Ally Financial Reports Preliminary Third Quarter 2010 Financial Results

NEW YORK, Nov. 3, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Ally Financial Inc. (Ally) today reported net income of $269 million for the third quarter of 2010, compared to a net loss of $767 million for the third quarter of 2009.  Core pre-tax income, which reflects income from continuing operations before taxes and original issue discount (OID) amortization expense from bond exchanges, totaled $636 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared to a core pre-tax loss of $565 million in the comparable prior year period.  Core pre-tax income during the quarter was driven by slightly higher net revenue, a lower loan loss provision and lower operating expenses due to our continued focus on cost reduction.

"The third quarter demonstrated continued positive momentum for Ally with all four operating segments recording profitable results," said Ally Chief Executive Officer Michael A. Carpenter.  "Our leadership position in the auto finance industry is evidenced by consistent market share, a more diversified product mix and the addition of another auto partner with Fiat in the U.S.

"In each quarter of this year, we have made substantial progress toward our strategic objectives, including deposit growth at Ally Bank, accessing the capital markets to support our funding and liquidity needs, and reducing balance sheet risk in the legacy mortgage business," Carpenter said.  "We remain focused on being an independent, market-driven competitor, and are optimistic about the long-term prospects for the company."

Highlights

• Core auto finance business reported seventh consecutive profitable quarter.
  • Quarterly global consumer auto financing originations remained strong, as levels increased 48 percent from the third quarter of 2009.
  • Ranked No. 1 provider of new car financing in the U.S. during the first nine months of 2010 (Source: AutoCount).
  • Selected as the preferred financing provider for Fiat vehicles in the U.S.
  • Received the 2010 Auto Finance Excellence Award from Auto Finance News for success and contributions to the industry.
• Bank deposits increased approximately $2.6 billion during the quarter, which was supported by an 88 percent CD retention rate at Ally Bank.
• Continued to strengthen access to capital markets with more than $30 billion of funding transactions completed to date in 2010, compared to approximately $8 billion of funding transactions during the same period last year.
  • During the third quarter, the company completed a $1.8 billion senior unsecured debt offering and issued approximately $2.2 billion in auto asset-backed securities.
• Expense reduction efforts continue to be on track, with quarterly controllable expenses down $146 million compared to the third quarter of 2009.
• Rebranded U.S. commercial finance operations as Ally Commercial Finance.  This follows the transition of the corporate entity to Ally Financial Inc. in May 2010 and the rebranding of the consumer and dealer-related auto finance operations in the U.S., Canada and Mexico to leverage the Ally name in July 2010.
• Continued to make progress in minimizing balance sheet risk associated with legacy mortgage assets.
  • Residential Capital, LLC (ResCap) completed the sales of its European mortgage assets and operations, including a combination of approximately $11 billion of securitized loans, other loan assets (including non-performing loans) and servicing rights, and the shares of the related operating entities in the U.K., Germany and the Netherlands.
  • Sold legacy mortgage assets totaling approximately $1.9 billion of unpaid principal balance to date in 2010, at a gain.
  • Sold the Resort Finance portfolio, which had an unpaid principal balance of approximately $1 billion, at a gain.

Liquidity and Capital

Ally's consolidated cash and cash equivalents were $12.6 billion as of Sept. 30, 2010, compared to $14.3 billion at June 30, 2010.  Included in the consolidated cash and cash equivalents balance are: $618 million at ResCap, $4.1 billion at Ally Bank and $623 million at the insurance businesses.  The decrease in cash and cash equivalents during the quarter was due to loan growth in the automotive and mortgage portfolios.  

Ally's total equity at Sept. 30, 2010, was $21.0 billion, compared to $20.8 billion at June 30, 2010.  The company's preliminary third quarter 2010 tier 1 capital ratio was 15.4 percent, compared to 15.3 percent in the prior quarter.  Risk-weighted assets were flat as a result of the sales of ResCap's European mortgage assets and operations being offset by strong automotive and mortgage originations.

During the first nine months of 2010, Ally completed more than $30 billion of funding transactions and also renewed key existing funding facilities, as it remains focused on continuing to strengthen its access to liquidity.  In the third quarter, the company issued $1.8 billion of 10-year unsecured debt.  This was the company's fifth unsecured debt offering this year with a total of $7 billion of unsecured debt issued in 2010.  The company also remained active in the U.S. securitization market during the quarter, as it completed three Ally Bank sponsored automotive asset-backed securitizations, issuing $2.2 billion of debt.  The company also created committed secured facilities during the quarter totaling approximately $809 million of capacity.

Deposits

The company continued to grow deposits during the quarter through its subsidiaries, Ally Bank and ResMor Trust.  Ally Bank and ResMor Trust deposits, excluding certain intercompany deposits, increased in the third quarter to $36.9 billion, from $34.3 billion at June 30, 2010.  Deposits continue to be an increasingly important component of Ally's strategic business plan and now comprise 29 percent of the company's total funding.  Retail deposits at Ally Bank were $20.5 billion at Sept. 30, 2010, compared to $18.7 billion at June 30, 2010.  Retail deposits have grown 29 percent over the last year and now account for approximately 61 percent of Ally Bank's total deposit base.  Brokered deposits at Ally Bank totaled approximately $10.0 billion at quarter-end, compared to $9.9 billion at the end of the second quarter of 2010.  

Ally Bank

For purposes of quarterly financial reporting, Ally Bank's operating results are divided between the North American Automotive Finance and Mortgage Operations segments based on its underlying business activities.  During the third quarter of 2010, Ally Bank reported pre-tax income from continuing operations of $255 million, compared to a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $73 million in the corresponding prior year period.  Performance in the quarter was driven by improved margins and a decrease in loan loss provision expense. Total assets at Ally Bank were $66.2 billion at Sept. 30, 2010, compared to $61.7 billion at June 30, 2010.  The growth in assets was due to the continued increase in automotive consumer finance receivables, automotive wholesale loans and residential mortgage held-for-sale loans.  The asset growth was funded by deposits and new secured funding transactions at the bank.

Global Automotive Services

Global Automotive Services consists of Ally's auto-centric businesses around the world, including: North American Automotive Finance, International Automotive Finance and Insurance.   Global Automotive Services reported third quarter 2010 pre-tax income from continuing operations of $756 million, compared to $412 million in the comparable prior year period.  This represents the seventh consecutive profitable quarter from the core automotive business.

North American Automotive Finance, which includes results for the U.S. and Canada, reported pre-tax income from continuing operations of $568 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared to $272 million in the comparable prior year period.  Results were driven by strong growth in origination volume due to improved economic conditions and continued diversification.  The company's diversification efforts are being supported by the expanded rollout of the Ally Dealer Rewards program and the DealerTrack channel.   Ally's success is driven by its strong dealer relationships, with approximately 14,000 dealers throughout North America.  These relationships are fostered by competitive pricing, Ally Dealer Rewards and a broad array of dealer and consumer products. The business also benefitted from remarketing gains due to favorable used vehicle prices, lower operating expense and a lower loan loss provision.  This was slightly offset by lower operating lease revenue due to the continued decline in the size of the operating lease portfolio.

International Automotive Finance reported pre-tax income from continuing operations of $74 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared to $31 million in the same period last year.  Results in the quarter were favorably affected by lower loan loss provision due to improved credit performance and the sale or liquidation of wind-down operations in certain countries.  The company's international auto finance footprint currently consists of 14 countries, including the company's five core international markets: Germany, U.K., Brazil, Mexico and its joint venture in China.  Ally continues to focus on streamlining its non-strategic international auto finance operations, as it completed the sale of its auto finance business in Argentina and signed an agreement to sell the auto finance business in Ecuador.

Insurance, which focuses primarily on dealer-centric products, such as extended service contracts and dealer inventory insurance, reported pre-tax income from continuing operations of $114 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared to $109 million in the prior year period.  Results were driven by lower acquisition and underwriting expense, which was partially offset by lower revenue resulting from lower written premium in prior periods within Dealer Products & Services.  The business also continues to realize strong gains related to its investment portfolio.  

Automotive originations and penetration

Total consumer financing originations increased 48 percent during the third quarter of 2010 to $11.4 billion, compared to $7.7 billion in the prior year period.  Third quarter 2010 consumer auto originations were comprised of $9.0 billion of new originations, $1.3 billion of used originations and approximately $1.1 billion of new leases, while third quarter 2009 consumer auto originations included $6.8 billion of new originations, approximately $800 million of used originations and approximately $100 million of new leases.  Growth in consumer financing originations was driven by improved conditions in the auto market, higher used vehicle originations, improved leasing levels and continued strong penetration levels at GM and Chrysler as Ally continues to focus on originating loans from across the credit spectrum under prudent underwriting principles.  Additionally, the used vehicle market represents a growth opportunity for Ally, as the company continues to diversify its auto finance business.

North American consumer financing originations in the third quarter of 2010 were $9.4 billion, which included $8.3 billion in the U.S.  Third quarter 2009 consumer financing originations in North America were $6.2 billion, which included approximately $5.6 billion in the U.S.

International consumer originations from continuing operations, which include a non-consolidated joint venture in China, were $2.0 billion during the third quarter of 2010, compared to $1.5 billion in the third quarter of 2009.  International consumer originations continued to be driven by the company's five key markets with strong growth in China, Brazil and the U.K. during the quarter.  Consumer originations increased 67 percent in China, 56 percent in Brazil and 29 percent in the U.K. compared to the third quarter of 2009.

Ally's average U.S. wholesale penetration for GM dealer stock was 83.7 percent in the third quarter of 2010, compared to 86.6 percent in the prior quarter and 85.9 percent in the third quarter of 2009.  U.S. consumer penetration for GM was 34.2 percent during the third quarter of 2010, compared to 34.4 percent in the prior quarter and 31.7 percent in the third quarter of 2009.  GM consumer penetration levels in the U.S. have remained relatively stable despite lower incentivized origination levels, demonstrating Ally's ability to win business and remain competitive in the marketplace.  In the third quarter, 44.1 percent of new GM contracts booked were incentivized, compared to 64.9 percent in the third quarter of 2009.  Ally continues to diversify its business as GM incentivized business accounted for only 20 percent of Ally's overall consumer originations in the third quarter of 2010, compared to 45 percent for full year 2009.

Ally's average U.S. wholesale penetration for Chrysler dealer stock was 76.2 percent in the third quarter of 2010, compared to 77.1 percent in the second quarter of 2010 and 31.7 percent in the corresponding period last year.  Ally's U.S. consumer penetration for Chrysler during the third quarter of 2010 was 49.4 percent, compared to 52.5 percent in the prior quarter and 13.3 percent in the third quarter of 2009.  

Mortgage Operations

Ally's Mortgage Operations, which includes ResCap and the mortgage activities of Ally Bank and ResMor Trust, ranks as the fifth largest originator and the fifth largest servicer in the U.S. (Source: Inside Mortgage Finance, Nine Months 2010).  The segment reported pre-tax income from continuing operations of $154 million during the third quarter of 2010, versus a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $652 million in the comparable prior year period.  Results in the third quarter of 2010 were driven by: strong production and margins; servicing fees; favorable servicing valuation, net of hedge; a lower loan loss provision; lower operating expenses; and gains on the sales of legacy mortgage assets.  

For the third quarter of 2010, the company increased its reserve for mortgage repurchases to $1.1 billion, which resulted in a $344 million pre-tax expense.  The increase in the company's reserve from second quarter levels is based on observed losses, modeled projections of vintage delinquencies, repurchase rates and loss severity.  Trends in repurchase claims and ongoing dialogue with counterparties are also factored into reserve calculations.      

Ally continues to make progress in minimizing balance sheet risk associated with legacy mortgage assets.  The company effectively exited the European mortgage market with ResCap's completion of the sales of its European mortgage assets and operations to affiliates of certain funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group LLC.  The sales included a combination of approximately $11 billion of securitized loans, other loan assets (including non-performing loans) and servicing rights, and the shares of the related operating entities in the U.K., Germany and the Netherlands.  These assets and operations were previously classified as discontinued operations. 

Additionally, the company executed the sales of legacy mortgage assets with an unpaid principal balance of $275 million during the quarter.  The sales of these assets generated cash proceeds of $182 million and a gain of $49 million.  In 2010, the company has sold legacy mortgage assets totaling approximately $1.9 billion of unpaid principal balance.

ResCap reported its third consecutive profitable quarter, as third quarter 2010 net income totaled $38 million, compared to a net loss of $649 million in the comparable prior year period.  Pre-tax income from continuing operations was $96 million for the 2010 third quarter, compared to a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $533 million in the third quarter of 2009.

Total mortgage loan production in the third quarter of 2010 was $20.5 billion, compared to $13.5 billion in the second quarter of 2010 and $15.9 billion in the third quarter of 2009.  The majority of third quarter 2010 production was driven by prime conforming and government loans.  Production increased compared to the prior quarter, as the refinance market remained very strong due to low mortgage interest rate levels.  

Strategic Review

At the start of this year, Ally committed to de-risk its mortgage operations and evaluate strategic alternatives.  Since that time, the company has taken numerous strategic actions to that end including: completing the sales of its European mortgage operations and assets and removing approximately $11 billion of balance sheet exposure; selling approximately $1.9 billion of higher-risk legacy mortgage assets; settling representation and warranty claims with several key counterparties; and completing the transaction related to the Resort Finance assets.  

As a result, the strategic review of the mortgage business is completed, and the ongoing business will be predominantly focused on the origination and servicing of conforming mortgages, which is where the company holds a leadership position as the largest independent servicer in the U.S. and the fifth largest originator and overall servicer.  

While the opportunities for further risk mitigation remain, the risk in the mortgage business has been materially reduced from historical levels.

Foreclosure Update

GMAC Mortgage strives to provide home ownership preservation alternatives, and assisting borrowers with permanent payment relief whenever possible is the company's highest priority.  Pursuing alternatives to foreclosure within contractual guidelines is in the best interest of the borrower, the investor and the community.  Since January 2008, the company has completed approximately 578,000 default workouts for borrowers, which includes more than 220,000 HAMP and non-HAMP permanent loan modifications.  Unfortunately, despite all efforts, sometimes it is not possible to avoid foreclosure, and GMAC Mortgage is committed to restoring confidence in the process.

During the third quarter, Ally's indirect subsidiary, GMAC Mortgage, temporarily suspended evictions and foreclosure sales in 23 states while it conducted a diligent review of foreclosures to assess where an affidavit may have been used that was subject to a procedural issue.  To date, 9,523 files have been reviewed and where necessary, re-executed.   As each of the files is addressed and deemed to be appropriate, the foreclosure process for those select cases continues to move forward.  Less than 15,500 additional files will be reviewed and when needed, remediated with the majority completed over the next few months.   The company has not found any evidence of inappropriate foreclosures in its review process to date. 

In addition to these efforts, GMAC Mortgage is conducting an independent review of its foreclosure policies and practices to ensure that the company is in accordance with appropriate standards for each state.  This includes an independent review of the integrity of the servicing data and foreclosure procedures.

Also, in October, GMAC Mortgage began conducting an additional quality assurance review of any case going to foreclosure sale in all 50 states.  This review aims to ensure that: home preservation efforts have been followed in accordance with the contractual guidelines allowed by mortgage investors; the timing and substance of the foreclosure is appropriate; and the records are in good order.

Corporate and Other

Corporate and Other reported a third quarter 2010 core pre-tax loss of $274 million, compared to a core pre-tax loss of $325 million in the third quarter of 2009.  Including OID, Corporate and Other reported a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $584 million in the third quarter of 2010, compared to a pre-tax loss from continuing operations of $620 million in the comparable prior year period.  The main performance drivers in the third quarter of 2010 were the residual impacts of the corporate funds transfer pricing and asset liability management activities and $310 million of OID amortization expense.  This was partially offset by a $69 million favorable impact resulting from the sale of the Resort Finance business.

Credit Trends

Provision for loan loss expense decreased to $9 million for the 2010 third quarter, compared to $220 million for the second quarter of 2010.  The decrease was primarily due to continued runoff of the company's legacy portfolios, the Resort Finance sale, a continued shift in the company's asset mix to higher credit quality assets and improved collection results.

About Ally Financial Inc.

Ally Financial Inc. (formerly GMAC Inc.) is one of the world's largest automotive financial services companies.  The company offers a full suite of automotive financing products and services in key markets around the world.  Ally's other business units include mortgage operations and commercial finance, and the company's subsidiary, Ally Bank, offers online retail banking products.  With more than $173 billion in assets as of Sept. 30, 2010, Ally operates as a bank holding company.  For more information, visit the Ally media site at http://media.ally.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

In this earnings release and in comments by Ally Financial Inc. ("Ally") management, the use of the words "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "forecast," "initiative," "objective," "plan," "goal," "project," "outlook," "priorities," "target," "explore," "positions," "intend," "evaluate," "pursue," "seek," "may," "would," "could," "should," "believe," "potential," "continue," or the negative of any of those words or similar expressions is intended to identify forward-looking statements. All statements herein and in related charts and management comments, other than statements of historical fact, including without limitation, statements about future events and financial performance, are forward-looking statements that involve certain risks and uncertainties.

While these statements represent our current judgment on what the future may hold, and we believe these judgments are reasonable, these statements are not guarantees of any events or financial results, and Ally's actual results may differ materially due to numerous important factors that are described in the most recent reports on SEC Forms 10-K and 10-Q for Ally, each of which may be revised or supplemented in subsequent reports on SEC Forms 10-Q and 8-K. Such factors include, among others, the following: our inability to repay our outstanding obligations to the U.S. Department of the Treasury, or to do so in a timely fashion and without disruption to our business; uncertainty of Ally's ability to enter into transactions or execute strategic alternatives to realize the value of its Residential Capital, LLC ("ResCap") operations; our inability to successfully accommodate the additional risk exposure relating to providing wholesale and retail financing to Chrysler dealers and customers and the resulting impact to our financial stability; uncertainty related to Chrysler's and GM's recent exits from bankruptcy; uncertainty related to the new financing arrangement between Ally and Chrysler; securing low cost funding for Ally and ResCap and maintaining the mutually beneficial relationship between Ally and GM, and Ally and Chrysler; our ability to maintain an appropriate level of debt and capital; the profitability and financial condition of GM and Chrysler; our ability to realize the anticipated benefits associated with our conversion to a bank holding company, and the increased regulation and restrictions that we are now subject to; continued challenges in the residential mortgage and capital markets; the potential for deterioration in the residual value of off-lease vehicles; the continuing negative impact on ResCap and our mortgage business generally due to the decline in the U.S. housing market; any impact resulting from delayed foreclosure sales or related matters; changes in U.S. government-sponsored mortgage programs or disruptions in the markets in which our mortgage subsidiaries operate; disruptions in the market in which we fund Ally's and ResCap's operations, with resulting negative impact on our liquidity; changes in our accounting assumptions that may require or that result from changes in the accounting rules or their application, which could result in an impact on earnings; changes in the credit ratings of ResCap, Ally, Chrysler or GM; changes in economic conditions, currency exchange rates or political stability in the markets in which we operate; and changes in the existing or the adoption of new laws, regulations, policies or other activities of governments, agencies and similar organizations (including as a result of the recently enacted financial regulatory reform bill).

Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Ally undertakes no obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or other such factors that affect the subject of these statements, except where expressly required by law.

SOURCE Ally Financial

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