ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies) |
12 Months Ended |
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Dec. 31, 2025 | |
| Accounting Policies [Abstract] | |
| Principles of Consolidation | For purposes of this report, “Ford Credit,” the “Company,” “we,” “our,” “us,” or similar references mean Ford Motor Credit Company LLC, our consolidated subsidiaries, and our consolidated VIEs of which we are the primary beneficiary, unless the context requires otherwise. We are an indirect, wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Motor Company (“Ford”). |
| Basis of Accounting | Our consolidated financial statements are presented in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). |
| Reclassifications | We reclassified certain prior period amounts in our consolidated financial statements to conform to the current year presentation. |
| Use of Estimates | Use of Estimates The preparation of financial statements requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect our results. The accounting estimates that are most important to our business involve the allowance for credit losses related to finance receivables, and accumulated depreciation on vehicles subject to operating leases. Estimates are based on assumptions that we believe are reasonable under the circumstances. Due to the inherent uncertainty involved with estimates, actual results may differ.
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| Foreign Currency | Foreign Currency When an entity has monetary assets and liabilities denominated in a currency that is different from its functional currency, we remeasure those assets and liabilities from the transactional currency to the legal entity’s functional currency. The effect of this remeasurement process and the results of our related foreign currency hedging activities are reported in Other income/(loss), net. Generally, our foreign subsidiaries use the local currency as their functional currency. We translate the assets and liabilities of our foreign subsidiaries from their respective functional currencies to U.S. dollars using end-of-period exchange rates. Changes in the carrying value of these assets and liabilities attributable to fluctuations in exchange rates are recognized in Foreign currency translation gains/(losses), a component of Other comprehensive income/(Ioss), net of tax. Upon sale or upon complete or substantially complete liquidation of an investment in a foreign subsidiary, the amount of accumulated foreign currency translation related to the entity is reclassified to income and recognized as part of the gain or loss on the sale or liquidation of the investment.
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| Fair Value Measurements | Fair Value Measurements Cash equivalents, marketable securities, and derivative financial instruments are remeasured and presented on our financial statements on a recurring basis at fair value, while other assets and liabilities are measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis. In measuring fair value, we use various valuation methods and prioritize the use of observable inputs. The use of observable and unobservable inputs and their significance in measuring fair value are reflected in our fair value hierarchy. • Level 1 – inputs include quoted prices for identical instruments and are the most observable • Level 2 – inputs include quoted prices for similar instruments and observable inputs such as interest rates, currency exchange rates, and yield curves • Level 3 – inputs include data not observable in the market and reflect management judgment about the assumptions market participants would use in pricing the instruments Transfers into and transfers out of the hierarchy levels are recognized as if they had taken place at the end of the reporting period. On a nonrecurring basis, we also measure at fair value retail contracts 120 days past due or deemed to be uncollectible and individual dealer loans probable of foreclosure. We use the fair value of collateral, adjusted for estimated costs to sell, to determine the fair value of these receivables. The collateral for a retail financing or wholesale receivable is the vehicle financed and for dealer loans is real estate or other property. The fair value of collateral for retail financing receivables is calculated as the outstanding receivable balances multiplied by the average recovery value percentage. The fair value of collateral for wholesale receivables is based on the wholesale market value or liquidation value for new and used vehicles. The fair value of collateral for dealer loans is determined by reviewing various appraisals, which include total adjusted appraised value of land and improvements, alternate use appraised value, broker’s opinion of value, and purchase offers. Notes and accounts receivable from affiliated companies are presented separately on the balance sheets. These receivables are based on intercompany relationships and the balances are settled regularly. We do not assess these receivables for potential credit losses, nor are they subjected to aging analysis, credit quality reviews, or other formal assessments. As a result, Notes and accounts receivable from affiliated companies are not subject to the following disclosures contained herein. Our derivatives are over-the-counter customized derivative transactions and are not exchange traded. We estimate the fair value of these instruments using industry-standard valuation models such as a discounted cash flow. These models project future cash flows and discount the future amounts to a present value using market-based expectations for interest rates, foreign exchange rates, and the contractual terms of the derivative instruments. The discount rate used is the relevant benchmark interest rate (e.g., SOFR, SONIA) plus an adjustment for nonperformance risk. The adjustment reflects the full credit default swap (“CDS”) spread applied to a net exposure, by counterparty, considering the master netting agreements and any posted collateral. We use our counterparty’s CDS spread when we are in a net asset position and our own CDS spread when we are in a net liability position. We measure debt at fair value for purposes of disclosure using quoted prices for our own debt with approximately the same remaining maturities. Where quoted prices are not available, we estimate fair value using discounted cash flows and market-based expectations for interest rates, credit risk, and the contractual terms of the debt instruments. For certain short-term debt with an original maturity date of one year or less, we assume that book value is a reasonable approximation of the debt’s fair value. The fair value of debt is categorized within Level 2 of the hierarchy.
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| Retirement Benefits | Retirement Benefits We are a participating employer in certain retirement plans that are sponsored by Ford. Ford allocates costs to us under these plans based on the total number of participating or eligible employees at Ford Credit. Further information about these sponsored plans is available in Ford’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025, filed separately with the SEC.
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| Adoption of New Accounting Standards and Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted | Adoption of New Accounting Standards ASU 2023-09, Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures. We adopted the new standard, which requires additional income tax disclosures for annual reporting periods, and applied the amendments prospectively. Adoption of the new standard did not impact our consolidated income statements, balance sheets, or statements of cash flows. Refer to Note 10 for the additional disclosures required under the standard. All other ASUs adopted during 2025 did not have a material impact to our consolidated financial statements or financial statement disclosures. Accounting Standards Issued But Not Yet Adopted ASU 2024-03, Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (“DISE”). In November 2024, the Financial Accounting Standards (“FASB”) issued a new accounting standard to improve the disclosures about an entity’s expenses and address requests from investors for more detailed information about the types of expenses included in commonly presented expense captions. The new standard is effective for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2026, and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2027, with retrospective application permitted. We are assessing the effect on our consolidated financial statement disclosures; however, adoption will not impact our consolidated income statements, balance sheets, or statements of cash flows. All other ASUs issued but not yet adopted were assessed and determined to be not applicable or are not expected to have a material impact on our consolidated financial statements or financial statement disclosures.
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| Cash and Cash Equivalents | Cash and Cash Equivalents. Included in Cash and cash equivalents are highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to known amounts of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value due to interest rate, quoted price, or penalty on withdrawal. A debt security is classified as a cash equivalent if it meets these criteria and if it has a remaining time to maturity of three months or less from the date of purchase. Amounts on deposit and available upon demand, or negotiated to provide for daily liquidity without penalty, are classified as Cash and cash equivalents. Time deposits, certificates of deposit, and money market accounts that meet the above criteria are reported at par value on our consolidated balance sheets. |
| Marketable Securities | Marketable Securities. Investments in securities with a maturity date greater than three months at the date of purchase and other securities for which there is more than an insignificant risk of change in value due to interest rate, quoted price, or penalty on withdrawal are classified as Marketable securities. These investments are reported at fair value. We generally measure fair value using prices obtained from pricing services. Pricing methods and inputs to valuation models used by the pricing services depend on the security type (i.e., asset class). Where possible, fair values are generated using market inputs including quoted prices (the closing price in an exchange market), bid prices (the price at which a buyer stands ready to purchase), and other market information. For fixed income securities that are not actively traded, the pricing services use alternative methods to determine fair value for the securities, including quotes for similar fixed income securities, matrix pricing, discounted cash flow using benchmark curves, or other factors. In certain cases, when market data are not available, we may use broker quotes to determine fair value. An annual review is performed on the security prices received from our pricing services, which includes discussion and analysis of the inputs used by the pricing services to value our securities. We also compare the price of certain securities sold close to the quarter end to the price of the same security at the balance sheet date to ensure the reported fair value is reasonable. Realized and unrealized gains and losses and interest income on our marketable securities are recorded in Other income/(loss), net. Realized gains and losses are measured using the specific identification method.
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| Finance Receivables and Allowance for Credit Losses | Finance receivables are recorded at the time of origination or purchase at fair value and are subsequently reported at amortized cost, net of any allowance for credit losses. For all finance receivables, we define “past due” as any payment, including principal and interest, that is at least 31 days past the contractual due date. Revenue from finance receivables is recognized using the interest method and includes the accretion of certain direct origination costs that are deferred and interest supplements received from Ford and affiliated companies. The unearned interest supplements on finance receivables are included in Total finance receivables, net on the balance sheets, and the earned interest supplements are included in Total financing revenue on the income statements. Non-Accrual of Revenue. The accrual of financing revenue is discontinued at the time a receivable is determined to be uncollectible or when it is 90 days past due. Accounts may be restored to accrual status only when a customer settles all past-due deficiency balances and future payments are reasonably assured. For receivables in non-accrual status, subsequent financing revenue is recognized only to the extent a payment is received. Payments are generally applied first to outstanding interest and then to the unpaid principal balance. NOTE 4. FINANCE RECEIVABLES AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Continued) Loan Modifications. Consumer and non-consumer receivables that have a modified interest rate and/or a term extension (including receivables that were modified in reorganization proceedings pursuant to the U.S. Bankruptcy Code) are typically considered to be loan modifications. We do not grant modifications to the principal balance of our receivables. If a receivable is modified in a reorganization proceeding, all payment requirements of the reorganization plan need to be met before remaining balances are forgiven. During the collection process, we may offer a term extension to a customer experiencing financial difficulty. During the extension period, finance charges continue to accrue. If the customer's financial difficulty is not temporary, but we believe the customer is willing and able to repay their loan at a lower payment amount, we may offer to modify the interest rate and/or extend the term in order to lower the scheduled monthly payment. In those cases, the outstanding balance generally remains unchanged. The use of interest rate modifications and term extensions helps us mitigate financial loss. Term extensions may assist in cases where we believe the customer will recover from short-term financial difficulty and resume regularly scheduled payments. Before offering an interest rate modification or term extension, we evaluate and take into account the capacity of the customer to meet the revised payment terms. Although the granting of an extension could delay the eventual charge-off of a receivable, we are typically able to repossess and sell the related collateral, thereby mitigating the loss. The effect of most loan modifications made to borrowers experiencing financial difficulty is included in the historical trends used to measure the allowance for credit losses. A loan modification that improves the delinquency status of a borrower reduces the probability of default, which results in a lower allowance for credit losses. At December 31, 2025, an insignificant portion of our total finance receivables portfolio had been granted a loan modification and these modifications are generally treated as a continuation of the existing loan. Allowance for Credit Losses The allowance for credit losses represents our estimate of the lifetime expected credit losses inherent in finance receivables as of the balance sheet date. The adequacy of the allowance for credit losses is assessed quarterly. Adjustments to the allowance for credit losses are made by recording charges to Provision for credit losses on our consolidated income statements. The uncollectible portion of a finance receivable is charged to the allowance for credit losses at the earlier of when an account is deemed to be uncollectible or when an account is 120 days delinquent, taking into consideration the financial condition of the customer or borrower, the value of the collateral, recourse to guarantors, and other factors. Charge-offs on finance receivables include uncollected amounts related to principal, interest, late fees, and other allowable charges. Recoveries on finance receivables previously charged off as uncollectible are credited to the allowance for credit losses. In the event we repossess the collateral, the receivable is charged off and the collateral is recorded at its estimated fair value less costs to sell and reported in Other assets on our consolidated balance sheets.
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| Finance Receivables Classification and Held-for-Investment | Finance receivables are accounted for as held for investment (“HFI”) if we have the intent and ability to hold the receivables for the foreseeable future or until maturity or payoff. The determination of intent and ability to hold for the foreseeable future is highly judgmental and requires us to make good faith estimates based on information available at the time of origination or purchase. If we do not have the intent and ability to hold the receivables, then the receivables are classified as held for sale (“HFS”). Held-for-Investment. Finance receivables classified as HFI are recorded at the time of origination or purchase at fair value and are subsequently reported at amortized cost, net of any allowance for credit losses. Cash flows from finance receivables that were originally classified as HFI are recorded as an investing activity since GAAP requires the statement of cash flows presentation to be based on the original classification of the receivables.
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| Held-for-Sale | Held-for-Sale. Finance receivables classified as HFS are carried at the lower of cost or fair value. Cash flows resulting from the origination or purchase and sale of HFS receivables are recorded as an operating activity. Once a decision has been made to sell receivables that were originally classified as HFI, the receivables are reclassified as HFS and carried at the lower of cost or fair value. The valuation adjustment, if any, is recorded in Other income/(loss), net to recognize the receivables at the lower of cost or fair value. |
| Credit Quality | Consumer Portfolio. When originating consumer receivables, we use a proprietary scoring system that measures credit quality using information in the credit application, proposed contract terms, credit bureau data, and other information. After a proprietary risk score is generated, we decide whether to purchase a contract using a decision process based on a judgmental evaluation of the applicant, the credit application, the proposed contract terms, credit bureau information (e.g., FICO score), proprietary risk score, and other information. Our evaluation emphasizes the applicant’s ability to pay and creditworthiness focusing on payment, affordability, applicant credit history, and stability as key considerations. After origination, we review the credit quality of retail financing based on customer payment activity. As each customer develops a payment history, we use an internally developed behavioral scoring model to assist in determining the best collection strategies, which allows us to focus collection activity on higher-risk accounts. These models are used to refine our risk-based staffing model to ensure collection resources are aligned with portfolio risk. Based on data from this scoring model, contracts are categorized by collection risk. Our collection models evaluate several factors, including origination characteristics, updated credit bureau data, and payment patterns. NOTE 4. FINANCE RECEIVABLES AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Continued) Credit quality ratings for consumer receivables are based on aging. Receivables over 60 days past due are in intensified collection status. Non-Consumer Portfolio. We extend credit to dealers primarily in the form of lines of credit to purchase new Ford and Lincoln vehicles as well as used vehicles. Payment is typically required when the dealer has sold the vehicle. Each non‑consumer lending request is evaluated by considering the borrower’s financial condition and the underlying collateral securing the loan. We use a proprietary model to assign each dealer a risk rating. This model uses historical dealer performance data to identify key factors about a dealer that we consider most significant in predicting a dealer’s ability to meet its financial obligations. We also consider numerous other financial and qualitative factors of the dealer’s operations, including capitalization and leverage, liquidity and cash flow, profitability, and credit history with ourselves and other creditors. Dealers are assigned to one of four groups according to risk ratings as follows: •Group I – strong to superior financial metrics •Group II – fair to favorable financial metrics •Group III – marginal to weak financial metrics •Group IV – poor financial metrics, including dealers classified as uncollectible We generally suspend credit lines and extend no further funding to dealers classified in Group IV. NOTE 4. FINANCE RECEIVABLES AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Continued) We regularly review our model to confirm the continued business significance and statistical predictability of the model and may make updates to improve the performance of the model. In addition, we regularly audit dealer inventory and dealer sales records to verify that the dealer is in possession of the financed vehicles and is promptly paying each receivable following the sale of the financed vehicle. The frequency of on-site vehicle inventory audits depends primarily on the dealer’s risk rating. Under our policies, on-site vehicle inventory audits of low-risk dealers are conducted only as circumstances warrant. On-site vehicle inventory audits of higher-risk dealers are conducted with increased frequency based primarily on the dealer’s risk rating, but also considering the results of our electronic monitoring of the dealer’s performance, including daily payment verifications and monthly analyses of the dealer’s financial statements, payoffs, aged inventory, over credit line, and delinquency reports. We typically perform a credit review of each dealer annually and more frequently review certain dealers based on the dealer’s risk rating and total exposure. We adjust the dealer’s risk rating, if necessary. The credit quality of dealer financing receivables is evaluated based on our internal dealer risk rating analysis. A dealer has the same risk rating for all of its dealer financing regardless of the type of financing. Consumer Portfolio For consumer receivables that share similar risk characteristics such as product type, initial credit risk, term, vintage, geography, and other relevant factors, we estimate the lifetime expected credit loss allowance based on a collective assessment using measurement models and management judgment. The lifetime expected credit losses for the receivables is determined by applying probability of default and loss given default assumptions to monthly expected exposures, then discounting these cash flows to present value using the receivable’s original effective interest rate or the current effective interest rate for a variable rate receivable. Probability of default models are developed from internal risk scoring models taking into account the expected probability of payment and time to default, adjusted for macroeconomic outlook and recent performance. The models consider factors such as risk evaluation at the time of origination, historical trends in credit losses, and the composition and recent performance of the present portfolio (including vehicle brand, term, risk evaluation, and new/used vehicles). The loss given default is the percentage of the expected balance due at default that is not recoverable, taking into account the expected collateral value and trends in recoveries (including key metrics such as delinquencies, repossessions, and bankruptcies). Monthly exposures are equal to the receivables’ expected outstanding principal and interest balance. NOTE 4. FINANCE RECEIVABLES AND ALLOWANCE FOR CREDIT LOSSES (Continued) The allowance for credit losses incorporates forward-looking macroeconomic conditions for baseline, upturn, and downturn scenarios. Three separate credit loss allowances are calculated from these scenarios. They are then probability-weighted to determine the quantitative estimate of the credit loss allowance recognized in the financial statements. We use forecasts from a third party that revert to a long-term historical average after a reasonable and supportable forecasting period, which is specific to the particular macroeconomic variable and which varies by market. We update the forward-looking macroeconomic forecasts quarterly. If management does not believe the models reflect lifetime expected credit losses for the portfolio, an adjustment is made to reflect management judgment regarding qualitative factors, including economic uncertainty, observable changes in portfolio performance, and other relevant factors. On an ongoing basis, we review and periodically update our models, including macroeconomic factors, the selection of macroeconomic scenarios, and their weighting, to ensure they reflect the risk of the portfolio. Non-Consumer Portfolio Dealer financing is evaluated on an individual dealer basis by segmenting dealers by risk characteristics (such as the amount of the loans, the nature of the collateral, and the financial status of the dealer) to determine if an individual dealer requires a specific allowance for credit loss. If required, the allowance is based on the present value of the expected future cash flows of the dealer’s receivables discounted at the loans’ original effective interest rate or the fair value of the collateral adjusted for estimated costs to sell. For the remaining dealer financing, we estimate an allowance for credit losses on a collective basis. Wholesale Loans. We estimate the allowance for credit losses for wholesale loans based on historical LTR ratios, expected future cash flows, and the fair value of collateral. The LTR model is based on the most recent years of history. An LTR ratio is calculated by dividing credit losses (i.e., charge-offs net of recoveries) by average net finance receivables, excluding allowance for credit losses. The average LTR ratio is multiplied by the end-of-period balances, representing the lifetime expected credit loss reserve. Dealer Loans. We use a weighted-average remaining maturity method to estimate the lifetime expected credit loss reserve for dealer loans. The loss model is based on the industrywide commercial real estate credit losses, adjusted to factor in the historical credit losses for our dealer loans portfolio. The expected credit loss is calculated under different macroeconomic scenarios that are weighted to provide the total lifetime expected credit loss. After establishing the collective and specific allowance for credit losses, if management believes the allowance does not reflect all losses inherent in the portfolio due to changes in recent economic trends and conditions, or other relevant forward-looking economic factors, an adjustment is made based on management judgment.
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| Net Investment in Operating Leases | Net investment in operating leases consists primarily of lease contracts for vehicles with individuals, daily rental companies, and fleet customers with terms of 60 months or less. Payment extensions may be requested by the customer and are generally limited to a maximum of six months over the term of the lease. Term extensions may also be requested by the customer. Term and payment extensions in total generally do not exceed twelve months. A lease can be terminated at any time by satisfying the obligations under the lease agreement. Early termination programs may be occasionally offered to eligible lessees. At the end of the lease, the customer returns the vehicle to the dealer or may have the option to buy the leased vehicle. In the case of a contract default and repossession, the customer typically remains liable for any deficiency between net auction proceeds and the defaulted contract obligations, including any repossession-related expenses. Included in Net investment in operating leases are net investment in operating leases that have been sold for legal purposes in securitization transactions but continue to be reported in our consolidated financial statements. See Note 6 for additional information. Revenue from rental payments received on operating leases is recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the lease. The accrual of revenue on operating leases is discontinued at the time an account is determined to be uncollectible. We receive interest supplements and residual support payments on certain leasing transactions under agreements with Ford. We recognize these upfront collections from Ford and other vehicle acquisition costs as part of Net investment in operating leases, which are amortized to Depreciation on vehicles subject to operating leases over the term of the lease contract.At the time of purchase, we establish the expected residual value for each vehicle, considering recent auction values, return volumes for our leased vehicles, industrywide used vehicle prices, marketing incentive plans, and vehicle quality data, and benchmark to third-party data depending on availability. Depreciation expense for vehicles under operating leases is then recognized on a straight-line basis, with the associated accumulated depreciation reducing the vehicle's value to its estimated residual value by the end of the scheduled lease term. Our depreciation for leased vehicles is evaluated regularly, using third-party data, and considering factors such as projected residual values at lease termination (including residual value support payments from Ford), the estimated number of vehicles that will be returned to us, and historical early termination rates due to customer defaults. Depreciation expense adjustments, reflecting revised residual value estimates, are applied prospectively on a straight-line basis. We monitor residual values monthly and review accumulated depreciation accuracy quarterly. Our policy is to promptly sell off-lease vehicles. When a vehicle is sold, the difference between net book value and proceeds, plus any lease termination fees (for example, variable lease payments such as excess wear and tear or mileage charges), are recorded as adjustments to Depreciation on vehicles subject to operating leases. We evaluate the carrying value of held-and-used long-lived asset groups (such as vehicles subject to operating leases) for potential impairment when we determine a triggering event has occurred. When a triggering event occurs, a test for recoverability is performed by comparing projected undiscounted future cash flows to the carrying value of the asset group. If the test for recoverability identifies a possible impairment, the asset group’s fair value is measured in accordance with the fair value measurement framework. An impairment charge is recognized for the amount by which the carrying value of the asset group exceeds its estimated fair value. For the periods presented, we have not recorded any impairment charges.
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| Transfers of Receivables and Variable Interest Entities | A VIE is an entity that either (i) has insufficient equity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, or (ii) has equity investors who lack the characteristics of a controlling financial interest. We consolidate VIEs of which we are the primary beneficiary. We consider ourselves the primary beneficiary of a VIE when we have both the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance and the obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the entity that could potentially be significant to the VIE. Assets recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not represent additional assets that could be used to satisfy claims against our general assets. Liabilities recognized as a result of consolidating these VIEs do not represent additional claims on our general assets; rather, they represent claims against the specific assets of the consolidated VIEs. We have the power to direct significant activities of our SPEs when we have the ability to exercise discretion in the servicing of financial assets, issue additional debt, exercise a unilateral call option, add assets to revolving structures, or control investment decisions. We generally retain a portion of the economic interests in the asset-backed securitization transactions, which could be retained in the form of a portion of the senior interests, the subordinated interests, cash reserve accounts, residual interests, and servicing rights. The transfers of assets in our securitization transactions do not qualify for accounting sale treatment. The transactions create and pass along risks to the variable interest holders, depending on the assets securing the debt and the specific terms of the transactions. We aggregate and analyze the asset-backed securitization transactions based on the risk profile of the product and the type of funding structure, including: •Retail financing – consumer credit risk and pre-payment risk; •Wholesale financing – dealer credit risk and Ford risk, as the receivables owned by the VIEs primarily arise from the financing provided by us to Ford-franchised dealers; therefore, the collections depend upon the sale of Ford vehicles; and •Net investment in operating leases – vehicle residual value risk, consumer credit risk, and pre-payment risk. As residual interest holder, we are exposed to the underlying residual and credit risk of the collateral and are exposed to interest rate risk in some transactions. The amount of risk absorbed by our residual interests generally is represented by and limited to the amount of overcollateralization of the assets securing the debt and any cash reserves. We have no obligation to repurchase or replace any securitized asset that subsequently becomes delinquent in payment or otherwise is in default, except when representations and warranties about the eligibility of the securitized assets are breached, or when certain changes are made to the underlying asset contracts. Securitization investors have no recourse to us or our other assets other than as provided above and have no right to require us to repurchase the asset-backed securities. We generally have no obligation to provide liquidity or contribute cash or additional assets to the VIEs and do not guarantee any asset-backed securities. We may choose to support the performance of certain securitization transactions, however, by increasing cash reserves. Although not contractually required, we regularly support our wholesale securitization programs by repurchasing receivables of a dealer from a VIE when the dealer’s performance is at risk, which transfers the corresponding risk of loss from the VIE to us. In order to continue to fund the wholesale receivables, we also may contribute additional cash or wholesale receivables if the collateral falls below the required levels. The balance of cash related to these contributions was zero at both December 31, 2024 and 2025, and was zero for all of 2024 and 2025. Certain of our securitization entities may enter into derivative transactions to mitigate interest rate exposure, primarily resulting from fixed-rate assets securing floating-rate debt. In certain instances, the counterparty enters into offsetting derivative transactions with us to mitigate its interest rate risk resulting from derivatives with our securitization entities. These related derivatives are not the obligations of our securitization entities. See Note 7 for additional information regarding the accounting for derivatives.
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| Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedge Accounting | Derivative Financial Instruments and Hedge Accounting. Derivative assets and derivative liabilities are reported in Derivative financial instruments on our balance sheets. We have elected to apply hedge accounting to certain derivatives. Derivatives that are designated in hedging relationships are evaluated for effectiveness using regression analysis at the time they are designated and throughout the hedge period. Some derivatives do not qualify for hedge accounting; for others, we elect not to apply hedge accounting. NOTE 7. DERIVATIVE FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS AND HEDGING ACTIVITIES (Continued) Fair Value Hedges. We use derivatives to reduce the risk of changes in the fair value of debt. We have designated certain receive-fixed, pay-float interest rate and cross-currency interest rate swaps as fair value hedges of fixed-rate debt. The risk being hedged is the risk of changes in the fair value of the hedged debt attributable to changes in the benchmark interest rate and foreign exchange. We report the change in fair value of the hedged debt related to the change in benchmark interest rate in Debt and Interest expense. We report the change in fair value of the hedged debt related to foreign currency in Debt and Other income/(loss), net. Net interest settlements and accruals, and fair value changes on hedging instruments due to the benchmark interest rate change are reported in Interest expense. Fair value changes on the hedging instrument due to foreign currency are reported in Other Income/(loss), net. The cash flows associated with fair value hedges are reported in Net cash provided by/(used in) operating activities on our statements of cash flows. When a fair value hedge is de-designated, or when the derivative is terminated before maturity, the fair value adjustment to the hedged debt continues to be reported as part of the carrying value of the debt and is recognized in Interest expense over its remaining life. Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instruments. We report net interest settlements and accruals and changes in the fair value of interest rate swaps not designated as hedging instruments in Other income/(loss), net. Foreign currency revaluation on accrued interest along with gains and losses on foreign exchange contracts and cross-currency interest rate swaps are reported in Other income/(loss), net. Cash flows associated with non-designated or de-designated derivatives are reported in Net cash provided by/(used in) investing activities on our statements of cash flows.
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| Debt | We obtain short-term funding from the issuance of demand notes to retail investors through our Ford Interest Advantage and retail deposit programs. We have certain securitization programs that issue short-term asset-backed debt securities that are sold to institutional investors. Bank borrowings by several of our international affiliates in the ordinary course of business are an additional source of short-term funding. We obtain long-term debt funding through the issuance of a variety of unsecured and asset-backed debt securities in the United States and international capital markets. Asset-backed debt issued in securitizations is the obligation of the consolidated securitization entity that issued the debt and is payable only out of collections on the underlying securitized assets and related enhancements. This asset-backed debt is not the obligation of Ford Credit or our other subsidiaries. Debt is reported on our consolidated balance sheets at par value adjusted for unamortized discount or premium, unamortized issuance costs, and adjustments related to designated fair value hedging (see Note 7 for additional information). Debt due within one year at issuance is classified as short-term. Debt due after one year at issuance is classified as long-term. Discounts, premiums, and costs directly related to the issuance of debt are capitalized and amortized over the life of the debt or to the put date and are recorded in Interest expense using the effective interest method. Gains and losses on the extinguishment of debt are recorded in Other income/(loss), net.
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| Income Taxes | Ford Motor Credit Company LLC and certain of its subsidiaries are disregarded entities for United States income tax purposes. Ford’s consolidated United States federal and state income tax returns include certain of our domestic subsidiaries. Our provision for income taxes includes only income tax liabilities for Ford Credit entities recognized as taxable within a jurisdiction. Certain United States minimum taxes, such as the corporate alternative minimum tax and the tax on global intangible low-taxed income, are generally allocated to us on a separate return basis calculated as if we were a taxable entity. The net minimum tax liability allocated to us will not exceed the net liability as determined on a consolidated basis. We recognize income tax-related penalties in Provision for/(Benefit from) income taxes on our consolidated income statements. We recognize income tax-related interest income and expense in Other income/(loss), net on our consolidated income statements. We account for U.S. tax on global intangible low-taxed income in the period incurred, and we account for investment tax credits using the deferral method. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized based on the future tax consequences attributable to temporary differences that exist between the financial statement carrying value of assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases, and net operating loss carryforwards and tax credit carryforwards on a taxing jurisdiction basis. We measure deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates that will apply in the years in which we expect the temporary differences to be recovered or paid. Our accounting for deferred tax consequences represents our best estimate of the likely future tax consequences of events that have been recognized in our consolidated financial statements or tax returns and their future probability. In assessing the need for a valuation allowance, we consider both positive and negative evidence related to the likelihood of realization of the deferred tax assets. If, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not that the deferred tax assets will not be realized, we record a valuation allowance. As disclosed in Note 2, we have prospectively adopted the guidance in ASU 2023-09 Improvements to Income Tax Disclosures
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| Insurance | We conduct insurance underwriting operations primarily through The American Road Insurance Company (“TARIC”). TARIC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Ford Credit operating in the United States and Canada. TARIC provides physical damage insurance coverage for Ford Credit financed vehicles at dealer locations. TARIC also provides physical damage insurance coverage for non-affiliated company financed vehicles, serviced by Ford Credit, at dealer locations. In addition, TARIC provides a variety of other insurance products and services to Ford and its affiliates, including contractual liability insurance on extended service contracts. TARIC provides commercial automobile insurance for Ford and third parties and general liability insurance and surety bonds for Ford in the United States. Insurance premiums earned are reported net of reinsurance as Insurance premiums earned. These premiums are earned over their respective policy periods. Physical damage insurance premiums are recognized as income on a monthly basis. Premiums from extended service plan contracts and other contractual liability coverages are earned over the life of the policy based on historical loss experience. Commissions and premium taxes are deferred and amortized over the term of the related policies on the same basis on which premiums are earned. Reserves for insurance losses and loss adjustment expenses are established based on actuarial estimates and historical loss development patterns, which represents management’s best estimate. If management believes the reserves do not reflect all losses due to changes in conditions, or other relevant factors, an adjustment is made based on management judgment. Reinsurance activity primarily consists of ceding a majority of the contractual liability insurance business related to automotive extended service plan contracts for a ceding commission. Commissions on ceded amounts are earned on the same basis as related premiums. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve TARIC from its obligations to its policyholders. Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to TARIC. Therefore, TARIC requires nearly all of its reinsurers to hold collateral and monitors the underlying business and financial performance of its reinsurers to mitigate risk.
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| Segment Information | We report segment information consistent with the way our chief operating decision maker (“CODM”), our President and Chief Executive Officer, evaluates the operating results and performance of the Company. We conduct our financing operations directly and indirectly through our subsidiaries and affiliates. We offer substantially similar products and services throughout many different regions, subject to local legal restrictions and market conditions. Our reportable segments are: the United States and Canada, Europe, and All Other. Our All Other reportable segment includes our operations in China, Mexico, and our joint venture in South Africa, as well as wind down activities in Brazil, Argentina, and India. We report segment earnings on an income before income taxes basis after excluding market valuation adjustments to derivatives and exchange-rate fluctuations on foreign currency-denominated transactions, which are reflected in Unallocated Other. These adjustments are excluded when assessing our segment performance because they are carried out at the corporate level. Our CODM reviews segment earnings on an income before income taxes basis to evaluate performance and allocate resources, predominately in the budgeting, planning, and forecasting processes.
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| Guarantees and Indemnifications | Guarantees and indemnifications are recorded at fair value at their inception. For financial guarantees, subsequent to initial recognition, the guarantee liability is adjusted at each reporting period to reflect the current estimate of expected payments resulting from possible default events over the remaining life of the guarantee. For non-financial guarantees, we regularly review our performance risk under these arrangements, and in the event it becomes probable we will be required to perform under a guarantee or indemnity, the amount of probable payment is recorded. In some cases, we have guaranteed debt and other financial obligations of outside third parties and unconsolidated affiliates, including Ford. Expiration dates vary, and guarantees will terminate on payment and/or cancellation of the underlying obligation. A payment by us would be triggered by failure of the third party to fulfill its obligation covered by the guarantee. In some circumstances, we are entitled to recover from a third party amounts paid by us under the guarantee. In the ordinary course of business, we execute contracts involving indemnifications standard in the industry and indemnifications specific to a transaction, such as the sale of a business. These indemnifications might include and are not limited to claims relating to any of the following: environmental, tax, and shareholder matters; intellectual property rights; governmental regulations and employment-related matters; dealer and other commercial contractual relationships; and financial matters, such as securitizations. Performance under these indemnities generally would be triggered by a breach of contract claim brought by a counterparty or a third-party claim. While some of these indemnifications are limited in nature, many of them do not limit potential payment. Therefore, we are unable to estimate a maximum amount of future payments that could result from claims made under these unlimited indemnities. Litigation and Claims Various legal actions, proceedings, and claims (generally, “matters”) are pending or may be instituted or asserted against us. These include but are not limited to matters arising out of governmental regulations; tax matters; alleged illegal acts resulting in fines or penalties; financial services; employment-related matters; dealer and other contractual relationships; investor matters; and financial reporting matters. Certain of the pending legal actions are, or purport to be, class actions. Some of the matters involve or may involve claims for compensatory, punitive, or antitrust or other treble damages in very large amounts, sanctions, assessments, or other relief, which, if granted, would require very large expenditures. The extent of our financial exposure to these matters is difficult to estimate. Many matters do not specify a dollar amount for damages, and many others specify only a jurisdictional minimum. To the extent an amount is asserted, our historical experience suggests that in most instances the amount asserted is not a reliable indicator of the ultimate outcome. We accrue for matters when losses are deemed probable and reasonably estimable. In evaluating matters for accrual and disclosure purposes, we take into consideration factors such as our historical experience with matters of a similar nature, the specific facts and circumstances asserted, the likelihood that we will prevail, and the severity of any potential loss. We reevaluate and update our accruals as matters progress over time. For nearly all matters where our historical experience with similar matters is of limited value (i.e., “non-pattern matters”), we evaluate the matters primarily based on the individual facts and circumstances. For non-pattern matters, we evaluate whether there is a reasonable possibility of a material loss in excess of any accrual that can be estimated. It is reasonably possible that some of the matters for which accruals have not been established could be decided unfavorably and could require us to pay damages or make other expenditures. We do not reasonably expect, based on our analysis, that such matters would have a material effect on future financial statements for a particular year, although such an outcome is possible. As noted, the litigation process is subject to many uncertainties, and the outcome of individual matters is not predictable with assurance. Our assessments are based on our knowledge and experience, but the ultimate outcome of any matter could require payment substantially in excess of the amount that we have accrued and/or disclosed.
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