Synchrony Financial Q1 FY2026 earnings call

Brian Doubles mentioned that Synchrony started the year with strong momentum, delivered record first quarter purchase volume, and customers engaged across the diversified portfolio. Synchrony executed across key strategic priorities, adding or renewing more than 15 partners, broadened distribution of CareCredit financing, and continued to enhance the utility of CareCredit. Brian Wentzel discussed financial performance details such as net interest income, net interest margin, provision for credit losses, and other expense, and also talked about capital ratios, share repurchase programs, etc.

Synchrony generated $43 billion of purchase volume, a first - quarter record, and a 6% increase compared to last year. Ending loan receivables were flat at $100 billion, though there was a positive inflection with an increase of approximately $477 million at the end of the first quarter. Co - branded credit cards, including dual cards, accounted for 51% of total purchase volume in the first quarter and increased 20% versus last year. Diversified and valued purchase volume grew 9%, digital platform purchase volume increased 8%, lifestyle purchase volume increased 7%, health and wellness purchase volume was 3% higher, and home and auto purchase volume was flat.

Synchrony continues to expect accelerated growth in purchase volume and average active accounts, mid - single - digit growth in ending loan receivables by year end, interest income to grow in 2026, net charge - offs to be less than 5.5% for the full year, RSA to increase but remain within the long - term range of 4% to 4.5% of average receivables, and other expense growth to trend in line with loan receivables. Synchrony remains on track to deliver between $9.10 and $9.50 in diluted earnings per share.

Terry Maugh asked about growth guide and borrower behavior; Ryan Nash asked about EPS guide and buyback; Sanjay Sakroni asked about earnings guide and consumer health; Darren Peller asked about expenses and AI/agentic; Rick Shane asked about spending and credit performance by category; Mahir Bhatia asked about average accounts and buybacks; Erica asked about Basel III and buyback pacing; Mark DeVries asked about new program acquisitions; Moshe Oronbuk asked about home and auto platform and lower withholdings; Saul Martinez asked about expenses and consumer credit trends