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Investors interested in Financial - Consumer Loans stocks are likely familiar with OneMain Holdings (OMF) and Sallie Mae (SLM) . But which of these two stocks offers value investors a better bang for their buck right now? We'll need to take a closer look.The best way to find great value stocks is to pair a strong Zacks Rank with an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system. The proven Zacks Rank puts an emphasis on earnings estimates and estimate revisions, while our Style Scores wor ...

Question-and-Answer SessionPeter GrahamExecutive VP, CFO & Treasurer Sure, sure. I think it's important to sort of reiterate our focus on originations is really around quality of originations, not just overall growth. Over the last couple of years, we've talked about the fact that we've continued to make sort of cuts at the margin to our credit underwriting to improve the overall quality of the book. By our estimate, over the last few years, that sort of, call it, 8 to 10 points of originations volume that ...

Question-and-Answer SessionPeter GrahamExecutive VP, CFO & Treasurer Sure, sure. I think it's important to sort of reiterate our focus on originations is really around quality of originations, not just overall growth. Over the last couple of years, we've talked about the fact that we've continued to make sort of cuts at the margin to our credit underwriting to improve the overall quality of the book. By our estimate, over the last few years, that sort of, call it, 8 to 10 points of originations volume that ...

Summary of Conference Call Company Overview - The conference call involved SLM Corporation, a leading private student loan lender, discussing its performance and outlook in the consumer finance sector, particularly focusing on student loans. Key Points Industry and Market Dynamics - The private student lending market is approximately $14 billion, with potential for growth, although it remains smaller compared to other consumer finance sectors like credit cards and auto loans [28][29]. - Legislative changes are expected to create new borrowing opportunities, particularly with Grad PLUS and Parent PLUS loans, which will phase in over the next few years [9][10]. Origination and Growth Guidance - SLM Corporation has adjusted its origination growth guidance from 6-8% to 5-6% due to softer demand and credit actions taken earlier in the year [5][6]. - The company has focused on the quality of originations, reducing volume by 8-10% over the past few years to maintain high credit quality [4][5]. Credit Quality and Underwriting - The company has tightened its credit underwriting standards, which has led to a higher quality of recent originations compared to previous years [17][46]. - The credit profile of Grad PLUS borrowers is expected to align well with SLM's underwriting criteria, indicating a good fit for expansion into this market [12][40]. Funding and Partnerships - SLM is exploring funding partnerships in the private credit space to create a more capital-light, fee-based revenue stream [14][15]. - The company aims to develop origination capabilities that are not reliant on the bank's balance sheet, which would mitigate capital market risks associated with loan sales [15][39]. Performance Metrics - The company reported a net interest margin (NIM) of approximately 5.3% and expects this to remain stable despite potential rate cuts [35][36]. - Long-term net charge-off targets remain in the high ones to low twos percentage range, supported by recent underwriting changes [26][40]. Borrower Assistance Programs - SLM has various loan modification programs aimed at assisting borrowers, with a high success rate for those in these programs for over a year [20][21]. - The company adjusted qualification requirements for modifications from 30 days delinquent to 60 days to better align with borrower behavior [22]. Employment Outlook for Graduates - Surveys indicate that recent graduates (2023 and 2024) maintain a confident outlook regarding employment, with no immediate concerns noted for the 2025 graduating class [23]. Capital Return Strategy - SLM's capital return philosophy includes using proceeds from loan sales to support share buyback programs and dividend growth, with a focus on maintaining a consistent capital-light revenue stream [42][44]. Competitive Advantages - SLM's competitive edge includes a large and experienced sales force, long-term relationships with educational institutions, and extensive data for informed decision-making [27]. Conclusion - SLM Corporation remains optimistic about its growth prospects in the student loan market, focusing on quality originations, strategic partnerships, and maintaining a strong credit profile while navigating the evolving regulatory landscape [26][45].

Investment Rating - The report maintains an "In-Line" investment rating for the industry, with a cautious view on midcap banks and a positive outlook for large cap banks [5][3]. Core Insights - The regulatory landscape for US banks is expected to undergo significant changes, with proposals for lower capital requirements likely to double excess capital and risk-weighted asset (RWA) capacity at large cap banks [1][4]. - The Federal Reserve is moving quickly on regulatory reforms, with a broad consensus anticipated on many proposals, including stress test transparency and GSIB surcharge adjustments [3][4]. - The expected increase in excess capital for large cap banks is projected to rise from $118 billion in Q2 2025 to $228 billion following the implementation of new regulations [7][9]. Summary by Sections Regulatory Changes - Key changes anticipated over the next year include lower stress capital buffers (SCBs) from the 2025 stress test, enhanced stress test transparency, and reforms to the GSIB surcharge and supplementary leverage ratio (SLR) [7][10]. - The Basel III Endgame finalization is expected to provide clarity for banks to optimize capital, supporting loan demand and capital markets activity [10][11]. Capital and RWA Capacity - Large cap banks currently have $118 billion of excess capital, which is expected to increase to $157 billion after a lower 2025 SCB, $172 billion post-SLR reform, and $228 billion post-GSIB surcharge reform [9][17]. - Incremental RWA capacity for large cap banks is projected to double from $0.9 trillion in Q2 2025 to $1.9 trillion following regulatory changes [9][19]. Earnings Impact - A sensitivity analysis indicates that optimizing excess capital could lead to a median increase of 24% in consensus 2026 earnings per share (EPS) across large cap banks, midcap banks, and consumer finance coverage [10][34]. - Regional banks are expected to benefit significantly from faster M&A approvals, which should enhance capital positions and growth opportunities [10][11]. Company-Specific Opportunities - Citigroup is projected to increase its excess capital from $16 billion to $31 billion post-GSIB surcharge reform, with significant buyback plans [32]. - Bank of America is expected to see its excess capital rise from $10 billion to $33 billion, with strong buyback potential and loan growth [32]. - JPMorgan Chase anticipates an increase in excess capital from $38 billion to $60 billion, benefiting from lower GSIB surcharges [32]. - Goldman Sachs is positioned to benefit from a rebound in capital markets, with expected buybacks of $17 billion in 2025 [32][33]. - Wells Fargo is projected to increase its excess capital from $13 billion to $34 billion, allowing for organic growth and share repurchases [32].

Core Insights - Sallie Mae (SLM) reported Q2 2025 earnings per share (EPS) of 32 cents, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 49 cents, and down from $1.11 in the prior-year quarter [1][8] - The decline in EPS was attributed to higher provisions for credit losses, a decrease in non-interest income, and increased expenses, although net interest income (NII) showed a positive trend [1][10] Financial Performance - The company's GAAP net income was $71 million compared to $252 million in the prior-year quarter [2] - Second-quarter NII totaled $376.8 million, up 1.2% year over year, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.5% [3] - The net interest margin for the quarter was 5.31%, a decrease of 5 basis points from the prior-year quarter [3] - Non-interest income fell to $26.8 million from $141.8 million in the year-ago quarter [3] - Non-interest expenses increased by 5.5% year over year to $167.2 million [3] Credit Quality - Provisions for credit losses rose significantly to $148.7 million from $16.8 million in the prior-year quarter [4][8] - Net charge-offs for private education loans increased by 17.5% year over year to $94 million, with a net charge-off rate of 2.36%, up 17 basis points year over year [4][8] Balance Sheet - As of June 30, 2025, deposits were $20.5 billion, reflecting a 2% sequential increase [5] - Private education loans held for investment reached $21.2 billion, up 14.8% from the prior-year quarter [5] - Private education loan originations slightly declined to $686 million compared to the year-ago quarter [5] Share Repurchase - In Q2, SLM repurchased 2.4 million shares for $70 million under its 2024 share buyback program [6] Outlook - The company reaffirmed its 2025 outlook, expecting diluted EPS of $3.00-$3.10 [7] - Total loan portfolio net charge-offs are anticipated to be 2-2.2% of average loans in repayment [7] - Private education loan originations are projected to grow by 6-8% year over year [7] Additional Insights - Overall financial performance appears decent with robust loan origination and an increase in net interest income being encouraging factors, despite the rise in provisions for credit losses posing a near-term challenge [10]

Sallie Mae (SLM) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.32 per share, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.49 per share. This compares to earnings of $1.11 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of -34.69%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this student loan company would post earnings of $1.19 per share when it actually produced earnings of $1.4, delivering a surprise of +17.65%.Over the last four quarters, the ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - GAAP diluted EPS for Q2 2025 was $0.032 per share, with loan originations at $686 million, roughly in line with the same period last year [5][6] - Net interest income for Q2 2025 was $377 million, up $5 million from the prior year, with a net interest margin of 5.31% [11] - Provision for credit losses increased to $149 million in Q2 2025 from $17 million in the prior year, reflecting a more cautious macroeconomic outlook [12][13] - Private education loans delinquent for 30 days or more were 3.5%, a decrease from 3.6% at the end of Q1 2025, but higher than 3.3% a year ago [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The credit quality of originations showed improvement, with a cosigner rate of 84%, up from 80% year-over-year, and average FICO at approval rising to 754 from 752 [8] - Non-interest expenses for Q2 2025 were $67 million, significantly lower than $155 million in the prior quarter and $159 million a year ago [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The recently passed federal student loan reforms are expected to create an additional $4.5 billion to $5 billion in annual private education loan origination volume for Sallie Mae once fully implemented [20][21] - The reforms will take effect on July 1, 2026, and are anticipated to have a muted impact in 2026, with larger effects expected in 2027 and beyond [19][21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for mid to high single-digit growth in its private student loan portfolio, supported by loan sales and other funding strategies [23] - Sallie Mae is exploring new alternative funding partnerships in the private credit space to enhance capital efficiency and predictable returns [22][49] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the long-term outlook for private student lending, particularly due to federal student loan reforms [5][18] - The company is closely monitoring the impacts of federal lending reforms and other macroeconomic factors on its business [6][12] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 2.4 million shares at an average price of $29.42 per share, reducing shares outstanding by over 53% since the buyback strategy began in 2020 [9] - The liquidity ratio at the end of Q2 2025 was 17.8%, with total risk-based capital at 12.8% and common equity Tier one capital at 11.5% [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you provide details on the $1.8 billion loan sale and gain on sale margin? - The pricing for the loan sale is in line with expectations, though slightly adjusted from earlier in the year due to changes in the rates environment [25] Question: Should we expect another loan sale in Q4 2025? - The company will monitor the peak season and evaluate capital levels before deciding on a potential sale [26] Question: Can you explain the uptick in net charge-off rates? - The increase is attributed to disaster forbearance related to the California wildfires, which shifted some charge-off timing [27][30] Question: How do you view the potential upside from federal lending changes? - The company believes the reforms could significantly increase private loan origination volumes, with a focus on maintaining market share [34][60] Question: What is the expected timing for new private credit partnerships? - The goal is to have partnerships in place before the additional volume from federal reforms begins [66] Question: How will the new market opportunity affect competition? - The company is confident in its ability to compete effectively, leveraging strong relationships and data insights [63]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - GAAP diluted EPS for Q2 2025 was $0.032 per share, with loan originations at $686 million, roughly in line with the same period last year [6][10] - Net interest income for Q2 2025 was $377 million, up $5 million from the prior year, with a net interest margin of 5.31% [11] - Provision for credit losses increased to $149 million in Q2 2025 from $17 million in the prior year, reflecting a more cautious macroeconomic outlook [12] - Private education loans delinquent for 30 days or more were 3.5%, a decrease from 3.6% at the end of Q1 2025 [13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The credit quality of originations showed improvement, with a cosigner rate of 84%, up from 80% in the year-ago quarter [8] - Net private education loan charge-offs in Q2 were $94 million, representing 2.36% of average loans in repayment, an increase of 17 basis points year-over-year [14] - Non-interest expenses for Q2 were $67 million, significantly lower than $155 million in the prior quarter and $159 million in the year-ago quarter [15] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company anticipates that new federal lending limits could generate an additional $4.5 billion to $5 billion in annual private education loan origination volume once fully realized [21] - The reforms will take effect on July 1, 2026, with existing borrowers grandfathered into current programs, potentially impacting near-term originations [20] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company plans to maintain a strategy of mid to high single-digit private student loan portfolio growth, supported by loan sales and other structures [24] - The management is exploring new alternative funding partnerships in the private credit space to support growth while preserving balance sheet capacity [23] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the long-term outlook for private student lending, particularly due to recent federal student loan reforms [6][19] - The company is closely monitoring the impacts of federal lending reforms and other policy developments on its business [7][20] Other Important Information - The company repurchased 2.4 million shares at an average price of $29.42 per share, reducing shares outstanding by over 53% since the start of the buyback strategy in 2020 [9] - The liquidity ratio at the end of Q2 was 17.8%, with total risk-based capital at 12.8% and common equity Tier 1 capital at 11.5% [16] Q&A Session Summary Question: Can you discuss the $1.8 billion loan sale and gain on sale margin? - The company is in line with expectations for the transaction, with modest adjustments in pricing due to changes in the rates environment [26] Question: Should we expect another loan sale in Q4 2025? - The company will monitor the peak season and evaluate capital levels before deciding on additional sales [27] Question: Can you explain the uptick in net charge-off rates? - The increase is attributed to disaster forbearance related to the California wildfires, which shifted some charge-off timing [28][30] Question: How does the new federal lending reform impact your growth algorithm? - The company maintains its growth framework but may trend towards higher growth rates due to the new opportunities presented by the reforms [34] Question: What is the expected market share for the new addressable market? - The company expects to maintain a market share in the 60% range for the new opportunities presented by the reforms [58] Question: What is the timing for the new private credit partnerships? - The company aims to have partnerships in place before the additional volume from reforms comes into effect [65]