333  $ 

6,140 
3,142 
6,761 
16,290 
25,525 
56,170 
93,024 
165,492 
286,204 

380,756 

398,271 
1,437,775 

— 
— 
— 
— 
224 
898 
7,423 
51,771 
55,653 
97,250 

57,929 

271,148 

1,708,923 

— 
— 
168,604 
144,112 
172,697 
135,149 
235,099 

416,812 

309,229 

1,581,702 

90 
1,627 
7,583 
17,602 
31,143 
63,230 

102,888 

224,163 

1,805,865 

3,514,788 

(1) For our non-U.S., amounts are presented using the average exchange rates during the current reporting period.
(2) Total Portfolio Revenue refers to Portfolio Income and Changes in Expected Recoveries combined.
(3) For our non-U.S. amounts, Net Finance Receivables are presented at the December 31, 2020 exchange rate.

28

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Collections by Year, By Year of Purchase (1)
as of December 31, 2020
Amounts in millions

Cash Collections

Purchase 
Price (2)(3)

1996-2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

Total

$  1,078.2  $  1,990.5  $ 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
1,990.5 

390.9 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
390.9 

367.1  $ 
62.0 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
429.1 

311.5  $ 
174.5 
56.9 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
542.9 

228.4  $ 
152.9 
173.6 
101.6 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
656.5 

157.7  $ 
108.5 
146.2 
247.8 
92.7 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
752.9 

109.3  $ 
73.8 
97.3 
194.0 
253.4 
117.0 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
844.8 

70.2  $ 
48.7 
60.0 
120.8 
170.3 
228.4 
138.7 
— 
— 
— 
— 
837.1 

46.0  $ 
32.0 
40.0 
78.9 
114.2 
185.9 
256.5 
107.3 
— 
— 
— 
860.8 

34.4  $ 
21.6 
27.8 
56.4 
82.2 
126.6 
194.6 
278.7 
122.7 
— 
— 
945.0 

28.4  $ 
16.6 
17.9 
36.9 
55.3 
83.6 
140.6 
256.5 
361.9 
143.8 
— 
  1,141.5 

18.8  $  3,362.3 
701.5 
10.9 
631.5 
11.8 
859.6 
23.2 
800.0 
31.9 
798.7 
57.2 
836.3 
105.9 
835.0 
192.5 
822.3 
337.7 
492.8 
349.0 
133.0 
133.0 
  10,273.0 
  1,271.9 

261.2 
15.2 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
276.4 

270.4 
66.4 
17.4 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
354.2 

231.0 
82.8 
103.6 
52.5 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
469.9 

158.9 
85.8 
94.1 
82.6 
37.0 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
458.4 

51.2 
76.9 
80.1 
81.7 
50.9 
3.4 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
344.2 

8.6 
36.0 
60.7 
63.4 
44.3 
17.9 
18.9 
— 
— 
— 
— 
249.8 

4.6 
3.7 
29.3 
47.8 
37.4 
20.1 
30.4 
49.1 
— 
— 
— 
222.4 

2.5 
1.6 
4.3 
21.9 
28.8 
19.8 
25.0 
97.3 
6.7 
— 
— 
207.9 

1.4 
0.7 
1.9 
2.9 
15.8 
16.7 
19.9 
80.9 
27.4 
13.3 
— 
180.9 

0.8 
0.5 
0.9 
1.3 
2.2 
7.9 
14.4 
58.8 
30.5 
31.4 
6.6 
155.3 

  1,381.5 
369.6 
392.3 
354.1 
216.4 
85.8 
108.6 
286.1 
64.6 
44.7 
6.6 
  3,310.3 

  7,567.2 

2,381.4 

705.5 

897.1 

  1,126.4 

  1,211.3 

  1,189.0 

  1,086.9 

  1,083.2 

  1,152.9 

  1,322.4 

  1,427.2 

  13,583.3 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 

— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 

— 

11.6 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
11.6 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 

9.0 
7.1 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
16.1 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 

5.6 
8.5 
153.2 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
167.3 

— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

— 

3.2 
2.3 
292.0 
45.8 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
343.3 

4.3 
3.0 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 

7.3 

11.6 

16.1 

167.3 

350.6 

2.2 
1.3 
246.4 
100.3 
40.4 
— 
— 
— 
— 
390.6 

3.9 
4.4 
6.2 
— 
— 
— 
— 

14.5 

405.1 

2.0 
1.2 
220.8 
86.2 
78.9 
17.9 
— 
— 
— 
407.0 

3.2 
5.0 
12.7 
1.2 
— 
— 
— 

22.1 

2.0 
1.3 
206.3 
80.9 
72.6 
56.0 
24.3 
— 
— 
443.4 

2.6 
4.8 
12.9 
7.9 
0.6 
— 
— 

28.8 

1.5 
0.9 
172.9 
66.1 
58.0 
44.1 
88.7 
47.9 
— 
480.1 

1.5 
3.9 
10.7 
9.2 
8.4 
5.1 
— 

38.8 

1.2 
0.7 
149.8 
54.3 
48.3 
36.1 
71.2 
125.7 
32.4 
519.7 

38.3 
23.3 
  1,441.4 
433.6 
298.2 
154.1 
184.2 
173.6 
32.4 
  2,779.1 

0.8 
2.9 
7.9 
9.8 
10.3 
21.1 
6.1 

58.9 

16.3 
24.0 
50.4 
28.1 
19.3 
26.2 
6.1 

170.4 

429.1 

472.2 

518.9 

578.6 

  2,949.5 

Purchase 
Period (2)
Americas Core
1996-2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Subtotal

209.6 
254.1 
390.8 
404.1 
443.1 
455.8 
532.9 
654.0 
581.5 
435.7 
  5,439.8 

Americas Insolvency
1996-2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Subtotal

606.4 
180.4 
251.4 
227.8 
148.4 
63.2 
91.4 
275.3 
97.9 
123.1 
62.1 
  2,127.4 

Total 
Americas
Europe Core
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020
Subtotal

20.4 
20.3 
773.8 
411.3 
333.1 
252.2 
341.8 
518.6 
324.1 
  2,995.6 

Europe Insolvency
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
2020

Subtotal

10.9 
19.0 
39.3 
39.2 
44.9 
77.2 
105.4 

335.9 

Total Europe

  3,331.5 

Total PRA 
Group

$ 10,898.7  $  2,381.4  $ 

705.5  $ 

908.7  $  1,142.5  $  1,378.6  $  1,539.6  $  1,492.0  $  1,512.3  $  1,625.1  $  1,841.3  $  2,005.8  $ 16,532.8 

(1) For our non-U.S. amounts, cash collections are presented using the average exchange rates during the cash collection period. 
(2) Includes the finance receivables portfolios that were acquired through our business acquisitions. 
(3) For our non-U.S. amounts, Purchase Price is presented at the exchange rate at the end of the year in which the portfolio was purchased. In addition, any 
purchase price adjustments that occur throughout the life of the pool are presented at the year-end exchange rate for the respective year of purchase. 

29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Estimated Remaining Collections

The following chart shows our ERC of $6,455.4 million at December 31, 2020 by geographical region (amounts in 

millions).

The following chart shows our ERC by year as of December 31, 2020.  The annual forecast amounts reflect our current 
estimate of how much we expect to collect on our portfolios.  These estimates are translated to U.S. dollar at the December 31, 
2020 exchange rate (amounts in millions).

Seasonality

Although  the  year  ended  December  31,  2020  deviated  from  usual  seasonal  patterns  due  to  the  impact  of  COVID-19, 
typically cash collections in the Americas tend to be higher in the first half of the year due to the high volume of income tax 
refunds  received  by  individuals  in  the  U.S.,  and  trend  lower  as  the  year  progresses.  Customer  payment  patterns  in  all  of  the 
countries in which we operate can be affected by seasonal employment trends, income tax refunds, and holiday spending habits.

30

ERC by Geographical Region$2,996.5$1,675.9$761.1$565.2$272.4$184.3United StatesUnited KingdomCentral EuropeNorthern EuropeOther AmericasSouthern Europe$ in millionsERC by Year1,5991,2689496905033772932351871342202021202220232024202520262027202820292030thereafterCash Collections

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

(amounts in thousands).

Cash Collections by Geography and Type

2020

2019

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

Americas Core

$  286,524  $  336,322  $  343,269  $  305,780  $  276,639  $  279,902  $  294,243  $  290,723 

Americas Insolvency

36,048 

37,344 

38,685 

43,210 

40,801 

45,759 

49,770 

44,613 

Europe Core

  141,471 

  131,702 

  115,145 

  131,340 

  126,649 

  118,917 

  117,635 

  116,858 

Europe Insolvency

17,830 

13,971 

12,841 

14,243 

12,520 

8,639 

8,626 

8,977 

Total Cash Collections $  481,873  $  519,339  $  509,940  $  494,573  $  456,609  $  453,217  $  470,274  $  461,171 

The following table provides additional details on the composition of our Core cash collections for the periods indicated 

(amounts in thousands).

Cash Collections by Source - Core Portfolios Only

2020

2019

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

Call Center and Other 
Collections
External Legal 
Collections
Internal Legal 
Collections
Total Core Cash 
Collections

$  296,865  $  325,898  $  319,236  $  288,596  $  262,570  $  254,798  $  264,478  $  274,221 

58,481 

68,861 

70,310 

75,699 

70,867 

75,082 

75,624 

68,421 

72,649 

73,265 

68,868 

72,825 

69,851 

68,939 

71,776 

64,939 

$  427,995  $  468,024  $  458,414  $  437,120  $  403,288  $  398,819  $  411,878  $  407,581 

Collections Productivity (U.S. Portfolio)

The following table displays a collections productivity measure for our U.S. Portfolios.

First Quarter

Second Quarter
Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

Cash Collections per Collector Hour Paid
U.S. Portfolio

2020

Call center and other cash collections (1)
2017
2018
2019

2016

$ 

172  $ 

139  $ 

121  $ 

161  $ 

263 
246 

204 

139 
124 

128 

101 
107 

104 

129 
125 

112 

168 

167 
177 

153 

(1) Represents total cash collections less internal legal cash collections, external legal cash collections and Insolvency cash collections from 

trustee-administered accounts.

31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Efficiency Ratio

The following table displays our cash efficiency for the periods indicated.

Cash Efficiency Ratio (1)

First Quarter

Second Quarter

Third Quarter

Fourth Quarter

Full Year
(1) Calculated by dividing cash receipts less operating expenses by cash receipts.

Portfolio Acquisitions

2020

61.5%

68.7

65.6

61.9

64.5

2019

59.2%

60.4

60.2

59.7

59.9

2018

60.7%

60.1

55.7

55.0

58.0

The following graph shows the purchase price of our portfolios by year since 2010.  It also includes the acquisition date 

finance receivable portfolios that were acquired through our business acquisitions.

The following table displays our quarterly portfolio acquisitions for the periods indicated (amounts in thousands).

Portfolio Acquisitions by Geography and Type

2020

2019

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

Americas Core

$  67,460  $  84,139  $ 110,474  $ 172,697  $ 118,153  $ 168,185  $ 121,996  $ 169,189 

Americas Insolvency

  12,504 

  14,328 

  14,527 

  20,772 

  22,650 

  26,311 

  26,092 

  48,243 

Europe Core

  137,647 

  74,930 

  34,247 

  60,990 

  218,919 

  64,728 

  136,344 

  94,283 

Europe Insolvency

  72,171 

4,203 

5,251 

  18,778 

  42,613 

  19,772 

4,715 

7,134 

Total Portfolio Acquisitions

$ 289,782  $ 177,600  $ 164,499  $ 273,237  $ 402,335  $ 278,996  $ 289,147  $ 318,849 

Portfolio Acquisitions by Stratifications (U.S. Only)

The following table categorizes our quarterly U.S. portfolio acquisitions for the periods indicated into major asset type 
and delinquency category. Since our inception in 1996, we have acquired more than 57 million customer accounts in the U.S. 
(amounts in thousands). 

32

$ in millionsPortfolio Acquisitions by YearAmericas CoreAmericas InsolvencyEurope CoreEurope Insolvency2010201120122013201420152016201720182019202002004006008001,0001,2001,4001,600 
 
 
 
U.S. Portfolio Acquisitions by Major Asset Type
2020

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

2019

Q4

$  22,500 

 28.9 % $  23,322 

 25.7 % $  50,270 

 40.9 % $  71,225 

 38.3 % $  30,337 

 24.3 %

  48,335 

 62.1 

  60,331 

 66.5 

  69,651 

 56.7 

  104,300 

 56.0 

  85,351 

 68.4 

5,978 

1,081 

 7.6 

 1.4 

6,333 

680 

 7.0 

 0.8 

2,430 

460 

 2.0 

 0.4 

2,109 

8,510 

 1.1 

 4.6 

2,046 

6,991 

 1.7 

 5.6 

$  77,894   100.0 % $  90,666   100.0 % $ 122,811   100.0 % $ 186,144   100.0 % $ 124,725   100.0 %

Major Credit Cards
Private Label Credit 
Cards

Consumer Finance

Auto Related

Total

U.S. Portfolio Acquisitions by Delinquency Category

2020

Q4

Q3

Q2

Q1

2019

Q4

Fresh (1)
Primary (2)
Secondary (3)
Tertiary (3)
Other (4)
Total Core

Insolvency

Total

$  21,985 

 33.6 % $  25,236 

 33.1 % $  28,847 

 26.6 % $  51,126 

 30.9 % $  35,330 

 34.6 %

1,002 

 1.5 

5,187 

 6.8 

9,887 

 9.1 

  18,152 

 11.0 

5,796 

 5.7 

  41,164 
1,239 

 63.0 
 1.9 

  44,534 
1,381 

 58.3 
 1.8 

67,609 
1,941 

 62.5 
 1.8 

  92,855 
3,239 

 56.1 
 2.0 

  52,899 
4,409 

 51.8 
 4.3 

— 

 — 

— 

 — 

— 

 — 

— 

 — 

3,641 

 3.6 

  65,390   100.0 %   76,338   100.0 %   108,284   100.0 %   165,372   100.0 %   102,075   100.0 %

  12,504 

$  77,894 

  14,328 

$  90,666 

14,527 

$  122,811 

  20,772 

$ 186,144 

  22,650 

$ 124,725 

(1) Fresh accounts are typically past due 120 to 270 days, charged-off by the credit originator and are either being sold prior to any post-

charge-off collection activity or placement with a third-party for the first time.

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

servicer.

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

contingent fee servicers, respectively.

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

contingent fee servicers.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

We  report  financial  results  in  accordance  with  U.S.  generally  accepted  accounting  principles  ("GAAP").    However, 
management  uses  certain  non-GAAP  financial  measures  including  adjusted  earnings  before  interest,  taxes,  depreciation  and 
amortization  ("Adjusted  EBITDA")  to  evaluate  our  operating  and  financial  performance  as  well  as  to  set  performance  goals.  
We  present  Adjusted  EBITDA  because  we  consider  it  an  important  supplemental  measure  of  operations  and  financial 
performance.    Management  believes  Adjusted  EBITDA  helps  provide  enhanced  period-to-period  comparability  of  operations 
and financial performance, as it excludes certain items whose fluctuations from period to period do not necessarily correspond 
to changes in the operations of our business, and is useful to investors as other companies in the industry report similar financial 
measures.  Adjusted EBITDA should not be considered as an alternative to net income determined in accordance with GAAP.  
In  addition,  our  calculation  of  Adjusted  EBITDA  may  not  be  comparable  to  the  calculation  of  similarly  titled  measures 
presented by other companies.   

Adjusted EBITDA is calculated starting with our GAAP financial measure, net income attributable to PRA Group, Inc. 

and is adjusted for:

•
•
•
•
•
•

income tax expense (or less income tax benefit);

foreign exchange loss (or less foreign exchange gain);

interest expense, net (or less interest income, net);

other expense (or less other income);

depreciation and amortization;

net income attributable to noncontrolling interests;

33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
•
•

•

loss on sale of subsidiaries (or less gain on sale of subsidiaries);

recoveries applied to negative allowance less changes in expected recoveries for the year ended December 31, 2020; 
and

collections applied to principal on finance receivables for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018.

The  following  table  is  a  reconciliation  of  net  income  attributable  to  PRA  Group,  Inc.,  as  reported  in  accordance  with 

GAAP, to Adjusted EBITDA for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (amounts in thousands):

Net income attributable to PRA Group, Inc.

$ 

149,339  $ 

86,158  $ 

65,563 

Reconciliation of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

2020

2019

2018

Adjustments:

Income tax expense

Foreign exchange (gains)/losses

Interest expense, net
Other expense (1)
Depreciation and amortization 
Adjustment for net income attributable to noncontrolling 
interests

Gain on sale of subsidiaries
Recoveries applied to negative allowance less Changes in 
expected recoveries

Collections applied to principal on finance receivables 

41,203 

(2,005)   

141,712 

1,049 

18,465 

18,403 

— 

968,362 

— 

19,680 

(11,954)   

141,918 

364 

17,464 

11,521 

— 

— 

842,910 

Adjusted EBITDA 

$ 

1,336,528  $ 

1,108,061  $ 

(1) Other expense reflects non-operating expenses.

13,763 

944 

121,078 

316 

19,322 

10,171 

(26,575) 

— 

733,306 

937,888 

Additionally,  we  evaluate  our  business  using  certain  ratios  that  use  Adjusted  EBITDA.  Debt  to  Adjusted  EBITDA  is 
calculated  by  dividing  borrowings  by  Adjusted  EBITDA.    The  following  table  reflects  our  Debt  to  Adjusted  EBITDA  at 
December 31 (amounts in thousands):

Debt to Adjusted EBITDA

Borrowings

Adjusted EBITDA

Debt to Adjusted EBITDA

Liquidity and Capital Resources

2020

2,661,289 

1,336,528 

$ 

$ 

2019

2,808,425 

1,108,061 

$ 

$ 

1.99 x

2.53 x

We actively manage our liquidity to help provide access to sufficient funding to meet our business needs and financial 
obligations.  As  of  December  31,  2020,  cash  and  cash  equivalents  totaled  $108.6  million.  Of  the  cash  and  cash  equivalent 
balance as of December 31, 2020, $97.0 million consisted of cash on hand related to international operations with indefinitely 
reinvested earnings. See the "Undistributed Earnings of International Subsidiaries" section below for more information. 

34

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
At December 31, 2020, we had the following borrowings outstanding and availability under our credit facilities (amounts 

in thousands):

Outstanding

Available without 
Restrictions

Available with 
Restrictions (1)

Americas revolving credit (2)
European revolving credit

Term loan
Senior Notes
Convertible Note

Less: Debt discounts and issuance costs

$ 

405,706 

$ 

675,094 

$ 

1,171,890 

168,110 

470,000 
300,000 
345,000 

(31,307) 

— 
— 
— 

— 

299,933 

108,110 

— 
— 
— 

— 

Total

$ 

2,661,289 

$ 

843,204 

$ 

408,043 

(1) Available borrowings after calculation of borrowing base and debt covenants as of December 31, 2020.  

(2) Includes North American revolver and the Colombian revolver.

An additional funding source for our Europe operations is interest-bearing deposits. Per the terms of our European credit 
facility, we are permitted to obtain interest-bearing deposit funding of up to SEK 1.2 billion (approximately $146.3 million as 
of December 31, 2020). Interest-bearing deposits as of December 31, 2020 were $132.7 million.  

We determined that we were in compliance with the covenants of our financing arrangements as of December 31, 2020.

We  have  the  ability  to  slow  the  purchase  of  finance  receivables  if  necessary,  with  low  impact  to  current  year  cash 
collections.  For  example,  we  invested  $905.1  million  in  portfolio  acquisitions  in  2020.  The  portfolios  acquired  in  2020 
generated $178.1 million of cash collections, representing only 8.9% of 2020 cash collections. 

Contractual obligations over the next year are primarily related to purchase commitments. As of  December 31, 2020, we 
have forward flow commitments in place for the purchase of nonperforming loans with a maximum purchase price of $501.9 
million, of which $449.5 million is due within the next 12 months. The $501.9 million includes $324.1 million for the Americas 
and  $177.8  million  for  Europe.  We  may  also  enter  into  new  or  renewed  forward  flow  commitments  and  close  on  spot 
transactions in addition to the aforementioned forward flow agreements. 

Additionally,  of  our  $2.7  billion  borrowings  at  December  31,  2020,  estimated  interest,  unused  fees  and  principal 
payments for the next 12 months are approximately $119.6 million, of which, $11.1 million relates to principal.  Our principal 
payment  obligations  related  to  debt  maturities  occur  within  three  to  five  years  as  our  European  credit  facility  expires  in 
February 2023, our Convertible Notes mature in June 2023, our North American credit facility expires in May 2024 and our 
Senior Notes mature in September 2025.

We continue to monitor the recent outbreak of COVID-19 on our operations and how that may impact our cash flows 
and  our  ability  to  settle  debt.    As  a  result  of  COVID-19,  global  financial  markets  have  experienced  overall  volatility  and 
disruptions to capital and credit markets.  We believe that funds generated from operations and from cash collections on finance 
receivables,  together  with  existing  cash,  available  borrowings  under  our  revolving  credit  facilities,  including  recent 
modifications  to  the  terms  of  those  facilities,  and  access  to  the  capital  markets  will  be  sufficient  to  finance  our  operations, 
planned  capital  expenditures,  forward  flow  purchase  commitments,  debt  maturities  and  additional  portfolio  purchases  during 
the  next  12  months.  We  may,  however,  seek  to  access  the  debt  or  equity  capital  markets  as  we  deem  appropriate,  market 
permitting.  Business acquisitions or higher than expected levels of portfolio purchasing could require additional financing from 
other sources.

For more information, see Note 7 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

35

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Cash Flows Analysis

The  following  table  summarizes  our  cash  flow  activity  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2020  and  2019  (amounts  in 

thousands):

Total cash provided by (used in):
Operating activities
Investing activities
Financing activities
Effect of exchange rate on cash
Net (decrease)/increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash $ 

$ 

Operating Activities

2020

2019

Change

141,704  $ 
115,003 
(252,100)   
(7,367)   
(2,760)  $ 

133,388  $ 
(441,190)   
339,523 

(6,609)   
25,112  $ 

8,316 
556,193 
(591,623) 
(758) 
(27,872) 

Cash provided by operating activities mainly reflects cash collections recognized as revenue partially offset by cash paid 
for  operating  expenses,  interest  and  income  taxes.    Key  drivers  of  operating  activities  were  adjusted  for  (i)  non-cash  items 
included  in  net  income  such  as  provisions  for  unrealized  gains  and  losses,  changes  in  expected  recoveries,  depreciation  and 
amortization, deferred taxes, fair value changes in equity securities and stock-based compensation as well as (ii) changes in the 
balances of operating assets and liabilities, which can vary significantly in the normal course of business due to the amount and 
timing of payments. 

Net  cash  provided  by  operating  activities  increased  $8.3  million,  or  6.2%,  during  the  year  ended  December  31,  2020 

mainly driven by higher cash collections, lower operating expenses and the impact of unrealized foreign currency transactions.

Investing Activities

Cash  provided  by  investing  activities  mainly  reflects  recoveries  applied  to  our  negative  allowance.  Cash  used  in 

investing activities mainly reflects acquisitions of nonperforming loans. 

Net cash provided by investing activities increased $556.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily 
from a $327.8 million decrease in purchases of nonperforming loans, a $194.8 million increase in recoveries applied to negative 
allowance in the current year versus collections applied to principal on finance receivables in the prior year and $57.6 million of 
cash used related to a business acquisition during the first quarter of 2019.  These changes were partially offset by $31.2 million 
of cash received during the first quarter of 2019 related to the sale of a subsidiary in the fourth quarter of 2018.   

Financing Activities

Cash  provided  by  financing  activities  is  normally  provided  by  draws  on  our  lines  of  credit  and  proceeds  from  debt 
offerings.  Cash used in financing activities is primarily driven by principal payments on our lines of credit, long-term debt and 
other debt.

Cash used in financing activities increased $591.6 million during the year ended December 31, 2020, primarily from a 
$828.9  million  increase  in  payments  on  our  lines  of  credit,  a  $287.4  million  payment  related  to  the  settlement  of  our  2020 
Notes,  a  $47.0  million  increase  in  distributions  paid  to  noncontrolling  interests,  net  of  contributions  received  and  a  $17.8 
million decrease in cash provided by interest-bearing deposits. These changes were partially offset by a $303.2 million decrease 
in payments on long-term debt and $300.0 million of proceeds related to our senior notes.   

Undistributed Earnings of International Subsidiaries

We intend to use predominantly all of our accumulated and future undistributed earnings of international subsidiaries to 
expand  operations  outside  the  U.S.;  therefore,  such  undistributed  earnings  of  international  subsidiaries  are  considered  to  be 
indefinitely reinvested outside the U.S. Accordingly, no provision for income tax or withholding tax has been provided thereon. 
If management's intentions change and eligible undistributed earnings of international subsidiaries are repatriated, we could be 
subject to additional income taxes and withholding taxes. This could result in a higher effective tax rate in the period in which 
such a decision is made to repatriate accumulated or future undistributed international earnings. The amount of cash on hand 
related  to  international  operations  with  indefinitely  reinvested  earnings  was  $97.0  million  and  $109.7  million  as  of 
December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. Refer to the Note 14 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of 
this Form 10-K for further information related to our income taxes and undistributed international earnings.

36

 
 
 
 
 
Off Balance Sheet Arrangements

We do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements as of December 31, 2020 as defined by Item 303(a)(4) of Regulation 

S-K promulgated under the Exchange Act.

Contractual Obligations

Our contractual obligations as of December 31, 2020 were as follows (amounts in thousands):

Payments due by period

Contractual Obligations

Operating leases
Revolving credit (1)
Long-term debt (2)
Purchase commitments (3)
Employment agreements
Derivatives (4)
Total (5)
(1)

1 - 3 years

3 - 5 years

17,089  $ 

Total
71,131  $ 

$ 
  1,728,188 
  1,430,504 
501,927 
18,181 
45,432 

Less than 1 
year
11,679  $ 
61,725 
57,844 
449,536 
6,101 
15,351 

  1,257,368 
585,137 
52,391 
12,080 
25,556 

12,500  $ 
409,095 
787,523 
— 
— 
4,525 

More than 5 
years
29,863 
— 
— 
— 
— 
— 
29,863 

$ 3,795,363  $  602,236  $ 1,949,621  $ 1,213,643  $ 

Includes estimated interest and unused line fees due on our revolving credit facilities and assumes that the outstanding balances on the 
revolving credit facilities remain constant from the December 31, 2020 balances to maturity.  See Note 7 to our Consolidated Financial 
Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
Includes  scheduled  interest  and  principal  payments  on  our  term  loan,  senior  notes  and  convertible  senior  notes.  See  Note  7  to  our 
Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

(2)

(3) Reflects  the  maximum  remaining  amount  to  be  purchased  under  forward  flow  and  other  contracts  for  the  purchase  of  nonperforming 

loans.

(4) See Note 10 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K for further information. 
(5) Amounts exclude unrecognized tax benefits, as the timing and amount of future cash payments are not determinable at this time.  See 

Note 14 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.  

Critical Accounting Policies and Estimates

Our  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  have  been  prepared  in  accordance  with  GAAP.  Our  significant  accounting 
policies are discussed in Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K. Our significant 
accounting policies are fundamental to understanding our results of operations and financial condition because they require that 
we use estimates, assumptions and judgments that affect the reported amounts of revenues, expenses, assets and liabilities.

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

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

Management has reviewed these critical accounting policies with the Audit Committee of our Board of Directors.

Revenue Recognition - Finance Receivables

We  account  for  the  majority  of  our  investment  in  finance  receivables  under  the  guidance  of  ASC  Topic  310 
"Receivables"  ("ASC  310")  and  ASC  Topic  326-20  "Financial  Instruments  -  Credit  Losses  -  Measured  at  Amortized 
Cost" ("ASC 326-20"). Revenue recognition for finance receivables involves the use of estimates and the exercise of judgment 
on the part of management. These estimates include projections of the quantity and timing of future cash flows and economic 
lives of our pools of finance receivables. Significant changes in such estimates could result in increased or decreased revenue as 
we immediately recognize the discounted value of such changes using the constant effective interest rate of the pool.

We account for our finance receivables as follows:

We create each annual accounting pool using our projections of estimated cash flows and expected economic life. We 
then  compute  a  constant  effective  interest  rate  based  on  the  net  carrying  amount  of  the  pool  and  reasonable  projections  of 
estimated cash flows and expectation of its economic life. As actual cash flow results are received we record the time value of 

37

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
the  expected  cash  as  Portfolio  income  and  over  and  under  performance  and  changes  in  expected  future  cash  flows  from 
expected  cash  as  Changes  in  expected  recoveries.  We  review  each  pool  watching  for  trends,  actual  performance  versus 
projections  and  curve  shape  (a  graphical  depiction  of  the  timing  of  cash  flows).  We  then  re-forecast  future  cash  flows  by 
applying  discounted  cash  flow  methodologies  to  our  ERC  and  recognize  income  over  the  estimated  life  of  the  pool  at  the 
constant effective interest rate of the pool.

  Significant  judgment  is  used  in  evaluating  expected  recoveries  using  the  discounted  cash  flow  approach  and  the 

estimated life of the pool.  

Valuation of Goodwill

In  accordance  with  FASB  ASC  Topic  350,  "Intangibles-Goodwill  and  Other"  ("ASC  350"),  we  evaluate  Goodwill  for 
impairment  annually  and  more  frequently  if  indicators  of  potential  impairment  exist.  Goodwill  is  reviewed  for  potential 
impairment at the reporting unit level. 

Goodwill  is  evaluated  for  impairment  either  under  the  qualitative  assessment  option  or  using  a  quantitative  forecast 
approach depending on facts and circumstances of a reporting unit, including the excess of fair value over carrying amount in 
the last valuation, changes in the business environment and changes of the reporting unit or its composition. If upon evaluation 
of the qualitative factors, we determine it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is greater than its carrying 
amount, there is no impairment loss to record and a quantitative assessment is not required.  If the carrying amount exceeds the 
reporting unit’s fair value, then we are required to determine the reporting unit’s fair value and record as an impairment loss the 
amount the carrying value exceeds fair value, not to exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to the respective reporting 
unit.   

We determine the fair value of a reporting unit by applying the approaches prescribed under ASC Topic 820 "Fair Value 
Measurements and Disclosures": the income approach and the market approach. Depending on the availability of public data 
and  suitable  comparables,  we  may  or  may  not  use  the  market  approach  or  we  may  emphasize  the  results  from  the  approach 
differently. Under the income approach, we estimate the fair value of a reporting unit based on the present value of estimated 
future cash flows and a residual terminal value. Cash flow projections are based on management's estimates of revenue growth 
rates, operating margins, necessary working capital and capital expenditure requirements, taking into consideration industry and 
market  conditions.  The  discount  rate  used  is  based  on  the  weighted-average  cost  of  capital  adjusted  for  the  relevant  risk 
associated  with  business-specific  characteristics  and  the  uncertainty  related  to  the  reporting  unit's  ability  to  execute  on  the 
projected cash flows. Under the market approach, we estimate fair value based on prices and other relevant market transactions 
involving comparable publicly-traded companies with operating and investment characteristics similar to the reporting unit.

Income Taxes

We  are  subject  to  income  taxes  throughout  the  U.S.  and  in  numerous  international  jurisdictions.  These  tax  laws  are 
complex  and  are  subject  to  different  interpretations  by  the  taxpayer  and  the  relevant  government  taxing  authorities.  When 
determining our domestic and international income tax expense, we make judgments about the application of these inherently 
complex laws.

We follow the guidance of ASC Topic 740 "Income Taxes" ("ASC 740") as it relates to the provision for income taxes 
and uncertainty in income taxes. Accordingly, we record a tax provision for the anticipated tax consequences of the reported 
results of operations. The provision for income taxes is estimated using the asset and liability method, under which deferred tax 
assets  and  liabilities  are  recognized  for  the  expected  future  tax  consequences  of  temporary  differences  between  the  financial 
reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities, and for operating losses and tax credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and 
liabilities are measured using the currently enacted tax rates that apply to taxable income in effect for the years in which those 
tax assets are expected to be realized or settled.

We exercise significant judgment in estimating the potential exposure to unresolved tax matters and apply a more-likely-
than-not criteria approach for recording tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions in the application of the complex tax laws.  
While  actual  results  could  vary,  we  believe  we  have  adequate  tax  accruals  with  respect  to  the  ultimate  outcome  of  such 
unresolved  tax  matters.    We  record  interest  and  penalties  related  to  unresolved  tax  matters  as  a  component  of  income  tax 
expense when the more-likely-than-not standards are met.  

Beginning with the 2017 tax year, we used a revised tax accounting method to recognize net finance receivables income.  
Under this method, a portion of the annual collections are amortized and the remaining portion is taxable income.  The deferred 
tax liability related to the difference in timing between the new method and the cost recovery method was incorporated evenly 
into our tax filings over four years, ending in tax year 2020. 

38

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

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

For a summary of recent accounting pronouncements and the anticipated effects on our Consolidated Financial 

Statements see Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.

Our  activities  are  subject  to  various  financial  risks  including  market  risk,  currency  and  interest  rate  risk,  credit  risk, 
liquidity risk and cash flow risk. Our financial risk management program focuses on the unpredictability of financial markets 
and  seeks  to  minimize  potential  adverse  effects  on  our  financial  performance.  We  may  periodically  enter  into  derivative 
financial instruments, typically interest rate and currency derivatives, to reduce our exposure to fluctuations in interest rates on 
variable-rate  debt,  fluctuations  in  currency  rates  and  their  impact  on  earnings  and  cash  flows.  We  do  not  utilize  derivative 
financial instruments with a level of complexity or with a risk greater than the exposure to be managed nor do we enter into or 
hold  derivatives  for  trading  or  speculative  purposes.  Derivative  instruments  involve,  to  varying  degrees,  elements  of  non-
performance, or credit risk. We do not believe that we currently face a significant risk of loss in the event of non-performance 
by the counterparties associated with these instruments as these transactions were executed with a diversified group of major 
financial  institutions  with  an  investment-grade  credit  rating.  Our  intention  is  to  spread  our  counterparty  credit  risk  across  a 
number of counterparties so that exposure to a single counterparty is minimized.

Interest Rate Risk

We  are  subject  to  interest  rate  risk  from  outstanding  borrowings  on  our  variable  rate  credit  facilities.  As  such,  our 
consolidated financial results are subject to fluctuations due to changes in the market rate of interest. We assess this interest rate 
risk by estimating the increase or decrease in interest expense that would occur due to a change in short-term interest rates. The 
borrowings on our variable rate credit facilities were approximately $2.0 billion as of December 31, 2020. Based on our current 
debt structure, assuming a 50 basis point decrease in interest rates, for example, interest expense over the following 12 months 
would  decrease  by  an  estimated  $2.7  million.  Assuming  a  50  basis  point  increase  in  interest  rates,  interest  expense  over  the 
following 12 months would increase by an estimated $4.3 million.

To reduce the exposure to changes in the market rate of interest and to be in compliance with the terms of our European 
credit  facility,  we  have  entered  into  interest  rate  derivative  contracts  for  a  portion  of  our  borrowings  under  our  floating  rate 
financing  arrangements.  We  apply  hedge  accounting  to  certain  of  our  interest  rate  derivative  contracts.    By  applying  hedge 
accounting, changes in market value are reflected as adjustments in other comprehensive income.  All derivatives to which we 
have applied hedge accounting were evaluated and remain highly effective at December 31, 2020. Terms of the interest rate 
derivative contracts require us to receive a variable interest rate and pay a fixed interest rate. The sensitivity calculations above 
consider the impact of our interest rate derivative contracts.

Currency Exchange Risk

We operate internationally and enter into transactions denominated in various foreign currencies. In 2020, we generated 
$388.2  million  of  revenues  from  operations  outside  the  U.S.  and  used  11  functional  currencies,  excluding  the  U.S.  dollar. 
Weakness in one particular currency might be offset by strength in other currencies over time.

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

Foreign  currency  gains  and  losses  are  primarily  the  result  of  the  re-measurement  of  transactions  in  certain  other 
currencies into an entity's functional currency. Foreign currency gains and losses are included as a component of other income 
and  (expense)  in  our  Consolidated  Income  Statements.  From  time  to  time  we  may  elect  to  enter  into  foreign  exchange 
derivative contracts to reduce these variations in our Consolidated Income Statements.

39

When an entity's functional currency is different than the reporting currency of its parent, foreign currency translation 
adjustments may occur. Foreign currency translation adjustments are included as a component of other comprehensive (loss)/
income in our Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income and as a component of equity in our Consolidated Balance 
Sheets.

We  have  taken  measures  to  mitigate  the  impact  of  foreign  currency  fluctuations.  We  have  organized  our  European 
operations so that portfolio ownership and collections generally occur within the same entity. Our European credit facility is a 
multi-currency  facility,  allowing  us  to  better  match  funding  and  portfolio  acquisitions  by  currency.  We  actively  monitor  the 
value of our finance receivables by currency. In the event adjustments are required to our liability composition by currency we 
may,  from  time  to  time,  execute  re-balancing  foreign  exchange  contracts  to  more  closely  align  funding  and  portfolio 
acquisitions by currency.

40

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Index to Financial Statements

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Income Statements

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1 – General and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

2 – Change in Accounting Principle

3 – Finance Receivables, net

4 – Investments

5 – Leases

6 – Goodwill

7 – Borrowings

8 – Property and Equipment, net

9 – Fair Value

10 – Derivatives

11 – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income

12 – Share-Based Compensation

13 – Earnings Per Share

14 – Income Taxes

15 – Commitments and Contingencies

16 – Retirement Plans

42

44

45

46

47

48

49

49

57

58

61

62

63

64

68

68

71

72

72

74

74

77

78

41

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
PRA Group, Inc.:

Opinion on the Consolidated Financial Statements

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of PRA Group, Inc. and subsidiaries (the Company) as of 
December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated income statements, statements of comprehensive income, changes in 
equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes 
(collectively, the consolidated financial statements). In our opinion, the consolidated  financial statements present fairly, in all 
material respects, the financial position of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, and the results of its operations and 
its cash flows for each of the years in the three-year period ended December 31, 2020, in conformity with U.S. generally 
accepted accounting principles.

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) 
(PCAOB), the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, 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 26, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s 
internal control over financial reporting.

Change in Accounting Principle 

As discussed in Notes 1 and 2 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for 
expected credit losses for financial instruments as of January 1, 2020, due to the adoption of Accounting Standard Codification 
(ASC) Topic 326, Financial Instruments Credit Losses.

As discussed in Note 1 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company has changed its method of accounting for leases 
as of January 1, 2019, due to the adoption of the ASC Topic 842, Leases.

Basis for Opinion

These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express 
an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits. We are a public accounting firm registered with the 
PCAOB and are required to be independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and 
the applicable rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. Those standards require that we plan and perform the 
audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the consolidated financial statements are free of material misstatement, 
whether due to error or fraud. Our audits included performing procedures to assess the risks of material misstatement of the 
consolidated financial statements, whether due to error or fraud, and performing procedures that respond to those risks. Such 
procedures included examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the consolidated financial 
statements. Our audits also included evaluating the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, 
as well as evaluating the overall presentation of the consolidated financial statements. We believe that our audits provide a 
reasonable basis for our opinion.

Critical Audit Matter

The critical audit matter communicated below is a matter arising from the current period audit of the consolidated financial 
statements that was communicated or required to be communicated to the audit committee and that: (1) relates to accounts or 
disclosures that are material to the consolidated financial statements and (2) involved our especially challenging, subjective, or 
complex judgments. The communication of a critical audit matter does not alter in any way our opinion on the consolidated 
financial statements, taken as a whole, and we are not, by communicating the critical audit matter below, providing a separate 
opinion on the critical audit matter or on the accounts or disclosures to which it relates.

Assessment of the estimate of expected recoveries on purchased credit deteriorated assets

As discussed in Notes 1 and 3 to the consolidated financial statements, the Company’s estimate of expected recoveries 
on purchased credit deteriorated assets as of December 31, 2020 was $3.5 billion, presented as finance receivables, net 
in the consolidated balance sheets, and the resulting changes in expected recoveries for the year ended December 31, 
2020 were $69.3 million. The Company accounts for the estimate of expected recoveries and resulting changes in 

42

expected recoveries under the guidance of ASC Topic 326-20, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses - Measured at 
Amortized Cost. The Company develops its estimate of expected recoveries by applying a discounted cash flow 
methodology to its estimated remaining collections (“ERC”). Subsequent changes (favorable and unfavorable) in 
expected cash flows are recognized within changes in expected recoveries by adjusting the present value of increases 
or decreases in ERC at a constant effective interest rate. Factors that may contribute to the changes in expected cash 
flows include both external and internal factors such as trends in collections performance and operational activities. 
When the Company has an expectation of collecting cash flows at the portfolio level, a negative allowance is 
established for expected recoveries at an amount not to exceed the amount paid for the financial portfolios. The 
negative allowance is recorded as an asset and presented as finance receivables, net on the Company's consolidated 
balance sheets. The Company pools accounts with similar risk characteristics that are acquired in the same year.

We identified the assessment of the estimate of expected recoveries on purchased credit deteriorated assets as a critical 
audit matter. A high degree of audit effort, including specialized skills and knowledge, and complex auditor judgment 
was involved in the assessment of the expected recoveries due to significant measurement uncertainty. Specifically, the 
assessment encompassed the evaluation of the methodology used to estimate recoveries, including the inputs and 
significant assumptions related to estimating the expected recoveries. Such inputs and significant assumptions include 
historical trends and actual performance versus projections and certain qualitative factors. In addition, auditor 
judgment was required to evaluate the sufficiency of audit evidence obtained. 

The following are the primary procedures we performed to address this critical audit matter. We evaluated the design 
and tested the operating effectiveness of certain internal controls related to the Company's process to develop (1) the 
methodology and estimate of expected recoveries, including controls over the inputs and significant assumptions, and 
(2) the performance monitoring of the expected recoveries and incorporation of qualitative factors into the estimate of 
expected recoveries. We evaluated the Company’s process to develop the estimates by testing certain sources of data, 
factors, and assumptions that the Company used, and considered the relevance and reliability of such data, factors and 
assumptions. In addition, we involved credit risk professionals with specialized industry knowledge and experience 
who assisted in evaluating the methodology for compliance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles and 
assessing the Company's estimates of expected recoveries, including the inputs and significant assumptions, for a 
selection of pools of finance receivables by comparing to historical trends. We also assessed the sufficiency of the 
audit evidence obtained related to the Company’s expected recoveries by evaluating the cumulative results of the audit 
procedures and potential bias in the accounting estimate.

/s/ KPMG

We have served as the Company’s auditor since 2007.

Norfolk, Virginia
February 26, 2021

43

PRA Group, Inc.
Consolidated Balance Sheets
December 31, 2020 and 2019
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash

Investments

Finance receivables, net

Other receivables, net

Income taxes receivable

Deferred tax assets, net

Right-of-use assets

Property and equipment, net

Goodwill

Other assets

Total assets

Liabilities and Equity

Liabilities:

Accounts payable

Accrued expenses

Income taxes payable

Deferred tax liabilities, net

Lease liabilities

Interest-bearing deposits

Borrowings

Other liabilities

Total liabilities

Equity:

Preferred stock, $0.01 par value, 2,000 shares authorized, no shares issued and 
outstanding
Common stock, $0.01 par value, 100,000 shares authorized, 45,585 shares 
issued and outstanding at December 31, 2020; 100,000 shares authorized, 
45,416 shares issued and outstanding at December 31, 2019

Additional paid-in capital

Retained earnings

Accumulated other comprehensive loss

Total stockholders' equity - PRA Group, Inc.

Noncontrolling interests

Total equity

2020

2019

$ 

108,613  $ 

12,434 

55,759 

119,774 

4,033 

56,176 

3,514,788 

3,514,165 

$ 

$ 

13,194 

21,928 

83,205 

52,951 

58,356 

492,989 
38,844 

10,606 

17,918 

63,225 

68,972 

56,501 

480,794 
31,727 

4,453,061  $ 

4,423,891 

5,294  $ 

97,320 

29,692 

40,867 

57,348 

132,739 

2,661,289 

54,986 

3,079,535 

4,258 

88,925 

4,046 

85,390 

73,377 

106,246 

2,808,425 

26,211 

3,196,878 

— 

— 

456 

75,282 

1,511,970 

(245,791)   

1,341,917 

31,609 

1,373,526 

454 

67,321 

1,362,631 

(261,018) 

1,169,388 

57,625 

1,227,013 

4,423,891 

Total liabilities and equity

$ 

4,453,061  $ 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

44

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PRA Group, Inc.
Consolidated Income Statements
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(Amounts in thousands, except per share amounts)

Revenues:

Portfolio income

Changes in expected recoveries

Income recognized on finance receivables

Fee income

Other revenue

Total revenues

2020

2019

2018

$ 

984,036  $ 

69,297 

— 

9,748 

2,333 

—  $ 

— 

998,361 

15,769 

2,951 

1,065,414 

1,017,081 

— 

— 

891,899 

14,916 

1,441 

908,256 

Net allowance charges

— 

(24,025)   

(33,425) 

Operating expenses:

Compensation and employee services

Legal collection fees

Legal collection costs

Agency fees

Outside fees and services

Communication

Rent and occupancy

Depreciation and amortization

Other operating expenses

Total operating expenses

Income from operations

Other income and (expense):

Gain on sale of subsidiaries

Interest expense, net

Foreign exchange gain/(loss)

Other

Income before income taxes

Income tax expense

Net income

Adjustment for net income attributable to 
noncontrolling interests

Net income attributable to PRA Group, Inc.

Net income per share attributable to PRA Group, Inc.:

Basic

Diluted

Weighted average number of shares outstanding:

Basic

Diluted

$ 

$ 

$ 

295,150 

53,758 

101,635 

56,418 

84,087 

40,801 

17,973 

18,465 

47,426 

715,713 

349,701 

310,441 

55,261 

134,156 

55,812 

63,513 

44,057 

17,854 

17,464 

46,811 

745,369 

247,687 

319,400 

42,941 

104,988 

33,854 

61,492 

43,224 

16,906 

19,322 

47,444 

689,571 

185,260 

— 

— 

26,575 

(141,712)   

(141,918)   

(121,078) 

2,005 

(1,049)   

208,945 
41,203 

167,742 

11,954 

(364)   

117,359 
19,680 

97,679 

18,403 

11,521 

149,339  $ 

86,158  $ 

3.28  $ 

3.26  $ 

1.90  $ 

1.89  $ 

45,540 

45,860 

45,387 

45,577 

(944) 

(316) 

89,497 
13,763 

75,734 

10,171 

65,563 

1.45 

1.44 

45,280 

45,413 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

45

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PRA Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(Amounts in thousands)

Net income

Other comprehensive (loss)/income, net of tax:

Currency translation adjustments

Cash flow hedges

Debt securities available-for-sale

Other comprehensive loss

Total comprehensive income

Less comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests

2020

2019

2018

$ 

167,742  $ 

97,679  $ 

75,734 

20,056 

(6,359)   

(63,505) 

(20,261)   

(13,132)   

171 

39 

44 

(83) 

(34)   

(19,452)   

(63,544) 

167,708 

3,141 

78,227 

10,978 

12,190 

10,129 

2,061 

Comprehensive income attributable to PRA Group, Inc.

$ 

164,567  $ 

67,249  $ 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

46

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PRA Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(Amounts in thousands)

Balance at December 31, 2017
Cumulative effect of change in accounting 
principle - equity securities (1)
Balance at January 1, 2018

Components of comprehensive income, 
net of tax:

Net income

Currency translation adjustment

Cash flow hedges

Debt securities available-for-sale

Distributions to noncontrolling interest

Vesting of restricted stock

Share-based compensation expense

Employee stock relinquished for payment 
of taxes
Purchase of noncontrolling interest

Common Stock

Shares

Amount

Additional 
Paid-in 
Capital

Retained 
Earnings

Accumulated  
Other 
Comprehensive 
(Loss)

Noncontrolling 
Interests

Total Equity

  45,189  $ 

452  $ 

53,870  $  1,214,840  $ 

(178,607)  $ 

50,162  $ 

1,140,717 

— 

— 

— 

(3,930) 

— 

— 

(3,930) 

  45,189  $ 

452  $ 

53,870  $  1,210,910  $ 

(178,607)  $ 

50,162  $ 

1,136,787 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

115 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

1 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

(1) 

8,521 

(2,087) 

— 

65,563 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

(63,463) 

44 

(83) 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

10,171 

(42) 

— 

— 

75,734 

(63,505) 

44 

(83) 

(33,271) 

(33,271) 

— 

— 

— 

1,829 

— 

8,521 

(2,087) 

1,829 

Balance at December 31, 2018

  45,304  $ 

453  $ 

60,303  $  1,276,473  $ 

(242,109)  $ 

28,849  $ 

1,123,969 

Components of comprehensive income, 
net of tax:

Net income

Currency translation adjustment

Cash flow hedges

Debt securities available-for-sale

Distributions to noncontrolling interest

Contributions from noncontrolling interest

Vesting of restricted stock

Shared-based compensation expense

Employee stock relinquished for payment 
of taxes

Other

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

112 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

1 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

(1) 

10,717 

(1,609) 

(2,089) 

86,158 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

(5,816) 

(13,132) 

39 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

11,521 

(543) 

— 

— 

(6,877) 

24,675 

— 

— 

— 

— 

97,679 

(6,359) 

(13,132) 

39 

(6,877) 

24,675 

— 

10,717 

(1,609) 

(2,089) 

Balance at December 31, 2019

  45,416  $ 

454  $ 

67,321  $  1,362,631  $ 

(261,018)  $ 

57,625  $ 

1,227,013 

Components of comprehensive income, 
net of tax:

Net income

Currency translation adjustments

Cash flow hedges
Debt securities available-for-sale

Distributions to noncontrolling interest

Contributions from noncontrolling interest

Vesting of restricted stock

Share-based compensation expense

Employee stock relinquished for payment 
of taxes

Other

— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 

169 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 

2 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 

(2) 

14,387 

(3,299) 

(3,125) 

149,339 

— 
— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

35,317 
(20,261) 

171 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

— 

18,403 

(15,261) 
— 

— 

(30,276) 

1,118 

— 

— 

— 

— 

167,742 

20,056 
(20,261) 

171 

(30,276) 

1,118 

— 

14,387 

(3,299) 

(3,125) 

Balance at December 31, 2020

  45,585  $ 

456  $ 

75,282  $  1,511,970  $ 

(245,791)  $ 

31,609  $ 

1,373,526 

(1)  Reflects cumulative effect adjustment recorded to beginning retained earnings for the unrealized loss on investments in private equity funds.

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

47

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PRA Group, Inc.
Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows
For the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018
(Amounts in thousands)

Cash flows from operating activities:

Net income
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:

2020

2019

2018

$ 

167,742  $ 

97,679  $ 

75,734 

Share-based compensation expense
Depreciation and amortization
Gain on sale of subsidiaries
Amortization of debt discount and issuance costs
Changes in expected recoveries
Deferred income taxes
Net unrealized foreign currency transactions
Fair value in earnings for equity securities
Net allowance charges
Other operating activities

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

Other assets
Other receivables, net
Accounts payable
Income taxes payable, net
Accrued expenses
Other liabilities
Right of use assets/lease liabilities

Net cash provided by operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities:

Purchases of property and equipment, net
Purchases of finance receivables
Recoveries applied to negative allowance
Collections applied to principal on finance receivables
Purchase of investments
Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments
Business acquisition, net of cash acquired
Proceeds from sale of subsidiaries, net
Cash received upon consolidation of Polish investment fund

Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities:

Proceeds from lines of credit
Principal payments on lines of credit
Payments on convertible senior notes
Proceeds from senior notes
Proceeds from long-term debt
Principal payments on long-term debt
Payments of origination costs and fees
Tax withholdings related to share-based payments
Cash paid for purchase of portion of noncontrolling interest
Distributions paid to noncontrolling interest
Contributions from noncontrolling interest
Net increase/(decrease) in interest-bearing deposits
Other financing activities

Net cash (used in)/provided by financing activities
Effect of exchange rate on cash
Net (decrease)/increase in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, beginning of year

Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, end of year

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information:

Cash paid for interest
Cash paid for income taxes

$ 

$ 

14,387 
18,465 
— 
21,063 
(69,297) 
(58,503) 
15,240 
977 
— 
(893) 

(2,429) 
(2,215) 
914 
22,001 
7,767 
6,496 
(11) 
141,704 

(17,230) 
(903,588) 
1,037,659 
— 
(45,229) 
43,391 
— 
— 
— 
115,003 

10,717 
17,464 
— 
22,987 
— 
(37,561) 
(4,543) 
(5,826) 
24,025 
(234) 

3,313 
6,300 
(2,070) 
(12,375) 
11,632 
1,149 
731 
133,388 

(18,033) 
(1,231,351) 
— 
842,910 
(83,291) 
75,008 
(57,610) 
31,177 
— 
(441,190) 

1,290,799 
(1,557,186) 
(287,442) 
300,000 
55,000 
(10,000) 
(17,218) 
(3,301) 
— 
(30,276) 
1,118 
9,591 
(3,185) 
(252,100) 
(7,367) 
(2,760) 
123,807 
121,047  $ 

1,340,700 
(728,282) 
— 
— 
— 
(313,165) 
— 
(1,609) 
(1,255) 
(6,877) 
24,675 
27,427 
(2,091) 
339,523 
(6,609) 
25,112 
98,695 
123,807  $ 

8,521 
19,322 
(26,575) 
22,057 
— 
(56,208) 
5,730 
(3,502) 
33,425 
— 

(2,180) 
(4,269) 
1,321 
9,390 
(1,334) 
(566) 
— 
80,866 

(20,521) 
(1,105,759) 
— 
733,306 
(42,622) 
25,909 
— 
4,905 
17,531 
(387,251) 

737,464 
(403,348) 
— 
— 
— 
(10,000) 
(2,260) 
(2,087) 
(1,664) 
(14,486) 
— 
(8,693) 
— 
294,926 
(10,362) 
(21,821) 
120,516 
98,695 

117,986  $ 
80,856 

119,424  $ 
68,979 

97,475 
73,483 

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these Consolidated Financial Statements.

48

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

1. General and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies:

Nature of operations: As used herein, the terms "PRA Group," the "Company," or similar terms refer to PRA Group, 

Inc. and its subsidiaries. 

PRA  Group,  Inc.,  a  Delaware  corporation,  is  a  global  financial  and  business  services  company  with  operations  in  the 
Americas, Europe and Australia. The Company's primary business is the purchase, collection and management of portfolios of 
nonperforming  loans.  The  Company  also  provides  fee-based  services  on  class  action  claims  recoveries  and  by  servicing  of 
consumer bankruptcy accounts in the United States ("U.S.").

On March 11, 2020, due to the global outbreak of the novel coronavirus ("COVID-19"), the World Health Organization 
declared a global pandemic.  Since the initial outbreak was reported, COVID-19 has continued to adversely impact all countries 
in which the Company operates. As a result, the Company has taken steps to modify its operations to mitigate adverse effects 
where possible while conforming with various COVID-19 protocols within the countries in which it operates.  These actions 
have allowed the Company to operate its business while minimizing disruption and complying with country-specific, federal, 
state and local laws, regulations and governmental actions related to the pandemic.  

Basis  of  presentation:  The  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  of  the  Company  are  prepared  in  accordance  with  U.S. 
generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP").  The preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity 
with  GAAP  requires  management  to  make  estimates  and  assumptions  that  affect  reported  amounts  and  disclosures.  Realized 
results could differ from those estimates and assumptions. 

Beginning January 1, 2020, the Company implemented Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") ASU 2016-13, "Financial 
Instruments  -  Credit  Losses"  ("Topic  326")  ("ASU  2016-13")  and  ASU  2019-11,  "Codification  Improvements  to  Topic  326, 
Financial Instruments - Credit Losses" ("ASU 2019-11"), collectively referred to as "ASC 326", on a prospective basis.  Prior to 
January 1, 2020, the vast majority of the Company's investment in finance receivables were accounted for under ASC 310-30 
"Loans and Debt Securities Acquired with Deteriorated Credit Quality" ("ASC 310-30").  Refer to Note 2.

Reclassification of prior year presentation: Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified for consistency with the 
current  year  presentation.    Specifically,  restricted  cash  is  now  presented  as  a  separate  line  item  on  the  Consolidated  Balance 
Sheets and was previously included within Other assets.  Furthermore, intangible assets, net is now included within Other assets 
on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Consolidation: The Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of PRA Group and other entities in which 

the Company has a controlling interest.  All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated.  

Entities  in  which  the  Company  has  a  controlling  financial  interest,  through  ownership  of  the  majority  of  the  entities’ 
voting equity interests, or through other contractual rights that give the Company control, consist of entities which purchase and 
collect on portfolios of nonperforming loans.

Investments in companies in which the Company has significant influence over operating and financing decisions, but 
does not own a majority of the voting equity interests, are accounted for in accordance with the equity method of accounting, 
which requires the Company to recognize its proportionate share of the entity’s net earnings. These investments are included in 
other assets, with income or loss included in other revenue.

The  Company  performs  on-going  reassessments  whether  changes  in  the  facts  and  circumstances  regarding  the 

Company’s involvement with an entity cause the Company’s consolidation conclusion to change.

Foreign currency: Assets and liabilities have been translated to the reporting currency using the exchange rates in effect 
on the Consolidated Balance Sheets dates. Equity accounts are translated at historical rates, except for the change in retained 
earnings  during  the  year  which  is  the  result  of  the  income  statement  translation  process.  Revenue  and  expense  accounts  are 
translated using the weighted average exchange rate during the period. The cumulative translation adjustments associated with 
the  net  assets  of  international  subsidiaries  are  recorded  in  Accumulated  other  comprehensive  loss  in  the  accompanying 
Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity.

Segments:  Under  the  guidance  of  the  Financial  Accounting  Standards  Board  ("FASB")  Accounting  Standards 
Codification  ("ASC")    ASC  Topic  280  "Segment  Reporting"  ("ASC  280"),  the  Company  has  determined  that  it  has  several 
operating  segments  that  meet  the  aggregation  criteria  of  ASC  280,  and,  therefore,  it  has  one  reportable  segment,  accounts 
receivable management.  This conclusion is based on similarities among the operating units, including economic characteristics, 

49

PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

the nature of the products and services, the nature of the production processes, the types or class of customer for their products 
and services, the methods used to distribute their products and services and the nature of the regulatory environment.

Revenues and long-lived assets by geographical location: Revenue for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 
2018, and long-lived assets held at December 31, 2020 and 2019, both for the U.S., the Company's country of domicile, and 
outside of the U.S. were (amounts in thousands):

Years Ended December 31, 

As of December 31,

2020

2019
Revenues (2)

2018

2020

2019

$ 

United States
United Kingdom
Others (1)
Total
(1)  None of the countries included in "Others" comprise greater than 10% of the Company's consolidated revenues or long-lived assets.
(2)  Based  on  the  Company’s  financial  statement  information  used  to  produce  the  Company's  general-purpose  financial  statements,  it  is 
impracticable to report further breakdowns of revenues from external customers by product or service.

677,234  $ 
132,749 
255,431 
1,065,414  $ 

673,264  $ 
120,377 
223,440 
1,017,081  $ 

619,172  $ 
99,817 
189,267 
908,256  $ 

112,233 
3,553 
9,687 
125,473 

$ 

Long-Lived Assets
99,271  $ 
2,500 
9,536 
111,307  $ 

Revenues  are  attributed  to  countries  based  on  the  location  of  the  related  operations.  Long-lived  assets  consist  of  net 
property  and  equipment  and  right-of-use  assets.  The  Company  reports  revenues  earned  from  collection  activities  on 
nonperforming loans, fee-based services and investments.  For additional information on the Company's investments, see Note 
4.

Cash and cash equivalents: The Company considers all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or 

less when purchased to be cash equivalents. 

Restricted cash: Cash that is subject to legal restrictions or is unavailable for general operating purposes is classified as 

restricted cash on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Concentrations of credit risk: Financial instruments, which potentially expose the Company to concentrations of credit 

risk, consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents, investments, derivative instruments and finance receivables.

Accumulated  other  comprehensive  loss:  The  Company  records  unrealized  gains  and  losses  on  certain  available-for-
sale  investments  and  foreign  currency  translation  adjustments  in  other  comprehensive  income  ("OCI").  Unrealized  gains  and 
losses on available for sale investments are reclassified to earnings as the gains or losses are realized upon sale of the securities. 
Translation gains or losses on foreign currency translation adjustments are reclassified to earnings upon the substantial sale or 
liquidation of investments in international operations. For the Company’s financial derivative instruments that are designated as 
hedging instruments, the change in fair value of the derivative is recorded in OCI.

Investments: 

Debt  Securities:  The  Company  accounts  for  its  investments  in  debt  securities  under  the  guidance  of  ASC  Topic  320, 
"Investments-Debt Securities" ("ASC 320"). The Company determines the appropriate classification of its investments in debt 
securities at the time of purchase and reevaluates such determinations at each balance sheet date. Debt securities are classified 
as held-to-maturity when the Company has the positive intent and ability to hold the securities to maturity. Held-to-maturity 
securities are carried at amortized cost.  Debt securities for which the Company does not have the intent or ability to hold to 
maturity  are  classified  as  available-for-sale.    Available-for-sale  securities  are  carried  at  fair  market  value.  Fair  value  is 
determined  using  quoted  market  prices.  Unrealized  gains  and  losses  are  included  in  comprehensive  income  and  reported  in 
stockholders' equity. If the fair value of the investment falls below its carrying amount and the decline is deemed to be other 
than temporary, the investment is written down, with a corresponding charge to earnings.

Equity Securities: The Company accounts for its investments in equity securities in accordance with ASC Topic 321, 
"Investments-Equity  Securities"  ("ASC  321"),  which  requires  that  investments  in  equity  securities  be  measured  at  fair  value 
with changes in unrealized gains and losses reported in earnings. 

Equity  Method  Investments:  Equity  investments  that  are  not  consolidated,  but  over  which  the  Company  exercises 
significant  influence,  are  accounted  for  in  accordance  with  ASC  Topic  323,  "Investments—Equity  Method  and  Joint 
Ventures"  ("ASC  323").  Whether  or  not  the  Company  exercises  significant  influence  with  respect  to  an  investee  company 
depends  on  an  evaluation  of  several  factors  including,  among  others,  representation  on  the  investee  company’s  board  of 
directors and ownership level, which is generally a 20% to 50% interest in the voting securities of the investee company. Under 

50

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

the equity method of accounting, an investee company’s accounts are not reflected within the Company’s Consolidated Balance 
Sheets and Income Statements; however, the Company’s share of the earnings or losses of the investee company is reflected in 
the  caption  ‘‘Other  revenue’’  in  the  Consolidated  Income  Statements.  The  Company’s  carrying  value  in  an  equity  method 
investee company is reflected in the caption ‘‘Investments’’ in the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets.

When  the  Company’s  carrying  value  in  an  equity  method  investee  company  is  reduced  to  zero,  no  further  losses  are 
recorded  in  the  Company’s  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  unless  the  Company  guaranteed  obligations  of  the  investee 
company or has committed additional funding. When the investee company subsequently reports income, the Company will not 
record its share of such income until it equals the amount of its share of losses not previously recognized.

Finance  receivables  and  income  recognition:  The  Company  accounts  for  its  investment  in  finance  receivables  at 
amortized cost under the guidance of ASC Topic 310 "Receivables" ("ASC 310") and ASC 326.  ASC 326 requires a financial 
asset  (or  a  group  of  financial  assets)  measured  at  amortized  cost  basis  to  be  presented  at  the  net  amount  expected  to  be 
collected. 

Credit quality information: The Company acquires portfolios of accounts that have experienced deterioration of credit 
quality  between  origination  and  the  Company's  acquisition  of  the  accounts.  The  amount  paid  for  a  portfolio  reflects  the 
Company's determination that it is probable the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to an account's 
contractual terms. The Company accounts for the portfolios in accordance with the guidance for purchased credit deteriorated 
("PCD")  assets.  The  initial  allowance  for  credit  losses  is  added  to  the  purchase  price  rather  than  recorded  as  a  credit  loss 
expense. The Company has established a policy to write off the amortized cost of individual assets when it deems probable that 
it will not collect on an individual asset. Due to the deteriorated credit quality of the individual accounts, the Company may 
write off the unpaid principal balance of all accounts in a portfolio at the time of acquisition.  However, when the Company has 
an expectation of collecting cash flows at the portfolio level, a negative allowance is established for expected recoveries at an 
amount not to exceed the amount paid for the financial portfolios.  The negative allowance is recorded as an asset and presented 
as Finance receivables, net on the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Portfolio segments: The Company develops systematic methodologies to determine its allowance for credit losses at the 
portfolio  segment  level.  The  Company’s  nonperforming  loan  portfolio  segments  consist  of  two  broad  categories:  Core  and 
Insolvency.  The  Company’s  Core  portfolios  contain  loan  accounts  that  are  in  default,  which  were  purchased  at  a  substantial 
discount to face value because either the credit originator and/or other third-party collection agencies have been unsuccessful in 
collecting  the  full  balance  owed.  The  Company’s  Insolvency  portfolios  contain  loan  accounts  that  are  in  default  and  the 
customer  is  involved  in  a  bankruptcy  or  insolvency  proceeding  and  the  accounts  were  purchased  at  a  substantial  discount  to 
face value. Each of the two broad portfolio segments of purchased nonperforming loan portfolios consist of large numbers of 
homogeneous receivables with similar risk characteristics. 

Effective interest rate and accounting pools: Within each portfolio segment, the Company pools accounts with similar 
risk  characteristics  that  are  acquired  in  the  same  year.  Similar  risk  characteristics  generally  include  portfolio  segment  and 
geographic  region.  The  initial  effective  interest  rate  of  the  pool  is  established  based  on  the  purchase  price  and  expected 
recoveries of each individual purchase at the purchase date.  During the year of acquisition, the annual pool is aggregated, and 
the blended effective interest rate will adjust to reflect new acquisitions and new cash flow estimates until the end of the year. 
The effective interest rate for a pool is fixed for the remaining life of the pool once the year has ended.

Methodology:  The  Company  develops  its  estimates  of  expected  recoveries  in  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets  by 
applying discounted cash flow methodologies to its estimated remaining collections ("ERC") and recognizes income over the 
estimated life of the pool at the constant effective interest rate of the pool.  Subsequent changes (favorable and unfavorable) in 
expected cash flows are recognized within Changes in expected recoveries in the Consolidated Income Statements by adjusting 
the  present  value  of  increases  or  decreases  in  ERC  at  a  constant  effective  interest  rate.  Amounts  included  in  the  estimate  of 
recoveries do not exceed the aggregate amount of the amortized cost basis previously written off or expected to be written off. 

The  measurement  of  expected  recoveries  is  based  on  relevant  information  about  past  events,  including  historical 
experience,  current  conditions,  and  reasonable  and  supportable  forecasts  that  affect  the  collectability  of  the  reported  amount. 
Development of the Company’s forecasts rely on both quantitative and qualitative factors.  Qualitative factors can include both 
external  and  internal  information  and  consider  management’s  view  on  available  facts  and  circumstances  at  each  reporting 
period.    More  specifically,  external  factors  that  may  have  an  impact  on  the  collectability,  and  subsequently  on  the  overall 
profitability of acquired portfolios of nonperforming loans, would include new laws or regulations relating to collections, new 
interpretations  of  existing  laws  or  regulations,  and  the  overall  condition  of  the  economy.    Internal  factors  that  may  have  an 
impact  on  the  collectability,  and  subsequently  the  overall  profitability  of  acquired  portfolios  of  nonperforming  loans,  would 
include  necessary  revisions  to  initial  and  post-acquisition  scoring  and  modeling  estimates,  operational  activities,  expected 
impact of operational strategies and changes in productivity related to turnover and tenure of the Company's collection staff.  

51

PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Portfolio  income:  The  recognition  of  income  on  expected  recoveries  is  based  on  the  constant  effective  interest  rate 

established for a pool.

Changes  in  expected  recoveries:  The  activity  consists  of  differences  between  actual  recoveries  compared  to  expected 
recoveries for the reporting period, as well as the net present value of increases or decreases in ERC at the constant effective 
interest rate. 

Agreements  to  acquire  the  aforementioned  receivables  include  general  representations  and  warranties  from  the  sellers 
covering matters such as account holder death or insolvency and accounts settled or disputed prior to sale. The representation 
and warranty period permitting the return of these accounts from the Company to the seller is typically 90 to 180 days, with 
certain international agreements extending as long as 24 months.  Any funds received from the seller as a return of purchase 
price are referred to as buybacks. Buyback funds are included in changes in expected recoveries when received.  

Fees  paid  to  third  parties  other  than  the  seller  related  to  the  direct  acquisition  of  a  portfolio  of  accounts  are  expensed 

when incurred.

Prior to ASC 326: The Company accounts for its investment in finance receivables under the guidance of ASC 310-30. 
The Company acquires portfolios of accounts that have experienced deterioration of credit quality between origination and the 
Company's acquisition of the accounts. The amount paid for a portfolio reflects the Company's determination that it is probable 
the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to an account's contractual terms. At acquisition, the Company 
reviews  the  accounts  to  determine  whether  there  is  evidence  of  deterioration  of  credit  quality  since  origination,  and  if  it  is 
probable that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the loan's contractual terms. If both conditions 
exist, the Company then determines whether each such account is to be accounted for individually or whether such accounts 
will  be  assembled  into  pools  based  on  common  risk  characteristics.  The  Company  considers  expected  prepayments  and 
estimates the amount and timing of undiscounted expected principal, interest and other cash flows (expected at acquisition) for 
each acquired portfolio based on the Company's proprietary models, and the Company subsequently aggregates portfolios of 
accounts into quarterly pools. The Company determines the excess of the pool's scheduled contractual principal and contractual 
interest  payments  over  all  cash  flows  expected  at  acquisition  as  an  amount  that  should  not  be  accreted  (nonaccretable 
difference). The remaining amount, representing the excess of the pool's cash flows expected to be collected over the amount 
paid, is accreted into income recognized on finance receivables over the remaining estimated life of the pool (accretable yield). 
ASC 310-30 requires that the excess of the contractual cash flows over expected cash flows, based on the Company's estimates 
derived from proprietary collection models, not be recognized as an adjustment of revenue or expense or on the balance sheet.

Each pool is recorded at cost and is accounted for as a single unit for the recognition of income, payments applied to 
principal and loss provision. Once a pool is established for a calendar quarter, individual receivable accounts are not added to 
the pool (unless replaced by the seller) or removed from the pool (unless sold or returned to the seller). The yield is estimated 
and  periodically  recalculated  based  on  the  timing  and  amount  of  anticipated  cash  flows.  Income  on  finance  receivables  is 
accrued quarterly based on each pool's effective yield. Significant increases in expected future cash flows may be recognized 
prospectively, through an upward adjustment of the yield, over a pool's remaining life. Under ASC 310-30, rather than lowering 
the estimated yield if the collection estimates are below previous expectations, the carrying value of a pool would be written 
down  to  maintain  the  then  current  yield  and  is  shown  as  an  allowance  charge  in  the  consolidated  income  statements  with  a 
corresponding valuation allowance offsetting finance receivables on the consolidated balance sheets. Cash flows greater than 
the interest accrual will reduce the carrying value of the pool. This reduction in carrying value is defined as payments applied to 
principal (also referred to as principal amortization). Likewise, cash flows that are less than the interest accrual will accrete the 
carrying balance. Generally, the Company does not record accretion in the first six to twelve months of the estimated life of the 
pool; accordingly, the Company utilizes either the cost recovery method or cash method when necessary to prevent accretion as 
permitted by ASC 310-30. Under the cash method, revenue is recognized as it would be under the interest method up to the 
amount of cash collections. Under the cost recovery method, no revenue is recognized until the Company has fully collected the 
cost  of  the  pool,  or  until  such  time  that  the  Company  considers  the  collections  to  be  probable  and  estimable  and  begins  to 
recognize  income  based  on  the  interest  method  as  described  above.  The  Company  also  uses  the  cost  recovery  method  when 
collections on a particular pool of accounts cannot be reasonably estimated.

A pool can become fully amortized (zero carrying balance on the balance sheet) while still generating cash collections. In 

this case, all subsequent cash collections are recognized as revenue when received.

The Company records a valuation allowance when significant decreases in expected cash flows are identified or there are 
changes in the timing of expected cash flows that would otherwise require a reduction in the stated yield on a pool of accounts. 
Factors that may contribute to the recording of valuation allowances include both external and internal factors. External factors 
that may have an impact on the collectability, and subsequently on the overall profitability of acquired pools of nonperforming 

52

PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

loans, would include new laws or regulations relating to collections, new interpretations of existing laws or regulations, and the 
overall condition of the economy. Internal factors that may have an impact on the collectability, and subsequently the overall 
profitability of acquired pools of nonperforming loans, would include necessary revisions to initial and post-acquisition scoring 
and modeling estimates, non-optimal operational activities, and decreases in productivity related to turnover and tenure of the 
Company's collection staff.

The  Company  capitalizes  certain  fees  paid  to  third  parties  related  to  the  direct  acquisition  of  a  portfolio  of  accounts. 
These fees are added to the acquisition cost of the portfolio and accordingly are amortized over the life of the portfolio using the 
interest method.

The  agreements  to  purchase  the  aforementioned  nonperforming  loans  include  general  representations  and  warranties 
from the sellers covering account holder death or insolvency and accounts settled or disputed prior to sale. The representation 
and warranty period permitting the return of these accounts from the Company to the seller is typically 90 to 180 days. Any 
funds received from the seller as a return of purchase price are referred to as buybacks. Buyback funds are applied against the 
finance receivable balance received and are not included in the Company's cash collections from operations. In some cases, the 
seller will replace the returned accounts with new accounts in lieu of returning the purchase price. In that case, the old account 
is removed from the pool and the new account is added.

Fee income recognition: The Company recognizes revenue from its class action claims recovery services when there is 
persuasive evidence that an arrangement exists, delivery has occurred or services have been rendered, the amount is fixed or 
determinable, and collectability is reasonably assured.  

Property  and  equipment:  Property  and  equipment,  including  improvements  that  significantly  add  to  the  productive 
capacity or extend useful life, are recorded at cost. Maintenance and repairs are expensed as incurred. Property and equipment 
are  depreciated  over  their  useful  lives  using  the  straight-line  method  of  depreciation.  Software  and  computer  equipment  are 
generally  amortized  or  depreciated  over  three  to  five  years.  Furniture  and  fixtures  are  depreciated  over  five  to  ten  years. 
Equipment is depreciated over five to seven years. Leasehold improvements are depreciated over the lesser of the useful life, 
which ranges from three to ten years, or the remaining term of the lease. Building improvements are depreciated straight-line 
over  ten  to  39  years.  When  property  is  sold  or  retired,  the  cost  and  related  accumulated  depreciation  are  removed  from  the 
balance sheet and any gain or loss is included in the Company's Consolidated Income Statements.

Business combinations: The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method in accordance 
with  ASC  805,  "Business  Combinations"  ("ASC  805").  The  cost  of  an  acquired  company  is  assigned  to  the  tangible  and 
intangible  assets  acquired  and  the  liabilities  assumed  on  the  basis  of  their  fair  values  at  the  date  of  acquisition.  The 
determination of fair values of assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires management to make estimates and use valuation 
techniques when market values are not readily available. Any excess of purchase price over the fair value of net tangible and 
intangible  assets  acquired  is  allocated  to  goodwill.  Transaction  costs  associated  with  business  combinations  are  expensed  as 
incurred.

Goodwill:  Goodwill,  in  accordance  with  ASC  Topic  350,  "Intangibles-Goodwill  and  Other"  ("ASC  350"),  is  not 
amortized  but  rather  is  reviewed  for  impairment  annually  or  more  frequently  if  indicators  of  potential  impairment  exist.    On 
January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASU 2017-04, "Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Simplifying the Test for 
Goodwill  Impairment"  ("ASU  2017-04").    The  Company  performs  its  annual  assessment  of  goodwill  as  of  October  1.  The 
Company may first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting 
unit is less than its carrying amount, including goodwill. If management concludes that it is more likely than not that the fair 
value  of  a  reporting  unit  is  less  than  its  carrying  amount,  an  impairment  loss  is  recognized.  The  loss  will  be  recorded  at  the 
amount  by  which  the  carrying  amount  exceeds  the  reporting  unit’s  fair  value,  not  to  exceed  the  total  amount  of  goodwill 
allocated to the respective reporting unit. 

Convertible  senior  notes:  The  Company  accounts  for  its  3.50%  Convertible  Notes  due  2023  (the  "2023  Notes"  or 
"Convertible  Notes")  in  accordance  with  ASC  470-20,  "Debt  with  Conversion  and  Other  Options"  ("ASC  470-20").  ASC 
470-20  requires  that,  for  convertible  debt  instruments  that  must  be  settled  fully  or  partially  in  cash  upon  conversion,  issuers 
must  separately  account  for  the  liability  and  equity  components  in  a  manner  that  will  reflect  the  entity's  nonconvertible  debt 
borrowing  rate  when  interest  cost  is  recognized  in  subsequent  periods.  The  excess  of  the  principal  amount  of  the  liability 
component over its carrying amount is amortized to interest expense over the expected life of a similar liability that does not 
have an associated equity component, using the effective interest method. The equity component is not remeasured as long as it 
continues  to  meet  the  conditions  for  equity  classification  under  ASC  815-40,  "Derivatives  and  Hedging  -  Contracts  in  an 
Entity's  Own  Equity."  Transaction  costs  incurred  with  third  parties  are  allocated  to  the  liability  and  equity  components  in 
proportion to the allocation of proceeds and accounted for as debt issuance costs and equity issuance costs, respectively.

53

PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

For  diluted  earnings  per  share  purposes,  based  upon  the  Company's  intent  and  ability  to  settle  conversions  of  the 
Convertible Notes through a combination of cash and shares, only the conversion spread is included in the diluted earnings per 
share calculation, if dilutive. Under such method, the settlement of the conversion spread has a dilutive effect when the average 
share price of the Company's common stock during any quarter exceeds $60.11, which is 130% of the conversion price.  During 
the  respective  periods  from  when  the  2023  Notes  were  issued  through  December  31,  2020,  the  average  share  price  of  the 
Company's common stock did not exceed $60.11 during any quarter.

Income taxes: The Company follows the guidance of ASC Topic 740 "Income Taxes" ("ASC 740") as it relates to the 
provision  for  income  taxes  and  uncertainty  in  income  taxes.  Accordingly,  the  Company  records  a  tax  provision  for  the 
anticipated tax consequences of the reported results of operations. The provision for income taxes is estimated using the asset 
and liability method, under which deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of 
temporary  differences  between  the  financial  reporting  and  tax  basis  of  assets  and  liabilities,  and  for  operating  losses  and  tax 
credit carry-forwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using the currently enacted tax rates that apply to taxable 
income in effect for the years in which those tax assets are expected to be realized or settled. 

The Company is subject to income taxes throughout the U.S. and in numerous international jurisdictions.  The Company 
recognizes the financial statement benefits of a tax position if it is more likely than not to be sustained in the event of challenges 
by relevant taxing authorities based on the technical merit. The amounts of benefit to recognize in the financial statements are 
the  largest  benefits  that  have  a  greater  than  50  percent  likelihood  of  being  realized  upon  settlement  with  the  relevant  tax 
authorities.  The  Company  records  interest  and  penalties  related  to  unrecognized  tax  benefits  as  a  component  of  income  tax 
expense when the more likely than not standards are not met.

In preparation of the Consolidated Financial Statements, the Company exercises significant judgment in estimating the 
potential  exposure  to  unresolved  tax  matters  and  applies  a  more  likely  than  not  criteria  approach  for  recording  tax  benefits 
related to uncertain tax positions in the application of complex tax laws.  While actual results could vary, the Company believes 
it has adequate tax accruals with respect to the ultimate outcome of such tax matters.

The Company, in the event that all or part of the deferred tax assets are determined not to be realizable in the future, 
would  establish  a  valuation  allowance  and  charge  to  earnings  the  impact  in  the  period  such  a  determination  is  made.  If  the 
Company subsequently realizes deferred tax assets that were previously determined to be unrealizable, the respective valuation 
allowance would be reversed, resulting in a positive adjustment to earnings.

Leases:  Beginning  in  2019,  the  Company  accounts  for  leases  in  accordance  with  ASC  2016-02,  "Leases  (Topic  842) 
Section A - Leases: Amendments to the FASB Account Standards Codification" ("ASC 842").  ASC 842 requires that a lessee 
should recognize a liability for future lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset 
for the lease term on the balance sheet. 

 The Company's operating lease portfolio primarily includes corporate offices and call centers. The majority of its leases 
have  remaining  lease  terms  of  one  year  to  15  years,  some  of  which  include  options  to  extend  the  leases  for  five  years,  and 
others  include  options  to  terminate  the  leases  within  one  year.    Exercises  of  lease  renewal  options  are  typically  at  the 
Company's  sole  discretion  and  are  included  in  its  right-of-use  ("ROU")  assets  and  lease  liabilities  based  upon  whether  the 
Company is reasonably certain of exercising the renewal options. The Company has lease agreements with lease and non-lease 
components,  which  are  generally  accounted  for  separately.  The  Company's  lease  agreements  do  not  contain  any  material 
residual value guarantees or material restrictive covenants.

As most of the Company's leases do not provide an implicit rate, the Company uses its incremental borrowing rate based 

on the information available at the lease commencement date in determining the present value of the lease payments. 

Share-based compensation: The Company accounts for share-based compensation in accordance with the provisions of 
ASC Topic 718 "Compensation-Stock Compensation" ("ASC 718"). ASC 718 requires that compensation expense associated 
with share equity awards be recognized in the income statement. The Company determines stock-based compensation expense 
for  all  share-based  payment  awards  based  on  the  measurement  date  fair  value.  The  Company  has  certain  share  awards  that 
include market conditions that affect vesting.  The fair value of these shares is estimated using a lattice model. Compensation 
cost is not adjusted if the market condition is not met, as long as the requisite service is provided. The Company estimates a 
forfeiture  rate  for  most  equity  share  grants  based  on  historical  experience.  Time-based  equity  share  awards  generally  vest 
between one and three years from the grant date and are expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. Equity share 
awards that contain a performance metric, are expensed over the requisite service period, generally three years, in accordance 
with the performance level achieved at each reporting period. See Note 12 for additional information.

54

PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Derivatives:  The  Company  periodically  enters  into  derivative  financial  instruments,  typically  interest  rate  swap 
agreements, interest rate caps, and foreign currency contracts to reduce its exposure to fluctuations in interest rates on variable-
rate debt and foreign currency exchange rates. The Company does not utilize derivative financial instruments with a level of 
complexity  or  with  a  risk  greater  than  the  exposure  to  be  managed  nor  does  it  enter  into  or  hold  derivatives  for  trading  or 
speculative purposes.

The  Company  follows  the  guidance  of  ASC  Topic  815  "Derivatives  and  Hedging"  ("ASC  815")  to  account  for  its 
derivatives. All of the Company's outstanding derivative financial instruments are recognized in the balance sheet at their fair 
values.  The  effect  on  earnings  from  recognizing  the  fair  values  of  these  derivative  financial  instruments  depends  on  their 
intended use, their hedge designation, and their effectiveness in offsetting changes in the fair values of the exposures they are 
hedging. Changes in the fair values of instruments designated to reduce or eliminate adverse fluctuations in the fair values of 
recognized  assets  and  liabilities  and  unrecognized  firm  commitments  are  reported  in  earnings  along  with  changes  in  the  fair 
values  of  the  hedged  items.  Changes  in  the  effective  portions  of  the  fair  values  of  instruments  used  to  reduce  or  eliminate 
adverse  fluctuations  in  cash  flows  of  anticipated  or  forecasted  transactions  are  reported  in  equity  as  a  component  of 
Accumulated other comprehensive loss. Amounts in Accumulated other comprehensive loss are reclassified to earnings when 
the  related  hedged  items  affect  earnings  or  the  anticipated  transactions  are  no  longer  probable.  Changes  in  the  fair  values  of 
derivative  instruments  that  are  not  designated  as  hedges  or  do  not  qualify  for  hedge  accounting  treatment  are  reported  in 
earnings. The Company realizes gains and losses from derivative instruments in the same financial statement line item as the 
hedged item/forecasted transaction. Changes in unrealized gains and losses for derivatives not designated in a hedge accounting 
relationship are recorded directly in earnings each period and are also recorded in the same financial statement line item as the 
hedged item/forecasted transaction. Cash flows from the settlement of derivatives, including both economic hedges and those 
designated in hedge accounting relationships, appear in the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows in the same categories as 
the cash flows of the hedged item.

For  derivative  financial  instruments  accounted  for  as  hedging  instruments,  the  Company  formally  designates  and 
documents, at inception, the financial instrument as a hedge of a specific underlying exposure, the risk management objective, 
and the manner in which effectiveness of the hedge will be assessed. The Company formally assesses, both at inception and at 
each  reporting  period  thereafter,  whether  the  derivative  financial  instruments  used  in  hedging  transactions  are  effective  in 
offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of the related underlying exposures.

The Company discontinues the use of hedge accounting prospectively when (1) the derivative instrument is no longer 
effective in offsetting changes in fair value or cash flows of the underlying hedged item; (2) the derivative instrument expires, is 
sold, terminated, or exercised; or (3) designating the derivative instrument as a hedge is no longer appropriate.  See Note 10 for 
additional information.

Use  of  estimates:  The  preparation  of  the  Consolidated  Financial  Statements  in  conformity  with  U.S.  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 Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and 
expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Significant estimates have been made by management with respect to the timing and amount of future cash collections of 
the  Company's  finance  receivables  portfolios.  Actual  results  could  differ  from  these  estimates  making  it  reasonably  possible 
that a change in these estimates could occur within one year.

Commitments  and  contingencies:  The  Company  is  subject  to  various  claims  and  contingencies  related  to  lawsuits, 
certain taxes and commitments under contractual and other obligations. The Company recognizes liabilities for commitments 
and contingencies when a loss is probable and estimable. The Company expenses related legal costs as incurred. For additional 
information, see Note 15.

Estimated  fair  value  of  financial  instruments:  The  Company  applies  the  provisions  of  ASC  Topic  820  "Fair  Value 
Measurements and Disclosures" ("ASC 820"). ASC 820 defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or 
paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 also requires 
the  consideration  of  differing  levels  of  inputs  in  the  determination  of  fair  values.  Disclosure  of  the  estimated  fair  values  of 
financial instruments often requires the use of estimates. See Note 9 for additional information.

55

PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Recent accounting pronouncements:

Recently issued accounting standards adopted:

Financial Instruments - Credit Losses

Effective January 1, 2020, the Company adopted ASC 326 on a prospective basis.  Prior to January 1, 2020, substantially 
all  of  the  Company's  investment  in  finance  receivables  were  accounted  for  under  ASC  310-30.    Refer  to  Note  2  for 
comprehensive details.

Intangibles - Goodwill and Other

In January 2017, FASB issued ASU 2017-04 which eliminates step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. Instead, an entity  
performs  its  annual  or  interim  goodwill  impairment  test  by  comparing  the  fair  value  of  a  reporting  unit  with  its  carrying 
amount. An entity recognizes an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s 
fair  value;  however,  the  loss  recognized  should  not  exceed  the  total  amount  of  goodwill  allocated  to  that  reporting  unit.  An 
entity still has the option to perform the qualitative assessment for a reporting unit to determine if the quantitative impairment 
test is necessary. The Company adopted ASU 2017-04 on January 1, 2020 which had no impact on its Consolidated Financial 
Statements.

Fair Value Measurement

In  August  2018,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  2018-13,  "Fair  Value  Measurement  (Topic  820):  Disclosure  Framework  - 
Changes to the Disclosure Requirements for Fair Value Measurement" ("ASU 2018-13"). ASU 2018-13 eliminates, adds and 
modifies certain disclosure requirements for fair value measurements as part of its disclosure framework project. The Company 
adopted ASU 2018-13 on January 1, 2020 which had no impact to the Company's Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

Reference Rate Reform

In  March  2020,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  2020-04,  "Reference  Rate  Reform  (Topic  848):  Facilitation  of  the  Effects  of 
Reference Rate Reform on Financial Reporting" ("ASU 2020-04"). ASU 2020-04 provides temporary optional guidance to ease 
the potential burden in accounting for reference rate reform. The new guidance provides optional expedients and exceptions for 
applying  generally  accepted  accounting  principles  to  contract  modifications  and  hedging  relationships,  subject  to  meeting 
certain  criteria,  that  reference  London  Inter-bank  Offered  Rate  ("LIBOR")  or  another  reference  rate  expected  to  be 
discontinued.  ASU  2020-04  is  effective  immediately  for  a  limited  time  through  December  31,  2022.    The  Company  is 
evaluating  the  impact  of  ASU  2020-04  but  does  not  expect  it  will  have  a  material  impact  on  its  Consolidated  Financial 
Statements. 

Recently issued accounting standards not yet adopted:

Income Taxes

In December 2019, the FASB issued ASU 2019-12, Income Taxes (Topic 740): Simplifying the Accounting for Income 
Taxes  ("ASU  2019-12").  ASU  2019-12  removes  certain  exceptions  for  recognizing  deferred  taxes  for  investments  and 
calculating  income  taxes  in  interim  periods.    Additionally,  it  adds  guidance  to  reduce  complexity  in  certain  areas,  including 
recognizing  taxes  for  tax  goodwill  and  allocating  taxes  to  members  of  a  consolidated  group.    ASU  2019-12  is  effective  for 
annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2020 on a prospective basis, and early adoption is permitted.  The 
Company has evaluated the impact of ASU 2019-12 on its Consolidated Financial Statements and has adopted the standard on 
January 1, 2021.  The Company does not expect adoption to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.  

Investments-Equity Securities

In  January  2020,  the  FASB  issued  ASU  2020-01  "Investments-Equity  Securities  (Topic  321),  Investments-Equity 
Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323), and Derivatives and Hedging (Topic 815)-Clarifying the Interactions between Topic 
321,  Topic  323,  and  Topic  815"  ("ASU  2020-01").  ASU  2020-01  clarifies  that  a  company  should  consider  observable 
transactions  that  require  a  company  to  either  apply  or  discontinue  the  equity  method  of  accounting  under  Topic  323, 
Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures, for the purposes of applying the measurement alternative in accordance with 
Topic  321  immediately  before  applying  or  upon  discontinuing  the  equity  method.  Additionally,  it  clarifies  that,  when 
determining the accounting for certain forward contracts and purchased options a company should not consider, whether upon 
settlement or exercise, if the underlying securities would be accounted for under the equity method or fair value option.  This 
standard  is  effective  for  public  entities  for  financial  statements  issued  for  fiscal  years  and  interim  periods  beginning  after 

56

PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 15, 2020.  The Company is evaluating the impact of ASU 2020-01 but does not expect adoption to have a material 
impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements. 

Accounting for Convertible Instruments

In August 2020, the FASB issued ASU 2020-06, "Debt —Debt with Conversion and Other Options (Subtopic 470-20) 
and Derivatives and Hedging —Contracts in Entity 's Own Equity (Subtopic 815-40) —Accounting for Convertible Instruments 
and  Contracts  in  an  Entity  's  Own  Equity"  ("ASU  2020-06").    ASU  2020-06  reduces  the  number  of  accounting  models  for 
convertible  debt  instruments  and  convertible  preferred  stock.    Additionally,  ASU  2020-06  removes  certain  settlement 
conditions that are required for equity contracts to qualify for the derivative scope exception and simplifies the diluted earnings 
per  share  calculation  in  certain  areas.    ASU  2020-06  is  effective  for  public  entities  for  financial  statements  issued  for  fiscal 
years and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2021 with early adoption permitted for the fiscal years beginning after 
December 15, 2020.  The Company will early adopt the amended guidance on January 1, 2021 using a modified retrospective 
transition method.  The Company does not expect adoption to have a material impact on its Consolidated Financial Statements.

The Company does not expect that any other recently issued accounting pronouncements will have a material impact on 

its Consolidated Financial Statements.

2. Change in Accounting Principle:

Financial Instruments - Credit Losses

In June 2016, FASB issued ASU 2016-13, which introduced a new methodology requiring the measurement of expected 
credit  losses  for  financial  instruments  held  at  the  reporting  date  based  on  historical  experience,  current  conditions  and 
reasonable  and  supportable  forecasts.  ASU  2016-13  utilizes  a  lifetime  "expected  credit  loss"  measurement  objective  for  the 
recognition  of  credit  losses  for  loans,  held-to-maturity  debt  securities  and  other  receivables  measured  at  amortized  cost.  The 
new methodology requires an entity to present on the balance sheet the net amount expected to be collected. This methodology 
replaces  the  multiple  impairment  methods  under  prior  GAAP,  including  for  purchased  credit  impaired  ("PCI")  assets,  and 
introduces  the  concept  of  PCD  assets.  The  Company's  PCI  assets  previously  accounted  for  under  ASC  310-30  are  now 
accounted for as PCD assets upon adoption. ASU 2016-13 requires PCD assets to be recognized at their purchase price plus the 
allowance for credit losses expected at the time of acquisition. ASU 2016-13 also requires that financial assets should be written 
off when they are deemed uncollectible. 

In November 2019, FASB issued ASU 2019-11, which amended the PCD asset guidance in ASU 2016-13 to clarify that 
expected  recoveries  of  amounts  previously  written  off  and  expected  to  be  written  off  should  be  included  in  the  valuation 
account.  Additionally, expected recoveries should not exceed the aggregate of amounts previously written off and expected to 
be written off by an entity. Further, ASU 2019-11 clarifies that a negative allowance asset account is recognized when an entity 
determines, after a full or partial write off of the amortized cost basis, that it will recover all or a portion of the basis.

The  Company  adopted  ASC  326  on  January  1,  2020  on  a  prospective  basis.    In  accordance  with  the  guidance, 
substantially  all  the  Company’s  PCI  assets  were  transitioned  using  the  PCD  guidance,  with  immediate  write  off  of  the 
amortized  cost  basis  of  individual  accounts  and  establishment  of  a  negative  allowance  for  expected  recoveries  equal  to  the 
amortized  cost  basis  written  off.    Accounts  previously  accounted  for  under  ASC  310-30,  were  aggregated  into  annual  pools 
based on similar risk characteristics and an effective interest rate was established based on the estimated remaining cash flows 
of  the  annual  pool.  The  immediate  write  off  and  subsequent  recognition  of  expected  recoveries  had  no  impact  on  the 
Company’s  Consolidated  Income  Statements  or  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets  at  the  date  of  adoption.    The  Company 
develops its estimate of expected recoveries by applying discounted cash flow methodologies to its ERC and recognizes income 
over  the  estimated  life  of  the  pool  at  the  constant  effective  interest  rate  of  the  pool.  Changes  (favorable  and  unfavorable)  in 
expected  cash  flows  are  recognized  in  current  period  earnings  by  adjusting  the  present  value  of  the  changes  in  expected 
recoveries.

57

PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Following  the  transition  guidance  for  PCD  assets,  the  Company  grossed  up  the  amortized  cost  of  its  net  finance 

receivables at January 1, 2020 as shown below (amounts in thousands):

Amortized cost

Allowance for credit losses

Noncredit discount

Face value

Allowance for credit losses

Writeoffs, net
Expected recoveries

Initial negative allowance for expected recoveries

3. Finance Receivables, net:

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

3,514,165 

125,757,689 

3,240,131 

132,511,985 

125,757,689 

(125,757,689) 

3,514,165 

3,514,165 

Finance Receivables, net after the adoption of ASC 326 (refer to Note 2)

Finance receivables, net consisted of the following at December 31, 2020 (amounts in thousands):

Amortized cost
Negative allowance for expected recoveries (1)
Balance at end of year

$ 

$ 

— 

3,514,788 

3,514,788 

(1)  The  negative  allowance  balance  includes  certain  portfolios  of  nonperforming  loans  for  which  the  Company  holds  a  beneficial  interest 
representing approximately 1% of the balance. 

Changes in the negative allowance for expected recoveries by portfolio segment for the year ended December 31, 2020 

was as follows (amounts in thousands):

For the Year Ended December 31, 2020

Core

Insolvency

Total

Balance at beginning of year

$ 

3,051,426 

$ 

462,739 

$ 

3,514,165 

Initial negative allowance for expected recoveries - portfolio 
acquisitions (1)
Foreign currency translation adjustment
Recoveries applied to negative allowance (2)
Changes in expected recoveries (3)
Balance at end of year

742,583 

54,735 

(891,925) 

62,658 

162,535 

9,132 

905,118 

63,867 

(145,734) 

(1,037,659) 

6,639 

69,297 

$ 

3,019,477 

$ 

495,311 

$ 

3,514,788 

(1) Initial negative allowance for expected recoveries - portfolio acquisitions

Portfolio acquisitions for the year ended December 31, 2020 was as follows (amounts in thousands):

Face value

Noncredit discount

Allowance for credit losses at acquisition

Purchase price

For the Year Ended December 31, 2020

Core

Insolvency

Total

$ 

5,820,159 

$ 

887,134 

$ 

6,707,293 

(710,636) 

(4,366,940) 

(53,357) 

(671,242) 

(763,993) 

(5,038,182) 

$ 

742,583 

$ 

162,535 

$ 

905,118 

58

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The initial negative allowance recorded on portfolio acquisitions for the year ended December 31, 2020 was as follows 

(amounts in thousands):

For the Year Ended December 31, 2020

Core

Insolvency

Total

Allowance for credit losses at acquisition

$ 

(4,366,940)  $ 

(671,242)  $ 

(5,038,182) 

Writeoffs, net
Expected recoveries

4,366,940 

742,583 

671,242 

162,535 

Initial negative allowance for expected recoveries

$ 

742,583 

$ 

162,535 

$ 

5,038,182 

905,118 

905,118 

(2) Recoveries applied to negative allowance

Recoveries  applied  to  the  negative  allowance  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2020  was  as  follows  (amounts  in 

thousands):

Recoveries (a)
Less - amounts reclassified to portfolio income (b)
Recoveries applied to negative allowance

For the Year Ended December 31, 2020

Core

Insolvency

Total

$ 

$ 

1,803,480 
911,555 

$ 

218,215 
72,481 

$ 

2,021,695 
984,036 

891,925 

$ 

145,734 

$ 

1,037,659 

(a) Recoveries includes cash collections, buybacks and other cash-based adjustments.

(b) For more information, refer to the Company's discussion of portfolio income within finance receivables and income recognition in Note 1.

(3) Changes in expected recoveries

Changes in expected recoveries for the year ended December 31, 2020 was as follows (amounts in thousands):

Changes in expected future recoveries 

Recoveries received in excess of forecast

Changes in expected recoveries

For the Year Ended December 31, 2020

Core

Insolvency

Total

$ 

$ 

(207,982)  $ 

(5,289)  $ 

(213,271) 

270,640 

11,928 

62,658 

$ 

6,639 

$ 

282,568 

69,297 

In  order  to  evaluate  the  impact  of  the  COVID-19  pandemic  on  expectations  of  future  cash  collections,  the  Company 
considered historical performance, current economic forecasts regarding the duration of the impact to short-term and long-term 
growth in the various geographies in which the Company operates, and evolving information regarding its effect on economic 
activity and consumer habits as conditions related to the pandemic continue to evolve. The Company also considered current 
collection  activity  in  its  determination  to  adjust  the  estimated  timing  of  near-term  ERC  for  certain  pools.    Based  on  these 
considerations, the Company’s estimates incorporate changes in both amounts and in the timing of expected cash collections 
over the forecast period. 

For the year ended December 31, 2020, changes in expected recoveries were $69.3 million.  This reflects $282.6 million 
in recoveries received in excess of forecast, which was largely due to significant cash collections overperformance during the 
last  three  quarters  of  2020.    This  was  mostly  offset  by  a  $213.3  million  decrease  in  the  present  value  of  expected  future 
recoveries.    The  decrease  reflects  the  Company's  assumption  that  the  majority  of  the  current  year  overperformance  was 
primarily due to acceleration in the timing of cash collections rather than an increase to total expected collections.  Additionally, 
the  Company  made  forecast  adjustments  in  all  quarters  deemed  appropriate  given  the  current  environment  in  which  the 
Company operates.  

Changes  in  the  Company’s  assumptions  regarding  the  duration  and  impact  of  COVID-19  to  cash  collections  could 

change significantly as conditions evolve.

59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Finance Receivables, net prior to adoption of ASC 326

The following information reflects finance receivables, net as previously disclosed in the Company's Annual Report on 

Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2019, which was under the previous revenue recognition accounting standard.

Changes in finance receivables, net, for the year ended 2019 was as follows (amounts in thousands):

Balance at beginning of year
Acquisitions of finance receivables (1)
Foreign currency translation adjustment

Cash collections

Income recognized on finance receivables

Net allowance charges

Balance at end of year

$ 

2019

3,084,777 

1,274,317 

22,006 

(1,841,271) 

998,361 

(24,025) 

$ 

3,514,165 

(1)  Includes  portfolio  purchases  adjusted  for  buybacks  and  acquisition  related  costs  and  portfolios  from  the  acquisition  of  a  business  in 
Canada made during the first quarter of 2019.

During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2019,  the  Company  acquired  finance  receivable  portfolios  with  a  face  value 
of $11.7 billion for $1.3 billion. At December 31, 2019, the estimated remaining collections on the receivables acquired during 
the year ended December 31, 2019 was $2.0 billion. At December 31, 2019, ERC was $6.8 billion.

At the time of acquisition and each quarter thereafter, the life of each pool is estimated based on projected amounts and 
timing of future cash collections using the proprietary models of the Company. Based upon current projections, estimated cash 
collections  expected  to  be  applied  to  principal  are  as  follows  for  the  12-month  periods  ending  December  31,  (amounts  in 
thousands):

2020

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

2026

2027

2028

2029

Thereafter

$ 

831,769 

672,699 

500,597 

368,332 

263,785 

193,831 

156,456 

135,238 

125,673 

116,008 

149,777 

Total ERC expected to be applied to principal

$ 

3,514,165 

At December 31, 2019, the Company had aggregate net finance receivables balances in pools accounted for under the 

cost recovery method of $33.7 million.

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

60

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Changes in accretable yield for the year ended December 31, 2019 was as follows (amounts in thousands):

Balance at beginning of year

Income recognized on finance receivables

Net allowance charges

Additions from portfolio acquisitions

Reclassifications from nonaccretable difference

Foreign currency translation adjustment

Balance at end of year

$ 

2019

3,058,445 

(998,361) 

24,025 

943,887 

205,464 

6,671 

$ 

3,240,131 

The following is a summary of activity within the Company's valuation allowance account, all of which relates to loans 

acquired with deteriorated credit quality, for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 (amounts in thousands):

Beginning balance

Allowance charges

Reversal of previous recorded allowance charges

Net allowance charges

Foreign currency translation adjustment

Ending balance

4. Investments:

2019

2018

$ 

257,148  $ 

38,662 

(14,637)   

24,025 

122 

$ 

281,295  $ 

225,555 

48,856 

(15,431) 

33,425 

(1,832) 

257,148 

Investments consisted of the following at December 31, 2020 and 2019 (amounts in thousands):

Debt securities

Available-for-sale

Equity securities

Exchange traded funds

Private equity funds

Mutual funds

Equity method investments

Total investments

Debt Securities

Available-for-Sale

2020

2019

$ 

5,368  $ 

5,052 

34,847 

6,123 

1,023 

8,398 

$ 

55,759  $ 

— 

7,218 

33,677 

10,229 

56,176 

Government bonds: The Company's investments in government bonds are classified as available-for-sale and are stated 

at fair value. 

61

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of investments in debt securities at December 31, 2020 and 2019 were as 

follows (amounts in thousands):

Available-for-sale

Government bonds

Available-for-sale

Government bonds

Equity Securities

Amortized Cost

Gross Unrealized 
Gains

Gross Unrealized 
Losses

Aggregate Fair 
Value

December 31, 2020

$ 

5,239  $ 

129  $ 

—  $ 

5,368 

Amortized Cost

Gross Unrealized 
Gains

Gross Unrealized 
Losses

Aggregate Fair 
Value

December 31, 2019

$ 

5,095  $ 

—  $ 

43  $ 

5,052 

Exchange traded funds: The Company invests in certain treasury bill exchange traded funds, which are accounted for 
as equity securities and carried at fair value.  Gains and losses from these investments are included within Other income and 
(expense) in the Company's Consolidated Income Statements.

Investments  in  private  equity  funds:  Investments  in  private  equity  funds  represent  limited  partnerships  in  which  the 

Company has less than a 1% interest. 

Mutual funds: The Company invests certain excess funds held in Brazil in a Brazilian real denominated mutual fund 
benchmarked to the U.S. dollar that invests principally in Brazilian fixed income securities. The investments are carried at fair 
value based on quoted market prices.  Gains and losses from this investment are included as a foreign exchange component of 
Other income and (expense) in the Company's Consolidated Income Statements. 

Equity Method Investments

The Company has an 11.7% interest in RCB Investimentos S.A. ("RCB"), a servicing platform for nonperforming loans 
in  Brazil,  which  is  accounted  for  on  the  equity  method  because  the  Company  exercises  significant  influence  over  RCB’s 
operating and financial activities. Accordingly, the Company’s investment in RCB is adjusted for the Company’s proportionate 
share of RCB’s earnings or losses, capital contributions made and distributions received. 

5. Leases:

The Company leases office space and equipment under operating leases. The components of lease expense for the year 

ended December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019 were as follows (amounts in thousands):

Operating lease cost

Short-term lease cost

Total lease cost

2020

2019

12,263  $ 

2,598 

14,861  $ 

12,008 

2,973 

14,981 

$ 

$ 

Supplemental cash flow information and non-cash activity related to leases for the year ended December 31, 2020 and 

December 31, 2019 were as follows (amounts in thousands):

Cash paid for amounts included in the measurement of operating lease liabilities $ 

12,416  $ 

11,438 

2020

2019

ROU assets (disposed)/obtained in exchange for operating lease obligations

$ 

(7,506)  $ 

80,725 

62

 
 
PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Lease term and discount rate information related to operating leases were as follows as of the date indicated:

Weighted-average remaining lease terms (years)

Weighted-average discount rate

2020

2019

9.1

 4.7 %

10.7

 4.9 %

Maturities  of  lease  liabilities  at  December  31,  2020,  are  as  follows  for  the  years  ending  December  31,  (amounts  in 

thousands):

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Thereafter

Total lease payments

Less: imputed interest

Total

6. Goodwill:

Operating Leases

11,679 

9,697 

7,392 

6,348 

6,152 

29,863 

71,131 

13,783 

57,348 

$ 

$ 

$ 

The Company performs an annual review of goodwill as of October 1 of each year or more frequently if indicators of 
impairment exist.  The Company performed an annual review of goodwill as of October 1, 2020 and concluded that no goodwill 
impairment was necessary.

The following table represents the changes in goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (amounts in 

thousands):

Balance at beginning of year

Changes:
Acquisition (1)
Foreign currency translation adjustment

Net change 
Balance at end of year

2020

2019

$ 

480,794  $ 

464,116 

— 

12,195 

12,195 
492,989  $ 

18,831 

(2,153) 

16,678 
480,794 

$ 

(1) The  $18.8 million addition to goodwill during the year ended December 31, 2019, was related to the acquisition of a business in Canada.  

63

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

7. Borrowings:

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

Americas revolving credit

Europe revolving credit

Term loan

Senior Notes

Convertible Senior Notes

Less: Debt discount and issuance costs

Total

December 31,
2020

December 31,
2019

$ 

405,706  $ 

1,171,890 

470,000 

300,000 

345,000 

2,692,596 

(31,307)   

$ 

2,661,289  $ 

772,037 

1,017,465 

425,000 

— 

632,500 

2,847,002 

(38,577) 

2,808,425 

The  following  principal  payments  are  due  on  the  Company's  borrowings  at  December  31,  2020  for  the  years  ending 

December 31, (amounts in thousands):

The Company determined that it was in compliance with the covenants of its financing arrangements as of December 31, 

$ 

11,054 

10,983 

1,526,890 

843,669 

300,000 

$ 

2,692,596 

2021

2022

2023

2024

2025

Total

2020.

North American Revolving Credit and Term Loan

The Company has a credit agreement with Bank of America, N.A., as administrative agent, Bank of America, National 
Association, acting through its Canada branch, as the Canadian administrative agent, and a syndicate of lenders named therein,  
that it amended on August 26, 2020 (as amended and restated, the "North American Credit Agreement") to, among other things, 
increase  the  term  loan  by  $55.0  million,  reduce  the  aggregate  commitments  under  the  domestic  revolving  credit  facility  by 
$68.0 million, increase the Canadian revolving credit facility by $25.0 million, and extend the maturity date by two years.  

The  total  credit  facility  under  the  North  American  Credit  Agreement  includes  an  aggregate  principal  amount  of  $1.5 
billion (subject to compliance with a borrowing base and applicable debt covenants), which consists of (i) a fully-funded $470.0 
million  term  loan,  (ii)  a  $1.0  billion  domestic  revolving  credit  facility  and  (iii)  a  $75.0  million  Canadian  revolving  credit 
facility.  The  facility  includes  an  accordion  feature  for  up  to  $500.0  million  in  additional  commitments  (at  the  option  of  the 
lender)  and  also  provides  for  up  to  $25.0  million  of  letters  of  credit  and  a  $25.0  million  swingline  loan  sublimit  that  would 
reduce amounts available for borrowing. The term and revolving loans accrue interest, at the option of the Company, at either 
the base rate or the Eurodollar rate (as defined in the North American Credit Agreement) for the applicable term plus 2.50% per 
annum in the case of the Eurodollar rate loans.  The revolving loans within the credit facilities are subject to a 0.75% floor.  The 
revolving credit facilities also bear an unused line fee of 0.375% per annum, payable quarterly in arrears. The loans under the 
North American Credit Agreement mature May 5, 2024. As of December 31, 2020, the unused portion of the North American 
Credit Agreement was $671.3 million. Considering borrowing base calculations as of December 31, 2020, the amount available 
to be drawn was $296.2 million.

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

• the ERC borrowing base is 35% for all eligible core asset pools and 55% for all insolvency eligible asset pools;

• the consolidated total leverage ratio cannot exceed 3.50 to 1.0 as of the end of any fiscal quarter;

64

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

• As of December 31, 2020, the consolidated senior secured leverage ratio cannot exceed 2.75 to 1.0 as of the end of any 
fiscal quarter until March 31, 2021.  On March 31, 2021, the senior secured leverage ratio will decrease to 2.25 to 1.0 
until maturity;

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

million; and

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

The  outstanding  balances  and  weighted  average  interest  rates  by  type  of  borrowing  under  the  credit  facility  as  of  the 

dates indicated are as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

Amount Outstanding

Weighted Average 
Interest Rate

Amount Outstanding

Weighted Average 
Interest Rate

Term loan
Revolving credit facilities

$ 

470,000 
403,669 

 2.65 % $ 
 3.25 %  

425,000 
768,800 

 4.30 %
 4.31 %

European Revolving Credit Facility

European  subsidiaries  of  the  Company  ("PRA  Europe")  are  parties  to  a  credit  agreement  with  DNB  Bank  ASA  for  a 
Multicurrency  Revolving  Credit  Facility  (amended  and  restated,  the  "European  Credit  Agreement").  The  European  Credit 
Agreement provides for borrowings an aggregate amount of approximately $1.3 billion (subject to the borrowing base), accrues 
interest  at  the  Interbank  Offered  Rate  ("IBOR")  plus  2.70%  -  3.80%    (as  determined  by  the  estimated  remaining  collections 
ratio ("ERC Ratio") as defined in the European Credit Agreement), bears an unused line fee, currently 1.23% per annum, or 
35%  of  the  margin,  is  payable  monthly  in  arrears,  and  matures  February  19,  2023.  The  European  Credit  Agreement  also 
includes an overdraft facility in the aggregate amount of $40.0 million (subject to the borrowing base), which accrues interest 
(per  currency)  at  the  daily  rates  as  published  by  the  facility  agent,  bears  a  facility  line  fee  of  0.125%  per  quarter,  payable 
quarterly  in  arrears,  and  matures  February  19,  2023.    As  of  December  31,  2020,  the  unused  portion  of  the  European  Credit 
Agreement (including the overdraft facility) was $168.1 million. Considering borrowing base restrictions and other covenants 
as  of  December  31,  2020,  the  amount  available  to  be  drawn  under  the  European  Credit  Agreement  (including  the  overdraft 
facility) was $108.1 million.

The  European  Credit  Agreement  is  secured  by  the  shares  of  most  of  the  Company's  European  subsidiaries  and  all 
intercompany loans receivable in Europe. The European Credit Agreement contains restrictive covenants and events of default 
including the following:

• the ERC Ratio cannot exceed 45%;

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

• interest bearing deposits in AK Nordic AB cannot exceed SEK 1.2 billion; and

• PRA Europe's cash collections must meet certain thresholds, measured on a quarterly basis.

The  outstanding  balances  and  weighted  average  interest  rates  by  type  of  borrowing  under  the  European  Credit 

Agreement as the dates indicated are as follows (dollar amounts in thousands):

Revolving credit facility

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

Amount Outstanding
$ 

1,171,890 

Weighted Average 
Interest Rate

Amount Outstanding

Weighted Average 
Interest Rate

 3.74 % $ 

1,017,465 

 4.31 %

Colombian Revolving Credit Facility

PRA  Group  Colombia  Holding  SAS  ("PRA  Colombia"),  are  parties  to  a  credit  agreement  with  Bancolombia  in  an 
aggregate amount of approximately $5.8 million.  As of December 31, 2020, the outstanding balance under the credit agreement 
was approximately $2.0 million, with a weighted average interest rate of 7.13%.  The outstanding balance accrues interest at the 
Indicador  Bavaria  de  Referencia  rate  ("IBR")  plus  a  weighted  average  spread  of  2.74%,  is  payable  quarterly  in  arrears, 
amortizes quarterly, and matures on October 17, 2022 (per the credit agreement, maturity represents three years from the last 

65

 
PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

draw).    This  credit  facility  is  fully  collateralized  using  time  deposits  with  the  lender.  As  of  December  31,  2020,  the  unused 
portion of the Colombia Credit Agreement was $3.8 million.

Senior Notes due 2025

On August 27, 2020, the Company completed the private offering of $300.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 
7.375% Senior Notes due September 1, 2025 (the "2025 Notes" or "Senior Notes").  The 2025 Notes were issued pursuant to an 
Indenture  dated  August  27,  2020  (the  "2020  Indenture"),  between  the  Company  and  Regions  Bank,  as  a  trustee.    The  2020 
Indenture contains customary terms and covenants, including certain events of default after which the 2025 Notes may be due 
and payable immediately.  The 2025 Notes are senior unsecured obligations of the Company and are guaranteed on a senior 
unsecured basis by all of the Company's existing and future domestic restricted subsidiaries that guarantee the North American 
Credit Agreement, subject to certain exceptions.  Interest on the 2025 Notes is payable semi-annually, in arrears, on September 
1 and March 1 of each year, beginning March 1, 2021.  

On or after September 1, 2022, the 2025 Notes may be redeemed, in whole or in part, at a price equal to 103.688% of the 
aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes being redeemed.  The applicable redemption price changes if redeemed during 
the 12-months beginning September 1 of each year to 101.844% for 2023 and then 100% for 2024 and thereafter.  

In addition, on or before September 1, 2022, the Company may redeem up to 40% of the aggregate principal amount of 
the 2025 Notes at a redemption price of 107.375% plus accrued and unpaid interest subject to the rights of holders of the 2025 
Notes with the net cash proceeds of a public offering of common stock of the Company provided that at least 60% in aggregate 
principal  amount  of  the  2025  Notes  remains  outstanding  immediately  after  the  occurrence  of  such  redemption  and  that  such 
redemption will occur within 90 days of the date of the closing of such public offering.

In the event of a Change of Control (as defined in the 2020 Indenture), the Company must offer to repurchase all of the 
2025 Notes (unless otherwise redeemed) at a price equal to 101% of their aggregate principal amount plus accrued and unpaid 
interest.  If  the  Company  sells  assets  under  certain  circumstances  and  does  not  use  the  proceeds  for  specified  purposes,  the 
Company will be required to make an offer to repurchase the 2025 Notes at 100% of their principal amount plus accrued and 
unpaid interest.

Convertible Senior Notes due 2020

On August 13, 2013, the Company completed the private offering of $287.5 million in aggregate principal amount of its 
3.00% Convertible Senior Notes due August 1, 2020 (the "2020 Notes").  In the third quarter of 2020, the Company repaid the 
2020 Notes in full using borrowings under the domestic revolving loan facility in the North American Credit Agreement and 
available cash.  

Convertible Senior Notes due 2023

On May 26, 2017, the Company completed the private offering of $345.0 million in aggregate principal amount of its 
3.50% Convertible Senior Notes due June 1, 2023. The 2023 Notes were issued pursuant to an Indenture, dated May 26, 2017 
(the "2017 Indenture"), between the Company and Regions Bank, as trustee. The 2017 Indenture contains customary terms and 
covenants, including certain events of default after which the 2023 Notes may be due and payable immediately. The 2023 Notes 
are senior unsecured obligations of the Company. Interest on the 2023 Notes is payable semi-annually, in arrears, on June 1 and 
December 1 of each year, beginning on December 1, 2017. Prior to March 1, 2023, the 2023 Notes will be convertible only 
upon  the  occurrence  of  specified  events.  On  or  after  March  1,  2023,  the  2023  Notes  will  be  convertible  at  any  time.  The 
Company has the right, at its election, to redeem all or any part of the outstanding 2023 Notes at any time on or after June 1, 
2021 for cash, but only if the last reported sale price (as defined in the 2017 Indenture) exceeds 130% of the conversion price 
on each of at least 20 trading days during the 30 consecutive trading days ending on and including the trading day immediately 
before the date the Company sends the related redemption notice. As of December 31, 2020, the Company does not believe that 
any of the conditions allowing holders of the 2023 Notes to convert their notes had occurred.

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

66

PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

effect when the average share price of the Company's common stock during any quarter exceeds $60.11, which is 130% of the 
conversion price as of December 31, 2020.

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

The balances of the liability and equity components of the 2020 Notes and the 2023 Notes, collectively referred to as the 

"Convertible Senior Notes",  outstanding were as follows as of the dates indicated (amounts in thousands):

Liability component - principal amount
Unamortized debt discount
Liability component - net carrying amount
Equity component

December 31,
2020

December 31,
2019

$ 

$ 
$ 

345,000  $ 
(20,603)   
324,397  $ 
44,910  $ 

632,500 
(31,414) 
601,086 
76,216 

The debt discount is being amortized into interest expense over the remaining life of the Convertible Senior Notes.  The 

2023 Notes accrue interest at an effective rate of 6.20%.

Interest expense related to the Convertible Senior Notes was as follows for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 

and 2018 (amounts in thousands):

Interest expense - stated coupon rate

Interest expense - amortization of debt discount

Total interest expense - Convertible Senior Notes

Interest Expense, Net

2020

2019

2018

$ 

$ 

17,064  $ 

20,700  $ 

10,811 

12,398 

27,875  $ 

33,098  $ 

20,700 

11,725 

32,425 

The  Company  incurs  interest  expense  on  its  borrowings,  interest-bearing  deposits,  and  interest  rate  derivative 
agreements. The Company earns interest income on certain of its cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and its interest rate 
derivative agreements. Interest expense, net, was as follows for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (amounts in 
thousands):

Interest expense

Interest income

Interest expense, net

2020

2019

2018

$ 

$ 

142,727  $ 

144,165  $ 

124,208 

(1,015)   

(2,247)   

(3,130) 

141,712  $ 

141,918  $ 

121,078 

67

 
 
 
 
 
8. Property and Equipment, net:

PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Property and equipment, at cost, consisted of the following as of December 31, 2020 and 2019 (amounts in thousands):

Software

Computer equipment

Furniture and fixtures

Equipment

Leasehold improvements

Building and improvements

Land

Accumulated depreciation

Assets in process

Property and equipment, net

2020

2019

$ 

66,947  $ 

23,740 

17,978 

15,137 

17,403 

17,905 

1,407 

(105,707)   

3,546 

$ 

58,356  $ 

62,758 

20,847 

16,324 

13,869 

16,709 

7,900 

1,296 

(93,207) 

10,005 

56,501 

Depreciation expense relating to property and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 was 

$15.6 million, $15.9 million and $15.1 million, respectively.

9. Fair Value:

As defined by ASC 820, fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an 
orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. ASC 820 also requires the consideration of differing 
levels of inputs in the determination of fair values.

Those levels of input are summarized as follows:

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

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

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

The level in the fair value hierarchy within which a fair value measurement in its entirety falls is based on the lowest 

level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety.

Financial Instruments Not Required To Be Carried at Fair Value

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

The  carrying  amounts  in  the  table  are  recorded  in  the  Consolidated  Balance  Sheets  at  December  31,  2020  and 

December 31, 2019 (amounts in thousands):

68

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

Carrying
Amount

Estimated
Fair Value

Carrying
Amount

Estimated
Fair Value

$ 

108,613  $ 

108,613  $ 

119,774  $ 

119,774 

12,434 

12,434 

4,033 

4,033 

3,514,788 

3,541,159 

3,514,165 

3,645,610 

132,739 

1,577,596 

470,000 

300,000 

324,397 

132,739 

1,577,596 

470,000 

324,408 

376,012 

106,246 

1,789,502 

425,000 

— 

106,246 

1,789,502 

425,000 

— 

601,086 

648,968 

Financial assets:

Cash and cash equivalents

Restricted cash

Finance receivables, net

Financial liabilities:

Interest-bearing deposits

Revolving lines of credit

Term loan

Senior Notes

Convertible Senior Notes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

Financial Instruments Required To Be Carried At Fair Value

The  carrying  amounts  in  the  following  table  are  measured  at  fair  value  on  a  recurring  basis  in  the  accompanying 

Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2020 and 2019 (amounts in thousands):

Assets:

Available-for-sale investments

Government bonds

Fair value through net income 

Exchange traded funds

Mutual funds

Derivative contracts (recorded in other assets)

Liabilities:

Derivative contracts (recorded in other liabilities)

Assets:

Available-for-sale investments

Government bonds

Fair value through net income 

Mutual funds

Derivative contracts (recorded in other assets)

Liabilities:

Derivative contracts (recorded in other liabilities)

Available-for-sale investments

Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2020

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

$ 

5,368  $ 

—  $ 

—  $ 

5,368 

34,847 

1,023 

— 

— 

— 

— 

3,512 

45,432 

— 

— 

— 

— 

34,847 

1,023 

3,512 

45,432 

Fair Value Measurements as of December 31, 2019

Level 1

Level 2

Level 3

Total

$ 

5,052  $ 

—  $ 

—  $ 

5,052 

33,677 

— 

— 

— 

875 

23,663 

— 

— 

— 

33,677 

875 

23,663 

Government  bonds:  Fair  value  of  the  Company's  investment  in  government  bonds  is  estimated  using  quoted  market 

prices. Accordingly, the Company uses Level 1 inputs.

Fair value through net income investments

Exchange traded funds: Fair value of the Company's investment in exchange traded funds is estimated using quoted 

market prices.  Accordingly, the Company uses Level 1 inputs. 

Mutual  funds:  Fair  value  of  the  Company's  investment  in  mutual  funds  is  estimated  using  quoted  market  prices. 

Accordingly, the Company uses Level 1 inputs.

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

Investments measured using net asset value ("NAV")

Private  equity  funds:  This  class  of  investments  consists  of  private  equity  funds  that  invest  primarily  in  loans  and 
securities including single-family residential debt; corporate debt products; and financially-oriented, real estate-rich and other 
operating  companies  in  the  Americas,  Western  Europe,  and  Japan.  These  investments  are  subject  to  certain  restrictions 
regarding transfers and withdrawals. The investments cannot be redeemed with the funds. Instead, the nature of the investments 
in this class is that distributions are received through the liquidation of the underlying assets of the fund. The investments are 
expected to be returned through distributions as a result of liquidations of the funds' underlying assets over one to five years. 
The fair value of these private equity funds following the application of the NAV practical expedient was $6.1 million and $7.2 
million as of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, respectively.

70

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
10. Derivatives:

PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The following table summarizes the fair value of derivative instruments in the Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets 

as of the dates indicated (amounts in thousands):

December 31, 2020

December 31, 2019

Balance Sheet 
Location

Fair Value

Balance Sheet 
Location

Fair Value

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

Interest rate contracts

Interest rate contracts

Other assets

$ 

—  Other assets

$ 

Other liabilities

43,017  Other liabilities

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

Foreign currency contracts

Foreign currency contracts

Other assets

Other liabilities

3,512  Other assets

2,415  Other liabilities

323 

17,807 

552 

5,856 

Derivatives designated as hedging instruments:

Changes in the fair value of derivative contracts designated as cash flow hedging instruments are recognized in OCI. As 
of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the notional amount of interest rate contracts designated as cash flow hedging 
instruments was $967.2 million and $959.0 million, respectively. Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments were 
evaluated  and  remained  highly  effective  at  December  31,  2020  and  have  initial  terms  of  two  to  five  years.    The  Company 
estimates that approximately $10.2 million of net derivative loss included in OCI will be reclassified into earnings within the 
next 12 months.  

The  following  table  summarizes  the  effects  of  derivatives  designated  as  cash  flow  hedging  instruments  on  the 

Consolidated Financial Statements for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (amounts in thousands):

Derivatives designated as cash flow hedging instruments

Interest rate contracts

Location of gain or (loss) reclassified from OCI into income

Interest expense, net

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments:

Gain or (loss) recognized in OCI, net of tax

2020

2019

2018

$ 

(28,101)  $ 

(14,311)  $ 

44 

Gain or (loss) reclassified from OCI into income

2020

2019

2018

$ 

(10,027)  $ 

(1,457)  $ 

— 

Changes  in  fair  value  of  derivative  contracts  not  designated  as  hedging  instruments  are  recognized  in  earnings.  The 
Company  also  enters  into  foreign  currency  contracts  to  economically  hedge  the  foreign  currency  re-measurement  exposure 
related  to  certain  balances  that  are  denominated  in  currencies  other  than  the  functional  currency  of  the  entity.  As 
of December 31, 2020 and December 31, 2019, the notional amount of foreign currency contracts that are not designated as 
hedging instruments was $500.8 million and $469.9 million, respectively.

The  following  table  summarizes  the  effects  of  derivatives  not  designated  as  hedging  instruments  on  the  Company’s 

Consolidated Income Statements for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (amounts in thousands):

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments

Location of gain or (loss) recognized in 
income

2020

2019

2018

Foreign currency contracts

Foreign currency contracts

Interest rate contracts

Foreign exchange gain/(loss)

$ 

24,009  $ 

(7,008)  $ 

4,011 

Interest expense, net

Interest expense, net

(2,475)   

(3,875)   

— 

(492)   

(549) 

2,082 

Amount of gain or (loss) recognized in income

71

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
11. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss:

PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The  following  table  provides  details  about  the  reclassifications  out  of  accumulated  other  comprehensive  loss  for  the 

years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019 (amounts in thousands):

Gains and losses on cash flow hedges

2020

2019

Affected line in the Consolidated Income Statements

Interest rate swaps

Income tax effect of item above

Total losses on cash flow hedges

$ 

(10,027)  $ 

(1,457)  Interest expense, net

2,187 

278 

Income tax expense

$ 

(7,840)  $ 

(1,179)  Net of tax

The  following  table  represents  the  changes  in  accumulated  other  comprehensive  loss  by  component  after  tax,  for  the 

years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (amounts in thousands):

Debt Securities 
Available for Sale

Cash Flow Hedges

Currency 
Translation 
Adjustment

Accumulated Other 
Comprehensive 
Loss (1)

Balance at December 31, 2017

$ 

—  $ 

—  $ 

(178,607)  $ 

(178,607) 

Reclassification of unrealized loss on debt 
securities
Other comprehensive loss before 
reclassifications

Reclassifications, net

Net current period other comprehensive loss

Balance at December 31, 2018

Other comprehensive loss before 
reclassifications

Reclassifications, net

Net current period other comprehensive loss

Balance at December 31, 2019

Other comprehensive loss before 
reclassifications

Reclassifications, net

Net current period other comprehensive loss

(22) 

(61) 

— 

(83) 

— 

44 

— 

44 

— 

(22) 

(63,463) 

(63,480) 

— 

— 

(63,463) 

(63,502) 

$ 

$ 

(83)  $ 

44  $ 

(242,070)  $ 

(242,109) 

39 

— 

39 

(14,311) 

1,179 

(13,132) 

(5,816) 

— 

(5,816) 

(20,088) 

1,179 

(18,909) 

(44)  $ 

(13,088)  $ 

(247,886)  $ 

(261,018) 

171 

— 

171 

(28,101) 

7,840 

(20,261) 

35,317 

— 

35,317 

7,387 

7,840 

15,227 

Balance at December 31, 2020

$ 

127  $ 

(33,349)  $ 

(212,569)  $ 

(245,791) 

(1) For the years ended December 31, 2020 and 2019, net deferred taxes for unrealized gains/losses from cash flow hedges were $9.2 million 
and $4.4 million, respectively.

12. Share-Based Compensation:

The  Company  has  an  Omnibus  Incentive  Plan  (the  "Plan")  that  is  intended  to  assist  the  Company  in  attracting  and 
retaining selected individuals to serve as employees and directors, who are expected to contribute to the Company's success and 
to achieve long-term objectives that will benefit stockholders of the Company. The Plan enables the Company to award shares 
of the Company's common stock to select employees and directors, not to exceed 5,400,000 shares as authorized by the Plan.

Total  share-based  compensation  expense  was  $14.4  million,  $10.7  million  and  $8.5  million  for  the  years  ended 
December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively. The Company recognizes all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies in the 
income  statement  when  the  awards  vest  or  are  settled.  The  total  tax  benefit  realized  from  share-based  compensation  was 
approximately $2.4 million, $1.2 million and $1.7 million for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

Nonvested Shares

As of December 31, 2020, total future compensation expense related to grants of nonvested share grants to employees 
and  directors  (not  including  nonvested  shares  granted  under  the  Long-Term  Incentive  ("LTI")  program),  is  estimated  to  be 
$10.1 million with a weighted average remaining life for all nonvested shares of 1.3 years. Grants made to key employees and 
directors of the Company were assumed to have no forfeiture rates associated with them due to the historically low turnover 

72

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

among this group. With the exception of the grants made pursuant to the LTI program and a few employee and director grants, 
the nonvested shares vest ratably generally over one to three years and are expensed over their vesting period.

The  following  summarizes  all  nonvested  share  activity,  excluding  those  related  to  the  LTI  program,  from  Balance  at 

December 31, 2017 through December 31, 2020 (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):

Balance at December 31, 2017

Granted

Vested

Canceled

Balance at December 31, 2018

Granted

Vested

Canceled

Balance at December 31, 2019

Granted

Vested

Canceled

Balance at December 31, 2020

Nonvested Shares
Outstanding

Weighted-Average
Price at Grant Date

298  $ 

254 

(151)   

(22)   

379 

329 

(167)   

(9)   

532 

256 

(219)   

(14)   

555  $ 

35.25 

36.39 

35.13 

35.02 

34.85 

28.47 

34.81 

31.01 

30.97 

38.69 

31.56 

33.95 

34.23 

The total grant date fair value of shares vested, excluding those granted under the LTI program, during the years ended 

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, was $6.9 million, $5.8 million and $5.3 million, respectively.

Long-Term Incentive Program

Pursuant to the Plan, the Compensation Committee may grant time-vested and performance-based nonvested shares. All 

shares granted under the LTI program were granted to key employees of the Company.

The following table summarizes all LTI share activity from Balance at December 31, 2017 through December 31, 2020 

(amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):

Nonvested LTI Shares
Outstanding

Weighted-Average
Price at Grant Date

Balance at December 31, 2017

Granted at target level

Adjustments for actual performance

Vested

Canceled

Balance at December 31, 2018

Granted at target level

Adjustments for actual performance

Vested

Canceled

Balance at December 31, 2019

Granted at target level

Adjustments for actual performance

Vested

Canceled

Balance at December 31, 2020

73

472  $ 

121 

(74)   

(19)   

(46)   

454 

168 

(172)   

— 

(3)   

447 

118 

(131)   

(36)   

(6)   

392  $ 

41.06 

39.40 

52.47 

52.47 

32.31 

33.27 

28.28 

28.98 

— 

35.87 

33.03 

39.04 

34.44 

33.50 

33.77 

34.30 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

The  total  grant  date  fair  value  of  LTI  shares  vested  during  the  years  ended  December  31,  2020,  2019  and  2018,  was 

$1.2 million, $0.0 million and $1.0 million, respectively.

At  December  31,  2020,  total  future  compensation  expense,  assuming  the  current  estimated  performance  levels  are 
achieved,  related  to  nonvested  shares  granted  under  the  LTI  program  is  estimated  to  be  approximately  $5.5  million.  The 
Company assumed a 5.0% forfeiture rate for these grants and the remaining shares have a weighted average remaining life of 
1.2 years at December 31, 2020.

13. Earnings per Share:

Basic earnings per share ("EPS") are computed by dividing net income available to common stockholders of PRA Group, 
Inc. by weighted average common shares outstanding. Diluted EPS are computed using the same components as basic EPS with 
the denominator adjusted for the dilutive effect of the conversion spread of the Convertible Senior Notes and nonvested share 
awards,  if  dilutive.  There  has  been  no  dilutive  effect  of  the  Convertible  Senior  Notes  since  issuance  through  December  31, 
2020.  Share-based  awards  that  are  contingent  upon  the  attainment  of  performance  goals  are  included  in  the  computation  of 
diluted EPS if the effect is dilutive. The dilutive effect of nonvested shares is computed using the treasury stock method, which 
assumes any proceeds that could be obtained upon the vesting of nonvested shares would be used to purchase common shares at 
the average market price for the period.

The following table provides a reconciliation between the computation of basic EPS and diluted EPS for the years ended 

December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 (amounts in thousands, except per share amounts):

2020

2019

2018

Net Income 
Attributable 
to PRA 
Group, Inc.

Weighted 
Average 
Common 
Shares

EPS

Net Income 
Attributable 
to PRA 
Group, Inc.

Weighted 
Average 
Common 
Shares

EPS

Net Income 
Attributable 
to PRA 
Group, Inc.

Weighted 
Average 
Common 
Shares

EPS

$  149,339 

  45,540  $  3.28  $  86,158 

  45,387  $  1.90  $  65,563 

  45,280  $  1.45 

— 

320 

(0.02)   

— 

190 

(0.01)   

— 

133 

(0.01) 

Basic EPS
Dilutive effect of 
nonvested share awards

Diluted EPS

$  149,339 

  45,860  $  3.26  $  86,158 

  45,577  $  1.89  $  65,563 

  45,413  $  1.44 

There were no options outstanding, antidilutive or otherwise, as of December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018.

14. Income Taxes:

The  income  tax  expense  recognized  for  the  years  ended  December  31,  2020,  2019  and  2018  is  comprised  of  the 

following (amounts in thousands):

For the year ended December 31, 2020:

Current tax expense

Deferred tax benefit

Total income tax expense

For the year ended December 31, 2019:

Current tax expense

Deferred tax benefit

Total income tax expense

For the year ended December 31, 2018:

Current tax expense

Deferred tax benefit

Total income tax expense/(benefit)

Federal

State

International

Total

48,223  $ 

12,416  $ 

39,067  $ 

(32,699)   

15,524  $ 

(8,921)   

(16,883)   

3,495  $ 

22,184  $ 

99,706 

(58,503) 

41,203 

41,391  $ 

(27,311)   
14,080  $ 

6,390  $ 

(6,030)   
360  $ 

9,460  $ 

(4,220)   
5,240  $ 

57,241 

(37,561) 
19,680 

23,444  $ 

9,026  $ 

37,501  $ 

(19,527)   

(15,268)   

(21,413)   

3,917  $ 

(6,242)  $ 

16,088  $ 

69,971 

(56,208) 

13,763 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

$ 

On December 22, 2017, the United States government enacted comprehensive tax legislation commonly referred to as 
the "Tax Act."  The main impact of the Tax Act was a reduction of the U.S. federal corporate tax rate from 35% to 21% and the 

74

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

current taxation of international entities.  New legislation and authoritative guidance on the Tax Act is still being released that 
may  impact  tax  amounts  recorded  in  the  financial  statements.    Under  U.S.  GAAP,  the  Company  made  an  accounting  policy 
election to treat taxes due related to global intangible low-taxed income ("GILTI") as a current-period expense when incurred.  	

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security ("CARES") Act was enacted into U.S. law in 
response to COVID-19, with varying legislation enacted in many of the other countries in which the Company operates.  The 
Company has implemented the tax payment and filing deferral provisions as applicable on a global basis and does not believe 
that  any  of  the  other  provisions  will  have  a  material  impact  to  its  financial  reporting.    COVID-19  related  legislation  and 
administrative releases are monitored by the Company.

A  reconciliation  of  the  Company's  expected  tax  expense  at  the  U.S.  statutory  federal  tax  rate  to  actual  tax  expense/

(benefit) for the years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018 is as follows (amounts in thousands):

2020

2019

2018

Income tax expense at statutory federal rates

State tax expense/(benefit), net of federal tax benefit

$ 

43,878  $ 

24,645  $ 

2,449 

161 

Tax impact on international earnings, excluding uncertain tax positions

(29,992)   

(7,326)   

Uncertain tax positions on international earnings

Federal rate change
Other

Total income tax expense

23,917 

— 

951 

— 

— 

2,200 

$ 

41,203  $ 

19,680  $ 

13,763 

18,794 

(5,098) 

206 

— 

(719) 

580 

The Company recognized a net deferred tax asset of $42.3 million and a net deferred tax liability of $22.2 million as of 

December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. The components of the net deferred tax are as follows (amounts in thousands):

Deferred tax assets:

Employee compensation
Net operating loss carryforward
Interest
Finance receivable revenue recognition - international
Lease Liability
Other
Valuation allowance

Total deferred tax asset

Deferred tax liabilities:

Property and Equipment
Intangible assets and goodwill
Right of Use Asset
Convertible debt
Finance receivable revenue recognition - IRS settlement
Finance receivable revenue recognition - domestic

Total deferred tax liability

Net deferred tax asset/(liability)

As of December 31,

2020

2019

$ 

8,770  $ 

117,889 
12,840 
17,160 
14,478 
6,348 
(73,595)   
103,890 

(6,214)   
(3,245)   
(13,509)   
(5,113)   
— 

(33,471)   
(61,552)   
42,338  $ 

$ 

6,085 
93,068 
10,477 
21,343 
16,045 
12,009 
(80,739) 
78,288 

(5,362) 
(2,999) 
(15,107) 
(7,843) 
(36,959) 
(32,183) 
(100,453) 
(22,165) 

A valuation allowance for deferred tax assets is recognized and charged to earnings in the period such determination is 
made,  if  it  is  determined  that  it  is  more  likely  than  not  that  the  deferred  tax  asset  will  not  be  realized.  If  the  Company 
subsequently realized deferred tax assets that were previously determined to be unrealizable, the respective valuation allowance 
would be reversed, resulting in a positive adjustment to earnings in the period such determination is made. The determination 
for  a  valuation  allowance  is  made  on  a  jurisdiction  by  jurisdiction  basis.    At  December  31,  2020  and  2019,  the  valuation 
allowance,  relating  mainly  to  net  operating  losses,  capital  losses  and  deferred  interest  expense  in  Norway,  Poland  and 
Luxembourg, was $73.6 million and $80.7 million respectively.  The decrease in the valuation allowance is primarily due to 

75

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

expected  utilization  of  net  operating  losses  in  Poland  that  were  previously  limited  due  to  forecasted  income.  The  Company 
believes  it  is  more  likely  than  not  that  the  results  of  future  operations  will  generate  sufficient  taxable  income  to  realize  the 
remaining net deferred tax assets.

On  May  10,  2017,  the  Company  reached  a  settlement  with  the  Internal  Revenue  Service  ("IRS")  regarding  the  IRS 
assertion that tax revenue recognition using the cost recovery method did not clearly reflect taxable income.  In accordance with 
the settlement, the Company changed its tax accounting method used to recognize finance receivables revenue effective with 
tax year 2017. Under this method, a portion of the annual collections is amortized and the remaining portion is taxable income. 
The  U.S.  deferred  tax  liability  related  to  the  difference  in  timing  between  this    method  and  the  cost  recovery  method  was 
incorporated  evenly  into  the  tax  filings  over  four  years  effective  with  tax  year  2017  and  ending  with  tax  year  2020.    The 
Company was not required to pay any interest or penalties in connection with the settlement.

ASC  740  requires  the  recognition  of  interest  if  the  tax  law  would  require  interest  to  be  paid  on  the  underpayment  of 
taxes,  and  recognition  of  penalties  if  a  tax  position  does  not  meet  the  minimum  statutory  threshold  to  avoid  payment  of 
penalties. The Company believes it has sufficient support for the technical merits of its positions and that it is more likely than 
not  these  positions  will  be  sustained.  Accordingly,  the  Company  has  not  accrued  for  interest  or  penalties  on  any  of  its  tax 
positions, except as noted for uncertain tax positions.

At  December  31,  2020,  the  tax  years  subject  to  examination  by  the  major  federal,  state  and  international  taxing 

jurisdictions are 2015 and subsequent years.

As  of  December  31,  2020,  the  cumulative  unremitted  earnings  of  the  Company's  international  subsidiaries  were 
approximately $94.2 million. The Company intends for predominantly all international earnings to be indefinitely reinvested in 
its international operations and, therefore, the recording of deferred tax liabilities for such unremitted earnings is not required. It 
is  impracticable  to  determine  the  total  amount  of  unrecognized  deferred  taxes  with  respect  to  these  indefinitely  reinvested 
earnings.

The Company's international subsidiaries had $517.0 million and $401.5 million of net operating loss carryforwards as of 
December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively. There are $275.3 million and $283.7 million of valuation allowances recorded to 
offset those losses as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, respectively.  The net operating losses do not expire under most local 
laws and the remaining jurisdictions allow for a seven to 20 year carryforward period.

Uncertain Tax Positions

ASC 740 prescribes a recognition threshold and measurement attribute for a tax position taken or expected to be taken in 
a tax return.  Under ASC 740, an entity should recognize a financial statement benefit for a tax position if it determines that it is 
more likely than not that the position will be sustained upon examination.

The  balance  for  unrecognized  tax  benefits  at  December  31,  2020,  was  $110.4  million.  The  unrecognized  tax  benefits 
recorded in 2020 are included in the provision for income taxes.  The Company did not have any unrecognized tax benefits in 
2019.  The following is a reconciliation of gross unrecognized tax benefits for the year ended December 31, 2020 (amounts in 
thousands):

Balance at beginning of year
Additions, based on tax positions related to current year (1)
Additions, based on tax positions related to prior year (1)
Balance at end of year

$ 

$ 

— 

32,673 

77,752 

110,425 

(1) The 2020 additions relate to international transactions, primarily due to an ongoing audit of the prior year returns.

The total amount of unrecognized tax benefit at December 31, 2020, that, if recognized, would affect the effective tax rate 

was $23.9 million.

During  the  year  ended  December  31,  2020,  the  Company  accrued  potential  interest  of  $0.7  million  and  penalties  of 

$1.6 million related to unrecognized tax benefits.

76

 
 
PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

15. Commitments and Contingencies:

Employment Agreements:

The  Company  has  entered  into  employment  agreements  with  each  of  its  U.S.  executive  officers,  which  expire  on 
December 31, 2023.  Such agreements provide for base salary payments as well as potential discretionary bonuses that consider 
the  Company's  overall  performance  against  its  short  and  long-term  financial  and  strategic  objectives.    The  agreements  also 
contain  confidentiality  and  non-compete  provisions.    As  of  December  31,  2020,  estimated  future  compensation  under  these 
agreements  was  approximately  $18.2  million.  Outside  the  U.S.,  the  Company  has  entered  into  employment  agreements  with 
certain employees pursuant to local country regulations. Generally, these agreements do not have expiration dates.  As a result it 
is  impractical  to  estimate  the  amount  of  future  compensation  under  these  agreements.  Accordingly,  the  future  compensation 
under these agreements is not included in the $18.2 million total above.

Forward Flow Agreements:

The  Company  is  party  to  several  forward  flow  agreements  that  allow  for  the  purchase  of  nonperforming  loans  at  pre-
established prices. The maximum remaining amount to be purchased under forward flow agreements at December 31, 2020 was 
approximately $501.9 million.

Finance Receivables:

Certain  agreements  for  the  purchase  of  finance  receivables  portfolios  contain  provisions  that  may,  in  limited 
circumstances,  require  the  Company  to  refund  a  portion  or  all  of  the  collections  subsequently  received  by  the  Company  on 
particular accounts. The potential refunds as of the balance sheet date are not considered to be significant.

Litigation and Regulatory Matters:

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

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

The  Company  believes  that  the  estimate  of  the  aggregate  range  of  reasonably  possible  losses  in  excess  of  the  amount 

accrued for its legal proceedings outstanding at December 31, 2020, where the range of loss can be estimated, was not material.

In certain legal proceedings, the Company may have recourse to insurance or third-party contractual indemnities to cover 
all or portions of its litigation expenses, judgments, or settlements. Loss estimates and accruals for potential liability related to 
legal proceedings are typically exclusive of potential recoveries, if any, under the Company's insurance policies or third-party 
indemnities. During the year ended December 31, 2019, the Company recorded $1.0 million in potential recoveries under the 
Company's  insurance  policies  or  third-party  indemnities,  which  was  included  within  Other  receivables  in  the  Consolidated 
Balance Sheets, and an additional $0.8 million in the first quarter of 2020.  In the fourth quarter of 2020, the Company received 
the aforementioned recoveries.

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

77

Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ("CFPB") Investigation

PRA Group, Inc.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

In response to requests and civil investigative demands from the CFPB, the Company has provided certain documents 
and data regarding its debt collection practices, including compliance with the Company's Consent Order with the CFPB.  In 
December 2020, the Company was advised that the CFPB believes it may have violated certain provisions of the Consent Order 
and  applicable  law,  and  was  provided  with  an  opportunity  to  respond  to  the  CFPB’s  potential  concerns.    The  Company  has 
responded, and set forth its view that the relevant facts and law do not support any enforcement action, but is not able to predict 
the outcome of the investigation at this time.

Multi-State Investigation

On November 17, 2015, the Company received civil investigative demands from multiple state Attorneys General offices 
("AGOs")  broadly  relating  to  its  U.S.  debt  collection  practices.  The  Company  believes  that  it  has  fully  cooperated  with  the 
investigations  and  discussed  potential  resolution  of  the  investigations  with  the  AGOs.  In  these  discussions,  the  AGOs  have 
taken positions with which the Company disagrees, including positions related to penalties, restitution and/or the adoption of 
new practices and controls in the conduct of the Company's business. 

Although the Company has settled certain claims with one of the states, it is possible that one or more of the remaining 

individual state AGOs may file claims against the Company if the Company is unable to resolve its differences with them.

Iris Pounds v. Portfolio Recovery Associates, LLC

On  November  21,  2016,  Iris  Pounds  filed  suit  against  the  Company  in  Durham  County,  North  Carolina  alleging 
violations of the North Carolina Prohibited Practices by Collection Agencies Act. The purported class consists of all individuals 
against whom the Company had obtained a judgment by default in North Carolina on or after October 1, 2009. On December 9, 
2016,  the  Company  removed  the  matter  to  the  United  States  District  Court  for  the  Middle  District  of  North  Carolina  (the 
"District  Court").  On  March  28,  2018,  the  District  Court  entered  an  order  remanding  the  matter  to  the  North  Carolina  state 
court, which the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed on May 17, 2018. On January 11, 2019, the Company filed motions 
to  compel  arbitration  with  the  North  Carolina  state  court,  which  was  denied.  The  Company  is  seeking  review  of  the  North 
Carolina  state  court's  decision  to  deny  the  Company's  motion  to  compel  arbitration.    The  range  of  loss,  if  any,  cannot  be 
estimated at this time due to the uncertainty surrounding liability, class certification and the interpretation of statutory damages.

Telephone Consumer Protection Act Litigation

On  January  25,  2017,  the  Company  resolved  the  matter  of  In  Re  Portfolio  Recovery  Associates,  LLC  Telephone 
Consumer Protection Act Litigation, which consisted of a number of class actions and single plaintiff claims consolidated by 
order of the Panel for Multi-District Litigation ("MDL").  While the settlement disposed of a large number of claims, several 
hundred  class  members  opted  out  ("Opt-Out  Plaintiffs")  of  that  settlement.    Many  of  these  Opt-Out  Plaintiffs  have  been 
consolidated before the MDL appointed court, the United States District Court for the Southern District of California, and are 
pending  a  determination  on  cross-motions  for  summary  judgment.  On  July  9,  2020,  the  Supreme  Court  of  the  United  States 
granted certiorari in the matter of Facebook v. Duguid to resolve the split between the Circuit Courts of Appeal on the issue of 
the definition of an Automatic Telephone Dialing System. A decision in that case is expected to be dispositive of many or all 
TCPA matters currently pending, most of which are now stayed as a result of the grant of certiorari.  The range of loss, if any, 
cannot be estimated at this time due to the uncertainty surrounding liability. 

16. Retirement Plans:

The  Company  sponsors  defined  contribution  plans  primarily  in  the  U.S.  and  Europe.  The  U.S.  plan  is  organized  as  a 
401(k) plan under which all employees over 18 years of age are eligible to make voluntary contributions to the plan up to 100% 
of their compensation, subject to IRS limitations, after completing six months of service, as defined in the plan. The Company 
makes matching contributions of up to 4% of an employee's salary. For the defined contribution plans in Europe, the Company 
pays contributions to publicly or privately administered pension insurance plans on a mandatory, contractual or voluntary basis. 
Total  compensation  expense  related  to  the  Company's  contributions  was  $6.4  million,  $5.9  million  and  $6.3  million  for  the 
years ended December 31, 2020, 2019 and 2018, respectively.

78

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 
Exchange  Act  Rules  13a-15(e)  and  15d-15(e))  that  are  designed  to  ensure  that  information  required  to  be  disclosed  in  our 
Exchange Act reports is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and 
forms, and that such information is accumulated and communicated to our management, including our Chief Executive Officer 
and Chief Financial Officer, as appropriate, to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure. In designing and evaluating 
the disclosure controls and procedures, management recognized that any controls and procedures, no matter how well designed 
and operated, can provide only reasonable assurance of achieving the desired control objectives, and management necessarily 
was  required  to  apply  its  judgment  in  evaluating  the  cost-benefit  relationship  of  possible  controls  and  procedures.  Also, 
projections  of  any  evaluation  of  effectiveness  to  future  periods  are  subject  to  the  risk  that  controls  may  become  inadequate 
because  of  changes  in  conditions  or  that  the  degree  of  compliance  with  the  policies  or  procedures  may  deteriorate.  We 
conducted an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial 
Officer, of the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures as of the end of the period covered by this Form 10-K. 
Based on this evaluation, the principal executive officer and principal financial officer have concluded that, as of December 31, 
2020, our disclosure controls and procedures were effective. 

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting. Our management is responsible for establishing and 
maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting. Internal control over financial reporting is defined in Exchange 
Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f) as a process designed by, or under the supervision of, the company’s principal executive and 
principal  financial  officers  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. Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over 
financial  reporting  may  not  prevent  or  detect  misstatements.  Under  the  supervision  and  with  the  participation  of  our 
management,  including  our  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer,  we  carried  out  an  evaluation  of  the 
effectiveness of our internal control over financial reporting based on the Internal Control - Integrated Framework (2013) issued 
by  the  Committee  of  Sponsoring  Organizations  (COSO)  of  the  Treadway  Commission.  Based  on  its  assessment  under  this 
framework,  management  has  determined  that  our  internal  control  over  financial  reporting  was  effective  as  of  December  31, 
2020. Our independent registered public accounting firm, KPMG LLP, has issued an audit report on the effectiveness of our 
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, which is included herein.

Changes in Internal Control over Financial Reporting. There was no change in our internal control over financial reporting 
that  occurred  during  the  quarter  ended  December  31,  2020  that  has  materially  affected,  or  is  reasonably  likely  to  materially 
affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

79

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Stockholders and Board of Directors
PRA Group, Inc.:

Opinion on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

We have audited PRA Group, Inc. and subsidiaries’ (the Company) internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 
2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring 
Organizations of the Treadway Commission. In our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal 
control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2020, based on criteria established in Internal Control – Integrated 
Framework (2013) issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission.  

We also have audited, in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) 
(PCAOB), the consolidated balance sheets of the Company as of December 31, 2020 and 2019, the related consolidated income 
statements, statements of comprehensive income, changes in equity, and cash flows for each of the years in the three-year 
period ended December 31, 2020, and the related notes (collectively, the consolidated financial statements), and our report 
dated February 26, 2021 expressed an unqualified opinion on those consolidated financial statements.

Basis for Opinion 

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 are a public accounting firm registered with the PCAOB and are required to be 
independent with respect to the Company in accordance with the U.S. federal securities laws and the applicable rules and 
regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission and the PCAOB.

We conducted our audit in accordance with the standards of the PCAOB. 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 of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control 
over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating 
effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audit also included performing such other procedures as we 
considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Definition and Limitations of Internal Control Over Financial Reporting 

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance regarding the 
reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external 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 its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect misstatements. Also, 
projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that controls may become inadequate 
because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ KPMG

Norfolk, Virginia
February 26, 2021

80

Item 9B. Other Information.

None.

Item 10. Directors, Executive Officers and Corporate Governance.

PART III

The  information  required  by  Item  10  is  incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  the  sections  labeled  "Executive  Officers," 
"Security Ownership" "Our Board and Its Committees," "Proposal 1: Election of Directors," "Corporate Governance-Code of 
Conduct," and "Report of the Audit Committee" in our definitive Proxy Statement for use in connection with the Company's 
2021 Annual Meeting of Stockholders (the "Proxy Statement").

Item 11. Executive Compensation.

The  information  required  by  Item  11  is  incorporated  herein  by  reference  to  the  sections  labeled  "Compensation 

Discussion and Analysis" and "Compensation Committee Report" in the Proxy Statement.

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners And Management And Related Stockholder Matters.

The information required by Item 12 is incorporated herein by reference to the section labeled "Security Ownership" in 

the Proxy Statement.

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions, and Director Independence.

The information required by Item 13 is incorporated herein by reference to the sections labeled "Policy for Approval of 

Related Party Transactions" and "Director Independence" in the Proxy Statement.

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services.

The information required by Item 14 is incorporated herein by reference to the section labeled "Fees Paid to KPMG" in 

the Proxy Statement.

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules.

(a) Financial Statements.

PART IV

The following financial statements are included in Item 8 of this Form 10-K:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Income Statements

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements

42

44

45

46
47

48

49

(b) Exhibits.

3.1

3.2

4.1

4.2

4.3

Fifth  Amended  and  Restated  Certificate  of  Incorporation  of  PRA  Group,  Inc.  (Incorporated  by  reference  to 
Exhibit 3.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed June 17, 2020 (File No. 000-50058)).
Amended and Restated By-Laws of PRA Group, Inc. (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 3.2 of the Current 
Report on Form 8-K filed June 17, 2020 (File No. 000-50058)).
Indenture dated May 26, 2017 between PRA Group, Inc. and Regions Bank, as trustee (Incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 4.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed on May 26, 2017 (File No. 000-50058)).

Indenture dated as of August 27, 2020 among PRA Group Inc., the Guarantors party thereto and Regions Bank, 
as Trustee (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 4.1 to the Current Report on Form 8-K filed September 1, 2020 
(File No. 000-50058)).

Description  of  the  Registrant's  Securities  Registered  pursuant  to  Section  12  of  the  Securities  Exchange  Act  of 
1934 (filed herewith).

81

10.1*

10.2*

10.3*

10.4*

10.5*

10.6*

10.7*

10.8

10.9

10.10

10.11

10.12

21.1

23.1

24.1

31.1

31.2

32.1

101.INS

2013 Annual Bonus Plan (Incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A filed on April 19, 
2013 (File No. 000-50058)).
2013 Omnibus Incentive Plan (Incorporated by reference to the Proxy Statement on Schedule 14A  filed on April 
19, 2013(File No. 000-50058)).
Employment Agreement dated January 1, 2021 between PRA Group, Inc. and Certain Executives (Incorporated 
by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K filed December 23, 2020 (File No. 000-50058)).
Form of Restricted Stock Unit Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Quarterly Report on 
Form 10-Q filed August 7, 2020 (File No. 000-50058)).
Form of Performance Stock Unit Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.2 of the Quarterly Report 
on Form 10-Q filed May 10, 2018 (File No. 000-50058)).
Form of Performance Stock Unit Agreement (filed herewith).

Form of Performance Stock Unit Agreement (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.3 of the Quarterly Report 
on Form 10-Q filed August 7, 2020 (File No. 000-50058)).
Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of May 5, 2017 among PRA Group, Inc., PRA Group Canada, 
Inc., certain subsidiaries of PRA Group, Inc., the Guarantors party thereto, the Lenders party thereto, Bank of 
America, N.A., as administrative Agent, swing line lender and an 1/c issuer and Bank of America, N.A., acting 
through its Canada branch, as Canadian administrative agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the 
Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed on August 9, 2017 (File No. 000-50058)).
First  Amendment  to  Credit  Agreement,  dated  as  of  October  4,  2018,  among  PRA  Group,  Inc.,  PRA  Group 
Canada  Inc.,  the  Guarantors,  the  Lenders  party  thereto,  Bank  of  America,  N.A.,  as  Administrative  Agent,  and 
Bank of America, N.A., acting through its Canada branch, as Canadian Administrative Agent (Incorporated by 
reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Current Report on Form 8-K  filed on October 9, 2018(File No. 000-50058)).

Second Amendment to the Credit Agreement and First Amendment to Loan Documents dated May 6, 2020, by 
and among PRA Group Inc., PRA Group Canada Inc., the Guarantors party thereto, the Lenders party thereto, 
Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative Agent and Bank of America, N.A., acting through its Canada Branch, 
as Canadian Administrative Agent (Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Quarterly Report on Form 
10-Q filed August 7, 2020 (File No. 000-50058)).
Third Amendment to the Credit Agreement dated August 26, 2020, by and among PRA Group Inc., PRA Group 
Canada Inc., the Guarantors party thereto, the Lenders party thereto, Bank of America, N.A., as Administrative 
Agent  and  Bank  of  America,  N.A.,  acting  through  its  Canada  Branch,  as  Canadian  Administrative  Agent 
(Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.1 of the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed November 6, 2020 (File 
No. 000-50058)).
Sixth Amendment and Restatement Agreement to the Multicurrency Revolving Credit Facility Agreement, dated 
as of March 27, 2020 by and among PRA Group Europe Holding S.à r.l., PRA Group Europe Holding S.à r.l., 
Luxembourg,  Zug  Branch  and  DNB  Bank  ASA  (Incorporated  by  reference  to  Exhibit  10.1  of  the  Quarterly 
Report on Form 10-Q filed on May 8, 2020 (File No. 000-50058)).

Subsidiaries of PRA Group, Inc. (filed herewith).

Consent of KPMG LLP (filed herewith).

Powers of Attorney (included on signature page) (filed herewith).

Certification of the Chief Executive Officer pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 (filed 
herewith).
Certification  of  the  Chief  Financial  Officer  pursuant  to  Section  302  of  the  Sarbanes  Oxley  Act  of  2002  (filed 
herewith).
Certifications  of  Chief  Executive  Officer  and  Chief  Financial  Officer  pursuant  to  Section  906  of  the  Sarbanes 
Oxley Act of 2002 (filed herewith).
Inline XBRL Instance Document

101.SCH

Inline  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document

101.CAL

Inline  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document

101.LAB

Inline  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document

101.PRE

Inline  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

101.DEF

Inline  XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document

104

Cover Page Interactive Data File (formatted as Inline XBRL and contained in Exhibit 101)

82

                                                                                            
* Denotes management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement in which directors or executive officers are eligible to 
participate.

Item 16. Form 10-K Summary.

None.

83

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.

SIGNATURES

February 26, 2021

PRA Group, Inc.
(Registrant)

By:

/s/ Kevin P. Stevenson

Kevin P. Stevenson

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

KNOW ALL MEN BY THESE PRESENTS, that each of the undersigned whose signature appears below constitutes 
and appoints Kevin P. Stevenson and Peter M. Graham, his true and lawful attorneys-in-fact, with full power of substitution and 
resubstitution for him and on his behalf, and in his name, place and stead, in any and all capacities to execute and sign any and 
all  amendments  or  post-effective  amendments  to  this  Annual  Report  on  Form  10-K,  and  to  file  the  same,  with  all  exhibits 
thereto,  and  other  documents  in  connection  therewith,  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission,  hereby  ratifying  and 
confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact or any of them or their or his substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be 
done by virtue hereof and the registrant hereby confers like authority on its behalf.

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 and on the dates indicated.

February 26, 2021

February 26, 2021

By:

/s/ Kevin P. Stevenson

Kevin P. Stevenson

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

By:

/s/ Peter M. Graham

Peter M. Graham

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

84

February 26, 2021

February 26, 2021

February 26, 2021

February 26, 2021

February 26, 2021

February 26, 2021

February 26, 2021

February 26, 2021

February 26, 2021

February 26, 2021

By:

/s/ Steven D. Fredrickson
Steven D. Fredrickson
Director

By:

/s/ Vikram A. Atal
Vikram A. Atal
Director

By:

/s/ Danielle M. Brown
Danielle M. Brown
Director

By:

/s/ Marjorie M. Connelly
Marjorie M. Connelly
Director

By:

/s/ John H. Fain
John H. Fain
Director

By:

/s/ Penelope W. Kyle
Penelope W. Kyle
Director

By:

/s/ James A. Nussle
James A. Nussle
Director

By:

/s/ Brett L. Paschke
Brett L. Paschke
Director

By:

/s/ Scott M. Tabakin
Scott M. Tabakin
Director

By:

/s/ Lance L. Weaver
Lance L. Weaver
Director

85

Exhibit 31.1

I, Kevin P. Stevenson, certify that:

1.

2.

3.

4.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of PRA Group, Inc.;

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material 
fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not 
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present 
in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the 
periods presented in this report;

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and 
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting 
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed 

under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated 
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is 
being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal controls over financial reporting, or caused such internal controls over financial reporting to be 
designed under our supervision to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the 
preparation of the financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our 

conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by 
this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the 
registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has 
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; 
and

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control 
over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or 
persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial 
reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and 
report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the 

registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

February 26, 2021

By:

/s/ Kevin P. Stevenson

  Kevin P. Stevenson
  President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

 
Exhibit 31.2

I, Peter M. Graham, certify that:

1.

2.

3.

4.

I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of PRA Group, Inc.;

Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material 
fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not 
misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present 
in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the 
periods presented in this report;

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and 
procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting 
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed 

under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated 
subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is 
being prepared;

(b) Designed such internal controls over financial reporting, or caused such internal controls over financial reporting to be 
designed under our supervision to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the 
preparation of the financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting 
principles;

(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our 

conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by 
this report based on such evaluation; and

(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the 
registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has 
materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; 
and

5.

The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control 
over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or 
persons performing the equivalent functions):

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal controls over financial 
reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and 
report financial information; and

(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the 

registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

February 26, 2021

By:

/s/ Peter M. Graham

Peter M. Graham

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 
 
 
Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In  connection  with  the  Annual  Report  of  PRA  Group,  Inc.  (the  “Company”)  on  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year  ended 
December  31,  2020  as  filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  on  the  date  hereof  (the  “Report”),  I,  Kevin  P. 
Stevenson,  President  and  Chief  Executive  Officer  of  the  Company,  certify,  pursuant  to  18  U.S.C.  Section  1350,  as  adopted 
pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)  The  information  contained  in  the  Report  fairly  presents,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial  condition  and  results  of 
operations of the Company.

February 26, 2021

By:

/s/ Kevin P. Stevenson

  Kevin P. Stevenson

President and Chief Executive Officer

(Principal Executive Officer)

CERTIFICATION PURSUANT TO
18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,
AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO
SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In  connection  with  the  Annual  Report  of  PRA  Group,  Inc.  (the  “Company”)  on  Form  10-K  for  the  fiscal  year  ended 
December  31,  2020  as  filed  with  the  Securities  and  Exchange  Commission  on  the  date  hereof  (the  “Report”),  I,  Peter  M. 
Graham, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify, pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as 
adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

(1) The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

(2)  The  information  contained  in  the  Report  fairly  presents,  in  all  material  respects,  the  financial  condition  and  results  of 
operations of the Company.

February 26, 2021

By:

/s/ Peter M. Graham

Peter M. Graham

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate Information

Stock Exchange Listing
PRA  Group,  Inc.’s  common  stock    trades 

Financial Publications/Investor Inquiries 

Stockholders  may  obtain  copies  of  this  2020 

on  the  NASDAQ  Global  Select  Market  

Annual  Report,  our  Annual  Report  on  Form 

under the symbol “PRAA”.

Transfer Agent and Registrar
CONTINENTAL STOCK TRANSFER 

& TRUST COMPANY 

1 State Street, 30th Floor

New York, NY 10004

Tel.: 212-509-4000 

Fax: 212-616-7612

Independent Registered 
Public Accounting Firm 

KPMG LLP

Norfolk, Virginia

10-K  for  the  year  ended  December  31,  2020, 

our  Proxy  Statement  for  the  2021  Annual 

Meeting of Stockholders and other documents 

filed  with  the  U.S.  Securities  and  Exchange 

Commission by visiting the Company’s website 

at pragroup.com or by writing to us at:

PRA GROUP, INC.
Attn: Investor Relations

120 Corporate Blvd., Suite 100 

Norfolk, Virginia 23502

This Annual Report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws.  

These  forward-looking  statements  involve  risks,  uncertainties  and  assumptions  that  could  cause  our  

actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.  

See “Cautionary Statements Pursuant to Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform 

Act of 1995” in the attached Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2020 for a  

discussion of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause our actual results to differ from 

those contained in our forward-looking statements.

PRAGROUP.COM