Fitch Ratings positive on auto dealer floorplan ABS

Fitch Ratings reckons the auto dealer floorplan (DFP) ABS sector will remain stable despite its expectation of an approaching auto sales plateau following historic growth observed over the past five years.

However, US dealership groups remain in strong financial health, contributing to stable expected performance metrics for the DFP ABS sector, the ratings agency says.

Solid dealer financials, built on strong revenue and decreasing costs, have led to positive migration to stronger credit tiers within DFP trusts. Dealer defaults have been minimal and net losses for most trusts remain at or near zero. Monthly payment rates (MPRs), as measured by Fitch’s Auto DFP MPR Index, averaged 41.3% for 2015 collection periods, marginally below the previous peak of 41.7% in 2013, but well above any other year for the index, which dates back to 2004.

Fitch expects MPRs and other performance metrics to normalize in 2016 as production and incentive levels continue to increase for nearly every auto manufacturer, as off-lease vehicle supply due back at dealer lots is expected to reach high levels.

Fitch has observed the negative effect of these two factors on MPRs for certain trusts, but expects MPRs to remain above early amortization triggers. Other performance metrics are also expected to remain solid. Fitch believes dealers are better positioned today to weather the storm any headwinds may bring.

Average dealer profits rose to $1.17 million in 2015, up 7.4% over 2014, driving average ROE for dealerships to 29.5%. This is up marginally from 29.2% in 2014, but well above all levels observed over the last decade.

Rising dealership blue sky values have driven M&A activity into high gear, highlighted by Berkshire Hathaway Inc.’s recent purchase of the Van Tuyl Group, one of the largest US dealership groups. While new vehicle sales in the US rapidly increased to historic highs in recent years, the number of dealerships has remained relatively flat. Sales increased 5.8% year over year in 2015, but the number of dealers increased by only 0.3%, according to the National Automobile Dealers Association.

Truck sales have contributed to the improved financial positions for dealers, as consumers are flocking to dealers for new in-demand models in the low fuel price environment. Trucks accounted for 57% of new vehicle sales in 2015, rising from 53% in 2014 and well above any level observed since 2000. Trucks carry higher retail pricing points and are therefore more profitable for dealers.

Dealers have also benefited from lower costs due to low benchmark rates and heightened lending competition compressing spreads. The result is low dealer financing costs to floorplan vehicles from the manufacturers, typically one of the largest dealer expenses. However, with the recent rate increase in late 2015, floorplan interest expenses have risen slightly. Fitch believes the higher expenses could erode into profits levels in 2016, but not materially.