Press Release|ABS
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KBRA Assigns Preliminary Ratings to Westlake Automobile Receivables Trust 2026-1

5 Jan 2026   |   New York

Contacts

KBRA assigns preliminary ratings to seven classes of notes issued by Westlake Automobile Receivables Trust 2026-1 (“WLAKE 2026-1”), an asset-backed securitization collateralized by a pool of auto loans.

WLAKE 2026-1 will issue eight classes (Class A-2 consists of A-2-A and A-2-B) of notes totaling $1.31 billion. The ratings reflect initial credit enhancement of 40.85% for the Class A-1, Class A-2, and Class A-3 notes, through 8.35% for the Class E notes. Credit enhancement consists of subordination (except for the Class E notes), overcollateralization, a reserve account and excess spread.

This transaction represents the first term ABS securitization in 2026 for Westlake Services, LLC (“Westlake” or the “Company”). The Company has issued 38 subprime and one prime auto loan ABS securitizations since May 2010. Most of Westlake’s borrowers have experienced prior credit difficulties and generally have credit bureau scores ranging from 500 to 700. Loans are originated through independent and franchise dealers and segmented into three credit tiers (Standard, Gold and Platinum) each based on a borrower’s credit bureau score. Westlake also utilizes a proprietary model to calculate a customer factor for each loan.

KBRA applied its Auto Loan ABS Global Methodology as well as its Global Structured Finance Counterparty Methodology and ESG Global Rating Methodology as part of its analysis of the portfolio pool data, underlying collateral pool, and capital structure. KBRA considered its operational reviews of Westlake, as well as periodic due diligence calls with the Company. Operative agreements and legal opinions will be reviewed prior to closing.

To access ratings and relevant documents, click here.

Click here to view the report.

Methodologies

Disclosures

Further information on key credit considerations, sensitivity analyses that consider what factors can affect these credit ratings and how they could lead to an upgrade or a downgrade, and ESG factors (where they are a key driver behind the change to the credit rating or rating outlook) can be found in the full rating report referenced above.

A description of all substantially material sources that were used to prepare the credit rating and information on the methodology(ies) (inclusive of any material models and sensitivity analyses of the relevant key rating assumptions, as applicable) used in determining the credit rating is available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) located here.

Information on the meaning of each rating category can be located here.

Further disclosures relating to this rating action are available in the Information Disclosure Form(s) referenced above. Additional information regarding KBRA policies, methodologies, rating scales and disclosures are available at www.kbra.com.

About KBRA

Kroll Bond Rating Agency, LLC (KBRA), one of the major credit rating agencies (CRA), is a full-service CRA registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission as an NRSRO. Kroll Bond Rating Agency Europe Limited is registered as a CRA with the European Securities and Markets Authority. Kroll Bond Rating Agency UK Limited is registered as a CRA with the UK Financial Conduct Authority. In addition, KBRA is designated as a Designated Rating Organization (DRO) by the Ontario Securities Commission for issuers of asset-backed securities to file a short form prospectus or shelf prospectus. KBRA is also recognized as a Qualified Rating Agency by Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission and is recognized by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners as a Credit Rating Provider (CRP) in the U.S.

Doc ID: 1012913