WELLS FARGO FINANCIAL INC
10-Q, 2000-11-13
PERSONAL CREDIT INSTITUTIONS
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SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549


Form 10-Q

Quarterly Report Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d)
of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

For Quarter Ended September 30, 2000

Commission file number 2-80466


Wells Fargo Financial, Inc.
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Iowa
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)
  42 1186565
(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)
 
206 Eighth Street, Des Moines, Iowa
(Address of principal executive offices)
 
 
 
50309
(Zip Code)

Registrant's telephone number, including area code (515) 243-2131


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

    Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer's classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date. Common Stock (without par value): 1,000 shares outstanding as of November 8, 2000.

    The registrant meets the conditions set forth in General Instruction H(1)(a) and (b) of Form 10-Q and is therefore filing this Form with the reduced disclosure format.





PART I.  FINANCIAL INFORMATION

WELLS FARGO FINANCIAL, INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

(Thousands of Dollars)

 
  September 30,
2000

  December 31,
1999

Assets
Cash and cash equivalents   $ 183,631   $ 178,970
Securities available-for-sale     1,198,378     1,224,666
Finance receivables     10,361,768     9,072,306
Less allowance for credit losses     414,259     367,712
   
 
  Finance receivables—net     9,947,509     8,704,594
   
 
Notes receivable—affiliates     401,675     487,822
Property and equipment (at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $137,111 for 2000 and $130,253 for 1999)     62,793     69,374
Deferred income taxes     148,893     130,496
Other assets     383,262     487,491
   
 
    Total assets   $ 12,326,141   $ 11,283,413
       
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

2


WELLS FARGO FINANCIAL, INC.

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Unaudited)

(Thousands of Dollars)

 
  September 30,
2000

  December 31,
1999

 
Liabilities and Stockholder's Equity  
Loans payable—short-term:              
  Commercial paper   $ 2,567,988   $ 2,437,676  
  Affiliates     443,737     432,199  
  Other     179,340     256,916  
Unearned insurance premiums and commissions     142,078     140,547  
Insurance claims and policy reserves     34,698     34,124  
Accrued interest payable     118,326     102,695  
Other payables to affiliates     99,932     3,297  
Other liabilities     342,559     374,558  
Long-term debt:              
  Senior     6,233,852     5,913,837  
  Affiliate     500,000        
   
 
 
    Total liabilities     10,662,510     9,695,849  
   
 
 
Stockholder's equity:              
  Common stock without par value (authorized 1,000 shares, issued and outstanding 1,000 shares)     3,855     3,855  
  Additional paid in capital     209,124     196,697  
  Retained earnings     1,465,892     1,407,743  
  Accumulated other comprehensive loss, net of income taxes     (15,240 )   (20,731 )
   
 
 
    Total stockholder's equity     1,663,631     1,587,564  
   
 
 
    Total liabilities and stockholder's equity   $ 12,326,141   $ 11,283,413  
       
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements

3


WELLS FARGO FINANCIAL, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Income (Unaudited)

(Thousands of Dollars)

 
  Quarter Ended
September 30,

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
  2000
  1999
  2000
  1999
Income:                        
  Finance charges and interest   $ 493,046   $ 410,163   $ 1,394,702   $ 1,211,569
  Insurance premiums and commissions     31,596     99,481     83,781     253,811
  Other income     58,303     70,874     156,626     182,656
   
 
 
 
    Total income     582,945     580,518     1,635,109     1,648,036
   
 
 
 
Expenses:                        
  Operating expenses     200,719     197,093     606,017     576,590
  Interest and debt expense     170,268     131,012     466,067     381,620
  Provision for credit losses     102,154     69,728     252,097     196,611
  Insurance losses and loss expenses     11,572     74,212     36,267     179,832
   
 
 
 
    Total expenses     484,713     472,045     1,360,448     1,334,653
   
 
 
 
    Income before income taxes     98,232     108,473     274,661     313,383
Income taxes     35,997     38,846     101,159     112,329
   
 
 
 
    Net income   $ 62,235   $ 69,627   $ 173,502   $ 201,054
       
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

4


WELLS FARGO FINANCIAL, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Unaudited)

(Thousands of Dollars)

 
  Quarter Ended
September 30,

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 
  2000
  1999
  2000
  1999
 
Net income   $ 62,235   $ 69,627   $ 173,502   $ 201,054  
Other comprehensive income (loss), before income taxes:                          
  Unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale:                          
    Unrealized gains (losses) arising during the period     14,992     (17,638 )   5,618     (37,968 )
    Reclassification adjustment for net (gains) losses included in net income     2,246     (1,578 )   948     (7,424 )
   
 
 
 
 
      17,238     (19,216 )   6,566     (45,392 )
  Foreign currency translation adjustment     (836 )   172     (1,943 )   3,154  
   
 
 
 
 
  Other comprehensive income (loss) before income taxes     16,402     (19,044 )   4,623     (42,238 )
Income tax expense (benefit) related to unrealized gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale     5,896     (6,663 )   2,227     (15,362 )
   
 
 
 
 
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of income taxes     10,506     (12,381 )   2,396     (26,876 )
   
 
 
 
 
    Comprehensive income   $ 72,741   $ 57,246   $ 175,898   $ 174,178  
       
 
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

5


WELLS FARGO FINANCIAL, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited)

(Thousands of Dollars)

 
  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 
  2000
  1999
 
Cash flows from operating activities:              
  Net income   $ 173,502   $ 201,054  
  Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash flows from operating activities, net of effect of contributed subsidiaries:              
    Provision for credit losses     252,097     196,611  
    Depreciation and amortization     37,007     40,988  
    Deferred income taxes     (23,195 )   1,305  
    Other receivables from affiliates           (23,966 )
    Other assets     (16,774 )   (44,530 )
    Unearned insurance premiums and commissions     1,531     3,954  
    Insurance claims and policy reserves     574     4,133  
    Accrued interest payable     19,621     12,193  
    Other payables to affiliates     121,139     (44,173 )
    Other liabilities     (38,852 )   89,187  
   
 
 
Net cash provided by operating activities     526,650     436,756  
   
 
 
Cash flows from investing activities:              
  Finance receivables:              
    Principal collected     5,600,887     5,554,986  
    Receivables originated or purchased     (6,861,423 )   (6,259,097 )
  Proceeds from sales of securities     127,150     111,429  
  Proceeds from maturities of securities     90,227     126,267  
  Purchases of securities     (238,211 )   (289,343 )
  Net additions to property and equipment     (9,947 )   (75,221 )
  Net decrease in notes receivable—affiliates, net of effect of contributed subsidiaries     64,579     93,699  
  Cash and cash equivalents of contributed subsidiaries received and subsidiary transferred     (5 )   1,002  
  Cash and cash equivalents of acquired subsidiary     (26,987 )      
  Other     48,824     120,182  
   
 
 
Net cash used by investing activities     (1,204,906 )   (616,096 )
   
 
 
Cash flows from financing activities:              
  Net decrease in loans payable—short term     (117,042 )   (588,491 )
  Proceeds from issuance of long term debt:              
    Senior     1,435,886     1,673,573  
    Affiliate     500,000        
  Repayment of senior long-term debt     (1,090,927 )   (700,507 )
  Dividends paid     (45,000 )   (160,000 )
   
 
 
Net cash provided by financing activities     682,917     224,575  
   
 
 
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents     4,661     45,235  
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of period     178,970     139,184  
   
 
 
Cash and cash equivalents end of period   $ 183,631   $ 184,419  
       
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

6


WELLS FARGO FINANCIAL, INC.

Consolidated Statements of Stockholder's Equity (Unaudited)

(Thousands of Dollars)

 
   
   
   
  Accumulated Other
Comprehensive Income (Loss)

   
 
 
  Common
Stock

  Additional
Paid In
Capital

  Retained
Earnings

  Foreign
Currency
Translation

  Unrealized
Gains (Losses)
on Securities
Available-
for-Sale

  Total
 
Balance, December 31, 1998   $ 3,855   $ 189,438   $ 1,362,370   $ (13,530 ) $ 23,080   $ 1,565,213  
Comprehensive income (loss):                                      
  Net income                 201,054                 201,054  
  Other                       3,154     (30,030 )   (26,876 )
 
Contributed subsidiaries
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7,259
 
 
 
 
 
12
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
7,271
 
 
Dividends                 (160,000 )               (160,000 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, September 30, 1999   $ 3,855   $ 196,697   $ 1,403,436   $ (10,376 ) $ (6,950 ) $ 1,586,662  
       
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, December 31, 1999   $ 3,855   $ 196,697   $ 1,407,743   $ (9,575 ) $ (11,156 ) $ 1,587,564  
Comprehensive income:                                      
  Net income                 173,502                 173,502  
  Other                       (1,943 )   4,339     2,396  
Contributed subsidiaries           12,427     (10,182 )               2,245  
Transfer of subsidiary                 (60,171 )         3,095     (57,076 )
Dividends                 (45,000 )               (45,000 )
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
Balance, September 30, 2000   $ 3,855   $ 209,124   $ 1,465,892   $ (11,518 ) $ (3,722 ) $ 1,663,631  
       
 
 
 
 
 
 

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

7



WELLS FARGO FINANCIAL, INC.
Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)

    The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements and notes have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set forth in Wells Fargo Financial, Inc.'s 1999 Annual Report on Form 10-K and should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements therein. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (none of which were other than normal recurring accruals) necessary to present fairly the financial statements for the periods presented have been included. The results of operations for interim periods are not necessarily indicative of the results to be expected for the entire year.

1.  Principles of Consolidation.

    The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Wells Fargo Financial, Inc. (the "Company") and subsidiaries (collectively, "Wells Fargo Financial"). Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. The Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo Financial Services, Inc. (the "Parent") which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Wells Fargo & Company ("Wells Fargo").

2.  Dividend Restrictions.

    Certain long-term debt instruments restrict payment of dividends on and acquisitions of the Company's common stock. In addition, such debt instruments and the Company's bank credit agreements contain certain requirements as to maintenance of net worth (as defined). Approximately $1,014 million of consolidated stockholder's equity was unrestricted at September 30, 2000.

3.  Other Income.

    Income from affiliates was $9.5 million and $11.5 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2000 and 1999, respectively, and $28.1 million and $35.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

    Interest and dividends from securities available-for-sale and cash equivalents were $18.9 million and $19.5 million for the quarters ended September 30, 2000 and 1999, and $57.5 million and $56.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2000 and 1999, respectively.

4.  Reclassifications.

    Certain amounts in the 1999 financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the presentation used in the 2000 financial statements.

8


5.  Finance Receivables.

    Finance receivables are as follows:

 
  September 30,
2000

  December 31,
1999

 
  (In Thousands)

United States consumer finance:            
  Loans secured by real estate   $ 2,483,727   $ 2,137,593
  Consumer loans     1,421,023     1,245,427
   
 
    Total loans     3,904,750     3,383,020
  Sales finance contracts     1,246,262     1,213,878
  Credit cards     1,084,295     588,499
   
 
    Total United States consumer finance     6,235,307     5,185,397
   
 
Canadian consumer finance:            
  Loans secured by real estate     104,527     86,848
  Consumer loans     446,453     432,183
   
 
    Total loans     550,980     519,031
  Sales finance contracts     464,658     489,259
  Credit cards     19,260     15,655
   
 
    Total Canadian consumer finance     1,034,898     1,023,945
   
 
Automobile finance     2,313,251     2,165,745
Other     778,312     697,219
   
 
    Total finance receivables   $ 10,361,768   $ 9,072,306
       
 

6.  Allowance for Credit Losses.

    The analysis of the allowance for credit losses is as follows:

 
  Quarter Ended
September 30,

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
 
  2000
  1999
  2000
  1999
 
 
  (In Thousands)

 
Allowance for credit losses beginning of period   $ 390,542   $ 357,314   $ 367,712   $ 350,984  
Provision for credit losses charged to expense     102,154     69,728     252,097     196,611  
Write-offs     (94,883 )   (75,922 )   (262,511 )   (223,718 )
Recoveries     13,402     12,776     44,074     40,019  
Allowance related to receivables contributed or acquired     3,044           12,887        
   
 
 
 
 
Allowance for credit losses end of period   $ 414,259   $ 363,896   $ 414,259   $ 363,896  
     
 
 
 
 

9


7.  Statements of Consolidated Cash Flows.

    The Company and its subsidiaries consider highly liquid debt instruments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents. Supplemental disclosure of certain cash flow information is presented below:

 
  Quarter Ended
September 30

  Nine Months Ended
September 30,

 
  2000
  1999
  2000
  1999
 
  (In Thousands)

Cash paid for:                        
  Interest   $ 147,883   $ 109,243   $ 454,487   $ 363,722
  Income taxes     18,172     2,102     40,939     135,377

8.  Segment Information.

    The Company has three reportable segments: U.S. consumer finance, Canadian consumer finance, and automobile finance. The Company's operating segments are determined by product type and geography. U.S. consumer finance operations make loans to individuals and purchase sales finance contracts through 797 consumer finance branches in 47 states, Guam, Saipan, and Puerto Rico. The U.S. consumer finance segment also issues credit cards through two banking subsidiaries. Canadian consumer finance operations make loans to individuals and purchase sales finance contracts through 148 consumer finance branches in the 10 provinces. Automobile finance operations specialize in purchasing sales finance contracts directly from automobile dealers and making loans secured by automobiles through 189 branches in 33 states and Puerto Rico. Results from insurance operations are included in the appropriate segment.

10


Selected financial information for each segment is shown below:

 
  U.S.
Consumer
Finance

  Canadian
Consumer
Finance

  Automobile
Finance

  Other*
  Eliminations
  Total
 
  2000
  1999
  2000
  1999
  2000
  1999
  2000
  1999
  2000
  1999
  2000
  1999
 
  (In Thousands)

Quarter Ended September 30,:                                                                        
Finance charges and interest   $ 298,615   $ 231,120   $ 62,972   $ 59,516   $ 103,695   $ 96,772   $ 27,764   $ 22,755   $     $     $ 493,046   $ 410,163
Intersegment income                                               11,718           (11,718 )          
Total income     363,156     295,153     73,703     65,385     108,240     101,792     37,846     129,906           (11,718 )   582,945     580,518
Net income     36,610     40,526     9,671     8,509     13,734     9,706     2,220     10,886                 62,235     69,627
 
Nine Months Ended September 30,:
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Finance charges and interest     816,549     681,395     186,424     176,080     307,896     288,001     83,833     66,093                 1,394,702     1,211,569
Intersegment income                                               34,657           (34,657 )          
Total income     993,815     862,011     210,649     194,977     321,041     301,780     109,604     323,925           (34,657 )   1,635,109     1,648,036
Net income (loss)     116,543     110,519     21,413     25,031     37,383     35,295     (1,837 )   30,209                 173,502     201,054

*
Information from other segments below the quantitative threshold are attributable to information services operations, miscellaneous insurance companies, collection services, operations in Argentina and commercial finance operations including rediscounting. Subsidiaries engaged in information services operations were transferred to the Parent on December 15, 1999. Subsidiaries engaged in multiple peril crop insurance were transferred to another subsidiary of Wells Fargo effective June 1, 2000.

11


9.  Recent Accounting Standards.

    In June 1998, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 133 (FAS 133), Accounting for Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities. In July 1999, the FASB issued FAS 137, Deferral of the Effective Date of FASB Statement No. 133, which defers the effective date for implementation of FAS 133 to no later than January 1, 2001 for the Company's financial statements. The Company will implement the Statement when effective and is in the process of completing the analysis required to determine the impact on the financial statements.

10.  Business Combinations and Transfers.

    Effective January 1, 2000, the Parent made a capital contribution, without consideration, to the Company of the issued and outstanding shares of capital stock of two of the Parent's consumer finance subsidiaries (the "Contributed Subsidiaries"). This capital contribution was accounted for as a merger of interests under common control. Accordingly, the assets acquired and liabilities assumed were recorded at historical cost. The contributed subsidiaries had assets totaling $237.8 million and 49 branch offices at the time of the contribution.

    Effective June 1, 2000, the Company transferred the common stock at net book value of its multiple peril crop insurance subsidiary and its wholly owned subsidiary to the Parent, which subsequently transferred it to another affiliate of Wells Fargo. The multiple peril crop insurance subsidiaries had assets of $86.3 million at the time of the transfer and had a $7.2 million loss for the year until the time of the transfer.

    On June 30, 2000, one of the Company's banking subsidiaries purchased approximately $400 million in credit card receivables from Conseco Finance Corp., a subsidiary of Conseco, Inc.

    Effective September 1, 2000, one of the Company's subsidiaries acquired Charter Financial Company, a specialty finance and leasing company. The acquisition was accounted for as a purchase. Charter has a strong presence in Canada where it offers medium-term, fixed rate, full-payout leases and equipment financing to clients in targeted industries. Charter had receivables under management of $190 million at the time of the acquisition.

    Effective October 27, 2000, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire substantially all of the assets and assume certain liabilities of an automobile finance company. The acquisition is to be accounted for as a purchase and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2001. The company to be acquired originates receivables in 33 states, primarily through purchases of automobile contracts from dealers in the eastern United States. Total receivables managed by this company are approximately $880 million at September 30, 2000.

12


WELLS FARGO FINANCIAL, INC.
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

    Statements made in Management's Discussion and Analysis may be forward-looking and are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements address management's present expectations about future performance and involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of important factors (some of which are beyond the Company's control) could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Those factors include the economic environment, competition, products and pricing in the geographic and business areas in which the Company conducts its operations, prevailing interest rates, changes in government regulations and policies affecting financial services companies, credit quality and credit risk management, acquisitions, and integration of acquired businesses.

    Wells Fargo Financial's performance for the third quarter of 2000 closely paralleled performance for the first nine months of 2000. The discussion and analysis that follows, therefore, is limited to a discussion of the first nine months as a whole and does not include a separate discussion of the third quarter unless otherwise noted.

    Wells Fargo Financial's income for the first nine months of 2000 was $173.5 million compared with $201.1 million for the first nine months of 1999. Net income from ongoing operations, however, increased to $180.7 million for the first nine months of 2000 compared with $176.2 million in the first nine months of 1999. Net income from ongoing operations excludes the results of subsidiaries engaged in the multiple peril crop insurance and information service businesses.

    Well's Fargo Financial's total income (revenue) decreased 1% for the first nine months ($1,635.1 million in the first nine months of 2000 compared with $1,648.0 million in the first nine months of 1999). Total income increased approximately 1% for the third quarter ($582.9 million in the third quarter of 2000 compared with $580.5 million in the third quarter of 1999).

    Income from finance charges and interest increased 15% for the first nine months ($1,394.7 million in the first nine months of 2000 compared with $1,211.6 million in the first nine months of 1999). Changes in income from finance charges and interest result predominantly from (1) changes in the amount of finance receivables outstanding and (2) changes in the rate of charge on those receivables. In total, average finance receivables outstanding in the first nine months of 2000 increased 15% from the first nine months of 1999; average U.S. consumer finance receivables outstanding increased 18%, average Canadian consumer finance receivables outstanding increased 8%, average automobile finance receivables outstanding increased 8%, and average other finance receivables outstanding increased 20%.

 
  Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
  2000
  1999
 
Rate of charge on finance receivables:          
  U.S. consumer finance   19.23 % 18.99 %
  Canadian consumer finance   24.32   24.90  
  Automobile finance   18.45   18.68  
  Other   15.02   14.16  
    Total   19.26   19.22  

    The increases in income from finance charges and interest were due predominantly to growth in average receivables outstanding. Growth in average receivables for all categories was due predominately

13


to regular business activity. Changes in the earned rates of charge were due to changes in prevailing market rates combined with a change in the portfolio mix.

    Insurance premiums and commissions decreased 67% ($83.8 million in the first nine months of 2000 compared with $253.8 million in the first nine months of 1999.) Insurance losses and loss expenses decreased 80% ($36.3 million in the first nine months of 2000 compared with $179.8 million in the first nine months of 1999). The decreases were predominantly due to decreases in insurance premiums and commissions and insurance losses and loss expenses on multiple peril crop insurance. The Company transferred the multiple peril crop insurance operations to another affiliate of Wells Fargo on June 1, 2000.

    Other income decreased 14% ($156.6 million in the first nine months of 2000 compared with $182.7 million in the first nine months of 1999). The decrease in other income was due predominantly to the elimination of income from the sale of information services in 2000 due to the transfer of this business to the Parent on December 15, 1999.

    Operating expenses increased 5% ($606.0 million in the first nine months of 2000 compared with $576.6 million in the first nine months of 1999). The increase was due primarily to increases in employee compensation and benefits and other costs relating to business expansion.

    Interest and debt expense increased 22% ($466.1 million in the first nine months of 2000 compared with $381.6 million in the first nine months of 1999). Changes in interest and debt expense result predominantly from (1) changes in the amount of borrowings outstanding and (2) changes in the cost of those borrowings. Average total outstanding borrowings in the first nine months of 2000 increased 14% from the first nine months of 1999.

 
  Nine Months Ended September 30,
 
 
  2000
  1999
 
Costs of funds:          
  Short-term   6.44 % 5.15 %
  Long-term   6.60   6.56  
  Total   6.55   6.11  

    Changes in average debt outstanding generally correspond to changes in average finance receivables outstanding combined with the change in notes receivable—affiliates. Average finance receivables and notes receivable—affiliates increased 14% from the first nine months of 1999.

    Provision for credit losses increased 28% ($252.1 million in the first nine months of 2000 compared with $196.6 million in the first nine months of 1999). Net write-offs increased 19% in the first nine months of 2000.

 
  Nine Months
Ended September 30,

  Quarter Ended
September 30,

 
 
  2000
  1999
  2000
  1999
 
Net write-offs, not annualized, as a percentage of average net receivables outstanding:                  
  U.S. consumer finance   2.10 % 1.78 % .83 % .59 %
  Canadian consumer finance   3.97   3.29   1.25   1.14  
  Automobile finance   2.22   2.68   .67   .85  
  Other   1.32   2.00   .36   .85  
    Total   2.26   2.19   .80   .74  

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    During 2000, the provision for credit losses exceeded net write-offs by $33.7 million. At September 30, 2000, the Company had an allowance for credit losses of $414.3 million (4.00% of receivables) compared with $367.7 million (4.05% of receivables) at December 31, 1999. There were no material changes in estimation methods and assumptions during 2000 and 1999. Non-accrual finance receivables were $51.6 million at September 30, 2000 compared with $41.3 million at December 31, 1999. In addition, finance receivables outstanding which were more than three payments contractually delinquent and which were still accruing interest were $136.6 million at September 30, 2000 compared with $110.9 million at December 31, 1999. Management believes the allowance for credit losses at September 30, 2000, is adequate to absorb probable losses on existing receivables in the finance receivables portfolio.

    Income taxes decreased 10% ($101.2 million in the first nine months of 2000 compared with $112.3 million in the first nine months of 1999). Income before income taxes decreased 12% ($274.7 million in the first nine months of 2000 compared with $313.4 million in the first nine months of 1999.) The effective tax rate was 36.8% for the first nine months of 2000 compared with 35.8% for the first nine months of 1999.

    The Company maintains bank lines of credit and revolving credit agreements to provide an alternative source of liquidity to support the Company's commercial paper borrowings. At September 30, 2000, lines of credit and revolving credit agreements totaling $1,466 million were being maintained at 32 domestic and international banks; the entire amount was available on that date. Additionally, the Company's bank subsidiaries, Wells Fargo Financial Bank and Wells Fargo Financial National Bank, have access to federal funds borrowings. At September 30, 2000, federal funds availability at the two banks was $605 million.

    The Company and a Canadian subsidiary obtain long-term debt capital primarily from the issuance of debt securities to the public through underwriters on a firm-commitment basis and the issuance of debt securities to institutional investors. The Company and a Canadian subsidiary also obtain long-term debt from the issuance of medium-term notes (which have maturities ranging from nine months to 30 years) through underwriters (acting as agent or principal).

    The Company anticipates the continued availability of borrowed funds, at prevailing interest rates, to provide for Wells Fargo Financial's growth in the foreseeable future. Funds are also generated internally from payments of principal and interest on Wells Fargo Financial's finance receivables.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
WELLS FARGO FINANCIAL, INC.

Item 5.  Other Information.

RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES

    The following table sets forth the ratios of earnings to fixed charges of Wells Fargo Financial, Inc. and its subsidiaries for the periods indicated:

Nine Months Ended
September 30, 2000

  Years Ended December 31,
  1999
  1998
  1997
  1996
  1995
1.58   1.78   1.72   2.00   2.11   2.13

    The ratios of earnings to fixed charges have been computed by dividing net earnings plus fixed charges and income taxes by fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest and debt expense plus one-third of rentals (which is deemed representative of the interest factor).

Item 6.  Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K.

(a)
Exhibits:

Exhibit (12)   Computation of ratios of earnings to fixed charges for the years ended December 31, 1999, 1998, 1997, 1996 and 1995 and the nine months ended September 30, 2000.
(b)
Reports on 8-K

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SIGNATURES

    Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

    WELLS FARGO FINANCIAL, INC.
 
Date: November 8, 2000
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By
 
/s/ 
ERIC TORKELSON   
Eric Torkelson
Senior Vice President and Controller
(Principal Accounting Officer)

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PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
WELLS FARGO FINANCIAL, INC. Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements (Unaudited)
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION WELLS FARGO FINANCIAL, INC.
RATIOS OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES
SIGNATURES


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