Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported earnings per diluted share of $7.87 for the year, representing a year-over-year growth of 9% [6] - Net income for the year was $185.9 million, driven primarily by a 10% increase in non-interest income compared to last year [6] - The full-year net interest margin expanded to 7.34%, while the adjusted net interest margin was 5.92% [6] - Return on average assets for the year was 2.46%, and return on average tangible equity was 38.75% [6][23] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - In the consumer segment, the company announced three new agreements, including partnerships with Trustly and Stripe, enhancing their service offerings [7] - In credit solutions, the company partnered with Upstart to offer personal loans, aligning with their financial inclusion goals [8] - The commercial finance segment saw total loans and leases grow by 14%, with significant improvements in origination dollars per FTE and a decrease in days to fund [9] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - Deposits held on the company's balance sheet totaled $5.9 billion, a modest increase of $12 million year-over-year [19] - Loans and leases at September 30 were $4.7 billion, up from $4.1 billion last year, with growth primarily from commercial finance verticals [20] - Non-performing loans increased in the quarter, but the company believes they are well collateralized and manageable [21] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on maintaining an optimized balance sheet and investing in technology to facilitate growth and scalability [10][11] - The 2026 strategy emphasizes the importance of people and culture, with a commitment to remote working and talent development [12] - The company aims to mature its risk and compliance framework to support partner success and enhance client experience [13][15] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the groundwork laid in 2025 for future growth, despite challenges in the operating environment [5] - The company reiterated its fiscal year 2026 guidance for earnings per diluted share of $8.25 to $8.75, assuming no rate cuts and an effective tax rate of 18% to 22% [24] - Management highlighted the potential positive impact of tax code changes on the tax preparation market [9] Other Important Information - The company repurchased approximately 181,000 shares at an average price of $82.95 during the quarter, bringing full-year repurchases to almost 2.1 million shares [23] - The sale of the majority of the held-for-investment consumer portfolio is expected to put downward pressure on pre-tax income and net interest margin in 2026 [24] Q&A Session Summary Question: Details on the Upstart program and financial statement impact - The Upstart program is similar to other marketplace lending products, with credit indemnifications in place [27][28] Question: Duration of loans on the balance sheet - Loans are typically held for 30 days or less before being moved off the balance sheet [29] Question: Demand for early wage access loans and impact of government shutdown - Current demand is not significantly impacted by the government shutdown, but the partnership with Intuit is expected to drive volume [34] Question: Growth expectations in the tax business due to tax law changes - The company expects solid growth in the tax business, but not huge expectations due to a strong prior year [35][36] Question: Non-performing loans and portfolio concentration - Non-performing loans are managed effectively, and the company expects resolution of major NPLs in the coming quarters [39][41] Question: Share repurchase pace in 2026 - The buyback ratio is expected to return to historic norms, targeting an 80% to 90% payout ratio [42]