Michael Burry, the investor who famously called the 2008 financial crisis, has quietly added an unusual pick to his portfolio that has nothing to do with tech or healthcare. Scion Asset Management disclosed a new position in SLM Corporation (SLM), better known as Sallie Mae, the student loan giant that has been flying under the radar while most investors chase AI stocks. The timing is notable given the ongoing debates around student debt relief and higher education costs in America. Sallie Mae specializes ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - GAAP diluted EPS for Q3 2025 was $0.63 per share, with loan originations of $2.9 billion, reflecting a 6.4% increase year-over-year and 6% growth year-to-date [4][5] - Net interest income for Q3 2025 was $373 million, up $14 million from the prior year, with a net interest margin of 5.18%, an increase of 18 basis points year-over-year [6][7] - Provision for credit losses decreased to $179 million from $271 million in the prior year, largely due to a $119 million provision release from the loan sale [6][7] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The cosigner rate for Q3 was 95%, up from 92% in the year-ago quarter, and the average FICO score at approval increased to 756 from 754, indicating strong underwriting discipline [5] - Private education loan net charge-offs were $78 million, representing 1.95% of average private education loans in repayment, down 13 basis points from the year-ago quarter [5][6] - Non-interest expenses for Q3 were $180 million, compared to $167 million in the prior quarter and $172 million in the year-ago quarter [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - 4% of private education loans in repayment were 30 days or more delinquent, up from 3.6% at the end of the year-ago quarter, attributed to changes in loan modification eligibility criteria [7][8] - The company has seen stability in late-stage delinquencies and roll rates, with 80% of borrowers in loan modification programs making consistent payments after one year [8][9] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is optimistic about the long-term outlook for private student lending and is exploring alternative funding partnerships in the private credit space [10][11] - A first-of-its-kind partnership is expected to be announced soon, aimed at unlocking the value of the customer base and setting the stage for sustainable growth of fee-based revenues [11][12] - The company anticipates selling a small portfolio of seasoned loans and a portion of recent peak season originations, expecting GAAP earnings per common share for 2025 to be between $3.20 and $3.30 [12] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that despite economic ambiguity, there has been no material change in borrowers' ability to meet obligations [5][10] - The company is preparing for the impact of recent federal reforms, which are expected to create opportunities for growth in private student lending [10][11] - Management expressed confidence in maintaining a net charge-off rate in the high 1% to low 2% range over the long term [14][26] Other Important Information - The company has reduced outstanding shares by 55% since initiating its capital return strategy in 2020, repurchasing 5.6 million shares at an average price of $29.45 per share [5][6] - The liquidity ratio at the end of the quarter was 15.8%, with total risk-based capital at 12.6% and CET1 capital at 11.3% [9] Q&A Session Summary Question: Outlook for delinquency performance - Management expressed satisfaction with loan modification programs and expected stability in late-stage delinquencies and roll rates, despite a slight uptick in early-stage delinquencies [14][15] Question: Details on loan sale partnership - Management indicated that details on the loan sale partnership would be released once finalized, emphasizing the importance of the deal [15][20] Question: Impact of modifications on delinquency rates - Management noted that borrowers in modification programs have shown strong payment patterns, and they are optimistic about the upcoming wave of graduates transitioning into repayment [19][48] Question: Credit outlook and potential charge-offs - Management acknowledged the correlation between delinquencies and charge-offs but maintained confidence in their guidance and the effectiveness of their loan modification programs [24][34] Question: Buyback strategy and appetite - Management confirmed a commitment to aggressive share buybacks, with plans to assess timing and quantity post-partnership completion [86][87] Question: Opportunities from Plus Reform - Management sees Plus Reform as a significant opportunity for growth in private student lending, with potential annual origination increases projected in the $4 to $5 billion range [92][93]

Policy & Regulation Impact - Tax legislation is poised to favor companies providing private student loans [1] - The bill restricts the amount students and parents can borrow from the government for college [1] Industry Opportunity - Private student loan companies are set to benefit from the new legislation [1]