AMERICAN HONDA FINANCE CORP

American Honda Finance Corporation (AHFC) is Honda’s captive finance arm in the U.S. and Canada, offering retail loans, leases, dealer floorplan and commercial financing. For FY 2025 (ended March 31, 2025), AHFC reported: • Net income of $1.177 billion (up 7.1% YoY) • Retail loan balances (n...

Deep Dive: American Honda Finance Corp. 2025 10-K Analysis

TL;DR: American Honda Finance Corporation (AHFC) is the captive finance arm of Honda Motor Co., Ltd., providing retail loans, leases, wholesale dealer financing and commercial loans in the U.S. and Canada. For fiscal year 2025 (ended March 31, 2025), AHFC posted net income of $1.177 billion, up 7.1% from $1.099 billion in 2024. Retail finance receivables totaled $48.2 billion and operating lease assets $30.6 billion. The allowance for credit losses on retail loans rose to $387 million amid softening used-car values and higher interest rates. AHFC’s funding is supported by a $45 billion medium-term note program, commercial paper, bank lines and a Keep-Well agreement with Honda Motor. AHFC’s captive model, diversified funding, strong credit controls and steady earnings give it an investment potential score of 7.2/10.

Warren.AI 💰 7.2 / 10


Company Overview

Name: American Honda Finance Corporation (AHFC)
Headquarters: Torrance, California
Parent: American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (AHM), a Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (HMC) subsidiary
Subsidiary: Honda Canada Finance Inc. (HCFI, 52.3% owned by AHFC)
Business: Provides captive financing to Honda and Acura dealers and customers in the U.S. and Canada through:

  • Retail loans: Indirect installment financing of new and used Honda/Acura vehicles, powersports, etc.
  • Leases: Closed-end auto leases, disposed via a remarketing center at lease end.
  • Wholesale (floorplan) loans: Dealer inventory financing from a revolving line.
  • Commercial loans: Facility, construction and working capital loans to dealerships.
  • Other: Honda Aircraft finance via Honda Aviation Finance (U.S.).

AHFC is vital to Honda’s sales strategy: captive financing drives both vehicle volume and customer loyalty via promotional rate programs subsidized by AHM/HCI.

Financial Snapshot (FY 2025 vs. FY 2024)

Metric 2025 2024 % Change
Net Income $1,177 million $1,099 million +7.1%
Retail Loan Revenue $2,748 million $2,076 million +32.3%
Dealer Loan Revenue $291 million $230 million +26.5%
Lease Revenue $6,450 million $6,099 million +5.8%
Total Net Revenues $2,684 million $2,631 million +2.0%
Total Assets $88.97 billion $78.47 billion +13.4%
Retail Finance Receivables (net) $48.18 billion $43.20 billion +11.5%
Operating Lease Investment (net) $30.60 billion $27.38 billion +11.8%
Total Debt (net of fees) $62.55 billion $50.92 billion +22.8%
Allowance for Credit Losses (Retail) $387 million $345 million +12.2%
Effective Tax Rate 26.0% 28.6%

Credit Metrics:

  • Charge-offs on retail loans were 0.52% of average portfolio; allowance coverage 0.75% of balances.
  • Lease early‐termination losses (defaults) totaled $136 million, up from $100 million.

Funding & Liquidity:

  • Commercial paper: $6.0 billion outstanding.
  • Medium-term note program: $37.2 billion (U.S.$, € and £).
  • Secured debt (leases receivables SPE): $12.4 billion.
  • Bank lines: $7.0 billion AHFC facility, $1.4 billion HCFI facility unused.
  • Keep-Well Agreements: HMC agreement ensures sufficient liquidity/tangible equity.

10-K Highlights

1. Business & Growth Drivers

  • Captive Financing: Aligns with Honda’s retail promotions (subsidies deferrable over contract life).
  • Program Flexibility: Auto, powersports, marine, equipment segments.
  • Dealer Franchise Support: Wholesale “floorplan” credit and commercial financing fortify dealer network.

2. Credit & Residual Risk

  • Underwriting: Proprietary credit-scoring with FICO tiers in the U.S., one-tier pricing in Canada.
  • Collection & Remarketing: Three U.S. service centers; specialized Lease Maturity & Remarketing unit (VIPS program, auctions).
  • Credit Trends: Delinquencies and charge‐offs rose in FY 2025 due to high rates & inflation pressures.

3. Funding & Capital Structure

  • Diversified Capital: Commercial paper, medium-term notes, asset-backed securitizations, bank credit.
  • Keep-Well Support: HMC commitment stabilizes credit ratings & lowers funding costs.
  • Credit Ratings: Moody’s & S&P remain investment grade; AHFC ratings track HMC.

4. Regulatory & Operational Risks

  • Consumer Finance Regulation: CFPB scrutiny (CFPB Consent Order: $10 million redress, $3 million penalty).
  • Concentration: Dependent on Honda/Acura sales & incentives.
  • Economic Sensitivity: Vehicle sales, credit losses tied to unemployment, interest rates & used‐car values.
  • Cyber & Data Risk: Robust programs; June 2020 cyber‐attack no significant ongoing impact.

5. Forward-Looking & Model Changes

  • CECL Modeling: Updated for 2024 U.S. accounting, forecasting economic scenarios of unemployment, used‐car indexes.
  • GloBE Rules: Minimal tax impact projected under OECD Global Minimum Tax (effective for April 1, 2024 in Canada).

Net Profit & Key Takeaway

Net income in FY 2025 was $1.177 billion compared to $1.099 billion in FY 2024. Growth was fueled by strong financing volumes and program subsidies, partially offset by rising credit costs in a high‐rate, rising cost environment.

AHFC’s captive model with stable equity support, diversified funding, disciplined credit and robust remarketing infrastructure places it in a strong position to weather rate cycles and credit volatility. Coupled with its link to Honda/Acura volume, AHFC earns an investment potential score of 7.2 on a 1-to-10 scale.


Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. Always do your own research or consult a professional.

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