Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported net income of $188 million and adjusted net income of $191 million for Q3 2025, with earnings per diluted share at $4.02, excluding a $3 million post-tax impact from repurchased debt expenses [4][5] - Tangible book value per common share increased by 19% year over year to $56.36, and return on average tangible common equity was 28.6% for the quarter [4][5] - Credit sales rose by 5% year over year to $6.8 billion, despite a decrease in average loans by 1% year over year to $17.6 billion [11][12] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Revenue decreased by 1% year over year to $971 million, impacted by lower billed late fees and higher retailer share arrangements [11][12] - Total non-interest expenses decreased by $98 million, with adjusted total non-interest expenses down 1% year over year [12][13] - The company experienced a decrease in net interest income by 1% year over year, attributed to lower billed late fees and a shift in risk and product mix [13][16] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The delinquency rate for Q3 was 6.0%, down 40 basis points year over year, while the net loss rate was 7.4%, also down 40 basis points year over year [20][21] - Direct-to-consumer deposits grew to $8.2 billion, accounting for 47% of average funding, up from 41% a year ago [17][18] - The CET1 ratio improved to 14.0%, up 100 basis points sequentially and 70 basis points year over year [18][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on responsible growth and executing its business strategy while investing in technology modernization and product innovation [6][7] - New brand partnerships in the home vertical, including Bed Bath & Beyond and Raymour & Flanagan, are expected to drive future growth [9][10] - The company aims to maintain expense discipline and operational excellence, with a commitment to returning value to shareholders through increased dividends and share repurchases [8][10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumer financial health remained resilient, with strong credit sales and lower delinquencies despite ongoing inflationary concerns [4][5] - The outlook for the remainder of the year remains unchanged, with expectations for credit sales trends to continue positively [6][24] - Management expressed confidence in achieving full-year positive operating leverage and maintaining a net loss rate within the guided range of 7.8% to 7.9% [24][25] Other Important Information - The company announced a $200 million increase to its share repurchase authorization and a 10% increase in its quarterly cash dividend to $0.23 per common share [8][20] - A credit rating upgrade and positive outlook from Moody's were recognized, reflecting improvements in financial resilience and risk management [10][18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Signs of weakness in the portfolio - Management indicated that consumer metrics have been surprisingly resilient, with stable macro conditions and no significant signs of weakness in their portfolio [28][29] Question: Loan growth expectations - Management expects loan growth to pick up as credit quality improves and new partnerships are established, indicating a healthy consumer environment [34] Question: Trends in credit sales and holiday shopping - Management noted that credit sales are currently positive, with expectations for aggressive retailer promotions during the holiday season to attract consumers [46] Question: Impact of discounts on Bread Financial - Management anticipates that retailers will likely push discounts earlier in the buying cycle, which could influence consumer spending behavior [71] Question: Underwriting standards and growth - Management confirmed that underwriting remains prudent and focused on profitability, with gradual adjustments based on improving credit quality and macroeconomic conditions [75][76]

Financial Performance - Net income reached $188 million, with diluted earnings per share at $3.96, including a $38 million favorable discrete tax item and a $3 million post-tax impact from repurchased debt[5] - Adjusted net income was $191 million[7] - Revenue totaled $1 billion[7] - Tangible book value per common share increased by $8.88, or 19%, year-over-year to $56.36[5] - Return on average tangible common equity was 28.6%[5] Deposits and Funding - Direct-to-consumer deposits increased by 9% year-over-year to $8.2 billion, representing 47% of average total funding[5] Capital Allocation - The company announced a share repurchase authorization of $200 million in August and repurchased 0.6 million shares during the quarter[5] - An additional 0.4 million shares were repurchased in October, totaling 1 million shares for $60 million[5] - A $200 million increase to the share repurchase authorization was announced, bringing the total available to $340 million[5] - A quarterly cash dividend of $0.23 per common share was declared, a 10% increase from the prior quarter[5] Credit Quality - The delinquency rate decreased from 6.4% to 6.0% compared to the third quarter of 2024[12] - The net loss rate decreased from 7.8% to 7.4% compared to the third quarter of 2024[12]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Bread Financial reported net income of $138 million and earnings per diluted share of $2.78 for Q1 2025, reflecting a resilient business model despite macroeconomic challenges [6][7] - Revenue for the quarter was $970 million, down 2% year over year, primarily due to lower net interest income [17][18] - Average loans decreased by 2% to $18.2 billion, influenced by lower consumer spending and tighter underwriting standards [16][18] - Total non-interest expenses decreased by $5 million or 1%, driven by operational excellence initiatives [17][20] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Credit sales increased by 1% year over year to $6.1 billion, supported by higher general purpose spending [16][18] - Direct-to-consumer deposits grew by 13% year over year, reaching $7.9 billion, marking significant growth from just over $1 billion five years ago [8][23] - Non-interest income rose by $25 million, attributed to recent pricing changes for paper statements [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The delinquency rate for Q1 was 5.9%, down 30 basis points year over year, indicating improved credit performance [31] - The net loss rate was 8.2%, down 30 basis points from the previous year, reflecting better-than-expected credit trends [31] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing its capital structure, having executed a $400 million subordinated notes offering to strengthen its balance sheet [7][24] - Strategic credit tightening actions are being implemented to manage credit risk effectively while expanding partnerships and product offerings [11][12][14] - The company aims to maintain flexibility to adapt to changing fiscal and monetary policies and evolving regulatory landscapes [14][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about economic uncertainty, including the impact of tariffs and inflation on consumer behavior [9][10][39] - The outlook for 2025 includes expectations of flat to slightly down average loans, with total revenue anticipated to be flat to slightly up [35][36] - Management remains confident in the company's ability to generate capital and cash flow, despite macroeconomic challenges [26][40] Other Important Information - The company completed a $150 million share repurchase program, repurchasing 3.2 million shares at an average price below tangible book value [7][25] - Total liquid assets and undrawn credit facilities were $7.4 billion, representing 33% of total assets [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on consumer payment behavior and credit trends - Management noted that while credit quality is improving, there is significant uncertainty in the economy, influenced by tariffs and inflation [42][44] Question: Unemployment rate assumptions and reserve guidance - The company has incorporated a 7% unemployment rate assumption into its reserve modeling, reflecting a conservative approach [57] Question: Discussion on late fee regulation and partner relationships - Management confirmed that discussions with partners have been positive, and changes made in response to late fee litigation are included in the guidance [58][62] Question: Factors behind improved late-stage roll rates - The improvement is attributed to wage growth outpacing inflation and better performance of newer vintages [66][68] Question: Impact of economic conditions on credit tightening actions - Management stated that while they are maintaining a consistent credit posture, uncertainty may delay potential credit unwind actions [86][88] Question: Capital management and buyback strategy - The company remains focused on responsible growth and will evaluate future buyback opportunities based on capital needs and market conditions [92][94] Question: Net interest margin trajectory - Management expects slight expansion in net interest margin despite headwinds from prime rate reductions and changing product mix [100][102]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - Bread Financial reported net income of $138 million and earnings per diluted share of $2.78 for Q1 2025, reflecting a resilient business model despite macroeconomic challenges [6][7] - Revenue for the quarter was $970 million, down 2% year over year, primarily due to lower net interest income [17][18] - Average loans decreased by 2% to $18.2 billion, influenced by lower consumer spending and tighter underwriting standards [16][18] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Credit sales increased by 1% year over year to $6.1 billion, driven by higher general purpose spending [16][18] - Direct-to-consumer deposits grew by 13% year over year, reaching $7.9 billion, marking significant growth from just over $1 billion five years ago [8][23] - Non-interest income rose by $25 million, attributed to recent pricing changes for paper statements [19] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The delinquency rate for Q1 was 5.9%, down 30 basis points year over year, indicating improved credit performance [31] - The net loss rate was 8.2%, down 30 basis points from the previous year, reflecting better-than-expected credit results [31] - Direct-to-consumer deposits accounted for 43% of average total funding, up from 36% a year ago, while wholesale deposits decreased from 37% to 29% [23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on optimizing its capital structure and strengthening its balance sheet, evidenced by a $400 million subordinated notes offering [7][24] - Strategic credit tightening actions are being implemented to manage credit risk effectively while expanding partnerships and product offerings [11][12] - The company aims to maintain flexibility to adapt to changing fiscal and monetary policies and evolving regulatory landscapes [14][26] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed concerns about economic weakness due to declining consumer and small business confidence, while also noting positive trends in credit management [9][10][31] - The outlook for 2025 includes expectations of flat to slightly down average loans, with total revenue anticipated to be flat to slightly up [35][36] - Management remains vigilant regarding credit policy and is closely monitoring potential impacts from higher tariff-driven inflation [39] Other Important Information - The company completed a $150 million share repurchase program, repurchasing 3.2 million shares at an average price approximately 5% below the current tangible book value per share [7][25] - Total liquid assets and undrawn credit facilities were $7.4 billion, representing 33% of total assets [27] Q&A Session Summary Question: Insights on consumer payment behavior and credit trends - Management noted that while credit quality is improving, there is significant uncertainty in the macroeconomic environment, influencing consumer behavior [42][43] Question: Unemployment rate assumptions and reserve guidance - The company has incorporated a 7% unemployment rate assumption into its reserve modeling, reflecting a conservative approach [57] Question: Discussion on late fee regulation and partner relationships - Management confirmed that discussions with partners have been positive, and changes made in response to late fee litigation are included in the guidance [58][62] Question: Factors behind improved late-stage roll rates - The improvement is attributed to wage growth outpacing inflation and better performance of newer vintages [66][68] Question: Impact of economic conditions on credit tightening actions - Management stated that while they are maintaining a consistent posture, uncertainty in the macro environment may delay credit unwind actions [86][88] Question: Capital management and buyback strategy - The company remains committed to responsible growth and will evaluate buyback strategies based on capital needs and market conditions [92][94] Question: Net interest margin trajectory - Management expects slight expansion in net interest margin despite headwinds from prime rate reductions and changing product mix [100][102]