Reserve Release and Provision Impact
Recorded an $11 million negative provision for Q1 driven primarily by a $131 million release of reserves associated with loan sales and loans held for sale, which favorably impacted reported results.
Credit Quality Improvements in New Originations
Cosigner rate increased to 95% (versus 86% five years ago) and average FICO approval rose modestly to 754 (from 750 five years ago), reflecting tightened underwriting and improved credit quality for new originations.
Capital & Liquidity Strength
Liquidity of 21.2% of total assets, total risk-based capital of 13.7%, and CET1 of 12.4% at quarter-end, supporting ability to grow and return capital.
Revised Full-Year EPS Guidance
Raised 2026 diluted EPS guidance to $3.10–$3.20, assuming full utilization of the $500 million buyback authorization and roughly $1 billion of incremental loan sales beyond initial plan.
Market & Demand Indicators
FAFSA completion rates up ~20% year-over-year and survey findings indicating nearly 90% view higher education as an investment—supportive macro demand signals for future originations.
Earnings Per Share Growth
Diluted EPS of $1.54 in Q1 2026 versus $1.40 year-ago, an increase of ~10% year-over-year, signaling improved profitability.
Loan Originations Growth
Loan originations of $2.9 billion in Q1 2026, up 5% from the prior-year quarter, driven by strength in the loan disbursement funnel and prep for expected multiyear growth tied to federal reforms.
Loan Sales and Capital Actions
Executed $3.3 billion in loan sales in the quarter generating $146 million in gains, including a $2.0 billion seasoned portfolio sale and $1.3 billion of planned new origination sales; launched a $200 million ASR and plan to fully utilize a $500 million repurchase authorization in 2026.
Share Count Reduction
Year-to-date repurchases of ~12 million shares (6% of year-end 2025 outstanding) at an average price of $21.50; since 2020 reduced shares outstanding by ~58% at an average price of $17.15, demonstrating active capital return and shareholder value focus.
Net Interest Margin and Income
Net interest income of $375 million, roughly flat year-over-year, with net interest margin improved to 5.29% (up sequentially and year-over-year), benefiting from lower funding costs and disciplined balance-sheet management.