Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported core earnings per share of $0.29 for the quarter, adjusting for significant items, while the core loss per share was $0.84 [14] - The expected life of loan cash flows increased by approximately $195 million due to lower prepayment speeds and updated assumptions [10][11] - The company announced a new share repurchase authorization of $100 million, providing additional capacity to purchase future value at a discount [4] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Total loan originations in the Consumer Lending segment grew to $788 million, a 58% increase from the previous year, driven by over 100% growth in Refi originations [17] - The Refi loans accounted for $528 million, marking the highest quarterly volume this year, while in-school lending reached a record $260 million [5][17] - The net interest margin for the Consumer Lending segment was 239 basis points, an increase from 232 basis points in the previous quarter [18] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company experienced a decline in total delinquencies from 19% to 18.1%, while the net charge-off rate increased by 1 basis point to 15 basis points [16] - The provision expense for the quarter was $168 million, with $151 million related to previously originated loans, reflecting elevated delinquency rates [14][15] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on aggressively reducing expenses and has exceeded its initial goal of $400 million in run-rate expense reductions ahead of schedule [8][22] - The company plans to provide an update on the growth strategy for its Earnest business on November 19th, indicating ongoing strategic initiatives [13] - The company is well-positioned to capitalize on opportunities in the Refi market, particularly as federal loan policies become less attractive to borrowers [79] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the expected future cash flows increased due to changes in public policy and customer repayment behavior, with a focus on legacy loan portfolios [10][29] - The outlook for the fourth quarter is a range of $0.30-$0.35 per share, which would place the company within the full-year guidance of $1-$1.20 per share [15] - Management expressed confidence in the ability to finance rapid asset growth through ABS issuances, indicating a strong capital position [48][49] Other Important Information - The company completed its fourth term ABS financing of the year, backed by Refi loan collateral, demonstrating strong investor demand [12] - The total reserve build in the quarter was driven by various factors, including changes in borrower behavior and macroeconomic outlook [21] Q&A Session Summary Question: Regarding the provision and delinquencies noted - Management explained that the provision expense reflects incremental defaults and lower prepayment rates, which are expected to continue [26][29] Question: Where is the credit weakness coming from? - Management indicated that the majority of the weakness is focused on legacy portfolios, with some changes in other products but not as significant [38] Question: Breakdown of the $151 million provision - Management stated that the majority of the provision is related to trends in the private legacy portfolio, with macroeconomic conditions contributing only a small part [75] Question: Outlook on competition and market opportunities - Management highlighted that the company is well-positioned to take advantage of opportunities in the market, particularly in graduate loan originations [84] Question: Potential Grad PLUS opportunity - Management estimated the Grad PLUS market to be around $14 billion, with expectations for significant expansion opportunities [91]