Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a 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 [5][6] - 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 [5][6] - Average loans decreased by 1% year-over-year to $17.6 billion, while revenue declined by 1% year-over-year to $971 million [12][13] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - Credit sales reached $6.8 billion, up 5% year-over-year, driven by new partner growth and higher general purpose spending [12][13] - Non-interest income decreased by $7 million year-over-year, influenced by higher retailer share arrangements [15] - Total non-interest expenses decreased by $98 million, with adjusted total non-interest expenses down 1% year-over-year [13][19] 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 [21][22] - Direct-to-consumer deposits grew to $8.2 billion, accounting for 47% of average funding, up from 41% a year ago [18][19] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on responsible growth and executing its business strategy while maintaining expense discipline [8][9] - There is an ongoing investment in technology modernization, digital advancement, and product innovation to drive future growth [9][10] - The company aims to expand its vertical and product offerings, particularly in the home sector, to enhance income diversification [10][11] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that consumer financial health remained resilient despite inflationary concerns and a slowing job market [5][6] - The company expects to achieve a full-year net loss rate in the guided range of 7.8%-7.9%, with confidence in credit trends and performance [24] - Management remains cautious about macroeconomic uncertainties, including inflation and consumer sentiment, while monitoring these trends closely [30][31] 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 [9][21] - A credit rating upgrade and positive outlook from Moody's were achieved, reflecting improvements in financial resilience and risk management [11][19] Q&A Session Summary Question: Signs of weakness in the portfolio - Management indicated that the macro environment has been surprisingly resilient, with stable consumer metrics and no significant signs of weakness in their portfolio [29][30] Question: Loan growth expectations - Management expressed optimism about loan growth due to positive credit sales trends and new partner signings, indicating a robust pipeline [40] Question: Impact of payment rate changes on loan growth - Management noted that the mix of business will influence loan growth, with larger ticket items potentially leading to lower payment rates [44] Question: Trends in interchange revenues - Management explained that interchange revenues are influenced by various factors, including sales-based rebates and revenue shares with partners [54][55] Question: Focus on the home vertical - Management confirmed that the home vertical is a key focus area, with plans to expand partnerships and offerings in this sector [59][60] Question: Capital return strategy - Management reiterated their commitment to responsible growth while maintaining strong capital ratios, with future capital actions dependent on growth opportunities [62][63] Question: Consumer sentiment and spending trends - Management acknowledged that consumers are likely to seek discounts and promotions, especially during the holiday season, which may influence spending behavior [82]

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]