Auto ABS

Credit Acceptance Corp.'s second securitization of 2020 has a higher loss rate than the first deal due to COVID-19 worries, as well as rising loss levels in the lender's recent-vintage securitizations.

More than $2.5 billion in new subprime auto securitization deals hit the market this week, including a portfolio of indirect loans pooled by first-time issuer First Help Financial.

Nissan Motor Acceptance Corp. recently filed a prospectus with the SEC to issue $1.3 billion in a mix of fixed- and floating-rate notes, and quickly priced the offering for coupons significantly lower than its $1 billion transaction in late April.

The changes in terms on Byrider Finance’s subprime auto ABS deal compared to its predecessor illustrate how the COVID-19 pandemic is taking its toll.

Driven Brands is preparing a $175 million asset-backed securities deal that will provide investors with exposure to a relatively safe industry during the coronavirus pandemic.

Subprime auto ABS market participants do not see its outlook worsening significantly as a result of the pandemic, but most anticipate losses.

Westlake Automobile Receivables Trust 2020-2 pools a portfolio of loans for mostly high-mileage used-vehicles financed by the privately held Westlake through independent and franchise dealers. The deal includes a $370.9 million triple-A tranche (as preliminarily rated by S&P Global Ratings and DBRS Morningstar) that benefits from 42.75% initial credit enhancement.

Potential COVID-19 stresses include a rising tide of unemployed borrowers missing payments and seeking extensions, as well as falling used-car values.

Global Lending Services, a subprime auto lender that has ramped down its expansion plans for 2020 amid the coronavirus outbreak, is proceeding with its second auto-loan securitization of the year.

Exeter, DriveTime and CPS last week joined a small club of subprime auto lenders sponsoring ABS deals since their TALF eligibility was announced.