Exceeded Expense Reduction Target and Material Cost Declines
Completed Phase One transformation and will exceed the $400 million legacy expense reduction objective; full-year 2025 total expenses of $438 million (close to 50% decrease vs 2023) and Q4 core operating expenses of $88 million (40% improvement vs 2024). 2026 expense target of $350 million, ~20% lower than 2025 and $88 million lower in absolute terms.
Strong Earnest Origination Momentum — Refi Growth
Refi originations of $2.1 billion in 2025 (doubled YoY); refi rate-check volume nearly tripled vs 2024; Earnest had its strongest quarter with total originations of ~ $2.5 billion in 2025. Management expects refi originations to grow >50% in 2026 and is seeing improving conversion efficiency (cited 29% and 35% efficiency metrics).
Record In-School Lending Originations
In-school originations reached a record $4.1 billion in 2025 (highest ever), with ~50% of that related to graduate borrowers; management expects in-school lending growth >50% in 2026 and strong margins/credit quality.
Improved Capital Efficiency and Active ABS Financing
Nearly $2.2 billion of term ABS financing in 2025 (four securitizations), with strong investor demand and high effective cash advance rates; shift toward vertical securitization materially reduced equity required to finance new loans.
Shareholder Returns and Capital Position
Returned $41 million to shareholders in the quarter via share repurchases (2.1 million shares at $12.67 average) and dividends; maintained adjusted tangible equity ratio of 9.1% and signaled continued opportunistic repurchases in 2026.
2026 Revenue and Earnings Outlook
Targeting total loan originations of $4.0 billion for 2026 (~60% growth vs 2025) and issued full-year 2026 core EPS guidance of $0.65 to $0.80 (this range nets a $0.35 to $0.40 per share impact from upfront CECL charges and incremental operating expenses tied to $1.5 billion incremental loan originations).
Credit Trend Improvements in Some Metrics
Private charge-off rate improved sequentially, declining from 2.48% in Q3 to 2.24% in Q4; FFELP provision fell to $1 million in Q4 and Federal segment expenses were down ~20% YoY, supporting improved operating leverage.