UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
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SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION
Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a)
of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934
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Preliminary Proxy Statement |
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Confidential, for Use of the Commission Only (as permitted by Rule 14a-6(e)(2)) |
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Definitive Proxy Statement |
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Soliciting Material under Rule 14a-12 |
CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC.
(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)
(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if
other than the Registrant)
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Fee paid previously with preliminary materials. |
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Fee computed on table in exhibit required by Item 25(b) per Exchange Act Rules 14a-6(i)(1) and 0-11. |
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NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING
OF SHAREHOLDERS OF
CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES,
INC.
3800 Howard Hughes Parkway,
Suite 1400, Las Vegas, Nevada 89169
Phone: 949-753-6800
The annual meeting of the shareholders of Consumer
Portfolio Services, Inc. (the “Company”) will be held at 10:00 a.m., local time, on Thursday, August 25, 2022, at the
Company’s Nevada office at 3800 Howard Hughes Parkway, Suite 1400, Las Vegas, Nevada 89169, for the following purposes:
| 1. | To elect directors to the Company’s Board of Directors each for a one-year term. |
| 2. | To ratify the appointment of Crowe LLP as the Company’s independent auditors for the fiscal year
ending December 31, 2022. |
| 3. | To approve an advisory resolution on executive compensation. |
Shareholders will also transact such other business
as may properly come before the Company’s 2022 annual meeting of shareholders. Only shareholders of record at the close of business
on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 are entitled to notice of and to vote at the meeting.
Whether or not you expect to attend the meeting in person,
please complete, date, and sign the enclosed proxy exactly as your name appears thereon and promptly return it in the envelope provided,
which requires no postage if mailed in the United States. Proxies may be revoked at any time and, if you attend the meeting in person,
your executed proxy will be returned to you upon request.
By Order of the Board of Directors
Brian Rayhill, Secretary
Dated: August 4, 2022
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY
MATERIALS FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE HELD ON AUGUST 25, 2022.
The Proxy Statement and Annual Report to Shareholders for the fiscal
year ended December 31, 2021 are available at www.consumerportfolio.com/AnnualMeeting2022.html.
YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT REGARDLESS OF THE NUMBER
OF SHARES YOU OWN. WHETHER OR NOT YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL MEETING, YOU ARE URGED TO VOTE BY COMPLETING, SIGNING, DATING AND RETURNING
THE PROXY CARD IN THE PRE-ADDRESSED RETURN ENVELOPE PROVIDED. IF GIVEN, YOU MAY REVOKE YOUR PROXY BY FOLLOWING THE INSTRUCTIONS IN THE
PROXY STATEMENT AND ATTACHED PROXY CARD.
CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC.
3800 Howard Hughes Parkway, Suite 1400
Las Vegas, Nevada 89169
949-753-6800
PROXY STATEMENT
FOR
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS
TO BE HELD AUGUST 25, 2022
__________
INTRODUCTION
This proxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation
of proxies by the Board of Directors (the “Board”) of Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc. (the “Company” or “CPS”)
for use at the annual meeting of the shareholders and any adjournments or postponements thereof (the “Annual Meeting”) scheduled
to be held at 10:00 A.M. local time on Thursday, August 25, 2022 at the Company’s office at 3800 Howard Hughes Parkway, Suite 1400,
Las Vegas, Nevada 89169.
All shares represented by properly executed proxies received in
time will be voted at the Annual Meeting and, where the manner of voting is specified on the proxy, will be voted in accordance with such
specifications. Any shareholder who executes and returns a proxy may revoke it at any time prior to the voting of the proxy by giving
written notice to the Secretary of the Company, by executing a later-dated proxy, or by attending the meeting and giving oral notice of
revocation to the Secretary of the Company.
The Board has fixed the close of business on Monday, July 5, 2022,
as the record date (“Record Date”) for determining the holders of outstanding shares of the Company’s Common Stock,
without par value (“CPS Common Stock”) entitled to notice of, and to vote at the Annual Meeting. On that date, there were
21,190,339 shares of CPS Common Stock issued and outstanding. Each such share of CPS Common Stock is entitled to one vote on all matters
to be voted upon at the meeting, except that holders of CPS Common Stock have the right to cumulative voting in the election of directors,
as described herein under the heading “Voting of Shares.”
The notice of the Annual Meeting, this proxy statement and the
form of proxy are first being mailed to shareholders of the Company on or about August 5, 2022. The Company will pay the expenses incurred
in connection with the solicitation of proxies. The proxies are being solicited principally by mail. In addition, directors, officers
and regular employees of the Company may solicit proxies personally or by telephone, for which they will receive no payment other than
their regular compensation. The Company will also request brokerage houses, nominees, custodians and fiduciaries to forward soliciting
material to the beneficial owners of CPS Common Stock and will reimburse such persons for their expenses so incurred.
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND ANNUAL
MEETING
Q: WHAT IS THIS PROXY STATEMENT AND WHY AM I RECEIVING
IT?
A: You are receiving this proxy statement in connection
with an annual meeting of shareholders called by our Board in connection with soliciting shareholder votes for the purpose of (i) electing
directors to the Board, each for a one-year term; (ii) ratifying the appointment of Crowe LLP as the Company’s independent auditors
for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2022; and (iii) holding a non-binding vote on executive compensation, in each case, as more fully
described in this proxy statement. Shareholders may also transact such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting.
You have been sent this proxy statement and the enclosed proxy card because our Board is soliciting your proxy to vote at Annual Meeting
called for the purpose of voting on the foregoing matters.
Q: WHAT INFORMATION IS CONTAINED IN THIS PROXY STATEMENT?
A: The information included in this proxy statement
relates to the proposals to be voted on at the Annual Meeting, the voting process, compensation of our directors and most highly paid
executive officers, and certain other required information.
Q: WHO IS ENTITLED TO VOTE AT THE ANNUAL MEETING,
AND WHAT VOTE IS REQUIRED TO APPROVE THE PROPOSALS?
A: The Board has fixed the close of business on July
5, 2022, as the Record Date for determining the holders of outstanding shares of CPS Common Stock entitled to notice of, and to vote at
the Annual Meeting. On that date, there were 21,190,339 shares of CPS Common Stock issued and outstanding. Each such share of CPS Common
Stock is entitled to one vote on all matters to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting, except that holders of CPS Common Stock have the
right to cumulative voting in the election of directors, as described in this proxy statement under the heading “Voting of Shares.”
In order to approve each proposal, a quorum (a majority of outstanding shares of CPS Common Stock) must be present and (other than with
respect to election of directors) a majority of all of the votes cast on the proposal at the Annual Meeting must be cast in favor of the
proposal, which favorable votes cast must exceed 25% of the outstanding shares. Directors are elected by plurality vote. Abstentions and
broker non-votes will not be counted as “votes cast” and will have no effect on the result of the vote, although they will
count toward the presence of a quorum.
Q: HOW DOES THE BOARD RECOMMEND THAT I VOTE?
A: Our Board recommends that you vote
·
“FOR” each of the nine nominees for election as directors (Proposal One)
·
“FOR” the ratification of the appointment of Crowe LLP as the Company’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ending
December 31, 2022 (Proposal Two)
·
“FOR” the approval, by non-binding vote, of executive compensation (Proposal Three)
Q: HOW MAY I VOTE ON THE PROPOSALS IF I OWN SHARES IN
MY OWN NAME?
A: If you own your shares in your own name, you
may vote on the proposals presented in this proxy statement, whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, by completing, signing
and dating the accompanying proxy card and returning it in the enclosed postage-prepaid envelope. It is important that you vote your shares
whether or not you attend the Annual Meeting in person. Any proxy that is returned using the form of proxy enclosed and which is not marked
as to a particular item will be voted “FOR” the election of the nominees for director named herein; “FOR” the
ratification of the appointment of Crowe LLP as the Company’s independent auditors for the year ending December 31, 2022; “FOR”
the approval, by non-binding vote, of executive compensation; and such proxy will also be deemed to grant discretionary authority to vote
upon any other matters properly coming before the Annual Meeting.
Q: HOW MAY I VOTE ON THE PROPOSALS IF MY SHARES
ARE HELD IN “STREET NAME” BY MY BROKER, BANK OR OTHER NOMINEE?
A: If your shares are held in “street name”
through a broker, bank or other nominee, under certain circumstances the nominee may vote your shares. Brokerage firms have authority
to vote shares for which their customers do not provide voting instructions on certain “routine” matters. The ratification
of an accounting firm is an example of a routine matter. If you do not provide voting instructions to your brokerage firm, the brokerage
firm may either: (1) vote your shares on routine matters, or (2) leave your shares unvoted. We encourage you to provide instructions to
your brokerage firm by signing and returning your proxy. This ensures your shares will be voted at the Annual Meeting. When a brokerage
firm votes its customers’ unvoted shares on routine matters, these shares are counted for purposes of establishing a quorum to conduct
business at the Annual Meeting and determining the outcome of the vote on routine matters.
Q: CAN I CHANGE MY MIND AND REVOKE MY PROXY?
A: Yes. Any shareholder who executes and returns
a proxy may revoke it at any time prior to the voting of the proxy by giving written notice to the Secretary of the Company, by executing
a later-dated proxy, or by attending the meeting and giving oral notice of revocation to the Secretary of the Company.
Q: CAN I VOTE MY SHARES IN PERSON?
A: Yes. The Annual Meeting is open to all holders
of CPS Common Stock as of the Record Date. To vote in person, you will need to attend the Annual Meeting and bring with you evidence of
your stock ownership. If your shares are registered directly in your name, you will need to bring valid government-issued identification.
If your shares are held in the name of your broker, bank or another nominee, you will need to obtain and bring with you a “legal
proxy” from your broker, bank or nominee, and bring evidence of your stock ownership, together with valid identification.
Q: DO I HAVE DISSENTERS’ RIGHTS?
A: No. There are no “dissenters’ rights”
applicable to any of the proposals presented in this proxy statement.
Q. WHO IS PAYING
FOR THIS PROXY SOLICITATION?
A: Our Board is making this solicitation, and we
will pay the entire cost of preparing, assembling, printing, mailing and distributing these proxy materials. In addition to the mailing
of these proxy materials, the solicitation of proxies or votes may be made in person, by telephone or by electronic communications by
our directors, officers and regular employees, who will not receive any additional compensation for such solicitation activities. We will
also reimburse brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses for forwarding
proxy and solicitation materials to shareholders.
PROPOSAL NO. 1 –
ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
Nominations
The individuals named below have been
nominated for election as directors of the Company at the Annual Meeting, and each has consented to be named in this proxy statement and
agreed to serve as a director if elected. There are no family relationships among any of our directors,
director nominees or executive officers. Except as described elsewhere in this proxy statement, there are no arrangements or understandings
between any of our directors and any other person pursuant to which any person was selected as a director. Except as described elsewhere
in this proxy statement, none of our directors, director nominees, executive officers or any of their associates has any substantial interest,
direct or indirect, by security holdings or otherwise, in any matter to be acted upon at the Annual Meeting, other than elections to office.
There are no material proceedings in which any of our directors, executive officers or affiliates of the Company, any owner of record
or beneficially of more than five percent of any class of voting securities of the Company, or any associate of any such director, executive
officer, affiliate of the Company, or security holder is a party adverse to the Company or has a material interest adverse to the Company.
The Board is elected annually. Each director serves until the next
annual meeting of shareholders and until his or her successors is duly elected and qualified.
The names of the nominees, their principal occupations, and certain
other information regarding them are set forth below. None of the nominees currently serves on the board of directors of any other publicly-traded
companies.
Charles E. Bradley, Jr., 62, has been the President and a director
of the Company since its formation in March 1991, and was elected Chairman of the Board in July 2001. Mr. Bradley has been the Company’s
Chief Executive Officer since January 1992. From April 1989 to November 1990, he served as Chief Operating Officer of Barnard and Company,
a private investment firm. From September 1987 to March 1989, Mr. Bradley, Jr. was an associate of The Harding Group, a private investment
banking firm. Having been with the Company since its inception, Mr. Bradley brings comprehensive knowledge of the Company’s business,
structure, history and culture to the Board and the Chairman position.
Stephen H. Deckoff, 56, is nominated to become a director of
the Company at the Annual Meeting. Mr. Deckoff has been the Managing Principal of Black Diamond Capital Management, L.L.C. (“Black
Diamond”), a privately held alternative asset management firm, since its founding in 1995. In that capacity, he is responsible for
all portfolio management and business operations. Prior to 1995, Mr. Deckoff was a Senior Vice President of Kidder, Peabody & Co.
Inc. (“Kidder”) and head of its Structured Finance Group. Prior to joining Kidder, Mr. Deckoff was a Managing Director in
the Structured Finance Group at Bear Stearns & Co. (“Bear Stearns”), Inc. Before joining Bear Stearns, Mr. Deckoff worked
in the Structured Finance Department of Chemical Securities, Inc. and the Fixed Income Research Department at Drexel Burnham Lambert.
Mr. Deckoff will bring to the Board his extensive financial experience and expertise.
William W. Grounds, 66, has been a director of the Company since
December 2021. From 2008 to 2021, he was the President and COO of Infinity World Development Corp., which is a subsidiary of a sovereign
wealth fund in the United Arab Emirates. The principal business of Infinity World Development Corp was a $5 billion investment in the
CityCenter mixed use integrated resort property located in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mr. Grounds served on the board of MGM Resorts International,
a hospitality and entertainment company, from 2013 to 2021 and of Remark Holdings Inc., a technology company, from 2013 to 2019. During
his career he has held senior executive positions in major real estate private equity investment, development and construction entities.
He brings to the Board experience as a director of publicly-traded companies, and skills in investment and general management.
Louis M. Grasso, 76, has been a director of the Company since
October 2020. Mr. Grasso was the founder and majority owner of PFC Corporation until his retirement in November 2011, upon sale of PFC’s
portfolio of assets to Capstone Realty Advisors. Over a period of 35 years, PFC Corporation originated over $1.8 billion of mortgage loans,
and issued $1.8 billion of mortgage-backed securities. He brings to the Board knowledge and experience bearing in particular on the Company’s
strategies for meeting its capital requirements, and broad organizational and management skills.
Brian J. Rayhill, 59, has been a director
of the Company since August 2006. Mr. Rayhill has been a practicing attorney in New York State since 1988, as the managing attorney of
the Law Office of Brian Rayhill for the past five years. An experienced advocate, counselor and litigator, Mr. Rayhill brings legal knowledge
and perspective to the Board.
William B. Roberts, 85, has been a director of the Company since
its formation in March 1991. From 1981 until his retirement at the end of 2020, he was the President of Monmouth Capital Corp., an investment
firm that specialized in management buyouts. Having spent decades in the business of finance, Mr. Roberts brings to the Board his perspective
and judgment regarding means of financing its business.
James E. Walker III, 60, is nominated to become a director
of the Company at the Annual Meeting. Mr. Walker is Managing Partner and Founder of VinsonVentures, LLC (“Vinson Ventures”),
a boutique investment firm focused on building and growing early-stage companies, and the Executive Chairman of IntellPro, a “software
as a service” based investment management software product for the asset management industry. Prior to starting Vinson Ventures,
from June 2020 to August 2021, Mr. Walker served as CEO and Partner at Palm Ventures, LLC, a private investment firm in Greenwich, CT.
From November 2017 to present, Mr. Walker has been a member of the board of directors of Starwood Real Estate Trust, a private real estate
investment firm, and has served as the lead independent director. From 2018 to present, Mr. Walker has also served as a senior partner
at Jadian Capital, an alternative investment firm. From 2008 through 2017, Mr. Walker was a Managing Partner of Fir Tree Partners, a
global alternative asset management firm. Prior to joining Fir Tree, Mr. Walker was a co-founder and Managing Partner of Black Diamond,
a privately held alternative asset management firm
Mr. Walker began his career in investment banking at Kidder and Bear Stearns. Mr. Walker joined the board of Clarus Corporation,
a global company focused on the outdoor and consumer enthusiast markets, in February 2022. Mr. Walker also became a member of the advisory
board for certain funds managed by Black Diamond in January 2022. Mr. Walker will bring to the Board his extensive investment management
experience.
Gregory S. Washer, 61, has been a director of the Company since
June 2007. He was the president and owner of Clean Fun Promotional Marketing, a promotional marketing company, from its founding in 1986
through its sale in September 2014. He continued to act as president of Clean Fun through August 2017, and is now retired. With his experience
in promotions and marketing, Mr. Washer contributes to the Board significant organizational and operational management skills, combined
with a wealth of experience in promotion and marketing of services.
Daniel S. Wood, 63, has been a director of the Company since
July 2001. Mr. Wood was president of Carclo Technical Plastics (“Carclo”), a manufacturer of custom injection moldings, from
September 2000 until his retirement in April 2007. Previously, from 1988 to September 2000, he was the chief operating officer and co-owner
of Carrera Corporation, the predecessor to the business of Carclo. As president of Carclo, Mr. Wood was responsible for the overall operation
of that company and for the quality and integrity of its financial statements. He brings to the Board the knowledge and perspective useful
in evaluating the Company’s financial statements, and broad organizational and management skills.
Black Diamond Nomination Letter
The Company received from Black Diamond a nomination letter dated March
14, 2022, as supplemented on June 17, 2022, which requested the nomination to the Board of nominees identified by Black Diamond. On August
3, 2022, the Company received a notice from Black Diamond withdrawing its nomination letter. In exchange for such withdrawal,
the Company agreed to nominate Mr. Deckoff and Mr. Walker for election to the Board at the Annual Meeting.
Committees
The members of the Audit Committee of the Board (the “Audit Committee”)
are Mr. Rayhill (chairman), Mr. Grasso, Mr. Washer, and Mr. Wood. The Board has determined that each Audit Committee member is independent
as defined under Nasdaq Listing Rules. The Audit Committee acts pursuant to a written charter adopted by the Board. The Audit Committee
Charter is available on the Company’s website at https://ir.consumerportfolio.com/corporate-governance.
The Audit Committee has (i) reviewed and discussed the Company’s
audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021 with the Company’s management; (ii) discussed
with Crowe LLP (“Crowe”), the Company’s independent auditors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021, the matters
required to be discussed by the applicable requirements as adopted by the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (the “PCAOB”)
and the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), and (iii) received the written disclosures and the letter from
Crowe required by applicable requirements of the PCAOB regarding Crowe’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning its
independence, and discussed with Crowe its independence. Based on these reviews and discussions, the Audit Committee recommended to the
Board that the audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2021 be included in the Company’s
annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2021.
The Audit Committee is empowered by the Board to review the financial
books and records of the Company in consultation with the Company’s accounting and auditing staff and its independent auditors and
to review with the accounting staff and independent auditors any questions that may arise with respect to accounting and auditing policy
and procedure.
The Board has further determined that Mr. Wood has the qualifications
and experience necessary to serve as an “audit committee financial expert” as such term is defined in Item 407 of Regulation
S-K promulgated by the SEC. Mr. Wood, as president of Carclo, was responsible for the preparation and evaluation of the audited financial
statements of that company.
The members of the Compensation Committee are Mr. Wood (chairman),
Mr. Grounds, Mr. Adams, and Mr. Roberts. The Compensation Committee acts pursuant to a written charter adopted by the Board. The
Compensation Committee Charter is available at the Company’s website at https://ir.consumerportfolio.com/corporate-governance. The
Compensation Committee makes determinations as to general levels of compensation for all employees of the Company and the annual salary
of each of the executive officers of the Company, and administers the Company’s compensation plans. Those plans include the Company’s
Executive Management Bonus Plan and the CPS 2006 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan.
The members of the Nominating Committee are Mr. Washer (chairman),
Mr. Adams, Mr. Grounds, and Mr. Rayhill. The Nominating Committee acts pursuant to a written charter adopted by the Board. The Nominating
Committee Charter is available at the Company’s website at https://ir.consumerportfolio.com/corporate-governance. Nominations
for Board positions are made on behalf of the Board by the Nominating Committee. The Board and the Nominating Committee believe that it
is and remains appropriate to operate without a formal policy with regard to any director candidates who may in the future be recommended
by shareholders. The Nominating Committee would consider such recommendations.
When considering
a potential nominee, the Nominating Committee considers the benefits to the Company of such nomination, based on the nominee’s skills
and experience related to managing a significant business, the willingness and ability of the nominee to serve, and the nominee’s
character and reputation. The Company does not have a policy regarding the consideration of diversity in identifying nominees for director.
Shareholders who wish to suggest individuals for possible future consideration
for Board positions should direct written correspondence to the Secretary of the Company at the Company’s principal executive office,
indicating whether the shareholder wishes to communicate with the Nominating Committee or with the Board as a whole. The present policy
of the Company is to forward all such correspondence to the designated members of the Board. There have been no changes in the procedures
regarding shareholder recommendations in the past year.
Shareholder Communications
Shareholders may send communications to the Board. Shareholders who
wish to communicate with the Board should direct written correspondence to the Secretary of the Company at the Company’s principal
executive office. The present policy of the Company is to forward all such correspondence to the designated members of the Board.5
Delinquent Section 16(a) Reports
Directors, executive officers and holders of in excess of 10% of CPS
Common Stock are required to file reports concerning their transactions in and holdings of equity securities of the Company. Based on
a review of reports filed by each such person, and inquiry of each regarding holdings and transactions, the Company believes that all
reports required with respect to the year 2021 were timely filed, except that: (A) one Form 4 was filed one day late for each of Chris
A. Adams, Danny Bharwani, Charles E. Bradley, Jeffrey P. Fritz, Louis M. Grasso, John P. Harton, Michael T. Lavin, Brian J. Rayhill, William
B. Roberts, Teri L. Robinson, Laurie A. Straten, Christopher Terry, Gregory S. Washer, and Daniel S. Wood, on August 6, 2021, with respect
to stock options granted on August 3, 2021, (B) two Form 4s were filed for Louis M. Grasso on (i) May 24, 2021 with respect to a transaction
on May 18, 2021 and on (ii) June 25, 2021 with respect to a transaction on June 22, 2021, and (C) one Form 3 was filed late for William
W. Grounds on April 29, 2022 with respect to Mr. Grounds being elected as director on December 1, 2021.
Meetings of the Board
The Board held five meetings and acted four times by written consent
during 2021. The Audit Committee met five times during 2021, including at least one meeting per quarter to review the Company’s
financial statements, while the Compensation Committee met three times and acted once by written consent during 2021. The Nominating Committee
met twice during 2021. Each director attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board and its committees that such individual was eligible
to attend in 2021. The Company does not have a policy of encouraging directors to attend or discouraging directors from attending its
annual meetings of shareholders. The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, and no other directors, attended last year’s annual meeting
of shareholders.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS
A VOTE "FOR" EACH OF THE NOMINEES ABOVE.
PROPOSAL NO. 2 – RATIFICATION
OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
The Audit Committee has appointed the accounting firm of Crowe to be
the Company’s independent auditors for the year ending December 31, 2022. Crowe also performed the audit of the Company’s
financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2008 through 2021.
A proposal to ratify the Audit Committee’s appointment of Crowe
will be presented to shareholders at the Annual Meeting. If the shareholders do not ratify the selection of Crowe at the Annual
Meeting, the Audit Committee will consider selecting another firm of independent public accountants. Representatives of Crowe are expected
to be present at the Annual Meeting. Such representatives will have an opportunity to make a statement if they desire to do so, and will
be available to respond to appropriate questions from shareholders in attendance.
Fees Paid to Auditors
The following table sets forth the fees accrued or paid to the Company’s
independent registered public accounting firms for the years ended December 31, 2021 and 2020. Crowe has served as the Company’s
independent registered public accounting firm since February 2009, and has reported on the Company’s financial statements for the
years ended December 31, 2008 through 2021.
Audit and Non-Audit Fees | |
2020 | | |
2021 | |
Audit Fees (1) | |
$ | 810,000 | | |
$ | 829,000 | |
Audit-Related Fees (2) | |
| 219,700 | | |
| 180,850 | |
Tax Fees (3) | |
| 286,850 | | |
| 450,950 | |
All Other Fees | |
| – | | |
| – | |
TOTAL | |
$ | 1,316,550 | | |
$ | 1,460,800 | |
| (1) | Audit fees relate to professional services rendered
in connection with the audit of the Company’s annual financial statements, quarterly review of financial statements included in
the Company’s Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q, and audit services provided in connection with other statutory and regulatory filings. |
| | |
| (2) | Audit-related fees comprise fees for professional services
that are reasonably related to the performance of the audit or review of the Company’s financial statements. |
| | |
| (3) | The 2020 and 2021 tax fees represent services rendered
in connection with preparation of state and federal tax returns for the Company and its subsidiaries. |
Audit Committee Supervision of Principal Accountant
The Audit Committee
acts pursuant to a written charter adopted by the Board. Pursuant to the Audit Committee Charter, the Audit Committee pre-approves
the audit and permitted non-audit fees to be paid to the independent auditor, and authorizes on behalf of the Company the payment of such
fees, or refuses such authorization. The Audit Committee has delegated to its chairman the authority to approve performance
of services on an interim basis. In the fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 and December 31, 2020, all services for which audit fees
or audit related fees were paid were preapproved by the Audit Committee as a whole, or pursuant to such delegated authority.
In the course of
its meetings, the Audit Committee has considered whether the provision of the non-audit fees outlined above is compatible with maintaining
the independence of the audit firm, and has concluded that such independence is not and was not impaired.
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS A VOTE
“FOR” RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF CROWE.
PROPOSAL NO. 3 – NON-BINDING
VOTE ON EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
General
The Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010
(the “Dodd-Frank Act”) and Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”)
enable the shareholders to vote to approve, on an advisory or non-binding basis, the compensation of the Company’s named executive
officers as disclosed in accordance with the SEC’s rules in the “Executive Compensation” section of this proxy
statement beginning on page 12, below. This proposal, commonly known as a “say- on-pay” proposal, gives the shareholders
the opportunity to express their views on the Company’s named executive officers’ compensation as a whole. This vote is not
intended to address any specific item of compensation or any specific named executive officer, but rather the overall compensation of
all of our named executive officers and the philosophy, policies and practices described in this proxy statement. The Company’s
current policy is to seek such say-on-pay votes annually, at every regular meeting of shareholders.
The say-on-pay vote is advisory, and therefore not binding on the Company,
the Compensation Committee or the Board. The say-on-pay vote will, however, provide information to the Board and the Compensation Committee
regarding investor sentiment about our executive compensation philosophy, policies and practices, which the Compensation Committee will
be able to consider when determining executive compensation for the remainder of the current fiscal year and beyond. The Board and its
Compensation Committee value the opinions of the shareholders; accordingly, to the extent there is any significant vote against the named
executive officer compensation as disclosed in this proxy statement, the Compensation Committee will consider the shareholders’
concerns and evaluate whether any actions are necessary to address those concerns.
Summary of 2021 Executive Compensation Program
Following is a summary of some of the key points of our 2021 executive
compensation program:
| · | It is simple, comprising base salary, an annual cash bonus pursuant to an incentive plan, and long-term
equity incentives in the form of stock options. |
| · | The Compensation Committee controls all portions of the compensation payable to executive officers. |
| · | The Compensation Committee has from time to time exercised its discretion to reduce cash incentives
otherwise payable under the bonus plan. |
See the “Executive Compensation” section beginning
on page 12, below, for more information.
We believe that the information provided above and within the “Executive
Compensation” section of this proxy statement demonstrates that our executive compensation program was designed appropriately
and is working to ensure management’s interests are aligned with our shareholders’ interests to support long-term value creation.
We also believe the compensation paid to our executive officers during 2021 was appropriate in light of our financial performance.
Accordingly, we ask that our shareholders vote “FOR” the
following resolution, which will be presented at the Annual Meeting:
“RESOLVED, that the Company’s shareholders
approve, on an advisory basis, the compensation of the named executive officers as disclosed in the Company’s Proxy Statement for
the 2022 Annual Meeting of Shareholders pursuant to the compensation disclosure rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission, including
the compensation tables and the other related disclosure.”
THE BOARD RECOMMENDS
A VOTE “FOR” THE ADVISORY (NON-BINDING) VOTE APPROVING EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.
INFORMATION REGARDING THE
COMPANY
Management Structure
The Board is responsible for overseeing the management of the Company.
Its oversight is aimed at seeing to it that the Company’s business is managed to meet our goals, and that the interests of the shareholders
are served.
Charles E. Bradley currently serves as both the Chairman of the Board
and our Chief Executive Officer, and is the only member of our Board who is not independent of the Company. The Nominating Committee has
determined that the remaining directors and director nominees are “independent” under applicable independence standards of
the NASDAQ Stock Market. Largely because of the small number of directors (nine members in total), our Board has chosen not to designate
any individual formally as the lead independent director. Each director retains his full oversight responsibility.
Our Board structure supports the independence of our non-management
directors. Our Audit Committee, Compensation Committee and Nominating Committee are each composed solely of independent directors. Our
bylaws provide that any two directors have the authority to call meetings of the Board, as do specified officers, including the president
and the secretary. To enhance the possible use of that authority by independent directors, the Secretary of the Company is under standing
instructions to call a meeting at the instance of any one director.
The Board believes that combining the Chairman and Chief Executive
Officer positions is currently the most effective leadership structure given Mr. Bradley’s in-depth knowledge of our business and
industry and his demonstrated ability to formulate and implement strategic initiatives. Mr. Bradley is continuously involved in developing
and implementing our strategies, working closely with the Company’s other senior executives to seek continued disciplined growth
and excellence in operations. His close involvement in management places Mr. Bradley in the best position to decide which business issues
require consideration by the independent directors of the Board. In addition, having a combined Chairman and Chief Executive Officer enables
us to speak with a unified voice to shareholders, customers and others concerned with our Company. The Board believes that combining the
Chief Executive Officer and Chairman roles, as part of a governance structure that includes oversight of management responsibilities by
independent directors, provides the preferred system for meeting the requirement that the Company be managed in the best interest of our
shareholders.
Risk Oversight
The Board’s overall responsibility for directing the management
of the Company includes risk oversight. The risk oversight function is performed at the Board level, and by the Audit Committee and Compensation
Committee.
The Board as a whole in its regular meetings discusses and considers
the risk inherent in the existing business of the Company and in proposed initiatives. Because the Company’s business consists of
extending consumer credit to individuals believed to be of higher risk than others (sub-prime credit), the assessment of the risk assumed
in such extensions of credit is a primary consideration on the part of the Board. Risk oversight is also a key function of the Audit Committee
and Compensation Committee.
The principal risk management function performed by the Audit Committee
is the ongoing assessment of the credit estimates and allowances periodically recorded in the Company’s books. The committee reviews
that assessment regularly. Other risk assessments performed by the Audit Committee include assessments of contingent liabilities, and
of other reserves and allowances.
The principal risk management functions performed by the Compensation
Committee are its setting and evaluation of objectives for the Chief Executive Officer, in connection with its administration of the executive
management bonus plan. The Compensation Committee recognizes that the Company’s business of extending subprime credit inherently
includes a conflict between growing the business and managing the risk of credit losses: one means to increase the Company’s business
is to offer credit on terms that are priced too low for the risk assumed. The Compensation Committee manages that risk by insisting that
objectives to grow the business are qualified by a mandate that credit quality be maintained at appropriate levels. To some extent, such
risk management is shared with the Audit Committee, which performs the primary oversight of whether credit risk assumed is reflected with
adequate allowances in the Company’s financial statements.
Code of Ethics
The Company has adopted a Code of Ethics for Senior
Financial Officers, which applies to the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer, Controller and others. A copy
of the Code of Ethics may be obtained at no charge by written request to the Secretary of the Company at the Company’s principal
executive offices.
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
Executive Officers
Jeffrey P. Fritz, 62, has
been Executive Vice President of the Company since March 2014 and Chief Financial Officer of the Company since April 2006. From April
2006 to March 2014, Mr. Fritz served as Senior Vice President of the Company. From August 2004 to March 2006, Mr. Fritz served as Senior
Vice President of Accounting. He served as a consultant to the Company from May 2004 to August 2004. Previously, Mr. Fritz served as the
chief financial officer of SeaWest Financial Corp. from February 2003 to May 2004 and as the chief financial officer of AFCO Auto Finance
from April 2002 to February 2003. He practiced public accounting with Glenn M. Gelman & Associates from March 2001 to April 2002 and
was chief financial officer of Credit Services Group, Inc. from May 1999 to November 2000. From the Company’s inception to May 1999,
he served as the Company’s CFO.
Michael T. Lavin, 50, has
been the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer since March 2014. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President
– General Counsel since March 2013, Senior Vice President and Corporate Counsel since May 2009 and our Vice President- Legal since
joining the Company in November of 2001. Mr. Lavin was previously engaged as a law clerk and an associate with the San Diego based large
law firm (now defunct) of Edwards, Sooy & Byron from 1996 through 2000 and then as an associate with the Orange County based firm
of Trachtman & Trachman from 2000 through 2001. Mr. Lavin also clerked for the San Diego District Attorney’s office and Orange
County Public Defender’s office.
Laurie Straten, 56, has been
Senior Vice President of Collections since August 2013. Prior to transitioning to Collections, she was promoted to Senior Vice President
of Asset Recovery in April 2013. Prior to that she held the position of Vice President - Asset Recovery beginning in April 2005. Ms. Straten
started with the Company in March 1996 as a Bankruptcy Specialist and over time accepted more responsibility within the Asset Recovery
Department. Prior to joining the Company, Ms. Straten worked for the FDIC and served in the United States Marine Corps.
Teri L. Robinson, 59,
has been Senior Vice President of Originations since April 2007. Prior to that, she held the position of Vice President of Originations
since August 1998. She joined the Company in June 1991 as an Operations Specialist. Previously, Ms. Robinson held an administrative position
at Greco & Associates.
Except as described elsewhere in
this proxy statement, there are no arrangements or understandings between any of our officers and any other person pursuant to which any
person was selected as an officer.
Compensation Committee Report
The Compensation Committee has reviewed and discussed with the Company’s
management the Compensation Discussion and Analysis contained in this proxy statement. Based on such review and discussions and relying
thereon, we have recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis set forth below be included in the Company’s
Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2021, and in the proxy statement for the Company’s 2022 annual meeting
of shareholders.
THE COMPENSATION COMMITTEE
Daniel S. Wood (chairman) |
Chris A. Adams |
William W. Grounds |
William B. Roberts |
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
2021 Say-on-Pay Advisory Vote Outcome
The Compensation Committee annually considers
the results of the most recent advisory vote by shareholders to approve executive officer compensation. In the 2021 advisory vote, a majority
of the voted shares (62.6%) approved of the compensation of our named executive officers. The Compensation Committee has noted the substantial
negative vote, but has determined to retain the existing design, purposes and structure of our executive compensation programs. The Compensation
Committee will continue to consider the results from future shareholder advisory votes regarding executive officer compensation in its
future administration of executive compensation.
Compensation Objectives
The Company’s objectives with respect
to compensation are several. The significant objectives are to cause compensation (i) to be sufficient in total amount to provide
reasonable assurance of retaining key executives, (ii) to include a significant contingent component, so as to provide strong incentives
to meet designated Company objectives, and (iii) to include a significant component tied to the price of the Common Stock, so as to align
management’s incentives with shareholder interests. The Compensation Committee is charged with administering the Company’s
compensation plans to meet those objectives. To the extent that elements of compensation would not advance such objectives,
or would do so less effectively than would other elements, the Compensation Committee seeks to avoid paying compensation in those forms.
Role of the Compensation Committee and
the Chief Executive Officer
Our Board has authorized the Compensation
Committee, which is composed solely of independent directors, to make all decisions regarding executive compensation, including administration
of our compensation plans. In that regard, the Compensation Committee:
| · | Reviews and discusses with management the factors underlying our compensation policies and decisions, including overall compensation
objectives; |
| · | Reviews and approves all Company goals and objectives (both financial and non-financial) relevant to the compensation of the Chief
Executive Officer; |
| · | Evaluates, together with the other independent directors, the performance of the Chief Executive Officer in light of these goals and
objectives and that individual’s overall effectiveness; |
| · | Fixes and approves each element of the compensation of the Chief Executive Officer; |
| · | Reviews the performance evaluations of all other members of executive management (the Chief Executive Officer prepares and presents
to the Compensation Committee the performance evaluations of the other executive officers); |
| · | Reviews and approves each element of compensation, as well as the terms and conditions of employment, of those other executive officers; |
| · | Grants awards under our equity compensation plans and oversees the administration of those plans; and |
| · | Reviews the costs and structure of our key employee benefit and fringe-benefit plans and programs. |
The Compensation Committee is authorized to
form subcommittee(s) and to retain experts and consultants to assist in the discharge of its responsibilities. To date it has not done
so.
The Chief Executive Officer, who attends meetings
of the Compensation Committee by invitation of the Committee’s chairman, assists the Committee in determining the compensation of
our other executive officers by, among other things:
| · | Proposing annual merit increases to the base salaries of the other executive officers; |
| · | Establishing annual individual performance objectives for the other executive officers and evaluating their performance against such
objectives (the Committee reviews these performance evaluations); and |
| · | Making recommendations, from time to time, for special stock option and restricted stock grants (e.g., for motivational or
retention purposes) to other executive officers. |
The other executive officers do not have a
role in determining their own compensation, other than to discuss their annual individual performance objectives and results achieved
with the Chief Executive Officer.
Our Overall Approach
The Compensation Committee has put into place
a compensation system consisting of three key components: base salary, an annual cash bonus pursuant to an incentive plan, and long-term
equity incentives in the form of stock options.
The table below provides comparative information
regarding the components of our year 2021 executive compensation program. We are applying the same elements in our executive compensation
program for the year 2022.
Element |
Form |
Objectives and Basis |
|
|
|
Base Salary |
Cash |
· Attract and retain high quality personnel
· Targeted
to be superior to compensation offered by our competitors |
|
|
|
Annual Incentive Bonus
|
Cash |
· Achieve objectives set annually
· Annual bonus amount is set and computed as a percentage of base salary
· Actual payout determined by Company and individual performance
· Target total cash (base salary + target bonus) designed to be superior to compensation offered by our competitors |
|
|
|
Long-Term Incentive
Compensation |
Stock options |
· Align
interests of executives with those of shareholders;
· Target
long-term incentive award size designed to retain executives through long-term vesting and the potential for wealth accumulation, contingent
on benefit to the shareholders |
The Compensation Committee has from time
to time considered providing additional elements of executive compensation. It has considered elements such as restricted stock
awards, restricted stock units, compensation contingent on a change in control, defined benefit pension plans, deferred cash compensation,
and supplemental retirement plans (supplemental in the sense that they exceed the limits for tax advantaged treatment). To
date, the Compensation Committee has elected not to pay compensation in such forms, having determined that the Company’s objectives
are better met by one or more of the elements of compensation that it does pay.
Regarding restricted stock and restricted
stock units, the Compensation Committee has noted that any form of equity equivalent to or closely tied to common stock does serve to
meet the objective of aligning officers’ personal interest with that of the shareholders generally. The Compensation
Committee believes, however, that the objective is better met by grants of stock options than by grants of share equivalents, because
recipients of the grants will face the same degree of variance in results at a lesser cost to the Company, when option grants are compared
to grants of restricted stock units. Further, unlike restricted stock, option grants will not provide a reward to the holder absent
an improvement over time in the Company’s stock price. The committee has elected not to provide material perquisites as compensation,
having determined that cash is a better medium of exchange.
Regarding compensation that would be payable
contingent on a change in control of the Company, the Compensation Committee believes that there are certain legitimate objectives to
be met by such contingent compensation. As of the date of this proxy statement, however, no such contingent compensation plans
are in place. Regarding defined benefit pension plans, deferred cash compensation and supplemental retirement plans, the Compensation
Committee believes that the Company’s retention objective is better met by straight cash payments, whether in the form of base salary
or in the form of bonus compensation. In particular with respect to plans for deferred compensation, the Committee believes
those make sense for the Company and for the recipient only on the basis of assumptions regarding future tax rates payable by each. Having
no assurance that such assumptions would be correct, the Compensation Committee has chosen not to put into place any special deferred
compensation programs for the Company’s executive officers. Those officers do participate in a Company-sponsored tax-deferred savings
plan, commonly known as a 401(k) plan, on the same terms available to Company employees generally.
The Compensation Committee may in the
future revisit its conclusions as to any of the components discussed above, or may consider other forms of compensation.
The Base Salary Element
With respect to the retention objective,
the Compensation Committee considers an executive’s base salary to be the most critical component. Acting primarily on
the basis of recommendations of the Chief Executive Officer, the Compensation Committee adjusts other officers’ base salaries annually,
with the adjustment generally consisting of a 2% to 10% increase from the prior year’s rate. Where exceptional circumstances
apply, such as recruitment of a new executive officer, a promotion to executive officer status or a special need to retain an individual
officer, the Chief Executive Officer may recommend, and the Compensation Committee may approve, a larger increase.
The Company’s general approach in
setting the annual compensation of its named executive officers is to set those officers’ base compensation by reference to their
base rates for the preceding year. During the year ended December 2021, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, Charles
E. Bradley, Jr., received $995,000 in base salary. In setting that rate in the first quarter of 2021, the Compensation Committee
considered the base salary rate that the Company had paid in the prior year ($995,000), the desirability of providing an annual increase,
the desirability of ensuring retention of the services of the Company’s incumbent Chief Executive Officer, the Company’s financial
performance, and the levels of Chief Executive Officer compensation prevailing among other financial services companies. The Compensation
Committee considered whether to adjust officers’ base compensation for 2021, and determined not to increase the base rate for the
Chief Executive Officer or the other named executive officers.
The Annual Incentive Bonus (EMB) element
To encourage executive officers and key
management personnel to exercise their best efforts and management skills toward causing the Company to meet its overall objective, and
toward achieving designated specific individual objectives, the Company has implemented an Executive Management Bonus Plan, with annual
payouts. Under the Company’s bonus plan as applied to the year ended December 2021, the Company’s two executive
vice presidents (each of whom is among the named executive officers) were eligible to receive a cash bonus of up to 140% of their base
salaries, and the Company’s senior vice presidents (two of whom are among the named executive officers) were eligible to receive
a cash bonus of up to 110% of their base salaries. The Chief Executive Officer was eligible to receive a cash bonus of up to
500% of his base salary. The implementation of this element for the year 2021 is discussed below.
The Long-Term Incentive Compensation
Element
The Compensation Committee also awards
incentive and non-qualified stock options under the Company’s stock option plans. Such awards are designed to assist
in the retention of key executives and management personnel and to create an incentive to create shareholder value over a sustained period
of time. The Company believes that stock options are a valuable tool in compensating and retaining employees. During
the year ended December 31, 2021, the Compensation Committee granted stock options to the Company’s executive officers. All
such grants were awarded on August 3, 2021, and all carry exercise prices equal to the market price for CPS Common Stock at the date of
grant. The terms of such options are described below, under the caption “Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Last Fiscal Year.” The
numbers of shares made subject to each of the option grants were based on various factors relating to the responsibilities of the individual
officers and to the extent of previous grants to such individuals.
Because the exercise price of all options
granted is equal to or above the fair market value of CPS Common Stock on the date of grant, the option holders may realize value only
if the stock price appreciates from the price on the date the options were granted. This design is intended to focus executives
on the enhancement of shareholder value over the long term.
Other Elements
The Company also maintains certain broad-based
employee benefit plans, such as medical and dental insurance, and a qualified defined contribution retirement savings plan (401(k) plan),
in which executive officers are permitted to participate. Such officers participate on the same terms as non-executive personnel
who meet applicable eligibility criteria, and are subject to any legal limitations on the amounts that may be contributed or the benefits
that may be payable under the plans. The Company does not maintain any form of defined benefit pension or retirement plan in
which executive officers may participate, nor does it maintain any form of supplemental retirement savings or supplemental deferred compensation
plan.
Exercise of Discretion
In exercising its discretion as to the
level of executive compensation and its components, the Compensation Committee considers a number of factors. Members of the
Compensation Committee conduct informal surveys of compensation paid to comparable executives within and without the consumer finance
industry. The Compensation Committee finds these data useful primarily in evaluating the overall level of compensation paid
or to be paid to the Company’s executive officers. The Compensation Committee noted that the Company met and exceeded
its budget objectives for the year. Operational factors considered included individual and group management goals; indicators
of the performance and credit quality of the Company’s servicing portfolio, including levels of delinquencies and charge-offs; and
indicators of successful management of personnel, including employee stability. All of such factors are assessed with reference
to the judgment of the Compensation Committee as to the degree of difficulty of achieving desired outcomes. With respect to
payment of annual bonuses and grants of stock options, the Compensation Committee also takes note of factors relating to the degree of
the Company’s success over the most recent year.
Specific Objectives and
Evaluation
In the first quarter of 2021 the Compensation
Committee designated specific objectives with respect to the Chief Executive Officer to be accomplished within the year 2021, and fixed
weights to be associated with each such objective. The Chief Executive Officer proposed to the committee specific annual objectives with
respect to each other executive officer of the Company, which the committee, after making certain modifications, approved. These
objectives and the Compensation Committee’s administration of the annual incentive bonus element of compensation are discussed in
detail below, under the heading “ - Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Last Fiscal Year - Executive Management Bonus Plan.”
Grants of Options
The Compensation Committee’s award
of stock options to the Company’s officers in August 2021 included option grants to the Chief Executive Officer and the other named
executive officers. In determining the appropriate level of such grant, the Compensation Committee considered the long-term
performance of the Chief Executive Officer and the desirability of providing significant incentive for future performance, as well as
the desirability of ensuring that officer’s continued retention by the Company, and the various factors noted above with respect
to option grants generally. These grants and the Committee’s administration of the long-term incentive element of compensation are
discussed in detail below, under the heading “-Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Last Fiscal Year – Equity Incentives.”
Stock Ownership, Hedging and Pledging. Our
Board and Compensation Committee have considered whether to establish a minimum stock ownership goal for members of our senior management.
We have elected not to do so, considering that such a policy would either be strict and mandatory, in which case it would undermine the
compensatory objectives of our equity compensation plans, or would be merely hortatory, in which case it could be expected to have little
effect. We have also noted that the multiyear vesting terms of the equity incentives granted under our plans have the effect of aligning
our executives’ individual personal financial incentives with the future price performance of the Company’s stock.
As part of our comprehensive compliance policy, we remind all Company
executive officers of the mandatory legal prohibition on selling short Company shares. We also prohibit Company executive officers from
entering into transactions that would have the effect of causing those individuals to benefit from a decline in the price of CPS Common
Stock, such as the purchase of “put” options. We prohibit such “hedging” transactions but we do not find it appropriate
to prohibit our executive officers from pledging their shares of CPS Common Stock as security for a loan. We believe that the beneficial
incentives of owning CPS Common Stock remain substantially the same with or without such a pledge.
Summary of Compensation
The following table summarizes all compensation earned during the
three fiscal years ended December 31, 2021 by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, its Chief Financial Officer, and the other
three most highly compensated individuals (such five individuals, the “named executive officers”) who were serving in such
position or as executive officers at any time in 2021. It lists their names, the principal positions in which they served in those years,
and each component of compensation paid with respect to those years.
Summary Compensation Table
Name and Principal Position | |
Year | |
Salary | |
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Compensation | |
Options
Awards
(1) | |
All Other Compensation
(2) | |
Total | |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
Charles E. Bradley, Jr. | |
2021 | |
$ | 995,00 | |
$ | 2,900,000 | |
$ | 795,300 | |
$ | 360 | |
$ | 4,690,660 | |
President & Chief | |
2020 | |
| 995,000 | |
| 2,600,000 | |
| 318,696 | |
| 360 | |
| 3,914,056 | |
Executive Officer | |
2019 | |
| 995,000 | |
| 2,600,000 | |
| 334,290 | |
| 480 | |
| 3,929,770 | |
| |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Jeffrey P Fritz | |
2021 | |
| 411,000 | |
| 401,000 | |
| 238,590 | |
| 360 | |
| 1,050,950 | |
Executive Vice President | |
2020 | |
| 411,000 | |
| 327,000 | |
| 119,511 | |
| 360 | |
| 857,871 | |
& Chief Financial Officer | |
2019 | |
| 411,000 | |
| 233,000 | |
| 100,287 | |
| 480 | |
| 744,767 | |
| |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Michael T. Lavin | |
2021 | |
| 411,000 | |
| 575,000 | |
| 238,590 | |
| 360 | |
| 1,224,950 | |
Executive Vice President | |
2020 | |
| 411,000 | |
| 493,000 | |
| 199,185 | |
| 360 | |
| 1,103,545 | |
& Chief Operating Officer | |
2019 | |
| 411,000 | |
| 461,000 | |
| 100,287 | |
| 480 | |
| 972,767 | |
| |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Teri L. Robinson | |
2021 | |
| 368,000 | |
| 403,000 | |
| 159,060 | |
| 360 | |
| 930,420 | |
Senior Vice President | |
2020 | |
| 368,000 | |
| 355,000 | |
| 106,232 | |
| 360 | |
| 829,592 | |
- Originations | |
2019 | |
| 368,000 | |
| 328,000 | |
| 66,858 | |
| 480 | |
| 763,338 | |
| |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
Laurie A. Straten | |
2021 | |
| 368,000 | |
| 359,000 | |
| 159,060 | |
| 360 | |
| 886,420 | |
Senior Vice President | |
2020 | |
| 368,000 | |
| 355,000 | |
| 106,232 | |
| 360 | |
| 829,592 | |
- Servicing | |
2019 | |
| 362,000 | |
| 328,000 | |
| 66,858 | |
| 480 | |
| 757,338 | |
| |
| |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| | |
| (1) | Represents the dollar value of accrued for financial accounting purposes in connection with the grant
of such options, computed in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Codification Topic 718 and SFAS
123R. Value was estimated using a Black-Scholes model for 2019, 2020, and 2021. For the year 2021 the weighted average fair value
per option was $2.6510, based on assumptions of 4.11 years expected life, expected volatility of 71.38%, and a risk-free rate of 0.51%.
For the year 2020 the weighted average fair value per option was $1.33, based on assumptions of 4.11 years expected life, expected volatility
of 72.10%, and a risk-free rate of 0.26%. For the year 2019 the weighted average fair value per option was $1.11, based on assumptions
of 4.11 years expected life, expected volatility of 37.13%, and a risk-free rate of 1.53%. In all cases, we assumed a dividend
yield of 0.0%. |
| (2) | Amounts in this column represent premiums paid by the Company for group life insurance. |
Grants of Plan-Based Awards in Last Fiscal Year
Equity Incentives
In the year ended December 31, 2021, we did not grant any stock
awards or stock appreciation rights to any of our named executive officers. We granted options to substantially all of our
management level employees on August 3, 2021. The option grants noted in the tables above and below were awarded to the named executive
officers as part of those grants. We also granted awards under our Executive Management Bonus Plan, which were evaluated and paid out
after the end of the year. The amounts paid are shown in the table above (Summary Compensation Table) as “Non-Equity Incentive Plan
Compensation.”
In the August 2021 grant, the Chief Executive Officer received
an option to purchase 300,000 shares of CPS Common Stock at the market closing price ($4.95 per share) on the date of grant, with such
right to purchase to become exercisable in increments of 25% on each of the first through fourth anniversaries of the grant date, and
to expire on the seventh anniversary. Each of the other executive officers of the Company received a grant at that time on the same terms.
Mr. Fritz and Mr. Lavin received such grants with respect to 90,000 shares each, and Ms. Robinson and Ms. Straten each received such a
grant with respect to 60,000 shares.
The table below provides information regarding the awards granted
to the named executive officers in 2021.
Grants
of Plan-Based Awards
| |
Estimated future payouts under non-equity incentive plan awards | | |
Grant | | |
Number of Shares Underlying | | |
Exercise | | |
Grant Date Fair | |
Name | |
Threshold | | |
Target | | |
Maximum | | |
Date | | |
Options | | |
Price | | |
Value | |
Mr. Bradley | |
| – | | |
| – | | |
| – | | |
| 8/03/2021 | | |
| 300,000 | | |
$ | 4.95 | | |
$ | 795,300 | |
| |
$ | – | | |
$ | 4,975,000 | | |
$ | 4,975,000 | | |
| – | | |
| – | | |
| – | | |
| – | |
Mr. Fritz | |
| – | | |
| – | | |
| – | | |
| 8/03/2021 | | |
| 90,000 | | |
$ | 4.95 | | |
| 238,590 | |
| |
$ | – | | |
| 575,400 | | |
| 575,400 | | |
| – | | |
| – | | |
| – | | |
| – | |
Mr. Lavin | |
| – | | |
| – | | |
| – | | |
| 8/03/2021 | | |
| 90,000 | | |
$ | 4.95 | | |
| 238,590 | |
| |
$ | – | | |
| 575,400 | | |
| 575,400 | | |
| – | | |
| – | | |
| – | | |
| – | |
Ms. Robinson | |
| – | | |
| – | | |
| – | | |
| 8/03/2021 | | |
| 60,000 | | |
$ | 4.95 | | |
| 159,060 | |
| |
$ | – | | |
| 404,800 | | |
| 404,800 | | |
| – | | |
| – | | |
| – | | |
| – | |
Ms. Straten | |
| – | | |
| – | | |
| – | | |
| 8/03/2021 | | |
| 60,000 | | |
$ | 4.95 | | |
| 159,060 | |
| |
$ | – | | |
| 404,800 | | |
| 404,800 | | |
| – | | |
| – | | |
| – | | |
| – | |
The “target” and “maximum” figures appearing
in the table above represent the maximum cash payout under the individual executives’ Executive Management Bonus Plan awards
as of the date the incentive was fixed. The actual payout to each individual named in the table above has been determined and paid prior
to the date of this proxy statement. That amount was in each case materially less than the maximum (approximately 58% of the maximum,
in the case of the Chief Executive Officer). The respective actual payments are described below, and appear above in the Summary Compensation
Table under the heading “Non-Equity Plan Compensation.” Because each non-equity incentive plan award has been settled and
paid, the future payout under such awards as of the date of this proxy statement is in each case zero. The “grant date fair value”
figures appearing in the table above, which are the computed fair values of stock option awards, are computed as described in note 1 to
the Summary Compensation Table.
Executive Management Bonus Plan
The Executive Management Bonus Plan award granted to the Chief
Executive Officer, Mr. Bradley, called for him to meet as many as possible of six separate operational and financial objectives within
the year 2021. The Compensation Committee assigned to each of those objectives a value as a percentage of base salary. The objectives
and their weightings were as follows: to meet or exceed the Company’s quarterly budgeted earnings (25% each quarter, total of 100%),
to raise up to $60 million of debt capital (60%), to renew or replace one of the specific warehouse credit facilities (50%), to execute
three rated securitization transactions (30% each, 90% total), to increase the Company’s annual originations of receivables to each
of four targets (100% in the aggregate, creditable in increments of 25% for reaching aggregate amounts of $800 million, $850 million,
$900 million, and $950 million), and to cause CPS Common Stock to trade in excess of each of four targets (100% in the aggregate, creditable
in increments of 25% for reaching prices of $4.50, $5.00, $5.50, and $6.00 per share).
The total of the seven weightings is 500%; accordingly, the target
and maximum possible value to that officer of the award was 500% of his base salary for 2021.
In a series of meetings, the Compensation Committee evaluated the
Chief Executive Officer’s performance in comparison to the goals. The Compensation Committee determined that the budget objective
was met in all four quarters of 2021, and credited the Chief Executive Officer with the maximum value, or 100%. The Company was successful
in raising new debt capital in June 2021, in the amount of $50 million. The Compensation Committee credited the Chief Executive Officer
with the full 60% designated for that objective.
The Compensation Committee also determined that the renewal of
the warehouse line was not completed in 2021 and found no credit was earned in that respect.
The Compensation Committee noted that the Company had executed
four rated securitizations during the year, three of them after the objective was fixed, representing the full creditable performance
of 90%. It determined that our originations volume exceeded $1.1 billion for the year while maintaining credit quality, representing creditable
performance in the full amount of 100%. The Compensation Committee noted that the stock price objective was exceeded with respect to all
targets and credited the Chief Executive Officer with the maximum value of 100%.
The aggregate valuation of all creditable performance for
the Chief Executive Officer was thus 450%, which would imply a bonus payment under our Executive Management Bonus Plan of $4,478,000.
The committee elected to pay a bonus less than the maximum creditable percentage, in the amount of $2,900,000, representing 291% of our
Chief Executive Officer’s base salary.
The Executive Management Bonus Plan awards granted to the
named executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer are evaluated on a more subjective basis, and were set by the Compensation
Committee in consultation with and on the recommendation of the Chief Executive Officer. Factors used in determining the amount of bonus
for the two named executive officers who are executive vice presidents of the Company are these: (I) an evaluation of the executive’s
skills and performance, 30%, (II) whether the executive has met two individual objectives approved by the Compensation Committee, 18%
in aggregate, (III) whether the Company as a whole has met or exceeded budget targets, 12%, (IV) a subjective evaluation of that executive’s
departments, 30%, and (V) a discretionary allocation recommended by the Chief Executive Officer and approved by the Compensation Committee,
50%.
Numerical scores are assigned to each of these factors, up
to the maximum percentages stated above, and can result in a maximum bonus of 140% of base compensation.
Similar factors are applied in determining the amount of
annual bonus for executive officers who are senior vice presidents of the Company: (I) skills and performance, 30%, (II) two individual
objectives, 18%, (III) Company budget, 12%, (IV) subjective evaluation of that executive’s department, 20%, and (V) discretionary
allocation, 30%, resulting in a maximum bonus of 110% of base compensation.
Following the end of the year 2021, our Compensation Committee
evaluated each named executive officer’s performance in relation to these standards and goals. The Company met its overall budget
target in each quarter, and each officer accordingly received full credit with respect to that target.
With respect to the individual factors, the Compensation
Committee, acting in part on the advice of our Chief Executive Officer, determined that creditable performance for 2021 for each named
executive officer other than the Chief Executive Officer was as set forth below:
| |
| Maximum
percentage | | |
| Creditable percentage | | |
| Base
Salary | | |
| Result
(rounded
to nearest
$1000) | |
Mr. Fritz | |
| 140% | | |
| 97.5% | | |
$ | 411,000 | | |
$ | 401,000 | |
Mr. Lavin | |
| 140 | | |
| 140 | | |
| 411,000 | | |
| 575,000 | |
Ms. Robinson | |
| 110 | | |
| 109.5 | | |
| 368,000 | | |
| 403,000 | |
Ms. Straten | |
| 110 | | |
| 97.6 | | |
| 368,000 | | |
| 359,000 | |
On that basis, the Compensation Committee approved payments to
these named executive officers in the amounts shown in the rightmost column.
Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-end
The following table sets forth as of December 31, 2021 the number
of unexercised options held by each of the named executive officers, the number of shares subject to then exercisable and unexercisable
options held by such persons and the exercise price and expiration date of each such option. Each option referred to in the
table was granted at an option price per share no less than the fair market value per share on the date of grant. None of such individuals
holds a stock award; accordingly, only information concerning option awards is presented.
Name | |
Number
of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options
(exercisable) | | |
Number
of
securities
underlying
unexercised
options
(unexercisable) | | |
Option
exercise price | | |
Option expiration
date |
Charles E. Bradley, Jr. | |
| 140,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 1.20 | | |
4/3/2022 |
| |
| 60,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 1.94 | | |
7/16/2022 |
| |
| 100,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 3.72 | | |
11/8/2022 |
| |
| 250,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 6.86 | | |
2/1/2023 |
| |
| 250,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 7.97 | | |
5/7/2023 |
| |
| 300,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 6.11 | | |
5/19/2022 |
| |
| 300,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 3.48 | | |
5/12/2023 |
| |
| 300,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 4.35 | | |
5/17/2024 |
| |
| 225,000 | | |
| 75,000 | (1) | |
$ | 3.48 | | |
5/9/2025 |
| |
| 150,000 | | |
| 150,000 | (2) | |
$ | 3.53 | | |
8/8/2026 |
| |
| 60,000 | | |
| 180,000 | (3) | |
$ | 2.47 | | |
6/1/2027 |
| |
| – | | |
| 300,000 | (4) | |
$ | 4.95 | | |
8/3/2028 |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
|
Jeffrey P. Fritz | |
| 36,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 1.20 | | |
4/3/2022 |
| |
| 14,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 1.94 | | |
7/16/2022 |
| |
| 60,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 6.86 | | |
2/1/2023 |
| |
| 60,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 7.97 | | |
5/7/2023 |
| |
| 90,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 6.11 | | |
5/19/2022 |
| |
| 90,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 3.48 | | |
5/12/2023 |
| |
| 90,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 4.35 | | |
5/17/2024 |
| |
| 67,500 | | |
| 22,500 | (1) | |
$ | 3.48 | | |
5/9/2025 |
| |
| 45,000 | | |
| 45,000 | (2) | |
$ | 3.53 | | |
8/8/2026 |
| |
| 22,500 | | |
| 67,500 | (3) | |
$ | 2.47 | | |
6/1/2027 |
| |
| – | | |
| 90,000 | (4) | |
$ | 4.95 | | |
8/3/2028 |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
|
Michael T. Lavin | |
| 21,600 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 1.20 | | |
4/3/2022 |
| |
| 8,400 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 1.94 | | |
7/16/2022 |
| |
| 75,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 6.86 | | |
2/1/2023 |
| |
| 60,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 7.97 | | |
5/7/2023 |
| |
| 90,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 6.11 | | |
5/19/2022 |
| |
| 90,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 3.48 | | |
5/12/2023 |
| |
| 90,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 4.35 | | |
5/17/2024 |
| |
| 67,500 | | |
| 22,500 | (1) | |
$ | 3.48 | | |
5/9/2025 |
| |
| 45,000 | | |
| 45,000 | (2) | |
$ | 3.53 | | |
8/8/2026 |
| |
| 37,500 | | |
| 112,500 | (3) | |
$ | 2.47 | | |
6/1/2027 |
| |
| – | | |
| 90,000 | (4) | |
$ | 4.95 | | |
8/3/2028 |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
|
Teri L. Robinson | |
| 36,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 1.20 | | |
4/3/2022 |
| |
| 14,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 1.94 | | |
7/16/2022 |
| |
| 60,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 6.86 | | |
2/1/2023 |
| |
| 60,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 7.97 | | |
5/7/2023 |
| |
| 60,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 6.11 | | |
5/19/2022 |
| |
| 60,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 3.48 | | |
5/12/2023 |
| |
| 60,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 4.35 | | |
5/17/2024 |
| |
| 45,000 | | |
| 15,000 | (1) | |
$ | 3.48 | | |
5/9/2025 |
| |
| 30,000 | | |
| 30,000 | (2) | |
$ | 3.53 | | |
8/8/2026 |
| |
| 20,000 | | |
| 60,000 | (3) | |
$ | 2.47 | | |
6/1/2027 |
| |
| – | | |
| 60,000 | (4) | |
$ | 4.95 | | |
8/3/2028 |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | | |
|
Laurie A. Straten | |
| 18,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 1.20 | | |
4/3/2022 |
| |
| 7,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 1.94 | | |
7/16/2022 |
| |
| 25,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 6.86 | | |
2/1/2023 |
| |
| 90,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 7.97 | | |
5/7/2023 |
| |
| 60,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 6.11 | | |
5/19/2022 |
| |
| 60,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 3.48 | | |
5/12/2023 |
| |
| 60,000 | | |
| – | | |
$ | 4.35 | | |
5/17/2024 |
| |
| 45,000 | | |
| 15,000 | (1) | |
$ | 3.48 | | |
5/9/2025 |
| |
| 30,000 | | |
| 30,000 | (2) | |
$ | 3.53 | | |
8/8/2026 |
| |
| 20,000 | | |
| 60,000 | (3) | |
$ | 2.47 | | |
6/1/2027 |
| |
| – | | |
| 60,000 | (4) | |
$ | 4.95 | | |
8/3/2028 |
| (1) | Became exercisable as to the unexercisable portion on May 9, 2022. |
| (2) | Becomes exercisable as to cumulative increments of one-half of the unexercisable portion on August 8, 2022 and 2023. |
| (3) | Becomes exercisable as to cumulative increments of one-third of the unexercisable portion on June 1, 2022, 2023 and 2024. |
| (4) | Becomes exercisable as to cumulative increments of 25% of the unexercisable portion on August 3, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. |
Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year
All of the five named executive officers exercised stock options
during 2021. The table below shows the realized value and the number of options exercised for those three individuals. None of our officers
hold stock awards; accordingly, no stock awards vested during 2021.
Option Exercises and Stock Vested
| |
Value
realized
on exercise
(1) | | |
Number
of shares
acquired on exercise | |
Mr. Bradley | |
$ | 4,284,660 | | |
| 699,999 | |
Mr. Fritz | |
| 157,000 | | |
| 50,000 | |
Mr. Lavin | |
| 223,600 | | |
| 50,000 | |
Ms. Robinson | |
| 246,250 | | |
| 65,000 | |
Ms. Straten | |
| 174,745 | | |
| 37,750 | |
| (1) | The value realized is the difference between the fair market value of CPS Common Stock on the date of exercise (the closing price
reported by Nasdaq) and the exercise price of the option. |
Executive Management Bonus Plan (Non-equity
Incentive Plan)
The salary and cash bonus of the named executive officers are determined
by the Compensation Committee. The compensation appearing in the Summary Compensation Table above under the caption “Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Compensation” is paid pursuant to an executive management bonus plan (the “EMB Plan”). The EMB Plan is
administered by the Compensation Committee. Among other things, the Compensation Committee selects participants in the EMB Plan from among
the Company’s executive officers and determines the performance goals, target amounts and other terms and conditions of awards under
the EMB Plan. With respect to officers other than the Chief Executive Officer, determinations of base salary and of criteria relating
to the EMB Plan are based in part on evaluations of such officers prepared by the Chief Executive Officer, which are furnished to and
discussed with the Compensation Committee.
Director Compensation
Throughout 2021, we paid
our non-employee directors a retainer of $5,167 per month, with an additional fee of $500 per month for service on a Board committee
($1,000 for a committee chairman). Non-employee directors also received per diem fees of $1,000 for attendance in person at
meetings of the Board, or $500 for attendance by telephone. No per diem fees are paid for attendance at committee meetings.
The Board in 2021 approved issuance to each non-employee director of options to purchase an aggregate of 30,000 shares. The exercise
prices of all such options are the closing price of CPS Common Stock on the date of grant, which was $4.95 per share. The
following table summarizes compensation received by our directors for the year 2021:
Name of Director | |
Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
(1) | | |
Option
Awards
(2) | | |
Total | |
Charles E. Bradley, Jr. (3) | |
| – | | |
| – | | |
| – | |
Louis M. Grasso | |
| 66,004 | | |
| 78,243 | | |
| 144,247 | |
William W. Grounds (4) | |
| 11,334 | | |
| – | | |
| 11,334 | |
Brian J. Rayhill | |
| 89,504 | | |
| 78,243 | | |
| 167,747 | |
William B. Roberts | |
| 70,504 | | |
| 78,243 | | |
| 148,747 | |
Gregory S. Washer | |
| 78,004 | | |
| 78,243 | | |
| 156,247 | |
Daniel S. Wood | |
| 89,004 | | |
| 78,243 | | |
| 167,247 | |
| (1) | This column reports
cash compensation earned in 2021 for Board and committee service. |
| (2) | This column represents the dollar amount recognized
for financial statement reporting purposes with respect to the 2021 fiscal year for the fair value of stock options granted to the directors
in 2021. The fair value was estimated using a binomial option-pricing model in accordance with SFAS 123R. The fair value per option was
$2.61, based on assumptions of 3.24 years expected life, expected volatility of 79.20%, expected dividend yield of 0.0%, and a risk-free
rate of 0.37%. In addition to the stock option awards granted in 2021, our directors held at December 31, 2021 option awards granted
in previous years. The total options held at December 31, 2021 represent the right to purchase shares as follows: Mr. Bradley, 2,840,000
shares; Mr. Grasso, 60,000 shares; Mr. Rayhill, 410,000 shares; Mr. Roberts, 60,000 shares; Mr. Washer, 330,000 shares; and Mr. Wood,
345,000 shares. |
| (3) | Mr. Bradley’s
compensation as Chief Executive Officer of the Company is described elsewhere in this proxy statement. He received no additional compensation
for service on the Board. |
| (4) | Mr. Grounds was elected a director at the shareholder
meeting held December 1, 2021 and thus did not receive any option awards issued earlier in 2021. |
Pension Plans
The Company’s
officers do not participate in any pension or retirement plan, other than a tax-qualified defined contribution plan (commonly known as
a 401(k) plan).
Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control
This section
provides information regarding payments and benefits to the named executive officers that would be triggered by termination of the officer’s
employment (including resignation, or voluntary termination; severance, or involuntary termination; and retirement) or a change of control
of the Company.
Each of the
named executive officers is an at-will employee and, as such, does not have an employment contract. In addition, if the officer’s
employment terminates for any reason other than a change of control of the Company, any unvested stock options are terminated, and vested
options become subject to accelerated expiration: ordinarily three months following separation from service, or twelve months in the case
of disability, retirement or death. Accordingly, there are no payments or benefits that are triggered by any termination event (including
resignation and severance) other than in connection with a change of control of the Company.
Benefits Triggered by Change of Control or Termination after
Change of Control
Our stock option
plans provide that each employee of ours who holds outstanding unexpired options under our stock option may have the right to exercise
such options following a change of control of the Company, without regard to the date such option would first be exercisable. Each of
the named executive officers holds such options. The “acceleration” of options is mandatory following certain changes of control,
and subject to the discretion of the Compensation Committee following certain others. Acceleration is mandatory in the event of (i) the
sale, or other disposition of substantially all of the Company’s assets, or (ii) a merger or similar transaction in which shareholders
of the Company hold less than 50% of the shares of the surviving entity; provided, however, that acceleration following a merger or similar
transaction is mandatory only if the holder suffers a Qualifying Termination (defined below) within one year following the transaction,
or if the surviving entity does not provide the holder with an equivalent award. Acceleration is also mandatory if a holder suffers a
Qualifying Termination within one year following (iii) a change within a three-year period in the membership of a majority of the Board
(excluding changes recommended by the Board), or (iv) a person’s acquisition of outstanding voting securities of the Company, other
than directly from the Company and without approval of the Board, resulting in that person’s having beneficial ownership of greater
than 25% of the Company.
Under our stock
option plans, the Compensation Committee may exercise its discretion to provide for acceleration under other circumstances than those
described above with respect to any particular stock option or class of stock options. The committee would expect to exercise its discretion
with the intention of preserving the value of the stock option award. To date, such discretion has not been exercised. A “Qualifying
Termination” is a termination of the holder’s employment by the Company other than for cause, disability or death, or by the
holder for “good reason” (principally relating to a material diminution in the holder’s authority, compensation or responsibilities,
or a relocation of greater than 50 miles). The preceding description applies to options held by officers and employees. Options issued
to non-employee directors accelerate without the exercise of discretion upon any of the four categories of change of control described
above.
As of December
31, 2021, each of the named executive officers would realize a benefit if unvested stock options were to become immediately exercisable
upon a change in control, based on the value of the shares underlying such options at the closing market price on December 31, 2021, which
was $11.85 per share. The respective amounts of such possible benefit are set forth in the following table:
Potential Value Upon Acceleration |
Mr. Bradley | |
$ | 5,634,150 | |
Mr. Fritz | |
| 1,816,875 | |
Mr. Lavin | |
| 2,238,975 | |
Ms. Robinson | |
| 1,351,950 | |
Ms. Straten | |
| 1,351,950 | |
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
The table below sets forth the number and percentage of shares
of the CPS Common Stock (our only class of voting securities) owned beneficially as of July 5, 2022 (the Record Date) by (i) each person
known to us to own beneficially more than 5% of the outstanding CPS Common Stock, (ii) each director nominee and each named executive
officer, and (iii) all of our director nominees and executive officers, as a group. Except as otherwise indicated, and subject to applicable
community property and similar laws, each of the persons named has sole voting and investment power with respect to the shares shown as
beneficially owned by such persons. Percent of class is calculated by reference to 21,190,339 shares outstanding on the Record Date. Except
as otherwise noted, each person named in the table has a mailing address at 3800 Howard Hughes Parkway, Suite 1400, Las Vegas, Nevada
89169.
Name and Address of Beneficial Owner | |
Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership (1) | | |
Percent of Class | |
Charles E. Bradley, Jr. | |
| 5,030,336 | | |
| 22.2% | |
Steven H. Deckoff | |
| 5,127,165 | (2) | |
| 24.2% | |
Louis M. Grasso | |
| 70,300 | | |
| * | |
William W. Grounds | |
| 4,600 | | |
| * | |
Brian J. Rayhill | |
| 449,896 | | |
| 2.1% | |
William B. Roberts | |
| 930,078 | | |
| 4.4% | |
James E. Walker, III | |
| 0 | | |
| * | |
Gregory S. Washer | |
| 563,803 | | |
| 2.6% | |
Daniel S. Wood | |
| 482,017 | | |
| 2.2% | |
Jeffrey P. Fritz | |
| 693,437 | | |
| 3.2% | |
Michael T. Lavin | |
| 834,162 | | |
| 3.8% | |
Teri L. Robinson | |
| 749,614 | | |
| 3.5% | |
Laurie A. Straten | |
| 509,961 | | |
| 2.4% | |
All nominees and executive officers combined (16 persons) | |
| 17,196,475 | (3) | |
| 64.4% | |
| |
| | | |
| | |
Dimensional Fund Advisors LP, Building One, 6300 Bee Cave Road, Austin, Texas, 78746 | |
| 1,688,184 | (4) | |
| 8.0% | |
________________
* Less than 1%.
| (1) | Includes certain shares that may be acquired within 60 days after July 5, 2022 from the Company upon
exercise of options, as follows: Mr. Bradley, 1,490,001 shares; Mr. Grasso, 60,000 shares; Mr. Rayhill, 362,000 shares; Mr. Roberts, 30,000
shares; Mr. Washer, 240,000 shares; Mr. Wood, 315,000 shares; Mr. Fritz, 525,000 shares; Mr. Lavin, 570,000 shares; Ms. Robinson, 414,000
shares; and Ms. Straten, 395,000 shares. Of Mr. Bradley’s shares, 1,099,878 are pledged to secure loan(s) to him. The calculation
of beneficial ownership also includes, in the case of the executive officers, an approximate number of shares each executive officer could
be deemed to hold through contributions made to the Company’s Employee 401(k) Plan (the “401(k) Plan”). The 401(k) Plan
provides an option for all participating employees to purchase stock in the Company indirectly by buying units in a mutual fund. Each
“unit” in the mutual fund represents an interest in CPS Common Stock, cash and cash equivalents. |
| (2) | Mr. Deckoff shares beneficial ownership of such shares with an investment fund of which he is the managing
principal, Black Diamond Capital Management L.L.C. (“Black Diamond”). The principal business address of Black Diamond is One
Sound Shore Drive, Suite 200, Greenwich, Connecticut 06830. |
| (3) | Includes 5,518,501 shares that are not outstanding as of the date of this proxy statement, but which
may be acquired within 60 days after July 5, 2022 upon exercise of options. |
| (4) | Based on a report on Schedule 13G filed by the named person on February 8, 2022. |
Equity Compensation Plan Information
The table below presents information regarding securities authorized
for issuance under equity compensation plans, including the CPS 2006 Long-Term Equity Incentive Plan, as of December 31, 2021.
Plan Category | |
Outstanding
Options | | |
Weighted average exercise price of Outstanding
Options | | |
Number
of
securities remaining available for future issuance under equity compensation plans | |
Plans approved by shareholders | |
| 13,074,551 | | |
$ | 4.54 | | |
| 3,881,331 | |
Plans not approved by shareholders | |
| None | | |
| N/A | | |
| N/A | |
Total | |
| 13,074,551 | | |
$ | 4.54 | | |
| 3,881,331 | |
Chief Executive Officer Pay Ratio
The Dodd-Frank Reform and Consumer Protection Act includes a mandate
that public companies disclose the ratio of the compensation of their Chief Executive Officer to their median employee. Our Chief Executive
Officer -median employee pay ratio calculation for 2021 is 86:1. We determined the pay ratio by dividing the total 2021 compensation of
the Chief Executive Officer as disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table by the total 2021 compensation of the median employee, using
the same components of compensation as used in the Summary Compensation Table for the Chief Executive Officer.
There have been no changes to our employee population or compensation
arrangements that we believe would result in a significant change in the pay ratio. Accordingly, we have computed the ratio by reference
to the same employee who we identified as our median employee for the year 2020, who was determined using the compensation of employees
who were actively employed on December 31, 2020. We then computed the ratio by reference to that employee’s total compensation
for the year 2021, which was $54,760. The total compensation of the Chief Executive Officer Charles Bradley in 2021 was $4,690,660.
Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation
During fiscal 2021, the Compensation Committee
consisted of Mr. Wood (chairman), Chris A. Adams, Mr. Grounds, and Mr. Roberts. (Mr. Adams is not standing for re-election to the
Board at the Annual Meeting.) None of the members of the Compensation Committee is a present or past employee or officer of the Company
or its subsidiaries. During fiscal 2021, none of our executive officers served on the board of directors or compensation committee of
another company that had an executive officer who served on our Board or our Compensation Committee.
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
Citigroup. On July 10, 2008, CPS and its wholly owned subsidiary
Folio Funding II, LLC, as borrower, agreed with Citigroup Financial Products Inc. (“CGFP”), an affiliate of Citigroup Inc.
(“Citigroup”), to amend and restate the agreements governing a pre-existing revolving residual credit facility. CGFP was the
note purchaser in and administrative agent of that credit facility. The amendments included the issuance to an affiliate of CGFP of a
ten-year warrant to purchase (for nominal consideration) 2,500,000 shares of CPS Common Stock, which warrant was subsequently transferred
to CGFP. Upon issuance of such warrant, CGFP became a person with beneficial ownership of greater than 5% of CPS Common Stock. On March
10, 2010, the Company repurchased a portion of the warrant, representing 500,000 of the 2,500,000 shares available for purchase upon exercise
of such warrant. On July 10, 2018, CGFP exercised the remaining warrant, receiving 1,999,995 shares after surrender of shares equal in
value to the nominal exercise price. On October 20, 2021, the Company purchased 1,999,995 shares of its stock from CGFP for a purchase
price of $12.5 million, the prevailing market price at the time of the sale. The shares purchased, which represented approximately
8.7% of the common shares outstanding prior to the transaction, have been cancelled and retired.
In September 2011, and approximately quarterly thereafter, CGMI acted
as a placement agent of asset-backed notes issued by securitization trusts sponsored by CPS. The issuances of investment-grade and below
investment-grade notes, and the placement compensation to CGMI, from January 1, 2020 to the present, are set forth in the table below.
In each case, one or more other placement agents also received compensation for placing such notes, as well as CGMI.
| |
Investment-grade
notes issued | | |
Below
investment-grade
notes issued | | |
Fees paid
to CGMI | |
January 2020 | |
$ | 227,240,000 | | |
$ | 32,760,000 | | |
$ | 787,117 | |
June 2020 | |
| 179,935,000 | | |
| 22,408,000 | | |
| 328,280 | |
September 2020 | |
| 221,000,000 | | |
| 31,200,000 | | |
| 784,245 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
January 2021 | |
| 211,925,000 | | |
| 18,620,000 | | |
| 370,654 | |
April 2021 | |
| 210,000,000 | | |
| 30,000,000 | | |
| 706,368 | |
July 2021 | |
| 266,700,000 | | |
| 24,300,000 | | |
| 477,908 | |
November 2021 | |
| 310,501,000 | | |
| 38,701,000 | | |
| 1,024,460 | |
| |
| | | |
| | | |
| | |
February 2022 | |
| 290,400,000 | | |
| 26,400,000 | | |
| 505,139 | |
April 2022 | |
| 341,850,000 | | |
| 53,750,000 | | |
| 1,160,627 | |
August 2022 | |
| 356,84034,000 | | |
| 34,760,000 | | |
| 620,697 | |
On May 11, 2012, the Company entered into a one-year revolving credit
agreement (the “Citi Warehouse Agreement”) and related agreements with affiliates of Citigroup and others, under which the
lenders agreed to lend up to a maximum of $100 million, secured by automobile receivables. In connection with the Citi Warehouse Agreement,
the Company paid a closing fee of $1,000,000. The Company first incurred indebtedness under the Citi Warehouse Agreement in the amount
of $9.1 million on May 14, 2012. The Company used the proceeds of that draw for working capital.
Following earlier extensions in 2013, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020,
the Company and the lenders agreed on July 15, 2022 to extend the revolving term of the Citi Warehouse Agreement to July 14, 2024,
and to increase the maximum amount that may be borrowed to $200,000,000. The advance
percentage is dependent on characteristics of the pledged receivables, the terms of future term securitizations executed by CPS, and
on performance of receivables purchased by CPS within the preceding three years, as to which there can be no assurance. Loans
under the Credit Agreement bear interest at a floating rate set as a margin above the secured overnight financing rate. The
loans are subject to acceleration upon the occurrence of certain defined events of default. In connection with the 2022 renewal and
expansion of the Citi Warehouse Agreement, we paid a closing fee of approximately
$1,800,000. In connection with the December 2020 two-year renewal of the credit facility, we paid a closing fee of $1.0
million, representing a fee calculated as the product of 0.5% per year, the facility maximum, and the two years
by which the revolving period was extended.
The maximum principal amount of indebtedness under the Citi Warehouse
Agreement during 2021 was $100 million. During 2021, the Company paid $365.9 million of principal and $1.4 million of interest on
such debt. As of August 3, 2022, the principal amount owed was $43.3 million. The Company intends to incur additional indebtedness
under the Citi Warehouse Agreement from time to time as it purchases motor vehicle receivables from dealers.
CPS Leasing. The Company holds 80% of the outstanding shares
of the capital stock of CPS Leasing, Inc. (“CPSL”). The remaining 20% of CPSL is held by Charles E. Bradley, Jr., who is the
Chief Executive Officer and chairman of the Board. CPSL engaged in the equipment leasing business, and is currently in the process of
liquidation as its leases come to term. The Company financed the operations of CPSL by making operating advances and by advancing to CPSL
the fraction of the purchase prices of its leased equipment that CPSL did not borrow under its lines of credit. The aggregate amounts
of the advances made by the Company and outstanding to CPSL as of December 31, 2020 and 2021 were approximately $90,000, and $60,000,
respectively.
Policy on Related Party Transactions and Director
Independence. The agreements and transactions described above, other than those described under the caption “Citigroup,”
were entered into by the Company with parties who personally benefited from such transactions and who had a control or fiduciary relationship
with the Company. It is the Company’s policy that any such transactions with persons having a control or fiduciary relationship
with the Company may take place only if approved by the Audit Committee or by the members of the Board who are disinterested with respect
to the transaction, and independent in accordance with the standards for director independence prescribed by Nasdaq. Such policy
is maintained in writing in the charter of the Audit Committee. The agreements and transactions above were reviewed and approved
by the members of the Board who were disinterested with respect to the transaction.
The nine directors of the Company following the Annual Meeting will
be (assuming the election of each of the nominees named in this proxy statement) Charles E. Bradley, Jr., Steven H. Deckoff, Louis M.
Grasso, William W. Grounds, Brian J. Rayhill, William B. Roberts, James E. Walker III, Gregory S. Washer, and Daniel S. Wood, of whom
Messrs. Rayhill, Grasso, Washer, and Wood compose the Audit Committee. The Board has concluded that other than Mr. Bradley (who is the
Company’s Chief Executive Officer), each of the other nominees is independent in accordance with the director independence standards
prescribed by Nasdaq, and has determined that none of them has a material relationship with the Company that would impair his independence
from management or otherwise compromise his ability to act as an independent director.
FURTHER INFORMATION RELATING TO THE ANNUAL MEETING
Voting of Shares
The Board recommends that an affirmative vote be cast in favor of each
of the nominees and proposals listed on the proxy card. The Board knows of no other matters that may be brought before the Annual Meeting
which require submission to a vote of the shareholders. If any other matters are properly brought before the meeting, however, the persons
named in the enclosed proxy or their substitutes will vote in accordance with their best judgment on such matters to the extent permitted
by Rule 14a-4(c) of the Exchange Act.
Votes cast in person or by proxy at the Annual Meeting will be tabulated
by the Inspector of Elections with the assistance of the Company’s transfer agent. The Inspector of Elections will also determine
whether or not a quorum is present. In general, California law provides that a quorum consists of a majority of the shares entitled to
vote, represented either in person or by proxy, that is, a minimum of 10,595,170 shares of the 21,190,339 shares outstanding at the Record
Date.
You are entitled to one vote per share on each matter other than election
of directors. As to election of directors, you may cumulate votes and give any nominee an aggregate number of votes equal to the number
of directors to be elected (nine) times the number of your shares, or distribute that number of votes among as many nominees as you see
fit. However, no one will be entitled to cumulate votes for any nominee unless the nominee’s name has been placed in nomination
prior to the voting and the shareholder wishing to cumulate votes has given notice at the Annual Meeting prior to the voting of his intention
to cumulate votes. If anyone has given such notice, all shareholders may cumulate their votes for nominees. We are seeking discretionary
authority to cumulate votes of shares represented by proxies. The nine persons properly placed in nomination at the meeting and receiving
the most affirmative votes will be elected as directors.
Approval of each of the other proposals requires the affirmative vote
of a majority of those shares voting on the proposal, provided that such affirmative votes are at least a majority of the required quorum,
that is, the affirmative votes must be greater than the negative votes, and must be no less than 5,297,586. Provided that at least the
minimum number of affirmative votes are cast in favor of such proposals, an abstention will have no effect on the outcome; however, if
less than 5,297,586 affirmative votes are cast in favor of such proposals, then each abstention will have an effect equivalent to that
of a negative vote.
The Inspector of Elections will treat abstentions as shares that are
present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining the presence of a quorum, but as not voting for purposes of determining the approval
of any matter submitted to the shareholders for a vote. Any proxy that is returned using the form of proxy enclosed and that is not marked
as to a particular item will be voted “FOR” the director nominees named in this proxy statement, “FOR”
ratification of Crowe as the Company’s auditors for the year 2022, “FOR” the approval, by non-binding vote,
of executive compensation; and will be deemed to grant discretionary authority to vote upon any other matters properly coming before the
Annual Meeting, including procedural matters such as a recess or adjournment. We believe that brokers holding shares for their customers
in general will not be permitted to vote without instruction from their customers on any proposal other than ratification of the selection
of independent auditors. If a broker indicates on the enclosed proxy or its substitute that it does not have discretionary authority as
to certain shares to vote on a particular matter (“broker non-votes”), those shares will be considered as abstentions with
respect to that matter, and will have the effect of abstentions as described above. While there is no definitive specific statutory or
case law authority in California concerning the proper treatment of abstentions and broker non-votes, the Company believes that the tabulation
procedures to be followed by the Inspector of Elections are consistent with the general statutory requirements in California concerning
voting of shares and determination of a quorum.
Shareholder Nominations and Proposals
We plan to hold our 2023 Annual Meeting on June 1, 2023. In order
to be considered for inclusion in our proxy statement and form of proxy for the 2023 Annual Meeting, any proposals by shareholders intended
to be presented at such meeting must be received by the Secretary of the Company at 3800 Howard Hughes Parkway, Suite 1400, Las Vegas,
Nevada 89169 no later than April 6, 2023 and must comply with Rule 14a-8 adopted under the Exchange Act, which lists the requirements
for the inclusion of shareholder proposals in company-sponsored proxy materials. Notice of any director nomination or other proposal
that you intend to present at the 2023 Annual Meeting, but do not intend to have included in the proxy statement and form of proxy relating
to the 2023 Annual Meeting, must be delivered to the Secretary of the Company by mail at the address given above, a reasonable time before
we send our proxy materials for that meeting. The proxy we solicit for the 2023 Annual Meeting will confer discretionary authority on
the Company’s proxies to vote on any proposal presented by a shareholder at that meeting for which we have not been provided with
such notice.
Availability of Annual Report on Form 10-K
We have provided a copy of our 2021 Annual Report with this proxy statement.
Shareholders may obtain, without charge, a copy of the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K, upon written request. Any such request
should be directed to “Corporate Secretary, Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc., 3800 Howard Hughes Parkway, Suite 1400, Las Vegas,
Nevada 89169.” The annual report on Form 10-K is also available on our website, at the following address:
http://www.consumerportfolio.com/2022Form10K.html
“Householding” of Proxy Materials
The SEC has adopted rules that permit companies and intermediaries
(such as brokers, banks, trustees and other nominees) to satisfy the delivery requirements for proxy statements and annual reports with
respect to two or more shareholders sharing the same address by delivering a single proxy statement addressed to those shareholders. This
process, which is commonly referred to as “householding,” potentially means extra convenience for shareholders and cost savings
for companies.
A number of banks, brokers, trustees and other nominees with account
holders who are our shareholders may be householding our proxy materials. A single notice of annual meeting, proxy statement and annual
report be delivered to multiple shareholders sharing an address unless contrary instructions have been received from one or more of the
affected shareholders. Once you have received notice from your bank, broker, trust or other nominee that it will be householding communications
to your address, householding will continue until you are notified otherwise or until you revoke your consent. If, at any time, you no
longer wish to participate in householding and would prefer to receive a separate notice of annual meeting, proxy statement, and annual
report, please notify your bank, broker, trust or other nominee and direct your request to c/o the Secretary of the Company at the Company’s
principal executive office. Shareholders who currently receive multiple copies of this proxy statement at their address and would like
to request householding of their communications should contact their bank, broker, trust or other nominee.
CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE
HELD ON AUGUST 25, 2022
The undersigned shareholder of CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC., a
California corporation, hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement with respect to
the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc. to be held at the offices of said corporation at 3800 Howard Hughes
Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89169 on August 25, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., and hereby appoints Charles E. Bradley, Jr. and Laurie A. Straten, and
each of them, proxies and attorneys-in-fact, each with power of substitution and revocation, and each with all powers that the undersigned
would possess if personally present, to vote the Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc. Common Stock of the undersigned at such
meeting and any postponements or adjournments of such meeting, as set forth below, and in their discretion upon any other business that
may properly come before the meeting (and any such postponements or adjournments).
(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side.)
Please date, sign and mail your proxy card in the envelope provided as soon as possible. Meeting date is AUGUST 25, 2022 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC. NOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIAL : The Notice of Meeting, proxy statement and proxy card are available at www.consumerportfolio.com/AnnualMeeting2022.html Please detach along perforated line and mail in the envelope provided. THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS, AND “FOR” PROPOSALS 2 AND 3. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN 1. Election of Directors: ☐ ☐ ☐ 2. To ratify the appointment of Crowe LLP as independent auditors of the Company for the year ending December 31, 2022. 3. To approve an advisory resolution on executive compensation. 4. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment(s) thereof. ☐ FOR ALL NOMINEES ☐ WITHHOLD AUTHORITY FOR ALL NOMINEES ☐ FOR ALL EXCEPT (See instructions below) INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “FOR ALL EXCEPT” and fill in the circle next to each nominee you wish to withhold, as shown here: NOMINEES: Charles E. Bradley, Jr. Stephen H. Deckoff Louis M. Grasso William W. Grounds Brian J. Rayhill William B. Roberts James E. Walker III Gregory S. Washer Daniel S. Wood ☐ ☐ ☐ THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS SPECIFIED OR, IF NO CHOICE IS SPECIFIED, FOR THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES, FOR PROPOSALS 2 AND 3, AND AS SAID PROXIES DEEM ADVISABLE ON SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING AND ANY POSTPONEMENTS OR ADJOURNMENTS THEREOF. PLEASE VOTE, SIGN, DATE AND PROMPTLY RETURN THIS CARD. To change the address on your account, please check the box at right and indicate your new address in the address space above. Please note that changes to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted via this method. ☐ Signature Date of Shareholder Signature Date of Shareholder Note: Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC.
THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD
OF DIRECTORS
FOR THE ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS TO BE
HELD ON AUGUST 25, 2022
The undersigned shareholder of CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC., a
California corporation, hereby acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement with respect to
the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc. to be held at the offices of said corporation at 3800 Howard Hughes
Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89169 on AUGUST 25, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., and hereby appoints Charles E. Bradley, Jr. and Laurie A. Straten, and
each of them, proxies and attorneys-in-fact, each with power of substitution and revocation, and each with all powers that the undersigned
would possess if personally present, to vote the Consumer Portfolio Services, Inc. Common Stock of the undersigned at such
meeting and any postponements or adjournments of such meeting, as set forth below, and in their discretion upon any other business that
may properly come before the meeting (and any such postponements or adjournments).
(Continued and to be signed on the reverse side.)
ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS OF
CONSUMER PORTFOLIO SERVICES, INC.
AUGUST 25, 2022
PROXY VOTING INSTRUCTIONS
INTERNET - Access “www.voteproxy.com” and
follow the on-screen
instructions. Have your proxy card available when you access the web
page.
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TELEPHONE - Call toll-free 1-800-PROXIES (1-800-776-9437) in the United States or +1-718-921-8500 from foreign countries from any touch-tone telephone and follow the instructions. Have your proxy card available when you call. |
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Vote online/phone until 11:59 PM EST the day before the meeting.
MAIL – Sign, date and mail your proxy card in the envelope
provided as soon as possible. |
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IN PERSON - You may vote your shares in person by attending
the Annual Meeting.
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NOTICE OF INTERNET AVAILABILITY OF PROXY
MATERIAL: The Notice of Meeting, proxy statement and proxy card are available at www.consumerportfolio.com/AnnualMeeting2022.html
Please detach along perforated line and mail in
the envelope provided IF you are not voting via telephone.
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE ELECTION OF DIRECTORS, AND “FOR” PROPOSALS 2 AND 3. PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTE IN BLUE OR BLACK INK AS SHOWN HERE FOR AGAINST ABSTAIN 1. Election of Directors: ☐ ☐ ☐ 2. To ratify the appointment of Crowe LLP as independent auditors of the Company for the year ending December 31, 2022. 3. To approve an advisory resolution on executive compensation. 4. To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any adjournment(s) thereof. ☐ FOR ALL NOMINEES ☐ WITHHOLD AUTHORITY FOR ALL NOMINEES ☐ FOR ALL EXCEPT (See instructions below) INSTRUCTION: To withhold authority to vote for any individual nominee(s), mark “FOR ALL EXCEPT” and fill in the circle next to each nominee you wish to withhold, as shown here: NOMINEES: Charles E. Bradley, Jr. Stephen H. Deckoff Louis M. Grasso William W. Grounds Brian J. Rayhill William B. Roberts James E. Walker III Gregory S. Washer Daniel S. Wood ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS SPECIFIED OR, IF NO CHOICE IS SPECIFIED, FOR THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES, FOR PROPOSALS 2 AND 3, AND AS SAID PROXIES DEEM ADVISABLE ON SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING AND ANY POSTPONEMENTS OR ADJOURNMENTS THEREOF. PLEASE VOTE, SIGN, DATE AND PROMPTLY RETURN THIS CARD. To change the address on your account, please check the box at right and indicate your new address in the address space above. Please note that changes to the registered name(s) on the account may not be submitted via this method. ☐ Signature Date of Shareholder Signature Date of Shareholder Note: Please sign exactly as your name or names appear on this Proxy. When shares are held jointly, each holder should sign. When signing as executor, administrator, attorney, trustee or guardian, please give full title as such. If the signer is a corporation, please sign full corporate name by duly authorized officer, giving full title as such. If signer is a partnership, please sign in partnership name by authorized person.
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