Salliemae(US:SLM)2026-01-22 23:30Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - GAAP diluted EPS for Q4 2025 was $1.12, and full-year GAAP diluted EPS was $3.46, an increase from $2.68 in 2024 [8] - Private education loan originations for Q4 2025 were $1.02 billion, totaling $7.4 billion for the full year, a 6% increase over 2024 [8][9] - Net charge-offs for the private education loan portfolio were $98 million in Q4 2025 and $346 million for the full year, representing 2.15% of average private education loans in repayment, down four basis points from 2024 [9][14] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a net interest margin of 5.21% for Q4 2025, up 29 basis points year-over-year, and 5.24% for the full year, up five basis points [10] - The total allowance as a percentage of private education loan exposure (reserve rate) was 6% at the end of 2025, up from 5.93% in the previous quarter [13] - Private education loans delinquent 30 days or more represented 4% of loans in repayment as of year-end, unchanged from Q3 and up from 3.7% at the end of 2024 [14] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - College enrollment trends for Tier 1 schools are up, indicating continued value seen in higher education [5] - The company anticipates that the recent federal student lending reforms could contribute an estimated $5 billion in annual originations, representing approximately 70% growth over 2025 [6][7] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on supporting school partners and students as education evolves due to technological changes [5][6] - A new two-year $500 million share repurchase authorization was announced, reflecting a commitment to returning capital to shareholders [10] - The company expects private education loan origination growth of 12%-14% in 2026, driven by the new PLUS caps [19] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed confidence in the private student lending sector's robustness and the company's strategic positioning for future growth [5][19] - The company is prepared for potential economic uncertainties and believes that improvements in collections effectiveness will mitigate risks associated with early-stage delinquencies [16][51] - Management anticipates EPS acceleration beginning in 2027, with high teens to low 20% growth expected as the PLUS opportunity materializes [22] Other Important Information - Non-interest expenses for the full year were $659 million, a modest 2.6% increase year-over-year, reflecting disciplined expense management [17] - The company ended the quarter with liquidity of 18.6% of total assets and total risk-based capital of 12.4% [18] Q&A Session Summary Question: Impact of wage garnishment postponement on loan performance - Management indicated that while many customers have federal loans, most federal loan customers do not have Sallie Mae private student loans, and the postponement is expected to have a minimal impact on business [25] Question: Modeling growth from Grad PLUS changes - Management expects modest incremental PLUS volume in the first year, with growth stepping up over the next two to three years [26] Question: Volumes for partnerships and loan sales in 2026 - The strategic partnership includes a minimum commitment of $2 billion in new originations, with approximately 30% of originations expected to be sold [30] Question: ROI measurement for increased investment - Management emphasized the significant market opportunity for growth, estimating a potential 70% increase in originations over the next few years [38] Question: Confidence in credit outlook for 2026 - Management expressed confidence in the performance of borrowers in modification programs, with 75% of the 2023 cohort current at the end of 2025 [46][48]