Strong Financial Performance
Capital One reported Q1 earnings of $1.4 billion, or $3.45 per diluted common share, with adjusted earnings per share of $4.06. Pre-provision earnings were largely flat at $4.1 billion, and adjusted pre-provision earnings increased by 2% from the previous quarter.
Improved Credit Performance
The provision for credit losses decreased by $273 million compared to the prior quarter, with a decrease driven by $148 million lower net charge-offs and a $123 million larger reserve release.
Allowance Release
Capital One released $368 million in allowance this quarter, bringing the allowance balance to $15.9 billion. The total portfolio coverage ratio decreased by 5 basis points to 4.91%.
Liquidity and Capital Position
Total liquidity reserves increased to $131 billion, with the cash position ending at approximately $49 billion. The preliminary average liquidity coverage ratio during the first quarter was 152%, and the common equity Tier 1 capital ratio ended the quarter at 13.6%.
Domestic Card Business Growth
The Domestic Card business delivered top-line growth with year-over-year purchase volume growth of 5% (6% adjusted for leap year), and revenue was up 7% from the first quarter of 2024.
Auto Business Performance
Auto originations were up 22% from the prior year quarter, with ending loan balances increasing by $3.8 billion or about 5% year-over-year.
Discover Acquisition Progress
Capital One received regulatory approval for the acquisition of Discover, with the transaction expected to close on May 18. The acquisition is expected to create a leading consumer banking and payments platform.