Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $1.11 and net income of $1.8 billion, reflecting a year-over-year EPS growth of approximately 13% [4][14] - Total fee revenue grew by 4.6% year-over-year, driven by broad-based strength across various businesses [4][21] - The return on tangible common equity was 18%, and the return on average assets improved to 1.08% [5][15] - The efficiency ratio improved to the high 50s, indicating better expense management [5][15] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Fee income now represents approximately 42% of total net revenue, with significant growth in payment services [6][10] - The capital markets business is focusing on new product capabilities, contributing to growth in commercial and industrial (C&I) loans [8][9] - Merchant payment services revenue grew 4.4% year-over-year, supported by a tech-led strategy [10] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company divested approximately $6 billion in mortgage and auto loans to strategically reposition its balance sheet [13] - Average loans totaled $379 billion, with a decrease of 0.1% linked quarter, impacted by the sale of residential mortgages and auto loans [17][18] - The investment securities portfolio increased to $174 billion, reflecting a strategic shift in asset allocation [19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on three key priorities: expense discipline, organic growth, and transformation of the payments business [27] - There is an intentional evolution towards a more fee-intensive business model, with a focus on multi-service clients [26][27] - The company aims to achieve a net interest margin (NIM) of 3% in the medium term, supported by strategic actions and loan growth [33][80] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the ability to navigate the current higher interest rate environment and expects sequential net interest income growth in the upcoming quarters [31][32] - The company anticipates continued growth in C&I and credit card portfolios, with strong pipelines [32][88] - Management acknowledged the competitive deposit environment but remains optimistic about the trajectory of net interest income [74][78] Other Important Information - The company reported a modest reserve release of $53 million, reflecting favorable loan portfolio sales [15][22] - The CET1 capital ratio was 10.7%, indicating strong capital levels above regulatory minimums [22][23] - The company is preparing for potential regulatory changes regarding stablecoins, although immediate revenue impact is not anticipated [116] Q&A Session Summary Question: NII dynamics and margin outlook - Management indicated that part of the NIM decline was transitory and expects sequential growth in NII in the upcoming quarters [31][32] Question: Expense management and operating leverage - Management reassured that expense management does not hinder necessary investments and highlighted ongoing investments in technology and productivity [36][39] Question: C&I loan growth drivers - Management noted strong growth in C&I loans, driven by various sectors including healthcare and small businesses [62][63] Question: RWA increase and deposit competition - Management explained the increase in RWA was due to credit risk transfers and commercial loan growth, while deposit competition remains a consistent challenge [72][74] Question: Future loan growth outlook - Management expressed optimism about loan growth, particularly in C&I and credit card segments, indicating better growth opportunities than earlier in the year [88] Question: Fee revenue growth expectations - Management remains confident in mid-single-digit growth for overall fees and payments businesses [95]