Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - In Q3 2025, total revenue increased by 16% year-over-year to $803 million, driven by a 20% year-over-year growth in combined loan and finance receivables to a record $4.5 billion [6][16][18] - Adjusted EPS rose by 37% year-over-year to $3.36 per diluted share, reflecting strong growth and efficient marketing [24][26] - The consolidated net charge-off ratio for the quarter was 8.5%, compared to 8.1% last quarter and 8.4% in Q3 of the previous year [7][19] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Small business revenue increased by 29% year-over-year to $348 million, with originations rising 31% year-over-year to nearly $1.4 billion [11][17] - Consumer revenue grew by 8% year-over-year to $443 million, with originations increasing by 4% year-over-year to $590 million [17][20] - Small business products represented 66% of the total portfolio, while consumer products accounted for 34% [6] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The job market remains healthy, with unemployment rates at 4.3% as of August, and wage growth outpacing inflation for target customers [7][8] - Small business sentiment reached a new high in Q3, with the MetLife and U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index climbing to 72, up from 65.2 last quarter [12] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims to continue its focused growth strategy while adapting and innovating to meet customer needs and drive shareholder value [13][14] - The diversified portfolio allows the company to allocate resources towards the strongest opportunities and moderate exposure where risks are elevated [10] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the future, citing strong credit metrics and a stable operating environment [13][19] - The company expects total revenue for Q4 2025 to be 10% to 15% higher than Q4 2024, with adjusted EPS anticipated to be 20% to 25% higher than the same period last year [29] Other Important Information - The company ended Q3 with $1.2 billion of liquidity, including $366 million in cash and marketable securities [24][25] - The cost of funds declined to 8.6%, nearly 100 basis points lower than Q3 2024, due to lower short-term interest rates [25] Q&A Session Summary Question: Update on capital actions and stock valuation - Management indicated that all options are on the table regarding capital actions, including buybacks and dividends, as the company has excess capital [32][33] Question: Marketing expenses and efficiency - Management noted that marketing expenses as a percentage of revenue have been below guidance, attributing this to improved efficiency and a confluence of events [34][35] Question: Growth outlook for consumer and small business segments - Management expects a re-acceleration in consumer line of credit originations in Q4, following a slight decline in Q3 due to intentional credit tightening [38][39] Question: Credit trends and potential deterioration - Management reported strong credit metrics across both SMB and consumer segments, with no significant areas of concern [44][45] Question: Competitive dynamics and market share - Management highlighted that banks remain conservative, creating opportunities for the company to capture market share in both SMB and consumer lending [46][47] Question: Interest expense and capital markets - Management expects lower benchmark rates to provide a tailwind for reducing interest expenses, which could positively impact EPS [54][55] Question: Near-term strategies amid stable trends - Management emphasized that current trends are stable, with no significant changes expected in customer behavior or prepayment rates [58][59] Question: Impact of tax law changes on consumers - Management anticipates that higher tax refunds next year could positively impact credit, with no significant issues expected from recent tax changes [62][63]