Profitability returned sharply year over year
Net income was $3.0B, or $4.73 per diluted common share, in 2026-Q2, compared with a net loss of $4.3B, or $(8.58) per diluted common share, in the prior-year quarter. Management attributed the $7.3B improvement primarily to a lower provision for credit losses, higher net interest income and higher non-interest income, partly offset by higher non-interest expense.
Discover acquisition remained the central revenue and comparability driver
Net interest income rose 24% year over year to $12.4B, principally because average credit card loan balances increased, largely due to the addition of Discover. Average loans held for investment rose $72.5B year over year to $450.7B, while average credit card loans increased to $271.2B from $209.7B.
Credit-loss provision declined because the prior year included an acquisition-related initial allowance
Provision for credit losses decreased $8.4B year over year to $3.0B in 2026-Q2, primarily due to the absence of the initial allowance for credit losses recorded for loans acquired in the Discover acquisition. Net charge-offs nevertheless increased 19% to $3.6B, while the net charge-off rate was broadly stable at 3.23%.