Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net earnings of $967 million or $2.5 per diluted share, with a return on average assets of 3.2% and a return on tangible common equity of 28.3% [6][19][23] - Net revenue decreased by 2% to $3.6 billion, while net interest income increased by 3% to $4.5 billion [16][19] - The efficiency ratio was 34.1%, approximately 240 basis points higher than the previous year [19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Purchase volume decreased by 2% year over year to $46 billion, with dual and co-branded cards accounting for 45% of that volume, reflecting a 5% increase compared to last year [7][15] - Ending loan receivables decreased by 2% to $100 billion due to lower purchase volume and a higher payment rate, which increased by approximately 30 basis points to 16.3% [15][16] - The company saw a 1% year-over-year increase in other income, driven by program performance [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The 30-plus delinquency rate was 4.18%, a decrease of 29 basis points from the previous year, while the net charge-off rate was 5.7%, down 72 basis points [20][21] - Total liquid assets increased by 9% to $21.8 billion, representing 18.1% of total assets [22] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on evolving its product offerings and enhancing customer experience, with new partnerships and product launches expected to drive growth [10][13] - The partnership with Walmart and the renewal with Amazon are expected to enhance the company's market position and drive future growth [11][14] - The company aims to maintain a strong credit position while selectively loosening credit standards to drive growth [27][28] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about consumer spending and credit performance, noting encouraging signs in the portfolio [36][38] - The company expects ending loan receivables to remain flat compared to last year, with a loss rate projected between 5.6% and 5.8% [24][25] - The outlook for net interest margin is expected to increase to an average of 15.6% in the second half of 2025 [26] Other Important Information - The company returned $614 million to shareholders, consisting of $500 million in share repurchases and $114 million in dividends [23] - The CET1 ratio increased to 13.6%, indicating a strong capital position [22] Q&A Session Summary Question: What encouraging signs are being seen in the portfolio? - Management noted that consumer spending remains strong, with co-branded growth up 5% compared to the prior year, indicating positive trends in retail and discretionary spending [36][37] Question: Can you elaborate on the modifications to the PPPC? - Management stated that any potential rollbacks will occur on a partner-by-partner basis, with minor modifications expected to have a limited impact on net revenue [40][41] Question: What drives the expected increase in net interest margin in the second half? - The increase is attributed to a rise in average loan receivables as a percentage of interest-earning assets and the impact of PPPC on loan yield [48][49] Question: How does the company view loan growth and credit standards? - Management indicated that while loan growth may slow, there is optimism for growth opportunities as credit standards are selectively loosened [58][59] Question: What is the outlook for capital management and potential acquisitions? - The company is committed to returning capital to shareholders and is actively looking for attractive opportunities, including potential acquisitions [66][70]