Discover Revives Credit Card Loan Growth

Discover Financial Services reported higher loan growth in its flagship credit card business during the first quarter, reversing a trend that the company's leaders had vowed to address.

The Riverwoods, Ill., company reported 4% growth in its $55.6 billion card portfolio, on its way to $575 million in net income. Overall, quarterly net income fell 1.5% from the same period a year ago, due partly to increased expenses related to its rewards programs and a higher loan-loss provision. However, earnings per share rose 5.4% year over year, to $1.35.

Though Discover's credit card portfolio has been increasing, the rate of growth had declined for five consecutive quarters. Near the start of this year, the company said that it was taking steps to accelerate card loan growth while remaining disciplined with respect to credit quality.

Chief Executive David Nelms said in a press release Tuesday, "We made progress on our priorities this quarter, most notably accelerating loan growth into our target range."

Total loans grew by 3.9% in the first quarter to $70.3 billion, the company reported. That improvement was led by a 9% increase in personal loans.

Discover's net interest income rose by 7% to $1.75 billion. Its net interest margin increased 24 basis points to 9.94%.

Other income — a category that includes both swipe-fee revenue and reward payments to card holders — fell by 14% to $474 million.

Discover's net principal chargeoff rate fell by 3 basis points to 2.14%. The company built its loan-loss reserve by $52 million, a move that it attributed primarily to loan growth.

Expenses in Discover's direct banking segment rose by 3% as a result of higher regulatory and compliance costs, the company said.

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